Revised September 2021 - Cedarwood Waldorf School
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Revised September 2021 SEPTEMBER 2021 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS WELCOME LETTER ...................................................................................................................................... 5 LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ...................................................................................................................... 5 MISSION AND VALUES ................................................................................................................................ 6 Mission Statement...................................................................................................................................... 6 Our Values ................................................................................................................................................. 6 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ................................................................................................................... 6 Non-Discrimination Policy .......................................................................................................................... 6 CONTACT INFORMATION ........................................................................................................................... 7 SCHOOL HOURS .......................................................................................................................................... 7 KEY CONTACTS ........................................................................................................................................... 8 WHERE TO GET ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ......................................................................................... 10 ACADEMIC INTEGRITY .............................................................................................................................. 11 ACCREDITATION ........................................................................................................................................ 11 ATTENDANCE AND THE SCHOOL DAY ................................................................................................... 12 Absence, Late Arrivals Or Tardiness ....................................................................................................... 12 Dismissal .................................................................................................................................................. 12 Early Release for Special Events ............................................................................................................ 12 Extended Day Program ............................................................................................................................ 13 Pick Up Authorization ............................................................................................................................... 13 Prolonged Absences ................................................................................................................................ 13 Required Participation in All of Our Programs ......................................................................................... 14 Required Participation In School Events ................................................................................................. 14 School Closures ....................................................................................................................................... 14 BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS ..................................................................................................................... 15 Recess And Playground Behavior ........................................................................................................... 15 BUILDING GUIDELINES ............................................................................................................................. 16 Bicycles .................................................................................................................................................... 16 Dogs And Other Pets ............................................................................................................................... 16 Elevator Use ............................................................................................................................................. 16 Gum Chewing .......................................................................................................................................... 16 Parking ..................................................................................................................................................... 17 Trash, Recycling, And Compost .............................................................................................................. 17 BUILDING MAPS ......................................................................................................................................... 18 CALENDAR.................................................................................................................................................. 21 Camps During School Breaks .................................................................................................................. 21 Class Meetings And Parent-Teacher Conferences ................................................................................. 21 DIRECT COMMUNICATION ....................................................................................................................... 22 Code of Conduct ...................................................................................................................................... 22 Conflict Resolution and Grievance Policy ................................................................................................ 22 DISCIPLINARY ACTION ............................................................................................................................. 24 SEPTEMBER 2021 2
DISTANCE LEARNING: CEDARWOOD CONNECTED LEARNING ......................................................... 25 DRESS CODE ............................................................................................................................................. 25 Athletic Shoes .......................................................................................................................................... 26 Clothing For Movement Class (For Upper Grades Only) ........................................................................ 26 Concert Attire ........................................................................................................................................... 26 Indoor Shoes ............................................................................................................................................ 26 EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES...................................................................................................... 27 Assessments ............................................................................................................................................ 27 Rising Grade 1 Observation..................................................................................................................... 27 Grade 2 Observation ................................................................................................................................ 27 Grade 3 through 5 Assessments ............................................................................................................. 28 Middle School ........................................................................................................................................... 28 Personalized Education Plans (PEP) and Educational Accommodations .............................................. 28 ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDELINES ................................................... 28 Cell Phones .............................................................................................................................................. 29 Media Policy ............................................................................................................................................. 29 Personal Accommodations ...................................................................................................................... 30 ENROLLMENT & TUITION.......................................................................................................................... 31 Tuition & Payment Policy ......................................................................................................................... 31 Early Withdrawal ...................................................................................................................................... 31 Extra Expenses ........................................................................................................................................ 31 Tuition Assistance .................................................................................................................................... 31 Special Circumstances Funds ................................................................................................................. 32 Termination of Contract ........................................................................................................................... 32 EXPECTATIONS OF PARENTS ................................................................................................................. 33 Gift Giving ................................................................................................................................................ 33 HARASSMENT AND BULLYING ................................................................................................................ 33 HEALTH & WELLNESS ............................................................................................................................... 34 How To Support Your Student’s Wellness............................................................................................... 34 Allergies & Food Sensitivities................................................................................................................... 34 Emergency Contact Information .............................................................................................................. 34 Immunizations .......................................................................................................................................... 34 Medical Administration ............................................................................................................................. 35 Medical Information .................................................................................................................................. 35 Sick and Injured Children ......................................................................................................................... 35 COVID-19 ................................................................................................................................................. 36 HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR TEACHERS.................................................................................................... 37 Communication ........................................................................................................................................ 37 Helping In The Classroom ....................................................................................................................... 37 Reimbursements ...................................................................................................................................... 37 Setting The Tone...................................................................................................................................... 37 LUNCH AND SNACK................................................................................................................................... 38 SEPTEMBER 2021 3
PARENT AND GUARDIAN INVOLVEMENT ............................................................................................... 38 Community Events ................................................................................................................................... 38 Festivals ................................................................................................................................................... 39 Fundraisers .............................................................................................................................................. 39 Parent Council .......................................................................................................................................... 40 PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS (GRADES 4-8) .............................................................................................. 40 SAFETY, EMERGENCY DRILLS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS .......................................................... 40 Certified CPR and First Aid Personnel .................................................................................................... 40 Emergency Drill Procedures .................................................................................................................... 40 Hazardous Materials And Student Safety ................................................................................................ 41 Safety Inspections .................................................................................................................................... 41 SECURITY ................................................................................................................................................... 41 STUDENT REPORTS AND TRANSCRIPTS .............................................................................................. 41 Early Childhood ........................................................................................................................................ 41 Grades 1-8 ............................................................................................................................................... 41 Transcript Requests ................................................................................................................................. 42 VISITORS .................................................................................................................................................... 42 APPENDICES .............................................................................................................................................. 43 Appendix 1: History of Cedarwood Waldorf School ................................................................................. 43 Appendix 2: Waldorf Education................................................................................................................ 44 Appendix 3: Core Principles of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America ........................... 46 Appendix 4: Cedarwood Governance ...................................................................................................... 48 Appendix 5: Harassment And Bullying .................................................................................................... 49 Appendix 6: COVID-19 ............................................................................................................................ 51 SEPTEMBER 2021 4
WELCOME LETTER
Dear Cedarwood Parents,
It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the 2021-2022 school year. After a year of Cedarwood
Connected Online Learning, it is delightful to see the joyous presence of the classes together again --
online students and in-person students alike.
We acknowledge that the pandemic brought us physical, social, emotional, and financial challenges. It
has demanded of us that, for the sake of the children, we practice resilience, patience, and compassion,
through which we may come to a deeper recognition and understanding of the importance of one another
and the connection between us . Our students are learning every day, making connections with their
friends, and bringing deep questions to teachers, parents, community, and society, to see where each of
us stand individually as well as collectively. They are seeking role models who demonstrate a striving
toward bringing the world into a harmonious whole for the future. We are responsible for meeting these
questions with authenticity, openness, hope, and love. We appreciate your partnership and collaboration
in keeping our education meaningful and real in this regard as we move through this challenging time.
Meanwhile, we will be continuing to follow the guidance of the Department of Education, the Early
Learning Division, and the Multnomah County Health Department throughout the school year, to instill the
best practices for keeping everyone safe.
Thank you for choosing Cedarwood Waldorf School for your children’s education!
Sincerely,
Sue Levine
Head of School
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We acknowledge the land on which we sit and which we occupy at Cedarwood
Waldorf School. The Portland Metro area rests on traditional village sites of the
Multnomah, Wasco, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin,
Kalapuya, Molalla, and many other tribes who have made their homes along the
Columbia River, creating communities and summer encampments to harvest and use
the plentiful natural resources of the area.* We take this opportunity to acknowledge,
honor, and thank the original caretakers of this land.
by Anna Mojallali
*Portland Indian Leaders Roundtable, 2018
SEPTEMBER 2021 5MISSION AND VALUES Mission Statement Cedarwood Waldorf School strives to bring Waldorf education to life and to instill a love for learning. Our curriculum weaves together the arts, academics and movement, with a reverence for the developing child. We will nurture our children’s spirituality, cultivate their ability to think imaginatively, and inspire them to seek the truth. Our Values Guided by an understanding of Rudolf Steiner’s philosophy and insight into the developing human being, we seek to nurture children's spirituality, cultivate their ability to think imaginatively and express themselves artistically. We choose to patiently encourage their sense of wonder at the natural world and inspire them to seek the truth. In creating an educational community to support these efforts we pledge to honor diversity, kindness, civility and mutual respect. Through our rich curriculum and a deep understanding of the adult emerging from the child, it is our desire and our mission that each student should go forth into adulthood, a person of confidence, integrity and honor, with a high regard for humanity and our precious planet. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion In keeping with Waldorf Education’s aim of teaching children to influence and lead within a society composed across a spectrum of social, cultural and financial differences, Cedarwood has traditionally striven to be supportive and reflective of the demographic characteristics of the Portland metro area. We define diversity as a range of racial identifications, ancestries, nationalities, native languages, socioeconomic backgrounds, family structures, ages, belief systems, gender and sexual identities, abilities, appearances, occupations, and political affiliations. At Cedarwood, we hold an ongoing commitment to improving our inclusivity and diversity. The many different ways that members of our school community may look, sound, worship or love are integral to the school's mission. Our children thrive within a healthy diverse group of teachers, families, fellow students and friends. Cedarwood honors the multiple perspectives that exist in our increasingly diverse community with a commitment to ongoing conversation, education and partnership. Non-Discrimination Policy Cedarwood welcomes students of all races, creeds and national or ethnic origin in its admission policy and conduct of its educational programs. Our school is non-sectarian and non- denominational and is committed to providing Waldorf education to all families without economic, social, religious or racial prejudice. SEPTEMBER 2021 6
CONTACT INFORMATION School Office: 3030 SW 2nd Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97201 Phone: 503-245-1477 x 10 Fax: 503-245-5405 http://www.cedarwoodschool.org/ SCHOOL HOURS Early Childhood: Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten BEFORE CARE* 7:30am-8:15am DROP OFF 8:15am-8:30am HALF DAY 8:30am-12:30pm HALF DAY PICK UP 12:30pm Locations arranged by class FULL DAY 8:30am-3:00pm FULL DAY PICK UP 2:45pm-3:00pm EXTENDED DAY** 3:00pm-6:00pm Grade 1-8 BEFORE CARE* 7:30am-8:00am DROP-OFF 8:00am-8:15am FULL DAY 8:15am-3:00pm PICK UP 3:00pm-3:15pm EXTENDED DAY** 3:15pm–6:00pm *Families should sign up for Before Care in the office in advance each week by the Wednesday prior at https://www.cedarwoodschool.org/before-after-school-programs. ** Please register for Extended Day in advance at https://www.mytads.com/. School Office Hours 8:00am – 4:00pm Monday through Friday 503 245 1477 x 10 Business Office Hours 8:30am – 4:30pm Monday through Friday 503 245 1477 x 13 SEPTEMBER 2021 7
KEY CONTACTS
ADMINISTRATION
Sue Levine Chiaki Uchiyama
Head of School Pedagogical Director
(503) 245-1477 x39 (503) 245-1477 x37
slevine@cedarwoodschool.org cuchiyama@cedarwoodschool.org
David Nolfi Jeremy Smith
Finance Director Facilities Manager
(503) 245-1477 x13 Primary Emergency and Incident Manager
dnolfi@cedarwoodschool.org (503) 245-1477 x35
jsmith@cedarwoodschool.org
Jeremy Jackson
Office Manager Asya Beardsley
(503) 245-1477 x40 Director of Community Development
frontoffice@cedarwoodschool.org and Engagement
jjackson@cedarwoodschool.org (503) 245-1477 x29
abeardsley@cedarwoodschool.org
Meghan Keener
Receptionist Chelsea Slaven-Davis
(503) 245-1477 x10 Director of Marketing and Communications
mkeener@cedarwoodschool.org (503) 245-1477 x14
cslavendavis@cedarwoodschool.org
Erin Cooley
Director of Enrollment Management and
Communications
(503) 245-1477 x31
ecooley@cedarwoodschool.org
EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM
Avery Gerhardt Sebastian Slaven-Davis
Early Childhood Extended Day Lead Teacher Grades Extended Day Lead Teacher
(503) 245 1477 x10 (503) 245-1477 x10
(503) 245-1477 x28 (after 4:00pm) (503) 245 1477 x17 (after 4:00 pm only)
agerhardt@cedarwoodschool.org sslavendavis@cedarwoodschool.org
Monica Stone Eric Hertz
Early Childhood Extended Day Lead Teacher Interim Grades Extended Day Lead Teacher
(503) 245 1477 x10 (while Cedarwood offers an online program)
(503) 245 1477 x26 (after 4:00pm) (503) 245-1477 x 10
mstone@cedarwoodschool.org (503) 245 1477 x 17 (after 4:00pm only)
ehertz@cedarwoodschool.org
SEPTEMBER 2021 8FACULTY SECTION LEADERS Julie Sauton Early Childhood Section Leader (503) 245-1477 x10 jsauton@cedarwoodschool.org Nancy Thompson Lower Grades Section Leader (503) 245-1477 x10 nthompson@cedarwoodschool.org Michelle Jarvis Grades Subject Section Leader (503) 245-1477 x10 mjarvis@cedarwoodschool.org Natalie Norman Upper Grades Section Leader (503) 245-1477 x10 nnorman@cedarwoodschool.org SEPTEMBER 2021 9
WHERE TO GET ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS Administrative and Board-Related Sue Levine, Head of School (503) 245-1477 x39 slevine@cedarwoodschool.org Annex second floor, top of the stairs by the library Program, Faculty, & Student-Support Related Chiaki Uchiyama, Pedagogical Director (503) 245-1477 x37 cuchiyama@cedarwoodschool.org Annex first floor, under the stair behind the Community Room Attendance; Phone Calls; First Aid; Supplies; Inter-Office Mail frontoffice@cedarwoodschool.org Meghan Keener, Receptionist (503) 245-1477 x 10 mkeener@cedarwoodschool.org If you wish to leave messages or paperwork for someone in The Blue House, please leave them with the Front Office; items left there will be delivered daily. Technical Support and Database Support Jeremy Jackson, Office Manager Coordinator (503) 245 1477 x 40 support@cedarwoodschool.org Enrollment & School Tours; Tuition Assistance; Open Houses; Back to School Night; High School Placement Erin Cooley, Director of Enrollment Management and Tuition Assistance (503) 245-1477 x31 ecooley@cedarwoodschool.org The Blue House, 118 Porter Street Annual Appeal; Auction; Community Events; Grandparents & Special Friends Day; Volunteering; Winter Faire; Festivals Asya Beardsley, Director of Community Development and Engagement (503) 245-1477 x 29 abeardsley@cedarwoodschool.org The Blue House, 118 Porter Street Marketing & Communications; Outreach; Weekly Update (submission deadline is Wednesday prior to publication) Chelsea Slaven-Davis, Marketing & Communications Director (503) 245-1477 x14 cslavendavis@cedarwoodschool.org The Blue House, 118 Porter St. Billing, Reimbursement, and Budget-Related Questions David Nolfi, Finance Director (503) 245-1477 x13 dnolfi@cedarwoodschool.org The Blue House, 118 Porter St. Facilities Questions & Requests for Repair Jeremy Smith, Facilities Manager & Primary Emergency Incident Manager (503) 245-1477 x35 jsmith@cedarwoodschool.org The Blue House, 118 Porter St. SEPTEMBER 2021 10
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
An open mind, a supportive heart, and an active imagination are needed to fulfill the education at
Cedarwood Waldorf School. In addition, we also maintain certain behavioral standards in order to ensure
the success of all of our students in any program, grade, or subject. We ask all students to observe the
following guidelines at all times and locations throughout the school day:
● Be prepared for all classes, events, activities, and assignments
● Be on time for all classes, events, activities, and assignments
● Be safe and do your best to ensure the safety of others
● Participate with the group to the best of your ability
● Listen and follow instructions from teachers and staff
● Use appropriate voice, tone, and gestures
● Clearly communicate and respect boundaries
● Care for yourself and others at all times
We value the hard work and unique spirit that each student puts forth into their schoolwork, and we seek
to honor the highly individualized nature of those efforts. For their part, all students are expected to take
personal responsibility for all of their assigned work, put forth their best effort, and complete all
assignments on time. Though CWS encourages collaboration and mutual support when appropriate, we
will not tolerate plagiarism of anyone’s work, including another student’s, or cheating of any kind.
ACCREDITATION
Cedarwood Waldorf School is an independent, private Waldorf school. We are accredited as a Full
Member School by the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA), an association that
strengthens and supports Waldorf schools and informs the public of the benefits of Waldorf education.
Cedarwood hosted the AWSNA 2017 summer conference.
Cedarwood is also an accredited member of the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS),
a voluntary association of more than 114 independent schools in the Pacific Northwest. All NWAIS
schools are nonprofit institutions chartered by the board of regents, individually governed by elected
boards of trustees, and privately financed by tuition, fees and contributions.
Cedarwood’s early childhood program is accredited by the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North
America (WECAN) and has hosted the national WECAN conference.
SEPTEMBER 2021 11ATTENDANCE AND THE SCHOOL DAY
Absence, Late Arrivals Or Tardiness
Please call (503) 245-1477 x10 by 9:00am to notify us if your child(ren) will be absent or arriving late to be
sure the absence is excused.
If your child arrives late to school, please direct them to the Front Office to sign in before reporting to
class.
If your absence is not communicated, or is for travel or vacation, it is considered unexcused. Teachers
are not required to re-teach material covered during lessons a student misses due to travel.
Waldorf Education is a living education that occurs every day in the classroom. Your child’s attendance at
school is the absolute best way to ensure his or her success at Cedarwood. Students with irregular
attendance and frequent late arrivals struggle academically and socially, and teachers observe that
absences often lead to more absences.
Irregular attendance or excessive tardies may result in:
● Meeting with teacher
● Meeting with teacher and Pedagogical Director
● Personal Education Plan
● Probation
● Discussion about continued enrollment
Dismissal
For 2021-2021 school year, students in Grade 7 and 8 will be dismissed independently. Please let
class teacher know your arrangement with the students. Other students will stay with their
classes in designated areas until parents and authorized guardians arrive.
Children in the Early Childhood Program and Grades 1 - 3 will be dismissed by teachers directly to an
adult approved for pick-up.
Students in Grade 4 may be released directly to an approved adult or independently, according to a
prearranged agreement made between the teacher and parents.
Students in Grades 5 - 8 will be dismissed from their classroom independently. You may meet your 5th -
8th grader in the gym or courtyard, or at another pick-up point chosen by your child’s teacher.
Please call (503) 245-1477 x10 by 2:45 pm if you will be more than 15 minutes late to pick your child(ren)
up. At 3:15 pm, teachers will take children to Extended Day to wait for you. You may be billed for this
time.
Under no circumstances are students permitted to linger in the building without adult supervision.
Early Release for Special Events
Early release on Michaelmas and May Day may not apply for the 2021-2022 school year. Check
school communications.
On these days Early Childhood and Grades are dismissed at 12:30pm. Extended Day is available on
some of these days as noted.
● First day of school (Extended Day available)
● Michaelmas
SEPTEMBER 2021 12● Last day of school before Holiday Winter Break (Extended Day available)
● May Day
● Last day of school year
Extended Day Program
Drop-off Before Care is offered daily beginning at 7:30am. Please sign up in advance, so our teachers will
know who is coming. The Before Care signup can be found on the website at
https://www.cedarwoodschool.org/before-after-school-programs.
The Extended Day Program is provided from class dismissal until 6:00pm, Monday - Friday when school
is in session*. Depending on the day, children may engage in arts and crafts, board games, reading, or
playing with friends. Time will also be provided for active play outdoors or in the gym. Parents should
pack extra food for snacks when their child attends the Extended Day Program. Families may sign up for
Extended Day on an annual basis through TADs: https://www.mytads.com/.
Grades Extended Day begins on the first day of school.
Early Childhood Extended Day begins on the first day of the second week of Early Childhood classes.
Drop-in space may also be available for Grades Extended Day; requests should be made day-of through
the Front Office. There is no drop-in Extended Day for the Early Childhood program.
If a child has not been picked up on time at the end of the school day, the child will remain in the
classroom for 15 minutes and then be brought to the Extended Day Program by their teacher. If you have
a last-minute need of care, please contact the Front Office as soon as possible to coordinate with the
teachers. This option is extended as an emergency courtesy and should not be used regularly.
Families picking their children up any later than 15 minutes following dismissal will therefore be subject to
late fees. The school charges $15 after 3:30 pm and an additional $1 per minute after 6:00pm. Late fees
will be assessed on a monthly basis.
Pick Up Authorization
Please list all adults who are authorized to pick up your child from school in your TADS account at
https://www.mytads.com/. Authorizing emergency contacts is important so that in case of school or area-
wide emergency, children can be released to a family setting while awaiting parent arrival.
If there are adults who are not authorized to pick up your child, for example in the case of a legal
restraining order, please provide the office with documentation and a photograph to keep on file through
the restraining period.
Prolonged Absences
In the unfortunate event that a student requires a medical leave of absence, either for physical or mental
health issues, families must notify the School as soon as possible with documentation from their doctor
stating the need and specific recommendation for the duration and parameters of the child’s leave.
Depending on the circumstance, we may ask for a second, clearance letter from your doctor before your
child returns to school, and for the benefit of everyone involved, we may also request that they reintegrate
into their full class schedule on a staggered basis.
Teachers are not required to provide makeup work in the event of prolonged absence due to travel or
family vacation.
SEPTEMBER 2021 13Required Participation in All of Our Programs As Waldorf schools are designed to educate their students in a multifaceted way, all of our program offerings are considered core curriculum. Each subject develops a different aspect of the whole, and by bringing them together, we educate the whole child in a comprehensive manner. Participation in all classes, therefore, is mandatory. Exceptions must be written into the Personal Education Plan (PEP) due to the absolutely necessary tutoring work involved and must be agreed upon by teachers, parents, and the Pedagogical Director in advance. Required Participation In School Events School events are an important feature in our annual calendar, and they present a special opportunity for all members of our community to gather in recognition of our students’ hard work in and outside of the classroom. For these reasons, participation in school music performances and class plays is mandatory. We ask that these events take precedence over non-school events, should scheduling conflicts arise. The School’s music teacher should be notified in writing if it is absolutely necessary that your child be absent from a music performance. Please contact your child’s class teacher as soon as possible if you anticipate a conflict with your child’s class play. School Closures You will receive notifications of closures from Cedarwood via cell phone, text and/or email by 6:30am if school is closed for the day, or if there is a delayed start. Please make sure to update any changes in contact information throughout the year at https://www.mytads.com/. Inclement Weather Cedarwood Waldorf School follows the Portland Public Schools protocol for weather-related school closures and delayed openings when CWS and PPS are both open and in normal session. Delayed openings may be called by the district for for inclement weather, and are typically a two hour delay. Although you may check the PPS website alert pod for closures and delays, please rely on CWS notifications as your primary source of information. Our calendar is not the same as PPS, and there may be instances when our closures and/or delays do not align with those of PPS. Poor Air Quality/Wildfires Cedarwood has an outdoor and an indoor sensor visible on the map at on Purple Air.com. In case of poor air quality due to wildfires, CWS will be closed for the day if air quality is rated 151 or higher (unhealthy) for PM2.5 readings by 6:30am., and there is reason to believe it will remain so for a substantial portino of the day. We will be collecting data on both sensors in making our determination. Parents should use their discretion in sending children to school for ratings between 101 and 150 (unhealthy for sensitive groups), and teachers will plan the day’s activities with air quality in mind. If the air quality deteriorates into a hazardous category during the school day, we will work with Multnomah County Health Department recommendations and notify you as soon as possible. Students may then be picked up early, and we’ll also notify you whether a closure is needed for the following day. Making Up Days Lost to Closures CWS reserves the option to close for a snow-day or other compelling reasons including hazardous air quality or pandemic quarantine. CWS will shift to all-school synchronous or asynchronous online learning if it is needed on the second day of closure or thereafter. Your teacher may provide you with class specific information about online options for snow day learning. During periods of Cedarwood Connected Learning, if Zoom or Google Classroom platforms fail, it may be considered a school closure for the day. We will make our best efforts to contact you to confirm this by use of the emergency notification system. SEPTEMBER 2021 14
If there are more than five cancelled days of school during which Cedarwood is unable to provide any
program or camp including for weather, air quality, other force majeure event, or internet or software
platform failure, Cedarwood may, at its discretion, elect to hold classes during the second week of spring
break or extend the school year. These days would typically be made up by working backwards from the
end of Spring Break. Snow days or days of closure for reasons beyond Cedarwood’s control do not
alter a family’s obligation to their contract with Cedarwood.
BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
We expect our students to fulfill the following expectations:
● Demonstrate kindness, appreciation, and respect for others, both at school and as a
representative of the School at school-sponsored events and in the greater school community,
including online.
● Uphold our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all their actions, both in-person and online.
● Behave politely and cooperatively in all classes and school activities.
● Respond positively to the requests of teachers, staff, and administrators.
● Treat the building, school property, and the personal property of others with respect.
● Be friendly and helpful to others.
● Be sensitive to the needs of the youngest students in the School.
● Attend school regularly, work diligently, and participate in school activities and events.
The School has limited responsibility for student behavior outside of school hours. However, if the
behavior of any student reflects poorly on the School’s reputation or represents a danger to the students
or to others, or if the actions are clearly oppositional to the educational experience of the student or other
students, the School reserves the right to impose disciplinary action.
At School And On Field Trips
Dress and behavior codes apply while on school trips off campus. Students are expected to participate in
what the class is doing and what the teacher is asking. Students should complete daily tasks and chores
cooperatively, respectfully, and in a timely manner. Encourage your students to use kind language, treat
one another with respect, and to behave courteously, as a representative of our school.
At Assemblies
Students should stay with their class for the entirety of the assembly, use audience manners and remain
quiet while others are performing. It is important to keep hands and feet to oneself and walk quietly in
single file on the stairs.
Recess And Playground Behavior
Cedarwood Waldorf School collaborates with Portland Parks and Recreation to use the beautiful, 4-acre
Lair Hill Park -- a pesticide-free park -- as our playground. While the park is usually quiet, we do share this
space with the public. This provides opportunities for the children to practice courteous behavior.
Teachers and staff set boundaries for children depending on their age, but boundaries will shift
accordingly when other park users are present.
There are three important aspects to playground behavior:
● Respect for people, animals, plants, and ourselves
● Respect for the school and park property
● Respect for faculty and parents in supervisory positions
SEPTEMBER 2021 15Courtesy is expected at all times. Students are expected to obey all faculty and staff and observe safety boundaries designated by teachers. Behavior toward neighbors, public park users, park employees, and playground users should be kind and respectful. Children are encouraged to play together kindly and inclusively. Climbing is allowed on the play structures. During the grades lunch recess, younger children may use the smaller play structure and older children may use the larger structure. All ages are asked to be mindful of the safety of smaller children. Keep the playground clean and pick up trash. Return ropes, balls, and other equipment to the school after use. Students may not play unattended in the park before or after school. Students may not cross the street between the park and the school without adult supervision and approval. Do not climb trees or fences in the park and play in the ivy-covered slopes is not allowed for student safety. No skateboards, skates, roller blades, or bicycles are allowed in the park during school hours, except for designated events. Injuries and social difficulties should be reported immediately. The following items are not allowed at school or aftercare: toys, skateboards, skates, hardballs, baseball bats, electronic equipment, electronic beeping watches, weapons (including pocket knives) of any kind or replica weapons, lighters, and matches. Please do not allow your child to bring media-related items to school. No electronic music sources are allowed. There is no “rough housing” at Cedarwood Waldorf School. No shoving, hitting, slapping or rowdy behavior is allowed, nor is throwing things or hanging out of the windows. Disciplinary problems at school may affect a student’s ability to participate in field trips. BUILDING GUIDELINES Bicycles Cedarwood allows and encourages alternative modes of transportation to school. Bicycles may be used for transportation to and from school with the permission of parents. Bicycles should be stored in the racks on SW 2nd Ave, above the faculty parking lot. The School is not responsible for lost or damaged property, so we strongly encourage everyone to lock their bicycles securely. The use of bicycles or skateboards during school is prohibited. Dogs And Other Pets Cedarwood and Lair Hill Park require pets to be on leash at all times. Pets are not allowed in the school building unless approved for a class event with the permission of the teachers. Service dogs are permitted in the building per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Elevator Use The elevators are not for student use, except with teacher permission. If you or your child have limited mobility, or your child has an injury that prevents them from using the stairs, please contact the Front Office so we can make arrangements to assist you. Gum Chewing Students are not permitted to chew gum on school premises or on field trips. SEPTEMBER 2021 16
Parking Please note there are several types of parking in the immediate area of the school. Please don ’t leave valuable items visible in your car. The courtyard parking lot is reserved for faculty and staff only. In the surrounding neighborhood, there are 1-hour and 2-hour spaces. To avoid getting a parking ticket, please note that re-parking in areas marked “2-Hour Zone” within a three-hour period is not permitted. Re- parking in a permit area is not allowed within a 12-hour period. Trash, Recycling, And Compost All members of the school community, including visitors, are expected to cooperate in keeping the School clean, tidy, and environmentally sustainable by sorting their trash, recycling, and compost into the proper bins. SEPTEMBER 2021 17
BUILDING MAPS SEPTEMBER 2021 18
SEPTEMBER 2021 19
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out
LVD
Monitored Crosswalks in
B
UR
RB
Designated Drop-Off Site BA
SW
SW Hooker St
N
in
out
LAIR
HILL
PARK
PBOT closure area.
No Parking.
SW 2nd Ave SW 2nd Ave
SW Gibbs St
PORTER
SW Woods St
SW Porter St
WOODS LOOP
LOOP
SW 1st Ave
SW 1st Ave
to Ross Island
Bridge
SW NAITO PARKWAY
The Barbur approach & exit depicted here is si mply a suggestion. As long as you join the
loop flow, you can approach from any directio n.
The best way to perform drop-off and pick-up: Use the Woods St side of the courtyard for
EC families, and the street barrier at the corner of 2nd & Porter for grades families.
If you must park, please always park on the rig ht side of the street; do not park facing the
wrong direction.
Please remember: no parking is allowed in the PBOT closure area above.
SEPTEMBER 2021 20CALENDAR
Cedarwood’s academic calendars can be found on the school website at
https://www.cedarwoodschool.org/curriculum/calendar.
In addition to downloading the calendar as a PDF, you can select specific class Google calendars to link
to your own personal calendar.
Camps During School Breaks
Families may register for School Break Camps through TADS at www.mytads.com
• Thanksgiving Break (Monday through Wednesday)
• February Break (Monday through Friday)
• Spring Break (Monday through Friday, second week of break only)
Class Meetings And Parent-Teacher Conferences
Creating a comfortable and engaging learning environment requires clear and consistent contact between
faculty and families. Maintaining open lines of communication allows teachers and guardians to share in
moments of wonder, joy, and triumph and to work collaboratively in the face of more challenging
situations.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Conferences are an essential element of your child’s education at CWS. Teachers require these check-
ins in order to ensure that they are doing everything they can to meet your child’s needs most fully, so
attendance at meetings with your child’s class teacher is mandatory. Families are encouraged to
meet with specialty teachers only as needed. Conferences occur in late autumn. Depending on their class
schedules and personal preferences, some teachers may also choose to offer additional meetings during
or after school in the days surrounding PTC days. Parents will be able to sign up online for conferences;
these sign-ups occur on a first come, first served basis, so families are encouraged to make scheduling
arrangements ahead of time. Conferences may be held online by Zoom or Face Time by arrangement
with the teacher.
Class Meetings
Class meetings occur four to five times a year and provide a special opportunity for teachers to share
news about the class, student work, upcoming curriculum, and special activities in a large group forum
where families can connect and commune around their class’ shared experiences. At least one parent
or guardian per family is expected to attend every class meeting. Class meeting schedules are
provided directly by the class teacher or by the class parent and are also listed on the School’s live
calendar.
SEPTEMBER 2021 21DIRECT COMMUNICATION
Our school is committed to positive adult communication, based on mutual respect. We are committed to
an atmosphere where different perspectives are heard and valued, and confidentiality is respected. We
are an organization committed to developing the human being and human relationships. Teachers,
parents and students are all growing, and there will be mistakes and problems to be worked through.
When problems arise, it is as it should be. Your positive attitude will provide a model for your students.
Though it is natural for questions and concerns to arise within any community, sensitivity and respect
allow such concerns to be communicated in a productive and constructive manner. An important starting
point is recognizing that the first priority is serving the best interests of the students. All respectful adult
interactions, large and small, lead to building a healthy environment for student learning. All respectful
adult communication serves as a model for appropriate, constructive and adult behavior.
Code of Conduct
Principles
● Demonstrate respect, in both what we say, and how we say it.
● Focus on issues, not individuals. We assume that others are acting out of their best intentions.
● Keep an open mind. We are positive and flexible. We ask questions first.
● Respect the confidentiality of information imparted in confidence, including that shared in group
meetings. We honor the need of others to do the same.
● Speak from the perspective of “I” and “my child.”
Guidelines
● Strive to have a face-to-face conversation with that person. Asking a clarifying question is often
all that is needed to solve an issue.
● Do not use the class email list to openly discuss or express a grievance.
● Respect others' time and priorities by arranging for an appropriate time and place for the
conversation. (Teachers will respond to a meeting request within 24 hours.)
● Strive not to take things personally. We listen with an open heart and mind.
● With those involved, use email and texting thoughtfully.
● We do not condone or tolerate verbal, physical or sexual harassment.
● Respect the confidentiality of fellow families and students.
● Bring concerns when they are still fresh.
Conflict Resolution and Grievance Policy
Level 1: Speak to the Person Directly
Sometimes, before we have the face-to-face conversation to resolve an issue, we may want to process
that concern with a friend. In that case, we select a mutually agreeable time and place for that meeting
and ask our friend to keep the conversation confidential. Afterward, we follow through by having the face-
to-face conversation with the appropriate person to address our concern.
If a friend approaches us with a concern, we encourage our friend to pursue a face-to-face conversation
to address the concern, and we follow up with our friend later.
SEPTEMBER 2021 22Level 2: Contact Your Class Teacher
If a direct conversation has not yielded a satisfactory resolution to the conflict, the next step is a
conversation with the Class Teacher.
(If the conflict is with our Class Teacher, then Levels 1 and 2 become one. The leader of the section may
be included in the meeting to support the conversation as needed.)
The Class Teacher has a larger perspective that can often be helpful. He or she may be able to facilitate
a resolution to the conflict. Also, sharing your concerns can also help create a fuller picture for the Class
Teacher.
If necessary, invite a mutually agreeable Third Person to the conversation. It may be helpful to document
the conversation for future reference.
If, after taking this action, we feel the conflict remains unresolved, we proceed to Level 3.
Level 3: Contact the Pedagogical Director for teaching and program related issues or
the Head of School for operational or organizational issues.
If Level 2 has not brought satisfactory resolution, the next step is to contact the Pedagogical Director or
Head of School for assistance.
The Administrator will acknowledge the request for assistance within one working day by phone, email or
in writing, and will work with all parties, bringing them together as needed, to help resolve the issue. We
may invite a mutually agreed upon Third Person to participate in any meeting with an Administrator.
Administrative Concerns/Grievances
If the issue is with the Pedagogical Director, contact the Head of the School
If the issue is with the Head of School, contact the Chair of the Board of Trustees
A meeting will be scheduled promptly by the recipient of the concern or grievance to hear the concern.
Appropriate action will be taken, depending on the circumstances.
A Parent’s Failure to Comply
Initial violations of the school’s Code of Conduct by a parent, as reported to the HOS and/or Pedagogical
Director, will be documented, and result in a meeting. Egregious or repeated violations of the school’s
Code of Conduct, as determined by the HOS and Pedagogical Director, will be documented and may
result in one or more of the following:
● Meeting with members of school leadership
● Limits on access to the school campus, to faculty or staff members, to school events and/ or
volunteer opportunities.
● Dismissal: Termination of contract and removal from the school.
SEPTEMBER 2021 23DISCIPLINARY ACTION We understand the interrelated nature of emotional and physical health and academic success and the need to view students holistically and build skills in all areas. Therefore, we strive to create opportunities for choice, control, and empowerment for students, families, and staff in all that we do, including in our approach to discipline. In instances where disciplinary action may be called for, we focus on reformation, reconciliation, and positive reinforcement, rather than punishment or penalty. Cedarwood’s responses to conflict or behavioral difficulties may vary according to a student’s age, background, and the action for which discipline was initially called. All disciplinary measures will be administered with respect for the diversity of our school and in a manner that fosters empathy for all individuals involved. We understand that safe, authentic, and positive relationships can be healing, corrective, and resilience- building; these relationships are the heart and soul of our community and nurturing them to the best of our abilities is our ultimate goal. Though we understand that children are still learning to control their physical reactions to frustration and stress, we do not permit physical aggression of any kind. Should a student behave in a physically aggressive manner, we will work with involved families to create a behavior plan that addresses that child’s immediate needs while also providing them with longer term strategies to encourage their success in an academic environment. We will provide cool down spaces where children can use these strategies to self-regulate whenever necessary. If a student persistently demonstrates aggression toward others despite repeated intervention, we may meet with the child’s family to discuss finding a setting that could more suitably address their behavioral needs. Physical Misconduct in the Early Childhood We understand that physical misconduct such as biting or hitting can be signaling stress or frustration from young children in particular. When instances of such physical misconduct arise in our Early Childhood classes, we work to support any and all involved parties by seeking to remedy the underlying causes of the issue. Minor impulsive physical reactions are typically addressed in school, without the need to call the parents. However, for intentional and/or repeated physical misconduct that seriously harms another student or teacher (i.e. biting which renders broken skin or leaves a clear red mark), children will be sent home for the day. SEPTEMBER 2021 24
DISTANCE LEARNING: CEDARWOOD
CONNECTED LEARNING
In the event of a local or global emergency, including but not limited to pandemic or extremely poor air
quality due to wildfire, the School may need to adjust program delivery methods and/or the school
calendar. Cedarwood Waldorf School will respond as required to such a situation in the most appropriate
manner. This may include entering a period of distance learning through the Cedarwood Connected
Learning program, extending the school year or otherwise altering the academic calendar. While every
effort will be made to accommodate each student and family in extraordinary circumstances, it is
important to note that your contract remains valid and your financial obligation to the School does not
change due to such situations.
Cedarwood Connected Learning uses the Zoom and Google Classroom platforms for each grade.
Students use a gmail account to access the Google Classrooms. Classes taught online may be recorded
for quality assurance purposes. Information on the program can be found on the Cedarwood Waldorf
School website:
https://www.cedarwoodschool.org/connected-learning
Materials posted on the public pages of our website may be shared, but the password protected
website areas and the curriculum content of Cedarwood Connected Learning in online platforms
is intellectual property that is proprietary to Cedarwood Waldorf School and is not be shared with
families who are not currently enrolled at Cedarwood Waldorf School.
DRESS CODE
During Cedarwood Connected Learning, we simply ask that children be dressed appropriately for
the activities of the day.
Cedarwood maintains an environment that supports learning, respect, and social cohesion. We also
recognize the importance of clothing choices as a significant element in the development of a child ’s
identity and self-esteem. Our dress code seeks to accommodate these needs, while also ensuring the
safety and physical and social comfort of our students.
Attire of any manner that hinders the child’s participation in or experience of the educational program, or
affects the health, safety, or focus of the student or other students will be discussed with the student
and/or the parents.
Any designs on clothing should be non-commercial and non- distracting. In general, this means no
writing, logos, or licensed images -- with the exception of imagery from school-sponsored activities, such
as the Olympiad or Winter Faire. Shoes must be worn at all times while on campus and must be
functional for all school activities. Hats and hoods may not be worn in the classrooms.
The dress code applies to all Cedarwood students during all school hours, including before care and the
Extended Day program, 7:30 am - 6:00 pm, Monday - Friday, and on all school sponsored field trips and
activities.
SEPTEMBER 2021 25You can also read
