2018/19 Parent Education Overview

At Urban Prairie, we consider parent education to be an essential part of the work of our school, and we strive to offer a wide range of lectures, workshops, and experiences.  These events are intended to enrich the parent experience at UPWS and strengthen the bridge between school and home; however, they are not limited to UPWS parents.  We welcome all who are interested in learning about child development, education, and how Urban Prairie brings Waldorf education to life.  

We present a robust parent education calendar each semester.  We realize that parents are very busy and cannot attend all events.  If you can come though, please do.  You will not be disappointed!  Please direct all questions regarding Parent Education events to Heather Berhalter.

2018/19 Fall-Winter Parent Education Calendar

High School Entrance Testing

Monday, October 1, 7pm

Charlie Howard (Test Prep Chicago) will join us for this annual event to explain the various standardized tests students may need to take in their 8th grade year depending on the high schools to which they are applying.

Lisa Romero:  Social Understanding of Gender and Sexuality

Wednesday, October 10, 7pm

Lisa Romero will discuss how the ideas, expectations, and wishes (gender or otherwise) that we put on children can undermine healthy growth and development of their unique human spirit.   Lisa Romero is an author of inner development books, a complementary health practitioner and an adult educator who has been offering healthcare and education enriched with anthroposophy since 1993. From 2006 the primary focus of her work has been on teaching inner development and anthroposophical meditation. 

Douglas Gerwin:  The Sword and the Rose

November 2, 6-8pm

The last installment of the Foundation Studies workshop is taking place this weekend. Participants among our faculty, staff, and parent body will complete this journey they started during the summer of 2017.

Community members are invited to join the Foundation Studies group for a Friday lecture by Douglas Gerwin with exercises in clay led by Frances Vig. The lecture will explore the developmental stage of “earthly maturity”––specifically the unfolding of the complementary powers of intellectuality and sexuality­­––in a talk entitled “The Sword and the Rose.” What is really happening during the parallel processes of sexual and intellectual maturing? How does Waldorf education support human development through the tumult of puberty to young adulthood? These are among the questions Dr. Gerwin will address in his talk.

Douglas Gerwin, Ph.D., has taught history, literature, German, music, and life science at college and Waldorf high school levels for over 35 years. As Executive Director of the Center for Anthroposophy (CfA), he divides his time between adult education and teaching adolescents, as well as mentoring Waldorf schools across North America.

Frances Vig has been a class teacher and art teacher at the Chicago Waldorf School for more than 30 years.

Suggested donation $25 to help defray the cost of the event.

Experience UP

November 10, 9:30am – 3:15pm

Join current and prospective parents for this event to experience how challenging and inspiring Waldorf education can be! We have a wide range of classes for you to choose from (1st grade math up to middle school science) as well as childcare available upon request for a small fee. This event will fill up. Sign up today to reserve your spot and choose your classes.  (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e48aba92ba5fa7-2018)

“Understanding Waldorf Education”

December 11, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Christian Community Priest and former Class Teacher from Tamarack Waldorf School Ann Burfeind is visiting UPWS for one last time before she moves!  She’ll discuss Waldorf education, child development, and how the Waldorf curriculum is designed to foster the healthy growth of the human being.  Ann is a great resource for our community, and we are happy to welcome her back.  Don’t miss this great opportunity not only to hear her speak but also to bid her a fond farewell!

Community Events

There are also several upcoming community events including:

The Changing Nature of Childhood Health & Illness (morning lecture)Thursday

November 15, 2018
10:30 am – 12:00 pm and 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Rudolf Steiner Branch 4249 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60618)

Please join the Rudolf Steiner Branch in welcoming world-renowned doctor and author Dr. Thomas Cowan, M.D. from San Francisco, CA as he describes his research and experience with today’s children and their health, based on his newest book, Vaccines, Autoimmunity and the Changing Nature of Childhood Illness. Tickets are $12 and will be available soon. We are providing two opportunities to hear Dr. Cowan speak. We hope to provide childcare for the morning session in an adjoining space to the lecture, to help parents of young children attend.

Dr. Cowan is a founding Board Member of the Weston A Price Foundation.
This series is presented and sponsored by:

Waldorf Learning Support
Arcturus Rudolf Steiner Education Program
HealthMarketing.us

Community Fair

December 8, 2018
1:00 – 4:00pm
Urban Prairie Waldorf School, 1310 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60608

Shop super local at our annual community shopping event.  There will be food, handmade items, toys, and more.  

January – May 2019

We’re working on several great events for the new year including a Parent SEED experience on race, biography work with Paulette Arnold, and our Annual Alumni Panel.