Above: Abstract Willowwind, watercolor by Vidya K., 6th grade.
Hello, friends.

We are thrilled to bring back Willowwind's newsletter, Branching Out. If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that community, in its many shapes and sizes, is necessary to the well-being of its members. Spring was a trying time for many of us, full of uncertainty and worry. Willowwind was also experiencing these things was as we moved from in-person to distance learning. Teachers modified curriculum, cancelled class trips and performances, and learned to be teachers in a new way that was responsive to the changing needs of their students. We missed our weekly K-6 Group Discussions, partner family projects, and mentor time. We missed watching cross-grade friendships grow during lunches and recess, and we missed celebrating, in person, the many accomplishments of our students and faculty.

That said, 2020 has also shown us that as a community, even a socially distant one, we are Willowwind strong. Faculty, staff, and students of all ages were, and continue to be incredible models of grace, patience, flexibility, and resilience. Despite a trying end to the 2019-20 school year, and a very cautious and uncertain beginning to the current school year, Willowwinders are here, celebrating three months of learning, laughing, and thriving. What a testament to all we do here at Willowwind and what a joy it is to be back together.

Whether you are an alumnus, a current Willowwind parent, former parent, donor, or friend of the school, thank you for being a part of our community. We hope you are well and that you'll enjoy connecting with Willowwind through this monthly newsletter and in many other ways.

In friendship and gratitude,

Dana Smith
Director of Advancement

Welcome to our 2020-21 Classrooms!
After 48 years, Willowwind is still home to a diverse community of learners. This year’s steep rise in enrollment has further enriched our community with more than 30 new families! In addition to these new friends, we also welcomed a number of former families back into the fold. This year, Willowwind provides 100 students with a place to explore, learn, discover and grow.
Monarchs
(Preschool)

Ms. Kaye and Ms. Cassidy's preschool friends have been exploring their learning spaces and discovering all of the wonderful Montessori works available to them. Students are learning to recognize and write letters as well as developing their early math skills. Preschoolers are joyfully exploring their outdoor spaces too, running, climbing, and strengthening their bodies and imaginations. Friendships are being built, and the essential spark that ignites a love of learning is ever present.
Cottontails
(Kindergarten)

Ms. Erin's kindergarten friends are focused on phonics this fall. Students are working their way through the 44 phonemes (letter sounds) learning how to combine individual sounds to spell words and also how to break them apart as they work on reading. This important work is the foundation of their literacy and something they will build upon throughout their education at Willowwind and beyond. It is such a joy to see the students' excitement at reading and writing and the pride they take in their growth.
Prairie Racerunners
(1st grade)

Mr. Alec's Racerunners spent their first weeks of school focused on building community and creating classroom rules for the year. In doing so, students learned about choice and what it means to be productive, respectful community members. They've recently started digging into a science unit on rocks! Students examined several different rocks, grouping them by traits like color, texture, and shape. They learned that there are three different kinds of rocks; igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary.
Painted Turtles
(2nd-3rd grade)

This year, our new 2nd/3rd grade class is sprawling out in what usually serves as our community's gathering space. Traditionally, Willowwind classrooms are named after a native Iowa species. A new classroom and grade group meant an opportunity to choose a new class animal. Ms. Lisa's class researched a variety of animals, learning about their traits, habitats, etc. The class voted to select the painted turtle because while its grey shell may seem boring at first sight, when you closely its very colorful and unique underneath like the students themselves.
Burrowing Owls
(3rd-4th grade)

A favorite Willowwind tradition pairs 3rd-4th and 5th-6th grade students on a biography project. Students interview one another and each writes a biography about the other based on their interview. This is a great way for students to work on literacy skills while learning about their schoolmates. Ms. Christine's Owls have also been playing the role of archeologist in social studies as they investigate a variety of objects and try to determine when, how, where, and by who they would have been used by.
Red Foxes
(5th-6th)

In the early weeks of school, Ms. Ann's Foxes spent a great deal of time exploring and studying nearby Ralston Creek, an important tributary of the Iowa River that winds through many of Iowa City's neighborhoods. This is an important part of the science curriculum and a project they will pick up again in the spring. Students have recently turned their focus to learning how to spot fake news through source checking and critical thinking. They've also begun their Mixtures and Solutions unit in science which has them deeply engaged in the scientific method.
Building Community During a Pandemic
Many important Willowwind traditions are seeing big changes this year. Group Discussion, partner families, reading buddies, and cross-grade projects are just a few of the many beloved experiences that are being modified due to safe distancing requirements. Teachers are working hard to plan safe ways for students to connect outside of their classroom cohorts.

Weekly Group Discussions have been held outdoors and are more game oriented with a focus on simply spending time together. Similarly, 5th and 6th graders meet their kindergarten buddies outside where they read together from across the sidewalk. Community Challenges offer students across grades a virtual outlet for sharing interests and unique aspects about themselves with the rest of the community. Most recently we have been sharing pet and stuffie pictures along with a silly or fun fact about our favorite furry friends.

Though the ways in which we interact are a bit different this year, Willowwind remains steadfast in its dedication to providing students with opportunities to be a part of something greater than themselves, to be a part of a community. 
Advancement News
Willowwind has recently released its 2019-20 Annual Report and many of you will have already received a copy in the mail. If you have not, you can find the digital version on our website linked below. This year's report, unsurprisingly, focuses on Willowwind's response to the challenges posed by COVID-19. We encourage you to read more about how our school community demonstrated agility and perseverance through it all in order to provide students with continuous learning and support during this unsettling time.

Through the many ups and downs that the education sector has experienced over the past several months, one thing has become very clear- Willowwind's mission to create a thriving learning community that supports the whole-child is more important than ever. We are inspired by the outpouring of support for the unique learning environment that Willowwind provides and the school remains steadfast in its desire to make this kind of learning experience even richer and more accessible. We will soon embark on a crucial fundraising period and annual appeal. We look forward to sharing some of our hopes and plans in the coming weeks.
Once a Willowwinder, Always a Willowwinder!
We would love to hear from former students, faculty, and staff!

  • Let us know what you're up to
  • Share memories or photos
  • Learn how you can be involved with Willowwind today

Reconnect with your Willowwind community!
Alumni News
We would love to grow our alumni community and reconnect with friends we haven't heard from in a while. If you're an alumnus, former student, faculty, or staff drop us a note and we'll be sure to share it with other Willowwinders! We welcome your updates, and memories or photos from your WW days. We look forward to hearing from you!
JOSH POE ‘14

Josh transferred to Iowa City High School at the end of sophomore year and made great friends. He started on the offensive line for the Little Hawks football team and was active in the Best Buddies program at City High as well as Drama and Football at Regina. Josh is attending Iowa State this fall. Attending Willowwind gave him confidence as a learner and leader, and promoted his love of history.
MIRA KUMAR ‘14

Mira started at Wellesley College this fall. She was shaped by the excellent education and nurturing environment at Willowwind. Mira has great memories of her teachers and staff at school and the open and stimulating educational experience she was fortunate to have early in her life and career. Willowwind prepared her very well for junior high and high school and her transition to public schools was quite easy. She will always remember her time at Willowwind with great fondness.
CLIVE POWER ‘14

Clive's skipped high school and will be graduating from the University of Iowa in December 2020 with a major in physics. After that he plans to attend graduate school in physics. Clive’s year at Willowwind was a very positive experience, perhaps his favorite year of his student career. The knowledge and skills he gained at Willowwind, combined with his previous years in home school, prepared him for future academic excellence. Clive really appreciated Rachel Demaris’ dedication to teaching and care for her students.
SAM ANDERSON ‘14

Sam's went to the University of Iowa one year early as part of the Bucksbaum Academy. He is majoring in mechanical engineering. Willowwind helped give Sam a sense of identity and self-worth, and encouraged creative thinking.
LILA TERRY '14

Lila (at left) and her sister, Rosie (‘18) visited Willowwind this past summer to say hello to faculty and staff. Lila reports that she is attending the University of Iowa online this year and is looking forward to being heavily involved in the University’s annual Dance Marathon fundraiser.
DEMETRIOUS LITTLEMOON (RAMIREZ) ‘14

Demetrious' parent shared that he had quite the time at City High School. It was such a joy to see his accomplishments and also those of his former Willowwind classmate, Mira! They ran against each other for class president which I thought was just a hoot. His class voted him “best hair,” “most likely to survive the apocalypse,” and “most spirit.” Demetrious was offered a full-ride to the College of Engineering at the University of Iowa to study biomedical engineering in the fall and we couldn’t be more proud.
Looking to give?
We can help you do that! Learn more about how you can help strengthen and grow your Willowwind community on our website.
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