Dear Siskiyou School Parents,
Here we are. Who could have seen this coming only one month ago? We had just finished interviews and acceptance of a full class of 28 new first graders for next year (with even a few on the waiting list), the 8th graders were presenting their final projects, we were preparing for the spring events we love so much, and all the children were settled in. Things like Grandparents Day, May Day, and the Olympiad were looming on our faculty agenda. The school was humming with that sweet, delicious, rich hum that is hard to describe unless you are on campus during a normal school day.
Just three weeks ago, the faculty was immersed in a retreat where we were visioning plans for our next 5-10 years, guided by an outside professional. In that retreat, we were asked about how we saw the state of our school in the present moment and the unique ways that the Siskiyou School serves children. The white board exploded with our answers. We were unanimous in knowing that our school is so precious, and we were all aglow with gratitude for what we have right now. Before looking at a future, we reflected on what the foundation of this school has been—enthusiasm and always looking to question:
“How can we best serve our children?” Visioning from that place felt like a luxury, and we began to dip into what could be for the next generation of Siskiyou School families.
It was just after that meeting that we got wind of needing to close the school. Now, here we are because Life is what happens...
And, so we RISE.
Having come from the pioneering days of the school, jumping into the unknown feels very familiar. In those early days we were creating it all as we went along, never knowing even where our classroom would be each year. We taught in sections of Pine Hall, around town in rented spaces, and in spaces shared with AA and church congregations. One of our teachers even set her desks up in the parking lot one fall. It was daunting at times, but what never wavered was our love for this curriculum and how it feeds the children. The students in my class had a weed patch for a playground and they got the bare bones curriculum—no fluff! They report now, being 21 years old, that it is this education that has deeply shaped their lives today.
So, here we are rising to a new challenge as a community. We thank you all for your willingness to work with us as we cross this unknown terrain together. As Waldorf teachers, our deepest values are linked with hands-on learning, personal connection, and living lessons inspired by our relationship with the children in front of us. Translating all this through technology is a test that we have never faced. It has been inspiring to see the teachers rise to the call.
Adaptation of any kind takes resilience. Life forms that thrive through adverse circumstances are those that bend, shift and bounce back. We are hoping that having to adapt so suddenly and deeply to an entirely new way of living and learning and being in family and community will forge our collective resilience and make our children and our community even stronger.
I would especially like to thank the Board for rising with such grace and heartfelt concern for all our families and for the faculty. I have been privileged to sit in their emergency meetings while they wrestle with how to steer the school safely through this storm. They selflessly volunteer their time (which is currently a lot of time), and the gift of their brilliant minds and open hearts is inspiring to witness.
Finally, thank you, dear parents for all you are holding. We know how
much is being asked of you as you juggle children and work and the unknown. Please be gentle with yourselves, find self-care, and know that “this too shall pass.” Meanwhile, take all we offer through the RISE Program and fit it into a framework that works for your family. This will not be perfect; it will be an experience that will be one your children will never forget. We and they are part of history in the making. Let the story that is formed out of this for your family be uniquely yours. If the one thing that is embraced is RESILIENCE, then your child will be well prepared for anything that life brings in their future.
With a deep bow to the unknown, together we can do this.
-Nina Gallwey
On behalf of the faculty