CAB:
As part of the process of becoming a WECAN-certified Waldorf school, there are several self-study questions to answer. The CAB Committee is working to answer those questions that are specific to the diversity, equity, and inclusion work at The Garden School. We are also looking at the connection between diversity and trauma-informed teaching practices. Our goal is to assist in developing growth in this knowledge and these practices within our faculty and curriculum.
Members of our committee have been attending a variety of webinars, lectures, and classes to grow our awareness of topics that affect our community and add tools and resources for our teachers. We then meet as a group to share what we have learned and discuss how to use this to inform our policies, procedures, training, and curriculum. In January, Paulyna attended a webinar on Everyday Solidarity: Interracial Organizing from The Sum of Us. Holly attended a webinar on Indigenous Resources for Outdoor Learning and a AAAIS Leadership Meeting with a presentation by a speaker from the Anti-Defamation League. This month, Holly will attend another AAAIS Meeting with a presentation by a speaker from the Islamic Speaker’s Bureau and a webinar on The Myth of Misbehavior: Differentiating Misbehavior from Symptoms in Children and Adolescents. Lesley will meet with the subcommittee group of AAAIS Admissions Directors to continue the work the group has done this past year on Equity and Accessibility in admissions. In March, Holly and Virginia will attend a weekend class on Fostering Belonging in our Classroom Communities.
Faculty Study:
The Faculty Study Committee looked down the road after the biography-sharing practice they are undertaking. After two more sessions of sharing our own biographies from the developmental periods for ages 14-21 and 21-28, we will shift gears and practice a decision making process that makes use of the skills we used during the biography sessions. Over four sessions, we will explore four points of view in looking at a question to be answered by the group. This process leads to a decision that takes in listening and understanding many points of view when making decisions that affect the larger group. These activities will take us to the end of April.
Festivals:
Our annual All School Meeting brought together community members for a faculty provided lunch and a review of our Annual Report, along with board updates, fundraising overview, and relevant school-wide reminders. We met indoors this year for a more focused experience that allowed us to incorporate a Hope/Wish exercise where attendees were asked to convey a hope or a wish for our school. We were able to accomplish more with this indoor format, and we look forward to continuing to create a meaningful space for families to engage and learn about our school’s status regarding ongoing growth and development.
Festivals Committee is looking forward to spring, the upcoming Grandfriends Tea gathering, and the annual fundraising auction, Hope Blooms. Grandfriends Tea is an opportunity to invite individuals on campus who are integral to the support and lives of our students. We invite parents, grandparents, friends, and other ‘family’ to join us for student presentations, to visit classrooms, and to celebrate student achievements. The Garden School recognizes that extended family networks are important members of our greater community. We welcome them and are excited for them to learn and experience our approach to educating the whole child.
The annual fundraising auction, Hope Blooms, is an important event that helps us raise money for the resources, supplies, classrooms, and learning environment at The Garden School. Fundraising is a key component of school budgets, and this is our only fundraising event of the year. A highlight of the Auction is the class project made collaboratively between students, families, and their teachers. Class projects reflect the curriculum of the grade or are inspired by parent talent. They have a strong student component and are as much of a lifelong memento as they are (functional) works of art.
Colleagueship:
As we look towards enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year and our hiring needs, the Colleagueship Committee has been excitedly preparing to hold interviews for new teachers. Our interview process begins with prospective employees submitting their resume and biography letter and then joining a member of our Colleagueship Committee for a tour of our campus. If the decision is made to move forward, we then hold an interview with the candidate and at least two of our Colleagueship Committee members. If a candidate continues to move forward, they will typically teach a lesson while being observed by our Faculty Chair (for a grades applicant) or shadow in our Kindergarten class (for an Early Childhood applicant). This in-depth process allows us to get to know potential teachers and see how they relate to and interact with our students. If you know anyone who might be interested in working at The Garden School, please refer them to our employment page on the website.
Additionally, the Colleagueship Committee has been forming our 2024-25 school calendar, continuing to review teacher training options, and supporting our faculty on a daily basis.
Gardens & Grounds:
We are finalizing our submissions for the Green School Initiative. Our teachers record many of the nature-based lessons held during class time and/or with Mr. Matan. Here’s a little more information about this program from the Cobb County Government website: “The goal of the Green School Initiative is to recognize schools in Cobb County that have an active environmental education and outdoor learning program and to encourage teachers to facilitate ecological enrichment and appreciation for the natural world with their students. Green Schools are recognized annually.”