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Community Involvement – Volunteering at River Valley Waldorf School
The healing social life is found when, in the mirror of each soul, the whole community finds its reflection, and when, in the whole community, the virtue of each one is living.
This verse, recited by the board at the beginning and end of each board meeting, captures the ideal that we are striving toward at River Valley. Waldorf Education is known as a “living education”. That means it is never “finished” and never follows a simple formula. No two Waldorf schools are the same because everything from the geography and history of the surrounding area to the teachers and families who are drawn to the school will shape it in essential ways, and they will continue to develop and reshape it as the years go on. River Valley has always relied on the generous hearts and hands of its parent body to remain vigorous. There are many ways to contribute.
Board Service – Contribute to River Valley’s strategic direction, policy, budget approval, and selection and evaluation of the Head of School.
Committee Service – Committee work entails direct involvement with planning or hands-on work, with a narrower focus than board service requires. Some of the committees that include non-trustees are:
- Finance Committee
- Safety & Security Committee
- Advocates for Anti-Racism and Equity (AARE Committee, River Valley’s DEIJ entity)
- Advancement Committee
Parent Council – Parent Council organizes events that add to the adult life of the school and organizes adults to produce student-centric festivals like May Faire and Winter Faire
Class Parent – Class parents serve as liaisons between the class and Parent Council, helping to organize the work of festivals and other activities, and help to welcome and orient new families. TKTK
Surveys and Town Halls – River Valley collects parent input on a range of topics via periodic surveys and town-hall meetings, in order to understand the variety of perspectives that live in the community and to add to decision-making.
Strategic Planning – The community’s input from several in-person sessions led by Waldorf-centric strategic planning consultants, Gradalis Education, will be incorporated into the new strategic plan, which is still in progress as of 5/15/23. The school creates a new strategic plan every 3-5 years, towards the completion of the previous plan’s timeline and input from the whole community is crucial.
Relationships with Faculty – Direct parent relationships with faculty are a hallmark of Waldorf schools. Parents have often expressed gratitude that their children’s teachers are like additional parents.
Direct Communication with Head of School – River Valley’s small size and independent nature ensures that the Head of School is available to field parents’ questions.
Class-centered Volunteering – Parents and guardians have ample opportunities to volunteer for hands-on tasks, such as Pizza Friday during 3rd grade; organizing costumes, sets, and props for plays; and campus work-days.
Festivals – Maye Faire & Winter Faire are organized by parents. Chairpersons, classroom liaisons, and class- or grade-based contributions – there’s a level of involvement suited to just about everyone.
Parent Stage – River Valley’s annual showcase of our incredibly brave and talented parent body is parent-run.
About Volunteering in the River Valley Waldorf School:
Volunteer Policies: Regardless of the specific tasks you perform during your volunteer experience, there are certain rules, policies, regulations and procedures that will govern your service. The following sections of this manual will familiarize you with them. If you have any questions or concerns about any of them, please contact your school so that we can assist you.
Becoming a Volunteer: All River Valley Waldorf School volunteers are required to complete clearances and become familiar with policies.
Signing In: Our volunteer sign-in book is housed at the front counter. It is critical that you stop at the office and sign in so that a record of your service is maintained. We use them for grant applications, and for school security purposes; we need to know who is in our school buildings at all times. When you sign in, make sure to put on your approved name badge so that you are recognized as a volunteer in the building.
Attendance: Once you agree to volunteer, you become an important part of the school team. The children will be looking forward to seeing you, as will the teachers and other volunteers.
Appropriate Conduct: As a volunteer, it is important to play by the same rules as others on your team. All employees and students of our school are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that promotes respect for self and others and the creation of a positive and safe environment.
Confidentiality: As a volunteer, you may become aware of personal information regarding a child’s academic performance, social interactions with peers, private familial situations, etc. The child may share the information with you, or a teacher may choose to share it with you in order to enhance your ability in the learning environment. Regardless of how personal information about a particular child comes to you, note that the information must be held in your strictest confidence. It is never to be shared with other volunteers, acquaintances from the community, or certainly other students. Should you be concerned that the information needs to be addressed by a classroom teacher or counselor, report it to him or her immediately. As employees, they are required by law to report any suspicions regarding abuse, neglect, endangerment or exploitation immediately. Additionally, they need to know if any students are involved in dangerous or illegal activities so that they may intervene as soon as possible and keep the school community safe. You can assist by following school rules that forbid the transport of weapons, drugs or alcohol onto school property, including athletic fields, school parking lots, and school events off campus; by abstaining from smoking during your volunteer service; by dressing in a manner that is comfortable and appropriate when you come to school; and by committing yourself to appropriately serving all student’s needs.
Unlawful Discrimination and Harassment Prohibited: RVWS is firmly committed to having a positive educational and work environment that encourages respect, dignity, and equity for students, patrons, parents/ guardians, applicants, volunteers, contractors, and employees. The school will not tolerate harassment or discrimination in the school district’s education or working environment. Discrimination is to deny or limit a person or group access and opportunity to belong or be involved in or participate in education, work, contract or other allied activities based on protected class status. Harassment means to say or do something to hurt another person or group (either physically or emotionally), because of that person’s or group’s protected class status. If you become aware of a behavior that might constitute harassment, report it immediately to a supervisor or teacher so that it will be investigated and addressed. Make sure to examine your own behaviors and word choices closely too.
The BoT Policy and Procedure regarding Harrassment, Intimidation and Bullying is included in the Family Handbook. Discrimination and harassment on the basis of age, sex, marital status, race, color, creed, national origin, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, your own sexual orientation, including gender expression or gender identity, or honorably discharged veteran or military status are prohibited. If you become aware of a behavior that might constitute harassment bullying or intimidation, report it immediately to a supervisor or teacher so that it will be investigated and addressed. Personal
Safety: We want to ensure that you are safe and secure in all of our school facilities. Please follow teacher directions during school safety drills. Please follow all precautions outlined in the RVWS Health & Safety Plan.
Supervision: If you ever have questions regarding a teacher’s management of students or discipline, don’t hesitate to ask the class teacher. Often a teacher may have a specific plan in mind that will be helpful for you to know. In addition, please review carefully the RVWS Boundary Guidelines and return the Guidelines signed prior to serving as a volunteer.
A Final Word: We are so glad you have decided to participate as a volunteer in working with children at River Valley Waldorf School. Welcome to the community!
Clearances
Everyone is required to get new clearances every 60 months.
Three Pillars
At River Valley Waldorf School, community is deeply cherished and upheld through the collaborative efforts of three essential pillars: the Faculty & Administration, the Board of Trustees, and the Parent Council. The Faculty & Administration serve as the guiding force behind the school's educational vision and day-to-day operations. They are responsible for creating a nurturing and enriching learning environment, implementing Waldorf pedagogy, and supporting the holistic development of every student. The Board of Trustees plays a vital role in ensuring the long-term sustainability and strategic direction of the school. They provide oversight, governance, and financial stewardship, working closely with the administration to make informed decisions that uphold the school's mission and values. Lastly, the Parent Council serves as a vital link between the school and its families, fostering a sense of belonging and active engagement within the community. They support various initiatives, organize events, and facilitate communication, promoting a collaborative partnership between parents, faculty, and staff for the benefit of all students. Together, these three pillars form a strong foundation for the River Valley Waldorf School, driving its growth, resilience, and unwavering commitment to holistic education.
The Parent Council is a body of parents invested in working with the governing bodies of the school. This group of parents is composed of representatives from each class. They work to support the Faculty and Administration pillars by building an active community of volunteers brought together for a common purpose which enriches the experience of school life for our children and our families.
The Pedagogical Pillar is composed of the Pedagogical Chair, Pedagogical Leadership Group, and full faculty. The Pedagogical Chair in conjunction with the Head of School is responsible for the long term pedagogical visioning and development of programming and faculty management and organization, as well as overseeing admissions practices to bring pedagogical insight to all admissions decisions.
The Parent Council consists of ideally two parent representatives from each grade level as core members. The Parent Council coordinates the school’s annual Winter Fair and Mayfaire, communicates volunteer needs to the full parent community, maintains close-knit relationships with the Board and Head of School.
All stakeholders are responsible for supporting the mission of River Valley Waldorf School. Decisions are made with appropriate stakeholder consultation and collaboration.
The Three Pillars meet at least once annually and are represented by the faculty, the Board of Trustees, administrative staff and Parent Council representatives. The annual meeting addresses school visioning, planning and communication.
Governance Structure
River Valley Waldorf School utilizes a governance model that includes a Board of Trustees, Head of School, and Pedagogical Leadership Group. Both the Board of Trustees and Pedagogical Leadership Group utilize consensus decision making. Utilizing consensus decision-making fosters an inclusive and collaborative form of governance by ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. Through this process, diverse perspectives are considered, leading to more holistic and well-rounded outcomes that reflect the collective wisdom of the group. By prioritizing cooperation and compromise over majority rule, consensus decision-making promotes a sense of ownership and commitment among participants, ultimately strengthening community cohesion and resilience.
The Head of School plays a pivotal role as a bridge between the three pillars of the River Valley Waldorf School community, serving as a cornerstone for effective communication and mutual support. As the chief executive officer, they bear the responsibility of upholding the school's overarching vision and executing its mission with unwavering dedication. In addition to managing faculty and staff, the Head of School oversees the day-to-day operations, ensuring the smooth functioning of the institution. They also bear the crucial responsibility of safeguarding the financial health of the school as directed by the Board of Trustees, implementing strategic initiatives to sustain its growth and vitality for years to come.
The Board of Trustees (BOT) carries the weighty responsibility of stewardship for the past, present, and future generations of the school community. Comprising dedicated individuals including parents, faculty, and friends of the school, the board is entrusted with the vital task of ensuring the school's enduring success through strategic long-range planning, meticulous oversight of administrative affairs, and prudent management of fiscal and legal considerations. Their commitment to preserving the school's values and fostering its growth exemplifies their dedication to serving as custodians of its legacy and aspirations. The Head of School (HOS) carries out the policies established by the Board of Trustees. Within these guidelines, the Head of School is accountable for board relationships, organization, planning and analysis, fundraising, academics, program & service support, personnel, finance, institutional image, environment, constituent relations, and enrollment & recruitment.
The Pedagogical Leadership Group (PLG) carries out the pedagogical management of the school, as dictated by the faculty approved mandate. Pedagogy comprises all activities pertaining to the school’s programs and the interaction with students, including classroom teaching, curricular and extracurricular activities, student social events, and class trips. The PLG is chaired by the Pedagogical Chair who provides support and leadership to the faculty, working in service of the faculty through collaborative leadership. The Pedagogical Chair works closely with the Faculty, Administration, and the Head of School to plan and implement the pedagogical and administrative objectives of the school community.
The Board of Trustees and full faculty regularly utilize a committee structure to facilitate work and decision-making. While adhering to legal requirements and general best practices of independent schools, River Valley Waldorf School practices a balance of consensus decision making and mandate committee structure. The decision making authority of committees are dictated by mandates. The assignment of a mandate allocates responsibility for a particular management task. Decisions made by committees are supported by the mandate assigning group and reviewed by the Head of School for alignment with the school’s mission, vision, and core values.
The Board of Trustees has the ultimate authority and responsibility for River Valley Waldorf School, including legal responsibility, fiscal responsibility, and long-range planning. The Board of Trustees has delegated authority to administer programs and manage the day-to-day operations of the school to the Head of School. The Head of School reports to the Board of Trustees and is supported by the Pedagogical Chair, Director of Operations, Business Administrator, Enrollment Coordinator, and Advancement Director. The Head of School’s main responsibilities are board relationships, management of the organization and personnel, planning and analysis of operations and finance, fundraising, pedagogy and academic programming, institutional image, the school environment, constituent relations, and enrollment and recruitment of students.
Board of Trustees' Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commitments
River Valley Waldorf School is committed to creating an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diversity of our school community, The Waldorf movement emphasizes the importance of recognizing the virtue in each human; River Valley strives to maintain an environment that values and supports its members across all intersections of their identities. It is our goal to be accountable and to meet challenges with courage and grace.
Along with the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America, we recognize that the Waldorf movement’s promise of honoring the inherent beauty and integrity of each individual has sometimes fallen short for historically marginalized students and community members. River Valley Waldorf School recognizes that Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Waldorf education (1919), provided many profound insights that uphold the value and dignity of each human being and form the foundation of our organization's history and worldview. However, he also made statements containing harmful assertions about race and ethnicity. Racism, whether explicit or implicit, is fundamentally opposed to the core principles of Waldorf education.
River Valley Waldorf School’s Board of Trustees is dedicated to improving equity and strengthening anti-bias and anti-racist (ABAR) practices and makes the following commitments:
1. To hire Heads of School who prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion work and practices;
2. To verify that the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion are applied to programming, practices, and policies;
3. To ask questions about school culture and climate and hold the school accountable to its goals for diversity, equity, and inclusion;
4. To develop policies that promote diversity, minimize inequities, and increase inclusion;
5. To allocate resources to ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion can be moved forward at River Valley Waldorf School; and
6. To ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion centered goals are a key part of the school’s long term strategic planning.
7. To deepen learning, development, and self-study in the realm of diversity, equity, inclusion, and to strive to identify bias in policy or interpersonal dynamics.
© River Valley Waldorf School