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|     April 2021       |


Announcements
News
Camp Glen Brook
Athletics
Alumni

 

 

 

Let us know how we are doing:

A Message from the Faculty Chair

Dear Community,

This pandemic year, with its restrictions and required distancing, has strengthened our grit and resilience as a community. At the same time, it has been challenging to maintain trust. When parents were able to see for themselves, to walk our hallways, to see the artwork and academic accomplishments of the students, to see one another, to feel the good vibes within our building, there was an exhale, a relaxation, a trust. This year’s events have attempted to erode this sense of well-being.

I am hopeful there will be a time this spring when we can begin to open the building to coffee chats and small group gatherings. Until then, allow me to share what I see on a daily basis.

Early Childhood – children playing on the nature trail and play yard, climbing over and through tunnels, swinging, digging together, negotiating who will do what, figuring out how to play in a way that includes all. All of this happens under the loving guidance of their teachers, who gently nudge. Then there are organized circle games and activities where children build up their experience of numeracy, vocabulary, spatial awareness, the joy of singing, and coordinated movement with others. They rest in a pod of colorful sleeping bags and are protected from the stresses the adults in their world are experiencing this year. It is a cocoon, a reprieve. It is the way early childhood should be.

First graders feel much older and more capable now that they have moved into the Lower School Hallway. They have completely crossed the bridge into the grades – ready to work hard at their learning, ready to have more expected from them.

Second grade has also been on the move from Bonner Hall to the gym. This class is like a tribe – moving, but in unison. One can see how they are transitioning toward becoming third graders. Reading and writing are expanding, math a fun adventure, and while they are learning to accept their differences from one another, the love for one another is solid.

The third and fourth grades are each in a math block. The third grade is learning long division; fourth grade has entered the world of fractions. Both classes are joyful and vibrant.

Fifth grade is exploring North American geography. There are lovely pastel drawings of Sacagewea on the hallway bulletin board. Sixth grade is studying astronomy and spent time at Glen Brook last week, where they saw an array of stars not possible to see near our city lights.

Grade Seven is in a geometry block – this is a math-strong class! Eighth grade is in their Human Rights Main Lesson block learning about rights through U.S. History – who gained them and how, and who was left out and why. A bulletin board near the library displays beautiful perspective drawings and other fine arts from these classes.

Grade Nine’s Main Lesson Block is Biology of the Senses where they gain a real experience of how each sense, or the lack of, impacts one’s life. Grade Ten is studying probability and statistics and looking forward to working on their class play. Grade Eleven is studying World Religions, where guest speakers from a variety of religious practices visit the class. Our twelfth grade is experiencing a brand new block for our high school called, Anti-Racism and the Transformation of Malcolm X. Weekly assemblies are held where a junior recites a poem and a senior gives their senior speech.

Our extremely dedicated faculty and staff are devoted to keeping the experience for the students fun, meaningful, healthy, academic, and artistic. We just can’t wait until we can open our doors again so the parents can see for themselves the wonderful happenings within our walls.

Sincerely,

Kelly O’Halogan
Faculty Chair

Announcements

Standing Together with the Asian and Asian American Community

When our lives changed drastically last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an unfortunate biased characterization of the Asian community spread across the country, and hate speech and attacks began to rise. In response to this sad reality, The Waldorf School of Garden City reaffirms its strong support of our Asian and Asian American families and condemns the increasing acts of violence, unfair attacks, hate crimes, and discrimination against this community.

Furthermore, we understand that our own community is not immune to the expressions of bias we see in the broader world. The recent escalation of violence reminds us that we must stay vigilant in our commitment to educating and caring for all members of our community and ensuring that these values remain at the forefront of all that we do. Our mission to strengthen students’ sense of moral responsibility while empowering them to act with courage and conviction is more important than ever.

A surge in hate crimes in any community can affect individuals’ mental health, even if they have not experienced it directly. Please consider the ways we might connect with each other and join in support of the many Asian and Asian American members of our community. In addition, if you feel your child might benefit from talking to one of our school counselors, please do not hesitate to reach out whether they are on or off-campus. For high school students contact Marisa Gelb at gelbm@waldorfgarden.org and for lower school students contact Emma Innella at innellae@waldorfgarden.org.

We are grateful for the collective strength of our community as we join together in support of justice and work toward a better tomorrow.

~ click these links for Mandarin and Korean translations~

Announcing: 1st Grade Teacher 2021-2022

It is my absolute joy to announce Amy Singh as the First Grade Class Teacher for the 2021-22 school year!

After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Scranton, and a Master’s in Education from Lehman College, Ms. Singh began her career in education. She joined our School in 2019 and took on several roles including Early Childhood Garden Nest Director, Grades Assistant, Technology Support Staff, and Gardening Teacher. She completed the Foundation Studies Program through the Winkler Center and is currently on track to receive her Certificate in Waldorf Teacher Training from Sunbridge Institute in March of 2022.

The rising first graders will be in good hands with Ms. Singh. Her gifts are plentiful and will not only benefit the first-grade students but also the entire community.

Sincerely,

Kelly O’Halogan
Faculty Chair

Celebrating a Reunion This Year?

Calling our graduating classes ending in ‘1s and ‘6s! Have you started making plans for your big reunion this year?  We’re here to help! Whether you plan on celebrating in the fall during Alumni Weekend or are looking to schedule something virtually on your own time, please keep us posted. We’d love to help in any way possible.

Please contact Samantha D’Aleo at daleos@waldorfgarden.org for assistance.

Spring Parent & Child

The Spring 2021 Parent & Child Program is now open for registration! Classes begin Tuesday, April 6th. Choose from online-only or online + in-person playgroup.

SPECIAL OFFER: If your child is enrolled in the WSGC Nursery for the fall, contact admissions at ext. 301 for a promo code for a free Monday class. Visit https://www.waldorfearlyeducation.org/parent-child-program/ today for more information and to register!

Summer at The Waldorf School of Garden City is near capacity!  Although online registration is closed, you can still learn what age groups have openings and add your name to a waitlist by e-mailing the summer program at summerprogram@waldorfgarden.org.

For general information about the program visit www.waldorfgarden.org/summer and don’t forget to follow on Facebook @summeratwaldorf  and Instagram @summer_wsgc for updates throughout the summer.

Early Childhood 2021-2022!

Parents who wish to enroll children in the Nursery and Mixed-Age Kindergarten for September 2021 are encouraged to submit a New Admissions Application now. Enrollment in these classes is currently underway. While priority is given to families who have siblings in the School, spaces are limited and fill up quickly. Please contact Carol Proctor at (516) 742-3434 ext. 301 or via email at proctorc@waldorfgarden.org with questions.


The Spring 2021 Crossroads Farm education program will offer Waldorf-inspired experiential, hands-on learning opportunities at the farm to current Waldorf 7th and 8th graders after school. To learn more, contact Delia at (516) 967-5058.

School News

Waldorf Watch: Junior Selected as NY Winner of Science and Services Awards!

The Waldorf School of Garden City Senior, Esandi Perera, has been selected as the NY winner of the National Center for Women and Information Technology Award and The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Gold Presidential Service Award!

The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) works to increase the meaningful participation of girls and women in computing. As the only national non-profit focused on women’s participation in the field, they work with organizations to recruit, retain, and advance women from K-12 and higher education. NYWIT works to make computing education accessible to all and attract diverse talent to the discipline. Esandi received the award from NCWIT for her work in coding and her passion for computer science.

 

Glen Brook

 Summer Camp

With spring in the air, Summer is just around the corner! With new state guidelines recently released, we opened up some additional bunk spaces. You can learn more about Summer Camp and sign on our brand-new website: glenbrook.org or call us any time to ask questions: 603-876-3342

Gap at Glen Brook

Gap at Glen Brook’s spring semester is in full swing. We are grateful to offer a program centered around community, personal responsibility, and love for the natural world. In a time when so many young people are isolated, it is truly inspiring to share conversations and experiences focused on bettering the future for all of us. We are already accepting applications for the fall! With the weather warming up, we were glad to strengthen some bonds this week on the ropes course!

Farm Program

We are delighted to introduce Jen Robinson, our new Farm Manager. You can read her biography here, and the next time you visit Glen Brook, you’ll get to enjoy the delicious food she’s beginning to grow now!

Maple Sugaring

March in New Hampshire is one of our favorite times of the year when we make maple syrup! We tap our sugar maple trees, gather sap, and fire up our sugar house to evaporate it until it becomes syrup, which is only possible this one time of year. You can buy syrup the next time you visit, or at the school!

You can see our Q & A regarding safely operating here: glenbrook.org/qanda.

Even if you’re not able to come this summer, please consider supporting our campership fund for campers who need financial assistance.  This year more than ever, our community needs support to give campers a magical summer of community, nature connection, and joy! You can change a child’s life here: glenbrook.org/donate.

What’s Happening in Athletics?

The Waldorf School Athletics Department is happy to announce we will be starting an After School Intramural Program this Spring. Student-athletics from grades 7th-12th will have the opportunity to work on their sports skills every week, starting after Spring Recess through May. No matter their experience or ability, we encourage everyone to join us for some fun and games in the bright and fresh spring weather. This is a great opportunity to work on your skills ahead of next year’s athletic season. Go, Waldorf Wolves!

Calling all Lacrosse Alumni, we have set a date for our virtual to get together. Please join Coach Purdie and Coach Flanagan on April 20th at 8:00 pm for a fun night of storytelling and reminiscing about past Lacrosse seasons. Click here to RSVP.

Alumni

Alumni Notes

Adrienne (Lecraw) Polychron ’64

Adrienne (Lecraw) Polychron ’64 has been enjoying lots of family time over the past year with her husband, two children, son-in-law, and two grandchildren! Every night since the pandemic began, the family has gotten together, using Facetime, to share “book time” with the grandchildren. Mrs. Polychron says “It’s been the all-time best way for us to keep united”.


Bob Gold ‘73

Bob Gold ’73, President, Founder, and CEO of Bob Gold & Associates shared his terrifying story of surviving Covid-19 during an episode of Friday Fireside with Rick Howe, The iTV Doctor. Bob gives a first-hand perspective on what it means these days to simply be alive. Visit https://bit.ly/3rDgdNm to watch the full episode. We could not be happier to hear Bob is doing well in his recovery!


Jean-Rene Zetrenne ‘88

Waldorf alum and Board of Trustees Member, Jean-Rene Zetrenne ’88 has been named Chief People Officer at United Talent Agency (UTA), where he will lead human resources operations across the company. He will also serve as a partner at the talent agency. Visit https://variety.com/2021/biz/news/uta-jean-rene-zetrenne-1234918580/ to read more about this exciting update. Congratulations, Jean-Rene!


Lauren Gray ’12

It is with warmth in our hearts that we announce the marriage of Lauren “LG” Gray ’12 and Rebecca Brooker. The intimate ceremony was performed by a loved one with three others in attendance. Days after the ceremony, the couple returned to their home in Buenos Aires, Argentina where they reunited with their puppy Luna. The couple also runs Planthouse Studio, a small graphic design studio working to grow good things with good people. Congratulations, Lauren and Rebecca!

 


Christian Kritas ’19

Since December 2020, Christian Kritas ’19 has been interning with Team Galligan, one of the fastest-growing realty groups on Long Island and 3rd highest performing Keller Williams agency in the North East. There, he is part of the CAQ (Customers Acquisition) Team, sourcing potential clients and finding ways to meet their needs. Christian hopes to obtain his Real Estate license this Spring and plans to continue providing the best service possible for those looking to sell their home or purchase property. For those who would like to learn more feel free to contact Christian at 631-355-1710 or via email, chrisk@thegalligangroup.com.

 

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News from AWSNA

Keep up with all the news from the Association of Independent Waldorf Schools in North America by subscribing to their monthly E-News. Learn more by clicking the button below!

 

Upcoming Events:

Monday, April 5th
School Resumes

Tuesday, April 6th
Parent and Child Spring Session begins

Wednesday, April 7th
Parenting Support for EC and LS Families Begins
COVID-19 On-Site Testing for Employees & In-Person Students resumes

Friday, April 9th
End of 3rd Quarter (High School)

Monday, April 12th – Friday, April 16th
ERB Exams for grades 5 & 7

Monday, April 12th – Tuesday, April 20th
8th Grade at Glen Brook

Wednesday, April 14th at 7:30 pm
DEIJ Community Forum: Tending the Garden: the Seeds, the Weeds, and the Harvest – the Daily Work of Implicit Bias

Tuesday, April 20th
Virtual Lacrosse Alumni Reunion

Wednesday, April 21st at 7:00 pm
Parent-Teacher Association Meeting

Thursday, April 22nd
Earth Day – All School Celebration

Tuesday, April 27th
Grades 4-12 Spring Concert

Saturday, May 1st
Spring Festival

Don’t Forget you can Shop and Support The Waldorf School of Garden City with the following organizations!