Our festivals committee greeted our community with roses and posters Monday morning to honor International Women’s Day and this year’s theme “Choose to Challenge.” #iwd2021 #choosetochallenge

“I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me.”

A number of years ago, I had the privilege to play on the first women’s intercollegiate volleyball and softball teams at my Big Ten alma mater. For me, this was Title IX of the Civil Rights Act’s most direct and immediate consequence. I recall how excited we were to discover that we – women – could use the big gym and nautilus machines. And, we were issued bona fide school warm up suits and uniforms, jackets, and athletic bags – GEAR! We traveled to other Big Ten schools, and they traveled to us – just like the men’s teams. What a moment it was! It wasn’t until years later that I began to think about all the women and allies who made that possible. I reflected on the journey of my grandmothers, both of whom attended and graduated from college before women could even vote. I also thought of my father who told me I could do whatever boys could do. So many folks, some famous and some personal, made my own journey possible.

Here we are in 2021, and I ask the following: What kind of shoulders am I (are you) giving to those who will come after us? Can our shoulders be such that we help create an environment that eliminates “othering”? I dream of a time when we no longer need to enforce laws like Title IX to grant categories of human beings their equal rights and opportunities. When will it be universally accepted, assumed, and self-evident that each of us is beautiful, talented, unique, valued, respected, essential, and deserving of all human rights and dignity? May my and our shoulders and mutual examples be important steps toward realizing this dream.

You can view the full calendar online either on the website , in ParentSquare , or in the BigSis portal (these 3 platforms are synced from the same calendar). 

Evidence of spring is beginning to emerge from the thawing earth around campus. The second graders arranged stones around these lovely crocuses to keep them safe from wandering feet. 

One of the many memorable lessons each year is the hands-on 7th grade physics block where pulleys are hung and students are lifted into the air... This year the lesson moved outside.

A couple of throwbacks...

The Book Club will meet Monday, March 22 at 8PM to discuss The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid.

For more information, contact Susan Walsh at swalsh@washingtonwaldorf.org

The Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) invites current parents to share and discuss their vision for the future of our school by participating in a focus group. Daytime and evening meeting times will be available. Each focus group will meet once, with additional optional conversations possible further down the road.

Interested parents should contact SPC Co-Chair Jennie Rabinowitz (jr.rabinowitz@gmail.com). Parent feedback will also be solicited via survey or similar means later this year.

Learn more and find links to the lectures to be read on this flyer.

Alumni Nick Kendall's ('97) reached out to let us know that his band Time for Three co-wrote the music for the new movie LAND, directed by and starring Robin Wright. The movie premiered this year at Sundance, and is in theaters and on demand.

Email me doerthebraun@icloud.com or text 240-535-3848.

We welcome your comments and submissions. Contact Alia Goodyear if you would like to be added to our mailing list, or if you have submissions, questions, or suggestions. Please email submission by COB TUESDAY with the subject line "Bulletin Submission."