[Scpg] ORCASCHOOL INTEGRATED EDUCATIONAL MODEL - HOW TO GET INVOLVED...

[Quail Springs]

ORCASCHOOL in Santa Barbara is advancing a unique, integrated educational
model under new leadership, and is collaborating with Quail Springs,
Wilderness Youth Project, and Fairview Gardens.  

**Please share this announcement with others who may be interested** 

If you have experienced the beauty of Quail Springs or align with our work,
you understand the power and value of having children connect deeply to the
natural world. In 1997, a vision of holistic education with a strong
emphasis on taking children outdoors became a reality when long-time teacher
Rob Harrington founded Orcaschool.    

Under the new leadership of Lia Grippo and Sharon Tollefson, an enthusiastic
community of parents and teachers have united in the advancement of
Orcaschool's unique school model offering an integrated program that can be
considered the first of its kind.  This environment brings forth opportunity
for learning with every question, experience and shared moment. No subject
matter is separate from the other and children experience the
interdependence of themselves with everything around them. 

Orcaschool is evolving towards deeper integration of subjects, weaving
academics, arts, and specialty classes with intimate nature connection and
organic farming.  Research and experience shows that learning is deepened by
direct, firsthand experience.  This is a school where children are steeped
in the traditional academic subjects of arithmetic, reading, writing,
science and foreign language studies by connecting deeply to the natural
world, learning ancient skills, going tracking, playing music, discovering
wild places and learning the value of local food systems. Woven among these
core subjects are specialty classes such as handwork and fiber arts,
woodworking, visual and performing arts, literature, poetry and so much
more.  No subject matter is separate from the other and children experience
the interdependence of themselves with everything around them.

Collaborating with local institutions towards the aim of cultural renewal,
Orcaschool is working with Wilderness Youth Project, The Center for Urban
Agriculture at Fairview Gardens, and Quail Springs Learning Oasis and
Permaculture Farm to help children develop an intimate relationship with the
natural world and gain a genuine foundation and understanding of
stewardship.

As a model program Orcaschool provides internship opportunities to
student-teachers, and aims to begin training and workshops for teachers from
a variety of backgrounds within 3-5 years.

School starts September 8th for the 2010-2011 school year and we are
currently accepting applications.  This is an opportunity for you to help
shape the direction of your child's education. If envisioning this for your
child is exciting and you would like to hear more, we would love to speak
with you.

For more information please e-mail seeyouinthewoods at gmail.com or call
567-4761. We would love to talk to you about the various ways you can be
involved or have your child attend the school. 

**Please share this announcement with others who may be interested**



Kolmi Majumdar
Programs Manager, Quail Springs Permaculture Farm
info at quailsprings.org
www.quailsprings.org
805-886-7239