Summer 2020
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Welcome

Welcome to new families and greetings to returning families as we move into the new school year! 

This summer, our team is working hard to plan for a school year that will begin like no other before it. But our focus, as always, is for each child to be cared for, challenged, and inspired in order to allow for social and emotional, academic, and intellectual growth. Caring for our students also means caring for the guides and families who support them. 

As we enter the new school year, we invite every community member to recall our Purpose, Promise, and PACT. This foundational language serves not only as an anchor, but also as a path forward. The world needs a school that cultivates identity formation, fosters empathy, and embraces diversity to bring more peace to the world. The world needs a school where students live authentically, think expansively, and create bravely. The world needs Peacemakers, Advocates, Creators and Thinkers. Headwaters School continues to be inspired, organized, and guided by these principles and we invite our entire community to join us as we move into the new school year.


TedTalks

By Ted Graf, Head of School

I have come to believe that our school could exist anywhere. With enough clarity, enough energy, enough agency, and enough engagement, we could be Headwaters anywhere. Project Week teaches us that; Senior Colloquium teaches us that; the IB Art Show teaches us that; our countless adventures and excursions across Austin teach us that. And, of course, virtual learning and the coronavirus are teaching us that. This past year, in particular, I have been reminded that our school is  NOT a conglomeration of buildings and decks and picnic tables and quirky rooms and shade sails and porches and gorgeous shade trees. It is us and HOW we choose to be together in relation to each other. 

Thank you to all who have helped to build the culture and thanks to those of us who continue to sustain it, especially the Class of 2020. They have inspired us with their kindness, their honesty, and their integrity. And, lastly, a special shout-out to Dan Cummings, who saw the beauty and potential in our culture, and drew it out in gentle and respectful ways. Both Dan and the Class of 2020 will be missed, and I am deeply grateful to them for helping us to grow and become our best self as a school.

CelebratingClassof2020

We're so proud of our recent graduates and their experience here at Headwaters. We will miss them dearly, but we are so excited for their next journey. Here is a recap from our students from their time at Headwaters in infographic form. Enjoy!


SeniorLegacy

This past May, we featured daily social media posts to celebrate Headwaters Class of 2020 and their Senior Legacy quotes. A Senior Legacy is advice for other Headwaters students today and in the future. We are grateful for the candor and openness students shared with each of their quotes.
Visit the blog to read each Senior Legacy quote at this link.













SeniorColloquium
The Senior Colloquium has quickly become a favorite event for seniors to celebrate their extended essay work. Starting junior year, students start work on their Senior Thesis as part of the IB program.This work is what students want to learn about and is driven by their interests. At the end of senior year, students present this extended essay in a presentation.

This year, students recorded their presentations from home. Check out this year's presentations from the Class of 2020 at this link.







EOYcelebrations

To mark the end of a remarkable year, Headwaters School combined traditions of the past, with new updates, to create some incredible and unique celebrations for our students. And as we say every spring, "An ending is but another beginning. Rejoice all ye who pass through these gates."

A big thank you to all who made these celebrations possible on each campus!

Springs Gates of Life Parade
This year, we had a parade through the Berkeley Ave. circle drive with lots of love, music, dancing, and plenty of balloons! Thanks to all who celebrated with us. A big congrats to all who passed through the gates!

Creek Gates of Life Reverse Parade
The Creek Campus Gates of Life Reverse Parade was a hit and kicked off our end-of-year festivities. This special celebration welcomed those moving up or moving on from our community. We loved continuing this tradition in a new way with lots of signs and dancing! 

8th Grade Graduation Parade
This year, we celebrated our 8th graders with a parade around the River Campus culminating with balloon arch, diplomas, and a livestream! We were able to celebrate these rising high schoolers with great fanfare!

High School Commencement at the Drive-In
We are so proud of the Class of 2020 and their hard work as they completed their senior year. We hosted a unique, socially-distanced graduation at Doc's Drive-In Theatre using two screens on a lovely May evening. We enjoyed popcorn while watching a special filmed graduation ceremony video complete with musical performances and moving speeches.

Check out some photos from the event along with a link to the graduation ceremony video by visiting our news blog at this link.  






StaffFeature

Paula Pacotti
joined Headwaters school officially this past December as the River Campus Manager. However, Paula participated in the community long before with substitute teaching and working as admin support. We're so glad she joined us!

Paula grew up in the Florida panhandle on a small farm but soon moved to Austin to complete her Bachelors of Science in Architecture Studies from The University of Texas at Austin. Paula's extensive work background in owning and operating a home remodeling and design company, as well as managing popular restaurants in Austin, makes her the perfect fit for the unique buildings and fast-paced role of Campus Manager at the River Campus.
 
Paula lives in Austin with her husband, two teenage children, and her mother. And despite being close to downtown, she brought her small farm mentality to the city. Paula shared, " I have chickens, cats, dogs, and grow a lot of my vegetables." In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and running. She even ran her first half-marathon in January of this year!

What Brought Paula to Headwaters School
What drew me to Headwater was its community. I am appreciative of how everyone--guides, staff, and parents--are genuine. Across the campuses, everyone is respectful and supportive. These values get lost in a large school. I applaud how guides not only demonstrate, but also help to foster empathy, diversity, and identity. What I appreciate the most across all our campuses,  is that the guides help teach the language for students to speak up for themselves. I feel that it is a crucial lesson that many kids don't learn. 

Fun Facts About Paula
  • When my kids were small, we bred rabbits for Tomlinson's Pet Store. One time we had 20 rabbits!
  • I am an avid reader. I will read up to 100 or more books a year.
  • I love color--I do not have a white wall on any of the interior or exterior walls of my house.
PVCParents


All Headwaters parents are part of the Parent Volunteer Community (PVC)! Every parent is encouraged to find at least one volunteer opportunity to participate in next year. Please fill out our Parent Volunteer Interest Form to let us know which areas interest you most . Filling out this form does not commit you to anything, rather it allows us to keep you informed on relevant opportunities as they arise. Thank you for your participation!


CommunityBizDirectory
One of the best features of our school community has always been the deep level of caring amongst parents, guides, students, and staff members. We invite you to check out and support businesses owned by Headwaters community members in our Headwaters Community Business Directory. If you want to add your business or update information (especially if your business is doing something special for COVID-19) to the Directory, you can do so at this link. Thanks for your submission and supporting the community. 



ShopSupport

The following Shop & Support fundraising programs  help support our school throughout the year. Please bookmark and use often!
  • 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 - No more clipping! An app lets you scan your receipt and you're done! Learn more here
  • Office Depot: School ID #70224992


NameThatSpotVisualTrivia

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 River science lab in 4.104 (see right).
Do you want something shared with the community or a student spotlight? 
If so, please fill out our  Submission Form.
Headwaters School
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