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By Ted Graf, Head of School
Over the past two years, Headwaters has spent a lot of time and energy reflecting on where we've been, how we've gotten to this point, and where we're headed. As a summary, we completed our required self-study for TAAPS (Texas Alliance for
Accredited Private Schools) last March and earned accreditation again; we completed our first ever self-study for the International Baccalaureate and learned a lot about the evolution of our Diploma Programme; we voluntarily completed the AIM (Assessment on Inclusivity and Multiculturalism) process and generated insights and recommendations about how we can more fully live into the part of our Purpose statement that reads, "embrace diversity to bring more peace to the world." And, we recently completed our first self-study for the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS). The visiting team of 16 fellow educators from across the region were here this week exploring our delightful school.
I am deeply proud of our work in each of these efforts, because, to be completely candid, we know ourselves better now, and they help us plan for our future.
What follows is a "greatest hits" from those reports, and I have sorted these excerpts into two categories: Affirming and Awakening.
By Alex Penry, Sr. Director for Advancement and Strategy
January is a natural time for reflection and renewal. Something about flipping the calendar page and setting the date to 1/1/2020, allows us to rest, reflect, and recommit to what is important to us. I'm sure some of us are SMART goal-ing or Bullet Journaling masters of our own destinies. And some of us are still paying for a gym membership that we have never used from last January. But today, as January draws to an end, I want to ask you to think about the things that are important in your life and really commit to them.
And I hope that Headwaters is a part of that picture--I know it is for me. Being new to the community this school year, I can tell you that you have something really special here. Our students are thoughtful, well-spoken, and respectful of others' ideas. Our faculty are committed, intentional, and dedicated. In short, they are "All In." And that is my resolution for this year, to be "All In" for Headwaters. I invite you to join me. Come to the Parent Education Pitsos, attend or volunteer for an upcoming event, and read your weekly updates. This place is too extraordinary not to be a part of it.
Also, as you make sure your 2019 documents are "All In" your files for tax season, don't hesitate to reach out if you need an additional copy of a gift acknowledgement letter or year-end giving summary. Your donations to Headwaters are tax deductible and we would be happy to resend you what you need. Our Tax ID # is 74-3020203 in case you need it.
Please note that there are some dates are still to be determined, including some Professional Development Early Dismissals, as well as the MS/HS Forward. As updates become available, we will be sure to share with families.
As always, the most up-to-date calendar is available at headwaters.org/calendar.
Date
: Saturday, February 29, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Location
: The Community Cinema at Community First! Village
We invite you to join us at Community First! Village (CFV) on Saturday, February 29, for a screening of the film
Hoops Africa: Ubuntu Matters.
The film will screen at sunset at the CFV outdoor amphitheater, and the filmmaker, Dan Hedges, will be present to introduce it and do a Q&A afterwards.
Hoops Africa is a collection of stories that celebrates the past, present, and future of basketball in Africa, spotlighting the sport's impact on society and its development on the continent. The film explores the concept of Ubuntu, a Nguni Bantu term roughly translating to "human kindness," and often used in a more philosophical sense to mean "the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity." It is often explained to mean "I am what I am because of who we all are."
CFV will offer tours of the village at 5:30 p.m., and the ticket price for the event ($20 per person) will include a meal combo (burger/sandwich, fries, drink) from their food truck, The Community Grille, which is run by residents (vegetarian/vegan options available). Community First! Village is a 51-acre master planned development that provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for men and women coming out of chronic homelessness.
Headwaters Model United Nations Debates the US/Iran Conflict
On January 10, January 24, and January 31, the Headwaters High School Model United Nations (Model UN) Club used their weekly Friday meeting to discuss the unfolding conflict between the United States and Iran and find innovative, diplomatic solutions. These Thinkers meet weekly and also attend local conferences throughout the year.
Every donation of blood with be matched by We Are Blood to a donation towards the school and all participants will receive a "We Are Blood" T-shirt.
For questions specific to our drive, contact Lexie DeStefano (lexie.destefano@headwaters.org) or Kelley Janes (k.janes@headwaters.org).
Stay tuned to this section all year for upcoming events and opportunities to meet other parents. Here are some February opportunities to connect with other Headwaters parents:
Tuesday, February 4 | Downtown Whole Foods Plaza | 8:30-9:30 a.m.
River Campus parents are invited to meet up at the downtown Whole Foods rooftop plaza after drop-off. Grab some coffee or breakfast and join your fellow parents to chat and get to know each other better.
Wednesday, February 5 | Creek Campus | 6:30-8 p.m
When it comes to talking about sex, parents make the best teachers. But, where (and when!) do you start? Come learn more from Katie Malinski, LCSW.
Friday, February 7 | Creek Campus | 8:30-9:30 p.m.
Please join Elementary Director Virginia Luff for a coffee in the library to talk about the week's Parent Pitso and beyond!
Thursday, February 20 | River Studio | 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Join Tracy Asamoah, MD to gain tools for establishing healthy practices and finding balance around screen time at home, based on the latest scientific research. Learn how screen time affects kids at different developmental stages, and addressing the particular ways that too much screen time affects kids who have ADD/ADHD, anxiety, etc. In addition to her private child psychiatry practice, Tracy works with the national organization Institute of Digital Media and Child Development, helping to create outreach programs for school and parents.
Saturday, February 29 | Community First! Village | 5:30-9:30 p.m.
We invite you to join us at Community First! Village (CFV) on Saturday, February 29, for a screening of the film Hoops Africa: Ubuntu Matters. The film will screen at sunset at the CFV outdoor amphitheater, and the filmmaker, Dan Hedges, will be present to introduce it and do a Q&A afterward.
We consider every Headwaters parent to be a member of our volunteer community, and we have many opportunities throughout the year to help the school in big and small ways. Please fill out the
Parent Volunteer Interest form
and we'll help connect you with ways to help this school year!
Tis the season of gift giving for many of us! Check out these community member owned
As the new year starts, we want to focus on
Health and Fitness
for 2020 and beyond! These local businesses are owned and operated by community members, check them out!
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BodyBusiness Fitness
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Dahlia Healing Arts PLLC
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Genuine Yoga
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Family Health & Wellness Clinic of Austin
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Life Ki-do Martial Arts
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Natural Health Center of Austin
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Pilates South
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PlantFit Nutrition
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SunstoneFIT ATX
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Whole Life Acupuncture & Herbs
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Whole Mind Company
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Yoga Therapy
We welcome you to add your business to the
Headwaters Community Business Directory
.
We love to support others in our community and this is your chance to spread the word about your business. Students may also list their businesses (babysitting, pet-sitting, etc.) with parent permission.
And look out for featured Headwaters business categories in future editions of the Current. Submit or edit your business today!
- AmazonSmile - Just search for Headwaters School in the charity list.
- Randall's - Head to customer service to complete a Good Neighbor card. Headwater's ID is #12529
- Box Tops For Education - Just clip them and drop them at the front desk at any campus.
- Office Depot: School ID #70224992
Here is your monthly visual trivia!
Take a look and name where this spot appears--the answer will be in the next month's Current!
Last month's photo is from the the Creek Campus playground after snow in spring of 2018 (see right).
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