Anna (Mica, EW) shared a family tradition with the East Wingers this morning about remembering those in their family who have died. Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebrates our memories of loved ones with their favorite foods, traditional flowers, and symbols like sugar skulls (not for eating). The children were very…
Monday flowers were brought by Will (WW), Mason and Zoe O. (EW), Juliette (WW) and Emilio (EW). We had our first school year prospective parent tour this Thursday and Kelly (Will WW) sat in to give a parent point of view on New School-West. There were lovely smells from the kitchen with Jess (Chase,…
In the Atelier, a light and shadow exploration is offered by incorporating overhead projectors and multiple white materials. As with all materials, we wonder how the experiences will support the children in building relationships. Initially, some children move to the overhead projector and begin to manipulate the materials to project on the walls. Others are…
While Roleen and I were attending a California Mentor Director training in a remote, Franciscan, monastic retreat space near San Francisco, The New School-West rocked on… We started the week with Luca (WW) and mom Katrina bringing snack and creating the menu and Agnes (EW) and mom Amanda added to the snack and made pancakes.…
We recognize the children’s growth in the EW and see representational work emerging. When this happens, I often wonder how we support the intention of community contributions as well as recognizing the individual work the children create. In the Atelier, plastic mesh and wire are set up as a medium to introduce wire as a…
Silvana opened up our morning meeting with the question, “Who would like to share news?” Olivia raised her hand and shared, “My doggy Lukie passed away.” The children turned toward her and noticed that she had tears in her eyes. Everyone was very attentive, supportive, and empathetic. We reminded her that her first appointment would…
At the beginning of the school year, the EW children welcomed the WW children by creating mail for each of them. Some notes included them remembering what supported them when they were a WWinger. Dear Will (WW), When I was new to the West Wing, I cried because I missed my mom. Notes supported…
Thank you for supporting our CPR & First Aid training on Monday, 10/8. We all passed! Comedy Night had many, many parents busy! Emily and Paisley (EW) decorated the front table with the RAFFLE opportunity! Maki (Kayden, EW) dropped off a gorgeous string of marigolds for the front table and cooked rice balls on…
It was another great night of gathering with friends to learn and play together with Kristin and the teachers sharing all the work that goes on in the classroom. Thanks to all of you who made time in your day to include the evening with us. The food and drink were plentiful and we all…
Our SMC interns have different assignments they need to complete during the semester they are working with us. One of the assignments Nerea has is to observe a space that might need some updating. She took detailed notes on how rich and intentional our spaces feel. During her time observing, she noticed the children weren’t…