Ted Talks: Rejoice All Ye Who Pass Through These Gates
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By Ted Graf, Head of School
One of the great joys of my job is that I get to participate in the end-of-year ceremonies on each of the campuses, which means that I often get to have conversations with parents, grandparents, and friends of the students. I see, hear, and feel the patterns, the overlaps, and the changes of the children.
After spending much of the past two years apart in different ways, this year brought that all into sharp focus. Whether it was Gates of Life ceremonies at Springs, Car Parades on Creek, 5th Grade Gates of Life ceremonies, 8th Grade Graduation, or High School Commencement, we celebrated each special event with the Gates of Life; a ritual from when we were still Primavera Montessori. So whether it was your first, last, or one of many end-of-year celebrations with us, we thank each and every one of you for rejoicing with us.
“An ending is but another beginning. Rejoice all ye who pass through these gates.”
Click to see some remarks from some students and staff speeches, as well as more photos from celebrations at this link.
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Student Spotlights: Spring 2022 |
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This year, our high school photography students participated in the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE). This event’s goal is “to recognize exemplary student achievement in the Visual Arts by providing high school art students and programs a standard of excellence in which to achieve.” We are so proud of all the students who entered and those who took home medals from the competition. See the entire gallery at this link.
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This year, middle and high school students were busy in March with Project Week. During this week, students spend time diving into something about which they are passionate and/or curious. There are no academic classes during Project Week, and students are expected to work throughout the week in preparation for Project Week Presentations (including a written reflection and Live Presentation). After two years of virtual versions, we were so happy to be back together working solo or in groups. |
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We had so much at this year’s Book Fair on the Creek Campus! A big thanks in advance to Creek Librarian Nicole Economou and all the parent volunteers making this exciting event happen for our students! |
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The Upper El students, guides, Gardening Guide Lucille, and parent volunteers came together this spring for an incredible event! Students harvested produce, prepared transplants, and collected seeds to sell. They also had baked goods, herbal sun teas, handcrafted jewelry, and produce to sell to those in the community. It was a huge success! The students raised $2000 and donated it to their chosen charity, Keep Austin Fed, as well as to our Garden program.
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Greats and Grands Day is back! We had so much fun welcoming grandparents and special guests to our campus. We love telling these special people all about our school and what it means to us. Students shared their environments from YCC to high school, allowing our guests to get to know Headwaters better! |
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On Creek and Springs, we brought together parents and students to explore the classroom together. This special evening allowed students to show and tell their parents what they are learning in school. We are so thrilled to have brought back this lovely tradition that brings families into the classroom to see Montessori at work.
This year, the Creek Campus also featured a special Art and Music Show in the Yurt! Students were able to show parents their work and growth with the support of their Specials guides.
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As part of the IB Programme, High School seniors must present their artwork in an exhibition. This year, we were able to gather together to admire and study the work of the seniors. From fiber art to sculpture, the work this year was absolutely incredible. Bravo to all the artists! |
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Middle School Show: Everyone Gets Eaten By Sharks
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The Actual Knives, the Headwaters Middle School theatre troupe, presented Everyone Gets Eaten by Sharks by Marshall Pailet, a hilarious play highlighting the absurd, ridiculous, and outlandish dangers of sharks. We had a blast performing at Hideout Theater with laughter, aquatic misinformation, and a whole bunch of sharks. Bravo!
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High School Show: We Killed On Opening Night
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The theatre fun kept rolling! Headwaters School presented We Killed On Opening Night, a murder-mystery-jukebox musical. This high school production was written and directed by Headwaters Junior Arden Egerton, with a cast and crew of Headwaters high school students. We had so much fun watching this story unfold!
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Parent Volunteer Interest Form |
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Our Parent Volunteer Community (PVC) is made up of all Headwaters parents. We hope each parent can contribute to the school in a way that feels meaningful to you--we know that some of you only have a small amount of time you can give, and some of you can give more. We appreciate each of you! We rely on your support to realize our school's purpose and promise while keeping costs down, and we really value your participation. Volunteering is a great way to meet other parents, learn more about the school, and contribute to our community’s success.
We ask each parent to fill out this short form each year to indicate what areas you might be interested in volunteering to support during the coming school year. If you have any questions, please reach out to Amy Nylund at a.nylund@headwaters.org.
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One Page Salon This September! |
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Headwaters' Development Office is excited to start the school year off with our annual One Page Salon! Enjoy an evening on the deck at the River Campus hearing original pieces from poets, writers, and song lyricists in our community. Come enjoy a cool beverage, hear some amazing authors, and meet new friends! Tickets and more details will be shared soon. |
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Headwaters 101 Events This Fall |
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Headwaters 101 events are opportunities for all parents and students to learn more about the different parts of the school, how you can be involved, who to ask questions of in different areas, and meet other families. Stay tuned for an email invitation with more information.
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Middle & High School Headwaters 101 (Family Event): Saturday, 9/10, River Campus, 10-11:30 a.m.
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YCC & Primary Headwaters 101 (Family Event): Saturday, 9/17, Springs Campus, 9-10 a.m.
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Elementary Headwaters 101 (Family Event): Saturday, 9/17, Creek Campus, 11 a.m.-Noon
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At-A-Glance Calendar 22-23 |
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Save the Date: October 15, 2022 for Founding Day Fling! |
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On Saturday, October 15, we invite 21-and-up community members to join us for an evening celebrating the school. Details to come on tickets and sponsorships. Save the date and stay tuned! |
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Community Business Directory |
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One of the best features of our school community has always been the deep level of caring and connection amongst parents, guides, students, and staff members.
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The Crocodile Bride by Ashleigh Bell Pedersen
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Big shout out to former Headwaters Guide, Ashleigh Pedersen, on her novel debut! This work of fiction is set in the swampy summer in 1982 around a girl, her father, and secrets from the past. Check out the New York Times review of the book at this link and get your copy from your favorite local bookseller or from the publisher, Hub City, at this link.
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Here is the latest visual trivia to familiarize you with new spots or share memorable places on our three campuses. Take a look and name where this spot appears—the answer will be in the next Current!
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Last time, we shared a photo from the Creek Campus Playground.
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Shop at any of the places below and the companies will donate a portion of the sale to Headwaters! Need more details, click here.
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Just search for Headwaters School in the charity list.
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Randall's
Head to customer service to complete a Good Neighbor card. Headwater's ID is #12529
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Office Depot
Mention the Back to Schools program and our ID# 70204864.
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No need to clip! Use the app to scan your receipt.
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Search and support by using Microsoft's Bing search engine.
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We also recommend checking out the Headwaters School Community Business Directory to shop within our community. See businesses organized by category and even add your own! Click here to visit the directory.
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