Please join us on Friday, March 21 at 7pm via Zoom for a talk by Kim John Payne, bestselling author of Simplicity Parenting and The Soul of Discipline. Friday evening's presentation will set out three cumulative discipline phases. Firstly, training creative compliance for the young child, secondly, building emotional skills for the elementary age, and lastly, for the teenager, managing critical choices.

On Saturday, June 8, the eighth grade class of 2024 celebrated the completion of their final year at WSL and start of new adventures. Congratulations to our Class of 2024! We wish you all the best and welcome you into our alumni community.

The seventh grade recently completed their Main lesson block on Central American, South American, and Caribbean Geography and Indigenous cultures, while simultaneously working on a research project in English Skills Class and  related topics in Spanish Class. This ability for students to focus on related themes and topics across classes is a hallmark of Waldorf curriculum and allows for a deeper understanding and integration of concepts

During this week's Monday Morning Assembly, first through eighth graders learned about the importance of recycling and the impact of single-use plastic on our planet. They were encouraged to find ways to cut down on plastics, like water bottles and shopping bags. Students also learned about repurposing and repairing materials to reduce waste. The Assembly closed with the reading of our Land Acknowledgement and an emphasis on our responsibility to be good stewards of the land we utilize.

In Eighth Grade, each student is asked to undertake an in-depth, independent research project. Shepherded by Eighth Grade Class Teacher, Joseph O’Donnell, and supported by mentors within and beyond our WSL Community, the students this year were encouraged to select a topic that truly drew them in deeply.

The Seventh Grade just completed their latest Science Block in Inorganic Chemistry, guided by guest teacher Jeanette Voss. The class's studies began with a look at the origin and history of both the word and the practice of Chemistry. Investigation, experimentation and observation of the four primary elements of matter (fire, water, air and earth) were all a part of the work.

Last week, we hosted our all-school Lunar New Year celebration. Waldorf education uses world languages to develop an understanding of varying languages, cultures and countries. This encourages the development of human understanding and expands awareness of cultural experiences. Students, faculty and staff alike, enjoyed this window into Chinese culture.

Currently, in the second grade classroom, you’ll find a beautiful chalk drawing from the tale of Malindy and the Devil, an African American Folktale familiar in areas of Virginia, Georgia and the Carolinas. The image and story come from the book Herstories: African American Folktales, Fairy Tales and True Tales. In second grade, the students are moving from the fairy tales of first grade to stories of the saints, fables and folktales. They are exploring the realm of human traits, the polarities from the good to the bad. These morality tales instruct them on how to be good friends and classmates, creating a cohesive community. 

The eighth grade recently finished their Main Lesson block: Revolutions. The exploration focused on the French, American, and Industrial Revolutions. As part of their study, the students designed and created artistic projects over three weeks, presenting pieces relevant to the particular time period or the theme of change, including: paintings, models, creative writing, clothing, and multi-media sculpture. They also took in field experiences, visiting the Lexington Green and sites along the Freedom and the Black Heritage Trails.

In celebration of the Autumn Moon Festival, Mr. Yu, Ms. Bible and a number of our eighth graders presented a puppet play called “Chang’e Flew to the Moon." Students in kindergarten through middle school were captivated by their performance.

Although Saturday, June 17th was gray and cloudy with thunderstorms and heavy rain, the mood in the auditorium for the graduation ceremony was warm and bright. The Class of 2023 gathered with their class teacher, Elizabeth Reading, beloved faculty, family and friends to celebrate this special transition.

The sixth grade has just completed their Medieval History block, concluding with the Ceremony of Noble Good, often referred to as the Knighting Ceremony. The Ceremony stands as an opportunity to commemorate and celebrate an important rite of passage—moving from childhood into young adulthood.

Congratulations to the seventh grade on their extraordinary performance of Don Quixote! The play was an incredible tour de force, with dynamic staging and costuming, puppetry, music and wonderful acting. Bravo!

Our eighth graders were excited to receive acceptances from their top choice independent schools!

Recently, in the third grade’s currency math block, the students had a wonderful time creating their own merchandise for the various stores in the “Third Grade Snowflake Mall.”  After making gifts in school and at home, the students priced their items and each child was given an allowance of “school money” to spend at the mall. 

Over the past couple of weeks, students in grades 1–7 have been preparing for the Lunar New Year holiday in their Mandarin classes. Students created beautiful crafts representing different elements of the festival and will experience a traditional meal next week.

During their journey through the grades, Waldorf students learn of, and through, a broad range of world religions and cultures. Within this array, students experience the contributions and perspectives that each worldview brings to every discipline, from math, science and astronomy to music, art and culture. These rich explorations of different cultures and worldviews are matched with the developmental needs of the students.

The Autumn season brings two celebrations to the Spanish classroom: Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15) and the Day of the Dead “Dia de los Muertos.”

At the beginning of the school year, the third grade embarked on a project to solar dye wool felt that they would then sew into pencil cases. Through this hands-on project, the students discovered how elements from the natural world are used in practical aspects of life, such as garment manufacturing. Learning was brought to life as the students actively participated in the process of fabricating their own pencil cases—they were inspired by the beautiful colors rendered by the plants while gaining some dexterity in the process!