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Race and the Developing Child

March 15, 2021 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Watch the Recorded Webinar: Race and the Developing Child

The 5 Stages of Development

Presented by the DWS Diversity and Inclusivity Committee, this webinar features a panel of DWS community members in a discussion on racial dynamics, creating a community of inclusion, and the 5 stages of development: conformity, dissonance, resistance & immersion, introspection, and synergetic articulation & awareness.

Date: March 15, 2021

Time: 6pm 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

In addition to providing tips and tools—from at-home resources to supportive storytelling and imagery, the panel will discuss commonly asked questions such as:

  • What is your experience and that of your children with around cultural identity?
  • What is “otherness” and code switching?
  • Where do we see DWS striving?
  • What are ways to create a community of inclusion?

About the Panelists

Waldorf Educator Magally Luna

Magally began as a Spanish teacher school-wide at The Denver Waldorf School and worked in that position for 18 years and now is focusing her energies on the current 4th grade.  She is bringing a diverse curriculum to her class of cuties.  She has been on the Diversity committee since it’s beginning, 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. She has taught BIPOC stories, songs and movement from the Americas at several National conferences. 

DWS Board Member Steven Hill

Steven Hill is a parent to a biracial 8th grader at the Denver School of Arts. He currently serves on the Denver Waldorf School Board of Trustees and is a member of the school’s Diversity & Inclusivity Committee. Mr. Hill is a past member of the Denver Waldorf School Development Committee. He earned his Juris Doctor at the University of Colorado School of Law Boulder, CO. He served serves on the Board of Directors, Families Forward Resource Center Denver, CO an organization that deals with social, economical, and racial disparities for families in Colorado. He has served as a Trainer for licensed Foster Care Parents and Kinship Parents in the state of Colorado teaching the topics of diversity and inclusivity, culture, discipline, child abuse, and child placement.

Linda Hsieh, LPC, ACS

Linda is a therapist and coach dedicated to the healing and thriving of QTBIPoC in Colorado and abroad. She is the daughter of immigrant parents from Taiwan, born and raised in the Denver Metro area. She’s mother to Kai (3rd grade) and Meilin (1st grade), and partner to Vernon Dewey (8th grade teacher).

D&I Committee Member Mahdyeh Nowkhandan

Mahdyeh is a new DWS parent, 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.

D&I Committee Member JP Box

JP is a parent to biracial DWS second grade twins. He graduated from Bowdoin College with a double-major in Spanish and Sociology, culminating in a senior-year independent study on the intersection of basketball and race. While in law school, JP helped lead an effort to revise The Georgetown Law Journal’s selection criteria to ensure a diverse and inclusive publication. Together with his partner, Sarah, he is the co-founder of Chasing Windmills, a merino wool children’s apparel company.

About The DWS Diversity and Inclusivity Committee

Waldorf Education is founded in a worldview that acknowledges the spiritual nature of all beings. Waldorf education fundamentally recognizes and values the many people and perspectives of the world.  It honors the freedom, equality, individuality, and unique capacities of each child and is dedicated to creating an inclusive community that respects and affirms each of its members.

The Diversity and Inclusivity Committee believes that diversity and inclusiveness strengthens education and fosters the essential element of respect that prepares students to live and work in a global environment.

Purpose

The Diversity and Inclusivity Committee endeavors to create an inclusive community of faculty, staff, parents and students by working to address and dismantle oppression within our DWS community. Committee meetings provide a forum for discussion, education, and exploration of issues of age, ancestry, color, creed, disability, family composition, gender, gender-identification, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status.

The committee is charged with helping to shape The Denver Waldorf School as a place where families, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel welcomed and valued.

The committee provides communication to the Board of Trustees and to the College Leadership Council with regard to the diversity scholarship, issues that are facing the student body, parent body, and community.  Committee members act in accordance with the Mission, Vision, and Core Values of The Denver Waldorf School.

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.

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.

We are currently enrolling for in-person learning. Learn more about our onsite tours and in-person shadowing for:

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

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Details

  • Date: March 15, 2021
  • Time:
    6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

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!

It’s the first week of school, so we thought we would give a glimpse into our classrooms all ready for the 2026-27 school year. With the new addition of our Marigold Garden Nursery, ceramics studio, freshly lazured hallway, and more - there has been much work of our hearts and hands over the summer in preparation for this beginning of year!

As you wander our hallways, we hope you are washed over by the warmth and welcoming nature of our classrooms. The beauty is not just meant to please the eye. The beauty is meant to be an invitation - to wonder, to be curious, to imagine, to create, to appreciate. To inspire and to engage. To feel that sense of belonging. We look forward to all that is to come in these spaces as we work to develop the capacities within us to meet the world with courage, creativity, and compassion.

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Open post by denverwaldorf with ID 17942470755315786
It’s the first week of school, so we thought we would give a glimpse into our classrooms all ready for the 2026-27 school year. With the new addition of our Marigold Garden Nursery, ceramics studio, freshly lazured hallway, and more - there has been much work of our hearts and hands over the summer in preparation for this beginning of year! As you wander our hallways, we hope you are washed over by the warmth and welcoming nature of our classrooms. The beauty is not just meant to please the eye. The beauty is meant to be an invitation - to wonder, to be curious, to imagine, to create, to appreciate. To inspire and to engage. To feel that sense of belonging. We look forward to all that is to come in these spaces as we work to develop the capacities within us to meet the world with courage, creativity, and compassion.

Today, we welcomed a new school year. As we do every year, we began with our Rose Ceremony - an event that marks the transition from one stage of life to another.

For our first graders, it is a moment of deep change: releasing a parent’s hand and taking the hand of an eighth grade buddy, then receiving a rose from our seniors. For all of us, it is a moment to pause, to just be, and to honor the fleeting beauty of where we are right now.

The Rose Ceremony recognizes a new beginning for every student this year, but with special meaning for our first, eighth, and twelfth graders - who are standing at the bridge of a fresh chapter.

And so, as we look ahead to all that this year will hold, we can tell you that time will pass here meaningfully - marked by joy in learning, togetherness, curiosity, and seasons. We are grateful to be able to be a part of this deeply rich educational journey with our students. To be able to not only see, hear, and feel - but to know with heart. Welcome to this new season at DWS. 🌹

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Open post by denverwaldorf with ID 18109478291129006
Today, we welcomed a new school year. As we do every year, we began with our Rose Ceremony - an event that marks the transition from one stage of life to another. For our first graders, it is a moment of deep change: releasing a parent’s hand and taking the hand of an eighth grade buddy, then receiving a rose from our seniors. For all of us, it is a moment to pause, to just be, and to honor the fleeting beauty of where we are right now. The Rose Ceremony recognizes a new beginning for every student this year, but with special meaning for our first, eighth, and twelfth graders - who are standing at the bridge of a fresh chapter. And so, as we look ahead to all that this year will hold, we can tell you that time will pass here meaningfully - marked by joy in learning, togetherness, curiosity, and seasons. We are grateful to be able to be a part of this deeply rich educational journey with our students. To be able to not only see, hear, and feel - but to know with heart. Welcome to this new season at DWS. 🌹

As we welcome a new school year tomorrow with our Rose Ceremony, we thought we would give a brief highlight of the festivals that take place throughout the year for any families that are new to Waldorf education! There is so much to look forward to.

The Denver Waldorf School is a community that embraces the festival life. We come together to celebrate the turning of the seasons, to find joy and meaning in diverse cultural traditions, and to strengthen our connections to each other and to this world. Our festival life is a treasured part of our days together! While some cultural festivals are celebrated as a part of specific grade curriculum, other festivals take place as school-wide events as highlighted here. Below is a brief description of these festivals - for further detail, please visit our festivals page on our website!

Rose Ceremony- The Rose Ceremony is always how we begin and end our years - it is an event that marks the transition from one stage of life to another.
Michaelmas (9/29)- Michaelmas reminds us to find our own strength and courage to overcome fears in our lives. We alternate each year by either celebrating with a pageant or field day.
Halloween Journey - Our 7th graders lead our youngest students through our transformed playground and embark on a wonder-filled exploration together for the Halloween season.
Lantern Walk/Martinmas (early Nov) - As we walk in darkness with our crafted lanterns, we are reminded to shine our inner light to others as the darkness of the season grows stronger.
Winter Spiral - It is a reminder that within each of us is our own light and beauty- so that we may move forward in the darkest season ahead, radiating our gifts with one another, and contributing to make the light.
Santa Lucia (12/13) - Our 2nd graders spread the light of kindness, generosity, and hope to our school community with sweet saffron buns and singing!
Festival of Life Renewed - (continued in comments)

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Open post by denverwaldorf with ID 18062667305762072
As we welcome a new school year tomorrow with our Rose Ceremony, we thought we would give a brief highlight of the festivals that take place throughout the year for any families that are new to Waldorf education! There is so much to look forward to. The Denver Waldorf School is a community that embraces the festival life. We come together to celebrate the turning of the seasons, to find joy and meaning in diverse cultural traditions, and to strengthen our connections to each other and to this world. Our festival life is a treasured part of our days together! While some cultural festivals are celebrated as a part of specific grade curriculum, other festivals take place as school-wide events as highlighted here. Below is a brief description of these festivals - for further detail, please visit our festivals page on our website! Rose Ceremony- The Rose Ceremony is always how we begin and end our years - it is an event that marks the transition from one stage of life to another. Michaelmas (9/29)- Michaelmas reminds us to find our own strength and courage to overcome fears in our lives. We alternate each year by either celebrating with a pageant or field day. Halloween Journey - Our 7th graders lead our youngest students through our transformed playground and embark on a wonder-filled exploration together for the Halloween season. Lantern Walk/Martinmas (early Nov) - As we walk in darkness with our crafted lanterns, we are reminded to shine our inner light to others as the darkness of the season grows stronger. Winter Spiral - It is a reminder that within each of us is our own light and beauty- so that we may move forward in the darkest season ahead, radiating our gifts with one another, and contributing to make the light. Santa Lucia (12/13) - Our 2nd graders spread the light of kindness, generosity, and hope to our school community with sweet saffron buns and singing! Festival of Life Renewed - (continued in comments)

PreK-12th Grade

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