Where Minds Flourish

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Where Minds Flourish

Windrush School

Where Minds Flourish

Outstanding education is at the heart of Windrush School. Our faculty brings talent, expertise, innovation and the latest resources to their work. Windrush teachers are always looking for new ways to challenge and engage every child, and to grow as educators.
Windrush strives to instill a lifelong love of learning in every child.

Children at Windrush learn by doing. The active, student-centered classrooms allow teachers to foster development of strong academic skills as well as to romote critical thinking and problem solving. Learning to think and act independently while working collaboratively allows students to explore ideas nd the world, while surrounded by engaged peers, attentive teachers and a culture of care and common purpose.

“We have an outstanding and accomplished faculty composed of seasoned educators,” Head of School Ilana Kaufman said. “Most of our faculty have dvanced degrees with professional academic backgrounds that not only prepare them to be fantastic teachers, but also model excellence for our tudents. The faculty is filled with fun, creative and dynamic people, and students thrive in this learning environment.”

From kindergarten through 8th grade students are engaged in learning. Teachers create stimulating lessons to include curricula that meet or exceed he California State Standards while also following what is set out in Windrush’s Strategic Plan. Here are some examples of recent projects to cquaint you with the magic of the school.

Elementary Oceans Week: This spring, students dove into a fascinating study of a specific aquatic environment, then taught and learned from each other. rawing from the Lawrence Hall of Science M.A.R.E. (Marine Activities, Resources and Education) curriculum, classrooms were transformed into istinct biomes, including a pond, reef, beach, wetland and kelp forest. Student marine scientists visited each other’s research stations and shared their knowledge with peers, teachers and parents.

Shakespearean Service Learning: Last winter, the Middle School Drama Teacher added a service-learning component to her annual 8th grade Shakespeare unit. Seeking the opportunity to connect with the broader community, Lisa took her actors to Richmond’s Wilson Elementary

School where they performed A Midsummer Night’s Dream for students. After the first act, the Windrush thespians dispersed among the audience to finish he story by reading a children’s version aloud. The event was timed to coincide with “Read Across America Day,” sponsored by the National ducational Association.

Woodworking in Kindergarten? Windrush kindergartners may just be the most tool savvy five-year-olds around! “From Woodworking to Math”–a project nvolving creating, building and playing board games–teaches children many learning fundamentals such as numeracy, literacy and deductive reasoning as ell as following rules and cooperating. Kindergartners participate in all phases of building a board game-from conceiving of their own game and its ules, to physically building their games and dice, then playing their games with classmates and family.

Ears To You! 8th graders learn about the ear through teaching: Albert Einstein once said, “You do not really understand something unless you can xplain it to your grandmother.” This quote summarizes part of 8th grade teacher Keith Karraker’s philosophy behind 8th graders’ presentations on earing, which they must tailor to a 3rd grader’s understanding. Keith’s students must explain a complex subject in a simple way so others can eadily understand, which helps them truly grasp and retain knowledge. Past projects include a Magic School Bus-inspired voyage through the ear. tudents have done dances about the hammer, anvil and stirrup while others have created rhyming stories, books, PowerPoint presentations and comics. Ultimately, by presenting information, students truly grasp and retain knowledge.

A Windrush Education
Windrush offers an excellent education grounded in Progressive Principles to more than 200 students from diverse backgrounds in Kindergarten-8th grade. The program provides outstanding academics while cultivating identity through an emphasis on social, emotional and physical health. A Windrush education enables students to meet the future with confidence, competence and grace while more than 95 percent are accepted to their top choice of independent and public high schools.

“A Windrush education is unique. It prepares children by integrating the academic rigor necessary for success in high school and university, with the skills and strategies required for working with others, solving complex problems, and learning how to innovate,” Ilana said. “Windrush enables students to be confident about learning and subject matter mastery while also weaving in our core values–excellence, authenticity, inspiration, community engagement, and sustainability.”

Windrush–fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the California Association of Independent Schools¬–is situated on a our-acre campus within the East Bay area in El Cerrito. The core program includes language arts, mathematics, science and social science along with Spanish, computers, art, music and physical education. Field trips, special events, and service learning opportunities expand upon classroom learning. students’ social-emotional growth is supported by a school-wide Bill of Rights and Responsibilities and Conflict Resolution process modeled and reinforced by all faculty and the full-time Health and Human Development Director. In addition to academics, a comprehensive Before and Afterschool Program as well as Middle School Athletics are highly valued by the Windrush community.

“Families are drawn to Windrush School for the exceptional education,” Ilana said. “A Windush education prepares students for the complex world we live in. We have a strong, connected community, which strives to live up to its core values. Our students and teachers are filled with joy, a strong work ethic and a sense of hope.”

Admissions
Windrush seeks to reflect the Bay Area’s diversity in its student body and school community. Prospective families are encouraged to research and tour the campus as the school strives to ensure a strong match between students, families, and the Windrush mission and vision. Families must complete an application and submit past progress reports and teacher recommendations. Applicants then visit the school and meet with a teacher for a short assessment; grades 6-8 applicants take the ISEE standardized test. Tuition assistance is available for qualifying families. Windrush School follows the principles of good practice as outlined by our member organizations, including CAIS and EBISA.

Come learn more about Windrush School by taking a school tour. Attend an Information Event from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 14 or from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 6. To learn more go to www.windrush.org or contact Admissions
Director David Bond at dbond@windrush.org.

Interview with Head Of School Ilana Kaufman
Can you please tell us your philosophy and the basic premise of your school?
Windrush was founded 34 years ago to provide an excellent school and full-day program for working families. Visitors to Windrush are struck by the sense of purpose and values that guide our program and community. Our Core Values of Excellence, Authenticity, Inspiration, Community Engagement and Sustainability infuse all that we do. These values are inextricably linked to our commitment to Progressive Education. This philosophy affirms that schools play a critical role in promoting the ideals of a democratic society. Progressive Education by its very nature strives to ensure that every voice is heard and respected. Each student is given the skills to live in accordance with principles of equality, to embody deep respect for similarities and distinctions, and to embrace the dynamic, complex world in which they live.

How do you think it's different from other similar schools?
Windrush is distinct in a number of important areas. Our mission, values and progressive principles inspire and inform everything we do. Mandarin electives, our green campus, and environmental science and community service programs exemplify this commitment and our forward-looking vision. Our academics are both rigorous and engaging. Curricula exceed state standards and are aligned with Math and Spanish high school placement exams. We deeply embrace the idea that students who actively engage in hands-on learning not only learn more, but gain the skills and a love of learning to Last a lifetime.

The faculty is superb. Windrush teachers are passionate experts and lifelong learners who continually pursue opportunities for professional growth, such as a recent faculty trip to China. We are situated on one unified campus for all grades, K-8. This allows us to provide strong multi-age curricula, such as our Buddy Program and Electives.

With all offices and classrooms together, clear communication and effective collaboration among teachers and staff in support of students and families are the norm. The spacious campus itself—situated on a knoll above an El Cerrito neighborhood—offers excellent facilities, close access to transportation, and a beautiful view; a combination rare in East Bay schools. Our new Platinum LEED-certified K-8 Library/Middle School Building, gymnasium, school garden and playgrounds—provide an ideal setting for learning. Windrush has provided a welcoming community for generations of families. Our acclaimed afterschool and summer programs are not only essential but also adored. The Windrush Family Association hosts a speaker series, Harvest Festival, Hot Lunch program, organic Farm Stand and more. As one parent put it, "There is an indefinable kindness and joy to the school."

What is your Child/Teacher Ratio?
Our averages are as follows:
Kindergarten: 12 to 1
Grades 1-5: 16 to 1
Grades 6-8: 18 to 1

Can you explain a little bit about method of education?
Windrush students and educators engage passionately in teaching and learning that is informed by our Progressive Principles. Rigorous hands-on learning that reflects real life experience is taught and assessed in many different ways. Learning occurs both independently and in groups, develops across academic, social and emotional realms, and encourages service and civic action. Windrush teachers bring to life a carefully planned curriculum that exceeds California State Standards and prepares students for high school and beyond. The result is learning that is challenging, interesting, effective and joyous.

What is the syllabus schedule for a child?
The school day is generally from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for K-2, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. for grades 3-5, and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. for grades 6-8. The core subjects are English, Math, Social Studies and Science. Music, Art, Spanish, Drama, P.E., Library Skills and Technology are taught by specialists and enrich the core urriculum.

How do you deal with challenging kids?
Our school-wide Bill of Rights and Conflict Resolution Model ensure that all students are held to high expectations for their conduct, and that children main insight and learn from the mistakes that are a normal part of growing up. A full-time Health and Human Development Educator supports this important aspect of our work, to teach the whole child. That kind of background do you expect from your teachers? Windrush has a talented and experienced faculty, with an average 7-year tenure at Windrush. A number of senior teachers have been with us for 15 years or more. The Windrush faculty is highly accomplished in their fields while also artists, athletes, coaches, writers and scientists who encourage every child's passions. Teachers come from all over the country, and bring excellent training and previous experience from both independent and public schools. Well over half of our faculty hold advanced degrees and all participate continually in our innovative professional development program. Our teachers are entirely dedicated to helping each child develop academic, personal and civic excellence.

How is the ethnic mix in your school?
Windrush School strongly reflects the Bay Area’s ethnic diversity. About half of the students are of color, including one-fifth of our families who identify as multiracial.

What kind of progress can parents expect after joining your school?
Parents can expect that students will succeed academically, socially, and personally; that children will enjoy going to school each day and come home with new ideas, questions, and accomplishments to share! Students score well above national averages on standardized tests, and more than 95% graduate to their high school of choice.

Do you have any upcoming specials?
Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 24, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Any upcoming open houses?
K-8 Admissions Open House on Sunday, November 14, 2 p.m.

What is your message to our readers?
This is an exciting time in our 34-year history as an independent school. Please read our website, attend a Windrush event, and/or schedule a tour to see for yourself what a Windrush education can do for your child and family.