Energized for Fall Re-opening, Ashwood Waldorf School Welcomes New Board Leaders

Wed, 07/08/2020 - 8:30am

Story Location:
180 Park Street
Rockport, ME 04856
United States

As excitement builds for the 2020-2021 school year, Ashwood Waldorf School is pleased to welcome a new president and vice president of our board of trustees. John Morin will take over as board president from Betsy Morrell, who has served with dedication and skill since 2014. Dick Weeks will be stepping into the position of vice president.

Morin was originally attracted to Ashwood 20 years ago while visiting classes during an open house. He quickly saw that his children would thrive in the experience-based and individualized Waldorf program, in contrast to his own student struggles as “an experiential learner in a rigid system.” Both of John’s children attended Ashwood. “This school showed me many ways to teach and support values that make the world a better place to live,” says Morin. “My current efforts in support of the school center on the belief that the Midcoast area directly, and the broader world in general, will benefit when students have a Waldorf education. The childrens’ level of compassion, thirst for learning and general good will towards others is unparalleled.” With its smaller class sizes, highly experienced teachers, increased emphasis on outdoor learning, and 32 acres of meadows, streams, and woodlands, Morin is also enthusiastic about Ashwood’s unique ability to offer a safe space for in-person learning during these uncertain times. 

Morin has served on the school board since 2013, assisting Ashwood through such challenges as the economic recession, extensive overhead cost reduction, strategic planning, the lengthy Waldorf re-accreditation process, and the coronavirus pandemic. He has previously worked as a site manager and field instructor for the non-profit Hurricane Island Outward Bound School, and currently owns and operates Equinox Island Transit, a marine boat charter business.

Incoming vice president Dick Weeks brings a lifetime of educational experience with all age levels to the board. Weeks’ career in education spans from teaching, coaching, and counseling to independent school administration and leadership. “My teaching philosophy and Ashwood’s mission are in alignment: student centeredness (including social values and meaningful relationships), interactive learning, multi-aged groups, rigorous academics, and integrated-discipline programming, including a deep appreciation of the arts and nature.”

Ashwood Waldorf School is an independent, Pre-K through eighth grade learning community located in Rockport, Maine. The school is currently enrolling for the 2020-2021 school year and accepting applications for our multi-age kindergarten (ages 3-6) and our multi-age classes for grades 1 through 8. 

Join Ashwood’s Virtual Open House, July 15, 7:00–8:00 p.m. to learn more. All are welcome! To receive a link, call 207-236-8021 or email info@ashwoodwaldorf.org. More information about Ashwood is available at www.ashwoodwaldorf.org.