The Circle School

Students have been busy in art creating a mural to decorate the Specials Space.

Thanks to Ms. Ashly and the Moonies’ keen sense of hearing, they found a baby possum trapped in the trash can next to the Fairy Forest.
Sometimes learning opportunities come from unlikely places! Ms. Danielle, our Sun Room teacher, absolutely loves opossum so she was excited to share her knowledge! She grabbed her gloves and gently rescued this little cutie from the can. After checking this little one out, a safe space was found to return them to their habitat.
Opossum are North America’s only marsupial and are super misunderstood. Thank you Circle Schoolers for helping advocate for and protect our little nature buddies🥰🥰

Join us in welcoming Ms. Kate for her FULL CIRCLE ⭕️ moment! Kate will be teaching our first graders in the Sky Room this year, but this isn’t her first Circle School experience. Kate was formerly a Circle School student and credits her time here as a student with her inspiration for becoming a teacher.
Prior to joining the Circle School staff, Kate spent over 14 years leading San Antonio area classrooms for Northside and Judson ISDs, including 9 years teaching 1st grade. Ms. Kate is overjoyed to bring her educational journey full circle by returning to The Circle School and her wealth of experiences and passion for teaching will surely be great assets to our community. We’re only a week into the school year, but she’s settling in wonderfully and creating bonds with her first graders and their families.

First week of Circle School Star Baby joy!

Welcome back to a new school year!

Every year our Morning Circle story the first week tells of Star Baby 💫 who rides a comet to Earth where they encounter sea creatures, finds a human family, and comes to Circle School. Each of us is made of stardust & love!

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Families & staff gathered yesterday for our Back to School event. It was so great to see old friends & meet new ones!
We’ll see you on Tuesday for the first day! ✏️🙌

We’re happy to welcome Ms. Janeen as our new PE/yoga instructor and Mr. Lucas as our Gardening/Naturalist instructor for 2024-2025!

Lucas comes with a wealth of teaching and classroom management experience and a life-long passion for gardening instilled early on by his grandmother. Lucas has work experience as an ESL instructor, high school teacher, and community garden sponsor. He managed new gardens for his previous campus with student volunteers and limited resources and turned it into something bigger. These skills will serve him well at Circle School.

Janeen comes highly recommended and spoke confidently in her interview about creating a caring and supportive learning environment where everyone can participate. She is a 200 hr YogaAlliance certified instructor & a 95 hr YA certified kids yoga instructor with several years of teaching experience. She is also a certified Roll Model Practitioner with Tune Up Fitness & a certified TRX instructor. We’re looking forward to our students getting their wiggles out with Ms. Janeen!

This week our staff has the amazing opportunity to learn from the founder of Forest School Teacher Institute, Dr. Jean Lomino. Benefits of a nature based education include leadership, teamwork, compassion, adaptability, independence, critical thinking skills, and mindfulness.

Thank you, Specials Studio, for your service.
Our retired studio came down yesterday. While this building served us well & housed hundreds of Changemakers over the years, its time had come to an end.
The footprint will now be reclaimed as outdoor learning space.

Our Circle is Expanding! The Circle School has officially purchased the house across the street from our main campus. We’re so excited for the extra space for our program to stretch and grow. As we introduce our community to this new space this school year, it will primarily be occupied by our 5th-8th grade Changemakers. We look forward to ongoing community conversations about how our spaces are used and the possibilities ahead!

Update: The position has been filled!

Join our Circle! Hiring immediately for the 2024-2025 school year: Full Time First Grade Classroom Teacher. Full details at the link below.

The Circle School is a PreK3 to eighth grade family cooperative school that has been teaching peace in San Antonio since 1965. Our secular, independent school fosters cultural and environmental awareness through daily oral storytelling in a school-wide community circle and an emphasis on outdoor time.

Students of all ages average eight hours per week outside. Nature time is more than just a creative outlet; it nurtures the whole child by building strong, agile minds and bodies.

Our students discover the great wide world outside themselves while building the skills and confidence to lead others and change the world!

Small class sizes (average 12 students) allow for individualized, academically enriching education supplemented by specials teachers in gardening, art, PE/yoga, Spanish, and music. We’re looking for an energetic, flexible, collaborative, and motivated educator to join our learning community.
Https://thecircleschool.org/teach

“Children grow up hearing how broken the environment is, how broken beyond repair. Plant strawberries together, make wild medicines, paint the sunrise. Show them proof that for every act of destruction, they can sow a seed, however small, of beauty.” - Nicolette Sowder

“Everyone talks about peace but no one teaches peace. In this world, you are educated for competition, and competition is the beginning of every war. When he will educate himself for cooperation and to offer each other solidarity, the day he will be educating himself for peace.” - Maria Montessori

The Circle School is a PreK3 to eighth grade family cooperative school that has been teaching peace in San Antonio since 1965. Our secular, independent school fosters cultural and environmental awareness through daily oral storytelling in a school-wide community circle and an emphasis on outdoor time.

Students of all ages average eight hours per week outside. Nature time is more than just a creative outlet; it nurtures the whole child by building strong, agile minds and bodies. The open-ended possibilities of nature demand intense focus, with the brain constantly assessing risks and planning the next steps. Successfully making these mental and physical adjustments brings joy and builds confidence, which translates to all aspects of a child’s wellbeing. Our students discover the great wide world outside themselves while building the skills and confidence to lead others and change the world!

Small class sizes allow for individualized, academically enriching education supplemented by specials teachers in gardening, art, PE/yoga, Spanish, and music. Located on Pershing Ave., blocks away from the Witte on Broadway, we offer a full day school program with available early and after care options. Limited spaces are available for the 2024-2025 school year and we would love to talk to your family about joining us. We are currently interviewing for spaces in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. On campus info session for prospective families are scheduled:

July 18th at 6pm & August 1st at 9:30am

Please complete an Interest Form at the link 🔗 to receive more information and register to attend this or future sessions: https://cir-tx.client.renweb.com/oa/inquiry.cfm?memberid=4800

UPDATE: THE POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED

The Circle School is now hiring a part time Physical Education & Yoga Teacher for the 2024-2025 school year.
Details & application instructions: thecircleschool.org/teach
This part time position teaches ages 3-14 (grades preK3-8th).
🧘‍♀️Tuesday - Thursday for a total of 14 hours weekly, with the opportunity for additional hours in the form of teacher break coverage, and/or special events.
🧘‍♀️Compensation: $17/hr
🧘‍♀️The primary purpose of a Physical Education (PE) and Yoga teacher is to promote physical fitness, well-being, and a healthy lifestyle. They develop and deliver a curriculum that includes various sports, exercises, and yoga techniques, enhancing students’ physical and mental health. They ensure a safe, inclusive environment, assess student performance, and provide feedback for growth. By fostering a love for physical activity and yoga, they encourage lifelong healthy habits.

🏃‍♂️Qualifications 🏃‍♂️
🧘‍♀️Ability to work in a Cooperative school environment
🧘‍♀️Good interpersonal communication skills
🧘‍♀️Excellent classroom management skills (experience in a traditional classroom, Sunday school, or camp environment)
🧘‍♀️A minimum of 2 years of Physical Education and/or Yoga experience
🧘‍♀️Works well independently and is able to prioritize responsibilities
🧘‍♀️Be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds
🧘‍♀️Ability to work safely outdoors, specifically in warm weather conditions (100° +)
🧘‍♀️A definite plus: Background in Physical Education, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Yoga Studies, or a related field.

UPDATE: THE POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED

The Circle School is hiring a Gardening & Naturalist Teacher for the 2024-2025 school year!
Details & application instructions here: thecircleschool.org/teach
This part time position will teach students ages 3-14 (grades PreK3-8th).
🌱Tuesday - Thursday for a total of 12 hours weekly, with the opportunity for additional hours in the form of teacher break coverage, and/or special events.
🌱Compensation: $17/hr
🌱Primary Purpose: To enrich students’ education by providing hands-on gardening and nature-based experiences that foster skills like teamwork, responsibility, and problem-solving. Through these activities, students learn about plant life cycles, ecosystems, and environmental stewardship, while also promoting physical activity and outdoor exploration. Ultimately, the teacher aims to inspire a lifelong appreciation for nature, sustainable practices, and cultural connections.
🌱Ability to work in a Cooperative school environment
🌱Good interpersonal communication skills
🌱Excellent classroom management skills (experience in a traditional classroom, extracurricular class, or camp environment)
🌱A minimum of 2 years of gardening experience, specifically in Texas.
🌱Works well independently and is able to prioritize responsibilities
🌱A definite plus: Background in agriculture, horticulture, liberal arts, education, or related fields

Refer those people who would be a great fit & we’re looking forward to meeting all these Green Thumbs! 💚💚

The Circle School 2023-2024 School Year by the numbers!
☀️171 class days made up the 2023-2024 school year, bringing our students and teachers together for our 58th year of teaching peace in San Antonio!
☀️We had 99 students enrolled this school year coming to us from 81 co-op families.
☀️23 staff members, 11 full time and 12 part time, led these students and families through another great year.
☀️2 eighth grade students graduated and are moving on to high school (at least one asked if he could start all over in the Moon Room next year)!
☀️37 unique morning stories were told in Circle this school year. Every morning our entire school gathers in a circle made up of all age groups to engage in the practice of oral storytelling. We select stories that teach peace, empathy, open-mindedness, and social justice, carrying each week’s wisdom lessons into the curriculum and classes for that week.“The stories reveal the similarities and diversities of human experience and interpretation. They open us up to our place in the human community and to the strength and existence of other cultures.” - Isabeth Hardy, Circle School Founder
☀️6,283 Co-op hours were logged by families, including our parent volunteer board of directors. Each co-op family volunteers their skills and abilities as a way to support their children’s education while modeling to our children the importance of working together toward a common purpose despite the different backgrounds we represent. Our cooperative model works because of the combined efforts of our participating families and the love and commitment they have for our community.
☀️We experienced 2 solar eclipses this school year, one annular and one total, and enjoyed viewing and learning as a community.

New perspective family info session dates have been added! Please complete an inquiry form at the link 🔗 below to register for a session & find out more about joining our school!
Limited spaces available for the 2024-2025 school year.



https://cir-tx.client.renweb.com/oa/inquiry.cfm?memberid=4800

Find details & register for summer academic sessions at the link in our bio.
Both courses will be offered for 3 one week sessions in June & July.
🧮Fun with Numbers: Elementary Mathematics Summer Program, ages 7-11
Designed specifically for elementary school students, aged 7-11, our Fun with Numbers summer program offers a dynamic and interactive learning experience that will ignite curiosity and enthusiasm for math. Whether your child is a budding mathematician or someone who could use a little extra encouragement, this program offers something for everyone. Join us for a summer filled with discovery, exploration, and plenty of mathematical fun!
📖Building Young Minds: Summer Early Literacy Program
Geared towards children aged 5 to 8, our Summer Early Literacy Program provides a stimulating and fun environment where children can explore the magical world of books, language, and imagination. This program is designed to ignite the love for reading and learning in young children, laying down the foundation for their academic success and lifelong literacy skills. Whether your child is an emerging bookworm or someone who could use a little extra encouragement, this program offers something for everyone. Join us for a summer filled with laughter, learning, and literacy adventures!

To all those dads, fathers, parents, guardians, and father figures of all stripes raising their little Changemakers to be awesome humans, thank you! We support you today & everyday!! 💚

Register at the 🔗 : https://www.hisawyer.com/the-circle-school/schedules/activity-set/799095
June 17-21, 12:30-3:30pm
Ages 6-13
Art knows no bounds! In this session, students will explore a variety of fun, unique, and unconventional printmaking techniques. They’ll use fruits and vegetables, recycled materials, flowers and plants, traditional inks, and more to create prints. Unlock your creativity and discover the endless possibilities of printmaking in this exciting and hands-on workshop! Get ready to dive in and embrace the mess!

Register at the link 🔗 : https://www.hisawyer.com/the-circle-school/schedules/activity-set/799082

Join the Young Naturalist Gardening Club and watch your child’s love for nature blossom! Our gardening club offers a hands-on experience where kids learn about plants, insects, and the environment through fun gardening activities. Learn how to make seed paper, flower pressings, plant dyes, and how to regrow kitchen scraps! Our club is accessible and engaging for children and adults of all ages. With take-home worksheets that allow you to learn along with your child. Help your child cultivate valuable skills in teamwork, self reliance, responsibility, and environmental stewardship. Enroll your child today and let them discover the wonders of nature right in their own backyard!
This class is taught by Mr. Jacob, who many of you know as CS Art Teacher Ms. Olivia’s partner.

One of our campus sunflowers 🌻 has developed a condition called Fascination, or cresting, where two flower heads grow together. The name is apt as our students are FASCINATED!
Nature is always trying to teach us something new. 💚💚

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It was Wacky Wednesday in the Sky Room & we celebrated with duct tape! This student volunteer was held up using only a roll of duct tape & friend power. 🙌😂⭕️

Time spent outdoors means creates a connection with the natural world for children of all ages! Allowing students to develop a this deep connection empowers them as Changemakers and impactful citizens of the Earth.
“If we want children to flourish, to become truly empowered, let us allow them to love the earth before we ask them to save it.” - David Sobel

Our yearbooks arrived this week & include a celebration of Mr. Jason’s 20th year at The Circle School!
During COVID area classes, Mr. Jason let his kindergarteners cut his hair as a fundraiser for the S.A. Food Bank. It was so popular that subsequent classes asked to do it too! Donate to this year’s fundraiser at the link below & look forward to haircut pictures Tuesday, May 28th!
Thank you Mr. Jason for inspiring our Changemakers & being part of our community. ❤️⭕️❤️



https://my.safoodbank.org/mrjason?tab=MyPage

Today Ms. Clara, our after school teacher & CS alumni, celebrated her last day at Circle School for a little while. She is heading off for a grand adventure in Alaska!
We look forward to seeing you on your return Clara & hearing all the stories! Thanks for all the fun 🤩

Do you love beverages? Warm beverages, cold beverages? Do you also love The Circle School?

Yes and yes? Stop by the front office to get an insulated tumbler with Circle School art hand drawn by CS coop member & artist ⭕️❤️🙌
$17 each, all proceeds will benefit our Changemaker community, and yes, they are DISHWASHER SAFE!

Today we celebrate 24 years of Ms. Blanca at The Circle School!
Blanca joined the school staff in May 2000 and has seen our sweet school through all our celebrations & challenges since.
Just like the porch dedicated in her honor, Blanca is central to our community. She is the one the community comes to for answers to all the questions, advice for all the tasks, and connection of all the pieces.
Thank you, Blanca, for another year at the center of our Circle! ⭕️ ❤️

Tonight our Co-op gathered for a brainstorming exercise to create vision statements for the three main components of our community: education, cooperative, and Changemaker.
We look forward to the process of further defining our community, both for understanding ourselves, and for communicating with interested families and the larger community.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Changemaker mamas, grandmothers, aunts, step-parents, co-parents, and mother figures of all kinds!
Thank you for raising & supporting the next generation of awesome kiddos who are changing the world. The work of motherhood can be invisible, but we see you & we appreciate you today and everyday!
With love and gratitude, The Circle School