Highland Hall Waldorf School - Remodeling over the skeletons in their closet

http://www.highlandhall.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=190132&type=d&pREC_ID=393846&hideMenu=1

Highland Hall claims it has raised $1.7 million for a new performance theater. So there is plenty of money here to launch an investigation similar to Green Meadows Waldorf School investigation (I've checked pricing with the people who investigated Green Meadow).

Highland Hall has had many issues and incidents in the past with pedophiles and sexual predators among their teachers. Like Green Meadow, they have found teachers with child pornography on their computers (and the Green Meadow child pornographer was a regular guest at Highland Hall). There have been many well-known incidents of groping, sexual contact and even teachers sleeping with students that have been brushed under the rug over the years and decades - just like with Green Meadow. The link above lists the families who would rather see Highland Hall raise new buildings than raise old issues that have harmed so many children in their own community. If you have skeletons in your closet... it must be time to remodel! 

From their website:Highland Hall is committed to campus-wide renovation and expansion. Over the past few years considerable progress has been made toward achieving our goals.In 2007 a master plan was developed for the future of the Highland Hall campus which detailed plans for the renovation of existing buildings and the addition of new facilities.In 2009, Lower school classrooms were enlarged by 50% and two modular classrooms were added for our middle school. In 2010 construction of our new gymnasium was completed. In April 2013, our Science Lab was entirely renovated. Meanwhile our capital campaign has raised over $1.7 million for a new performance theater....Future Theater PlansIn the spring of 2011 plans to break ground were temporarily put on hold due to the economic downturn. As soon as the school's Board of Trustees determines that the financial situation has stabilized, the school will continue our capital campaign and move forward with construction of the new theater. 
In recognition of the outstanding leadership and generosity of the Keefer-Stark family to our capital campaign, Highland Hall is pleased to name the new theater in their honor.

Well, we could always name the investigation in their honor.

Reference articles:
http://petekaraiskos.blogspot.com/2010/02/letters-from-highland-hall-wilkins.html
http://petekaraiskos.blogspot.com/2010/02/letters-from-highland-hall-drug-use.html
http://petekaraiskos.blogspot.com/2010/02/letters-from-highland-hall-leonard.html
http://petekaraiskos.blogspot.com/2010/03/highland-hall-breaking-mandated.html
http://petekaraiskos.blogspot.com/2010/10/working-with-highland-hall-after.html
(signed by people who later contributed to the building campaign)

http://petekaraiskos.blogspot.com/2014/07/green-meadow-waldorf-school-sex.html

Highland Hall - Raising Killer Bees on Campus

Friday, September 6, 2013

Where the bees SHOULDN'T BE!

Highland Hall has employed someone on campus to raise bees...

http://www.timesofisrael.com/how-to-catch-a-spiritual-buzz/

Not honey bees... African bees!  While I'm certain this man is well-meaning, anyone who has read my blog knows that idiots are abundant in Waldorf environments.  From the article linked above:

“These honey bees have African genes, which means they’ll swarm to defend themselves if they feel in danger. You have to approach the hives calmly and carefully,” he explains softly as he sprays smoke into several wooden boxes before peeking inside. “I inspect the hives every few weeks to make sure they are ok.”

Notice, the guy is wearing a protective suit... head to toe with head gear, gloves and so forth.  Safety first.  I happen to know Highland Hall... and I can tell you the lower school playground (1st - 3rd grade) is on the other side of the wooden fence where the bee hives are.  

http://www.webpronews.com/30000-killer-bees-attack-couple-kill-horses-2013-07  "A Texas couple was attacked by what is being described as a swarm of 30,000 killer bees. "  July 29, 2013

http://planetsave.com/2013/07/30/bee-attack-africanized-killer-bees-attack-people-in-texas-kill-their-horses/

Two dead horses, five dead hens, and their owner with a couple hundred bee stings — that’s the end result of a recent bee attack in Texas. The bees in question initiated the attack on Kristen Beauregard and her animals shortly after she had finished exercising the two horses on Wednesday afternoon — according to Beauregard, the attack was completely unprovoked, her and her animals were nowhere near the hive at the time.

http://houston.culturemap.com/news/city_life/08-06-13-summer-of-killer-bees-aggressive-swarms-plague-texas-leaving-one-dead-and-many-others-injured/

Texas has been making national headlines since early June, when a 62-year-old farmer from the Waco area was fatally attacked by a swarm of 40,000 killer bees after he disrupted a hive near an old chicken coop. The expert charged with removing the nest told area reporters that although the sub-species is still rare, he had spotted at least fives hives in the last month.

And the strange bee incidents keep coming:

• A woman in Pasadena nearly died on June 18 after bumping into a hive while mowing her lawn,
• In Arlington, a couple was severely injured on July 27 as they unsuccessfully attempted to save their two miniature horses from roughly 30,000 killer bees,
• A Cypress family discovered mores than 100,000 honey bees living in a front yard tree,
• In north Houston on Aug. 1, a dog named Ace was killed by a swarm while an elderly person was sent to the hospital. Days later, hundreds of thousands of bees were removed from a nearby oak tree, along with 250 pounds of honey.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/huge-swarm-killer-bees-attack-texas-man-3000/story?id=19314956

The family of a Texas man attacked and killed by a huge swarm of Africanized killer bees said Larry Goodwin suffered more than 3,000 stings and collapsed as he was apparently trying to reach a hydrant to wash off the bees.

http://www.kgun9.com/news/local/162318866.html

Bees were attacking workers near discarded trailers and trucks at the scrapyard. It all started when 75-year-old Ramon Figueroa Rascon was helping to clean up trash and debris. Little did he know when he moved an old tire, he would disturb a bee hive underneath.

Nogales Fire Dept. Division Chief Gerry Castro said, "We received a call that several people were being attacked by bees."
 
But firefighters had a battle on their hands because these were not just any ordinary bees -- they were Africanized "killer" bees.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/09/bees-sting-man_n_1759824.html

PFLUGERVILLE, Texas -- A 40-year-old warehouse worker has been stung more than 300 times after accidentally disturbing a massive colony of Africanized bees in Central Texas.

http://www.westernfreepress.com/2012/08/02/more-killer-bee-attacks-in-phoenix/

Some experts don’t like the term “killer bees,” as it evokes B-horror movies about giant ants, marauding tomatoes, or blobs that ate things. But honestly, what else does one call the africanized honeybee? After all, they swarm and kill.

I'm certain Highland Hall's irresponsibility with regard to the safety of children comes as no big surprise to many of us. Sure, the world needs bees... but there's a place for everything. Raising African "killer" bees has its place. But no reasonable person would suggest that place is on a campus full of children. The articles above show these bees can attack without provocation or warning. With the playground just over the wall, it's amazing there hasn't been news of an attack yet. Clearly, it's only a matter of time before a child or group of children are harmed.

El Rio Waldorf School Charter Administrator - Ed Eadon

Here's an intimate "behind-the-scenes" peek at an email I sent to Highland Hall board of directors member Tony Blake.  The background is, Highland Hall (Ed Eadon) had been using the expulsion and threats of expulsion of my kids to cause them emotional distress.  They expelled my daughter shortly before school started in the fall.  My daughter was thrilled by this initially... but, her mother went to work on her, frightening her about the horrors of public school, and eventually, my daughter called me - hysterical to go back to Highland Hall.  Ed Eadon seized this as an opportunity to make me "comply" with Highland Hall's Communication Protocol - and believed he could use the children's attorney to pressure me.  It appears the children's attorney only gave Ed the option of expelling all of my kids (rather than make me comply with the Protocol).  Ed used this as a further threat.  My recourse was the following email exchange with the board member.

Hi Tony,

I promise you I'm not trying to start trouble but you invited me to contact you directly with concerns.  It appears one has popped up already regarding Ed Eadon.  I will acknowledge up front that Ed and I have had our differences but that doesn't change the circumstances.  I spoke with Maura Swanson yesterday and she related to me a conversation she had with Ed Eadon, and apparently Lisa Profumo was in on the call.  Ed related to Maura, a parent no longer involved in the 6th grade class, the circumstances by which my daughter, was re-admitted to Highland Hall.  As if that weren't bad enough, he fabricated a lot of what he told Maura.  It is absolutely inappropriate for Ed or anyone representing the school to publicise this information and I am extremely concerned that such nonsense will find its way to my children's ears as information contained in court orders are not to be shared with my children.  The last thing Highland Hall needs now is another issue festering and gossiping to parents, especially by the head administrator is going to be an issue.  Ed can't seem to leave my private life and my children's private lives out of school politics. 

The parent handbook states that the communications protocol is to be followed by administrators as well as parents.  Why is Ed communicating (miscommunicating) my situation to other parents?  Please Tony, let's put some caulk in this crack before the dam bursts again.  I assure you that I won't take this any further than this letter but I need your assurance that this activity will stop immediately.

Thank you Tony.

Tony Blake wrote:

Pete

I've been out of town and unable to deal with a lot of the e-mail I get.  I understand your response and your specific issue.  Unfortuately I can't take the time to discuss this with you via e-mai.  It's far too time consuming for me to spend an hour (as it took for my last response) composing an e-mail.  I'm going to have to ask that if you have any problems with Ed or the communications issue in the future to call me and we can discuss it on the phone.  I can accomplish a lot more in a ten or twenty minute call than in an hour writing e-mail.

That said, I want to address just two points here.  One, yes, the letter you got gave the school leeway in allowing it to change its protocol in the future.  This is not directed only at you Pete.   The school needs the flexibility to make adjustments to this protocol on an ongoing basis.  (And FYI it's only been in print for the first time this year and despite your impression that it's been in place for years, has never been this comprehensive). So I'm sure you can realize the foolishness of an organization to say that a document stipulating  guidelines is in concrete.  So don't take it personally.  It applies  to everyone.  I see it as a courtesy to let you know the school may from time to time change it's protocol.  Otherwise if they did, it without your knowing they had that right, you'd really be outraged. 

Also, I can see how you take issue with the comment (I haven't seen the letter yet, and yes you can fax it to 818-xxxxxxx) "regarding any communications having to do with Highland Hall."  I asked about this and found out that they ran this by the attorney who said this was a legal position the school could take.  In fact I found out from the attorney, that a private school can ask a family to leave for any reason and even no reason.  So while I understand it's an additional stipulation to what you agreed to, the school apparently felt they didn't want a current parent going on the web and putting out negativity about it.  Frankly, I can understand that.  Would you want someone who worked for your company publicly dispensing negative information about it?

Look, here's the bottom line as I see it.  If you are going to make yourself the self appointed "web consultant" for prospective parents for Highland Hall (as you imply when you say you receive inquiries from prospective parents) I can assure you that you will continue to maintain an adversarial relationship with the vast majority of people at the school.  Now that may be fine with you, but know that as Board President I cannot support your taking it upon yourself to be the sole web advisor to prospective parents.  Just between you and me, I suspect the opinion you give is hardly impartial or objective.  And unless you suggest to these folks that they speak to someone in addition to you, say like me or an Elinor Reid or a Vicky Waldorf, then what I'm going to assume is that you're giving prospective parents a one-sided very negative impression of the school.  If I'm wrong, let me know.  If I'm right, don't expect a lot of support from me.  I'm here to try to improve the way things work and create a stronger organization.  And if someone is publicly dispensing one sided negative information about the organization, that's in direct conflict with what I'm trying to accomplish.

If you want to continue this discussion, please call me.  Evenings are best after 7:30 although I'm out at meetings from time to time so we may play phone tag from time to time.

Tony

 

Hi Tony,

I will call you if you insist, but it is difficult for me to accept telephonic communications as a reasonable substitute for emails because there is no record of what was said and, of course with email there is.  We could save a lot of time, perhaps, arguing over who said what and when if we continue by email and of course there isn't the telephone-tag problem.  Again, I will call you from now on but I want to answer a few points below and I will fax you the letter I received.

With regard to the communications protocol, FYI, it is not new this year nor is it revised or more comprehensive this year than last year but, as far as I can determine, it is exactly identical to last year's communications protocol (check both parent handbooks - pages 16 and 17).  I am not concerned with the school's right to change the communications protocol as it applies to the school, but rather with the statement that they have the sole discression to interpret it as they see fit and, consequently, expel my kids.  And, of course, the implication that any mention anywhere of Highland Hall might be covered by the protocol. 

With regard to the expulsion of my kids, I agree the school can at any time expel them.  What I object to is the school's stated premise that I am causing this to happen by my critical public review of Waldorf education and that this public review is somehow covered in the communications protocol.  Your business example indicates to me that you have never been involved in the business world - you cannot find a company where employees aren't critical of management.  If I had an employee that dispensed negative information about my company, the first thing I would want to know is if that information is true.  If it was true, I would look for and address the problems within my company, not within the employee.

I'm not the self-appointed web representative for Highland Hall.  People seek me out.  If they want to hear only the PR, they will look elsewhere.  They seek me out because they know I have had my share of problems with Highland Hall.  The way Highland Hall deals with me in resolving these problems reflects on my opinion of Highland Hall, to be sure.  I can't help it if Highland Hall doesn't like that I speak with other parents, or makes assumptions about what I might say.  Are you suggesting that I should just tell prospective parents that because I'm a parent, I'm not allowed to speak freely about Highland Hall?  I wonder how that statement might be received by prospective parents.

Again, FYI, I represent Highland Hall much better than I should considering what they have put me through over the years.  Deep down I know that Highland Hall's basic problems are administrative and that people like Ed, who has no respect for parents, tend to self-destruct.  I've read enough Steiner to know where this attitude comes from.  In that regard, I can see some light at the end of a very long tunnel and please trust me when I say that I believe there is hope for Highland Hall.  I didn't create the problems here. 

Between you and me, I don't think Highland Hall gives an objective view of itself to parents either.  Nonetheless, you are absolutely wrong about your assessment that I am providing a service of negative one-sided reports.  I have recommended Highland Hall to parents who have high school age children.  I believe the high school is managable and despite some problematic treatment of certain subjects, and some dogmatic teachers, it is generally good as long as parents are willing to consider supplementing their children's education.  Parents who contact me often indicate which class their children might attend.  I sometimes recommend the lower grades if the class teacher is a good one - yes, sorry, I'm the one who gets to decide this.  If I can't wholeheartedly recommend the class, I always suggest they contact parents from the class they would be attending - and I provide them with contact information.  I also suggest they stand outside the school and ask random parents what they think of the school or suggest they attend a faire and mingle a bit - this is random and they are as likely to talk to me as they are to Elinore Reid.  As you have recommended, I have provided contact information of board members they might talk to - not necessarily Vicky Waldorf.  I also recommend they visit the SJU list, Anthroposophy Tomorrow, and OpenWaldorf web sites - if you have other web sources you would like me to provide to them I'd be happy to do so.  I don't send them to PLANS. 

Tony, there really are two sides to the Waldorf education story.  Many parents research it and find out it isn't for them.  Some parents try it for a few years and have a bad experience that changes their mind.  Everyone has a right to know both sides before choosing this for their children.  Parents who have already discovered the other side contact me.  I am absolutely honest about what has transpired and what I represent (unlike Highland Hall - and you might want to ask Lisa Profumo about the 1st grade parent meeting in which she represented to new parents that Highland Hall has never had safety problems). 

Highland Hall has the opportunity to deal with me respectfully or to continue to treat me and many other parents in the way they have for the past several years.    I have repeatedly asked to be heard on the issues of reform and I'd much rather deal with Highland Hall to accomplish this than the general public.  I admit that to some extent, this determines how and if I recommend Highland Hall to parents.

But if you think I'm unfairly representing Highland Hall, let me suggest this to you.  I am mindful that a prospective parent could decide to relate what I have said to Highland Hall.  Indeed, anyone from Highland Hall could email me and pretend to be a prospective parent (and believe me, I've also kept this in mind all along).  If you think I am spreading untruthful information about Highland Hall, or a one-sided story, why don't you pretend to be someone else and contact me - before making a lot of assumptions about what I might be saying or doing. 

If you *really* want to improve the way things work, then know that I could never harm Highland Hall more than Highland Hall harms itself through it's own posture of suppressing the truth and suggesting (as contained in the letter that I will fax to you) that they can rebuild trust by limiting communications by me or anyone else.  To go back to your business analogy, it is like GM firing the whistleblowers and settling with victims out of court instead of correcting the real problem of leaky gas tanks.  Once their behavior is exposed to the public, it's difficult to develop trust.  Highland Hall's behavior needs to change before you will improve the way things work Tony.  I'd love to have nothing to complain about but the people who find it necessary to threaten me with letters like the one in question will ensure that I always do. 

Pete

Subject: Calking the Crack

From: Pete Karaiskos

Date: Sun, 19 Sep 2004 10:27:02 -0700 (PDT)

To: Tony Blake

Hi Tony,

I think we're going to need more caulk.  I spoke with Ed Eadon yesterday (Saturday).  He indicated that the school decided to let Maura Swanson know the detailed circumstances of my daughter's reenrollment because Maura's own child had been denied reenrollment and they wanted to head off any problems that might present.  I pointed out to Mr. Eadon that he has frequently proven himself to be quite capable of withholding information and that he should have encouraged Ms. Swanson to contact either Angela or me if she wanted to find out the details.  He agreed that this should have been done and apologized.  Then he further offered that Angela has been making rather public the conditions of {daughter}'s reenrollment - conditions that I was not aware of and haven't agreed to - and that this is why he felt he could share this information publicly.

As if this isn't distressing enough, it turns out, based on my conversation with Mr. Eadon,  that there is apparently a letter on its way to me from the college that details a new set of conditions NOT contained in the court order, and conditions I have not agreed to, that I have to meet in order to keep my children at Highland Hall.  I explained to Mr. Eadon that we had an agreement that {daughter} would be reenrolled and that I would adhere to the school's communications protocol per the court order.  Mr. Eadon then got somewhat heated (as is his nature I'm sure you know) and claimed that he had spoken with the school lawyer and that the lawyer had assured him that the school could, in fact, expel all three of my children "for any reason or for NO reason" (Mr. Eadon's words) and that I would have to conform to the NEW conditions or all three children would be expelled.  Mr. Eadon, again, had no reason to offer this information or make these threats other than to personally attack me.  If a letter was forthcoming, he should have let it arrive and we could have dealt with it then.  He could have (rather uncharacteristically) kept his mouth shut but he chose to exhibit his everpresent control issues.

You can, I'm sure, imagine how difficult and disruptive this action by the school would be for the children and how it would impact their lives.  {Daughter} especially would be devastated by this and I feel certain this would be viewed as the school's fault for admitting her under a false set of conditions.   After all these kids have been through at this school, and after all I have been through with this school as a parent, year after year and crisis after crisis, it is unimaginable for me to comply with a gag order in order to ensure that my kids will remain at Highland Hall and I am sure I made that clear in our phone conversation.  This was, indeed, why you suggested I speak directly to you if a problem arose.  I will adhere to the communication protocol as I agreed to but I also insist on having the same rights as any other parent.  I thought we agreed to start fresh and work positively.

I'm not inclined to continue this pissing contest with Ed or Christine or anyone else at the school.  All I want, and I made this clear to you, is for my kids to have a good, peaceful year.  Ed has now twice gone out of his way to rub salt in old wounds and to take what would have been a positive situation this year and turn it sour.  He is not going to beat me into submission and he needs to know this - by trying he is only making things worse and exposing the school to more criticism or other action.  The best course of action would be to bury the hatchet, not to continue chopping.  Please, Tony, PLEASE - talk with him and ask him to stop this childish nonsense so we can just move on.

One last note... I am aware that Maura is also having problems with Mr. Eadon.  I want to assure you that this is not some conspiritorial effort to overthrow Ed or to do him damage.  Ed is his own worst enemy.  He could have simply acknowledged what I was saying in our telephone conversation and left it at that.  It is his need to be combative, controlling and punishing (perhaps these stem from his military background) that has now caused two cracks that require attention.  We need to stop making disgruntled parents out of people who just want a good education for their kids. 

Thanks for listening,

Pete Karaiskos

Subject: Re: Calking the Crack

From: rudykazootie

Date: Thu, 23 Sep 2004 09:19:19 -0700 (PDT)

To: Pete Karaiskos

Pete

I just received your e-mail.  Let me address this one paragraph at a time.

I asked you to call Ed specifically so that he could apologize for revealing information inappropriately to another parent about your situation.  You indicate he in fact did apologize for revealing it and that was all that I intended to accomplish. 

His informing you about Angela talking openly about the court order is apparently true from what I've heard from others on campus.   I understand how this is distressing for you, but I think it's important that you know this, so you don't think it's Ed's talking to Maura that has caused this information to be known by others.  I also hope you recognize that this is an issue that no one at the school can control.  That is between you and Angela.

To your statement: "Then he (Ed) further offered that Angela has been making rather public the conditions of {daughter's} reenrollment - conditions that I was not aware of and haven't agreed to -"   I'm not sure what your complaint is here.  Is it about Angela making public the conditions, or the conditions themselves?  If the former, like I said, that's a personal issue between you and her.  If it's the latter, I address it futher on.

Now to the letter that you learned was "forthcoming."  Again, I want to keep the points clear.  You claim there is a "new set of conditions not contained in the court order."  So to my understanding the court order indicated that in order for {daughter} to remain at Highland Hall you would be required to follow the communication protocol.  That's not a new condition that I can see.  Is there some other condition you're speaking of?

If your statement "a new set of conditons not contained in the court order that I have not agreed to" means the issue that your other two children could be asked to leave if you do not follow communications protocol, I see that as a broadened "consequence."  It's not a new condition of behavior being asked of you.

So to be clear, the conditions that you must meet are the same.  It's the consequence that I see as having been broadened.  And honestly, this decision is not within my area of responsibility.  Although, having checked with the lawyer, apparently it is legal.  However, that doesn't excuse Ed's heated behavior.

As I see it, Ed apologized for inappropriately revealing information to Maura which is what I had asked.  Then he informed you of a letter that was on its way.  When you say "Mr. Eadon, again, had no reason to offer this information..." frankly, I don't see anything wrong with informing a parent of a forthcoming letter.   In fact, some parents would complain if they weren't informed during a phone conversation.  However, if Ed's behavior, as you state, came across as a threat or an attack rather than simply as matter of fact information, then I agree, his behavior was inappropriate.  And I'll speak with him about that.

But one thing is coming very clear to me as I'm watching this interplay unfold between you and him.   I can see where people's emotions (on both sides) start to cloud the accuracy of the issue and eventually lead to huge communication breakdowns.   

For example, your statement: " {daughter} especially would be devastated by this and I feel certain this would be viewed as the school's fault for admitting her under a false set of conditions" is in my opinion, spinning things far and away from the truth.  There is no  false set of conditions.  We spoke in our original call about what the conditions were.  That you agree to follow a communication protocol.  You agreed and that hasn't changed.  This is a critical point to me in staying accurate.  I see nothing more being asked of you than what was originally agreed to.   So if you agreed these conditions, (which have not changed), and intend to comply, I don't foresee any more problems for your family. 

Which is why your statement "it is unimaginable for me to comply with a gag order in order to ensure that my kids will remain at Highland Hall" is so confusing to me.  How can you expect me to believe you when you tell me you intend to comply with the court order, (by following communication protocol,) which you told me in our phone call, and then make that statement?  What is the truth, Pete?  Are you intending to comply, or are you intending to violate it?  Perhaps herein lies the root of your outrage.   

To summarize: As I understand it, you're upset about hearing the broadened consequences to the condition that you follow communication protocol.  (That's understandable).   And when Ed informed you of the new information, you got upset at the style in which he did it.  Also understandable.  (I know you're also upset that he even told you about it as opposed to finding it out in a letter, but as I've said, I see nothing inappropriate about that.)  And, it would appear from the statement I quoted, that you are upset about what you call a "gag order" and that you believe it's unimaginable that you could comply.  Which I can only interpret to mean that you expect to be unable to comply and therefore expect to trigger the aforesaid consequences.  (Please know that I will find it difficult to assist you in the future if indeed you decide to violate the court order.)

Considering that I asked you to call Ed to clear up a problem once before and that led to another communication breakdown between the two of you, I hesitate to have you two speak again.  It seems you ignite each other's fuses. 

I will speak with him about his style regarding how you felt he was making threats and how you felt attacked.  It's not how a parent should be treated, under any circumstances. 

Tony

Subject: Re: Calking the Crack

From: Pete Karaiskos

Date: Thu, 23 Sep 2004 12:02:05 -0700 (PDT)

To: Tony Blake

Thanks for responding Tony.

>Now to the letter that you learned was "forthcoming."  Again, I want to keep the points clear.  You claim there is a "new set of conditions not contained in the court order."  So to my understanding the court order indicated that in order for {daughter} to remain at Highland Hall you would be required to follow the communication protocol.  That's not a new condition that I can see.  Is there some other condition you're speaking of?<

Here is wherein lies the problem and I have just now received the letter that confirms my concerns.  The school has issued a letter dated September 16th that states: "It is impossible to imagine all conceivable issues that may arise; therefore we reserve the right to interpret or change the communications protocol in its sole discretion.  If we determine that you are not following our procedures, we will cancel the enrollment of all of your children."  This is what I am objecting to.  The communications protocol as published and outlined is what I agreed to.  I did not agree to comply with some moving target that the school will change as necessary to keep me quiet.

>For example, your statement: " {daughter} especially would be devastated by this and I feel certain this would be viewed as the school's fault for admitting her under a false set of conditions" is in my opinion, spinning things far and away from the truth. 

There is no  false set of conditions.  We spoke in our original call about what the conditions were.  That you agree to follow a communication protocol.  You agreed and that hasn't changed.  This is a critical point to me in staying accurate.  I see nothing more being asked of you than what was originally agreed to.   So if you agreed these conditions, (which have not changed), and intend to comply, I don't foresee any more problems for your family.  <

Do you see now, from the statement that the conditions I agreed to are, at the school's discretion, subject to change?  I agreed to follow the communications protocol and I will adhere to this agreement.  Changing the communications protocol is changing the conditions.

>Which is why your statement "it is unimaginable for me to comply with a gag order in order to ensure that my kids will remain at Highland Hall" is so confusing to me.  How can you expect me to believe you when you tell me you intend to comply with the court order, (by following communication protocol,) which you told me in our phone call, and then make that statement?  What is the truth, Pete?  Are you intending to comply, or are you intending to violate it?  Perhaps herein lies the root of your outrage.  <

The truth is exactly as I have stated it.  I intend to comply with the communications protocol as it was written when I signed it.  I have no problem with this.  It is, however, the school's intention, as per the letter they sent me, to suddenly expand or alter the conditions of the communications protocol which has been in place for years and was just published in this year's parent handbook.  This, indeed, is the roof of my outrage.  I signed the court order, the conditions of the communications protocol were set, and now they are intending to change them.  In fact, in the same letter they state "Because of the court order requiring you to follow the communications protocol, the College asked the Board's Executive Committee to review the College's decision regarding {daughter}.  She was allowed to return with the understanding that you will follow the communication protocol as published in the Parent Handbook with regard to any communication having to do with Highland Hall.  This is not part of the communications protocol and in fact it is known to the school that I participate in open forums about Waldorf education and also that I receive inquiries from prospective parents directly about Highland Hall.  These types of communications are not at all relevant to or covered by the communications protocol which applies to communications regarding problems with teachers. 

>(Please know that I will find it difficult to assist you in the future if indeed you decide to violate the court order.)<

Tony, I really appreciate that you have assisted me thus far.  Again, I am not going to violate the court order - it was a stipulated order, not something the court ordered me to do against my will - I agreed to it and it became an order.  I am objecting to the school altering what I have agreed to and attempting to convince me that this is in fact what I agreed to as is evidenced by the above-quoted statement that is definitely not contained in the communications protocol.  This kind of stuff is what makes me angry at the school. 

>Considering that I asked you to call Ed to clear up a problem once before and that led to another communication breakdown between the two of you, I hesitate to have you two speak again.  It seems you ignite each other's fuses.  <

I would be quite happy never to speak with Ed again.  As I have stated, he has control issues that I am not willing to comply with and his childish attitude coupled with his anger is something I can do without.  I made an agreement with you and with the court and I am sticking to it.  In all the years I have been at this school, I have never not lived up to an agreement.  I have never lied about anything and I have kept confidences I have agreed to keep.  If the school expels my children because they don't like what I am doing outside the agreement, I will deal with that if and when it happens. 

Thanks Tony - I know you think I am making something out of nothing.  Please, I encourage you to secure a copy of the September 16th letter to me and explain to me why you think it was necessary.  I would be happy to fax you my copy.

Warm regards,

Pete

Here's the letter

El Rio Charter School - Removes Dishonest Blog

 This dishonest blog entry was posted on the El Rio Charter Waldorf School for over 2-1/2 years.  It was misrepresenting the status of the California court trial that may indeed close all California charter schools.  In May, 2012, the 9th District Court again convened and I posted the audio of the tape to this blog.  They finally removed it after it became obvious they were lying to parents.

Here's what the blog said - I highlighted in red the obvious lie: 

el Rio Charter School will not advocate or promote any form of
religious or political ideology to the children. Our aim is to teach
children how to think, not what to think.
Posted: August 11th, 2009 | Author: Joan Jaeckel | Filed under:
Uncategorized | Tags: anthroposophy not a religion, Establishment
clause, First Amendment, non-religious, religion and public Waldorf
education, Rudolf Steiner, U.S. Constitution, Waldorf education is
secular, Waldorf litigation | No Comments»

Q: Will el Rio Charter School, offering a public Waldorf-like
education, be secular?
A: Yes, public, Waldorf-like charter schools are 100% secular. Its
core anthroposophical concepts are not religious. This has been
upheld in courts in California and worldwide for the following
reasons:
Anthroposophy is the name giving by Rudolf Steiner, the designer of
Waldorf education, to designate a cognitive research method using
focused concentration and learned compassion as a way of knowing or
method of inquiry. Anthroposophy, essentially, means"inquiry into
the nature of being human". The purpose of anthroposophy is to
humanize human life on earth through learned openmindedness,
openheartedness, objectivity, positivity and intentionality.
Unlike a religion or a church, anthroposophy has no creed or any other
form of doctrinal statement to which members must or are expected to
subscribe.
Anthroposophy has no clergy or form of clergy and membership in the
anthroposophical society does not qualify persons to perform marriage
ceremony.
Anthroposophy does not have sacraments like communion or babtism.
Unlike a religion, anthroposophy does not claim to have sacred
scripture and it does not have or administer a system of canon law.
Anthroposophy holds no formal worship services and makes no efforts to
propagate or missionize.
Anthroposophy is a way of knowing and inquiry into the mysteries of
human life. Its aim is not answers to be believed, but questions and
more questions into the nature of life on earth.
An atheist may become a member or interested in the anthroposophical
society and remain an atheist; an agnostic may become a member and
remain an agnostic; a member of any traditional religious sect or
denomination Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Muslim, etc may become a
member of the anthroposophical society and remain a member of their
sect or denomination.
The trial court's final judgment in favor of the Sacramento City
Unified School District and the Twin Ridges Elementary School
District, states in part: “Plaintiff failed to carry its evidentiary
burden of establishing that anthroposophy is a religion for purposes
of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the United
States Constitution or the other California constitutuinal provisions
involved in this case, as stated in the Court's pretrial order dated
April 20, 2005 Waldorf Methods Litigation Update, January 21,
2006, by Christian M. Keiner: Kronick, Moskovitz, Tiedemann & Girard.
ckeiner@...

Courts in California and worldwide have found that anthroposophy,

the philosophical foundation of the Waldorf-like curriculum and

methods in public charter schools, is a philosophy and not a religion.

The curriculum and methods of the Waldorf-like education at el Rio
Charter School will be 100% non-religious. Although our teachers will
be trained at institutions like Rudolf Steiner College to observe,
relate to and teach children based on the anthroposophical philosophy,

we can make this assertion because the non-religiosity of Waldorf

education has been upheld in courts in California and worldwide for
the following reasons:

1. "Anthroposophy", the name of the philosophy behind Waldorf
education's curriculum and methods, designates a cognitive research
method using focused concentration, learned compassion and sensory
cultivation as a way of knowing or method of inquiry. “Anthroposophy”,
essentially, means “inquiry into the nature of being human”. The
purpose of anthroposophy is to humanize life on earth through learned
openmindedness, openheartedness, objectivity, positivity and
intentionality.
2. Unlike a religion or a church, anthroposophy has no creed or any
other form of doctrinal statement to which members must or are
expected to subscribe.
3. Anthroposophy has no clergy or form of clergy and membership in
the anthroposophical society does not qualify persons to perform
marriage ceremony.
4. Anthroposophy does not have sacraments like communion or
babtism. Unlike a religion, anthroposophy does not claim to have
sacred scripture and it does not have or administer a system of canon
law.
5. Anthroposophy holds no formal worship services and makes no
efforts to propagate or missionize.
6. Anthroposophy is a way of knowing and inquiry into the mysteries
of human life. Its aim is not answers to be believed, but questions
and more questions into the nature of life on earth.
7. An atheist may become a member or interested in the
anthroposophical society and remain an atheist; an agnostic may become
a member and remain an agnostic; a member of any traditional religious
sect or denomination – Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Muslim, etc. – may
become a member of the anthroposophical society and remain a member of
their sect or denomination.

The trial court's final judgment in favor of the Sacramento City

Unified School District and the Twin Ridges Elementary School

District, states in part: "Plaintiff failed to carry its evidentiary

burden of establishing that anthroposophy is a religion for purposes

of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the United

States Constitution or the other California constitutuinal provisions

involved in this case, as stated in the Court's pretrial order dated

April 20, 2005". Waldorf Methods Litigation Update, January 21,
2006, by Christian M. Keiner: Kronick, Moskovitz, Tiedemann & Girard.
ckeiner@...

You may be surprised to hear that, in Los Angeles public schools,
organizations like the Kabbalah Center, Scientology and Transcendatal
Meditation offer (with parental permission) students scripted lessons,
like"Rules of the Game of Life". Kids bring home marketing materials
inviting students and their parents to find out about or join these
organizations. El Rio Charter School will never do this. No
pamphlets, invitations or lesson plans promoting any religious,
spiritual or political organization will ever be distributed to
parents or given to students either by word, deed or implication.
***********

Highand Hall Waldorf School - Open Letter to the Board

5/20/2012
Dear Board of Trustees,

I see a lot of new faces since I was last at Highland Hall.  And, of course, some old faces who are being named as conspirators in my lawsuit against Highland Hall and AWSNA (Hi Laura and Hasib).

I'd like to burden the board with a few questions.

So, my first question to you is... Can you hear me now?  Are you taking me seriously yet?   How has ignoring me and the harm that was done to my family worked out for you so far?  You've made Highland Hall (and Waldorf) synonymous with abuse... not to mention teaching racism.
Do you realize the harm you have done to Waldorf education as a whole?

I see a couple of immediate problems that are going to make things worse for Highland Hall in particular, and Waldorf in general.

First, you've rehired Lynn Kern.  BIG mistake.  She was, as you know, at the bottom of the failed mandated reporting involving Jeffrey Wilkins, the son of a teacher, and Larry W, a teacher.  These were two separate incidents that happened concurrently.  Then faculty members were either kept in the dark (I believe Karen Grant was one of them) or involved in keeping parents from one class from discovering the events that happened in the other class (Lisa Scemema Profumo).  http://petekaraiskos.blogspot.com/2010_03_01_archive.html   Lynn Kern is directly connected to AWSNA - and I have AWSNA on record defaming me to a parent inquiring about my case.   You guys have made suing you very easy... but now that AWSNA is directly involved, I'll be suing more than just Highland Hall.  Lynn is going to cost you even more enrollment in the months to come.  Oh, and just let ANYTHING bad happen in your summer camp.

Second, Ed Eadon has been moved to El Rio Charter... HUGE mistake.  Ed is the poster-boy for terrible administrators.  El Rio has already taken down descriptions of what Ed has done in the past from their blog.  They are also claiming a result in the PLANS lawsuit that is downright FRAUD.  Here's the lawsuit - still in progress as if this week: http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/media/view_subpage.php?pk_id=0000009204 . This is evidence of hiding known information and a problematic administrator from the public.  The hiring of Ed put my focus on the Waldorf charter school system.  I'm expecting Jim Pedroja to show up as an administrator somewhere too.  There's no denying what Ed and Jim have done.  The public attention is only the beginning, but it will probably be enough to get El Rio reviewed.  I've already sent the Charter School Board a letter of complaint.  El Rio is going to have their hands full - especially when I sue their administrator's ass off.  I'm collecting the reviews of Waldorf schools here: http://thewaldorfreview.blogspot.com/ and it doesn't look too good.

Speaking of my lawsuit - I want to really thank you for having published all the material I need to sue you.  Document after document admitting and apologizing for your crimes - it has been a real blessing.  If you don't know what I'm talking about, you should really check out my blog:
http://petekaraiskos.blogspot.com/
especially here:  http://petekaraiskos.blogspot.com/2010_02_01_archive.html

Many of the things Highland Hall did were criminal.  Many more were shockingly immoral.  Many people conspired to cover up criminal activity... and that too is against the law and is a separate crime.  They conspired to tear down Missing Child posters.  Feel free to read the legal documents I presented to divorce court.  The divorce judge even suggested I should sue Highland Hall.

So know that you've got important work ahead of you.  Highland Hall may even be closing their doors soon... that's how big my lawsuit (and your crime) is.   Teachers who were involved have gone from Highland Hall to other neighboring schools, some across the country, and even across the Atlantic.  It matters not to me... I hold you all accountable and so will the courts.  Those schools will come under review too. In fact, I'm putting EVERY Waldorf school under the microscope. http://thewaldorfreview.blogspot.com/ 

Each of these schools has Highland Hall to thank for the focus I've placed on them.

Think about the harm you've done to ALL of Waldorf education with your ridiculous denial of wrongdoing... or spiritual justifications for harming children.  I'm here to save the world from monsters like YOU.

Highland Hall calls the cops on Pete!

I was contacted yesterday by a detective regarding one of my more sinister
comments regarding Highland Hall. Now that they realize my lawsuit is REAL, I'm
guessing they want to get as much on me as possible "on the record".

Highland Hall, I suggest you copy my entire blog. I'll be adding more to it
soon as I'm scanning documents for the lawsuit. My case against Highland Hall
is out there for everyone to see... (even the police).

The phone call went fine, BTW... please don't worry about me anyone... I get the
feeling the cops sympathize with me. One of the detectives who, after fighting
me initially saw how devoted I am as a father, told me "don't you EVER stop!" -
I've never forgotten this... as it gave me the confidence to face the judge in
court and get the bullshit restraining orders (not to mention minor's counsel)
removed. Since then I've made nothing but steady progress toward restoring my
daughters health and well-being. (Thank you Peggy)

As for Highland Hall... they should know I think the demise of their school is a
foregone conclusion at this point. They can barely fill their classrooms now...
the lawsuit will be their death knell. I'm focusing on the REST of Waldorf now,
in case they haven't noticed... and I'm going after the charter school system
AND AWSNA. One could say, I've got bigger fish to fry...

HIGHLAND HALL Waldorf school Reviews - by Parents - UPDATED

I've reviewed Highland Hall extensively, but here are more RECENT reviews from
other parents and teachers... notice, very little has changed in all these
years:

http://gocitykids.parentsconnect.com/attraction/highland-hall-waldorf-school-17100-superior-street-northridge-ca-91325-us

seems many Waldorf schools and charters start off with a beautiful dream but in reality, the success of the school is really depends on the ethical and emotional maturity of the Administration & teachers. Highly subjective whether or not you are blessed with one of the Great teachers or someone who hasn't worked out their issues and you're supposed to 'trust' and 'let go...' we had a very rude awakening... Public school seems so stable and healthy now after the dysfunction we encountered. Can NOT recommend.

ex-waldorfmom

added: 05/09/2012

Posted September 16, 2010
Waldorf education can be an amazing thing, but Highland Hall is a very poor
example of a Waldorf school. There are very real reasons this school is
under-enrolled, has no waiting lists, and often turns over 20% of its children a
year. There is no functioning leadership. Teacher quality is uneven. Most
crucially, Highland Hall lacks integrity, their mission statement a hollow
promise gutted by fear and money. Look elsewhere. —Submitted by a parent

Posted June 16, 2010
My 3 children did not feel they learned any basic curriculum. Knitting, art and
woodworking are great, but math, science, english, history are weak. Many of
their high school students don't get into college. We left because our children
were bored. —Submitted by a parent

Posted May 15, 2009
My daughter attended HH for a year and enjoyed what they had to offer at the
preschool age. However, she would come home and need to run and jump all over
the place. Some kids just need to run. I like the Waldorf philosophy but I also
feel times are changing and in order to keep a realistic perspective on our
world, the media is a huge part of it. And being a psych major, I have learned
that children feel safe when they can understand parts of their environment. Not
keeping them in a bubble right smack in the middle of a thriving city. Plus
parents have an imperialistic attitude at HH. The love and respect for nature
and life should be given to all, not just those who can afford it. —Submitted by
a parent

Posted April 21, 2009
My son was there for a year and didn't learn a thing. We changed schools the
following year to an more challenging academic setting. He had a lot of remedial
work that he had to do the following year just to catch up to his peers. The
teachers at Highland Hall are very nurturing and loving, however, the kids need
more mental stimulation. I don't agree with their philosophy (actually Rudolf
Steiner's) of delaying academics till the late elementary/jr. high years. My
feeling is that either you're a Waldorf person or you're not, there's no middle
ground. It turned out that my son had dyslexia, which had gone undetected as his
class was not performing at grade level in reading or writing. He did benefit
however, from having such a caring, wonderful teacher. The campus has an
expansive park-like feel to it and is beautiful. —Submitted by a parent

June 27, 2008
My child loved her kindergarten teachers but by 2nd grade became frustrated with
the repetition of form drawing and the weirdness of the eurythmy class. She is
now in a charter school that is equally relaxed (no grades, no tests, no
homework) but is more academically stimulating and inspiring. At Waldorf, every
child works at the same pace, which is usually dictated by the children who
struggle the most.
—Submitted by a parent

Posted July 25, 2007
If your child has any learning difficulties, this school is ideal for allowing
them to work without enormous pressure. If your child is academically gifted,
this school will not be a good fit. There is a strong anti-intellectualism from
First thru 12th grade.
—Submitted by Anna J., a parent

Posted June 25, 2007
Adjusting to a traditional school revealed that my child was performing in every
area below grade level. It took her a year to catch up, and we regret having not
pulled her out before First grade. Although the campus appears serene and
attractive, the lack of transparency in the curriculum is a serious problem.
—Submitted by Dorothy, a parent

Posted October 14, 2006
Excellent kindergarten with our particular teacher; however, we had the very
opposite experience in middle school; and we were so unimpressed by the time our
child reached 8th grade that our child begged us to allow her to switch to a
more traditional high school.
—Submitted by Judy, a parent

Posted October 13, 2006
Three children attended; the oldest had a great experience from k-8; our second
child had a series of terrible teachers. The youngest child had a great
kindergarten experience. The school has no ability to constructively address
parents concerns —Submitted by a parent

Posted October 13, 2006
In spite of the beautifuyl appearance, it feels like a cult. There are no
academics standards. —Submitted by a former STUDENT

Posted March 11, 2006
As the name states, this is a Waldorf school, which is a very definite thing.
For some, it is perfect, for some not such a good fit. That is the first thing a
prospective parent needs to research. One distinctive aspect of Waldorf schools
is there is not a 'principal'. In the event of a problem, this can be an issue.
We often felt we had no one to turn to for action on our concerns. Academically,
we found Highland Hall on a very different page than other private schools in
the area. Our children left with way above average vocabularies, and below level
skills in concrete areas such as spelling and basic math facts. —Submitted by a
parent

Posted February 28, 2005
The campus of Highland Hall Waldorf school is beautiful - there are big
playgrounds separate for the kindergarten, grades 1-3, and then 3-6. The
curriculum is very soul based, not academic - at least not academic enough for
my children. My 2nd grader got 'bored' there, and wanted to go to a 'real'
school - so we switched her to a public charter school. —Submitted by a parent

Anush &#8206; - Jan 25, 2011
This place is a joke 4 years like bob says unless you start in 1st grade forget
it,you will always be an outsider,a bunch of spoiled rich kids who also infuse
the place with drugs ,you may be better of at another school ,save your money .

Paolo &#8206; - Oct 23, 2010
Went here for 3 years of my life. Unless you're in the Waldorf system from 1st
grade up you will not integrate well into their education system. A bogus
education belief based on creating your own books, if you're child isn't an
artist, or is coming in from public school. Forget it, spend your 14000
somewhere else

http://gocitykids.parentsconnect.com/attraction/highland-hall-waldorf-school-171\
00-superior-street-northridge-ca-91325-us#

Our 3 children attended over 12 years and despite the beauty of the campus - the
school has no transparent system for problem solving serious issues. Teachers
seem defensive and intolerant of parents asking questions. The teachers police
each other and there is no advocate for the parents or students who might have a
legitimate concern about a teacher's conduct. Students can be expelled, without
any warning, if the teacher does not like their parent, even if the student has
never done anything wrong. This is not written down anywhere, but it has
happened several times in the last few years. Each time a perfectly cooperative
child is expelled or not allowed to re-enroll because the teacher didn't like
the child's parents, it sends a frightening message to the entire community to
not question the teacher's authority or your child will be punished.

Parents are not allowed to question the teacher's decisions in the elementary
grades. Discipline is inconsistent - often the teachers seem excessively
punitive. This education appeals to students/families who prefer an
anti-intellectual curriculum, with a spiritual agenda inspired by Rudolph
Steiner. There is no geniune open forum to express concern about classroom
issues, bullying, etc., or to question the unusual methods used to teach. - A.
Scemema (student)

Davis Waldorf School Reviews - by Parents

http://www.greatschools.org/school/parentReviews.page?id=9658&state=CA#from..Hea\
derLink

8/9/2011
After leaving this school and having my kids tested, I would never go back
again. You think your paying to give your kids a head start while passing on the
love of learning, come to find out 6 years latter your really crippling them in
"this" program. (Test scores showed, child three years behind due to lack of
instruction. When child was instructed the scores jumped two grade levels in a 6
month period.)
Davis has incredible public schools, that help children excel academically and
have a lot of the same feel as this place, once did.
Check out one great school, Patwin.

Posted August 2, 2011
Our child spent four years at this school. After a few positive experiences in
the beginning, we had a miserable time at this school. Our child was bullied,
subjected to hate speech, beaten by a bully while being held by the bully's
sidekick. The teacher had zero previous teaching experience, pigeon-holed
children and treated all according to what she thought she "knew" about them as
though she had some special psychological insight into their karma. The teacher
was a disaster on the level of personal interaction and in terms of academics.
The principal is in a position of doling out financial favors to members of the
school board and therefore, rules supreme without any meaningful supervision,
and acts arbitrarily. Extremely hurtful environment and academically a disaster.
—Submitted by a parent

Posted February 5, 2011
Horrible experience. My son came from a very bad experience in the Davis School
system and transferred to Davis Waldorf in November. He said goodbye to his
teacher in June and in July we received a termination letter about his
enrollment. We did not receive any contact prior to this letter. I contacted the
office but they did not respond at all. My son has now been diagnosed with high
functioning autism and could have used the support of this school but they
dropped him as fast as they could after taking our tuition money.
—Submitted by a parent


Wow! It looks like the sudden attention to the Waldorf school reviews is
prompting parents to make their voices heard. This review appeared on the Davis
Waldorf School board within the last few minutes:

http://www.greatschools.org/school/parentReviews.page?id=9658&state=CA#from..Hea\
derLink

Posted today
Davis Waldorf has been a true disappointment. After a few years it has become
clear that it is not simply a school with an emphasis on the Arts. Though almost
never mentioned the school is founded on the philosophy of one Rudolf Steiner
(labelled an educator but had no credentials), called Anthroposophy. This theory
is almost never mentioned but forms the basis for everything which goes on at
the school. Anthroposophy is an esoteric philosophy which incorporates karma,
racial hierarchies, categorizing children into the four temperaments, and plenty
of other Anthro nonsense. Children are encouraged to look back into antiquity
rather than modern knowledge for answers. They are taught the ancient 4 element
theory is fact, that myths and stories are fact. They are not taught to read
until at least 7 years old. Parents are told this is to avoid rushing education.
The reality is that Anthroposophy teaches that a child does not incarnate into
their Astral body until adult teeth form, this happens around the age of 7, that
only once the Astral body has fully incarnated can any intellectual faculty be
exercised. This education is not right for my children. Do you feel it's right
for yours? —Submitted by a parent

WE'RE LISTENING! Is WALDORF?

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

Westside Waldorf School Review - the next Highland Hall

Westside Waldorf school isn't a charter, it's private. Many Highland Hall
teachers (the worst) have made themselves at home at Westside.  Here's their list of teachers:
http://www.wswaldorf.org/Management.html



Listed from Highland Hall are:
1) Lisa Profumo (Scemema)... who hid the Wilkins molestation incidents from the entire school, ignored mandated reporting laws and put the school in severe legal jeopardy.  She's lying whenever her lips move.
2) Liis Edwards... Check out letters from Highland Hall on this blog for her signature.  She was involved in MANY cover-ups at Highland Hall.
3) Alex Houghton... a former friend and former Waldorf teacher - he once pretended outrage at what was going on at Highland Hall and promised to reform Waldorf through WISC... he's now silent as WISC continues to employ the very WORST teachers Waldorf has to offer.  He is influencing Waldorf boards across the country... sadly.




http://www.greatschools.org/california/pacific-palisades/12275-Westside-Waldorf/

Here's a real shocker... :)

April 11, 2008
It is truly unfortunate that this school continues to promote itself to parents
without sharing that the model is based on Anthroposophy. If you are interested
in any Waldorf School read about Rudolf Steiner. Here is a good website to start
with: openwaldorf. com
—Submitted by a parent

Monterey Bay Charter School Reviews by Parents and MUCH more

Let's start this examination with the teacher who sexually abused two
PRE-TEENAGED students! HOLD ON... He TRANSFERRED from another Waldorf Charter -
Woodland Star Charter!!!

http://news.sonomaportal.com/2010/02/11/former-valley-teacher-arrested-on-molest\
ation-charges/

"A former teacher in Sonoma Valley was jailed Thursday on three counts of child
molestation. Patrick Lilley, 52, was arrested after an investigation revealed he
had sexually abused two pre-teenaged students approximately two years ago.

Lilley was booked into Monterey County Jail with a bail of $300,000 and is
awaiting extradition to Sonoma County, reported Sergeant Cecile Focha. According
to staff at Monterey Bay Charter School in Pacific Grove, Lilley was employed
there as a first-grade teacher at the time of his arrest; this was his first
year at that school.

Lilley had started at Woodland Star School in Sonoma Valley in September of
2004, teaching first grade. He moved along with that class through the fourth
grade until June of 2008, when, according the May 2008 school newsletter, he
left the area "to live closer to his sister."

PK: SO, the pedophile was simply transferred from one charter Waldorf school to
another... GEE, this sounds familiar.


OK, on to the reviews:

Posted March 19, 2011
Unfortunate when a schools leadership has no idea how to truly administer, or to
lead. This school has great potential but its administration is stuck and
running the school right into the ground. The teachers are wonderful for the
most part. The hands on education and waldorf inspiration inspires the children
to enjoy their lessons. The future of this school depends on removal of the
buddy-system thriving in the administration office.
—Submitted by a parent

Posted August 28, 2010
Report it

At MBCS the teachers are very dedicated, the administration is mediocre. Because
the school budget is a shoestring, it can be difficult to meet the extremely
high expectations of parent involvement if you live out of the area, a single
parent, work, and can not be as constantly on site as the locals. In my
daughter's class last year there was plenty of drama from over involved parents
who are cliquish, prone to squabbles, and power struggles, that were expressed
in seemingly constant seething emails (to everyone) that became very tiresome.
The teacher finally cried "STOP"! in a very nice Waldorf way. My son's class was
at times led by the parents while the teacher seemed to step back. I want the
teachers to lead not the parents. With MBCS expectations of extreme parent
involvement, it becomes it's own negative, EXTREME PARENT INVOLVEMENT! I
participate as I can then go home.
—Submitted by a parent

Posted August 27, 2010
I find myself concerned about some of the parents who are strongly Waldorf-ites
who I also see tending to be extremely protective and limiting of their
children's experiences whether it be by any media influences or even other
children who are media savvy- as if it would seriously damage or steal their
innocence. I'm not advocating throwing the kids out to the wolves, however I
fear that parent overprotective behaviors in this day and age can come back and
bite the parent years later when their older children finally have a taste of
freedom. I've seen it happen. I really like the Waldorf ideas, and I think it is
also important to stay current, real, and allow kids to experience and learn to
"deal" with some things that may be tough, after all, that's real life learning!
—Submitted by a parent

Posted July 12, 2010
This school seemed ok at first and the Waldorf method sounded interesting but it
was disappointing. The students remain with the same teacher from kindergarden
through eight grade and that is problamatic. If your child starts at a later
grade they will be the "outsider" in the children's already established
"clicks". Some of the students have parents who work at the school and these
children will get special treatment because of this, even to the point of the
school's "Chair" ( that is what they call the principal) not taking any
disciplinary action in order to protect them and keep up the school's
reputation. The principal " talks the talk" but lacks leadership skills and
doesn't follow school's policies. Bullying is an issue as well. I also found
this is not actual Waldorf but rather Waldorf inspired. The American Waldorf
Association does not endorse this school. Don't send your kids there! —Submitted
by a parent

http://www.godlikeproductions.com/forum1/message1696120/pg1

I don't know what to do please help with suggestions
My daughters teacher was accused of molesting 4 girls and slaming the head of
one boy on his desk. They went to trial and the girls didn't want to testify so
he got those charges dropped , but the boy did testify and the teacher got 1
count of endangering a child. Trial closed, he's still walking around. This was
a year ago but the abuse happened when they where much younger so it wasn't high
priorty case. My daughter in August just told me that he had rubbed her more
than 5 times where one shouldn't. So it would be a new trial. I have called
everyday latley and they just transfer me to voicemails and noone calls me back.
They advisied me not to get consoling or talk to her about it anymore because it
could mess up the case. So I haven't. I call daily, no oone will take my
calls(always voice mail) and charges have not been filed. She told Kaiser too.
What do I do to get the ball rolling? Newspapers or what kind of lawyer? They
just put me through to answering machine after answering machine and no one
calls me back. How do I get justice for my child?


UPDATE:
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20101119/articles/101119389?tc=ar

"Under the terms of the plea bargain, reached Sept. 30, Lilley can't work with
children and he can't live near schools, parks, pools or day-care centers. He
was formally sentenced by Judge Ken Gnoss on Oct. 29."


OK, that's ONE down...

Woodland Star Charter Waldorf School - Reviewed

http://www.greatschools.org/school/parentReviews.page?id=13736&page=1&state=CA

Posted November 3, 2009
I do not consider this school to be an 'academic' based institution. Although
the learning experience is varied, the curriculum is dated, slightly skewed, and
not practical, nor realistic for the times in which we live. The school
environment tends to foster emotional/mental underdevelopment in it's students,
as well as a fear of media based content in a general sense (TV, non-Waldorf
approved reading materials, internet and computer based technology, so on). If I
were to recommend this school at all, I would hesitantly recommend this school
to any parent within the district who has a special needs child, or a child with
autism-spectrum disorders. I base that recommendation solely on the fact that
this school progresses at a much slower, less demanding pace than other
'typical' schools.
—Submitted by a parent

Journey School Reviews - by Parents

Here are some reviews for another big loser - the Journey School charter in
California. Notice, one poster confirms that many of the negative reviews have
already been DELETED... and that administrators are making the positive reviews.
That's exactly what I've encountered when reviewing Highland Hall. Anyway, this
is supposed to be a PUBLIC charter school.

http://www.greatschools.org/school/parentReviews.page?id=11988&state=CA#from..He\
aderLink

Posted April 10, 2012
Based on our experience, we are giving this school two stars. Our children spent
three years at Journey, with the 2011-2012 year being their first year at a new
school. We experienced positive and negatives during those three years.
Unfortunately, the negatives outweighed the positives. Lack of teaching core
curriculum in one class put one of our children an entire year behind. The other
major issue was administration and the lack of discipline for bullies with no
consistent policy enforced. Further, the parents who had real concerns were
often overlooked. For us, you can't judge a book by its cover...it looked great
on the outside but the interior is very flawed and isn't nurturing the whole
child. We recommend keeping an eye on your children and their preparedness for
high school. We cannot recommend this school at this time. —Submitted by a
parent

Posted January 19, 2012
There are a lot of unhappy parents at Journe watching stuff all this. Events do
not happen in a closet, parents who vol. etc are watching and see the travesties
that occur to others and are frustrated. This is reflected in lower donation
rates and parent vol., etc. All the negative reviews below are correct. Huge
egos, 'big talk' but little action, wishy washy decisions. We will be leaving at
end of year. This school has lost the heart it once had. Newbie Admin has done a
couple of good things but made huge, bad judgement calls, sweeping stuff under
rug. IF school gets rechartered, school council / teachers need to insist on a
proven track record of experienced, ethical, stable Admin otherwise this school
won't make it. Stop the nepotism, go outside Waldorf ville. —Submitted by a
parent

Posted January 16, 2012
The negative reviewers are spot on. Negative reviews do 'disappear...' i watched
when we left in the spring and 3-4 disappeared. We left last year with others
due to the substandard teacher in our class as our child was academically
behind. Check out STAR scores to verify 2 classes who suffered. To be fair,
recent hires are great but there are several grades that are suffering from
years past. Admin promises and doesn't deliver. Unfinished website, important
survey we've been told still not out, FAVORTISM of special families whose kids
get off scott free. Admin Incompetence, inexperienced, etc. but happy to take
your money. Middle school very unprepared for real world. School currently works
for K-5, just doesn't have it for beyond that despite some good teachers
efforts. This school really needs a really experienced, strong admin who won't
waffle and is an educator at heart. We are soooo happy we left. i pray for the
others in our old class to 'open their eyes.''
—Submitted by a parent

Posted December 11, 2011
This school has some serious administration issues. There are a few good
teachers who are trying their best so teach in the Waldorf Method but they have
very little training in this method as compared to the private Waldorfs. The
parents are mostly nice but very naive regarding Waldorf education so they don't
realize that the administration is applying watered-down standards. This school
could be better under a different administration who are vastly unqualified in
comparison to all other administrators in county. If you have standards, another
school would be a better choice. —Submitted by a parent

Posted May 9, 2011
Reading the reviews, its startling. One grade was given a WALDORF assessment
recently, which showed that particular grade to be failing math. As one post
said below, its not a race, but you would certainly hope your child would not be
failing at the end of an upper grade. Clearly, the time is not being taken to
investigate and hear the facts. All of us need to pull together at Journey and
help those families that have suffered this fall out. This failure was due to
lack of instruction and lack of intervention by administration. This is a big
issue at Journey with parents just not being aware. I'm a Waldorf supporter and
do not see this example as an accurate representation of a Waldorf education.
Most parents agree at Journey that education is not a race, but they still do
want their children learning at school and becoming educated. This example
described leaves me to feel utterly embarrassed. Most schools would never allow
an entire grade to fail a core subject. —Submitted by a parent

Posted April 26, 2011
Wow where do i begin? I will start out on the positive. I think the idea of how
Journey says they are going to teach children is great ( if it worked, and they
were doing what they said they would do! ie: see the schools test scores SCARY!)
Umm..the school has a great music program. The positive comments on here have to
be from the administration or parents that sadly just don't have a clue. There
is no accountability or organization at Journey, this is what they call the
Waldorf way. Kids need structure or there is chaos. Journey's name should be
CHAOS. The administration is constantly putting out fires that never seem to
stop. It is sad and scary to me that this school is able to stay open and be
responsible for children learning or lack there of in this case. There is also
no text books at this school the kids write there own, no computers, and they
ask all the parents to donate $100.00 a month. I will be shocked if this school
is still open in the next 5 years. If you have very low standards for your child
education this is the school for you! Journey were education is not a race its a
joke! —Submitted by a parent

Posted April 18, 2011
This school could be so good, if only the Waldorf philosophy was actually put
into practice effectively. Unfortunately, Journey lacks consistency, has no
apparent curriculum that is followed, and what the child is taught is highly
dependent on who they have has a teacher. Teacher to parent communication on
what is being learned in the classroom (and therefore should be reinforced at
home) has been completely missing. This may be a different experience from class
to class, but with no standard to follow, there is no consistency. I like the
playful, cheerful environment, but it is a lot of play and not a lot of work. If
the purpose of school is to prepare our children for the future and to build the
foundation for a strong work ethic and a successful career, then Journey falls
dreadfully short. The influence I see being indirectly taught to the children is
that of mediocrity and laziness, which is such a shame. Executed correctly,
Journey could be a place where children learn to care for each other, care for
the earth, find joy in simple things, AND work hard, develop a love for
learning, and a desire to always do their best work. Unfortunately, that is not
what it is today. —Submitted by a parent

Posted February 8, 2011
If you want even a moderate amount of focus on academic learning and aquisition
of basic language and math skills, look elsewhere, anywhere else will be better.
There is absolutely no desire to teach the students anything remotely close to
basic academics. To have a school in the middle of Aliso Viejo ranked 375 out of
381 elementary schools in Orange County is criminal. How parents can want their
children to be so disadvantaged is hard to understand. And yet Capo Valley
renewed their charter. Go to the Journey school website and look for anything
that relates to academic achievement. There is nothing. They do learn how to
knit and compost, however.

Posted March 2, 2010
CAUTION, BEWARE, TAKE A CLOSER LOOK, these are my words of advice for any parent
who is thinking about enrolling their children in Journey. If you want quality
education that makes sense this is not the place . My children attend Journey
and I have no idea what they do during the day. No work ever comes home, there
is little homework which reflects what they are doing in class, and you have to
beg the teaches to tell you anything. There is no communication. There is little
disapline. My children are getting hit and punched often and nothing is done
even after I have meetings with the teacher and administration. Taking my
children out at this time is not an option because they are behind academically.
I often wish I never got my children involved at this school. I hope they can
catch up before its to late. —Submitted by a parent

Posted February 3, 2010
Parents, if you are planning to enroll your child in Journey, please know what
you are getting into before you take this big step. The school is very
disorganized and nobody seems to know what is going on. Nobody takes
resposibility for anything. On paper and in theory this school looks ideal for
all children, but once you look a little closer at the staff and the curriculm
you will realize it is not what it appears to be. —Submitted by a parent

Posted June 7, 2009
It is a blessing to have a charter school in Aliso Viejo, however this
particular charter school is certainly not for everyone. Yes, there is a lot of
confusion in the administration, events get cancelled and the parents get
notified at the last minute. But the reason why I am taking my child out is due
to the lack of mental stimulation. I did not fully understand what the Waldorf
system entails. And it does teach children the basics of reading and writing
about 1 or 2 years later than a public school. I still believe it is a great
school for kids that just would not fit into the public school system. And the
public schools are certainly not inviting, so it's a shame that the only charter
school we have is so extreme. I am still looking and hoping for a middle ground
—Submitted by a parent

Posted April 29, 2009
If only Journey School had realized its potential! But over the past 3 years
there has been turmoil in almost every grade, an almost constant exodus of
teachers, uneven qualifications, 3 administrators in a row resigning, and
consistent unprofessionalism in everything they do. With the charter up for
renewal next year, heart surgery might be a good thing. Please do your homework.
We've paid a fortune in tutors to catch our children up to state standards after
leaving Journey. —Submitted by a parent

Posted March 30, 2008
I had high hopes for this school, but was instead very disappointed. The school
lacks leadership and the hole at the top is sorely felt throughout the school.
The Waldorf theory is wonderful- but how it is put into practice is everything
and this school is not what is shown in the inspiring DVD production or quick
tours of the classes. The cirriculum is very slow. This cannot be emphasized
enough. I understood it was slow- but I had no idea how slow 'slow' really is at
Journey. Specifics: The administration is disorganized and events are
calendared, moved and cancelled constantly. Playgound equipment was broken for
six months with no one taking any lead on getting it fixed. For the first four
months of the school year they rang the bell 10-15 minutes late every single
day. Lots of problems and virually no leadership to get things solved. Can't
reccomend it.
—Submitted by a parent

Posted August 29, 2005
I would hesitate in sending my child to [sic] this school unless you are
completly aware of the teachings of Waldorf. It isn't as wonderful as it
seems.—Submitted by a parent


http://www.schooldigger.com/go/CA/schools/0744008542/school.aspx

by a parent
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
"We spent many years at Journey. Unfortunately, most of it was dealing trying to
bring to the ever-changing administrators (5 diff in 7 yrs) attention the
deficits of the very weak teacher my child had. Finally, after about 10 families
left the class due to substandard teaching, she was re-assigned to a lower
position. Those that left had to tutor their children up to grade level as I am
now my child who is now at another school. Admin didn't take many parents
complaining seriously and tried to sweep issues under rug. Lots of IEPs in this
class. The school has some great teachers but very inconsistent standards and
policies, weak and erratic administrators, loose discipline procedures and lots
of double standards. Fun atmosphere for kids but this is SCHOOL. Very
unprofessionally run. Would NOT recommend."

http://www.education.com/schoolfinder/us/california/aliso-viejo/journey/?page=re\
views

This so called school is a camp for raising losers! It should be shut down.
They are putting innocent children in danger in more ways than one. Totally
irresponsible to be able to get funds from tax payers to pay for this so called
school, its a small group of irresponsible parents. Submitted by a Parent on
Oct 22, 2010

http://www.century21.com/schools/aliso-viejo-ca-schools/journey-school/O04933849\
-LCCAALISOVIEJO

Posted 2011-12-12
"The posting from the Journey School parent yesterday is spot on. The
administration has watch dogs scanning this website daily to counter all
negative postings or they contact this website to have any negative postings
removed. The truth of the matter: parents, students and faculty are unhappy with
the administration and this is reflected by the enrollment, donations, low test
scores, attendance, and high teacher turn around. The majority of the parents
complain in the parking lot, feel they do not have another option and are hoping
to see a turn around with the administration if the school gets re-chartered."

Posted 2011-05-06
"I'm not surprised at the amount of controversy & the polar opposite reviews.
The majority of parents don't understand what type of school this is but admin
is working to survey our community. Which leads me to correct the last post
about this being a "waldorf inspired" school. Journey is a "waldorf charter" NOT
inspired because the programs are all taught based on Steiner's principles and
main lesson is all Waldorf. Everything is Waldorf, not inspired. Also, that same
parent posted that it's a "classical ed". A classical education is not the model
here. A classical education is rigorous, appreciates deadlines for reports & is
very specific about language arts & grammar in the early years (1-4), very
opposite of Journey. There are budget cuts that have effected all but that
doesn't take away the fact that the curriculum is scattered & teacher
subjective. There's a new hire on campus reworking to solidify curriculum for
possible implementation next year. If your child has an IEP they may surpass the
kids who don't. Great resource teacher for upper grades. Either way, don't
neglect keeping track of your child's progress at this school. It's hit or
miss!"

Posted 2007-05-04
"My child has been in this school for almost 4 years, and if you are really
looking for you child to get an education, make sure you know what your getting
into. I am still not happy with the results, and they dont seem to be changing
anytime soon. It is very hard to get into , and is a good childcare for younger
children, but is not doing great in the academics. If i started over again i
would never send my child to this place."

Posted 2005-03-08
"My child attended Journey for three years. I had hopes of a wonderful
educational and social experience for my child. This school was a big
disappointment. The teaching staff is predominantly uncertified, the director
lives in Northern California and upper grades in elementery are combination
classes. Temporary staff is brought in on a half hazard schedule to provide
extracurricular classes, most never materialize. This school is very
disorganized, supervision is lax and leadership is not present. Parent
involvment is not allowed in the classroom however you may financial support in
the way of donations or volunteer at the yearly festivals. The school has been
in existance for 6 years and done poorly each year on the state and district
mandated tests. If you are looking for a day-care environment for your child
this would be the perfect place, if you want your child to receive an education,
avoid Journey School."