Education for the 21st Century |
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Dear families,
Spring is about to be sprung, and we could not be more ready for longer days of sunshine and outdoor play and activities! Today and tomorrow your beautiful children will have their photos taken. Please get your photo package orders in to Erica at the front desk if you haven't already. Details are in the Hot Sheet from last Monday. Link to photo order form here.
Spring also heralds another big event at WSOC: re-registration for the 2021-22 school year is March 8-12! We are so excited to begin preparations for a new year. See the body of the newsletter for details.
This is a big issue packed with lots of on-campus happenings, strings and Eurythmy videos, DEI work, and fun photos. Enjoy!
Please follow us on Instagram and Facebook to enjoy photos and excerpts of what your students are learning and participating in here at WSOC. Click here for easy Social Media links. Like our posts, comment and share! By doing so, you help to introduce our beautiful school to new friends.
Warmly,
Alyssa Hamilton
Communications Coordinator
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Mon 3/1 - Tue 3/2 • All School Picture Day
Tue 3/2, 8:45a - 10:00a • Room Representative Meeting
Tue 3/2, 6:30p - 9:00p • WSOC Adult Education Program (Grades)
Tue 3/2, 7:30p - 9:00p • Foundation Studies
Wed 3/3, 6:00p - 7:00p • Grade 6 Parent Meeting
Thu 3/4, 11:00a - 12:00p • Meet the Admissions Director
Mon 3/8 - Fri 3/12 • WSOC Re-Registration Week
Wed 3/10, 9:00a - 10:00a • Coffee Chat with College & Admin
Wed 3/10, 6:30p - 8:00p • Grade 2 Parent Meeting
Sun 3/14 • Daylight Savings Time: Spring Forward!
Mon 3/15, 6:00p - 9:00p • Board Meeting
Fri 3/19 • Grade 8 Play
Fri 3/19, 5:00p - 9:00p • WSOC Adult Education Program (Grades)
Fri 3/19, 7:00p - 9:00p • Foundation Studies
Sat 3/20, 8:00a - 4:30p • WSOC Adult Education Program (Grades)
Sat 3/20, 8:30a - 4:30p • Foundation Studies
Tue 3/23, 6:30p - 9:00p • WSOC Adult Education Program (Grades)
Tue 3/23, 7:30p - 9:00p • Foundation Studies
Fri 3/26 • Playgroup Session 2 ends
Fri 3/26, 7:00p - 9:00p • High School Spring Concert (details TBD)
Mon 3/29, 6:00p - 7:30p • Grade 10 Parent Evening
Tue 3/30 • Senior Portraits
Tue 3/30, 8:00a - 9:00a • Make-up Picture Day
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Snow Day at the WSOC high school! In years past, our entire high school takes a trip to local mountains to sled, ski and snowboard. This year, WSOC's Student Council brought the snow to us! |
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Dear WSOC Community,
I recently informed the Board of Trustees and College of Teachers that I would be retiring at the end of this school/fiscal year on July 31, 2021, and I wanted to share this important news with all of you.
My 34-year journey in Waldorf education began in 1987 when a group of parents dreamed of a Waldorf school in Orange County. The dream became a reality in January 1988 when we opened with a kindergarten of six students in a room at St. John's Episcopal Church, 2.5 miles away from our present campus. Phyllis Gilmer, who now works part-time in hand work here at WSOC, was both of my daughter's and WSOC’s first teacher.
The journey comes full circle with my leaving administrative service where it all began for me. What a blessing!
Over these years I've had the honor and privilege to serve WSOC and Waldorf education in a number of roles: parent first, committee and Board member, Board Chair and School Administrator here at WSOC, a trustee on two other Waldorf school boards in Southern California, at WISC, a term on the AWSNA board, and serving on and chairing accreditation teams for 14 other Waldorf schools across North America. Deep and lasting life experiences that began when our family decided on Waldorf education for our daughters.
In my three years at WSOC in school administration, I have enjoyed colleagueship with a devoted and skilled faculty, administrative staff, and board. A "silver lining" for me as we have made our way together through the pandemic, has been getting to know so many of you via Zoom and phone calls, and in the morning drop off and afternoon pickup lines. I know most of the students now by their first names! Getting through a crisis together builds strong bonds.
My daughters now have their own families, and each day I see in them the benefits of a Waldorf education in how they partner, how they parent, how they continue to learn and grow. I hope you stay connected with the vision that first brought you to the Waldorf school. This extraordinary education for your children will be well worth the sacrifices.
I am retiring, but will never retire in my loving well wishes for all of you, your children, and WSOC.
Thank you and all the best,
Douglas
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Raising an Anti-Racist Future: Starting with Ourselves
with Educator Monique Marshall
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WSOC's DEI Committee invited Monique Marshall to speak with WSOC faculty and administrative staff to discuss the ways that we can take up this important work for ourselves, and to help educate anti-biased, anti-racist, humans. After her initial workshop with all of us, she then came back to host departmental meetings for early childhood, grades and high school. The early childhood workshop takes place on March 8.
The goal? To consider the ways that we incorporate this work into the existing curriculum in order to strengthen the impulse there. Through our work together, we discussed the subtleties of language, the impact if there is an absence of BIPOC representation in our coursework, and the resources available to teachers to enhance diversity.
Ms. Marshall began by asking the question: What does anti-bias, anti-racist work look like? She asked us to consider, who are we as teachers in classrooms with our children and why does our identity (and the language we use) matter?
In the high school faculty workshop, Ms. Marshall invited us to examine white identity with some very specific goals and expectations for the curriculum at the high school students' developmental age: expect discomfort; create space for bravery; build a feelings vocabulary; invite reflection; make space for conversation; share role models of what white, anti-racist behavior looks like; explain systems of oppression - teach systems thinking and systemic "isms"; understand the stages of white identity development - guilt/anger/grief are "normal" feelings; teach white anti-racist behavior and resistance to racism alongside the resistance of BIPOC people to racist systems in history and in the present; and, finally, to give students tools for activist action.
In the grades workshop, we discussed the importance of preparing ahead by talking about "differences" when students are young enough (in Early Childhood years) to not yet have a socially-imposed bias. Young children do recognize differences in one another and putting a name to those differences, and speaking about them openly and comfortably, does not "separate;" but rather, normalizes. This is important foundational work for a young child.
As a school, we look forward to continuing to deepen our DEI work, and we will share each step with our community so that we may all grow together!
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Dr. Lesa Terry on Joy in Black Culture |
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On Tuesday, Feb. 23, Dr. Lesa Terry came to the high school to speak to the students and faculty about joy in Black culture in honor of Black History Month. The visit was arranged by our Director of Music Debora Wondercheck.
As a violinist, composer, artistic director, educator, and scholar, Dr. Lesa Terry's accomplishments include membership with the Atlanta and Nashville Symphony Orchestras, as well as performances, lectures, clinics and master classes with the Uptown String Quartet, the Max Roach Double Quartet, and as a professor of jazz history at Santa Monica College in California. Ms. Terry serves as the founder and musical director for the Women’s Jazz Orchestra of Los Angeles, presenting performances for the World Festival of Sacred Music, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, John Anson Ford Amphitheater, and the Summer Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl.
"At one point, as she moved to play her violin, she prompted a collective humming of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, the first time this year that the entire school “sang” together - breathtaking!" said high school English teacher Beka Castro.
Our students offered some beautiful reflections about the day:
Highlighting the significance of water in Black culture and history gave way to a whole new way of looking at the appalling way enslaved African Americans had to live. Water has always been a fun outlet for whatever feelings I had crammed up inside, but to many, water is freedom, water is a choice, water is a risky game, water may be life or death. Endangering your life, knowing you might die with your lungs slowly filling up with water as you relentlessly thrash at the surface, was the reality for hundreds of thousands of African American slaves. This concept further represents the terrible injustice these people faced and are still facing today. And we as a country have to show our support, recognize our privilege and raise our voices, because can you imagine how it must feel to see water and through it only see pain? Listening to Dr. Lisa Terry today was beautiful and inspiring, an experience I will hold on to and try my very best to pass on and educate others, and myself.
~ Zara, Grade 10
I loved today's speaker! Straight away, she drew me in with how she spoke and how she interacted with the audience. I felt like she was speaking directly to me, in the sense that I really connected with what she was saying and that I was meant to sit there and hear her at this time in my life. I'm not normally an outwardly emotional person, but music does hit me straight in the heart, and I love when other people are as passionate about it as I am. I've always struggled with the lack of diversity at our school, so I immensely appreciate having her come and speak to us and share her opinions and thoughts. I also love Maya Angelou, so when she started talking about her I was drawn in even further!
~ Sage, Grade 12
I really loved Dr. Lesa Terry’s visit. Not only is she a very accomplished woman, but she is kind, funny, friendly, and an amazing teacher and speaker. While teaching us, she spoke and told stories about what she wanted us to learn, but she also asked us questions and got us to engage. I thought this was an excellent way of getting us to really think about what she was saying, while also getting the information to stick with us more. She had such a great way of connecting us as a community, and because of that we all ended up spontaneously participating in something special together. Although I’ve met her before when she worked with us in orchestra last year, this visit let me experience her and her work in a different capacity and I’m very grateful she was able to join us again.
~ Eire, Grade 10
I really enjoyed the connections Dr. Terry made between the emotions that we experience in our lives and Black American history; she explained things in a meaningful way and inspired me to learn more. I loved how interactive she was with us and her enthusiastic energy was lovely to experience. I learned a lot and had a great time!
- Lucy, Grade 11
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Grade 8 Orchestra Fundraising Garners $2,400
for Class Trip
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Left, "All of Me;" Right, "Fly Me to the Moon" |
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Left, "Can't Help Falling in Love;" Right, "So Happy Together"
Congratulations to our Grade 8 students, who recently raised an impressive $2,400 for their class trip. Under the leadership of WSOC Director of Music Debora Wondercheck, our students created four music videos and sold them as "Music Grams" for Valentine's Day. Each Music Gram included a personalized message. The initiative was a resounding success. We would also like to extend a special thank you to class parent Peter Norgaard for filming and posting the performances, as well as sending the Music Grams out to purchasers. The videos have now been released for our community to enjoy!
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Next meeting is March 4! Click to Register. |
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Become a WSOC Admissions Ambassador |
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When we look at the history of what brought each family to WSOC, it’s clear that we are overwhelmingly supported by word-of-mouth referrals from current families. Our happy community members are our very best marketing!
Sharing the gifts of a Waldorf education with another parent is a valuable opportunity for a parent who may be unfamiliar with this extraordinary curriculum.
Who is this school “right for?" The answer is, every child. For the child who is “advanced” and moves rapidly through academics, it provides a balance into the opposing realms of their brain – dexterity, spatial dynamics and social-emotional strengths. For the child who struggles with academics, the curriculum allows the space for growth at the student’s own pace without the pressure of being labeled, while inspiring the student to reach his full potential. Waldorf curriculum, more than anything, provides a “balance” that helps to nurture a well-rounded student into a happy and successful adult.
Every time a parent recommends our school to a friend or family member, we increase our reach and potential for even greater success for us all. To thank you for your recommendation, we are very pleased to offer you a token of our gratitude for every referral you make who completes registration at our school.
For more information, visit our website here.
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WSOC Alumni Spotlight:
Jeremy Feck, Class of 2011
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Year you graduated from WSOC:
2011
What you did after high school:
After high school I went to Chapman University. I also taught math part time at the Waldorf School of Orange County for two of my four years as an undergrad.
Your major:
I majored in biochemistry with a minor in psychology.
Did you feel prepared for college after WSOC? Pros and cons?
I would say for the most part I felt prepared. The pros for me was that I was able to take advantage of numerous opportunities for independent type studies/ take classes that were designed to help me be prepared for undergrad. I especially remember the elective chemistry and advanced math classes that were offered being helpful for preparing me for the workload of undergrad. I would also say another pro was the diverse and well rounded education that I got through attending Waldorf. This allowed me to develop a passion for learning all subjects and having a variety of interests instead of just focusing on subjects that naturally came easy to me. Because of this I was able to really enjoy learning and studying all of my classes in undergrad whether they were in the form of psych, ethics, science, art etc. I think it was this ability to be interested and passionate about a variety of subjects that set me apart the most from my undergrad peers and was definitely something I developed at Waldorf.
I would say a con, (and it could be a pro depending on how you view it), is that to fully take advantage of the Waldorf experience, like I did, you need to have quite a bit of self drive/motivation. The teachers and faculty are so accommodating and willing to help you succeed that you have the ability to go above and beyond the minimum requirements if you want, you just need to ask and push yourself. There were entire classes, self study programs and clubs that were created through myself and other students initiatives that allowed us to get an amazing high school experience and be well prepared for what followed after. But again this is something that I worked very hard for on my own as well as received assistance from a very helpful faculty. So I choose to view this as a pro as it taught me that my education and success is really dependent on my own work and effort and that my teachers were really there to help guide and support me.
What is a favorite WSOC memory (or more than one)?
I can honestly say there are far too many to choose from but overall I would say I have very fond memories of the social aspect of the school/community and the friends that I made during my time there. I think a lot of people have a fear that going to such a small school will not allow themselves to have a proper social life or form good social skills but in my experience it was quite the opposite. By being a part of such a small group you actually got to form extremely close relationships with people who all had varied opinions and beliefs and I think this promotes more social growth than going to a big school would. People have a natural tendency to seek and hangout with others who have similar beliefs, hobbies and passions to themselves. But at Waldorf the school was so small I had to become close friends with everyone no matter how different and because of this I learned how to communicate effectively with and respect people who had different beliefs/opinions from myself. I learned to appreciate the importance of individuality within a group. This ability to appreciate and respect others for their uniqueness as an individual is a social skill that is very lacking in today's world and is one that has served me very well since leaving Waldorf.
What was a WSOC high school challenge and how did you overcome it?
As hinted at above one of the challenges is the size of the school but that is easy to overcome by just being determined and pushing for what you want. I was always really into sports and by the time I was a sophomore we had managed to put together a competitive basketball and soccer team. Myself, Matthew Lee and Alexis Meadows also wanted a Model U.N. club and so we found a way to get that started. Since I left I know that there have been numerous clubs started that allow students to follow their passions. As stated earlier worrying about a lack of resources and limited experiences from such a small school is a legitimate concern. But if you are willing to work hard, be persistent and push/work for what you want the resources and support are almost limitless.
What are you doing now?
I am currently finishing up my first year of residency as an intern doctor. I am working about 70-80 hours a week in the hospital and for the most part loving it. My passion for wanting diverse and well rounded experiences, that I developed at Waldorf, helped me choose to become a Family Medicine physician. This allows me to do everything from deliver babies to treat very sick patients inside the hospital. My current future plan after residency is to work primarily in the outpatient setting with a focus on preventative medicine as well as addiction medicine.
What advice would you give to Waldorf middle schoolers (or a new family) about the advantages/challenges of the Waldorf high school?
My biggest advice to potential future students is make the most of it. It is so easy to just relax and do the bare minimum but if this is what you do you're really missing out on the biggest advantages of a Waldorf education. Chase after the things you are passionate about and push yourself. There is so much support from the faculty, your friends, family and the Waldorf community that if you are willing to work hard and go the extra mile you can hands down come out with an amazing, diverse education that very few people will ever have the opportunity to receive.
My advice to parents would be similar to the advice above. You are paying good money for your children to have access to an amazing education and experience. Make sure they are taking advantage of it. Push your kids to work hard and help support their passion for learning along with their teachers. There are times where the extra work may seem stressful, but high school is the start of where your child will begin building their worth ethic and habits for the future. Don't let them hide away from the diverse experiences and well-rounded education Waldorf has to offer. Strive for them to work hard and do their best in everything and they will become amazing individuals who will help push the world in a positive direction.
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Coffee Chats with College of Teachers Members and
Our Administrator
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The next Coffee Chat is coming up on Wed., March 10 at 9am. No need to pre-register; just join the call at the time you choose!
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 813 8923 5519
Passcode: 288423
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The madcap month of March arrives: the last of winter and the first of spring. Blustery winds and soft spring breezes alternate as we take our walks together. Can't March make up her mind which it shall be?
Just this past holiday season, the founder of the Company of Angels, Carrole Watts, donated her handmade jewelry to sell in the store. The total sales were $2,033, half of which will be given to the school and the balance to an Orange County food bank. We are so grateful for Carrole's generosity and to those who participated in the purchase of the jewelry.
The store is decorated and ready for spring and Easter. I reflect back to last year...the store was all decorated and ready for this special season and then we went into lock down! Please do come in and shop! Park your car in come on in before or after pick up.
We have plush bunnies, beeswax egg candles egg dye kits, ceramic egg plates and decor to bring that special touch into your home.
We have created a charcuterie table with handmade boards from our own woodwork teacher, Mr. Matan, as well as books showing you how to create inviting, delicious creations on the boards.
Lovely tea towels will be arriving as well as bowls to use on our boards.
For our young ones, the vendor GRAPAT is back in with delightful wooden treasures.
BIRTHDAY BASKETS have been a hit this past month. Remember it is a wonderful way to create time with your child to choose just the right gifts for their special day. These baskets are for birthdays ONLY.
Happy almost Spring!
Warmly,
Nona and the Angels
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SCRIP News: Scrip of the Month |
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Hello Scrip Shoppers,
Just to remind everyone we are a little more than halfway through the year! It's time to take a look at your Scrip usage and see if you are on track for meeting your $275.00 annual obligation. Please feel free to stop by the Company of Angels, and we will be happy to help you out.
This month's spotlight is Bagelmania, offering a 20% Scrip rebate!
Also, some great local places for groceries:
Mother's 10%
Fermentation Farm 10%
Irvine Ranch Market 10%
Stater Bros 6%
Sprout's 5%
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20% Scrip rebate! Bagelmania features varied bagel flavors & spreads, plus sandwiches, salads & coffee drinks in a snug shop with a patio. Visit them at 8861 Adams Ave in Huntington Beach.
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Did you ever wonder what Eurythmy looks like, and how it is practiced by our students across the grades? Above, click on the image to enjoy this beautiful full length video of Grades Eurythmy, led by Eurythmy teacher Pavel Hanustiak. |
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How do human beings measure time? Ms. Schwarz's Grade 3 set out to discover some of the many methods we utilize to determine increments of time in a day. |
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Our Nursery and Playgroup programs are a treasure trove of imaginative play and outdoor discoveries. |
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Grade 10 is hard at work carving lyres in Practical Arts. The lyre is a string instrument known for its use in Greek classical antiquity and later periods.
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Register Now for Early Years Programs:
Nursery, Playgroup and Bridge!
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Click here to register for Session 2 Playgroup, Nursery or Bridge. To learn more, click here.
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High School Wildcat Weekly |
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*update: Senior Portraits are now on Tues., March 30 |
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Community News & Announcements |
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WSOC High School Teachers Daniel and Katie Pitts Welcome Baby Julian |
WSOC high school math teacher Mr. Pitts recently shared the following announcement with our community: "We are pleased to introduce our son, Julian Anderson Pitts! He was born on February 20th, at 9:20am, weighing 8lb 4oz, and was 19.5 inches in length. He is such a sweet baby. His big brother Leo was very excited to meet him, and dotes on him and says 'I love you Julian' all the time, and loves his little fingers and toes and belly button. He loves to say 'Let's go check on Julian!' anytime he hears his little fussing. We are enjoying our days resting and snuggling, spending time together as a new family of four." |
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Waldorf Alum Connections
Did you know that AWSNA offered a continental New Year happy hour for alums across the continent? Seventy-five alums attended and it was a blast! Quarterly social events are now on the schedule.
Need an architect, an artist, an accountant? Support alum businesses and share with your community the alum business directory.
- The Continental Waldorf Alum Business Directory
- currently listing 125 businesses
- sharing alums' successes and endeavors far and wide
- Mentorship and Mentee Opportunities
- with 100s of alum registrants offering themselves up as mentors, the potential support for young alums is truly boundless.
- Alum Parent Registration
- the platform welcomes not only alums, but alum parents as well, with the hopes of parents sharing job postings and internship offerings
- School Community Pages*
- fully manage events and registration in one place
- integrated Zoom for events
- full fundraising capabilities offered directly through the WAC platform
- * offered for an additional annual fee
- Internship and Employment Postings
- Searchable Alum Map by location, industry, class year, school affiliation and more.
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Why Honoring Diversity Is the Best Educational Path
Simone Shurney from Detroit Waldorf School shares her thoughts on the value of teaching universal themes through a diverse lens.
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Click image for full article. |
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Click here for WSOC College of Teachers, Board Members and Administrative Rotation
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Waldorf School of Orange County
2350 Canyon Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92627-3948
(949) 574-7775
wwww.waldorfschool.com
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