PLEASE JOIN US IN WELCOMING

MATT TROEDSON TO THE CSWS FACULTY

Michael & Kendall Curtis

What I've Learned in 14 Years as a Parent at Cedar Springs

Lynn Morgan, Ed.D., outgoing Director of Community Development

My husband, Jim Curtis, and I first started at CSWS when our son, Michael was almost four years old and our daughter, Kendall was just one year old. Now Michael (CSWS Class of 2011) will be a senior in high school this September and Kendall will be an entering freshman (CSWS Class of 2014). Both are already taller than me and making us proud as they embark on their teenage years.   It's hard to imagine that time flew by so quickly, but, of course it did. This transition, along with my upcoming career transition this year, has caused me to reflect on what helped me and my family to make this journey with two children all the way through Eighth Grade at Cedar Springs. Did we learn anything during our experience that might be helpful to others? It feels very much like we did, and I would like to offer these "lessons learned" below for all the incoming and continuing parents at our school, to consider:

1. Ask your teacher first. Before you plan something for your class, before you assume your child knows the whole story behind whatever happened at school that day, before you jump to any conclusions, ask your teacher first. Our teachers are only human (though often quite exceptional) but they are also rightfully in charge of your child's class. Be respectful of their legitimate authority with regards to your class. I have found that parents who respectfully approach their teachers with their questions early on are far more satisfied and maintain better rapport with their teachers over time, which serves everyone especially their children.
2. Follow your teacher's advice. Our whole Faculty at Cedar Springs is a wealth of wisdom and insight about our children. From bedtime routines, healthy child development, avoidance of media and other harmful influences, study habits, proper nutrition, positive peer relations, setting boundaries, adolescent behavior and more, our Faculty are a vast resource for all of us as parents throughout their education. Do what your Kindergarten teachers suggest and keep on doing it, as appropriate, as your children grow. Healthy rhythms, nutrition and boundaries help so much in the immediacy of early childhood, but they also do wonders in the teen years as well.
3. Get to know the other families in your class and at the school. In looking back about how else our family greatly benefitted from our years at Cedar Springs, it is the community that was also significant to us. Getting to know the other families in our classes and their children fostered greater tolerance, understanding, friendships and even supportive commiseration since as parents we went through similar phases with our children and could help each other along the way. Parenting is a tough job and having this support network over the years has been invaluable. Additionally, our children's peers have all been tremendous teachers and friends to our children which is priceless.
4. Stay the course. Families come and go for various reasons at our school, but for those families who choose to stay with Waldorf all the way from Kindergarten through Eighth Grade reap the full potential of the experience. There is nothing else like seeing your children grow alongside of their Kindergarten friends all the way up to their Eighth Grade Graduation and beyond. Many of the worries that some Waldorf parents have during the first few years in the lower grades get resolved and awe-inspired once the children progress into Third and Fourth. And I don't think you will find a better middle school experience elsewhere both in academics and the social aspect than we have at Cedar Springs, specifically.
5. Pitch in. Yes, Jim and I both did a lot of volunteering over the years. But we did it willingly out of appreciation of our teachers, and it was completely worth it. Our children saw us involved and caring about their school, our teachers felt supported and the school grew as a result our contributions and the contributions of many others.
6. Be open to learning. This education is as much for the parents as it is for the children. Both Jim and I have learned so much from being a part of Cedar Springs. Attend every parent meeting, class, study group, etc. that you can. If you are open and curious, you will gain many skills, insights, practical tips/ideas and more that are really helpful for your whole family.
7. Strive. This is a word that is used at lot in Waldorf schools and at Cedar Springs in particular, and it makes so much more sense now as I reflect back over the years. Waldorf Education� is designed to develop the whole human being and this extends to our personal development as well. As parents, striving to be our best as human beings is a worthy task for ourselves, our children and all of those around us. Continue to strive in all you do while you are at CSWS and you will reaps many benefits in your journey.

Many blessings to all of you at Cedar Springs as you continue the rewarding work of growing this amazing school. I will be starting my consulting business this summer and look forward to staying in contact with many of you and visiting CSWS for many years to come ([email protected], cell 530-409-2570). I have great confidence in the strength and spirit of Cedar Springs and know that you will continue to bring forth a school "worthy of all children" who will bless the "world with their deeds."

Our School Verse

May we strive together with good will

To form a community

Where the gifts of each one are acknowledged

And where each one gives one's best;

That the highest spiritual powers

May help us fulfill our purpose.

May the light of inner vision guide us.

May the beauty and strength of spirit

Shine through our daily endeavors

To bring forth a school

Worthy of all children,

That they may learn to live

In spirit awareness

Blessing the world with their deeds.