Education for the 21st Century |
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Dear Families,
We hope you are making the most of your four-day weekend! Please click the banner above for "day of service" volunteer opportunities in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (not just today, but ongoing!).
We are so pleased to announce our very first Waldorf 101 event (details below). It is designed for any adult who is curious to learn why Waldorf works and why it continues to be the fastest-growing independent school movement in the world. Bring your grandparents, neighbors and friends. Let them hear from the educators and ask questions - we welcome them!
Time and again, alumni parents tell us that the greatest way to get the very most out of this education is to understand it - deeply. To understand "why." Don't miss this opportunity to expand your deep knowing and support your student's success.
We look forward to seeing everyone on campus tomorrow!
Warmly,
Alyssa Hamilton
WSOC Communications Coordinator
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Leadership Circle Message |
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Dear WSOC Community,
My intention was to not write about the pandemic in this newsletter. I am so weary of that subject as we continue to be buffeted by ever changing variants and rules. I’d rather write about what is being accomplished this year and why our students can still thrive through the extraordinary uncertainty of this time. But in the end, I reached the conclusion that I can’t ignore the current state of affairs.
I remember the incredible stresses of managing care for my children when school was closed, especially when it was closed unexpectedly, or when they were unable to attend due to illness. I am aware of the difficulties the recent class cancellations can have on your lives and schedules, and I am so grateful for all the supportive comments I’ve received as hard decisions are made about the best ways to proceed.
I’m also aware that there are some who haven’t spoken to me and who may not feel the decisions being made are always the best. A few of you have reached out and I appreciate hearing your perspectives. I am happy to hear from everyone as it helps to understand what you are feeling and needing. Regardless of our varied perspectives on how the school should deal with COVID, we share the common ground of wanting to create the best possible atmosphere to lessen trauma for the students.
We are in this together to create a relational field that supports the children’s wellbeing. When they see the adults in their lives showing real warmth to each other, they can feel safe. When we are able to know that we can share our differing perspectives and still accept each other, we generate that warmth. Thank you for being a part of such a community.
Warmly,
Kevin McDuff
School Administrator
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Teachers from Early Childhood through High School will take guests on an interactive trip through the Waldorf curriculum and will answer any questions which arise. We guarantee you'll learn something new about the students' journey.
Have you ever found yourself on the receiving end of questions from family or friends who wonder why you chose Waldorf education for your child(ren)? Have you ever struggled to explain the "why"? You know why, but describing it is so multi-dimensional that it can be rough to summarize over the dinner table or out on the street in passing. How do you explain the breadth of the experience for your child and your family? How do you express the myriad ways that this philosophy has changed your home life? You're not alone.
The Waldorf 101 event is designed for any adult who is curious to learn why Waldorf works and why it continues to be the fastest-growing independent school movement in the world. Everyone is welcome! Bring your grandparents, neighbors and friends. Let them hear from the educators and ask questions - we welcome them! Time and again, alumni parents tell us that the greatest way to get the very most out of this education is to understand it - deeply. To understand "why." Don't miss this opportunity to expand your deep knowing and support your student's success.
"Other schools still fortunate enough to offer extra-curricular activities tend to present those subjects as upgrades or options--like sprinkles on a cupcake. At WSOC, however, specialty subjects ARE a main cupcake ingredient. They are fundamental to education, not optional. At grade 1, I didn't know that knitting, music, and eurythmy were physical ways for my children to internalize mathematical concepts until I saw the payoff for my 5th grader. Students don't just count or write numbers, they FEEL the counting in their bodies; they walk and dance the numbers for fun! At bedtime, my 1st grader requests a story and then 2 math problems that we talk through together before he'll sleep. My older child finds fractions easier when she relates it to reading music. That wasn't something I expected, but I love every minute of it."
— B. De la Libertad, WSOC Parent & Board Member
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The majority of our families have found WSOC through word of mouth. Waldorf schools nationwide agree - it is the primary method of introduction to Waldorf Education. Parents (and students!) who appreciate the value of this education are happy to share those feelings with friends, neighbors and even strangers on a plane! (We've met parents at admissions events who happily describe these serendipitous meetings).
If you have one of these encounters, please share this event with your friends and neighbors! Growing our school benefits not only these new families, but all of us in so many ways. Thank you!
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Michael D'Aleo
Teaching Modern Science
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"[Collaboration is] the future of Waldorf Education, but it’s also the future of science," says Michael D'Aleo. "Everyone is recognizing, whether they’re in physics, chemistry or life science, that this interdisciplinary need is really a reality.
"[Waldorf students] go into universities, and professors and admissions people see quite quickly that there’s something different. Many of them say, 'we haven’t seen students like this with this level of flexibility in decades,' because of the increasing specialization that has occurred in education over the last few generations. Waldorf graduates have a greater laterality in working through a science, but then also across the sciences. University professors recognize that often they can take a Waldorf undergraduate student and put them on a research project normally reserved for graduate students, because of that flexibility and the capacity to think within a specific context."
Watch video for more!
Michael D'Aleo lectures nationally and internationally on science, education, and environmental issues and is a founding member of the Saratoga Experiential Natural Science Research Institute (SENSRI) in Keene Valley, New York, as the Director of Research. He was a co-founder of the high school at the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs, where he taught physical science and astronomy. He is the co-founder of, and leads the successful 6th, 7th and 8th grade science teacher training, “Teaching Sensible Science.”
D’Aleo has a Mechanical Engineering degree from Rutgers University, where he graduated Summa cum Laude. He also holds a Masters degree in education from Sunbridge College.
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STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Nona McConville
The Company of Angels Store Manager
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How did you learn about Waldorf education?
I was a parent at a local community preschool, and I attended the open house of a local school. It was okay but I knew something wasn't right. I started crying afterward. My friend Kathy Palladino told me about the Waldorf School of Orange County (then in Fountain Valley). I attended an early childhood event there, and I turned to my husband and I just knew- that was the right place for our daughter. Back then, our tiny school only went through second grade!
The Company of Angels came into being not too long after WSOC was established. Describe for us the impetus to start the school store.
The shop was started in 1991 on our Fountain Valley campus. Carrole Watts started it. She did this to help our small Waldorf school financially. She purchased items out of her own pocket to sell: books from Steiner Books, Ostheimer wooden figures, Weleda skincare, Channel Craft items, and our very first beeswax candles from Hinode. Carrole also made papier mache boxes, felt animals, and jewelry to sell, all to build revenue for the school. The name "The Company of Angels" refers to our wonderful Waldorf children. I started working there in 1993 as a volunteer, and now here we are in 2022!
Describe the vital role the Company of Angels has historically provided for the community.
In the early days, (on our Eastbluff campus, the location before we moved to Costa Mesa) the Board would come to us for help in financing projects. We would choose which items we would fund, such as new curtains for the Eurythmy hall. We also helped finance the installation of the floor in our current Eurythmy Hall. Building and supporting community is our biggest value. It's always been a gathering place, both the shop and the garden. Now, it's also the hub for our wonderful Craft Group with Ms. Christine.
What is your favorite trade show?
Las Vegas! We go once a year, and it's so fun. For five days, we seek out new products for holidays and throughout the year.
When you aren't running The Company of Angels, what do you like to do in your free time?
Gardening! We have a push mower, and are now growing sweet peas, herbs, vegetables, and playing with dog Winston. We also love to visit our daughters up the Central Coast, in San Luis Obispo and Cayucos.
You and your husband (and daughters, now grown) have done many outdoor adventures. What was one of your most dramatic/scary/exhilarating experiences out in the wilds of nature?
Rock climbing in Joshua Tree as a family. It was exciting for Hayley and scary for Sarah! We love climbing. My husband Jeff and I did Sierra Club camps together. One time while we were climbing, I suddenly felt sick. As it turned out, I was pregnant with Sarah!
What is one thing you have dreamed of doing, but haven't gotten to do yet?
Taking our trailer cross country! This summer we are going all the way up to Bend, Oregon. I look forward to traveling across the United States at some point soon.
What's coming down the pike for The Company of Angels as we head into spring? What items might we look forward to?
The shop is fully stocked for Valentine's Day, and I've just begun the orders for springtime and Easter. I'm already dreaming of items for May Faire!
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SCRIP News: Scrip of the Month
Wahoo's
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It was 1988 the Lee brothers, came together to open the first Wahoo’s Tacos in Costa Mesa, California, where the surf and skate industry had gathered.
They wanted to create a menu that was a reflection of their unique heritage. From China to Brazil, to Baja with hints of Greece, their bold, fresh flavors come from their memories of growing up in Brazil, surfing in Baja and working in their family’s Chinese restaurant.
At Wahoo’s, they encourage you to nourish yourself with food and experiences that make you feel more alive. So, ride those waves, care for your community, love what you eat every day, and be authentically you.
@wahoosfishtaco
Pro tip: Scrip for Wahoo's is 20 percent!
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Grade 9 anatomy and physiology students examine mammal skulls and compare them to a human skull. They are looking for similar bone and suture types and to examine the ratios that exist within our own skeletal structures and the relationships within the animal kingdom. |
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CIF soccer celebrated a victory over Pacifica Christian last week! |
Grade 5 Eurythmy, exploring movement by way of Ancient India. |
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A sweet moment in our Early Years program. |
High School soccer Coach Wil's dog Louie is a staunch Waldorf Wildcat Supporter! |
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Mon 1/17 • MLK Holiday NO SCHOOL
Tue 1/18, 3:15p - 3:45p • Boys Soccer vs. TVT (away)
Wed 1/19, 6:00p - 8:00p • 1st Grade Readiness Meeting
Wed 1/19, 6:00p - 7:00p • Grade 10 Parent Evening
Thu 1/20, 11:30a - 12:30p • Parent Enrichment for Early Years parents
Thu 1/20, 3:30p - 4:30p • Boys Soccer vs. Samueli Academy HOME GAME- come cheer on our Wildcats!
Mon 1/24 • HS Application Deadline for outside applicants
Mon 1/24, 6:00p - 9:00p • Joint Board & College Meeting
Wed 1/26, 12:00p - 1:00p • Meet the Admissions Director (online event)
Thu 1/27, 11:30a - 12:30p • Parent Enrichment for Early Years parents
Thu 1/27, 2:30p - 3:30p • Boys Soccer vs. Fairmont Academy (away)
Mon 1/31 • Newsletter
Mon 1/31, 3:30p - 4:30p • Boys Soccer vs. Calvary Chapel HOME GAME - come cheer on our Wildcats!
Adult Education (for information or to enroll, click here)
Fri 1/21, 5:00p - 9:00p • Adult Education Program Grades (Foundation Studies: 7pm-9pm)
Sat 1/22, 8:30a - 4:30p • Adult Education Program (all)
Tue 1/25, 6:30p - 9:00p • Adult Education Program (Foundation Studies: 7:30pm - 9pm)
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Community News & Announcements |
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Sliding Backward on Tech? There Are Benefits (Published...
Pamela Paul, editor of The New York Times Book Review, decided to downgrade her tech two years ago. It has worked out, with paper and DVDs instead of the latest apps and gizmos. How do New York Times journalists use technology in their jobs and...
Read more
www.nytimes.com
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How Do Children Learn to Write and to Read?
Literacy has been made an urgent issue in the last decade. As parents and teachers, we worry, often deeply. Back in the 1900s, we didn't worry so desperately. Dr. Seuss's Cat in the Hat, and T.V.'s "Sesame Street" were ever present to reassure us ...
Read more
www.waldorfpublications.org
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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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