diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (deij)
HVWS teachers are committed to challenging the dominant narratives and representing more diverse perspectives and voices in our lessons. Turning a lens towards inclusion and equity means doing the deep inner work of confronting our own biases, and then looking out into the world for the resources and educational tools needed to provide an education that truly celebrates the diversity of the human experience. We embrace this journey of learning and growth as we rise to meet the needs of our ever-changing world.
social and emotional learning (sel)
HVWS continues its commitment to providing social and emotional learning programs for every age. This curriculum supports students’ mental health and wellness and helps to cultivate a safer and more positive learning environment where everyone can thrive. Our objective through the integration of SEL is to empower students with: processes to acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities; management of emotions and achievement of personal and collective goals; feeling and showing empathy for others; establishment and maintenance of supportive relationships; and the ability to make responsible and caring decisions.
health and wellness
A thoughtful and comprehensive curriculum for Health and Wellness ensures that students are learning to relate to themselves and others in a positive and affirming way. The HVWS Health and Wellness curriculum covers topics connected to human development, gender and sexuality so that all of our students receive healthy and age-appropriate information in a holistic and artistic way. In Early Childhood the Health and Wellness program is embedded into the curriculum through stories, circle, songs, puppet plays and during teachable moments that emerge during the curriculum. Grades 1 and 2 teachers will be bringing topics of gender and family diversity through read-aloud books and expanded representation in their classroom stories. In 3rd and 4th grade our Health & Wellness curriculum will include more classroom discussion and class culture building through stories, games, and art activities. In Grades 5-8 students will have instruction on a number of topics related to this curriculum including combating stereotypes, changing bodies, and healthy relationships. Each class teacher will outline the topics that will be covered in your child’s class and communicate those with you at the beginning of the year.
Non-discrimination Policy:
The Housatonic Valley Waldorf School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. We do not discriminate based on religion, national origin, color, race, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or physical disability in our programs and activities or in our hiring, admissions, financial aid, or scholarship practices and policies.