Eastside Community School

🚍✨Our 7th Grade class came back from a memorable 3-night trip to Goldendale. Their teacher, Mrs. Henry, shares about their experience:

“This year’s seventh grade class trip took them to the Columbia River Gorge near Goldendale, Washington. Highlights of the trip included white water rafting, guided tours of two local museums, a full-scale replica of Stonehenge, and stargazing at the Goldendale Observatory.

Our itinerary was designed to complement the curriculum in a number of ways. As we departed, the students were completing a block on astronomy, and visits to both the Goldendale Observatory and the Stonehenge replica offered us rich opportunities to deepen our understanding of this field of science. White water rafting was tremendous fun, and I will be able to draw upon this experience in future blocks when we imagine, for example, Lewis and Clark having to portage around Celilo Falls (now buried behind The Dalles’ dam) and westward expansion, in general. So, too, with our tour of the Yakima Nation Cultural Center museum: Our guide shared deeply poignant details that I will be able to draw on as I teach American history. We may have spent three days away from school, but each day was designed to be nourishing and educational in ways that are hard to enumerate. Suffice it to say that parents often marvel at the growth they observe after their child returns from a class trip.” ✨

Photo credit: Alison H., Karen G., Wet Planet.

🧭 One of the traditional blocks in grade 7 is the Age of Exploration. While the block often starts with a recognition of the navigational feats of the ancient Austronesian peoples as well as the travels of figures like Ibn Battuta and Zheng He, the focal point is the historical events that were set in motion when Europe’s source of spices and luxury goods was disrupted in 1453 when Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Empire. Here, conquistador Vasco Núñez de Balboa has the hubris to claim
the Pacific Ocean for Spain. 🌊

Blackboard art by 7th grade teacher, Ms. Henry.

🏰🏹 Our sixth grade class recently returned from the Medieval Games with a rich and memorable experience. Students stepped into the physicality of the time period through movement, teamwork, and skill-based challenges, while also being placed into “shires” alongside students from other Waldorf regional schools. Through a variety of team-building activities, they worked together to problem-solve, collaborate, and build connections beyond our own class.

The week culminated in a spirited tournament between the shires, where students participated in activities such as archery and rope jousting. These moments brought energy and excitement, while also calling on cooperation, courage, and good sportsmanship.

A highlight of the gathering was the Medieval Feast, where students, dressed in costume, came together in a festively decorated hall designed to evoke the feeling of the time period. A central fire at the front of the hall created a focal point for the evening. Each school offered a presentation - poems, songs, or movement pieces - reflecting their work. Our class shared a song and dance that was both reverent and beautiful, marking a special moment of collaboration and celebration.✨

Photo credit: Angie P., KayAnna C., River W.

🌿🏛️Our 5th graders just returned from the unforgettable Greek Games - a joyful celebration of movement, courage, beauty, and community inspired by the traditions of ancient Greece. In Waldorf education, 5th grade is a special moment of balance and growth, and the Greek Games offer students the chance to fully step into what they’ve been studying all year through athletic events, teamwork, singing, and ceremony.

Hosted by Eastside Community School and held in the beautiful setting of Carnation, this beloved tradition brought together students from 8 Waldorf schools across the region for a day filled with friendly competition, perseverance, and celebration. There is something quietly magical about watching children discover their strength - not only as athletes, but as human beings. 🏛️✨

Photo credit: Betsy R., Kelly J., Thejaswini S.

🎭✨Our 6th grade class presented Alice’s in Wonderland in a whimsical production filled with imagination, humor, music, and heart. Audiences followed Alice down the rabbit hole into a world of curious characters, lively adventures, and timeless lessons about courage and curiosity. We are so proud of the students for their creativity, dedication, and beautiful ensemble work in bringing this beloved story to life on stage. 👏

Photo credit: KayAnna C., Maria K.

🎨 We love celebrating student artwork at ECS, but this time the parents took center stage with their own masterpieces!

Parents enjoyed a lovely night out eating charcuterie, sipping elegant wine, and painting with the ECS Art Specialist. Meditative moments, joyful laughter, and playful creativity filled the school halls Saturday evening. Stay tuned for the next Paint & Sip event! 💛🖼️

✨Celebrating our amazing faculty during Teacher Appreciation Week! ✨

Thank you to our class coordinators and parent community for the thoughtful treats, flowers, sweet notes, and special touches throughout the week. Our teachers felt incredibly loved and appreciated - we are so grateful for this wonderful community! 💐❤️

Photo credit: Dana B.