Executive Director Newsletters and Updates
Dear SFWS Friends,
"Knee High by the Fourth of July!" That's what the farmers say when they are looking forward to the harvest. In Ohio, where I grew up, meeting this marker meant that we would all have sweet juicy corn on the cob at our August cook-outs.
At San Francisco Waldorf School our seasons are different. The "Fourth of July" progress marker comes in April, and the harvest is in May and June. We are already seeing evidence that our harvest will be a good one. This month, I've had the joy of seeing the Eighth Grade class present curriculum reports to the community. These projects represent a subject that was chosen out of each student's individual interest and a process that was independent, research based, and practical or artistic. The range of subjects was broad, from Fermented Food to Gliders in WWII; The Physics of Sound and the Basics of Vinyl Composure; Optical Illusions; and The Impact of War.
At the High School, the Freshman class who have been studying Idealism with Dr. Stoll, worked in groups to envision a new country which is founded on chosen ideals. Students envisioned those countries through geography, culture, education, justice, economics, and government as related to their chosen ideals. They depicted these imagined societies through maps, money, flags, artistic work, governmental structures, and commercial enterprise.
In both classes I saw hallmarks of Waldorf education: curiosity, perseverance, imagination, and confidence! It was inspiring to see their energy to investigate the evolving natural world, human history, and futures that included both.
These are just two examples among many. Two week ago it was the all
school Art Show and Sale at Fort Mason. Just last weekend, I saw "The Lightning Thief" musical performed at the Bushnell Center by SFWHS students. Percy Jackson's battles with the gods were thrilling but it was much more than just impressive singing and acting skills. I knew that each of those high school students was allowing us to see a bit of the collaborative process of self development that is found at San Francisco Waldorf High School. The high school years here are full of personal discovery. This happens when the space for real development is created through trusting relationships and inspiring questions. The courage to take action from that space is what we saw on stage.
Whether from the stage or the soccer field, the senior class is looking toward their own futures. College decisions are in, and students are making their choices. Soon you will hear with colleges our students have chosen among coast to coast options including UCLA, UC Berkeley, Harvey Mudd, Pitzer, Reed, Fordham, Northeastern, Emerson, Smith, NYU, and more.
Before we honor the Seniors at graduation in June, I hope you will join me in celebrating the growth of our high school students on May 8th at Founders' Night. That evening at the high school, we will experience the vision of the founds who were determined to offer San Francisco the Waldorf approach to child development from early childhood through adolescence. You will see many examples of this process through student projects, performances, and art work. We welcome alumni, alumni parents and teachers, grade school families, incoming students, and certainly high school families, to enjoy displays and performances offered starting at 5 pm.
The field is plowed and seeds sowed for this remarkable harvest through the work we do together as a community. Many of you have contributed to this creative project in so many ways. One way that we come together to support the school is the Community Fund. This is our annual campaign that strengthens our student experiences including:
- our phenomenological science experiments
- our curriculum based overnight trips
- our inspiring performing arts
- our champion athletics program
and so much more.
Please consider a contribution to the Community Fund to demonstrate your values of human potential, strong community, and living relationships. We are grateful for your contribution to another tremendous harvest!
Lauren Smith, Executive Director