***Calendar Reminder:***
***Thursday, January 27th - Regular School***
***Friday, January 28th - No school for the Grades***
***Early Childhood Programs will have school as normal***

This past Monday, January 17th our students across the grades were on campus when other students around the valley and country were not. The day was intentionally set as an opportunity to come together as a community and engage with the biographies of Martin Luther King Jr. and his contemporaries including John Lewis, Rosa Parks and more. Across the grades, our students engaged in developmentally appropriate content that planted seeds of community and awareness about what it means to be kind, respectful and compassionate for our community members, both on and off campus. In addition to stories and a community wide art project, students took time out of their day to help others on campus. A few highlights of the day are included below.

Our school was featured on the cover of this week’s Sopris Sun here for the good trouble we were causing by questioning: what if we host school on MLK as an intentional opportunity for our students to ask questions and engage with these invaluable stories and perspectives?

In 1st grade, we began learning about the life and work of Dr. King through the books Dream Street, Happy Birthday Martin Luther King, and Be a King. We discussed our individual strengths and challenges and how they make us human and that we all have a light to shine into the world when things feel dark. We talked about accepting and having respect for ALL people regardless of their beliefs, how they look, and who they are. We agreed that the best way to honor Dr. King is through service and kindness to others. For our service project, we collected our gently loved stuffed animals and books to donate to children facing difficult times through Family Service of Texas and the Teddy Bear Brigade.

The 2nd graders learned about Dr. King’s colleague, Senator John Lewis. They learned about his childhood from the book Preaching to the Chickens. Then we read a passage that described how he and his fellow Civil Rights proponents engaged in peaceful protests, determined to get in "good trouble" to change laws and policies that were not fair to Black people. We talked about ways we still need to get into “good trouble” at our school and community to promote fairness. Each student wrote their idea(s) on their cut out hand. We also engaged in the 1st grade’s collection of well-loved stuffed animals and books to be donated to children in San Antonio, Texas.

In 3rd Grade we read the book, “The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World,” and talked about the gift of speech, how powerful it can be, and how using your gifts to help others is a truly noble deed, a shining of one’s light. We learned the song “This Little Light of Mine” on our flutes, and made cut-out candles with messages about what higher cause we shine our light toward. We then spent the afternoon baking bread which we donated to the Lift Up food bank.

The 7th grade class took a deep dive into the biography of Dr. King. We heard stories about segregation, social injustice, inequality, and the perseverance to create change and the courage to follow through. In addition, we talked about present day injustices, including the life of George Floyd. We had discussions about what it means for us today to create change and why it's important. We focused on Martin Luther King Jr.'s quote: Life's most persistent and urgent question is, "What are you doing for others?"

The seventh grade students created window stars and wrote letters to the grandmas and grandpas at a local nursing home, we designed a school community wide banner that says "We all love in the same color" and have plans next week to do service work through the Harvest for Hunger of Colorado organization.

Upcoming Events

Thursday, January 27th

Bridging to the Grades and Beyond!

Join us Thursday January 27th, 5:30-6:30 on Zoom for a virtual Q&A

WSRF’s Patti Connolly (the current 2nd grade teacher) and WSRF Alumi Liesl Bellack will host a virtual Q&A and share a window into how our early childhood programs prepare students for the academics ahead, common questions around Waldorf education and a window into what happens when students graduate and move into different school environments or the workforce.

If you are unable to attend and would like to receive a link to the recording, please complete the RSVP form!

This is open to all curious, current and prospective families. RSVP required here.

Tuesday, February 8th

WSRF Tutorial: Introduction to our Needs Based Financial Aid Process

Join Larry Smith, our Business Administrator and Catherine Woolcott our Enrollment Coordinator to explore an overview of our Needs Based Financial aid process including an introduction to the process, common questions and how this can be supportive to your family. RSVP here for this event.

Tuesday February 8th

Exploring WSRF Middle School Curriculum

Join our team of Middle School teachers and John Moffit, Faculty Administrator to explore our Middle School curriculum, common questions and what makes our Middle School programs truly unique in preparing students for High School and beyond. RSVP here for this event

Covid Updates

The school is a microcosm of what is happening around us. Many have been directly impacted by the virus, and there is great variety of opinion in how the school should best be managing our approach to mitigating risk and promoting a safe and healthy environment. Administrative Council is doing the best we can to assure student and staff safety while preserving the ability to remain open to in-person learning. As the current situation continues to evolve, AC is committed to reviewing and revising our protocols. The next formal review is scheduled for February 1. Thank you for your support and entrusting your student(s) to our care.

Until this week, we have successfully remained fully open. Just yesterday, we had our first outbreak with 5 positive cases identified in the 4th grade, and therefore today we had to keep the 4th grade from attending school. We wish all those who are experiencing symptoms a fast and full return to wellness.

Additional cases this week include one student in sunflower kindergarten, one specialty teacher and a suspected case with the down-valley bus driver. Some may be wondering why we are not quarantining more people. The explanation is that due to our masking and ventilation practices, those who have had contact are considered “routine exposures” by the County and quarantine is not required at this time.

As we represent the macrocosm, let’s all hope the omicron peak has indeed occurred, and that healthy days are not far ahead. As always, please be vigilant for symptoms, keep those unwell out of school and pursue testing. The school has many rapid tests and is happy to provide to our families if needed, just call the office.

Administrative Council