What is Eurythmy? I ask myself this question all the time. The word “eurythmy” comes from Greek and literally means “beautiful or harmonious movement”. Whether you have had the opportunity to see a live eurythmy performance, taken part in a class, or have never even heard the word before, you may be surprised to learn that this very special movement art form is just in its infancy!

In many Waldorf grade 3 classrooms, a common impulse of the age - to separate and create a space for one's self - is supported with students' very first project experience: choosing and building a model of a shelter or dwelling. Grade 3 students at RSSAA first learn about shelters and dwellings constructed by indigenous people in North America and around the world, and how these people ingeniously used what they had in their local surroundings to keep warm, safe and dry.

Stone-carving is a newer part of the high school art curriculum, taught by Elizaveta McFall (art teacher, alum and parent). She was mentored by Laura Shope (former HS Coordinator, art teacher and parent) who introduced it four years ago as a new artistic experience. Elizaveta points out that this art class contrasts all the other art experiences at RSSAA, as it is a process of unveiling and revealing, where most of our art classes are adding and layering.

How do you quantify the value of experiences in a Waldorf school? I don’t believe you can. I have seen with my two children, as well as their friends, that they carry “something” within them that others don’t. I see it when my son runs daily, seeks out a piano and plays it wherever and whenever he can, codes “for fun,” composes music, and is taking voice lessons and theater classes alongside his astrophysics major in college.

Like many other topics, race can be challenging for adults to discuss among themselves, let alone with their children. But while open dialogue about race is limited in our society, that doesn't mean you can't make decisions and set the tone for discussions about race in your home. Talking with young children about race is an opportunity - one you may or may not have experienced when you were growing up. 

Any opportunity students have to create is a moment of empowerment. When explored through hands-on activities, the subject often goes from being frustrating and mysterious to relatable and tangible.

Honoring and celebrating are wonderful ways to teach children about the diversity that makes our world such an amazing place.  Part of our school's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice is to ensure that our curriculum, classroom activities and celebrations include a wide range of diverse and inclusive topics, and one way we do this is by connecting to monthly observances that are held in the wider culture of the United States.

When my husband, Ryan, and I made the commitment to send both of our children to a Waldorf School through High School, we weren’t too sure that it would provide our kids a solid foundation in math and science, as we were both educated to become engineers through the traditional public school model. Boy, were we wrong! Little did we know at the time just how well-prepared our children would be to pursue a scientific path. 

Throughout the year, our school celebrates festivals to connect us with the cycle of nature, establish a yearly rhythm for the children, and strengthen our community. The festival of Martinmas is traditionally celebrated on November 11, between the fiery out breath of Michaelmas and the deep in breath of the winter holidays.

Are you curious about the outcome of a Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor education, and about Waldorf high school graduates in general? Into the World: How Waldorf Graduates Fare after High School is an excellent resource, published by Waldorf Publications in 2020, using data from a study by the Research Institute for Waldorf Education that surveyed 1,066 graduates of Waldorf high schools.

In each of our own ways, we strive to make the world a better place. It may be through volunteering in our community, being a good steward of the environment, or raising children who can bring their own gifts to the world.

The annual 12th grade September zoology trip had to be canceled in 2020, and the 2021 trip seemed doubtful because of the virus transmission risk inherent with travel. Fortunately, staff and families worked together to plan and execute an incredible experience for the Class of 2022 to spend six days at Hermit Island Campground on the coast of Maine, the 25th time this trip has been offered to Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor seniors!

Volunteers can make all the difference at a school!  From practical, hands-on work in the classrooms and around the campus to valuable input about school governance and development, our school could not function without the amazing support we receive from volunteers.

Soon our school will be celebrating Michaelmas. For many of you, this may be the first you have heard of this festival — I know I didn't know about it until I became involved with Waldorf education. It is one of the biggest festivals celebrated in Waldorf schools, and Waldorf schools seem to be one of the few places it is even celebrated.

Until the spring of 2020, each year’s 10th grade class had spent the first week of June at Camp Lookout in Northern Michigan using their geometry, analytical and creative skills to accurately survey and map a geographic area.

It’s hard to believe that summer is winding down and this is our last week of camp. Many adventures were had and new friends made! Our Golden Eagles students, who are in their final year of kindergarten and getting ready for Grade One, spent some time together — some for the first time — with students from Grades 1-8 getting a preview of what being a “Grader” is all about.

At Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor, our teachers spend their summers recharging and renewing their skills with support from our Annual Fund and grants.

Mr. Banks enlisted the help of students and staff during the summer of 2020 to prepare the space for incoming 10th graders to have a meaningful, hands-on experience after having had their 9th grade Farm Trip canceled.

It is common for Early Childhood and Early Grades teachers to visit the homes of students new to our school as a way to find out more information about a student so that the teacher can better support and connect with them. 

We all love a good story. Stories capture our hearts and engage our imaginations. But what about stories and our brains?