The Current by Sacramento Waldorf School

Current The

ISSUE 1 / SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Atticus Joins the Flock Page 8

Meet the New High School Coordinator Page 11

Vision Statements Page 14

Engage the mind, enliven the spirit. 3750 Bannister Road, Fair Oaks, CA 95628

www.sacwaldorf.org

Welcome to the 2014/2015 School Year Welcome back to school! Our summer has been filled with teachers immersed in study, continued education in workshops, classes, and private mentoring, while the administration has been busy at their continued work in supporting the operations of the school and our community. I hope you have enjoyed a beautiful summer with your family and are as ready as we are to embrace the new school year with eager anticipation. Last year, through months of inquiry and dialogue with faculty, staff, parents and students in our Mission, Vision and Values process, six vision statements were created that will help guide our school into the future. These statements focus on programs, faculty, community, leadership, communications and campus. All six vision statements are on page 13 and are a reflection of what is living within our school and what we aspire for our school. Through the community’s input, we will be able to work together with a much greater understanding of what we stand for and what our hopes are for the future. A recurring theme from both our Mission, Vision and Values process and the end of the year survey was the desire for more communication throughout the school. With this in mind, a wonderful addition to our community is this newsletter, The Current, which will be published every two months and will cover many aspects of our school community. The purpose of this newsletter will be to connect all of us through the stories and articles of the many things that take place at our school throughout the year and of the many people who make up our diverse community. Through connecting our community more deeply, our support of each other will grow and this beautiful school will continue to blossom. Gratitude and appreciation continue to come to mind when I think of how fortunate we are to be part of an organization that truly cherishes and nurtures children. The profound education that our students experience is only possible through supporting and collaborating with each other. May this new school year be one of joy and appreciation for each other, our community, and of being part of this wonderful education.

“Through the community’s input, we will be able to work together with a much greater understanding of what we stand for and what our hopes are for the future.”

Contents Early Childhood 3 Farm-to-Table 4 Current Happenings 6 Lower School Life 7 Changing of the Guard 8 Catch the Waves 10 High School Happenings 11 Friends of SWS 12 Fund-An-Item Projects 13 Vision Statements 14 Beneath The Current 16 Cover Image: Dani Roth Photography

EARLY CHILDHOOD

A Brand New Year By Simone Demarzi

The Early Childhood program is getting ready for a brand new year.

any new families are joining our early childhood programs for the first time. Classrooms are being prepared; teachers are planning new stories, songs, and activities to meet the needs of all the children. Our programs include children from three months old to entry into first grade. Our Parent-Child program is for parents and their child from three months to three years old and is enrolling now. Preschool and kindergarten are accepting applications for our wait-pool only. Our new teacher in the preschool, Lauren Hickman, comes to us from Cedar Springs Waldorf School, and, more recently, from Administration and Teacher Training at Rudolf Steiner College. She will continue leading Early Childhood Teacher Training at RSC while working in our preschool classroom, a dual role she has played for many years. We are very excited that she has joined us at SWS. Welcome, Teacher Lauren! Also new this year is that Parent-Child teacher Simone Demarzi will serve as Director to all of Early Childhood education at SWS and Aftercare as well. Simone will help integrate these programs into a cohesive unit and weave this thread into the fabric of the whole school. Simone and Lower School Coordinator Julie MacArthur will continue to work together closely. Our teachers have traveled far and wide over the summer, taken interesting and renewing trainings and workshops, and helped to train future Waldorf teachers. Fortunately there was also some time for rest and relaxation. We hope that your summers have been equally varied and wonderful. We look forward to this year of working with you and your children, growing and tending the village that it takes to guide the children towards their next steps in life.

Farm to Tales of Garden Waves By Farmer Steve Payne

ales from our farm to you is a wonderful opportunity to share general information about seasonal work, our abundant harvests, and of course, a picture of the experiences from the heart of our farm, our students. Our farm team stands ready and eager to welcome them back to school. Katy Passie is in her sixth year helping students meet the challenges of farm work, the beauty of working with nature, and the rewards of teamwork through the seasons. This year Ms. Passie will also be teaching in the Practical Arts Department in the High School and when she is unavailable we will be welcoming Ryan Haws to assist in those few classes. Mr. Haws is already known to most of our student farmers; he has been supporting us part-time in the garden for the last three years, often stepping into class to sub for myself or Ms. Passie when we are out. Our journey this school year begins by tackling mature, fruitful plants that have been growing all summer. Our heirloom tomato plants are reaching six feet, ripening in the hot summer sun. We are currently picking seven different heirloom varieties and five different cherry tomatoes. Three favorites

I have been saving seed from and growing for seventeen years now. A new variety this year is a medium purple tomato called ‘Gypsy.’ Stop by the farm-stand under the redwood trees at after-school pick-up on Thursdays and see if you can spot them. We will also have fresh, tender basil. A whole new crop of sixth grade harvesters are learning about ripeness, size selection, varieties, and quality control. In addition to learning the importance of not letting zucchini grow too large, the sixth graders will learn of a rare summer squash from Italy called ‘Tromboncino’ that is tender-skinned and easily scarred. It got its name because its shape resembles a trombone, but it tastes a bit like a cross of an artichoke with a zucchini. Many grades will also learn the different sugar levels of different colored peppers as we will enjoy nibbling on them. Lastly, I want to give a great big Thank You to our graduates of last year’s eighth grade and their families. As a gift to the school they purchased a llama for the farm, a long-desired replacement to our friend Balboa. Our new llama is ten months old. He is sweet as can be, loves to go on walks, and will often come right up to the fence for petting and a bit of conversation. With additional funding in the eighth graders’ gift we have strengthened the pen fence so it continues to be safe and sturdy for our young climbers to get a closer look at our wooly friends. We have also rebuilt the alfalfa shed located next to the sheep and llama pen. Thank you for the generosity and support this community has shown our school farm.

Table Heirloom Tomato Panzanella By Casey White, SWS Parent and Home Chef 2 pounds ripe heirloom tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and diced Drain the peeled, seeded, and diced tomatoes in a sieve to remove excess liquid while you wash and chop the rest of the ingredients. ¼ cup minced red onion 2 teaspoons minced garlic ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon leaves 1 teaspoon sea salt Several grinds black pepper Panzanella Croutons (recipe below) 2 cups spinach a wedge of Parmesan for shaving In a bowl, combine the tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, basil, tarragon, salt, and pepper. Add the croutons and toss well. Divide the tomato-crouton mixture among four plates. Top each serving with an equal amount of the spinach. With a vegetable peeler, shave the Parmesan over the salad. Serve immediately. (Serves Four)

Panzanella Croutons ½ cup unsalted butter 1 tablespoon minced garlic 6 cups crustless, cubed, day-old bread (½ inch cubes) Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 6 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and preheat a cookie sheet in it. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it foams. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add the bread cubes and toss to coat with the butter. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer the bread to the preheated baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle with the cheese and toss again while warm to melt the cheese. Bake, stirring once or twice, until the croutons are crisp and lightly colored on the outside but still soft within, about 8 or 9 minutes. Let cool. Store in an airtight container.

Many thanks to SWS 8th grade parent Casey White for being the Home Chef in this issue of The Current! Would you like to be a Home Chef for The Current? Contact thecurrent@sacwaldorf.org

Current Happenings

De-Mystifying Michaelmas By Julie MacArthur Firmly on the earth I stand, Mi-cha-el’s sword within my hand. When I conquer fear, the dragon’s chains I tightly bind, Mi-cha-el’s light within my mind. When I thrust against the monster’s pride, Mi-cha-el is at my side.

ur children look forward to Michaelmas. Some adults might wonder at the students’ enthusiasm; however, each year from second grade until twelfth, each class marches through the various roles of the pageant in anticipation of “what comes next”—even though many of them have witnessed the scenes many times over. Why? What is it about this autumnal ritual that speaks to the soul? Is it the very predictability of the play? Often tied to seasonal changes, festivals are yearly markers that help us to feel the yearly rhythm—something that tends to get lost in our rather fast-paced daily life.

Drawing near to the autumnal equinox, our school assembles at Michaelmas to witness St. George face the dragon. With the steadfast light and guidance of Archangel Michael, St. George is able to subdue the dragon. Witnessing this pageant allows us—individually and as a community—to quietly meditate on the personal dragons we may be facing, and perhaps in the days that follow, we can muster our courage to face those dragon-issues that need transformation, as well. Though the younger children in the Early Childhood classes and first grade do not attend, they hear of the pageant, and, by waiting and anticipating being “old enough” to attend it, they learn important lessons. There is a time and season for all things, and they learn about waiting patiently—a skill often difficult to teach! Please join us on Friday, September 26, at 1:15pm. Enjoy the wonder of being part of a festival that has its roots in seasons and traditions from medieval times.

September/October Events

Sunday, 9/21

11:00am

SWS Farm

Slow Food “Back to School Gardens” Luncheon

Thursday, 9/25

6:30pm

Rm 73

Board of Trustees Meeting (All Are Welcome)

Friday, 9/26

1:15pm

The Big Field

Michaelmas (St. George and the Dragon)

Friday, 10/03

7:30am

Linden Corner

Coffee at the Corner

Monday, 10/06

7:00pm

High School Back-to-School Night and Open House

Tuesday, 10/14

6:00pm

Library

Parent Guild Meeting (All Are Welcome)

Saturday, 10/18

10:00am

SWS Campus

Harvest Faire and Lower School Open House

Monday, 10/20

No School – In-Service Day

Thursday, 10/23

6:30pm

Rm 73

Friday 10/31

12:35pm Evening

Board of Trustees Meeting (All Are Welcome) Lower School Early Dismissal Pumpkin Path

LOWER SCHOOL LIFE

Summer Renewed By Frances Hopkins

Julie MacArthur: Frances Hopkins arrived at SWS for her interview in the midst of attending nursing school. Once her college duties were complete for the year, she established herself in the role of SWS Summer Program Director. Her enthusiasm and competence truly enriched the program and we look forward to her return next summer! She shared this message with us at the end of this year’s Summer Program.

he Sacramento Waldorf School Summer Program made many changes in 2014. Building on what the amazing and imaginative Ms. Passie has done for the past few years, we kept the daily schedule and activity rotation. But this year the teens took on counselor positions and Waldorfinspired teachers were brought in to lead the three groups. Throughout the six-week program we had themes such as Balance of Life, Science Week, and Renaissance Renewed. Each week presented a topic from which all levels of curriculum were based. Lead teachers were given a wide range of activity choices and brought the camp to life with their imaginations. Campers got to sew, build, saw, harvest, paint, sculpt, hammer, run, twirl, roar, and bend with the many projects offered each week. We posted pictures on the SWS Facebook page all summer and they are priceless. In addition to the traditional schedule, we also saw special performances each week—African drumming and music, birds of prey, a goofy magician who ate fire, and even a spectrum of reptiles all came to visit us this summer. Capped off with a double-barreled 18-foot water-slide, our kids have been entertained, inspired, and wet! Lastly I would like to mention the support we received from the community that made all of this possible. I’m sure many were sad that Ms. Passie chose to have a more relaxing summer this year and I am so thankful that you still sent your campers to us. From our hearts to yours, thank you for making this such a great summer! Much Love, Olive, Peter, Kim, Thejas, Emma, Lucas, Anthony, Emily, Kristin, Natasha, Lindsy, and Frances

Changing of the Guard

8 8

Dani Roth Photography

At the end of their eighth grade year, it is traditional for a class to give the school a parting gift. The class of 2018 gave a llama.

any of us had grown up with the large presence of a llama on our farm, the late Balboa. Our school was very proud to own such a creature. We even sold sweatshirts boasting, “Does your school have a llama?” We lost Balboa, our farm guardian, at the end of my seventh grade year, 2013. I was present in Balboa’s final moments. I remember petting his shaggy ears with my classmates as his big brown eyes closed on the view of the river. Llamas are natural guardians and work well with a flock of sheep, taking the position of dominance and keeping watch. When our eighth grade year came to a close, we decided to replace that sentinel’s presence. We also gave money for the sheep’s pen, where the new llama would reside, to be remodeled. In addition we sponsored vet visits and some extra supplies to make our baby comfortable. We learned that Sarah McGovern from New Leaf Llama Farm in Oregon had a baby available, so a parent from our class drove her horse trailer up to the farm. The baby llama was quite friendly and got right in the trailer. Our entire class was quite eager for his arrival to our beautiful farm, and we went to visit him as soon as school got out. About two months before Atticus arrived, we came in from recess buzzing with talk of our new llama. We had just found out he was to be a boy, and were chatting about names. Our literature teacher came in and all around the room copies of To Kill a Mockingbird came out of desks and backpacks. We looked at each other and we knew. The room was silent until

someone said it out loud: “We’ll name him Atticus!” The room was thrown into uproar at the genius of this plan, and so it was. Atticus Finch is the father figure in Harper Lee’s great American novel To Kill a Mockingbird. A widowed white man in 1933 Maycomb, Alabama, he raises two children in a stern but fair manner. He uses logical discipline yet is always ready to give a comforting hug. Atticus is a highly respected attorney in Maycomb County and believes in complete honesty, no matter what. When a black man is accused of raping a white woman, Atticus takes on the job no one wants and defends the accused, who is proven innocent. Throughout the case Atticus is even-handed and never has to rethink his position. He asks solid questions and is willing to risk his career and even his life for the pursuit of justice. We have given our llama the name of a hero. And we hope Atticus will bring some of his namesake’s courageous virtues to our farm for many years to come.

By Emma Hixson, Class of 2018 9

Catch The Waves A New Wave Rolls into SWS Athletics

Coach’s Corner: Dean Stark

In partnership with the SWS Booster Club, Sacramento Waldorf School is excited to reveal the new athletic logo for the Waves! The new look of the Wave was designed by SWS alumni Tom Beauchamp (’89) of Monster Design, Inc., in collaboration with school staff, faculty, and parents. With the surge of our sports program, SWS athletics sought an iconic look that can be used for years to come. The logo represents both the Middle School and High School athletic departments and all sports offered at the school. Merchandise featuring the new Wave will be available for purchase at the Waves Booster Club’s online store—coming soon!

It’s hard to believe, but another exciting year of Waves Athletics is upon us. Teams are already working hard and would love to have you come out and root them on. In the high school, our fall offerings are Boys and Girls Cross Country, Girls Volleyball, and Boys Soccer. These sports have already begun practice, but it’s not too late to join. Fall sports run through the end of October with playoffs and section meets potentially extending the campaign into November. Each sport has different practice and game schedules; check in with the appropriate coach or contact the high school office or me for specific details. For middle school athletics (grades 6-8), we have a wide variety of sports offerings to start the school year. We will be fielding Boys and Girls Cross Country (already started but still not too late to join), Flag Football, Girls Volleyball, and Boys and Girls Mountain Biking. These last three choices will start during the second week of school and will run through the end of October. As with the high school, all teams have different practice schedules so check in with the appropriate coach or the athletic director Our Boosters Club, under the guidance of 2014/2015 president Michael LeVangie, is a great way to reconnect with your Waldorf community, help support our athletic program, and see some great games; consider joining! I look forward to seeing you at the games. Go Waves!

Fall Sports HIGH SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY Mike LeVangie Michael.LeVangie@gmail.com Amy Alessandri aalessandri@sacwaldorf.org BOYS SOCCER Kurt Reisig kareisig@apmortgage.com GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Anthony Medlin vbtonymedlin@yahoo.com Amy Cress amycress@yahoo.com

MIDDLE SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY Mike LeVangie Michael.LeVangie@gmail.com Amy Alessandri aalessandri@sacwaldorf.org FLAG FOOTBALL Dean Stark dstark@sacwaldorf.org GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Jane Hoff janeodinsdotter@gmail.com BOYS AND GIRLS MOUNTAIN BIKING Doug Morkner Brown dmorknerbrown@sacwaldorf.org

Support Waves Athletics – Become a Booster The SWS Booster Club is an organization of parents, faculty, coaches, and community members working to support Waves Athletics. While the Booster Club supports our Waves athletes, your student does not have to be an athlete for you to be involved. There are plenty of opportunities to help with Booster Club activities, including meetings, fundraisers, and athlete recognition programs. You can support our student athletes by becoming a Booster Club Member. The annual membership fee of $100.00 per family includes admission to home regular-season Waves athletic competitions. If you have any questions please contact me, Michael LeVangie, Booster Club President, at Michael.levangie@gmail.com.

HIGH SCHOOL HAPPENINGS

Meet the New High School Coordinator “I am delighted and honored to join Sacramento Waldorf School.”

s an educator and a Waldorf grandmother, I could not have hoped for a better match for my background, experience, and interests. Working for this community allows me to combine a passion for education and a background in administration in a setting that fosters community and a love of children. A powerful combination indeed! I have been an advocate of Rudolph Steiner’s approach to child development for years because I have seen first-hand how a soul can be artfully nourished. I am grateful for the ways in which my granddaughter’s Waldorf education continues to enrich our family’s life, my parenting and grand-parenting, and my journey as an individual. Recently, I was offered the opportunity to serve as a Spanish language teacher at a Waldorf methods school. Throughout this process, I was fortunate to be mentored by an experienced Waldorf Spanish language teacher. Over the years, I have learned much about Rudolph Steiner’s philosophy and methodology, children and adolescents, and their unique needs according to anthroposophy and Steiner’s approach to education. I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina – yes, I am still sore about the World Cup—and moved to this country many

years ago. I have three adult children and three grandchildren. I started my career as a bilingual classroom teacher and have worked as an attorney, corporate executive, college professor, university president, and yoga teacher. A mentor once told me that everything you do prepares for the next thing you will do, which I have found to be quite true. And here I am now, offering to this community all I have learned on my journey thus far and looking forward to discovering the best ways to serve you. I look forward to meeting all of you and hearing about your hopes and dreams for the high school program, which together we can bring to fruition. With warmth & excitement, Marcela Iglesias

The Class of 2004 Gathers for 10-Year Reunion at SWS By Ellie Lief Their class song was “One Love” by Bob Marley and the Wailers. The SWS Class of 2004 brought that spirit with them one hot August afternoon when they held a reunion here on the SWS campus. Although not everyone could attend, many did, including Reiko Ikenouchi (who came all the way from England), Meg Larkin, Zac Haynes, John Fuller, Charlie Brewer, Levin Staub, Rachel Staudt, Francesca Lohmann, Zac Yeates, Nick Freitas, Brenna Miller, Chris Iseri, Jordan Fong, Chatasha Tran, Sharma Parker, Bob James, Devin Merris-Coots, Lili Kahan, Megan Hickey, Megumi Nomura, Amy Newlin, Laura Tjoelker, and Marshal Andrews (but don’t look for Marshal in the photo, he missed it.) Dean Stark was one of their class sponsors and he stopped by to say hello. SWS contributed a luscious lemon cake, sharing the “One Love” message. This group is perhaps unique in that their parents have stayed in touch long past graduation. We used the Mom-Network to learn a few of the things that these former SWS students are doing out in the world now: working in film industry production; developing computer games at EA; working at RSC; attending law school; teaching Special Education in West Sacramento; working as a journalist in Southern California; traveling; exploring; making music; taking photos; and raising kids – two of whom are attending SWS now! If your class has had or is planning a reunion, please let us know! We always enjoy hearing about the adventurous lives of former SWS students.

Friends of SWS Outdoor Classroom From “Inform” the AWSNA Community Newsletter, September 2014 It’s no secret that Waldorf schoolchildren spend time outside every day – fresh air and engagement with nature are integral to the curriculum at every level. An increasing number of Waldorf schools in North America are taking this one step further, expanding outdoor spaces and adapting classroom activities to take place wholly or predominantly out-of-doors. Children in a farm kindergarten help care for chickens and sheep, and hear stories in a hayloft; forest kindergarteners tap maple trees and prepare snacks at a campfire. These experiences engender a deep reference for the natural world, but they also lay the groundwork for capacity development and authentic learning down the road. Waldorf schools are not alone. As a growing body of research continues to demonstrate the value of time outdoors, schools and childcare centers everywhere are creating outdoor classrooms. Natural environments provide ample opportunities for child-initiated learning, and can promote creativity and resiliency – all increasingly recognized by education researchers as vital to healthy child development. We are proud of the leadership of independent Waldorf schools in advancing this trend!

Teddy Bear Tea Party From Fair Oaks Parks and Recreation, September 2014 FREE! Ages: 3-8. Pre-registration required. Saturday, November 1, 2014, 10am to Noon Fair Oaks Library, 11601 Fair Oaks Blvd., Fair Oaks, CA The Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District and the Fair Oaks Library are proud to bring you another installment of the “Teddy Bear Tea Party.” Bring your favorite teddy bear and join us at the Fair Oaks Library for “tea” and cookies, story time, and a “beary” special craft project. Space is limited, so, starting October 1, reserve a space by calling the Fair Oaks Library at 916-264-2920 or sign up online at: http://www.saclibrary.org/Home/Events/?eventId=92679.

New President at RSC Announced From Rudolf Steiner College News, September 2014 Dear Friends of Rudolf Steiner College, On behalf of our Board of Trustees, it is my pleasure to announce the appointment of Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) Beaven to the position of College President. Dr. Beaven joined the faculty of Rudolf Steiner College in March 2013 after an extensive career in Waldorf education. She initially served as Dean of Academic Development and has been Dean of Academic Affairs since January. Through these two roles, she gained familiarity with all aspects of College activity including serving on the President’s Executive Committee and providing leadership for the Academic Senate. Her background in Waldorf education encompasses thirteen years as a class teacher and eleven years as a school administrator. These years included work with the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America and with accreditation, evaluation, mentoring, and adult education. Liz holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership (University of California, Davis). She focused her research on student experience of Waldorf education. She continues to be an active researcher, writer, and speaker on Waldorf education. As we welcome Liz to her new position, we pause to express our heartfelt thanks to our outgoing Interim President, Betty Staley, and Interim Executive Director, Lauren Hickman. Betty and Lauren have worked with tremendous dedication during a period of great transition. We are very grateful for their work. Liz joins the College at an exciting period of transformation. She looks with great excitement toward a period of growth and helping to make the mission and work of Rudolf Steiner College accessible to increasing numbers of individuals. Sincerely, Dale Hamad, Chair, Board of Trustees

Fund-An-Item Projects Enhance the SWS Campus By Mary Wilhelm

n Opening Day, Denis Fitts, SWS third grade teacher, experienced the energy emanating from an entire class of children as his students got their first encounter with the newly built third and fourth grade play structure. “It is so gratifying to see these structures crawling with happy children.” In addition to witnessing the joy rising from the lower school play yard, Denis was one of many people in the SWS community who played a role in the new construction. The story begins with a vision from the SWS Class of 2013. Upon hearing that the well-worn play structure from their lower school years had been torn down, three SWS high school seniors kicked-off this facility improvement by designing a new structure as part of their senior project. After working with a Civil Engineer, the seniors’ design then moved into the hands of the SWS Faculty for input, and then on to the Buildings & Grounds Committee where code and compliance needs drove a few more design iterations. In the end, the final code-compliant design didn’t foster enough active play. So Denis found a way to put more activities into the design by utilizing a combination of customizable premade structures. While the design process was going on, a small group of parents banded together and developed an online fundraising campaign to assist paying for the play structure and two other SWS facility-projects (Lower School bathroom renovations, two all-weather fabric covers to provide shade at the High School and the Preschool deck). In just a couple weeks’ time, the online campaign successfully raised more than twelve thousand dollars for the play structure. But more funds were needed. The Parent Guild then voted to donate a portion of the Harvest Faire funds to the cause, but more was still needed. Then remember those seniors? Well their involvement didn’t stop with design. The entire graduating Class of 2013 voted to donate the leftover money from their class trip as a class gift towards the play structure. The realization of a new 3rd & 4th grade play structure was a long road paved by students, faculty, parent-volunteers, and donors but the last mile is attributed to SWS Facilities Manager,

Steve Spann, who worked nearly round the clock this summer to complete the project in time for the first day of school. The other 2013 Fund-An-Item projects have also been completed. The Lower School bathroom renovations were finished thanks to the more than thirteen thousand dollars contributed by donors. The two shade structures were also completed this summer, utilizing every penny of the more than nine thousand dollars in donations. The 2013/14 ‘Pathways to Success’ Fund-An-Item campaign that ran last May, yielded more than twenty-seven thousand dollars. Three school and facilities projects were earmarked to receive funds including refurbishing the baseball dugouts, new computers for the High School, and replacing the sidewalk between the Administration building and the lower/middle school classrooms. The baseball dugouts, including new concrete flooring, new benches, new roof, and a spiffy paint job, were completed before the end of the summer break. Twenty brand-new MacBook Air computers featuring thirteen-inch screens are about to arrive at the High School along with a locking, mobile charging/storage cart. The new computers provide our high school students with better online access for research and Humanities projects. Although the original goal to fund all three ‘Pathway to Success’ projects amounted to forty-four thousand dollars, a generous in-kind donation towards the sidewalk replacement project may bring all three projects in on-budget. An engineering firm has already donated and completed the topical survey and a firstround design. The plan is currently in review with the Buildings & Grounds Committee along with input from SWS faculty. Once the plan is finalized, another construction company has offered to donate the concrete needed for the sidewalk project. Completion of the sidewalk will take place during a future scheduled school-break. As you might expect at a school that is more than fifty years old, SWS may seem to have boundless improvement projects. However, after reflecting upon the generosity demonstrated during the development of these few Fund-An-Item projects, the cooperative spirit of the SWS community is clearly equal to the task.

Vision Statements Program

Community

At Sacramento Waldorf School, our educational program is guided by Rudolf Steinerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s insights into the development of the child. It provides a traditional Waldorf curriculum while developing critical thinking skills needed to adapt to a rapidly changing world. It engages students through a variety of learning preferences by providing opportunities for: learning experientially and kinesthetically; cultivating social and emotional intelligences; and experiencing artsintegrated academics. Our program is broad, deep, and richly varied, balancing academic rigor with loving faculty support. We honor each child as a unique human being, supporting students to develop a sense of who they are and what they want to contribute to the world.

At Sacramento Waldorf School, our vibrant and robust community is both a school for children and a village for families. It is a second home for many; welcoming, safe, and loving. It is a nurturing place of exploring, becoming, accepting and transforming. We are mindful in relationships by being reflective, responsive and supportive. Parents can engage in parenting education, social gatherings and classroom interactions. Our community honors the uniqueness of each individual, valuing the gifts and contributions of our diverse members. We recognize opportunities to be of service to each other as we create together, through acts large and small.

Faculty At Sacramento Waldorf School, our faculty are highly experienced in their subjects and in Waldorf education. They inspire students through warmth, humor, and insight to become curious and courageous human beings. Creating a supportive environment, they use the established curriculum as a dynamic resource to meet the developmental needs of each individual student. Our faculty recognize that the inner life of the teacher influences all aspects of the education and therefore cultivate it thoughtfully and are committed to inner development. The faculty speak for Waldorf education within our community and in the larger community. They are deeply valued.

Leadership At Sacramento Waldorf School, our leadership is what moves the community towards our shared mission, vision, and values. It inspires us to be responsible and accountable both as individuals and as a community.

Communications At Sacramento Waldorf School, our communications foster a culture in which information is appropriately shared by faculty, staff, parents, students, and alumni in a variety of ways. Our communications create connectedness, inclusiveness, conversation, and awareness of school events and activities. They deepen our understanding of Waldorf education.

Campus At Sacramento Waldorf School, our physical campus provides a welcoming gateway to the school and its values. It provides rich and varied exposure to the natural world and teaches stewardship of land and community. It allows students to experience practical work with plants, animals and the land. It nurtures community festivals and the play life of children. The beautiful campus and structures provide a sense of wholeness, which inspires and supports the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; educational and developmental activities throughout all grades.

DANI ROTH Photography

...capturing your moment in time

831-869-8110 www.daniroth.com

If you would like to place an Ad in The Current send an email to: TheCurrent@sacwaldorf.org.

SACRAMENTO WALDORF SCHOOL’S

HARVEST FAIRE FREE ADMISSION

Food ∙ Crafts ∙ Games ∙ Entertainment

Saturday, October 18, 2014 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 3750 Bannister Road in Fair Oaks

www.sacwaldorf.org

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Beneath The Current The Current is a publication reflecting the school-life of the Sacramento Waldorf School in Fair Oaks, California and is produced by: PUBLISHER Mary Wilhelm, Director of Development and SWS Parent EDITOR Ellie Lief, Development Assistant and SWS Parent EDITORIAL CALENDAR Wendy Gittleman, LS Assistant and SWS Alum Parent PHOTOGRAPHY & CONTENT SUPERVISION Dani Roth, SWS Parent and BOT Member CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS Administrator’s Welcome Paul Carlson, SWS Administrator and SWS Parent Early Childhood Simone Demarzi, Early Childhood Program Director and SWS Alum Parent Farm-to-Table SWS Farmer Steve Payne and Guest Home Chef Casey White

Current Events “De-Mystifying Michaelmas” Julie MacArthur, SWS Lower School Coordinator and SWS Alum Parent Lower School Life “Summer Renewed” Frances Hopkins, SWS Summer Program Director “Changing of the Guard” Guest Author Emma Hixson, SWS Ninth Grader “Coach’s Corner” Dean Stark, SWS Athletic Director “SWS Boosters” Michael LeVangie, SWS Parent, Boosters Chair, and Cross Country Coach High School Happenings Marcela Iglesias, SWS High School Coordinator QUESTIONS. COMMENTS. SUGGESTIONS. Email: TheCurrent@sacwaldorf.org