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College Nights: College Engagement and Success

April 21, 2022 @ 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

How to Prepare for a Successful Transition to College

Parents and students are invited to attend the April session of our monthly College Nights series with DWS College and Post-Secondary Guidance Counselor Laura Shope.

Topic: College Engagement and Success — Ideal for 12th Grade

Date: April 21st, 2022

Time: 6:30pm

Location: In person at DWS

Please register once to reserve a seat for all remaining dates.

What You’ll Learn

This evening is tailor-made for our senior class families (and everyone is welcome to hear a preview!). We will be discussing how to prepare your student for a successful transition from high school to the college environment. We will identify skills your student should have in place before school starts, tools, and resources to support their transition to campus/classes, as well as how to take care of yourselves as parents in this significant time of life.

Key takeaways include:

  • Perspective of the changes students will encounter between high school and college
  • Tools and resources to support your student before, during and after arriving on campus
  • Next steps for your family to prepare

About College Nights

Our monthly College Nights series focuses on different aspects of the college and post-secondary application process. Laura Shope designed each evening to answer questions and support parents and students in the college application process.  These meetings are open to all, although probably most useful to the grade listed with each topic.

  • October 7th—Application Process 101 (Grades 10 and 11)
  • November 4—SAT and ACT (Grades 10 and 11)
  • December—No meeting
  • January 6—Supporting Your Student through the Process (Grades 10 and 11)
  • February 3—Paying for College (Grades 10 , 11, and 12)
  • March 3—Making Choices (Grades 10 and 11)
  • April 21—College Engagement and Success (Grade 12)
  • May 4—Preparing to Apply & Making the Most of Summer (Grade 11)

About Laura Shope

Laura Shope came to DWS in 2021 via the Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor, where she served as the High School Student Support Coordinator and High School Administrator for the past three years, and a parent in the Waldorf community for more than 17 years. She has extensive training in career development and personal coaching, along with having recently completed her Waldorf High School Teacher Training through the Center for Anthroposophy. Her plans for working with our students and faculty include creating a rich program of self-reflection, support, and clarity around the decisions the students make for their plans after high school.

Laura is a passionate artist and works with stone, clay, wood, weaving, and plaster to create abstract forms. She and her husband, Dale Jensen, are outdoor enthusiasts and look forward to exploring all that Colorado has to offer. They have two sons, Wilder and Corbin, who attended Waldorf schools from preschool through grade 12 (Corbin will graduate from RSSAA in 2022).

About The Denver Waldorf High School

The Denver Waldorf High School offers a liberal arts education, consciously aimed to nurture and encourage adolescent ideals. The high school experience aims to balance the students’ academic needs with their longing to find meaning in the world. Scroll down to hear from a few of our faculty members.

Engaging Body, Intellect, and Emotion

At the start of each day, movement helps spark students’ circulation and bring them together. They then engage in a long, uninterrupted seminar (referred to as main lesson in elementary and middle school) to activate their minds, followed by music and elective classes to spark emotional expression. Music classes and elective courses promote the development of healthy emotional expression through creation.

High School Music

Regarding music, all high school students participate in chorus, with the option to participate in either music ensemble or orchestra until their senior year. Students new to DWS and who have not played their instrument before are strongly encouraged to take private lessons.

Hands-On Learning of Real-World Skills

Students apply what they’ve learned theoretically to scenarios in the real world. For example, a study of soil composition could be applied to a chemistry lesson on acids and bases, as well as a close reading of The Grapes of Wrath, and a course in black-and-white photography in which they learn to develop their own film.

Rhythm of Thinking, Feeling, and Willing

Our goal is to expose our high school students to academic wealth, and demonstrate to them that all knowledge is valuable to encourage their pursuit of wisdom throughout life.

The high school curriculum revisits themes and subjects periodically to strengthen functional knowledge. Students cultivate their ability to think critically, organize ideas and information, and clearly present thoughts through an academically challenging mix of math, English, humanities, physics, life sciences, chemistry, world language, practical, industrial and fine arts, chorus, orchestra, drama, and physical education.

About The Denver Waldorf School

The Denver Waldorf School is an urban pre-K through 12 independent school in Colorado. Founded in 1974 on Rudolf Steiner’s humanitarian curriculum, DWS believes education should foster what it is to be human, cultivate lifelong curiosity, and inspire a love for the world. We are currently enrolling for in-person learning:

Want to learn more about us? Schedule an in-person tour of our Denver campus or join us online during our virtual events.

Details

  • Date: April 21, 2022
  • Time:
    6:30 pm - 7:45 pm
  • Event Category:

It was a “Traveling Tuesday” for our 3rd grade yesterday! As an urban Waldorf school, we appreciate the many opportunities to explore the world around us. This week, they took an adventure on the city bus to nearby Dan’s Garden on the University of Denver campus. As part of their lessons on time, they made their own paper sundials and then were able to observe in real life the giant sundial at DU. Bonus was being able to picnic in the beauty of the garden. 🌿

There is so much learning that stems from these small adventures. They learn how to greet people, move through our community safely, pay attention to one another, navigate public transportation, and be respectful and confident out in the wider world. And a big thank you to all the car and truck honks of encouragement along the way :)!

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Open post by denverwaldorf with ID 18019283903943515
It was a “Traveling Tuesday” for our 3rd grade yesterday! As an urban Waldorf school, we appreciate the many opportunities to explore the world around us. This week, they took an adventure on the city bus to nearby Dan’s Garden on the University of Denver campus. As part of their lessons on time, they made their own paper sundials and then were able to observe in real life the giant sundial at DU. Bonus was being able to picnic in the beauty of the garden. 🌿 There is so much learning that stems from these small adventures. They learn how to greet people, move through our community safely, pay attention to one another, navigate public transportation, and be respectful and confident out in the wider world. And a big thank you to all the car and truck honks of encouragement along the way :)!

This is what an early start to the school day looks like for our seniors - an observation of the sunrise as part of their studies in optics, combined with a lesson in plein air painting (painting outdoors)!

Their morning spent at Red Rocks is a perfect example of our interdisciplinary curriculum, which intentionally weaves lessons in the sciences, humanities, social studies, and the arts. Though a cloud-covered sky offered a softer, more subtle palette than the vibrant sunrises we’re accustomed to in Colorado, it created its own opportunity to observe the ways light and color transform the landscape.

This adventure at dawn gives way to a meaningful lesson in the principles of light and an appreciation of both the beauty and science behind the daily transformation of the sunrise. Add on a pancake breakfast out to follow, and this has become a senior tradition in itself!

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Open post by denverwaldorf with ID 18096094907104905
This is what an early start to the school day looks like for our seniors - an observation of the sunrise as part of their studies in optics, combined with a lesson in plein air painting (painting outdoors)! Their morning spent at Red Rocks is a perfect example of our interdisciplinary curriculum, which intentionally weaves lessons in the sciences, humanities, social studies, and the arts. Though a cloud-covered sky offered a softer, more subtle palette than the vibrant sunrises we’re accustomed to in Colorado, it created its own opportunity to observe the ways light and color transform the landscape. This adventure at dawn gives way to a meaningful lesson in the principles of light and an appreciation of both the beauty and science behind the daily transformation of the sunrise. Add on a pancake breakfast out to follow, and this has become a senior tradition in itself!

Planning is well underway for our 52nd Annual Denver Waldorf School Winter Fair! We are calling all makers, creators, and crafters come join us as a vendor at the Artisan Market! We would love for you to share your artistry and handcrafted items with our community during our adults-only shopping event “UnWined” on the evening of 12/4 as well as our Winter Fair on 12/5. Our artisan market is full of talented artisans and makers of unique holiday gifts and handcrafted items - we’d love for you to be a part of it all! ❄️
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
And for our DWS staff, parents of current students, and alumni - did you know there is a special exhibitor rate? It’s just $35 to join (and no application fee). And students are free 😊.

Comment “Merchant” for a direct link to apply!

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Open post by denverwaldorf with ID 18085085564505457
Planning is well underway for our 52nd Annual Denver Waldorf School Winter Fair! We are calling all makers, creators, and crafters come join us as a vendor at the Artisan Market! We would love for you to share your artistry and handcrafted items with our community during our adults-only shopping event “UnWined” on the evening of 12/4 as well as our Winter Fair on 12/5. Our artisan market is full of talented artisans and makers of unique holiday gifts and handcrafted items - we’d love for you to be a part of it all! ❄️ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And for our DWS staff, parents of current students, and alumni - did you know there is a special exhibitor rate? It’s just $35 to join (and no application fee). And students are free 😊. Comment “Merchant” for a direct link to apply!

Yesterday, our 7th and 8th graders adventured into the foothills for a lesson from the trees at the Genesee Challenge Course.

With a harness, some ropes, and plenty of enthusiastic encouragement from their classmates, they each discovered new boundaries within themselves. The heart-pounding moments and “I’m scared!”s were very much present, but so were many moments of bravery that followed.

It was wonderful to witness their growth, courage, and teamwork emerge throughout the course as they cheered on one another, pushed past their comfort zones, and enjoyed the beautiful day under the open sky.

We’re grateful for these experiences that stay with us long after the lesson comes to an end!

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Open post by denverwaldorf with ID 18356752933220215
Yesterday, our 7th and 8th graders adventured into the foothills for a lesson from the trees at the Genesee Challenge Course. With a harness, some ropes, and plenty of enthusiastic encouragement from their classmates, they each discovered new boundaries within themselves. The heart-pounding moments and “I’m scared!”s were very much present, but so were many moments of bravery that followed. It was wonderful to witness their growth, courage, and teamwork emerge throughout the course as they cheered on one another, pushed past their comfort zones, and enjoyed the beautiful day under the open sky. We’re grateful for these experiences that stay with us long after the lesson comes to an end!

There is a growing call to increase time for learning not in the classroom- but on the playground at recess! Research continues to highlight the link between recess and stronger academic performance, and communities and lawmakers across the country are taking notice - advocating for more recess time for unstructured play during the school day.

This has always been a priority in our Waldorf education - and so our students have two recesses! In addition to starting our mornings under the open skies with a jump rope or lap around the field, our elementary and middle school students all heed that call for time outside TWICE a day (in every season, and all kinds of weather).

Free play in the outdoors is a breath out for our students after taking in an academic lesson - giving room for movement to keep our students engaged and ready to learn. We are always grateful to be able to soak in the many benefits that nature provides for social, emotional, physical, and academic development.

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Open post by denverwaldorf with ID 17960823936197441
There is a growing call to increase time for learning not in the classroom- but on the playground at recess! Research continues to highlight the link between recess and stronger academic performance, and communities and lawmakers across the country are taking notice - advocating for more recess time for unstructured play during the school day. This has always been a priority in our Waldorf education - and so our students have two recesses! In addition to starting our mornings under the open skies with a jump rope or lap around the field, our elementary and middle school students all heed that call for time outside TWICE a day (in every season, and all kinds of weather). Free play in the outdoors is a breath out for our students after taking in an academic lesson - giving room for movement to keep our students engaged and ready to learn. We are always grateful to be able to soak in the many benefits that nature provides for social, emotional, physical, and academic development.

Celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, with tradition, reflection, and new beginnings in our 3rd grade. 

In our Waldorf elementary program, each grade explores a unique literary theme as a foundation for language arts. For 3rd grade, the journey through ancient Hebrew stories inspires integrated lessons in culture, music, and community. This celebration of Rosh Hashanah is more than a classroom activity, it’s a lesson that weaves in global consciousness and a respect for the diverse traditions that shape our world.

Ms. Tezak’s 3rd grade class invited families to celebrate together, welcoming the new year with the sound of the shofar, or ram’s horn. We went around the circle and spoke about what we’re grateful for. We broke round challah, whose endless circle symbolizes the turning of the seasons and the seamless transition from one year to the next. We shared apples and honey for a sweet new year, and pomegranate seeds to represent the many blessings and mitzvahs- good deeds- we hope to bring into the year ahead.

L’Shanah Tovah!

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Open post by denverwaldorf with ID 18003364946989640
Celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, with tradition, reflection, and new beginnings in our 3rd grade.  In our Waldorf elementary program, each grade explores a unique literary theme as a foundation for language arts. For 3rd grade, the journey through ancient Hebrew stories inspires integrated lessons in culture, music, and community. This celebration of Rosh Hashanah is more than a classroom activity, it’s a lesson that weaves in global consciousness and a respect for the diverse traditions that shape our world. Ms. Tezak’s 3rd grade class invited families to celebrate together, welcoming the new year with the sound of the shofar, or ram’s horn. We went around the circle and spoke about what we’re grateful for. We broke round challah, whose endless circle symbolizes the turning of the seasons and the seamless transition from one year to the next. We shared apples and honey for a sweet new year, and pomegranate seeds to represent the many blessings and mitzvahs- good deeds- we hope to bring into the year ahead. L’Shanah Tovah!

Place value coming to life for our 2nd graders! In our Waldorf classroom, we weave together stories, art, and hands-on learning to give the children many creative pathways into their learning.

For a lesson in math, this means that the lesson is much more than memorization - it instead involves a variety of approaches that incorporate visual and kinesthetic representations of the concept. The students see, touch, and experience the concepts in a tangible way, making for a meaningful lesson. With these diverse experiences, their learning comes to life with deep understanding and enthusiasm!

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Open post by denverwaldorf with ID 17868832329649443
Place value coming to life for our 2nd graders! In our Waldorf classroom, we weave together stories, art, and hands-on learning to give the children many creative pathways into their learning. For a lesson in math, this means that the lesson is much more than memorization - it instead involves a variety of approaches that incorporate visual and kinesthetic representations of the concept. The students see, touch, and experience the concepts in a tangible way, making for a meaningful lesson. With these diverse experiences, their learning comes to life with deep understanding and enthusiasm!

Plein air painting (painting outdoors) with our seniors 🌳. Practicing the arts is just one way that we strengthen our ability to recognize the beauty of nature and to appreciate our environment. And leaving the four walls of our classrooms behind for the open air and surrounding trees certainly engages all senses as we observe the world around us!

If you ask them, I think they would agree that it’s a wonderful way to begin the high school day - immersed in nature, creativity, and thoughtful observation.

And plein air painting is just one part of our rich arts curriculum - there are more than 40 art classes integrated into our high school curriculum, spanning fine, visual, performing, and industrial arts. The result is that our students become strong, curious thinkers who are equally at home in the world of academic scholarship as they are in artistic and creative expression. 🌿

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Open post by denverwaldorf with ID 18120614644918713
Plein air painting (painting outdoors) with our seniors 🌳. Practicing the arts is just one way that we strengthen our ability to recognize the beauty of nature and to appreciate our environment. And leaving the four walls of our classrooms behind for the open air and surrounding trees certainly engages all senses as we observe the world around us! If you ask them, I think they would agree that it’s a wonderful way to begin the high school day - immersed in nature, creativity, and thoughtful observation. And plein air painting is just one part of our rich arts curriculum - there are more than 40 art classes integrated into our high school curriculum, spanning fine, visual, performing, and industrial arts. The result is that our students become strong, curious thinkers who are equally at home in the world of academic scholarship as they are in artistic and creative expression. 🌿

Take a peek into our new nursery program - this is our Marigold Garden! Located just east of our main campus, Marigold Garden provides a warm, homelike environment for children ages 2 1/2 - 4 1/2. Our days are guided by a gentle rhythm that includes ample outdoor time in our freshly mulched play yard, songs and circle games, nutritious snacks, and festive fun. It is a place where childhood is honored, and each child is nurtured in who they are becoming.

Comment Marigold Garden to learn more about our Early Childhood Program!

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Open post by denverwaldorf with ID 18091137620653856
Take a peek into our new nursery program - this is our Marigold Garden! Located just east of our main campus, Marigold Garden provides a warm, homelike environment for children ages 2 1/2 - 4 1/2. Our days are guided by a gentle rhythm that includes ample outdoor time in our freshly mulched play yard, songs and circle games, nutritious snacks, and festive fun. It is a place where childhood is honored, and each child is nurtured in who they are becoming. Comment Marigold Garden to learn more about our Early Childhood Program!

As always in the beginning of a new school year, it is beautiful to see the new friendships and connections blossoming all around us. One of the unique gifts of being a K-12 school are the opportunities for our young students to get to know our older students!

A treasured Waldorf tradition is the pairing of a first grader with an eighth grade buddy. And as we met together to share a potluck on the playground and meet for the first time, we were reminded just how special these connections can be.

Throughout the year, these buddies will meet regularly to play, share conversation, and celebrate the seasons as they grow together in confidence and community!

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Open post by denverwaldorf with ID 18441723814126798
As always in the beginning of a new school year, it is beautiful to see the new friendships and connections blossoming all around us. One of the unique gifts of being a K-12 school are the opportunities for our young students to get to know our older students! A treasured Waldorf tradition is the pairing of a first grader with an eighth grade buddy. And as we met together to share a potluck on the playground and meet for the first time, we were reminded just how special these connections can be. Throughout the year, these buddies will meet regularly to play, share conversation, and celebrate the seasons as they grow together in confidence and community!

PreK-12th Grade

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The Denver Waldorf School

2100 S. Pennsylvania St.
Denver, CO 80210
p) 303-777-0531
f) 303-744-1216
[email protected]

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