Reflecting on the 2019-20 School Year

dear desert star community,

As our school year comes to a close and we reflect on all of the surprises and challenges we’ve seen, it is humbling and inspiring to look at the ways that our school has continued to stay strong, grow and learn. Every part of our school has met with challenges, and it has been an amazing thing to witness as we all look from a fresh perspective at ourselves, our school and each other to find new ways that we can all keep growing together.

 Together as a community is how we Grow and Succeed…after all, Community is our School’s middle name!

 Each part of Desert Star Community School has had the opportunity to shine out in even more ways than usual this year…

 Our Parents ~ Thank you for bringing your children to Desert Star and allowing us the opportunity to guide them as they learn and grow with us, and thank you for all the support you’ve given to your children as they’ve made the effort to adapt to the unanticipated remote learning scenario!

 Faculty and Administration ~ The campus-based Leadership of our school has been tirelessly working together to create brand new ways to maintain connection with students in this unprecedented time, blending the spirit of Waldorf pedagogy with academic and bureaucratic needs into mindful and responsible stewardship of our school. We have seen countless amazing examples of dedication and support for our school and our students, inspired inventiveness, and a true commitment to personal growth and academic rigor!

 Supporting Staff ~ Many jobs on campus have shifted due to the change in current circumstances, and everyone has stepped up to show new ways they can be of service to the school! Yet another example of the ways the Desert Star community continues to show creativity and adaptability!

 Governing Board ~ Our group of volunteer Board Directors have maintained the commitment of their time and dedication to the oversight of school operations, finding new and varying ways to support the changing landscape of funding, management and continued cultivation of the vision for the future of our school!

 Students ~ You are the heart, soul and center of our community… Desert Star is proud of you, and committed to providing a safe and supportive opportunity for growth and learning. We cannot wait for you to come back to school, for you are the real reason we are all here! 

All of these things and more prove that we are able to work gracefully with any challenge we might face, and it is a true honor to be a part of this Community.

 Looking Forward into the Future, Together!

- Jason Vargo, Board President and Cheryl LeBlanc, Administrative Director