by Rick Shrum – 11 Jul 2004
As we wrap up the last couple of weeks of this school year, we look forward with great anticipation to the opening of the new Great Barrington Waldorf High School in September. During the summer months we will begin to transform the spaces of our new downtown location, making some renovations, touching up the paint, and making it look and feel like a Waldorf school.
The students are excited about the prospect of venturing into a new routine and entering into the life of the town. Most of our current students are returning and others are joining from other schools. One of the most exciting developments is the interest expressed by several German students from the Steiner School in Munich to spend between three weeks and three months with us as exchange students. Our own students who traveled to Germany last month made such a good impression on the German students and the faculty that they are now eager to come and experience American life.
In fact, the Munich school has expressed interest in developing a sister school relationship with us. We will make arrangements to board these students with families in our community and incorporate them into all of our classes and activities.
Our curriculum will be rich with riveting pictures of history, challenging math and science, a stimulating literature and writing program, a variety of opportunities in the arts, several elective courses, and a wide range of physical education. One of the key experiences for the 11th grade students will be their participation in a one-week internship in a field of their choice. In addition to gaining valuable insights into possible career goals, this will also involve learning how to write a resume and cover letter as part of the application process for their internship.
Given our location in town, we also plan to take full advantage of the facilities and opportunities that Great Barrington has to offer, such as Mason Library for student research, St.Peterís rectory for our drama work, and the Town Hall for municipal studies. We are planning to offer an inter-disciplinary seminar course in local history and culture next year, in which students may study local politics, environmental concerns, demographic issues, or important historical events in Great Barringtonís past. Of course we will maintain our vital connection with Simonís Rock for use of their science labs, gym facilities, craft studios, and library.
It is going to be an exciting year for all of us involved in this new venture and one that we think will be richly rewarding for all. We are looking forward to doing more high school lectures and workshops in the fall to help next yearís 8th grade parents and students gain an appreciation for the importance of completing the journey begun in first grade.