A Greater Depth of Understanding
March/April 2008 (PDF)

The arts play an integral role in Waldorf education—not just in the study of development of artistic technique, as in perfecting one's ability to finger a Bach fugue or to create the effect of light and shadow on canvas, but in understanding the relationship between the arts and other academic disciplines. For often it is through the arts that students gain a deeper appreciation of language, science, and history. Can anyone who has seen Picasso's Guernica forget the Spanish Civil War or fail to appreciate the horrors it visited upon the little town on an April afternoon 81 years ago? This issue of Hawthorne Valley School News discusses in greater detail how our students are afforded a greater depth of understanding through this interdisciplinary approach to education. We also profile faculty members Regine Shemroske and Steve Simonak, who are masters of the approach. ~ The Editors

Read more of the current issue of HVS News: A Greater Depth of Understanding(PDF)....

A Palette of Diversity
January/February 2008 (PDF)

Those who have viewed the Hunt of the Unicorn tapestries have no doubt been captivated not just by the narrative portrayed by their detailed images, but by the multitude of colors woven into these remarkable works of art. From the silver and gilt wefts, to the deep blues, greens and reds of the flora and fauna, to the rich, creamy coat of the Unicorn, each individual thread contributes to the beauty as well as the strength of the fabric, so that the brilliance of these tapestries has endured for more than 600 years.

Humankind offers a similarly diverse palette, which not only contributes to its beauty, but also its ability to endure. For as former post laureate Maya Angelou has said: “We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.”

This issue of Hawthorne Valley School News focuses on diversity by showing how one Waldorf school in Israel, the Harduf School, is promoting peace among the region’s different cultures, and how the HVS curriculum strives to nurture an appreciation for diversity. ~ The Editors

Read more of this issue of HVS News: A Palette of Diversity (PDF)....

The Study of History
Nov/Dec 2007 (PDF)

In this issue of The Hawthorne Valley School News, we discuss the school’s history curriculum and its place within a Waldorf education and highlight the findings of a recent survey of Waldorf school graduates and higher education. Through the poignant words of her father and sisters, we are also privileged to have a brief glimpse of the personal history of Rosemarie Elizabeth Sherman (HVS Class of 1996). Dr. Simon Frishkoff, our new science teacher, is the subject of this issue’s faculty profile. - The Editors

Read more of this issue of HVS News: The Study of History (PDF)....

Autumn Activity
through the Head,
Heart, and Hands
Sep/Oct 2007 (PDF)

Autumn. As the growing cycle on the farm is ending, our school year begins anew and we sow the seeds of knowledge that with careful tending will flourish to enrich the spirit and intellect of the student, just as the farm’s bountiful harvest nourishes the body. In this issue of Hawthorne Valley School News we discuss how the school’s projects curriculum and school lunch program are strengthening our students’ relationship to our farm and valley. We also highlight “Practical Life in the Third Grade;” introduce our new program for parents of infants and very young children; welcome back teacher Stu Summer, who is guiding the HVS class of 2019 on their academic journey; and enjoy — albeit vicariously — the reunion of HVS’s class of 1997.

Read more of the Sep/Oct 2007 issue of HVS News: Autumn Activity through the Head, Heart, and Hands (PDF)....

REMARKABLE Voices, Memorable WORKS - Summer 2007 (PDF)

For the Class of 2007, senior projects reveal a discovery of truth.

By Leif Garbisch, HVS Parent

"I have to be willing to take the risk, or I won't get anywhere," said Lailah Amstutz, referring to the leap she needed to take in order to move forward with her work. Similar words have been spoken before by artists, scientists, adventurers, by anyone not willing to stay put. And these same words could have been spoken by any of the 18 seniors who presented their year-long projects to an overflowing crowd in the Hawthorne Valley School Hall over two days in early May.

Every spring at Hawthorne Valley School the seniors take to the podium one by one. And one by one each student presents a project to which he or she has been intrinsically linked for much of the year. The projects have been journeys each student has made individually and now must share. Many have struggled, most have stressed, yet by May the seniors are ready to share their experiences. Standing at the podium before undistractible eyes, each senior speaks. Their words take shape as landscapes of who they are and where they've been for the past eight to ten months. And we, the audience, travel to these places, to these young people, these projects. Read more of the current issue of HVS News: REMARKABLE Voices, Memorable WORKS; Summer 2007 (PDF)....

The Movement Education Curriculum - March / April 2007 (PDF)

Have you ever wondered about the movement curriculum in a Waldorf school? What connects these meditative physical exerrcises, cicuses and pentathlons to each other---and to the broader curriculum? Why not an emphasis on sport and physical fitness? The answers go back to the very roots of Waldorf education. Read more ....

Read the Waldorf Collaborative Insert (PDF)....

Objective Observations Reveal Inner Truths - January / February 2007 (PDF)

A basic tenet of scientific observation is that the phenomenon that is being observed is not affected or in any way changed by either the process of observation or the observer. In many cases, however, the reverse is not true. Often, when studying natural phenomena, the observer is profoundly affected. Whether gazing into a night sky to watch meteor showers occurring light years away, or sitting in the garden to detect the lemony scent an evening primrose releases at the moment its petals unfurl in the twilight, we humans have a propensity to be deeply moved by witnessing such seemingly magical events in nature — sometimes to the extent it changes the course of our lives. Illustration from Human Anatomy and Physiology block from the grade eight curriculum by Jirina Garbisch.

This issue of Hawthorne Valley School News focuses on the science curriculum in our high school, and how that curriculum has the potential to positively influence our students. We also explore the advantages that place-based education offers to our students in the natural "laboratory" that exists in the beautiful and complex environment of our Valley.

In addition, the recently published book, Wilderness Survival, co-authored by Michael Pewtherer, founder and director of the Woodland Ways camp, is reviewed, and we introduce Annalee Riley and Theodor Lundin, who recently came to HVS as class teachers to help lead our students through their exciting journey.

Bringing in the Light - November / December 2006 (PDF)

Ancient cultures throughout the world often illuminated the darker months of autumn and winter with festivals of light. The festival of Yule (derived from the Indo-European term "ghel," meaning "to shine") began in northern European lands and was traditionally celebrated with bright, golden decorations to evoke the sun and coax its warming light into the shortened days of mid-winter. During the Celtic festival of Samhainn, villagers lit torches from a common bonfire and carried the flame home to kindle fires on their own hearths, believing this act held the community together through the long winter months. Just as we celebrate the special characteristics of the different seasons, so too should we celebrate the special qualities of different cultures. For it is these differences that give humanity's tapestry its rich colors and textures. In this issue of the Hawthorne Valley News, we discuss some ways in which the Waldorf curriculum creates awareness and appreciation of diverse cultures and their rituals and traditions. We also explore, among other topics, the importance of ritual and rhythm in the life of the child.

From IDEA to IDEAL - September/October 2006 (PDF)

The lofty theme of the summer conference for North American Waldorf teachers this year was the translation of idealism into practicality, entitled, “From Idea to Ideal”. In this issue of the Hawthorne Valley News, we explore our current governance structure at Hawthorne Valley School in that light, taking a look at its roots in the work of Rudolf Steiner. We also have profiles of our new governance committee members, and a profile of our new eurythmist, Cezare Ciaglo.

The hard work of achieving a clear picture of a situation, and then of building consensus to effect a change or decision, requires the leadership and accountability of all governance structures, and the ability of individuals and individual committees to rise above narrow self-interests. For this to happen, authentic communication is necessary, roles and responsibilities must be defined and clear, and healthy social relationships must be tended to with vigilance. At Hawthorne Valley School, it is part of our goal to be a shining example of, as well as a hothouse for, practical idealism. The extent to which the activities of our alumni display practical idealism (see the alumni and development news) attests to our success.

Completing The Circle - June 2006 (PDF)

As this year's class of 21 seniors sets off to take up their lives beyond Hawthorne Valley School, we pay tribute to them in this issue of Hawthorne Valley School News. We share brief highlights of the wonderful Senior Project presentations they made in April, and summarize their plans for next year. We also honor veteran teachers Candace Christiansen, Hanna Kress, and William Ward, all of whom will no longer be with us as full-time faculty members after this year. And in our ongoing effort to catch up with our Alumni, we visit briefly with the Class of 2002.

A Sense Of Place - April/May 2006 (PDF)

Hawthorne Valley School is deeply connected to the farmland and woodlands of Harlemville, NY. In this issue, we explore how understanding history - through interactions with nature, stories of people and places, and broad surveys of humanity's history through time -- ground our children in space and time.

Also in this issue: Harlemville: A Farm Town Through Time, Remembering Rudolf Copple, High School History Studies, Community Profile: High School Teacher Lawre Stone, Farmscape Ecology Program: Studying the Flora and Fauna of Hawthorne Valley, Alumni Updates from Emily Hassel and Vanessa Kobran, Alumni News, and Development News

Time for Imagination - February/March 2006 (PDF)

In this Issue: Rather than compete with a barrage of referred electronic inputs, our job as educators and parents is to respect children's need to absorb the world through spatial, tactile, auditory, and visual senses. We create a sacred time for children when they are protected from the onslaught of mediated stimulation. This issue explores education of the imagination at Hawthorne Valley School

Also in this issue: The new High School Computer Lab; Parzival: Piercing the Veil; Faculty Spotlight: A Review of Eric Muller's book, Rites of Rock; Community Profile: 1st Grade Teacher Paul Murray; Hawthorne Valley Students Earn Arts Distinction; Alumni Updates from Emily Hassel and Vanessa Kobran; New Challenge Gift.

November/December 2005 Part 1 Part 2 (PDF)

In this Issue: Children entering the middle school years are profoundly searching for their own place in the larger world. This issue explores some of the themes of this transition, and how the Hawthorne Valley School community supports these students.

Also in this issue : Creating a Living Community - examples of outreach from students, faculty, and parents to those in need; Reflections from the Tropics - alumna Jennie Koch writes Alumni Briefs; Updates from alumni around the world.

September/October 2005 (PDF)

In this Issue: With language, movement, touch, and rhythm, Hawthorne Valley students experience mathematics with their whole beings before being asked to engage their intellects. Learn in this issue about the approaches of our Middle School and High School instructors, and read a parent's reflection on arithmetic in the Lower School.

Also in this issue : Memories of Summer activities on the Hawthorne Valley School campus; Alumni Class of 1995 holds a Catskill reunion; Two alumni open innovative Internet café; Two upcoming 88 Keys Piano Concerts; Eighth grade musician earns place on prestigious state orchestra; A meditation on Michaelmas.

June 2005 (PDF)

In this Issue: Waldorf education integrates many disciplines and skills, and strengthens all of a child's inner forces. In this issue, learn how our graduating class of 2005 demonstrated their discoveries through their Senior Projects.

We also explore a creative application of mathematics, language arts, and business reasoning in the 6TH grade's "Pig Math" block, and showcase some of the fine handwork and fine art done through the grades this year. Don't miss updates on the many Development initiatives, including piano concerts, Grandparents' Day, and news from our alumni.

March 2005 (PDF)

Language Arts and the Literary Tradition. Language arts and dramatic literature are woven into every day that a child attends Hawthorne Valley School. This newsletter offers intriguing glimpses into the literary education our children experience. Beginning with stories, rhymes, puppetry, and play-acting in Pre-K and Nursery, and developing through main lessons in Lower School and High School, the children absorb not only sophisticated language skills, but profound understanding of how human experience is shared across time, across cultures, and across geographies.

January 2005 Part 1 &  Part 2 (PDF)

In this Issue: Music Education: An overview of how musical education is integrated throughout the Hawthorne Valley School curriculum; Advice on the important role parents play in shaping their children's success and delight with instrumental music; A glimpse into Opening Night excitement at the new Coffee House Café; A review of the first professional concert on the school's new piano; A look at Hip-Hop's importance in the teenage culture; The high school study blocks for January and February; Profiles of our new Music Teacher and Acting Development Director

November 2004 (PDF)

In this Issue: Wonder in the High School; Foreign Language: Flexing The Mind; High School Practica and Senior Projects; Seniors Study Civil Rights; Help Us Support Social Rights; Community Service at Hawthorne Valley; Foreign Language Study in the High School; Foreign Exchange Brings Fluency, World Citizenship; Community Profiles: David Bolluyt Expands School's World Language Skills; Senior Amaran Garbish Earns National Merit Commendation; Advertisers

September 2004 (PDF)

The Rhymthmic Role of Festivals; Association News; PTO News; School News; Development News; Enrollment News; Community Profile

June 2004 (PDF)

Celebration and Culmination; From the Faculty Chair...; Senior Projects; Year-End RoundUp; Farmscape Program; Events; Classifieds

May 2004 (PDF)

The Joys of the Summer Fair; Silent Auction; School News; Classifieds; Dramatic Arts; Travel to Italy; In the Grades; Community Profiles; Events of Interest

April 2004 (PDF)

Remedial Education in Waldorf Schools; Farm Store Grand Opening; School News; Eighth Grade Play; Olympeace in Ecudor; Community Classifieds

March 2004 (PDF)

Creating Space: Movement in Waldorf Education; Hawthorne Valley School Eurythmy; Notes; School News; Community Profile

February 2004 (PDF)

High School Students Embrace Socially Responsible Business; Second Grade Arithmetic: The Domino Theory; Compassion during Times of War: Hawthorne Valley School participates in a Worldwide Project; Events; Classifieds