Dear Westside Waldorf Families,
 
As we transition into our 2020-2021 school year, we are doing so in a manner that none of us have experienced before. We have all had to adapt to changes that these circumstances demand and inspire in our lives, within our families, and within our school community. We close out our last school year with goodbyes to some valued faculty and staff and begin the new year with the welcoming of a new teacher. 
 
Dr. Guido Preparata, who taught our middle school math program this last year and was able to challenge and enrich our students with his teaching, will not be returning to Westside Waldorf School in the fall. 
 
Ms. Janet McCandlas, who has been our beloved music teacher for several years, will also not be returning in the fall. Ms. McCandlas graciously stepped into the second-grade classroom for the latter part of this past school year. We are appreciative of her supportive efforts and the many talents and gifts she brought to our students and faculty.
 
Ms. Melissa Minder, who offered warmth and support in the front office to our students and faculty, will not be returning next year. Ms. Melissa consistently brightened all of our lives with her caring heart and her dependability.
 
We are pleased to announce that joining us for the upcoming school year will be Ms. Maria Morioka, who will be teaching our rising third grade class. Ms. Morioka comes to us after seven years of teaching at Pasadena Waldorf School. She holds a BFA from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, as well as her Waldorf Teacher Certification form the Waldorf Institute of Southern California. 
 
Please join us in wishing love, happiness, and good health to Guido, Janet, and Melissa, and a warm and heart-felt welcome to Maria.
 
Warm Regards,
Leadership Council