Quotes

”...Waldorf education remains to become better known to Americans. Other independent educational movements, much less thoroughgoing in their attempts to integrate at every level of education art, science, and an appreciation of the fully human, have curiously been given much more attention. At a time of searching and reappraisal in American education, the Waldorf Movement with its unique understanding of the education of the child and its years of teaching practice and institutional experience deserves the informed consideration of those genuinely concerned with education and the development of human wholeness.”

Douglas Sloan, Ph.D.
Professor
Columbia University

Handbook

Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)

The Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is the formal social structure for all adults in the Chicago Waldorf School community and exists to provide both a quality framework for and actively encourage each of us to participate in the life of the school community. The presence of the PTO gives parents, teachers, administrative staff and trustees an opportunity to work in partnership with each other and unite us in our shared goal and purpose of supporting our children’s education. The mission is to strengthen and enrich our social fabric and build an enduring and resilient community.

Parent-Teacher Organization Council (PTOC)

The Parent Teacher Organization Council (PTOC) is the planning and coordinating body of the PTO and is comprised of a core group of parents, teachers, and staff that give leadership, guidance and direction to the PTO. The PTOC strives to support the parent and school partnership in the areas of parent education and social enrichment. As the leadership group of the PTO, the PTOC is committed to facilitating healthy and prosperous community development by:

• Overseeing PTO related events and initiatives (community social gatherings and forums for parent education).

• Serving as ambassadors of CWS and Waldorf education.

• Encouraging parent involvement.

• Building and strengthening relationships between parents, teachers, administrative staff and Trustees.

• Cultivating community consciousness about and commitment to Waldorf education.

• Supporting parent and teacher initiatives.

• Listening to the community and identifying and communicating issues to administration and the board.

PTO Class Representatives

Each class has one or two PTO Representatives selected by the class teacher. These Representatives serve as facilitators to connect families in the class with the wider school community life and to connect the school to the questions and concerns of parents and teachers.

The Representatives support the school by encouraging parent participation and by communicating information about PTO and wider school community events to the parents in their classroom. They connect the questions and concerns of the families to Administration, the College, and the Board. Parents are encouraged to share their school related thoughts, questions and concerns with the PTO representatives.

If you are interested in serving in this role, speak with your teacher.

2008 – 2009 PTO Leadership

Co-Chairs
Katherine Rogers (Parent Education) Janet Zimmerman (Community Enrichment)

Liaison to the Board
Renee Wright

Faculty Representative
TBA

College Representative
John Trevillion

Class Representatives

Parent-Child
Lisa Donofrio

EC1 – Matson
Kevin Rooney
Lisa Courtly Rekstad

EC2 – Donkel
Erin Mendoza

EC3 – Mendoza
Lisa King
Susannah Wilkins

EC4 – Bruck
Stephanie Arnett

EC5 – Culbert
Michael Motyka
Cassy Smith

Grade 1
Gregg Tomlinson

Grade 2
Karen Brennan

Grade 3
Chuck Ginsberg

Grade 4
Karen Hallman

Grade 5
Shannon Kerr

Grade 6
Frank Verciglio

Grade 7
Rachel Fiske

Grade 8
Sue Smock-Lawson

High School
Jo Peer-Haas (9th & 10th grades)
Sue Smock-Lawson (11th and 12th grades)