I’m not a worrier, but I do notice a level of worry expressed by many people I come in contact with these days. I consider myself generally a hopeful person, although at times it’s a challenge to remain steadfast in my commitment to hope. I immerse myself in nature as much as possible and surround . . . Read More
One of the best additions to the school since the APA has been revitalized is the multi-cultural bulletin board in the hallway. Each month a different culture is featured, bringing awareness of different populations, many of which are a part of the Seed. This month’s is focused on Ramadan, which began at sundown on February . . . Read More
When the school began in 1977, in the garage of our family home, we established a set of values upon which the school would operate. They were based upon the description of a school about which my spiritual teacher would read to us. Basically, it was a place where all involved would be respected and . . . Read More
This high energy day is always a favorite among school days. Usually it’s on the 14th of February, but this year we celebrated today, since we have parent/teacher conferences tomorrow. Yes, it’s Valentine’s Day. Children (and staff) showed up in various shades of red and pink, some looking like human valentines. I love the enthusiasm . . . Read More
In December, our social-emotional teacher, Mindy, introduced Safe Space school-wide. While most classes already had a place where children could go to calm down and/or regroup, we thought it was important to establish a consistent safe space in all areas of the school that children inhabit. We held staff development meetings to prepare staff for . . . Read More
On Monday we celebrated the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. It’s an annual reminder to continue the practices he stood for that are a part of our everyday lives at the Seed. Non-violence, compassion for others and ourselves, peaceful resolution of differences, standing up for ourselves and each other, being an advocate for those . . . Read More
Until yesterday morning, when I showed up for school, I didn’t know what backflow was. It was the 100th day of school, and the kindergartener arriving with me was more than excited about the upcoming day of celebrating the number 100. Before arriving, all I knew was the school had no water. I quickly learned . . . Read More
Unlike previous years, when we’d head to the coast for a few beach days, I spent the entire winter break here in the valley. The weather was exceptionally pleasant, and it was an invitation to be outside as much as possible. I spent time in my garden, delighting in this year’s banner crop of carrots, . . . Read More
Last night we extinguished the 700 luminarias we assembled this week. Each paper bag held a candle and two cups of playground sand. At various times different crews made up of staff and parent volunteers set up the bags, hung lights, charged the solar spotlights, and created installations for last night’s Celebration of the Winter . . . Read More
In less than a week we’ll be gathering for one of the Seed’s most significant events, the Celebration of the Winter Solstice. I love what the evening has evolved into since its beginnings in the early 80s. Seeking to hold a celebration with a universal appeal, we decided to focus on the solstice and the . . . Read More
I’ve had several requests for more stories about my Bhutan trip. Here’s one that was quite meaningful: Long before I took my recent trip to Bhutan, I wanted to go to Taktsang, otherwise known as Tiger’s Nest. Resembling something out of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, there was something about the place, constructed high on . . . Read More
On Wednesday we’ll gather as a community to celebrate the Seed and everything about it for which we are grateful. It’s an event that has been part of the Seed history for a long time. In past years we used to spend days preparing a feast for our families to enjoy. Classes would make green . . . Read More
I’ve returned from my trip to Bhutan and am still in the midst of processing the experience. To say it was extraordinary is an understatement. I’m not ready to fully write about it, which I’ll do soon, but I do want to share one story that is related to my main takeaway from the trip. . . . Read More
This morning when I walked I was greeted by a sky laced with orange wispy clouds. I’ve anticipated this day for months. In early spring I heard about a two-week trip to Bhutan organized by a group from California. I was eager to go on the trip and applied. Initially I was not selected. I . . . Read More
I grew up on a dead end street. For over 70 years, the red and white house at the end of Olive Avenue was home to my parents and, in the early decades, my three siblings and me. I am the oldest, and our ages span nine years. Growing up in the 1950s in rural . . . Read More
Normally, at this time of year, we’ve already planted most of our classroom gardens. Not this year. With temperatures consistently still above 100, very few seeds have been placed in the soil. A few that have more shade than others, and a small irrigation system installed, have been planted and are bravely poking up skyward. . . . Read More
With a slight shift in the weather toward cooler days, I noticed this morning a group of preschoolers out in Gwen’s Castle. During the warmer months there tends to be less activity in the space, but once it cools off, children begin to gravitate to that area of the playground. The Castle was created in . . . Read More
Yesterday was 9-11 and I still have vivid memories of the day, 23 years ago. It was the day planes struck the Twin Towers, the skies went quiet, and everything in the world changed. Our world continues to have its challenges and bright spots. One of the brightest spots for me is the Seed, particularly . . . Read More
On Tuesday night I attended the Kindergarten curriculum night on Zoom. I was there because my great-granddaughter is a student in the class this year. Interestingly, although my daughters and two of my grandchildren went through the Seed’s elementary program, my great-granddaughter is the first of them to be a student in Kerri’s kindergarten. Kerri . . . Read More
Around this time in 1977, my friend Anne Sager and I were busily preparing for the opening of The New School. Months earlier, I was talking with my teacher, Erma Pounds, and she suggested the idea of starting a school. As a young mother of a three-year-old and newborn, I said yes. In the . . . Read More
Today is our last day of summer camp. The two oldest classes are preparing for their afternoon performances, and teachers are going over checklists for closing up their summer classrooms. We have a few construction projects going on, and two classrooms are being prepared for painting. One of my projects for the summer has been . . . Read More
This morning, while out for my walk, I spied this sweet flower in someone’s yard. I felt fortunate to have witnessed how beautifully the sunlight shone through the petals. Summer is a good time to slow down and stay open to nature’s surprises. It also helps take my mind off the summer heat. It’s hot. . . . Read More
Prior to the pandemic, we traditionally organized a summer community service project. Sometimes we collected non-perishable items for a food pantry. Other times we’ve collected toys and clothes. This year we’re bringing back our summer community service project to benefit Chandler Regional Medical Center’s Eat Sleep Console Program. There’s a story behind our selection of . . . Read More
I appreciate how nature often reflects what’s going on in my everyday life. On my morning walk this week I noticed a mother duck guiding her family of ducklings along the canal. I could tell she was training them in the ways of the water, giving them time and opportunities to find food for themselves. . . . Read More