Change is the rhythm of nature. Seasonal changes are the most obvious. Summer melds slowly into fall, and fall into winter, with spring bounding in to surprise us all. With winter here now, trees are laid bare and birds have left for their southern homes. Forest creatures, after busily gathering and storing food for winter, are hunkered down these cold mornings. Change can also be seen at the “edges” of ecosystems where two meet, as when a forest gives way to a meadow or a sandy shore meets the ocean. Here, at the edges, great diversity of life is revealed in a flurry of sights and sounds.
Changes at Wauhatchie School are like biological “edges.” This school year has seen such amazing activity. Our enrollment has grown to an all-time high, with a group of parents more committed than ever, and a teaching and administrative staff that is top of the line! Wauhatchie School remains at the forefront of the forest school movement that is surging around the world. Six years ago I could not have foreseen that the little forest school Diana Meadows and I founded at her family’s beautiful Lookout Lake property would become such an exciting and momentous endeavor. Since 2015 well over 500 children have benefitted from nature-immersion education and almost 300 teachers from around the globe have received training as forest school teachers at Wauhatchie School!
In the midst of all this amazing energy, I feel certain that my decision to bequeath the leadership of Wauhatchie School to the next generation is perfectly timed. As with all things, new ideas and fresh perspectives can make what’s already great, even better! Even though my directorship will end this school year, I will keep a strong connection with Wauhatchie School. After all, WS is the embodiment of my vision for what education should be for all children, and it will remain an important part of my life.
My retirement from Wauhatchie School, however, doesn’t mean my work is ending! With renewed vigor, I will be channeling my energy into the Forest School Teacher Institute, training more teachers and directors, writing a book, plus some new projects on the horizon!
The Wauhatchie School Board of Directors has begun the search for a new WS Director.
A position description and application process is posted on the “About Us” page. We welcome all interested individuals who possess the necessary qualifications to apply!
With gratitude to the entire Wauhatchie School family, both current and past— teachers, parents, donors, board members, and supporters around the world for allowing me to serve you, I remain
Naturally yours,
Dr. Jean Lomino
