Inspire, Experience, Grow, Create

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

Board Corner: GSL Hired 2

New Development Director 2

Grade 9 Work Experience 3

Tennis Team Goes to State 3

Basketall Champs Cont. 4

Parent Society News 4

Spring Gala Success 5

THIS MONTH:

MAYPOLE CELEBRATION

APRIL 29

SPRING FAIR,

APRIL 30

Submitted by Corey Horton, Roadrunner Sport Reporter

The Roadrunners had five

wins by an average of 27

points: 74-48, 70-39, 77-

55, 65-36, and 61-34. This

was not the Roadrunners

coasting to another district

title (although they did- with

no game closer than double

digits). This was the

Roadrunners easily

overcoming the rest of

TAPPS 2A en route to

winning the Boys Basketball

State Championship!

The Roadrunners’ first team

Championship in any sport

was a showcase of what

players with great talent can

do when they put in hard

work, take direction and

inspiration from an excellent

coach, play unselfishly, and

commit to the single goal:

doing their best every day to

improve individually and as

a team so they could win a

State Championship.

This team completed a

mission that they had

started last season. After

last year's gut-wrenching

loss to in the state

semifinals, they were left in

the locker room wondering

what could have been.

Coach BJ Terrill told the

team, "Feel that burn. Let it

drive you to next season."

And that drive showed all

season - players showed up

early for practice and left

late. Many evenings, they

would go to the gym to

shoot even when no

practice was scheduled.

In December, the team had

just eight players, which

made it a struggle to

simulate 5 on 5 game

conditions in practice. Over

the next two months, the

team would undergo a

critical transformation that

not only helped the team

win its first championship,

but may well help them next

year! Three more players:

senior Rene Gritzka, and

sophomores Chris Ravet

and Aidan Cormier joined

the team. Then, in late

December, senior Jeff

Wilson underwent surgery

for a bone spur in his hand.

The team would be without

Jeff for all eight games in

January as they dealt with

the core of their district

schedule. Junior Ben

Callahan stepped up.

Considered by Coach Terrill

as his "glue guy, willing and

able to do anything," Ben

averaged more than 10

points, 5 assists, 4

rebounds and 3 steals per

game! Just as importantly,

his brother John Callahan

joined the starting lineup

and truly came into his own

as a ball-handler and clutch

3-point shooter, earning him

2nd team all-district.

Continued on Page 4

Apri l 2016

STATE CHAMPIONS

Page 2 March 2016 Back to Table of Contents

BOARD CORNER: HIRING OUR NEW GENERAL SCHOOL LEADER

We published a communiqué in October via

the Messenger to share with you the process

we were following to select a General School

Leader (GSL) for AWS, and the timeline we

were following. Now that a permanent GSL

has been hired, we would like to take the

time to share with you some more infor-

mation about our search process and to

thank all the individuals who participated.

As you will recall from the October Messen-

ger article, we held focus groups with partici-

pation from parents, Board members, admin-

istration, and teachers to identify why the job

exists; what are the tasks, powers, authori-

ties, limits, etc. of the job; and several other

related topics. All perspectives were notated

and a job analysis survey was developed in

order to cast an even wider net from our

knowledgeable and involved community to

ensure we were not missing or misidentifying

important elements. This survey went out to

the board, administration, teachers, and a

large random selection of parents in August

2015. In September, an analysis of the re-

sults was conducted and we performed a

statistical analysis showing which tasks,

knowledge, skills, abilities and other charac-

teristics (KSAOCs) were of importance, along

with the frequency with which those things

occurred, the degree to which each was

needed at entry, and how the possession of

the KSAOCs would differentiate poor per-

formers from successful performers.

In October through December (2015), the

Search Committee met to develop testing

instruments to be used to assess applicants

for the depth and breadth of possession of

competencies. This was perhaps the most

fun phase of the process, as it energized our

creativity and demanded collaboration to

ensure pertinence and comprehensiveness.

During this phase of the process, we were

able to map assessment of 16 separate

performance dimensions across five compe-

tencies ensuring that each was measured a

minimum of two times across four validated

exercises to ensure that we had multiple

opportunities to see how the candidates

performed in each of these areas.

In December (2015) and January (2016), we

executed a pilot of running actor-candidates

(from the AWS community) through the exer-

cises using trained assessors with the goals

of ensuring the exercises were sound, the

instructions and time limits were appropriate

for each exercise, that we were able to meas-

ure competencies in the manner we antici-

pated, and to identify any logistical obstacles

that would have to be cleared when we had

live candidates. During this time frame, we

also posted the job opening announcement

on AWS’ website and several educational

and general-professional boards.

In January and February (2016), we reviewed

the applications and assessed applicants’

pre-screening documentation for possession

of basic qualifications and competencies in

specific topical areas. We had dozens of

applications from interested candidates all

over the country. The in-person candidate

assessments took place in February on the

AWS campus, with trained assessors repre-

senting Board members and faculty. Our

assessor training was designed to minimize

potential biases and to promote validity,

reliability and consistency in inter- and intra-

assessor scoring.

We had structures in place to ensure that

there was more than one assessor evaluat-

ing every exercise and that their scores were

within a margin of error of one another.

At the March 2016 Board of Trustees meet-

ing, the Search Committee made a selection

proposal to hire Kathy McElveen as the per-

manent GSL, and the motion passed with

unanimous consent. As we wrap up this ef-

fort, we will come together as a Committee

and review what worked, what was problem-

atic, and what we would suggest for anybody

from Waldorf who has to go through a similar

process in the future.

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Mark Kernan, Suzanne Karisch, Teresa Car-

bajal Ravet, and Allison Brenner

INTRODUCING OUR NEW DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

“Was she MADE for us?” This was a com-

ment made by a parent after Catherine

Herzog (soon to be Ashton) visited our

campus for several days in March as part

of the interview process for Development

Director. Catherine attended the Chicago

Waldorf School from Kindergarten through

Grade 10, then the Evanston High School

for her junior and senior years. She at-

tended Kalamazoo College majoring in

English Literature and graduated with

Honors. Since then, she has worked in

development at both the Chicago Waldorf

School (Development and Marketing) and

more recently at a nonprofit, Communities

in Schools in Chicago, where she has been

responsible for corporate fundraising,

grant writing, and events.

Catherine will marry in June and she and

her fiancé, David Ashton, had been con-

sidering their options for relocation. Aus-

tin was on the list as her mother lives in

nearby Bee Cave, and when she saw the

Development Director opening at AWS,

she felt “an alignment.” Catherine and

David are passionate about animal rescue

and have a rescue pit bull and cat. Cathe-

rine is completing a yoga teacher training

program this month and will be connecting

with other Shambhava practitioners in

Austin. She looks forward to beginning

work here on July 1. The school was fortu-

nate to have several highly qualified indi-

viduals apply for the position. We are

grateful to the parents and board mem-

bers who have kept our development pro-

gram going with hours of volunteer time

and energy and we look forward to taking

the next step with a Development Director

to lead us.

The Messenger Back to Table of Contents Page 3

The four members of the AWS Tennis

team have been busy the past two

weeks participating in tournaments at

the Blossom Tennis Center in San Anto-

nio.

In the TAPPS District tournament sen-

ior José Luis Turincio de la Morena

(seeded 9th) started things off with a

gutsy victory over the 8th seed. After

losing the first set 2-6, he played an

excellent second set which he captured

6-4. With the momentum on his side, he

won the tiebreaker 10-5 to advance to

the next round. Facing the #1 seed and

last year's State Runner-Up, José Luis

fought valiantly, but his opponent

proved too tough. Thank you José Luis

for all your years of participation in AWS

sports!

Not to be outdone by her brother, soph-

omore Julieta Turincio de la Morena

took care of her 8th seeded opponent 6-

1 6-2 in her first match! But her second

match saw her facing the #1 seed, the

defending State Champ! Again, it was a

great effort, but a defeat to a worthy

opponent. She will have two more

chances in the coming years to build on

this performance.

In boys doubles, senior Yuji Inoue and

sophomore Connor Horton, paired up to

take their first shot at District. They

reached the semifinals after relatively

easy wins in their first two matches, but

their semifinal match against the #2

seed proved to be much tougher. They

prevailed 6-4 6-2 with great net play to

reach the finals against the #1 seed, yet

another defending State Champ! The

final was a learning experience, but with

the Silver medal they will go to the State

Tournament in Waco on April 12th. The

streak continues, as AWS will send play-

ers to State for the third year in a row!

Go Roadrunners!

Submitted by Ryo Inoue, School Parent

ROADRUNNER TENNIS GOING TO STATE

GRADE 9 WORK EXPERIENCE

Over the last two weeks the 9th grade students have had an oppor-

tunity to work on three different farms, the Green Gate Urban Farm,

the Green Gate River Farm, and the World Hunger Relief, Inc. near

Waco. During their time on these farms, the students not only

worked on weeding, planting, and putting in irrigation, but also

learned about food, hunger and poverty in the developing world.

The Austin Waldorf School Work Experience Program is designed to

provide high school students with a learning experience in a given

workplace, under the supervision of an employer, for a two week

period. We believe that a complete education includes practical

experience in the world outside of school. This work experience

helps our students form a foundation for their lifetime orientation to

work and their practical experiences reinforce their academic and

artistic work with connections into the outer world. As students

experience and explore this world outside of school, they have the

opportunity to view themselves and others in a renewed way, with

equal measures of compassion and objectivity.

At Green Gate Farms, the 9th grade worked in the fields, tended to

farm animals, engaged in all areas of farm work, and helped in the

preparation for the distribution of goods at the their farmstand and

through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.

At the Waco farm, poverty simulations allowed the students the

experience of cooking their own food. Before they could do this, they

needed to fetch water, gather firewood, work for the food they would

cook, and then to make a fire to finally cook this food.

Here are some reactions from our students:

“It was a lot of work and it was very difficult and tiring, but the re-

ward of eating the food is great. This experience helped me realize

how much I take for granted every day and how grateful I am. I can’t

imagine how hard it must be for people who have to walk many

miles just for water or firewood.”

“It was a positive experience to realize and appreciate the effort

each meal takes.”

“We were tired, but we all worked together because we realized that

if we didn’t then we wouldn’t have food.”

“Today’s activity made me begin to think about what I am going to

do to help the world. I know my destiny is to help people. It made

me think about the situations of inequality in the world.”

From these remarks, taken from the students’ journals, one can see

how such an experience can impact their consciousness and help

bring about a new level of awareness and compassion.

Thank you Green Gate Farms and World Hunger Relief for collabo-

rating with the school to make this experience possible.

Submitted by Steven Roy and Victoria de Hernandez, High School

The Messenger Page 4 Back to Table of Contents

STATE BASKETBALL CHAMPS (CONT. FROM P1) Fiery sophomore post Andrew Bell became anchor

of the zone defense and interior scorer on offense.

Our bench depth grew as junior Ian McGinn, fresh-

man Bennett Hoisington and Chris Ravet would all

get significant minutes in district games. The harder

practices and the extra playing time for these play-

ers allowed them to grow at a pace that might other-

wise never have happened. Connor Horton had a

breakout season, also averaging more than 17

points and 9 rebounds per game while getting al-

most 3 steals and 2 blocks per game on the defen-

sive end.

After these changes, the team only got better! The

closest district games were a 21 point win at Veri-

tas, where we led by just 8 going into the 4th quar-

ter, and a 12-point win over Waco Live Oak, where

the opponents scored the last 18 points of the

game against the back end of the bench. Jeff re-

turned in excellent form, as we beat Live Oak by 20

on the road to clinch our second straight district

title, and his Senior Day celebration. Jeff averaged

more than 15 points and 5 rebounds per game,

showing how great of an athlete he is on both the

court and the course. (Jeff will be attending George

Mason University on a golf scholarship next year.)

Junior point guard Toby Marek, who coach BJ Terrill

described as "the best player I've ever coached,"

was undoubtedly the team leader in scoring with

22.3 PPG. But beyond scoring, Toby provides the

team the defensive point man that Coach Terrill

needs in his pressure defense, leading to an incredi-

ble 5 steals per game.

The biggest test for the Roadrunners came in the

quarterfinals, as they trailed a spirited Richardson

Canyon Creek Christian Academy by 23-12 early in

the 2nd quarter. But the intense defense sparked a

16-0 run, and by the time the dust settled, the

Roadrunners had won by a 77-55 score.

In the Final Four games, neither opponent would

score more than 36 points as both opponents strug-

gled with our press and our half-court defense. In

the end, the Roadrunners are TAPPS 2A State

Champions!

Post-season awards piled up. Ben got 1st team All-

District, John 2nd Team, and Andrew honorable

mention. Toby was named 1st team All-State for the

second consecutive year, his third straight year

making All-State, making him the first player in

school history to achieve either honor. And just last

week, the Austin American-Statesman named him to

the All-Central-Texas 2nd team. Connor & Jeff also

earned not only 1st team All-District but also 1st

Team All-State along with Toby. Such recognition for

three players on the same team is rare occurrence

for any school. And to top it off, Coach BJ Terrill

was named the TAPPS 2A Coach of the Year!

The first Championship team in school history will be

remembered for its dominance. And if you have any

concerns about complacency, there have already

been sightings of players back in the gym, working

on their game and their strength as they have their

sights set firmly on a second championship next

year.

EVENTS IN APRIL

April 9—9:00am-Grade 7 Parent Morn-

ing, Grade 7 Classroom;

10:30am-Grade 1 Play

Performance, PAC Stage;

7:00pm-High School Prom, Zilker

Botanical Gardens

April 12—TAPPS Tennis State

Championship, Waco TX

April 13— 4:00pm-Board of Trustees

Meeting, HS Math Room;

7:00pm-Grade 11 Parent Evening, HS

Humanities Room

April 14—6:30pm-Grades 4-8

Instrumental Concert

April 16—Grade 5 Pentathlon;

9:00am-Grade 2 Parent Morning,

Grade 2 Classroom

April 23—11:00am & 6:30pm-Grade 8

Play Performance, PAC Stage

April 28—7:00pm-Grade 12 Parent

Evening, HS History Room

April 29—Maypole

Celebration

April 30—9:00am-1:00pm-Spring Fair

April 29-May 1—Grade 11 at

Sandfest

Submitted by Jeff Roberts, Parent Society Leadership Council Secretary

A longtime Dallas-Fort Worth-area sports scribe

used to include a segment called

“Scattershooting”, in which he’d deliver short,

quick hitting thoughts. In honor of our own,

homegrown AWS Roadrunners sports

correspondent Corey Horton, we thought we’d do

the same here.

Scattershooting...

...wondering if anyone listened to the most recent

Parent Society podcast…

...recently sat down with some faculty members

and volunteers in our Adult Education group to

view a documentary called “Screenagers.” Wow.

What an eye-opener. Keep an ear open in the

Fall for opportunities to view this en masse,

especially for those with middle and high

Schoolers…

...if only we could bottle and sell the energy of the

Spring Gala team (led by the effervescent Shir

Shoham) - we’d solve the national debt crisis! So

much time and energy was devoted to the school

by these VOLUNTEERS! Thank you for your hard

work! Wow…

...was sitting in an airport during Spring Break,

watching an enormous percentage of young kids

practically plugged into their electronic devices

and found myself really appreciating the benefits

of being at AWS…

...speaking of appreciating the benefits of being at

AWS, on a recent field trip to Pioneer Farm, after a

nice tour of the historic working farm and land, the

kids splashed around in the creek for about 45

minutes. As I sat chatting with the

archaeologist/tour guide, he made some

unsolicited comments (I promise I didn’t make

these up, folks). “Boy, it sure is nice to see kids

actually playing in the crick (creek). Most of the

teachers don’t even let the kids come down to

dip their toes in the water. It’s also nice to see

kids’ faces when you’re talking to ‘em. Usually

they have their phones out taking pictures and

cain’t look ya in the eyes when they’re talkin’ to

ya.” Just fantastic…

...love how the campout experience progresses

through the grades. Second grade had a family

outing an hour outside of town this weekend.

6th grade is going to Colorado Bend for a

couple of days next week and is integrating their

classwork into the trip. 8th grade goes on their

loooong trip to West Texas for a week in May

and are building up to it with rock climbing,

kayaking, and team-building excursions locally…

...meanwhile, local elementary schools have

high-stakes testing this week. That’s climbing a

different kind of wall, folks…

...Ever feel unappreciated for your hard work

and volunteerism at AWS? Check out this lovely

appreciation card from the AWS staff!

As always, many thanks and see you soon,

Your Parent Society Leadership Council

Hani Talebi, Susan Henson, Steffani Mitchell,

Michelle Lemberger, Rene Crosby and Jeff Roberts

parentsociety@austinwaldorf.org

PARENT SOCIETY CORNER

Austin Waldorf School 8700 South View Road

Austin, TX 78737

Our Mission: “Our highest endeavor must be to develop free human beings who, of themselves, are able to give purpose and direction to their lives.” ~Rudolf Steiner

By creating a school environment that balances academic, artistic and practical disciplines, the Austin Waldorf School cultivates a love of learning, creative thinking, a sympathetic interest in the world, self-confidence and an abiding moral purpose.

Celebrating 34 years of educational excellence in Austin.

Page 5 Back to Table of Contents March 2016

Main Office: 512-288-5942

Fax: 512-301-8997

High School: 512-301-9550

Fax: 512-439-0143

Kindergarten: 512-288-5120

Aftercare Emergency: 512-767-5707

Juniper Tree : 512-288-5106

www.austinwaldorf.org

To unsubscribe to the Messenger, click here. Questions or comments? Click here.

E-mail:

Awsannounce

@austinwaldorf.org

The Austin Waldorf School is a non-profit educational institution, 501(c)3, that welcomes students of any religion, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin.

From the first moment of stepping into

the Hall between all the palms, to walk-

ing among the sea of fedora hats, enjoy-

ing the food, sipping mojitos, listening

and dancing to the wonderful band, it

was all MAGICAL. The casino tables

were lively, raffle items splendid, live

auction a success, and would you be-

lieve we got enough money for our mu-

sic department to buy a bassoon plus

one more instrument?!

We hope you got to see and hear every-

thing, including our head in the buffet,

crazy bride and abducted workers - all

set up in celebration of April's Fools Day.

Many elated faces were spotted at the

party, meaning our bartenders earned

their tips, and the casino dealers

seemed exhausted by 10:00pm, mean-

ing they earned theirs.

It's time to thank our Spring Gala Team -

they are the ones who made it all hap-

pen: Katie Owen on decor (she's the one

who made the place look AMAZING),

Amy Ballinger on raffle and auction

items and business underwriters (and

any other task that needed doing), So-

phie Hunt on vendors (thank her for the

food choice), Doug Vogelsass on com-

munications, Ronen Shoham on budget

and IT, and, last but not least,

Shir Shoham on coordinating this cra-

zy lot. And a special thank you to every-

one who contributed their time, energy,

products and money for the success of

this event.

Finally, thank you to those who came to

celebrate our school. We couldn't have

done it without you.

A NIGHT IN OLD HAVANA—WHAT A SUCCESS!