http://nycprivateschoolsblog.com/contributors/private-school-focus-on-the-brooklyn-waldorf-school/11/25/2009/
January 19, 2011 at 10:04 am
My daughter attended one session of the parent child program before I
become completely fed up and left the school. Initially, I applied
online and received a confirmation email. After hearing no response, I
called and left 2 emails to follow up. The admissions staff told me she
would get back to me on all occassions. Heard nothing. Then, I decided
to make a visit to the school and after speaking to the admissions
coordinator in person, she said she would email me the next day with a
response. Heard nothing, and contacted her two days later. After
numerous emails (over 10), she states that she lost my application and
to please apply again. After applying, I had to follow up twice before
receiving any confirmation. When it came time to pay tuition, I decided
to pay in person just to make sure everything went smoothly. A few weeks
later, she tells me she never received my check (which I handed her!) I
felt like I spent more time dealing with problematic issues than the
amount of time my daughter spend in this 2hour class. After speaking
with three other parents, they told me they have encountered
communication issues with admissions or staff. As a parent, I find this
unacceptable. I am not continuing with the parent child program or
continuing onto nursery.
Showing posts with label steiner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label steiner. Show all posts
Monday, May 7, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Honululu Waldorf School - Reviews by Parents
Remember this school? They sued residents around their school:
http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Nov/07/ln/hawaii711070394.html
"As far as we're concerned, now we're going to make it very clear to them we
don't even want them in our community any longer," said Seitz, who also is
president of the Niu Valley Community Association. "They no longer are going to
have freedom to exist in our valley to do what they want to do. They're going to
be under siege."
That was in 2007... but the school is still there apparently:
Let's see how they're doing...
http://www.greatschools.org/school/parentReviews.page?id=304&state=HI#from..Head\
erLink
The first three reviews are as of 3 days ago... must have been a bad day for the
pre-kindergarten teacher:
Posted Thursday, April 26, 2012
As soon as we mentioned other private schools to our teacher in Pre-K and having
her submit the Progress Report to other schools, - everything went upside down.
The attitude changed, the Report was not handled properly and was biased and
full of her opinions and suggestions. Needless to say, when we questioned the
protocol on the such reports written by Pre-K teacher to other schools, - the
anwser was, - she should have not written one! i.e. it only applies to grade
school and not Pre-K, K level. We complained and were extremely upset. The
outcome - THEY TOLD US TO LEAVE THE SCHOOL! Heartless, unorganized, biased, no
core value. So , unless you are willing to kiss up and never object, - stay away
from this "school". The rule of this school is - The Teacher Is Always Right. (
even when she screwed up) —Submitted by a parent
Posted Thursday, April 26, 2012
Pre-K teacher is emotionaly unstable. Communication is a problem, does not know
how to handle simple discipline. Calling parents in the middle of the day asking
to pick up children because they through rocks at each other. Unorganized school
and I would not recomend to anyone. Many students are leaving to other private
schools after Pre-K. —Submitted by a parent
Posted Thursday, April 26, 2012
Though our children enjoyed the school, my husband and I were not happy with a
teacher. She was very strict and very opinionated. She did not allow our son to
go to 1st grade; as per her opinion, - he was not ready. Yet, he is in the 1 st
grade now in the different school and is very capabable and ready to learn and
progress.
—Submitted by a parent
Another parent expecting the "hype" and not the reality.
Posted January 14, 2011
This is a good school in many ways. It lacks the heart, knowledge and true
spirit of Waldorf but is still better in many ways than what else is out there.
In Europe, Waldorf works elegantly and effectively for 'difficult' or disruptive
children, in fact, so much so that the government pays for some of the most
problematic children to attend Waldorf. This is a great life experience for the
whole community. It seems that this is not the case here, 'difficult' children
are not well-held in a way that they can heal and often become the scapegoats
for teachers inability and/or insecurity. We removed our children after several
years. We could not recommend this as a wholesome or effective learning
environment. —Submitted by a parent
Posted December 28, 2009
The Waldorf curriculum was designed to end at 8th grade. Honolulu Waldorf School
does very well in the lower grades, and starts to unravel at around the sixth
grade. My kids went to this school from pre-k to eight and sixth grades. Parents
should ask hard questions of a variety of individuals, not just the teachers
that form the governing body. Particularly, ask about how many kids go to
college and how discipline is handled. If you question HWS deviation from
established Walodorf pedagogy, you and your children will quickly be pushed from
the fold. —Submitted by a parent
Posted May 8, 2004
Just as in other Waldorf Schools, the problem here is that no one wants to
discipline problem children. —Submitted by a parent
http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Nov/07/ln/hawaii711070394.html
"As far as we're concerned, now we're going to make it very clear to them we
don't even want them in our community any longer," said Seitz, who also is
president of the Niu Valley Community Association. "They no longer are going to
have freedom to exist in our valley to do what they want to do. They're going to
be under siege."
That was in 2007... but the school is still there apparently:
Let's see how they're doing...
http://www.greatschools.org/school/parentReviews.page?id=304&state=HI#from..Head\
erLink
The first three reviews are as of 3 days ago... must have been a bad day for the
pre-kindergarten teacher:
Posted Thursday, April 26, 2012
As soon as we mentioned other private schools to our teacher in Pre-K and having
her submit the Progress Report to other schools, - everything went upside down.
The attitude changed, the Report was not handled properly and was biased and
full of her opinions and suggestions. Needless to say, when we questioned the
protocol on the such reports written by Pre-K teacher to other schools, - the
anwser was, - she should have not written one! i.e. it only applies to grade
school and not Pre-K, K level. We complained and were extremely upset. The
outcome - THEY TOLD US TO LEAVE THE SCHOOL! Heartless, unorganized, biased, no
core value. So , unless you are willing to kiss up and never object, - stay away
from this "school". The rule of this school is - The Teacher Is Always Right. (
even when she screwed up) —Submitted by a parent
Posted Thursday, April 26, 2012
Pre-K teacher is emotionaly unstable. Communication is a problem, does not know
how to handle simple discipline. Calling parents in the middle of the day asking
to pick up children because they through rocks at each other. Unorganized school
and I would not recomend to anyone. Many students are leaving to other private
schools after Pre-K. —Submitted by a parent
Posted Thursday, April 26, 2012
Though our children enjoyed the school, my husband and I were not happy with a
teacher. She was very strict and very opinionated. She did not allow our son to
go to 1st grade; as per her opinion, - he was not ready. Yet, he is in the 1 st
grade now in the different school and is very capabable and ready to learn and
progress.
—Submitted by a parent
Another parent expecting the "hype" and not the reality.
Posted January 14, 2011
This is a good school in many ways. It lacks the heart, knowledge and true
spirit of Waldorf but is still better in many ways than what else is out there.
In Europe, Waldorf works elegantly and effectively for 'difficult' or disruptive
children, in fact, so much so that the government pays for some of the most
problematic children to attend Waldorf. This is a great life experience for the
whole community. It seems that this is not the case here, 'difficult' children
are not well-held in a way that they can heal and often become the scapegoats
for teachers inability and/or insecurity. We removed our children after several
years. We could not recommend this as a wholesome or effective learning
environment. —Submitted by a parent
Posted December 28, 2009
The Waldorf curriculum was designed to end at 8th grade. Honolulu Waldorf School
does very well in the lower grades, and starts to unravel at around the sixth
grade. My kids went to this school from pre-k to eight and sixth grades. Parents
should ask hard questions of a variety of individuals, not just the teachers
that form the governing body. Particularly, ask about how many kids go to
college and how discipline is handled. If you question HWS deviation from
established Walodorf pedagogy, you and your children will quickly be pushed from
the fold. —Submitted by a parent
Posted May 8, 2004
Just as in other Waldorf Schools, the problem here is that no one wants to
discipline problem children. —Submitted by a parent
Pasadena Waldorf School Reviews by Parents
Pasadena is another problematic private Waldorf school which is the recipient of
problematic teachers from Highland Hall.
http://www.greatschools.org/school/parentReviews.page?id=9839&state=CA#from..Hea\
derLink
Posted April 30, 2009
Pasadena Waldorf School has a fairy tale approach to life and does not prepare
children for the real world. The school's administration has no oversight and
teachers are free to instruct and discipline children any way they see fit. My
children had to be tutored after leaving Waldorf just to catch up with
mainstream society. The campus is beautiful and the ideals are romantic. The
story telling and performances are fun but do not begin to educate children in
today's complex world. There are some valuable lessons being taught, but negated
by the fact that a child cannot write correctly or spell. There is no test
taking and no monitoring of the educational process. Waldorf creates it's own
rules and changes them on a whim. I would not recommend this school to anyone
who takes their child's education seriously.
—Submitted by a parent
Posted November 16, 2007
The intentions are good, but it falls far short of it's goals.
—Submitted by a parent
Posted April 25, 2007
I am not sure the Waldorf model works in today's multicultural environment.
Having the same teacher from K-8 sounds romantic but it is rare to find an
individual with a skill set that can meet a child's needs over 9 years of
education. Parental involvement is very high and the atmosphere is nurturing. I
would not recommend a Waldorf Education unless you are prepared to supplement
your child's education w/ tutors and other outlets for both academic and
sporting activities. —Submitted by a parent
Posted February 1, 2007
After having my daughter at this school for 5 years, I pulled her out. They have
lost most of their good teachers and there is no oversight on poor performing
teachers. We most definitely would not recommend it for a quality educaton.
—Submitted by a parent
problematic teachers from Highland Hall.
http://www.greatschools.org/school/parentReviews.page?id=9839&state=CA#from..Hea\
derLink
Posted April 30, 2009
Pasadena Waldorf School has a fairy tale approach to life and does not prepare
children for the real world. The school's administration has no oversight and
teachers are free to instruct and discipline children any way they see fit. My
children had to be tutored after leaving Waldorf just to catch up with
mainstream society. The campus is beautiful and the ideals are romantic. The
story telling and performances are fun but do not begin to educate children in
today's complex world. There are some valuable lessons being taught, but negated
by the fact that a child cannot write correctly or spell. There is no test
taking and no monitoring of the educational process. Waldorf creates it's own
rules and changes them on a whim. I would not recommend this school to anyone
who takes their child's education seriously.
—Submitted by a parent
Posted November 16, 2007
The intentions are good, but it falls far short of it's goals.
—Submitted by a parent
Posted April 25, 2007
I am not sure the Waldorf model works in today's multicultural environment.
Having the same teacher from K-8 sounds romantic but it is rare to find an
individual with a skill set that can meet a child's needs over 9 years of
education. Parental involvement is very high and the atmosphere is nurturing. I
would not recommend a Waldorf Education unless you are prepared to supplement
your child's education w/ tutors and other outlets for both academic and
sporting activities. —Submitted by a parent
Posted February 1, 2007
After having my daughter at this school for 5 years, I pulled her out. They have
lost most of their good teachers and there is no oversight on poor performing
teachers. We most definitely would not recommend it for a quality educaton.
—Submitted by a parent
Interview with a Vampire
Here is a recent email exchange with the monster - Wendy Wilkins. Apparently, I spoiled her plans to infiltrate Somerset Waldorf school by exposing her on Somerset's blog. Oh well...
---------- Original Message ----------
From: "wendelinnwilkins@rocketmail.com" <wendelinnwilkins@hotmail.com>
To: "petekaraiskos" <pkcompany@netzero.net>
Subject: Re: This is Somerset?
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:30:58 -0000
Dear Pete
I have read your entire site with interest.
I can see that you have a major axe to grind with Highland Hall school.
I can sympathise with many of your concerns surrounding Waldorf schools in general.
Your posts, however, regarding me are libelous. There is no truth to your allegations. They have caused harm. I am asking you politely to stop.
Wendy
>--- In waldorf-critics@yahoogroups.com, "petekaraiskos" <pkcompany@...> wrote:
> Wendy Wilkins is a familiar name to people reading my blog:
> http://petekaraiskos.blogspot.com/2010/02/letters-from-highland-hall-wilkins.html
> http://sites.google.com/site/wendywilkinssteinerteacher/
> Wendelinn Wilkins
> Teaching credentials:
> Grade 3, Highland Hall, Northridge, CA 2000/2001
> All academic subjects plus recorder, painting, clay modeling, and drama
> She's moved to Wiviliscombe, Somerset, U.K.
> - where they're having controversy over the new charter Steiner school:
> http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/search/search.html?searchPhrase=steiner&searchType=
> Looks like Somerset school will be drawing from the best of the best...
> I REALLY wasn't kidding when I said Highland Hall teachers are going to end up in the UK charter system. Here we go!
>
> PK
> ENOUGH ALREADY!!!
> http://petekaraiskos.blogspot.com/2010/03/highland-hall-breaking-mandated.html
>
***
Pete comments: Apparently, Ms. Wilkins doesn't understand the difference between something I wrote and something HIGHLAND HALL WROTE, which I posted. She apparently thinks I can be sued for libel for Highland Hall's words. Here's the document I referenced: http://petekaraiskos.blogspot.com/2010/02/letters-from-highland-hall-wilkins.html
***
From: pkcompany@netzero.net
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:09:13 +0000
To: wendelinnwilkins@hotmail.com
Subject: Re: This is Somerset?
Pete
***
---------- Original Message ----------
From: Wendelinn Wilkins <wendelinnwilkins@hotmail.com>
To: <pkcompany@netzero.net>
Subject: RE: This is Somerset?
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:49:27 +0000
I have no interest in lawsuits. I have retired from a long and happy career as a teacher. Your allegations about me, specifically, are false. They have caused harm. Continuing to post false allegations about me are libelous. Please stop doing so. I have done nothing to you, so do not wish to be used as a pawn in your crusade against Waldorf schools.
***
From: pkcompany@netzero.net
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:16:02 +0000
To: wendelinnwilkins@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: This is Somerset?
---------- Original Message ----------
From: Wendelinn Wilkins <wendelinnwilkins@hotmail.com>
To: <pkcompany@netzero.net>
Subject: RE: This is Somerset?
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:45:37 +0000
I do not know who your son and daughter are.
How many sleepovers have you arranged for your children?
My son has never been in after school care.
What police reports?
I am not threatening you in any manner.
Please stop publishing libelous material about me and now about my son.
Are you saying I molested children? I have brought no such thing to Highland Hall.
I do not know the relevance of the video you have posted.
I do not have balls - wrong gender.
***
From: pkcompany@netzero.net
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:05:43 +0000
To: wendelinnwilkins@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: This is Somerset?
Don't think for a moment I'm going anywhere.
***
---------- Original Message ----------
From: Wendelinn Wilkins <wendelinnwilkins@hotmail.com>
To: <pkcompany@netzero.net>
Subject: RE: This is Somerset?
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:45:17 +0000
I know this about my youngest son. He was an autistic child and vulnerable. He was abducted when he was 12. Santa Barbara School fired me - illegally - when I attended a court case in Vancouver when my son was found. I sued the Santa Barbara School for the illegal firing - and won. Highland Hall was fully aware.
I believe you also know that the misinformation you are spreading is wildly distorted and untrue. I believe you are using your self righteous stance to fuel your antagonism towards Waldorf Schools in general. This is easier than being accountable for the troubles of your child; I know. Nevertheless your accusations continue to be libelous, malicious, untrue and harmful. Please stop publishing material about me and my son to fuel your argument against Waldorf Schools and teachers.
Like you, I sent my children to Waldorf schools. I was initially enamoured of the gentle atmosphere and illusion of a safe environment. I added a Waldorf credential to my teaching credential and taught in Waldorf schools. There is much to love and much to criticize. Waldorf education is not for every child, for every parent and not for every teacher.
I am very sorry for your distress as a parent of a troubled child. Fruit doesn't fall very far from the vine.
***
Pete comments: This was NOT what happened. PARENTS, not Highland Hall, contacted the Santa Barbara school directly and were told the details of the lawsuit. Parents were told by Santa Barbara Waldorf school that Wilkins set up "sleepovers" for her son with her own students. Here's a letter from an angry parent describing Highland Hall's role in this matter - and the extent of the GAMES that Wilkin's son played with the children at Highland Hall. http://petekaraiskos.blogspot.com/2010/10/letter-from-angry-parent-1.html
Highland Hall, despite being "fully aware" (according to Wilkins) refused to discuss the case with angry parents. The FACTS speak for themselves. Highland Hall had TWO incidents of molestation by this boy (hence the two police reports). They did NOTHING after the first incident because the child wasn't enrolled at the school. After the SECOND incident, the information about the first incident came out. Highland Hall claimed (in front of parents) that they had a SIGNED CONTRACT from Wendy Wilkins - acknowledging that she would not bring her son back on campus unsupervised. AGAIN, after being pressed by parents, Highland Hall ADMITTED the "signed" contract was only signed by Highland Hall and NOT by Wilkins. HIGHLAND HALL PUT CHILDREN IN HARM'S WAY WITH NO REGARD TO THEIR SAFETY!
***
From: pkcompany@netzero.net
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:58:01 +0000
To: wendelinnwilkins@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: This is Somerset?
***
From: pkcompany@netzero.net
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 18:07:11 +0000
To: wendelinnwilkins@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: This is Somerset?
---------- Original Message ----------
From: Wendelinn Wilkins <wendelinnwilkins@hotmail.com>
To: <pkcompany@netzero.net>
Subject: RE: This is Somerset?
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:00:35 +0000
Are you self refering?
Please remove libelous references about me or my son as a juvenile from your blogs and websites. I have written nothing publicly about you nor defamed you in any way. You have written tomes that have injured us both for years. You continue to victimize victims. Leave us out of your vendetta.
---------- Original Message ----------
From: "wendelinnwilkins@rocketmail.com" <wendelinnwilkins@hotmail.com>
To: "petekaraiskos" <pkcompany@netzero.net>
Subject: Re: This is Somerset?
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:30:58 -0000
Dear Pete
I have read your entire site with interest.
I can see that you have a major axe to grind with Highland Hall school.
I can sympathise with many of your concerns surrounding Waldorf schools in general.
Your posts, however, regarding me are libelous. There is no truth to your allegations. They have caused harm. I am asking you politely to stop.
Wendy
>--- In waldorf-critics@yahoogroups.com, "petekaraiskos" <pkcompany@...> wrote:
> Wendy Wilkins is a familiar name to people reading my blog:
> http://petekaraiskos.blogspot.com/2010/02/letters-from-highland-hall-wilkins.html
> http://sites.google.com/site/wendywilkinssteinerteacher/
> Wendelinn Wilkins
> Teaching credentials:
> Grade 3, Highland Hall, Northridge, CA 2000/2001
> All academic subjects plus recorder, painting, clay modeling, and drama
> She's moved to Wiviliscombe, Somerset, U.K.
> - where they're having controversy over the new charter Steiner school:
> http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/search/search.html?searchPhrase=steiner&searchType=
> Looks like Somerset school will be drawing from the best of the best...
> I REALLY wasn't kidding when I said Highland Hall teachers are going to end up in the UK charter system. Here we go!
>
> PK
> ENOUGH ALREADY!!!
> http://petekaraiskos.blogspot.com/2010/03/highland-hall-breaking-mandated.html
>
***
Pete comments: Apparently, Ms. Wilkins doesn't understand the difference between something I wrote and something HIGHLAND HALL WROTE, which I posted. She apparently thinks I can be sued for libel for Highland Hall's words. Here's the document I referenced: http://petekaraiskos.blogspot.com/2010/02/letters-from-highland-hall-wilkins.html
***
From: pkcompany@netzero.net
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:09:13 +0000
To: wendelinnwilkins@hotmail.com
Subject: Re: This is Somerset?
I'd like to ask YOU to STOP too... How about it?
Find a different profession - AWAY FROM CHILDREN!
I NEVER STOP! Bring your lawsuit!
***
---------- Original Message ----------
From: Wendelinn Wilkins <wendelinnwilkins@hotmail.com>
To: <pkcompany@netzero.net>
Subject: RE: This is Somerset?
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:49:27 +0000
I have no interest in lawsuits. I have retired from a long and happy career as a teacher. Your allegations about me, specifically, are false. They have caused harm. Continuing to post false allegations about me are libelous. Please stop doing so. I have done nothing to you, so do not wish to be used as a pawn in your crusade against Waldorf schools.
***
From: pkcompany@netzero.net
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:16:02 +0000
To: wendelinnwilkins@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: This is Somerset?
YOU should know about using "pawns" - how many sleepovers did you arrange for Jeffrey?
Do YOU know what he discussed with my son and daughter in after school care?
Do YOU know the pictures he shared with them?
Children were MOLESTED. I have the police reports!
YOU brought this to Highland Hall. YOU DIRECTLY AFFECTED MY KID'S LIVES!
Where do you get the balls to threaten ME? Like I said, bring your lawsuit! I'll be bringing mine!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfkscHt96R0&feature=player_embedded#
Pete
***---------- Original Message ----------
From: Wendelinn Wilkins <wendelinnwilkins@hotmail.com>
To: <pkcompany@netzero.net>
Subject: RE: This is Somerset?
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:45:37 +0000
I do not know who your son and daughter are.
How many sleepovers have you arranged for your children?
My son has never been in after school care.
What police reports?
I am not threatening you in any manner.
Please stop publishing libelous material about me and now about my son.
Are you saying I molested children? I have brought no such thing to Highland Hall.
I do not know the relevance of the video you have posted.
I do not have balls - wrong gender.
***
From: pkcompany@netzero.net
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:05:43 +0000
To: wendelinnwilkins@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: This is Somerset?
I'm
not surprised you can't keep straight the children your son has
harmed. You'll find out soon enough who my son and daughter are. You
were my son's teacher!
Your son was not "enrolled" in after school care. He CERTAINLY was there. I have LOTS of witnesses and written accounts.
Devonshire Division
Police Report # 0117-20741
# 0117-30062
I
have NEVER published libelous material about you and your son. Only
the truth - which I can support with evidence and testimony. Try me.
You
didn't know you were involved in a court case with Santa Barbara when
you were hired at Highland Hall? Gee, Highland Hall admitted knowing...
but said nothing.
Thanks in part to your son's
behavior, my daughter went on to slice her arms and legs. Get it now?
Need a judge to explain it to you? You were COMPLICIT in the
molestation of children by your son. You KNEW about his problems before
bringing him to Highland Hall and letting him run around unsupervised.
MONSTERS LIKE YOU are who the guy in the video is talking about... The
guy in the video is about half as mad as I am. Get it now?
***
---------- Original Message ----------
From: Wendelinn Wilkins <wendelinnwilkins@hotmail.com>
To: <pkcompany@netzero.net>
Subject: RE: This is Somerset?
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:45:17 +0000
I know this about my youngest son. He was an autistic child and vulnerable. He was abducted when he was 12. Santa Barbara School fired me - illegally - when I attended a court case in Vancouver when my son was found. I sued the Santa Barbara School for the illegal firing - and won. Highland Hall was fully aware.
I believe you also know that the misinformation you are spreading is wildly distorted and untrue. I believe you are using your self righteous stance to fuel your antagonism towards Waldorf Schools in general. This is easier than being accountable for the troubles of your child; I know. Nevertheless your accusations continue to be libelous, malicious, untrue and harmful. Please stop publishing material about me and my son to fuel your argument against Waldorf Schools and teachers.
Like you, I sent my children to Waldorf schools. I was initially enamoured of the gentle atmosphere and illusion of a safe environment. I added a Waldorf credential to my teaching credential and taught in Waldorf schools. There is much to love and much to criticize. Waldorf education is not for every child, for every parent and not for every teacher.
I am very sorry for your distress as a parent of a troubled child. Fruit doesn't fall very far from the vine.
***
Pete comments: This was NOT what happened. PARENTS, not Highland Hall, contacted the Santa Barbara school directly and were told the details of the lawsuit. Parents were told by Santa Barbara Waldorf school that Wilkins set up "sleepovers" for her son with her own students. Here's a letter from an angry parent describing Highland Hall's role in this matter - and the extent of the GAMES that Wilkin's son played with the children at Highland Hall. http://petekaraiskos.blogspot.com/2010/10/letter-from-angry-parent-1.html
Highland Hall, despite being "fully aware" (according to Wilkins) refused to discuss the case with angry parents. The FACTS speak for themselves. Highland Hall had TWO incidents of molestation by this boy (hence the two police reports). They did NOTHING after the first incident because the child wasn't enrolled at the school. After the SECOND incident, the information about the first incident came out. Highland Hall claimed (in front of parents) that they had a SIGNED CONTRACT from Wendy Wilkins - acknowledging that she would not bring her son back on campus unsupervised. AGAIN, after being pressed by parents, Highland Hall ADMITTED the "signed" contract was only signed by Highland Hall and NOT by Wilkins. HIGHLAND HALL PUT CHILDREN IN HARM'S WAY WITH NO REGARD TO THEIR SAFETY!
***
From: pkcompany@netzero.net
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:58:01 +0000
To: wendelinnwilkins@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: This is Somerset?
The more you demonstrate to me that you don't get it, the more it falls on ME to ensure that you do.
"Fruit doesn't fall very far from the vine."
Interesting point... Think about it.
Stop wasting my time and your breath... I'll be seeing YOU in court!
Pete
***
---------- Original Message ----------
From: Wendelinn Wilkins <wendelinnwilkins@hotmail.com>
To: <pkcompany@netzero.net>
Subject: RE: This is Somerset?
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:59:23 +0000
Are you
You waste your own time and breath in pursuit of finding someone to blame. I have done none of the things you publish widely about me so @cease andd desist."
---------- Original Message ----------
From: Wendelinn Wilkins <wendelinnwilkins@hotmail.com>
To: <pkcompany@netzero.net>
Subject: RE: This is Somerset?
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:59:23 +0000
Are you
You waste your own time and breath in pursuit of finding someone to blame. I have done none of the things you publish widely about me so @cease andd desist."
***
From: pkcompany@netzero.net
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 18:07:11 +0000
To: wendelinnwilkins@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: This is Somerset?
Um... how can I make this more clear to you?
FUCK OFF YOU LYING MONSTER!
***
---------- Original Message ----------
From: Wendelinn Wilkins <wendelinnwilkins@hotmail.com>
To: <pkcompany@netzero.net>
Subject: RE: This is Somerset?
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:00:35 +0000
Are you self refering?
Please remove libelous references about me or my son as a juvenile from your blogs and websites. I have written nothing publicly about you nor defamed you in any way. You have written tomes that have injured us both for years. You continue to victimize victims. Leave us out of your vendetta.
***
From: pkcompany@netzero.net
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:18:44 +0000
To: wendelinnwilkins@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: This is Somerset?
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:18:44 +0000
To: wendelinnwilkins@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: This is Somerset?
I'm
VERY HAPPY to know I have injured you both for years... Look forward to
MANY MORE YEARS of this. I'm only JUST getting started.
Please
continue to describe how I've made your lives miserable. This is
delicious news for me! I can't wait to hear more - and please, use
plenty of adjectives. I hope your next letter describes in detail how
my comments have put you in such despair that you've got a loaded gun in
your mouth and are pulling the trigger exactly as you press the Send
key.
I'm really sorry if the truth hurts... Now, FUCK OFF!
***
---------- Original Message ----------
---------- Original Message ----------
From: Wendelinn Wilkins <wendelinnwilkins@hotmail.com>
To: <pkcompany@netzero.net>
Subject: RE: This is Somerset?
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:29:25 +0000
You can't make up your mind - "Can't wait to hear more" or "fo." Charming and non abusive. The truth does not hurt. Libel does
To: <pkcompany@netzero.net>
Subject: RE: This is Somerset?
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:29:25 +0000
You can't make up your mind - "Can't wait to hear more" or "fo." Charming and non abusive. The truth does not hurt. Libel does
***
From: pkcompany@netzero.net
Date: Wed, Apr 25, 2012 12:34 PM
To: wendelinnwilkins@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: This is Somerset?
Date: Wed, Apr 25, 2012 12:34 PM
To: wendelinnwilkins@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: This is Somerset?
I think I'll stick with FUCK OFF.
***
AND SHE DID!
Update! She DIDN'T FUCK OFF... She FLAGGED my comments AND THEY WERE REMOVED. This may clear the path for this monster to "go to work" on the children at Somerset! Below is the email I received:
---------- Original Message ----------
From: Report Abuse <reportabuse@thisiscomments.co.uk>
To: pkcompany@netzero.net
Subject: content removed from This is Somerset
Date: Tue, 1 May 2012 09:35:56 +0100
Thank you for registering with This is Somerset. Unfortunately we have had to remove your comment on an article headlined Steiner's theories cause this parent concern following a complaint that it was defamatory.
This is the comment that was removed:
No big surprise, Highland Hall teachers are INDEED moving to Somerset school. <a href="http://tinyurl.com/6pwfxq2" rel="nofollow">http://tinyurl.com/6pwfxq2</a>
This teacher caused scandals at TWO schools, Santa Barbara and Highland Hall Waldorf schools.
I documented how Highland Hall sheepishly confessed to the abuses that occurred here: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/84wtbmw" rel="nofollow">http://tinyurl.com/84wtbmw</a> and ignored mandated reporting laws when problems arose with this teacher here: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/8399vdy" rel="nofollow">http://tinyurl.com/8399vdy</a> �Somerset is becoming the depository for bad teachers from the US.
Pete Karaiskos
Former Waldorf parent
Southern California
We would ask you please not to resubmit this content or discuss its removal on the site. We would also remind you that you are legally responsible for the content you submit.
If you are unsure of any of our house rules or terms and conditions you can find a link to them in full at the foot of the home page.
I'm not THAT worried. To be honest, I'm happier knowing EXACTLY where Wendy Wilkins is... that way, when the time arrives for her to face me in court, I'll be able to find her EASILY!
Update! She DIDN'T FUCK OFF... She FLAGGED my comments AND THEY WERE REMOVED. This may clear the path for this monster to "go to work" on the children at Somerset! Below is the email I received:
---------- Original Message ----------
From: Report Abuse <reportabuse@thisiscomments.co.uk>
To: pkcompany@netzero.net
Subject: content removed from This is Somerset
Date: Tue, 1 May 2012 09:35:56 +0100
Thank you for registering with This is Somerset. Unfortunately we have had to remove your comment on an article headlined Steiner's theories cause this parent concern following a complaint that it was defamatory.
This is the comment that was removed:
No big surprise, Highland Hall teachers are INDEED moving to Somerset school. <a href="http://tinyurl.com/6pwfxq2" rel="nofollow">http://tinyurl.com/6pwfxq2</a>
This teacher caused scandals at TWO schools, Santa Barbara and Highland Hall Waldorf schools.
I documented how Highland Hall sheepishly confessed to the abuses that occurred here: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/84wtbmw" rel="nofollow">http://tinyurl.com/84wtbmw</a> and ignored mandated reporting laws when problems arose with this teacher here: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/8399vdy" rel="nofollow">http://tinyurl.com/8399vdy</a> �Somerset is becoming the depository for bad teachers from the US.
Pete Karaiskos
Former Waldorf parent
Southern California
We would ask you please not to resubmit this content or discuss its removal on the site. We would also remind you that you are legally responsible for the content you submit.
If you are unsure of any of our house rules or terms and conditions you can find a link to them in full at the foot of the home page.
I'm not THAT worried. To be honest, I'm happier knowing EXACTLY where Wendy Wilkins is... that way, when the time arrives for her to face me in court, I'll be able to find her EASILY!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Local Schools Network 3
Should the state be funding schools which were founded by a racist mystic?
My comments:
Dany Darling wrote: “There are many systems which were originally se-up by someone with dodgy/racist/sexist beliefs (the British Government for example), but unless those beliefs are currently held, you’re wasting your time trying to stir up offences that don’t exist.”
Please read my comment above – where racism was taught to my child. These offensive racist ideas DO exist and are right in the Waldorf curriculum… they were taught DIRECTLY to my child. This isn’t imaginary – it happened, the lesson was documented when it happened, and there are witnesses to and records of the subsequent meetings surrounding this “lesson”. Highland Hall taught RACISM AS SCIENTIFIC FACT. Not 100 years ago… NOW.
Yes, racist beliefs are CURRENTLY HELD by Waldorf – and they are taught to prospective Waldorf teachers – right in teacher training. In fact, you CAN’T be a Waldorf teacher if you don’t treat children with different physical characteristics – IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS. It’s what Waldorf teachers are TRAINED to do – TODAY! Please read up on Waldorf before assuming there is nothing to what people here are complaining about.
Popular comment! Like?
8
Please read my comment above – where racism was taught to my child. These offensive racist ideas DO exist and are right in the Waldorf curriculum… they were taught DIRECTLY to my child. This isn’t imaginary – it happened, the lesson was documented when it happened, and there are witnesses to and records of the subsequent meetings surrounding this “lesson”. Highland Hall taught RACISM AS SCIENTIFIC FACT. Not 100 years ago… NOW.
Yes, racist beliefs are CURRENTLY HELD by Waldorf – and they are taught to prospective Waldorf teachers – right in teacher training. In fact, you CAN’T be a Waldorf teacher if you don’t treat children with different physical characteristics – IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS. It’s what Waldorf teachers are TRAINED to do – TODAY! Please read up on Waldorf before assuming there is nothing to what people here are complaining about.
Popular comment! Like?
8 A sound education said:
About a black child:
“He has many, many white friends through being at a school that respects each individual for who she or he is.”
Um… ya think being in a predominately white school might have had something to do with it?
“Two families we know withdrew their children last year to send them to a school that is ten times as famous (and charges twice as much); both are bringing their children back after half a year away, because the education was simply better at the Steiner school.”
If the education was so good, why did they withdraw their children in the first place?
What typically happens is, parents realize how much they are caught up in the school. Their kid’s Waldorf friends abandon them in a short time, and so do their own Waldorf friends. Their social circle suddenly collapses.
And, unfortunately, their children cannot adapt to anything else… they are completely LOST in any other type of educational system.
In Steiner schools the younger children, especially, are NOT treated as individuals at all. Younger children have difficulties transferring to other schools. Besides being behind in academics (they ALWAYS are), those with learning disabilities are often discovering them for the first time. And, let’s face it… they tend to appear “odd” in non-Waldorf environments – often having had no exposure to media for example. Is it any wonder Waldorf kids don’t “fit” in other schools?
Popular comment! Like? 7
About a black child:
“He has many, many white friends through being at a school that respects each individual for who she or he is.”
Um… ya think being in a predominately white school might have had something to do with it?
“Two families we know withdrew their children last year to send them to a school that is ten times as famous (and charges twice as much); both are bringing their children back after half a year away, because the education was simply better at the Steiner school.”
If the education was so good, why did they withdraw their children in the first place?
What typically happens is, parents realize how much they are caught up in the school. Their kid’s Waldorf friends abandon them in a short time, and so do their own Waldorf friends. Their social circle suddenly collapses.
And, unfortunately, their children cannot adapt to anything else… they are completely LOST in any other type of educational system.
In Steiner schools the younger children, especially, are NOT treated as individuals at all. Younger children have difficulties transferring to other schools. Besides being behind in academics (they ALWAYS are), those with learning disabilities are often discovering them for the first time. And, let’s face it… they tend to appear “odd” in non-Waldorf environments – often having had no exposure to media for example. Is it any wonder Waldorf kids don’t “fit” in other schools?
Popular comment! Like?
7The bottom line is – and I find it repugnant that people can make these choices for their unsuspecting children… but… If you want a quasi-religious, or pseudo-scientific, or spiritually racist education for your child… Please don’t try to justify state funding for such nonsense… PAY FOR IT YOURSELF!
Popular comment! Like? 7
7 @TheBee – Sune, you are never honest, and I’m pretty sure I’ve even caught you lying right here. BTW, please don’t threaten to punch me in the face as you did at Wikipedia. Before you suggest Waldorf people don’t threaten parents, remember that you made a public threat of personal bodily harm – to me (anyone can look this up… still..).
You said about shutting down criticism at Mumsnet.com “I did it as a private person, only representing myself and noone else, as always when I participate in discussions or write on the net.”
Now, we also have a letter from Mumsnet that you wrote. In it (see Cathy’s post above) it said: “If I see her posting promotion of libel at Mumsnet once more, I won’t tell you about it, but ask Percy Bratt of Bratt and Feinsilber in Sweden to contact you in cooperation with the legal representatives of The Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship in the UK and Ireland
(http://www.steinerwaldorf.org/index.html), about your negligent way of allowing libel to be published at Mumsnet and the one who is the
most fervent publisher of it to continue to publish at Mumsnet.”
Now, Sune, you specifically say your legal representation (P. Bratt) represents or works in cooperation with The Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship in the UK and Ireland. That is NOT the work of an individual… sorry.
So… it’s one or the other… Were you lying when you said your attorney represents the Waldorf Fellowship in the UK, or were you lying when you said you work as an individual when you threaten posters? Did you lie about not representing Waldorf then, or are you lying about having posted as an individual now? It really doesn’t matter which time you lied does it? Your credibility is GONE!
You said about shutting down criticism at Mumsnet.com “I did it as a private person, only representing myself and noone else, as always when I participate in discussions or write on the net.”
Now, we also have a letter from Mumsnet that you wrote. In it (see Cathy’s post above) it said: “If I see her posting promotion of libel at Mumsnet once more, I won’t tell you about it, but ask Percy Bratt of Bratt and Feinsilber in Sweden to contact you in cooperation with the legal representatives of The Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship in the UK and Ireland
(http://www.steinerwaldorf.org/index.html), about your negligent way of allowing libel to be published at Mumsnet and the one who is the
most fervent publisher of it to continue to publish at Mumsnet.”
Now, Sune, you specifically say your legal representation (P. Bratt) represents or works in cooperation with The Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship in the UK and Ireland. That is NOT the work of an individual… sorry.
So… it’s one or the other… Were you lying when you said your attorney represents the Waldorf Fellowship in the UK, or were you lying when you said you work as an individual when you threaten posters? Did you lie about not representing Waldorf then, or are you lying about having posted as an individual now? It really doesn’t matter which time you lied does it? Your credibility is GONE!
Popular comment! Like? 10
10 Sune Nordwall wrote:
“Do Steiner waldorf schools encourage freedom of expression and individuality as Dany Darling writes?”
“That is also the expressed view of Jennifer Aniston, former Steiner Waldorf pupil, Julianna Margulies, actress, former Waldorf student and probably many other present and former Steiner Waldorf pupils.
OK, I challenge you Sune. Where have Jennifer Aniston and Julianna Margulies expressed this view? Can you point us to some publication, some television broadcast, a blog, some tweet perhaps… where Jennifer Aniston and Julianna Margulies have expressed this view? For you to say they have “expressed” this view, you must certainly be able to tell us where, right? I have spoken with Julianna’s sister, Alexandra, BTW, and she is indeed on record saying positive things about Waldorf (even the openly racist Highland Hall). But that’s not who we’re talking about. So where can we read the expressed views of Jennifer and Julianna? Thanks in advance.
“Do Steiner waldorf schools encourage freedom of expression and individuality as Dany Darling writes?”
“That is also the expressed view of Jennifer Aniston, former Steiner Waldorf pupil, Julianna Margulies, actress, former Waldorf student and probably many other present and former Steiner Waldorf pupils.
OK, I challenge you Sune. Where have Jennifer Aniston and Julianna Margulies expressed this view? Can you point us to some publication, some television broadcast, a blog, some tweet perhaps… where Jennifer Aniston and Julianna Margulies have expressed this view? For you to say they have “expressed” this view, you must certainly be able to tell us where, right? I have spoken with Julianna’s sister, Alexandra, BTW, and she is indeed on record saying positive things about Waldorf (even the openly racist Highland Hall). But that’s not who we’re talking about. So where can we read the expressed views of Jennifer and Julianna? Thanks in advance.
Popular comment! Like? 4
4 BTW, I see quotes from both these people on your website… but you don’t indicate where you harvested these quotes. Maybe you didn’t invent them yourself… but since your credibility has diminished, I’d like to see the sources for these. Thanks!
Popular comment! Like? 4
4
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Wikipedia Archives - Continued
http://www.territorioscuola.com/wikipedia/en.wikipedia.php?title=Talk:Waldorf_education/Archive_4
Here's a sample:
The relevant reference of the two is to the article by Detlef Hardorp; I have moved the other reference to a more appropriate location. The article was originally published in a standard multi-volume reference work on education, published by a mainstream publisher; I have added the reference to this source as well. (You cannot discriminate against an author due to his/her affiliations (see Wikipedia standards)). The citation is adequate unless you can find evidence that speaks against this statement. Hgilbert 22:36, 5 November 2006 (UTC)
Again, a reference in German by an Anthroposophist supporting an unbelievable claim. What a surprise. You will hopefully understand, then, why the advert tag is going to stay on the article until the brochure speech is removed. Why don't you guys at least TRY to make an attempt at a NPOV article - instead of pushing this silliness? Pete K 00:12, 6 November 2006 (UTC)
Here's a sample:
Going from Bad to Worse
Having reviewed the latest edits, this article is going from bad to worse. Even some of the language we agreed to remove is re-entering the article by means of the same people who agreed to remove it. Can we have an official word that the Waldorf Project is not doing anything at this point? I'm inclined to reverse all of HGilbert's edits today but don't want to begin an edit war again. If nobody is willing to look at the brochure language here, I will go through the entire article and make a very coarse and thorough edit. It will bring the article down to size, I'm certain, and will remove the brochure talk. I would much rather a more "neutral" person perform this task as people perceive me to be opinionated in one direction - just as HGilbert is opinionated in the other direction - but in the absense of any interest by another reasonable reviewer, I'll go to the trouble of doing this. Pete K 14:35, 1 November 2006 (UTC)- You have been asked not to "simply revert"; please respect this. We are trying to make the article conform to Wikipedia standards, for example by removing ambiguous language and vague phrases. What is problematic in these last edits???? Please discuss and come to agreements here.
- I believe that the project has come to a standstill because of your (and Diana's) refusal to enter mediation; I at least, and apparently a number of others, find it impossible to work with users who refuse to compromise and refuse to mediate. Hgilbert 13:30, 2 November 2006 (UTC)
-
- , I'll be making corrections to the article directly. If you can add all this stuff in without discussion, you should expect to have it edited without discussion. If, instead, you choose to work with others to make valid edits by consensus on a controversial topic such as this one, then there is a greater likelyhood that your edits will stand. BTW, you should be ashamed of yourself for suggesting the mediation process was derailed by Diana and myself. You saw, for six days, our diligent discussions about the problematic wording of the mediation request and did nothing to "compromise". Please don't try to pin the failed mediation on Diana or me. The Waldorf project was problematic from the beginning - all WALDORF people made up the project group. The chances of a non-biased article coming out of that group were nil. And what in the world do the Waldorf project and the failed mediation have to do with each other. Were you expecting to reprimand me into working on the project? If you find it impossible to work with me, you should, perhaps, let this article go. You have been unable to produce an unbiased version of this or several other articles - so why not just relax for a few days and let others give it a shot. Pete K 15:23, 2 November 2006 (UTC)
-
-
- OK, , I see you are busy adding back the brochure language I took out last night - so I'll let you have this evening and remove it again in the morning. Hope you are enjoying yourself. Pete K 04:12, 3 November 2006 (UTC)
-
The relevant reference of the two is to the article by Detlef Hardorp; I have moved the other reference to a more appropriate location. The article was originally published in a standard multi-volume reference work on education, published by a mainstream publisher; I have added the reference to this source as well. (You cannot discriminate against an author due to his/her affiliations (see Wikipedia standards)). The citation is adequate unless you can find evidence that speaks against this statement. Hgilbert 22:36, 5 November 2006 (UTC)
Again, a reference in German by an Anthroposophist supporting an unbelievable claim. What a surprise. You will hopefully understand, then, why the advert tag is going to stay on the article until the brochure speech is removed. Why don't you guys at least TRY to make an attempt at a NPOV article - instead of pushing this silliness? Pete K 00:12, 6 November 2006 (UTC)
Elevator Speech
http://ssagarin.blogspot.com/2011/11/elevator-speech-part-ii.html
- December 4, 2011 4:09 PM
- Pete K said...
- Waldorf Mommy said: "Do you think Waldorf teachers would react in some negative way to a student who argues that a higher power doesn't exist?" That's exactly what happened to my child in Waldorf high school. My son, a Dawkins fan, has homework assignments that demonstrate his teacher insisted that he hadn't "considered all the possibilities" when he discredited the intelligent design she was teaching his class. He was accused of being "closed-minded" in front of his class. His assignments are marked up with comments by his teacher that challenge science and PUSH intelligent design and his grade was lowered because he refused to accept intelligent design in his lessons. That is what you will find in Waldorf... teachers who push Anthroposophy at every opportunity (as Steiner intended) - expressing to children that it's closed-minded to assume that natural science is the only science there is.
The SF K Files
http://thesfkfiles.blogspot.com/2009/10/san-francisco-waldorf-school.html
My Comment:
My Comment:
- The glowing review by Claire makes it easy to see how people can be completely duped by people on a "mission". Waldorf is the missionary arm of Anthroposophy. Waldorf's job is to make Anthroposophists out of normal people - and, of course, children. Not everyone who puts their kid in Waldorf will "drink the Kool-aid" but in Waldorf's eyes - no harm... they still get tuition money - which will pay for an Anthroposophist's kids to attend for free. Some kids turn out fine, others are scarred for life. If both parents drink the Kool-aid, the kids might turn out OK. As a poster above mentioned, divorce rates are high at Waldorf schools because when one parent wises up, they are expelled from the community. Most kids suffer, IMO. In my personal experience with Waldorf, I have witnessed racism being taught directly to kids as "science". Children were taught that people in Europe are more "evolved" than people from Africa... as if this was a scientific FACT! Someone above brought up Dawkins. In evolution class, Dawkins was hardly mentioned - except to be questioned (Dawkins is a Darwinist). Instead, students were given assignments of writing "from a creationist's viewpoint". The "evolution" class was promoting Intelligent Design. Intelligent kids are FORCED to write about stupid stuff in Waldorf schools. That is shameful. Waldorf science is Steiner's science... religion, racism and all. Pete Karaiskos http://petekaraiskos.blogspot.com/
Monday, June 13, 2011
Souls of Terror - Discovering the truth about Waldorf
Reprinted with permission of the author... Anthony P. Norse... Souls of Terror - pp49-54
3
Pinedale, Oregon
As he was driving home from the Waldorf School, Chris felt small and
alone. He noticed that his knuckles were white on the steering wheel.
Guilt overwhelmed his senses and caused a flood of questions to flow
through his tired mind.
Why did I not see this coming? What happened to my marriage—to my family?
Sitting with his laptop and a notepad at his kitchen table, Chris sipped on
a hot café latte. He stared pensively at the frothy drink. It was two years ago
at Christmas that his wife had given him a fancy coffee machine, along with a
warm hug and a Christmas kiss. They had been together for fifteen years.
Now she had disappeared with his son. It felt like a bad dream. At least the
coffee smelled and tasted good; he appreciated the caffeine buzz after a
nearly sleepless night.
He wanted to find someone to listen to him scream at the injustice of
what had happened, but he knew his priority needed to be finding his wife
and son. Still, a friend would be helpful. For the past many years, however,
his work and family had replaced his old friends. He tried to think of someone
to contact, someone who might understand, someone to offer advice . . .
or at least a shoulder to cry on.
He came up blank.
The only face that finally came to mind was that of his sister, Kate. But
they barely spoke these days. It would be an understatement to suggest that
Kate and his wife did not get along. The two women despised each other.
Although she lived not far away in Portland, Kate never came to visit. She
thought the world of Mike and would always send gifts on birthdays. But
shortly after Mike started at the Waldorf School, Serena had insisted that
Chris’s sister stay out of the family’s life.
Chris had pleaded with her and tried to get his sister to be more polite.
But when Serena called Kate a boorish tomboy and Kate responded by
calling Serena a spoiled New Age flake, things fell apart completely. That
was during Christmas dinner four years ago. Kate was outspoken and extremely
honest—to the point of finding fault with almost every facet of
Serena’s life. Not that those faults were not present, but Kate did not
understand the concept of “tact.” The two women were polar opposites and
the real victim of their rivalry was Mike.
Chris remembered pre-Waldorf days when Kate would take Mike to the
park and chase him around the playground. Kate-the-Grizzly-Bear and Mike
the helpless little camper fleeing for his life and laughing until he cried when
she caught him. Kate always found those special “tickle spots” under his
arms.
Chris smiled at the memory and found himself tapping his sister’s number
into his phone. He desperately needed to talk and Kate seemed to be his
best bet. He left a brief message on her answering machine and then thought
of how he could spend his time wisely.
He was sure Serena and Mike were with Sophia Meyer. He knew that
Miss Meyer was a dedicated Waldorf teacher and he also knew that his wife
had become enamored with everything Waldorf. The founding philosophy of
Waldorf was called Anthroposophy. He’d been told that word simply meant
Wisdom of Man.
He stared at the Google homepage on his laptop. Snippets of conversations
slowly made their way to the forefront of his mind—parent meetings at
the school, things his wife had told him about Miss Meyer, words that were
used to describe Mike’s school work.
He knew that both women believed in the need for Mike to excel at all
Waldorf disciplines. Chris thought he should try to learn more about what his
son had been doing at the school. He typed into his computer’s search
engine: “eurythmy and form drawings and Waldorf education.” The search
yielded over two thousand results. He also knew that Mike had been doing
wet-on-wet paintings for years at Waldorf—a watercolor technique involving
special paints and paper. Google came up with more than eight thousand
results. Clearly, he would need to refine his search. He finished his coffee
and tried a few more searches—with similar results. He clicked on a few
links but soon realized the futility of the exercise.
He thought again of his son. Where had they taken him? On a frustrated
whim, Chris went back to the Google homepage and typed, “Problem with
Waldorf.” He scanned the first few results until he came to a link that
piqued his interest. He read:
Does your child’s Waldorf School seem more like a religious seminary?
Concerned about your child’s Waldorf education? What is
Anthroposophy? Has Waldorf affected your marriage? You are not
alone. Visit one of the Waldorf Critical websites and discover what
lies beneath the surface of Waldorf education.
This sounded interesting—alarmist perhaps, but certainly worth a look.
He clicked around a few different websites. Two hours later Chris sat back
in his chair and felt like the shocked and bitterly disappointed child who has
just discovered that there really is no Santa Claus.
He felt stunned at his ignorance. Chris knew the many wonderful qualities
of Waldorf education—and there were many—but he had been unaware
of the deeply esoteric foundation of his child’s school. He learned that many
people described Waldorf and its founding philosophy as “cult-like.”
In two short hours, Chris discovered that many Waldorf teachers are devout
Anthroposophists who truly believe in their karmic mission to work
with the souls and spirits of children as they incarnate. They accomplish this
task by connecting spiritually with children, who they are convinced, have
chosen them as spiritual guides from a pre-earthly existence. Waldorf teacher
training, he learned, is full of lessons dealing with soul and karma and destiny
and reincarnation. Teachers believe they have a special karmic connection
with the souls of children in their care.
Although Waldorf schools supply parents with plenty of wonderful quotes
by and about Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Waldorf education, Chris now
discovered more pronouncements Steiner had made to the first Waldorf
teachers under his tutelage—quotes still taken as gospel truth by Waldorf
teachers today:
We can accomplish our work only if we do not see it as simply a
matter of intellect or feeling, but in the highest sense, as a moral
spiritual task. Therefore, you will understand why, as we begin this
work today, we first reflect on the connection we wish to create
from the very beginning between our activity and the spiritual
worlds. Thus, we wish to begin our preparation by first reflecting
upon how we connect with the spiritual powers in whose service
and in whose name each one of us must work.
Among the faculty, we must certainly carry within us the knowledge
that we are not here for our own sakes, but to carry out the
divine cosmic plan. We should always remember that when we do
something, we are actually carrying out the intentions of the gods,
that we are, in a certain sense, the means by which that streaming
down from above will go out into the world.
You will have to take over children for their education and instruction–
children who will have received already (as you must remember)
the education, or mis-education given them by their
parents.
Chris learned that although the schools referred to Rudolf Steiner as a
“philosopher,” or a “scientist,” he was more deeply connected to occultism
than philosophy or science. The man had never been a parent, had no formal
teacher training and had spent very little time with children. Surprisingly,
however, Chris discovered that Waldorf teacher training is based almost
entirely on the beliefs of this self-professed clairvoyant. Waldorf teachers in
training had to read Steiner—lots of Steiner. Required reading included
books like Knowledge of the Higher Worlds and Its Attainment, Occult Science,
Reincarnation and Karma, Manifestations of Karma, and The Spiritual Hierarchies.
Chris warmed up leftover soup and sat back at his kitchen table, staring at
the laptop. He had known there was a spiritual element to Waldorf education,
but he’d been given very innocent explanations about what that entailed.
Nobody had said anything about reincarnation or spiritual hierarchies.
He realized now that he had always felt uncomfortable with the lack of
books—especially textbooks in the school. He remembered his concerns
about reading and writing being discouraged for younger children. Just what
had his son been learning and why had Serena taken him away?
When Mike was a toddler and Chris and Serena began to think about his
education, the young couple had been excited to discover the gentle Waldorf
Island in the turbulent sea of pop culture, junk food vending machines and
cookie-cutter academics of conventional education. They were told Waldorf
was an arts-based school with lots of wooden toys and crafts and outdoor
playtime for children. They had wanted Mike to learn slowly, naturally, and
Waldorf had seemed like the perfect fit. And in some ways it was a good fit.
Chris finished his soup and stared through the kitchen window at the line
of poplar trees that bordered his property, watching them sway in the cool
September wind. Had he been duped? Had his wife fallen into some sort of
weird cult? Is that why she had left him and taken their son? He remembered
various comments and concerns of other Waldorf parents over the
years. Many families had pulled their children from the school out of frustration
and unanswered questions. But there were always new families arriving.
Chris recalled the excitement of Mike’s first day in grade one. He remembered
meeting Miss Meyer, thinking it odd that Waldorf teachers stay
with the same group of students for eight years, but also feeling grateful that
the woman seemed kind, always shaking hands and smiling and speaking
quietly to the children as they ran and jumped and played in the woods
beside the school.
He remembered betting his wife that Miss Meyer must have lived in a
hippy commune in the seventies or eighties, with her long cotton dresses and
bulky plain blouses, wool socks and sandals. Serena had laughed at the
suggestion and they ordered pizza for dinner that night and ate Haagen Dazs
for dessert and watched hockey on TV. Even Serena had cheered when the
Portland Winter Hawks scored the winning goal in overtime.
Those days had long since passed. He could not remember the last time
they had eaten pizza for dinner, let alone watched anything on TV. Dinners
were good but always very healthy—including certain grains that needed to
be served on certain days of the week, as per “Steiner’s indications.” Chris
had not understood Serena’s strange explanation but he knew it had something
to do with Anthroposophy.
Chris looked down at his laptop. There was an email address on one of
the info-packed Waldorf critical websites, where people could send questions
to volunteers with expertise in Anthroposophy and other “cult-like”
organizations. Questions could be submitted anonymously and would be
kept confidential.
Almost unconsciously, Chris began writing his question, oblivious to the
fact that he was actually spilling his guts in an email to a total stranger. His
anonymous “question” included his feelings of guilt and stupidity for allowing
this situation to happen. He told of the distance between himself and his wife
since she had drifted deeper into Waldorf and Anthroposophy, how frustrated
he had been for a couple of years now and how unable (or unwilling?) he was
to communicate with his wife. He went so far as to write about the complete
lack of intimacy between them for more than a year. Before he could change
his mind he signed it, “Sad Dad” and pushed send.
He sat for twenty minutes, lost in thought, staring at the trees in the wind
until the ping of his laptop told of an email received:
Hi Sad Dad,
I’m sorry to hear of your current dilemma. Although your case is
extreme, we’ve seen many relationship problems where one
spouse falls hard for the spiritual movement and the other feels
confused, angry, and hurt. Unfortunately, Waldorf promoters often
neglect to inform parents of the esoteric foundation of the “philosophy”
and you are certainly not the first parent to feel duped or
confused. The movement’s PR can feel disingenuous and misleading
after the fact and it often takes time for parents to realize the
fit for their families might not be right. Some schools have excellent
teachers, however, and are less Anthroposophic and/or more
open than others.
There is tremendous potential for Waldorf education but parents
are often concerned when their children seem to drift away
from reality. This is not what they signed up and paid for. If the
movement is to truly “move” in a positive direction, the leadership
will need to clearly explain the esoteric foundation to parents and
learn to resolve the obvious problems associated with spiritual and
racial hierarchies. I’ll attach a list of reading material and websites
that might help you understand the foundation of Anthroposophy
and Waldorf education. Best of luck.
Chris opened the attachment and counted references to seventeen books
and twenty-three websites. Spiritual and racial hierarchies? He walked to the
living room and stretched out on the couch. He could not remember the last
time he’d cried. It was probably years ago when his parents had died. The car
crash had happened when his wife was pregnant with Mike.
He thought again of his son. Tears flowed. The pent-up frustration and
resentment from the past couple of years exploded with every heavy heartbeat.
He felt sad, alone and completely helpless.
***
You can purchase Souls of Terror HERE.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Email - Leonard Abuse
Friends,
I know many of you who have been following this drama are not parents of the 5th grade so you probably didn't receive the letter below from Highland Hall's Evaluation Committee. I include it below so that some closure can be realized for those of us who are as concerned about the actions of the school as the actions of Mrs. Leonard. I also have included my commentary after the letter because *true* closure will not occur until the people who have been intentionally and regularly exposing our children to harm in order to cover up the activities of one of their own have been held accountable for their actions. Here is Highland Hall's letter:
*****
April 7, 2004
Dear Parents of the Fifth Grade,
In the school’s last communication to you, we welcomed Christine Leonard as the continuing class teacher for your students. Since then, some continued events including a questionable for Main Lesson, have caused us some concerns about Christine’s recent choices for the class. Therefore, after careful consideration and extensive discussion, the Evaluation Committee with the concurrence of the College, has decided to put Christine on a paid leave of absence for an as-yet undetermined period of time.
We appreciate the many gifts Christine brings to the Fifth grade class as their teacher and greatly value the positive work and heartfelt care she brings to both her class and the school as a whole. It is our goal to use this time to work with Christine to arrive at the best decision for her and the Fifth grade class.
First and foremost, our primary concern is to ensure that the children of the Fifth grade are cared for and able to continue their education with the support of the whole school. If your children have questions about this matter, we strongly remind you that the information we share here is meant for you, as adults. Please use caution and restraint in what you share with your child; words can be very powerful in the images they convey. We suggest that you share with your child that Ms. Leonard has been given this time off and that this is not a “punishment”. A faculty member will greet them on Monday morning to speak about this change and introduce their substitute teacher. All of the teachers will continue to carry the class and we will let you know as soon as possible who their substitute teacher will be during this time.
Many of you may be aware of the recent email campaign criticizing Christine and the school. Please be assured that our decision has not been shaped by these actions, but was made to support both the students and the class teacher.
Because of vacation planning and holidays, it is not feasible to hold a parent meeting during spring break. We expect to hold one shortly after school resumes. To minimize any disruption to the class’ rhythms and plans during this time, we are working closely with Christine and will contact you as more information is finalized. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Lori Gardner on behalf of the Evaluation Committee.
Sincerely,
The Evaluation Committee
Noah Williams, Merrily Lovell, Humberto Ramirez, Joan Newton, Lori Gardner
*****
I would first like to thank Highland Hall for not dragging this out through the end of the semester and for finally taking appropriate action. I am also grateful for the obvious learning experience that has transpired on the part of Highland Hall as evidenced by their statement above "words can be very powerful in the images they convey." This is, of course taken out of context and the complete sentence is "Please use caution and restraint in what you share with your child; words can be very powerful in the images they convey." It is unfortunate that the powerful images conveyed to our children by Mrs. Leonard's words of rape, incest, battery and mutilation were not immediately taken seriously by the very same people who now advise us as we are speaking to our child of Mrs. Leonard's leave of absence, that we had better watch what we say.
I hope Highland Hall's Evaluation Committee does not take offense when I choose not to accept their advice regarding communication with my children as experts on communication they certainly are not. I have no trouble communicating honestly with my daughter and I will simply suggest that Mrs. Leonard may have been a sick person who was very good at disguising her illness through deceit and now has the opportunity to rest and get help. In fact, I will only have to confirm this as my daughter already has come to this conclusion on her own. I will, however, avoid confirming to my child that Highland Hall, having been made aware of her illness continued to support Mrs. Leonard - but she knows this too. I hope I will not be forced to explain that many people at Highland Hall suffer to some degree from a similar illness and, perhaps, that's why Mrs. Leonard's illness may have seemed normal to them. Maybe this illness is genetic - let's ask Rudolf Steiner:
"The girl L.K. in class 1...is one of those cases that are occurring more and more frequently where children are born and human forms exist which actually, with regard to the highest member the ego, are not human at all but are inhabited by beings who do not belong to the human race...They are very different from human beings where spiritual matters are concerned. For instance they can never memorise sentences, only words. I do not like speaking about these things, as there is considerable opposition about this. Just imagine what people would say if they heard that we are talking about human beings who are not human beings. Nevertheless these are facts. Furthermore, there would not be such a decline of culture if there were a strong enough feeling for the fact that some people, the ones who are particularly ruthless, are not human beings at all but demons in human form.
"But do not let us broadcast this. There is enough opposition already. Things like this give people a terrible shock. People were frightfully shocked when I had to say that a quite famous university professor with a great reputation had had a very short period between death and re-birth and was a re-incarnated negro scientist.
"But don"t let us publicise these things."
"But do not let us broadcast this. There is enough opposition already. Things like this give people a terrible shock. People were frightfully shocked when I had to say that a quite famous university professor with a great reputation had had a very short period between death and re-birth and was a re-incarnated negro scientist.
"But don"t let us publicise these things."
(Rudolf Steiner, 1923, from Conversations with Teachers-4 pp. 36-37)
It is not in the nature of Anthroposophy to be truthful - and it is not in the nature of Highland Hall to be truthful. If you truly believe that the email campaign by myself and other parents publicizing Mrs. Leonard's actions had nothing to do with Highland Hall's decision to remove Mrs. Leonard from her class, then you must be extremely naive. Highland Hall needs people who will stand up to dishonesty and fearlessly point to the truth, despite overwhelming opposition, condemnation, threats and slander. Highland Hall has many, many faculty and administrative staff members who are truthful and honorable - yet perhaps remain complacent when issues like these are exposed. Please, join me in holding Highland Hall accountable for their actions and decisions. If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Hopefully, we will never have to go through this again.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Parent Recommendations for Highland Hall
June 26, 2001
College of Teachers & Board of Directors DRAFT
Highland Hall Waldorf School
17100 Superior St.
Northridge, CA 91325
Dear Members of the College & Board:
On Friday, June 22, 2001, we participated in (or have been told about) a meeting held at school that covered many difficult issues surrounding actual and potential exposure to inappropriate/harassing sexual commentary and propositions that a number of the children at our school experienced from Jeffrey Wilkins, the teenage son of then 3rd Grade Teacher, Wendy Wilkins. It is our understanding that Ms. Wilkins will no longer be teaching at Highland Hall and that efforts are being made to help Ms. Wilkins and her son get the professional help that they and their family need.
The meeting lasted four hours and only ended because people became exhausted. All acknowledged the need to continue to discuss the various issues that these events have raised. Understanding that the College of Teachers has spent enormous amounts of time and personal energy dealing with this situation, and hearing an appeal for help in leading the community through this difficult time, we have taken it upon ourselves to outline some potential next steps for the College and Board to consider:
- Investigation & Discovery and Recovery: Many people felt that before they would be able to contemplate the future, it is critical to understand more fully what actually happened, to the extent it can be learned. Also, in order to improve our process for dealing with, and ideally preventing, incidents of this nature, we must understand what was done this time, what reasoning went into the decisions that were made and the results of the choices that we collectively made.
As follow-up to the guidelines suggested by the Valley Trauma Center, we recommend that a meeting be set to which all people who have since spoken with their child and who have direct knowledge concerning incidents involving Jeffrey and their child that could be shared to the benefit of others would be encouraged to attend. The meeting should be facilitated by the Valley Trauma Center personnel. The purpose of the meeting would be to create a timeline of events that is as complete and accurate as possible. These events would include incidents involving Jeffrey, parents notifying school authorities of such incidents, the school’s communication(s) with Ms. Wilkins regarding the situation and any other actions taken in regards to the situation. People with such direct knowledge who are unable to attend in person would be encouraged to provide whatever information they had to offer in writing prior to the meeting.
In order for the meeting to be most productive and to try and limit the potential for a raging forest fire of hearsay, we suggest that every family and faculty/staff member be sent a letter explaining the purpose of the meeting and a description of the recommended process for discussing the situation with their children. It would probably make sense to enclose the handout from the Valley Trauma Center. The emphasis would be on calmly eliciting the facts, reassuring the children if they need to share difficult or embarrassing information and helping the children affirm their own power for any potential future incidents of this nature. The goal is to avoid the inadvertent creation of misinformation in the quest for the needed information to allow healing to be assisted and improved processes to be developed.
The following people are willing to help with drafting the mailing to the community, arranging the meeting time in coordination with the Valley Trauma Center personnel and arranging the logistics for the meeting: (please let me know if you would like your name added here)
2. New 4th Grade Teacher Search & Future Teacher Searches: Many parents in the upcoming 4th Grade feel that it would enhance the process of selecting the next teacher for the class if the College had the benefit of parent opinion, as well as all of the other factors the College takes into consideration when selecting a new teacher. We recommend that a new Search Advisory Committee be selected by the College from a pool of volunteer parents from throughout the school. This Advisory Committee would review the resume and any other information available on any teacher candidate under serious consideration by the College, interview the candidate from the perspective of parents, rather than colleagues, and give its impression and any areas of recommended further investigation back to the College as part of the College’s due diligence process. We would recommend that Advisory Committee members recuse themselves when the teacher candidate is for their own child’s class.
The following people are willing to work with whomever the College mandates to do whatever letter writing, recruiting and other legwork necessary to bring the formation of this committee about: Alex Wright, David Cohen (please let me know if you would like your name added here)
3. Changes to Current Community Practices to Better Protect the Children Under the School’s Care: In order to realize the opportunity inherent in these unfortunate and painful events, we as a community need to grow and change. Many questions and ideas have been put forth regarding notification, education, faculty/staff training, etc. In order for these questions and ideas to be more fully discussed and lead to actual changes in the practices of our school community, we recommend that a committee from the broad community be formed to discuss these issues in depth, solicit ideas from professional resources, such as the Valley Trauma Center and/or other communications facilitators, and discuss with College members what kinds of guidelines and principals govern College decisions. With this education and opportunity for discussion, the committee would formulate and present recommendations to the Board and College for consideration.
The following people are willing to work with whomever the College mandates to do whatever letter writing to the community and other legwork necessary to bring the formation of this committee about: Alex Wright, Lynne Moses (please let me know if you would like your name added here)
We all appreciate that Highland Hall is more than a school, that it is a social community for the families that make up the students, parents, faculty, staff, College and Board of the school. We also recognize that much of the work that is typically handled by a larger administration in other schools is instead handled by faculty members volunteering to serve on the College at Highland Hall. Therefore, the work of those in positions of authority in running the school extends far beyond the usual demands of school governance. For this reason, we recognize that we all need to do our part in bringing about social change and supporting the College and Board in your work. We sincerely hope that these suggestions are taken in that spirit of responsibility and loving support.
Sincerely,
David Cohen
Ayelet Cohen
Alex Wright
Ben Moses
Lynne Moses
(Please let me know if you would like to add your name here)
Thursday, May 5, 2011
AWSNA Comments on Racism
Joan Jaeckel represents AWSNA. She commented on the blog below:
http://smrtlernins.com/2010/11/16/ask-a-smrt-homeschooler-about-the-waldorf-method/#comments
Here are her comments and my response to them (Below hers):
While the people on this discussion can and will think what they wish, I did want you to know that the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) undertook a study of exactly what Steiner said that either is or could be construed to be racist and declared Steiner as flat-out wrong on those statements. The two documents describing the sequence of events are here in case anyone has interest to read them. My wish, as someone working to move public Waldorf education for people who wish it for their children, is for people who don’t choose it for whatever reason to at least not have a demonic view of it as appears to be the consensus on this page. Also that there is a community of Waldorf educators who are working on factors for accrediting Waldorf schools, updating the science curriculum, blending in a developmental approach to technology, etc. in order address the all-over-the-map experience many of you describe.
(1) “Racism and Waldorf Education”
http://www.waldorflibrary.org/Journal_Articles/RB1201.pdf
(2) “Reflections on the Evolution of Consciousness
Inspired by Ray McDermott’s “Racism and Waldorf Education”
Douglas Sloan
http://www.waldorflibrary.org/Journal_Articles/RB1202.pdf
If these studies were conducted by AWSNA, then why are they still being touted as “independent” studies by Waldorf Educators? Can you please describe the circumstances by which AWSNA “undertook” the study? AWSNA perhaps “accepted” the findings – as they weren’t so bad – considering McDermott and Oberman are both Anthrophists…
Here’s the problem with what you are suggesting here (that racism has been removed from Waldorf)… you still require Waldorf teachers, TODAY, to read Steiner’s racist comments about skin color – AND to APPLY those ideas to children through the concept ALL Waldorf teachers apply to children… the Temperaments! The temperaments were Steiner’s way of dividing children by body type. The temperaments are used TODAY to divide Waldorf children – by BODY TYPE – for the Greek Olympic games (pentathlon) in the 5th grade. Why Joan? If Waldorf has addressed racism, why are children divided by temperaments, why are teachers instructed to read Steiner’s VERY DUMB ideas about body types (even Steiner’s own Anthroposophical doctors couldn’t distinguish “small-headed” children from “large-headed” children). It’s one of many distinctions Waldorf teachers use to separate children from each other.
Secondly, speaking of accreditation… How does that work exactly? I know the AWSNA accreditation committee asked Highland Hall to supply computers and update their science department IN 1998!!! They have “passed” several “inspections” since then… but still no science equipment and no computer equipment. So what EXACTLY does the accreditation committee do when schools simply don’t comply with their recommendations?
Thanks Joan.
http://petekaraiskos.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2009-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&updated-max=2010-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=4
“Waldorf Schools are independent schools committed to developing the human
potential of each child to its fullest. Admission to the schools is open to everyone, without regard to race, sex, creed, religion, national origin, or ethnicity. In company with many other tuition-based independent schools, Waldorf schools are actively seeking ways to increase the economic and ethnic diversity of their student populations.
It is a fundamental goal of our education to bring students to an
understanding and experience of the common humanity of all the world’s
peoples, transcending the stereotypes, prejudices, and divisive barriers of classification by sex, race, and nationality.
We most emphatically reject racism in all its forms, and embrace the
principles of common humanity expressed by the founder of Waldorf education, Rudolf Steiner:
“(We) must cast aside the division into races. (We) must seek to
unite people of all races and nations, and to bridge the divisions
and differences between various groups of people.”
– The Universal Human, Lecture 1″
I can understand why they would have to publish such disclaimers – the Waldorf school in Harlem, for example, has (had) no black students at all. Kinda makes you wonder… But the statement does NOT address racism in Waldorf.
The quote AWSNA uses from Steiner – above is out of context BTW. The entire lecture can be found here: http://wn.rsarchive.org/Lectures/UniHuman/19091204p02.html
Here’s the whole three sentences around AWSNA’s quote:
“Therefore, in its fundamental nature, the anthroposophical movement, which is to prepare the sixth period, must cast aside the division into races. It must seek to unite people of all races and nations, and to bridge the divisions and differences between various groups of people. The old point of view of race has a physical character, but what will prevail in the future will have a more spiritual character.”
Steiner is talking about casting aside the divisions of races and treating humans as individuals IN THE NEXT EPOCH, NOT this one. So, in 1000 years, Waldorf schools will stop teaching children in accordance with their race. But for now, they will continue to deceive us – even using Steiner’s own words out of context – in order to bring children to Anthroposophy.
Here are the next few paragraphs after AWSNA’s quote – from Steiner:
“That is why it is absolutely essential to understand that our anthroposophical movement is a spiritual one. It looks to the spirit and overcomes the effects of physical differences through the force of being a spiritual movement. Of course, any movement has its childhood illnesses, so to speak. Consequently, in the beginning of the theosophical movement the earth was divided into seven periods of time, one for each of the seven root races, and each of these root races was divided into seven sub-races. These seven periods were said to repeat in a cycle so that one could always speak of seven races and seven sub-races. However, we must get beyond the illnesses of childhood and understand clearly that the concept of race has ceased to have any meaning in our time.
Humanity is becoming evermore individual, and this has further implications for human individuality. It is important that this individuality develop in the right way. The anthroposophical movement is to help people become individualities, or personalities, in the right sense. How can it accomplish this? Here we must look to the most striking new quality of the human soul that is being prepared. People often ask why we do not remember our former incarnations. I have often answered this question, which is like saying that because a four-year-old child cannot do arithmetic, human beings cannot do arithmetic. When the child reaches ten, he or she will be able to multiply with ease. It is the same with the soul. If it cannot remember our former incarnations today, the time will come when it will be able to do so. Then it will possess the same capacity initiates have.
This new development is happening today. There are numerous souls nowadays who are so far advanced that they are close to the moment of remembering their former incarnations, or at least the last one. A number of people are at the threshold of comprehensive memory, embracing life between birth and death as well as previous incarnations. Many people will remember their present incarnation when they are reborn in their next life. It is simply a question of how they remember. The anthroposophical movement is to help and guide people to remember in the right way.”
http://smrtlernins.com/2010/11/16/ask-a-smrt-homeschooler-about-the-waldorf-method/#comments
Here are her comments and my response to them (Below hers):
While the people on this discussion can and will think what they wish, I did want you to know that the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) undertook a study of exactly what Steiner said that either is or could be construed to be racist and declared Steiner as flat-out wrong on those statements. The two documents describing the sequence of events are here in case anyone has interest to read them. My wish, as someone working to move public Waldorf education for people who wish it for their children, is for people who don’t choose it for whatever reason to at least not have a demonic view of it as appears to be the consensus on this page. Also that there is a community of Waldorf educators who are working on factors for accrediting Waldorf schools, updating the science curriculum, blending in a developmental approach to technology, etc. in order address the all-over-the-map experience many of you describe.
(1) “Racism and Waldorf Education”
http://www.waldorflibrary.org/Journal_Articles/RB1201.pdf
(2) “Reflections on the Evolution of Consciousness
Inspired by Ray McDermott’s “Racism and Waldorf Education”
Douglas Sloan
http://www.waldorflibrary.org/Journal_Articles/RB1202.pdf
Hide the reply to Joan Jaeckel's comment
Leaving a comment on my comment.
I meant to end by saying thank you for reading and for an interesting discussion.
Joan
Firstly, Joan,If these studies were conducted by AWSNA, then why are they still being touted as “independent” studies by Waldorf Educators? Can you please describe the circumstances by which AWSNA “undertook” the study? AWSNA perhaps “accepted” the findings – as they weren’t so bad – considering McDermott and Oberman are both Anthrophists…
Here’s the problem with what you are suggesting here (that racism has been removed from Waldorf)… you still require Waldorf teachers, TODAY, to read Steiner’s racist comments about skin color – AND to APPLY those ideas to children through the concept ALL Waldorf teachers apply to children… the Temperaments! The temperaments were Steiner’s way of dividing children by body type. The temperaments are used TODAY to divide Waldorf children – by BODY TYPE – for the Greek Olympic games (pentathlon) in the 5th grade. Why Joan? If Waldorf has addressed racism, why are children divided by temperaments, why are teachers instructed to read Steiner’s VERY DUMB ideas about body types (even Steiner’s own Anthroposophical doctors couldn’t distinguish “small-headed” children from “large-headed” children). It’s one of many distinctions Waldorf teachers use to separate children from each other.
Secondly, speaking of accreditation… How does that work exactly? I know the AWSNA accreditation committee asked Highland Hall to supply computers and update their science department IN 1998!!! They have “passed” several “inspections” since then… but still no science equipment and no computer equipment. So what EXACTLY does the accreditation committee do when schools simply don’t comply with their recommendations?
Thanks Joan.
http://petekaraiskos.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2009-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&updated-max=2010-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=4
Smrt Mama: Here’s AWSNA’s OFFICIAL statement or “racism” – it’s not about racist ideas being taught or applied to children – it’s really about racial discrimination for admitting students into Waldorf schools.
“Waldorf Schools are independent schools committed to developing the human
potential of each child to its fullest. Admission to the schools is open to everyone, without regard to race, sex, creed, religion, national origin, or ethnicity. In company with many other tuition-based independent schools, Waldorf schools are actively seeking ways to increase the economic and ethnic diversity of their student populations.
It is a fundamental goal of our education to bring students to an
understanding and experience of the common humanity of all the world’s
peoples, transcending the stereotypes, prejudices, and divisive barriers of classification by sex, race, and nationality.
We most emphatically reject racism in all its forms, and embrace the
principles of common humanity expressed by the founder of Waldorf education, Rudolf Steiner:
“(We) must cast aside the division into races. (We) must seek to
unite people of all races and nations, and to bridge the divisions
and differences between various groups of people.”
– The Universal Human, Lecture 1″
I can understand why they would have to publish such disclaimers – the Waldorf school in Harlem, for example, has (had) no black students at all. Kinda makes you wonder… But the statement does NOT address racism in Waldorf.
The quote AWSNA uses from Steiner – above is out of context BTW. The entire lecture can be found here: http://wn.rsarchive.org/Lectures/UniHuman/19091204p02.html
Here’s the whole three sentences around AWSNA’s quote:
“Therefore, in its fundamental nature, the anthroposophical movement, which is to prepare the sixth period, must cast aside the division into races. It must seek to unite people of all races and nations, and to bridge the divisions and differences between various groups of people. The old point of view of race has a physical character, but what will prevail in the future will have a more spiritual character.”
Steiner is talking about casting aside the divisions of races and treating humans as individuals IN THE NEXT EPOCH, NOT this one. So, in 1000 years, Waldorf schools will stop teaching children in accordance with their race. But for now, they will continue to deceive us – even using Steiner’s own words out of context – in order to bring children to Anthroposophy.
Here are the next few paragraphs after AWSNA’s quote – from Steiner:
“That is why it is absolutely essential to understand that our anthroposophical movement is a spiritual one. It looks to the spirit and overcomes the effects of physical differences through the force of being a spiritual movement. Of course, any movement has its childhood illnesses, so to speak. Consequently, in the beginning of the theosophical movement the earth was divided into seven periods of time, one for each of the seven root races, and each of these root races was divided into seven sub-races. These seven periods were said to repeat in a cycle so that one could always speak of seven races and seven sub-races. However, we must get beyond the illnesses of childhood and understand clearly that the concept of race has ceased to have any meaning in our time.
Humanity is becoming evermore individual, and this has further implications for human individuality. It is important that this individuality develop in the right way. The anthroposophical movement is to help people become individualities, or personalities, in the right sense. How can it accomplish this? Here we must look to the most striking new quality of the human soul that is being prepared. People often ask why we do not remember our former incarnations. I have often answered this question, which is like saying that because a four-year-old child cannot do arithmetic, human beings cannot do arithmetic. When the child reaches ten, he or she will be able to multiply with ease. It is the same with the soul. If it cannot remember our former incarnations today, the time will come when it will be able to do so. Then it will possess the same capacity initiates have.
This new development is happening today. There are numerous souls nowadays who are so far advanced that they are close to the moment of remembering their former incarnations, or at least the last one. A number of people are at the threshold of comprehensive memory, embracing life between birth and death as well as previous incarnations. Many people will remember their present incarnation when they are reborn in their next life. It is simply a question of how they remember. The anthroposophical movement is to help and guide people to remember in the right way.”
Saturday, April 30, 2011
HH Board President disguises Racism at Highland Hall
After a meeting with Hasib Saliefendic and Andrew Sapin, regarding racism at Highland Hall, my friend Emmy Sundeen was asked by Saliefendic and Sapin to do some independent research on Waldorf. I was careful to allow Emmy to do her own research - not pointing her to any particular website. She knew nothing about Waldorf education - only that I was critical of it. Emmy has a lot of experience with independent private schools and her mother and both sisters are educators in Southern California.
Hasib,
Here's my reply to you:
--- On Thu, 9/3/09, Hasib Saliefendic <hsaliefendic@socal.rr.com> wrote:
Emmy,
I would not bother with this if it came from Pete, but it's you and I think it capsulizes the situation very well, so I'll take the time.
After briefly reviewing your "research" it is unequivocally clear that the attacks on Waldorf education are ridiculous and self-serving. This is typical of detractors such as Pete, and now you: you don't know what you are talking about, but that doesn't matter because you have your own agenda, and will only use what supports that agenda.
HASIB, do you understand that this is the NORMAL way someone who had discovered a problem in Waldorf would search? Indeed, when I started having problems with Highland Hall back in 2000, the first thing I did was look for sites that are critical of Waldorf - to see what the other side had to say. I immediately found PLANS.
Frankly, I'm surprised at how effectively you have discredited Pete's , and your own, supposed assertions about Waldorf education and Steiner, and I'm also shocked that you really don't appear to have any clue about the actual meaning of the words contained in your example, and you don't seem to think it necessary.
I'll break it down for you, just using your Wikipedia reference:
1. Self-Serving - You conveniently omit any reference that might be positive. On the same page are found supporters. Clearly indicated that they are not anthroposophists. They are smart people and obviously many Jews. But nevermind--that would not support your false thinking about anthroposophy so better to leave it out and ignore it.
Look what happens when I start putting "Anthroposophy" after each of their names Hasib. They're ANTHROPOSOPHISTS.
Anthroposophy has had many prominent supporters outside of the movement. Among these have been many writers, artists and musicians; these include Pulitzer Prize-winning and Nobel Laureate Saul Bellow http://www.adherents.com/people/pb/Saul_Bellow.html,[59] Andrej Belyj http://belyanthroposophy.wetpaint.com/page/Andrei+Bely,+his+Life+and+Works, [60][61] Josef Beuys,[62] Owen Barfield http://www.crossroad.to/Quotes/spirituality/tolkien-lewis.htm, Wassily Kandinsky http://books.google.com/books?id=u8TcVOG-pWYC&pg=PA80&lpg=PA80&dq=Wassily+Kandinsky+anthroposophy&source=bl&ots=IcF4m-gR5g&sig=qi7EH_vtaSRbUaYjTxpJ5l06uQw&hl=en&ei=lgSgSpKuApnmnQe7_5nxDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10#v=onepage&q=Wassily%20Kandinsky%20anthroposophy&f=false,[63][64] Nobel Laureates Selma Lagerlöf[65] and Albert Schweitzer, Andrei Tarkovsky[66] Bruno Walter,[67] and Alternative Nobel Prize winner Ibrahim Abouleish.[68]
I wonder if Emmy will think to do this... It sure makes your argument look stupid doesn't it?
Furthermore, included in the Statements on race which you quote, but deliberately ignore is a paragraph from the Anthroposophical Society in America. Better ignore that too.
To clarify its stance, the Anthroposophical Society in America has stated:
We explicitly reject any racial theory that may be construed to be part of Rudolf Steiner's writings. The Anthroposophical Society in America is an open, public society and it rejects any purported spiritual or scientific theory on the basis of which the alleged superiority of one race is justified at the expense of another race
HELLO... 1) The Anthroposophical Society doesn't run Waldorf schools. 2) Here's what AWSNA says: “Waldorf schools are non-sectarian [sic] and non-denominational [sic]. They educate all children, regardless of their cultural or religious backgrounds. The pedagogical method is comprehensive, and, as part of its task, seeks to bring about recognition and understanding of all the world cultures and religions. Waldorf schools are not part of any church. They espouse no particular religious doctrine but are based on a belief that there is a spiritual dimension to the human being and to all of life. Waldorf families come from a broad spectrum of religious traditions and interest.”
Not exactly the same thing is it? Do you know the difference between the Anthroposophical Society and AWSNA, Hasib?
2. Ridiculous. This is one of the problems with things being taken out of context, and a pitfall of not doing your own thinking--you think it's not necessary. I'll break down what you quote on race:
Anthroposophical ideas have been criticized from both sides in the race debate; for their strongly anti-racist stance:
What this statement is saying is that anthroposophical ideas have been criticized for being anti-racist: anthroposophical ideas = anti-racist
Are you saying that being anti-racist is bad?
It's bad if you think you are anti-racists while holding racist ideals... hence the debate.
But beyond this, it's WIKIPEDIA. I sure hope Emmy has a look at who controls the edits on the Waldorf page... like a policeman - Oh, my goodness, it's Harlan Gilbert, a Waldorf teacher. Who else... The Bee - Sune Nordwall... Former Waldorf teacher and now Waldorf fanatic. Who else? Linda Clemens is assigned to guard the PLANS page as ProffessorMarginala... we also have Deborah Kahn... all Waldorf people I can identify guarding every Steiner/Anthroposophy/Waldorf page there. Do you really think Wikipedia is unbiased? I can make a very good case that it isn't.
Next...
* From the mid-1930s on, National Socialist ideologues attacked the anthroposophical world-view as being opposed to Nazi racism and nationalistic principles; anthroposophy considered "Blood, Race and Folk" as primitive instincts which needed to be overcome.[76][77]
1. National Socialists were the Nazis. You could have clicked on the link and found that out, but why bother.
You could also have also researched that Anthroposophists and Waldorf schools were kept OPEN by the Nazis for the longest period of time of any non-state schools. Furthermore, that your claim above is mostly a lie. http://www.waldorfcritics.org/active/articles/WaldorfInTheNaziEra.html
2. So, the Nazis attacked anthroposophical world-view for being opposed to the racism and nationalism being pushed by the Nazis. Anthroposophical views opposed the Nazis, which is why the Nazis ultimately shut down the Waldorf schools.
3."Blood, Race and Folk" was essentially the driving principles of the National Socialism/Nazi movement that killed millions of people. Anthroposophy opposed that and still opposes that type of thinking.
So, I'm not sure what point you think you are making, but you are certainly making all of my points for me, without even reference to reliable information on anthroposophy, Steiner's views, or Waldorf education.
The point is easy to see. You, Anthroposophists, have been spinning history. And to do this, it requires overtaking Wikipedia and continually publishing half-truths even after they have been proven to be false.
If you are sincerely interested in accurate, credible information, take a look at the information at these websites:
http://www.whywaldorfworks.org/
http://waldorfanswers.org/
Why, in you wildest dreams, would you believe accurate, credible information could be found on these sites? If you wanted to find out anything critical about... say... DOW chemical, would you check their website? Or would you look for independent sites?
Trust me, Hasib - Emmy is NOT stupid.
Best of luck to you.
Hasib
Yeah, you too Hasib. I hope Emmy doesn't find any of this. You look VERY bad here.
Pete
Simivalleyca Super Suppers wrote:
> Pete & Hasib,
>
> OOOPS, I only sent it to Pete.
>
> So here you go Hasib, please see the above email from me
>
> Kindest regards,
>
> Emmy
>
> On Wed, Sep 2, 2009 at 6:13 PM, Pete Karaiskos <pkcompany@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>
> Hi Emmy,
>
> Wow. He'll never believe I didn't lead you to this stuff. The only thing I noticed - not changing any content of course, is the site that you "Waldorf Open" is called Open Waldorf.
>
> Again... Wow!
>
> I'll call you.
>
> --- On Wed, 9/2/09, Simivalleyca Super Suppers <simivalleyca@supersuppers.com> wrote:
>
>
> From: Simivalleyca Super Suppers <simivalleyca@supersuppers.com>
>
> Subject: Re: Today's Meeting
> To: "Pete Karaiskos" <pkcompany@sbcglobal.net>
> Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2009, 5:56 PM
>
>
> Pete & Hasib,
>
> I appreciate you both thinking of me as level-headed. I would like you both to see what I was able to find with 5 mins on the Internet.
>
> I goggled Waldorf School Curriculum. Reviewing the first non-Waldorf.org site I found Waldorf Open which says that the school is founded on the writings and teachings of Steiner. Please review the items in large, bold & underlined print. Hasib it does state in several articles that the board if mainly made up of parents whom make most of the decisions. I'm concerned as to why you being on the board are not aware of the school's practices , teaching & curriculum. After your review I'm sure you will understand my point.
>
>
> Waldorf Open
>
> Waldorf Education holds a unique theory of "child development." Waldorf's theory of child development is seen through the lens of anthroposophy, and it forms the educational basis for Waldorf curriculum. You can't begin to understand Waldorf Education until you understand Waldorf's underlying theory of child development.
>
> Waldorf's theory of child development is based on Anthroposophy's view of the spiritual development of the whole human being, as it travels through the journey of reincarnation.
> Steiner Says...
> Since everything in Waldorf education is based on the Work of Rudolf Steiner , it's very important to know what Steiner says. In fact, you may hear the faculty and parents at your Waldorf school frequently use the phrase "Steiner Says" to illuminate key points about Waldorf education
> The next site that comes up is Wikipedia, here are a few things that caught my attention;
>
> Wikipedia . . .
>
> Both historically and philosophically, Waldorf education grows out of anthroposophy's view of child development, which stands as the basis for the educational theory, methodology of teaching and curriculum. This includes the belief that humans possess an innate spirit that, having passed through previous lives, will in this life develop in its karmically appropriate environment, before returning to the spirit world and later reincarnate in another body.[63] Waldorf pedagogics see the teacher as having "a sacred task in helping each child's soul and spirit grow".[64] Steiner's "extra-sensory anthropology" has been the source of criticisms of Waldorf education: Ullrich questions: "Can any solution be found to this fundamental paradox of Steiner’s pedagogics—the creation of a beneficial practice on the foundation of a dubious theory?" His answer is to draw a distinction between Steiner's disputed "living logic of images... an attempt to rehabilitate mythical thinking and ritual life in a civilization ruled by science" and the "versatility of the related educational views, metaphors and maxims" which have a firm basis in "modern common sense educational theory."[24]
>
> While anthroposophy is not generally taught as a subject, the degree to which anthroposophy is described by the schools as the philosophical underpinning of Waldorf education typically varies from school to school. At times this has led to parents objecting that the role of anthroposophy in the educational method had not been disclosed to them, prior to enrollment.[21] In addition, the pedagogy's reliance on a single theory of child development has been questioned and some Waldorf teachers' uncritical attitude toward anthroposophy criticized.[13]
>
>
> Statements on race
>
> Anthroposophical ideas have been criticized from both sides in the race debate; for their strongly anti-racist stance:
>
> * From the mid-1930s on, National Socialist ideologues attacked the anthroposophical world-view as being opposed to Nazi racism and nationalistic principles; anthroposophy considered "Blood, Race and Folk" as primitive instincts which needed to be overcome.[76][77]
>
> as well as for "rankings" of races which occur in Steiner's philosophy:
>
> *
>
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