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The Bridge: Diversity and Inclusivity

December 2, 2020 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Up Next on The Bridge: Diversity and Inclusivity

This week on The Bridge, Waldorf educators Magally Luna and Vernon Dewey are joined by racial justice activist Mahdyeh Nowkhandan to discuss the work of diversity and inclusivity in the classroom and in the community at large.

Topic:Diversity and Inclusivity — Fostering a Community for All

Date: December 2, 2020

Time: 7pm MST

Location: Online via Zoom

We will follow the presentation with a live Q&A. Please register to reserve a seat.

What You’ll Learn

The founding principles of Waldorf education are to help the child develop a strong sense of self along with a sense for the community.  The DWS Diversity and Inclusivity Committee works to help fulfill this mission in light of our various identities: racial, ethnic, religious, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and more.

During this webinar, the panel will also cover:

  • How and why we developed a Diversity and Inclusivity Committee
  • Past and current efforts
  • How you can become involved

About the Panel

About Vernon Dewey

Vernon has been working at The Denver Waldorf School since 2008, assisting in the 1st and 2nd Grades before taking on the 1st Grade as class teacher in 2010. He attended Evergreen State College and graduated with a Master’s in Education and a Waldorf Teaching Certificate from Antioch University of New England in 2010. In addition to teaching at The Denver Waldorf School, currently as 8th Grade Teacher, Vernon also serves as a founding member and co-chair of the school’s Diversity Committee.

About Magally Luna

Nearly 20 years, Magally joined the DWS community to teach Spanish. Today, she serves in the elementary school as our 4th grade teacher. “I bring a diverse curriculum to my class of cuties,” she says. She has been on the school’s D&I Committee since its inception, starting with conversations with Laurie Clark in the Morning Glory classroom. She is the founder and co-chair of AWSNA’S BIPOC affinity group, — supporting Waldorf teachers of color throughout the nation — and she has taught BIPOC stories, songs, and movement from the Americas at several national conferences.

About Mahdyeh Nowkhandan

Mahdyeh Nowkhandan is a new DWS parent and member of the D&I Committee, and has recently become one of the leads on the new Denver Waldorf Racial Justice Parent Group. She has a background in advocacy work and racial justice, as well as elementary education — including social-emotional and special education. She is a recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Award, and still she views herself as a life-long learner, non-expert, and an always growing member of the BIPOC community.

About The Bridge

The Bridge is a bimonthly webinar series hosted by The Denver Waldorf School on the benefits of Waldorf education. By connecting one another, we aim to join in the worldwide effort to educate for humanity.

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

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! ❄️
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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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