Jennifer Vazquez is a student at Cal State LA studying for her Child Development BA. She is also a NSW alumni (2003) and our teacher Cynthia’s daughter. She is mentored by Adriana on Fridays. Marcella Sidelnik is an ECE 22 student at SMC studying for her career in Child Development. She has also…
From our last Parent Partners’ night, the Garden Committee and teachers talked about the importance of collaborating in continuing the work on our vertical garden. Jake: Look at our lemons in here. They are so big. Teacher Katherine: I’m wondering how can we support this space. The herbs didn’t grow so well in these planters.…
Flowers poured into the kitchen on Monday from the Lavins (Charlie and Jake, EW/Lucy WW), and the Zonnas’ (Fiona, EW). Hayes (EW) brought a bouquet midweek from her garden while Rohan (WW) brought one to say, “goodbye”. Birthday Book celebrations brought in ‘wish list’ books that are now available for check out in…
It’s Rohan’s last day at NSW! Rohan’s time at New School West has been short but sweet. Even though he has had just a few short weeks to experience the school, it has already left a huge imprint on him (and us!). The good news is that we have a great opportunity waiting for…
Poppy is a big sister! Von Valentine Galichia was born 8/30/18 at 8lbs. 3 oz. Mama, Katie and papa, Paul and baby are healthy and happy. Traditionally, NSW families support new babies in their first days at home with dinners dropped at the door. Their meal train will start on October 1st (no raw onions,…
Community is built through shared experiences and the recognition of yourself in others. To begin the year together, the EW teachers proposed a question to the group of children and adults. The answers were then transcribed by volunteer parents or the teachers. The process includes identification of self by attaching your photo to your response.…
When planning to engage the children, teachers reflect on their age and possible developmental stage. In the West Wing, the three year olds are somewhere in the mastering of these skills: Approaches problems from a single point of view. Correctly identifies some colors. Follows three-part instructions. Has some sense of time. Knows what counting is…
Following our classroom intention to grow from “me” to “mwe,” we are intentionally presenting thought provoking experiences as a fun invitation to grow as a community of learners together. These experiences and the teachers’ mindfulness of the goal of community, challenge the children to “slow down” and reflect during our discoveries. This shift in thinking…
Last Wednesday was our Parent Participation Night and it proved to be, once again, a most important gathering that had us working together to sign up for Teams. It’s also a time to learn about the inner workings of NSW and what true involvement (beyond volunteering) is all about. Melinda (Ephy, WW) presented and closed…
“What Happens When Blue and Yellow Play Together?” Materials like paint, paper, wire, clay and more are used in the Reggio approach as a vehicle of communication. So, when teachers propose questions like the one above, they are not looking for literal answers but layered meaning. In the beginning of the year, the teachers focused…