Education for the 21st Century |
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Dear families,
Let it grow! This month, we celebrate the growth of all good things as we revel in the glory of spring. Spring is a time for renewal, celebrating the birth of a new season and releasing the weighted, reflective energy of winter. Spring Break officially starts for us at WSOC tomorrow, Friday, April 2.
We are excited to announce that summer camp registration is open. We offer camps for early childhood to high school students. Sign up on ParentSquare today!
We recently welcomed two new additions to our WSOC family. We now have two Nigerian Dwarf baby goats, both boys. They are playful and curious and already bringing so much joy to our students, faculty and staff. They are currently seven weeks old, and sadly, they were rejected by their mother at birth. Thank you to Grade 4 teacher Ms. Rodelo for bringing them to us from a sweet family in Alpine, CA, and also for bringing our dream of having animals on campus to life! For those who have been around WSOC for awhile, it's bringing back sweet memories of our days with chickens, goats and rabbits.
Have a good name idea for our new babies? Email it here.
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.
Lastly, don't forget to click "unclip message" if you receive this newsletter on your computer or tablet. It often shows up in your inbox in an abridged format, so if the newsletter seems extra short, just make sure to unclip it at the bottom so that it expands entirely.
Have a wonderful Spring Break everyone, and we will see you back at school on April 19!
Warmly,
Alyssa Hamilton
Communications Coordinator
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Thu 4/1 • Playgroup Session 2 ends
Thu 4/1 • Grade 8 Portraits
Fri 4/2 - Sun 4/18 • Spring Break
Sun 4/4 • Easter Sunday
Mon 4/19 • Playgroup Session 3 starts
Tue 4/20 • Track & Field Grade 8
Wed 4/21, 6:30p - 8:00p • Grade 2 parent meeting
Wed 4/21, 6:30p - 8:00p • Grade 1 parent meeting
Thu 4/22, 11:00a - 12:00p • Meet the Admissions Director (virtual event)
Fri 4/23, 5:00p - 9:00p • WSOC Adult Education Program (Grades)
Fri 4/23, 7:00p - 9:00p • Foundation Studies
Sat 4/24, 8:00a - 4:30p • WSOC Adult Education Program (Grades)
Sat 4/24, 8:30a - 4:30p • Foundation Studies
Sat 4/24, 10:00a - 11:30a • Playgroup parent meeting
Mon 4/26, 6:00p - 9:00p • Board Meeting
Tue 4/27, 6:30p - 9:00p • WSOC Adult Education Program (Grades)
Tue 4/27, 7:30p - 9:00p • Foundation Studies
Wed 4/28, 6:00p - 7:00p • Grade 9 parent meeting
Thu 4/29 - Fri 4/30 • High School Monologues Performance
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How Raven Brought Light to the World
In her telling of a traditional tale to welcome the light after a long winter, Formline Tlingit artist Megan Jensen recently created her largest art installation to date: a 1.62-acre Raven measuring 300 feet in diameter made of snowshoe prints atop a snowy, frozen lake.
A member of Dakhká Khwáan Dancers and graduate of Emily Carr University, Jensen worked with Travel Yukon to celebrate the change of seasons in collaboration with filmmakers from TSU North and Vancouver-based creative agency Cossette. A cinematic short film, “Art Show of Winter”, captures her narrating the Tlingit story of how Raven brought light to the world and features aerial footage of the creation of her epic outdoor work.
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Sing to me! Something of sunlight and bloom,
I am so compassed with sorrow and gloom,
I am so sick with the world’s noise and strife,
Sing of the beauty and brightness of life—
Sing to me, sing to me!
--Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Dear families,
I don’t know about you, but singing always makes me feel better. Not that I’m a great singer, mind you, but there is something about it that is just so soothing, harmonizing, life-giving and joyful. So I am heartened that we get to sing here on campus again, after what seemed like a very long winter!
I’ll acknowledge it: Right now there is quite a bit of dissonance in our world. It’s hard to hear the melody that we know is there, somewhere underneath all the noise. Let’s make sure we don’t drown out each other, let’s value each voice in the choir that is our community, and we may just find that listening makes our hearts resonate.
With a wish for respectful and healthy dialogue, and much gratitude for all you contribute to healing and moving forward together.
Warmly,
Andrea Hubert, College Chair (at the pen)
Douglas Garrett, Administrator
Megan Brown, Board Chair
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Faculty Departure Announcements |
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Barbara Cubanski. After many years faithfully serving the WSOC community, Barbara Cubanski is leaving our school. Miss Barbara has been a member of our community for over 20 years, as both a teacher and a parent. Miss Barbara educated and served many of our children and families as an Early Childhood teacher in the Pre-Kindergarten, Parent-Child, and Nursery programs. She also served on numerous committees and supported the School through many years of growth. We wish Ms. Barbara all the best as she pursues new professional opportunities and a new direction for her career. Ms. Barbara wants everyone to know she will miss the WSOC community, would like to stay in touch, and has asked us to communicate that she can be reached at: bc.cubanski@gmail.com.
Lisa Westerhout, our high school counselor, will be transitioning out of her role at the end of the 2020-21 school year.
"After some reflection last summer, I decided that it was important for me to explore another chapter in my school counseling career. As a credentialed school counselor my training extends well beyond college counseling, and I am excited to be able to dedicate my time solely to building programs that support social emotional growth. Waldorf is unique in that teachers play a key role in supporting social emotional growth in students. Because of this, I am moving on to be in a supportive role for students without such support. The past three years at WSOC-HS have been nothing short of amazing! Being a part of the education team in the high school has taught me so much. The admiration and respect I have for the faculty is hard to put into words. Most important is the privilege that I feel for having been a small part of your child/teen's high school experience," she said.
"This year, I have been working behind the scenes with faculty and administration to assure that the transition is a smooth one for students. I am excited to announce that Waldorf is partnering with Strive to Learn for the 2021 school year and beyond. Strive to Learn will be providing exceptional college planning and individual guidance to our high school students in the future. More details will be announced in the coming weeks/months. However, for the time being and through the end of the year, I am working closely with Strive to Learn College Advisors to assimilate them into our school and work in tandem with them to ensure all students remain on track for college planning.
"Strive to Learn is an exceptional organization, led by Josefine Borrmann. Josephine's team of professional college advisors will surely make the counseling program at WSOC-HS one of the best in Orange County! I will miss the students dearly, but I am thrilled that they are in such good hands!
It has been a privilege to be a part of the WSOC Community."
Douglas Garrett, our school administrator, will be retiring at the end of this school/fiscal year on July 31, 2021. His 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 his daughter's and WSOC’s first teacher.
Over these years, he served Waldorf School of Orange County and Waldorf Education in a number of roles: parent, 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.
"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, he said.
"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."
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We are so pleased to announce that we will soon be officially opening up registration for our 2021 Summer Camps! We have camps for every student, from early childhood to high school. Offerings range from sports and theater to music, art, crafts and more. You will receive your invitation to register via ParentSquare this evening, Friday April 1. Registration for currently enrolled students is April 1, and on April 16 it will open to the general public.
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Click images to register for these upcoming virtual events! |
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CIF High School Sports Returns! |
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The Wildcats are excited to announce a return to the court and the field with boys and girls basketball and boys and girls soccer! The first game is against Fairmont Prep with boys' soccer on April 1st at home at 3:15. Stay tuned for pictures and game results. Go Wildcats! |
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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:
Evanya Skelly, Class of 2014
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Year you graduated from WSOC:
2014
What you did after high school:
I moved to the UK and studied criminology as my undergraduate for four years, and then completed my post-graduate law degree in London.
Your majors:
Criminology – undergraduate
Law – post-graduate
Did you feel prepared for college after WSOC? Pros and cons?
I was particularly prepared for university as a result of my education at WSOC when it came to public speaking, which was very useful during my post-graduate law degree. I did feel less prepared for timed exams and multiple choice/bubble exams, as we did not have exposure to those when I was in the high school.
What is a favorite WSOC memory (or more than one)?
I was fortunate enough to have a really exciting eighth grade project accepted, which permitted me to learn to fly an airplane, a lifelong dream of mine.
What are you doing now?
I completed my post-graduate education, and now I am embarking on an exciting career in financial services with Stifel Financial.
What advice would you give to Waldorf middle schoolers (or a new family) about the advantages/challenges of the Waldorf high school?
I would encourage the student and families to look inward and decide what experience they want and what would suit their student as an individual. Do they want a small class size, with a family style environment? In addition, they might consider the importance of large social or sporting events to their family. I would say that it truly is about who the individual is when it comes to deciding where to study and what type of environment they can and will thrive in. The decision was clear to me; I wanted a high school that would provide a comprehensive and fulfilling education.
Anything else you would like to add?
From a young age, art and creativity were important elements implemented as part of the education at the Waldorf School; as such, they have remained with me throughout my education. For example, during particularly stressful times throughout my undergraduate and post- graduate education, I would pull out my art supplies and paint, make pom poms or even knit. This creative outlet is something I value and will always have thanks to the the Waldorf School of Orange County.
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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 May 12 at 9am. Mark your calendar! No need to pre-register; just join the call!
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 813 8923 5519
Passcode: 288423
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Upon our return on April 19th, we will be down to nine weeks before the end of the school year. What a year of ups and downs; yet, through it all we here in the store have been blessed to provide the constant of community here at WSOC. We appreciate all who have continued to support us during these difficult times. On a very happy note, we are still receiving items in the store that will help you welcome the summer!
Natural brooms will be arriving as well as rakes for your helpers in the garden.
Currently available:
- Solar lanterns to light up the backyard dinner table.
- Garden gloves for wee ones
- Charcuterie boards for your get togethers as well as books to inspire your entertaining.
- Eco Flower Fairies will be arriving upon our return for Spring break.
Please do come in and continue your appreciation for shopping local and shop small.
Happy Spring from the Angels!
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 Active Culture, offering a 10% 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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Active Culture, owned by WSOC community members the Clapp family, is a warm and welcoming family-owned natural foods cafe and self-serve yogurt shop located in the heart of Laguna Beach (along with several other locations). They offer fresh, organic, and raw ingredients and are vegan/vegetarian/allergy friendly!
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Living Science: Joshua Tree Field Trip
Grade 9 dove into their Geology block in high school in early March. They took a four-day field trip to Joshua Tree National Park as part of the block, bringing Earth Science to life. Students investigated the mining history within the park and examined the plentiful granite outcrops and their origins. They also engaged their observational skills and drew conclusions based on what they discovered- a skill that prepares them well for future high school science classes.
"It was pretty chilly in Joshua Tree, we even saw SNOW on the first evening. We all survived the camping experience and were grateful for the chance to get away and spend time in nature," said high school science teacher Ms. Eijpen.
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Grade 9 Marionettes
Ninth grade marionette making (above, Elena R. with hers)! Because of the pandemic, our now 10th graders are currently finishing their 9th grade marionette projects. The making of the marionette is a creative process that develops skills and competence by engaging with ideas and materials.
More than with any other puppet, manipulating marionettes calls for real artistic ability- the marionettes have nine strings and are quite complicated.
The student can experience how constant practice rewards them with the ability to breathe life into the dead material. The vital thing in this block is to develop the manual dexterity needed to work appropriately with various materials, but also to become submerged in artistic activity; the creative process is experienced consciously.
The students created their marionette by first drawing an image of their character, and then an internal proportionate structure. The body, cross and clothes are created and finally, the strings.
Currently, plans are in the works for the students to present their marionette play, which they will write and direct, in fall of 2021.
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Nowruz
Grade 1 students Rosha and Noah share a celebration of Nowruz (Persian New Year) which begins on the spring equinox, marking the first day of Farvardin, the first month of the Iranian solar calendar. It is celebrated worldwide by various ethno-linguistic groups, and falls on or around March 21.
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Grade 4 ENC Visit Teaches Students About OC's Original Inhabitants
On March 31, Grade 4 got a special outdoor visit from the Environmental Nature Center (ENC), where they learned about the lives of the original Native inhabitants of the land upon which WSOC sits (including the Tongva and Acjachemen), and how the Native people utilized local food sources such as abalone.
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Grade 5 Botany Block
Grade 5's botany heralds the arrival of spring! In the 1700s, Carolus Linnaeus developed a scientific system of plant classification and the binomial system of naming living species. He had a very methodical, mathematical, intellectual way of organizing and understanding plants. J. W. Goethe, who was a contemporary of Linnaeus, studied this analytical approach but wanted to find a holistic, unifying way of understanding plants. Using the analytical approach, we learn the classification of the kingdoms of life and the hierarchical system of classification. Then we explore the plant kingdom, looking at general characteristics of all plants, and the life cycles of different plant groups as they develop in complexity from mosses to ferns to gymnosperms and angiosperms.
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Grade 3 Adobe Structure
Students have been hard at work for the last few months on this adobe structure, with mud bricks sourced directly from our very own garden. The creation, led by Practical Arts teacher Mr. Matan, is part of the Grade 3 housing block.
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i thank You God for most this amazing - e.e. cummings
i thank You God for most this amazing
day: for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes
(i who have died am alive again today,
and this is the sun's birthday; this is the birth
day of life and of love and wings: and of the gay
great happening illimitably earth)
how should tasting touching hearing seeing
breathing any---lifted from the no
of all nothing---human merely being
doubt unimaginably You?
(now the ears of my ears awake and
now the eyes of my eyes are opened)
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Felted Eggs in Early Childhood
Felted eggs in Ms. Arieta's Kindergarten class- perfect for the spring season. While we usually attribute the Easter egg to the Christian holiday, pre-Christian Saxons celebrated the egg as a symbol of fertility during the Spring equinox, representing the rebirth of life in the new season.
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Register Now for Early Years Programs:
Nursery, Playgroup and Bridge!
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Click here to register for Session 3 Playgroup. To learn more about Playgroup, Nursery or Bridge programs, click here.
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Early Childhood Education with Ms. Terri: The Wisdom of Parenthood
Who can join: Currently enrolled Pre K and Kindergarten parents.
When: Tuesdays 9:15-10:15am, outside Company of Angels. We will be distanced and outdoors.
What: This gathering is a combination of study and practical and artistic activities.
How many: There will be a limit of 10 parents.
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Community News & Announcements |
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Congratulations to Grade 10 student Hannah L. for receiving the top point score in the OC RYSE, the Orange County Regional Youth Poetry Slam Event offered by the Creative Writing Conservatory at the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA). Thank you to our Director of Music Debora Wondercheck for sharing information about this event with our community.
"Poetry Out Loud is the NEA's annual Poetry Recitation competition for grades 9 - 12 nationwide. This year all competitions in California were held virtually and the county winner was presented a cash prize. Out of of all submissions in the county, our very own Hannah Lieberman won the competition! Please give Hannah a big congratulatory virtual hug for this huge honor in representing the Waldorf School of Orange County," said Ms. Wondercheck.
OC RYSE is the only performance poetry competition featuring teams of students from high schools across Orange County. The goal of OC RYSE is to increase the exposure of poetry to a general public audience by featuring the engaging, dynamic performances of talented local young poets.
In the competition, student performers first choose a classic poem to dramatically recite. Second, students craft and perform an original response poem that echoes elements of the classic choice. This synthesis of academics and artistry promises audiences a stimulating exploration of poetry’s broad power.
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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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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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