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Your Bi-Monthly News & Updates
February 9, 2017
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Last week, Grades 4-8 attended a special assembly about wolves and coyotes, given by Wolf Haven International. Students learned about these animals' behaviors, habitats, threats to their survival and steps to take to co-exist in an urban environment with wild animals such as coyotes.
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Hello Families!
Recently, we sent out a State of the Union letter. If you didn't receive it, or would like a recap, you can access it
here.
We had a great Budget Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, February 8th. If you weren't able to attend, you can view the presentation in its entirety below:
In this issue: Grade 6 gets medieval, Japanese students visit our high school, High Tea with Grade 12, one of our favorite jewelers Eric Silva will be at Company of Angels tomorrow, college financial planning opportunities and much more.
Have a beautiful Thursday. Don't forget we are off school the week of February 20-24! If you need a camp, Grade 12 is offering one all week. See Community News for details!
*not getting your full newsletter? Scroll down to the end and click "view entire message"
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Going Medieval in Grade 6
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On Wednesday, February 8, Journey School hosted our annual Medieval Games for surrounding Waldorf Schools and charters. Attending schools included WSOC, Journey, San Diego, Sanderling, Maple Village, and Sparrow.
Students faced challenges of focus, balance, strength, and endurance by storming the castle with javelins, dueling, jousting wreaths with long poles, and challenging each other with archery, tug-of-war, and more.
While engaging in these Medieval-style activities, the students are encouraged to extoll the qualities of honesty, justice, nobility, prudence, courage, loyalty, gallantry, brotherhood/sisterhood, fortitude, and hope. Throughout the school year, the 6
th graders have been encouraged to manifest these positive virtues in their daily interactions, stemming from a block of studies on Medieval history.
An excellent time was had by all!
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"As a Waldorf alumni and Soka teacher, it brings me the greatest of joys to see this beautiful friendship grow. These friendships created will continue to strengthen the bridges between our cultures.Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
We look forward to another year together!"
-Kazohiro Iguchi, English Department, Kansai Soka High School
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High Resolution
by Elise F., Grade 11
Grade 11 tours Soka University and invites Japanese exchange students to WSOC
Last week, the 11th grade had the opportunity to meet with a group of exchange students from Kansai Soka High School in Osaka, Japan.
On Tuesday, the 11th grade went to Soka University in Aliso Viejo, and toured the campus with the students.
On Wednesday, the students came to Waldorf for a tour of our campus and to discuss their Peace Proposal Research Topics, which they presented at universities throughout Southern California earlier in the week.
For many of my classmates, it was interesting to learn about Soka education.
Based on the philosophy of creating value, it has established schools around the world ranging from kindergarten to university, and there were similarities between Soka and Waldorf's curriculum and philosophies- the founder of Soka was a contemporary of Rudolf Steiner.
We were particularly impressed by the mandatory international exchange program and the ethnic diversity on campus. After the tour, we ate lunch in the cafeteria, and there were more than forty flags to represent every culture present at the school. The university has 450 students, half of which come from other countries.
Emma K., one of my classmates, said "It seems like the curriculum is very life-based, like you have to explore many paths and find yours."
Another junior, Isabel L., was interested in the school's enthusiasm for encouraging students from all around the world to work together and become close, "There are so many different cultures mixing, and so many opportunities to experience different cultures, that you're not in a bubble."
Discussing the Peace Proposal Research Projects the next day was an incredibly unique experience - my group discussed Food Policies and Hunger, and it was fascinating to discuss the issue from two different experiences and lifestyles.
The Japanese students in my group mentioned how large American portions are compared to theirs, and how this contributes to food waste - although I knew our proportions were big, it was interesting to hear it from another perspective. Other project topics included Child Poverty, Anti-Nuclear Education, Child Labor, Counter-Terrorism, and Gender Equality through Education. When I asked about my classmate's highlights from the two days, Catherine R. said "we got to discuss issues from our experience and theirs, which was really fascinating."
After the discussion group, we shared snacks and socialized, which was possibly the best part of the two days. Grace T.M., a WSOC junior, said - "the highlight for me was comparing our cultures, like the fact that they were in uniform and we were dressed casually, it was so interesting." We took pictures together, exchanged presents, and performed songs for each other. It was a wonderful experience to get to know another culture through socializing, discussing global issues, and learning firsthand about education in another country.
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High Tea with Grade 12
Please mark your calendar for this special, first-time event. Our 12th grade class is leading an informal Q&A to educate parents about our high school. Come enjoy a classic high tea with us and learn firsthand about the strength of the Waldorf curriculum from those who have been supported and inspired by it!
Monday, March 6
3-4pm
Meadows Hall
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The Big Picture
Annual Giving: How close is your cl
ass to 100%?
Currently we have raised
$63,260.46, and have an overall goal of $100,000. Miss Arieta's Kindergarten class has shot ahead with 88% participation! Grade 9 is running a close second with 78%, and Ms. Emahiser's Grade 2 is gaining on them with 75%.
Be the first class to get to 100%! What will your impact be this year? Every dollar helps us bridge the gap between tuition and our operating expenses.
Thank you so much for supporting WSOC!
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Parent Education
What is your life telling you? Asking of you? Come deepen your understanding of your life's path with this special workshop. Join Patricia, director, and Joseph Rubano, biographical counselor and faculty member, Center for Biography and Social Art Program.
February 18-19
9-5 pm
Waldorf School of San Diego, Colina Campus
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College Financial Planning Evening with
Dave Coen of College Planning America
Dave Coen, certified College Planning Specialist and licensed Financial Advisor, is a qualified master mentor in one of the nation's most esteemed program for financial professionals.
He has developed a comprehensive College Planning System to help both parents and students manage their college experience in the most efficient manner possible, and currently presents educational seminars in many schools.
Dave's presentation illuminates some of the realities our students and families will face throughout the college application, selection, and financing process. Please join us for more information!
March 9, 2017
6:30-7:30pm
Meadows Hall
Open to Grades 7-11
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Morning Gathering February 28
Join us in the Company of Angels Garden on Tuesday, February 28th, to meet members of WSOC's College, Board and Administrative staff. Come enjoy baked goods and coffee or tea and bring your questions!
Tuesday, February 28th, 2017
8:45-10am
Company of Angels
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Scrip News
Getting ready for Ski Week? You can rack up SCRIP rebates while enjoying the mountains.
SCRIP NOW is available with Delta, American Airlines, Hotels.com, Hilton, Hyatt, Southwestand a host of other hotels/travel partners. If cruises are more your style, you can earn a healthy 8-13% rebate on Carnival, Royal Carribean, Celebrity, or Princess.
Already booked your vacation? Check out the Casual, Fine, and Dining on the Go options on the Shop with Scrip website for more opportunities to earn money for your class.
EXPERT TIP: Use the "Narrow By" function to search 'categories' and type of cards (e.g. SCRIP NOW! and Reloads work great when travellng!).
But remember, the fastest and easiest way to earn money for your class is with PRESTO-PAY! Be sure to sign up and validate your Presto-Pay Account BEFORE you leave for vacation so you can continue to rack up money for your class.
Click here for a Presto-Pay cheat sheet to help you get signed up, if you are not already
. Want to learn more about how to effectively use SCRIP and Presto-Pay? Stop by the Company of Angels 8-3:30 Monday thru Friday and they will help get you started. Not sure if you have an account? Just email Pam nd she will send you your username.
Pam Lusk is our SCRIP Coordinator and ready to help! Don't hesitate to call, email or visit Company of Angels and she will take care of you. [email protected] .
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Company of Angels
ERIC SILVA
, master jewelry artist, will be here tomorrow, Friday, February 10th from 9am-3pm!
You will not want to miss out...Eric Silva's incredible jewelry/wearable sculpture is PERFECT for your Valentine's Wish card- in the SOMETHING I'D LOVE section! Your wish card has spaces for something you'd like, something you'd love and something sweet. Nona will contact your beloved and share your wishes with them!
Each card filled out is entered in a raffle to win a $100 scrip gift card! Fill out your card by end of day Friday, February 10th for a chance to win.
Shop Company of Angels for your Valentine's Day gifts and treats! Thank you for supporting your local store!
xoxoxox
Nona and The Angels
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"Last week I told a story about a group of boys who went on a great adventure to many lands in search of a particular item. After much time, they finally found what they were looking for- a special tea set! Today, the boys set up a table and served each other tea.They loved it, and the girls will get their turn next time!
- Miss Terri, Kindergarten
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Employment Opportunities
Please check our
website
here for employment opportunities at WSOC!
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Aftercare forms for March
Big Aftercare- email to
Tiesha or drop off at the front office.
Little Aftercare forms will be emailed shortly.
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Grade 8 Play, William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," coming up Feb. 15-16!
*play may run a bit long for younger theater-goers, but is suitable for all ages
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Baba the Storyteller is making another appearance at WSOC on March 1 at 3:30 in the Big Aftercare room. He is a WSOC favorite and we are so thrilled to have him back to captivate us with his music and another beautiful story.
Join us!
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Mr. Matan, our woodwork teacher, is seeking different types of wood for upcoming projects. He would love donations of any sort except for eucalyptus, pine and palm. If you have any suitable donations, please contact him at [email protected] .
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WSOC spirit Ts and sweatshirts update: FUNDED!
Thanks to you, we have sold 62 items and officially funded this venture! If you've ordered, you'll receive your Ts or sweatshirts shortly. There are 3 days left if you'd still like to order.
Shirts are available in men's, women's and youth sizes. They feature an original slogan created by Grade 12.
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Photography workshop with Danielle Cohen
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click on image to learn more!
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Are you a WSOC class photographer? Do you take pictures to document your life or to support your online blog / business? This workshop is for you! Learn how to transition from taking snapshots to creating beautiful and compelling images. When this happens your photos immediately go from
"meh" to
magic!
Professional photographers Danielle Cohen (also a longtime Waldorf parent) and Tracey Clark offer a unique approach that makes the technical parts of photography accessible and the creative elements inspired. Learning and shooting in a nurturing environment, among a small circle of people, will offer meaningful (and fun!) opportunities for conversation, connection, and greater creative expression.
This class is open to all levels and all DSLR cameras.
February 25th, 2017
9am - 5pm
Costa Mesa
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Book recommendation
How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare and Prepare Your Kid for Success by former Stanford dean Julie Lythcott-Haims is a
provocative manifesto that exposes the harms of helicopter parenting and sets forth an alternate philosophy for raising preteens and teens to self-sufficient young adulthood.
In
How to Raise an Adult, Julie Lythcott-Haims draws on research; on conversations with admissions officers, educators, and employers; and on her own insights as a mother and as a student dean to highlight the ways in which overparenting harms children, their stressed-out parents, and society at large. While empathizing with the parental hopes and, especially, fears that lead to overhelping, Lythcott-Haims offers practical alternative strategies that underline the importance of allowing children to make their own mistakes and develop the resilience, resourcefulness, and inner determination necessary for success.
Relevant to parents of toddlers as well as of 20-somethings - and of special value to parents of teens - this audiobook is a rallying cry for those who wish to ensure that the next generation can take charge of their own lives with competence and confidence.
Read the New York Times Sunday Book Review here.
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Music Lessons with Miss Rusty
Rusty Vail has been teaching in Orange County for over 20 years. She offers piano, guitar, voice, all recorders (SATB) and choroi flutes lessons. For details, please contact (714) 902-3325 or [email protected] . Flyer here.
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Free environmental workshops hosted by Institute for Conservation Research and Education
Want to learn more about the vernal pools in Fairview Park?
To the right: an aerial view of several vernal pools filled by the winter storms at Fairview Park. The complex
of pools harbor endangered San Diego Fairy Shrimp and several rare and endangered plants. Ducks, geese, and shorebirds were all enjoying the wetlands. This is the first time they have had water in seven years!
Join us on February 11, from 9-11 a.m., as we host a free educational walking tour to learn more.
Sign up
here for the free tour.
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Upcoming Events and Reminders
Click here for school calendar
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February 10 Grade 1 Parent Evening
February 10 Miss Barbara Parent Evening
February 11 High School Parent Game Night
February 13 Grade 10 Parent Evening
February 15-16 Grade 8 play
February 20-24 February Break- Camp WSOC for Grades 1-4
February 27 Grade 6 Parent Evening
February 28 Morning Gathering
March 1 Grade 7 Parent Evening
We're on our second bucket of old batteries! That's $300 for WSOC already coming, and possibly MUCH MORE. We can make up to $1,000K depending on how more lbs. of batteries we get! Drop off in the front office.
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