This article appears as part of Hawthorne Valley's 2024 Annual Impact Report: The Biodiversity Edition. We invite you to explore the full report and learn more about our work to renew soil, society, and self through the integration of education, agriculture, and the arts here.
Celebrating 50 Years of Waldorf Education
This year marked a momentous milestone for Hawthorne Valley School—our 50th anniversary. We celebrated with events that honored our history and set our sights on the future. The October gala, held in the School greenhouse, brought together faculty, parents, alumni, and community members in a warm, festive gathering. Throughout the year, we continued this celebration with an alumni reunion, a student art exhibit at Lightforms Art Center, and a retrospective display of photographs and yearbooks. These events highlighted the enduring strength of our school community and the creative spirit of our students and alumni.
Enrollment and Academic Excellence
Enrollment growth was a key success this year, with 314 students on closing day, including 63 high school students. This steady increase reflects the vibrancy and relevance of Waldorf education in our region. Families continue to be drawn to the unique opportunities we offer, from rigorous academics to experiential learning.
Our students flourished through hands-on experiences and field practicums, including Grade 8 wilderness trips, the Grade 11 journey exploring the American South's civil rights history, and the Grade 12 trip to Spain. These transformative experiences extended classroom learning into the broader world, deepening students’ understanding of history, culture, and their civic responsibilities.
Supporting the Whole Child
This year, we expanded our Hickory Program and learning support services using federal EANS funding. Two part-time learning support teachers joined our team, enabling us to better meet the social-emotional and academic needs of our students. While the costs of this vital work are significant, the benefits are undeniable: students who might otherwise struggle are thriving. Our expanded counseling staff also played a pivotal role in supporting the well-being of our school community.
Faculty and Staff Innovations
Staffing changes presented challenges and opportunities. Three long-serving class teachers transitioned out of classroom roles, allowing us to add a dedicated lower school substitute teacher, a full-time Middle and High School Learning Support Coordinator, and other skilled faculty members. These additions are ensuring continuity, reducing stress on current teachers, and fostering a healthier balance for our faculty.
The introduction of the Raptor Communication system enhanced campus-wide safety and communication protocols, particularly in emergencies. These measures, combined with ongoing professional development, reflect our commitment to providing a secure and supportive environment for learning.
Festivals and Community Building
Our festivals and traditions, including Michaelmas, May Fair, and the Yuletide Fair, brought joy and connection to students and families. The expanded Michaelmas Pageant, Martinmas Lantern Walk, and Maypole Dancing underscored the rich cultural and artistic life of our school. Events like Grandparents' Day and the MLK Jr. Day community gathering strengthened bonds across generations and highlighted our shared values.
The Arts in Focus
A highlight of the year was the first-ever all-school musical, Miranda’s Quill, a collaborative production involving students across grades. Our Winter and Spring concerts showcased the growing talent in our music program, including the debut of a high school jazz band and exceptional performances by students in grades 3-12. These artistic achievements reflect our commitment to fostering creativity and collaboration in our students.
Athletics and Extracurricular Growth
We expanded athletic opportunities through partnerships with Taconic Hills, offering sports like volleyball, soccer, track and field, and baseball. These programs provided our students with valuable team-building experiences and contributed to school spirit. Extracurricular offerings, including chamber orchestra, culinary arts, and aerial acrobatics, gave students diverse outlets to explore their passions.
Investing in Our Future
Our 2023-24 capital improvements supported the continued growth of our school. From classroom renovations to upgrades in our parking and gathering spaces, these projects enriched the daily experience of students and staff. Looking ahead, we’re focusing on sustaining these advancements and further enhancing the learning environment.
As we enter the 2024-25 school year, our enrollment remains strong, and our staff is prepared to meet the evolving needs of our students. We are committed to deepening the impact of our educational offerings, strengthening our community, and fostering the values of Waldorf education for generations to come.
by Karin Almquist, School Director
