Posts by Catherine Freeman
6th and 7th Graders learn that history is created from many perspectives.
By Georgia Chehade. In Humanities, 6th-grade students have been researching a Washington State History topic since October, a project culminating in a website that students shared with the WSA community…
Read MoreRunning the World Should Be Modeled After the Kitsap COVID Vaccine Clinics
My mother always taught me to write thank you notes whenever anyone has done something kind or generous for me. Well, this is less a blog and more a thank…
Read MorePut down your Comfort Goggles
In 2020 most humans are seeking comfort or seeking to comfort others especially as we a face a grim winter of COVID-19 statistics. Recently, a friend posted an oldie but…
Read MoreWSA is Breaking Through Barriers
One of WSA’s greatest assets is its campus with 20 beautiful acres of fields, huge trees, and four charming buildings. Before March 2020, no one would have ever imagined we…
Read MoreSolutions, and Other Problems
I have started and stopped writing a new blog post for almost six weeks now. There is so much going on in the world and in my own life that…
Read MoreUsing Literature to Recognize Authenticity
As an English teacher, there are few things better than watching students read a piece of literature and become inspired about real world issues. In the 8th grade, we started…
Read MoreJuggling with Jello
I have been trying to write my school year kick-off blog post for two weeks, and, much like the last six months, writing a compelling, relevant, and upbeat blog has…
Read MoreThat Feeling as a Leader When You Have to Disappoint People
As a leader and Head of School, I try to say “yes” as much as possible. Even if it is really a no, I work hard to find a mutually…
Read MoreKeeping Traditions Alive For the Class of 2020
There is no doubt that 2020 has opened the new decade with all the grace and decorum of a wrecking ball. The disruption caused by the coronavirus quarantine will have…
Read MoreTeachers work to answer the question: What does Commitment to Care mean at WSA?
At the end of February, WSA staff and teachers engaged in a three-day in-service discussing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). One of the standards of excellence in education that the…
Read MoreUsing Project-Based Learning to Build a Culture of Trust in the Classroom
Middle school is an interesting time. Not only are students expected to adapt to a new school, expectations, and social scene, they are experiencing profound changes within themselves. Many adults…
Read MoreIt’s Kindness Week at WSA! Join in and plan your own act of kindness.
NPR reported on February 8th that 2020 has started off as the third wettest year on record! As good Pacific Northwesterners, we should be used to the winter liquid sunshine. …
Read More6th and 7th Grade students plan and create projects for their final exam.
This year in 6th and 7th Humanities students have dedicated time to exploring their own creative spark. Their final, instead of focusing on specific content from the course, was focused…
Read MoreOpen yourself up to be ready to learn…
On Thursday, December 19th, West Sound Academy Alumni from the Classes of 2018 and 2019 joined our current juniors and seniors for an informal talk on what to expect with…
Read MoreLean Into the Light
Last week, I had the great privilege of attending the annual TEDWomen conference in Palm Springs. My first intention in going was to help support WSA’s work to host our…
Read MoreFinancial Aid is giving way to Sliding Scale
In every professional development opportunity I have participated in over the last two years, the prevailing message has been about innovation and implementing progressive ideas in the education world. Change…
Read MoreGet plugged in…..the right way!
This past weekend I had 16 kids in my 1000 square foot house. Full size kids that take up a lot of space. The massive pile of shoes by the…
Read MoreParents Walk the Learner’s Journey on Curriculum Night
On September 10, 2019, WSA staff and faculty welcomed parents to campus for Curriculum Night which provided an opportunity for parents to experience the Learner’s Journey. Connecting in-person to the…
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