Community Spotlight
Annual Report 2020-2021
Walden families come in many forms and configurations. What they all have in common is this: they are essential to the fabric of our community and the success of Walden's mission. In this Annual Report, meet a few of the families who have made powerful contributions to our community by making Walden one of their philanthropic and volunteering priorities and modeling for our students that we all have stewardship for the world in which we live.
Jaime Boust
Jaime Boust
Why did you choose Walden for your family?
On the continuums of progressive versus academic and upscale versus down-to-earth, Walden sat exactly where we wanted to be. It helped that so many people we knew and respected were already enrolled at Walden--further proof it was the place for us.
What has “we all have stewardship for the world in which we live” meant to you and your family?
It is so evident through every lesson and philosophy at Walden that the goal is not just to install academic skills into our kids, but to empower them to become people who change the world for the better, and who see themselves as valuable contributors to the future.
What motivated you to be the PG Coordinator?
My mom was always very involved at my schools growing up, and I learned from her that being involved not only means you get to help steer the quality of your child’s experience, but that you’re also teaching them, through example, to be the kind of people who raise their hand and say yes to challenges. Volunteering has enriched our family’s experience at Walden in so many ways.
Your final year as the PG Coordinator came during the pandemic. How were you able to adapt the needs of PG while focusing and keeping Walden’s mission at the center of all the change?
From the outset, we were determined to preserve the spirit of each event, finding ways to stay connected even though we were missing all those spontaneous interactions and collective experiences we love so much at Walden. The Halloween CAR-nival was a heart-warming reimagining that allowed us to share something in person while still following the rules, and our end-of-year fundraisers proved to be wildly successful—proof that even with distance, Walden's community spirit is stronger than ever. It helped, of course, that the faculty and staff poured their hearts into adapting to the pandemic; their strong leadership helped Parent Guild thrive despite all the challenges.
Any words of encouragement for our current and future parents on volunteerism at Walden?
Get involved! Walden has such a talented and eclectic group of parents, that when everyone contributes the results are absolute magic. Volunteering is also the best way to get to know people; I’ve made so many wonderful friends. And as with any healthy functioning community, it's everyone's responsibility to contribute. My motto has always been: If everyone does a little, no one has to do a lot. So next time you see an opportunity, raise your hand and say yes!
Gabriela Le Marie
Gabriela Le Marie
Why did you choose Walden for your family?
Living within the Pasadena area, you can find so many good schools. Still, we selected Walden because we liked its philosophy, mission, and community. We were especially drawn to Walden's focus on mindfulness and social-emotional learning.
In addition, we trusted that Walden's faculty, staff, and families would provide an excellent environment for our 3-year-old child to grow, learn, make friends and have fun. Gratefully, it all turned out to be true.
What has "we all have stewardship for the world in which we live" meant to you and your family?
To me, having stewardship for the world means that we are all responsible for being here and need to take care of the world in which we live. Also, making a difference is something our family values, being mindful, and doing our part to promote equity, inclusion, and taking care of our community and environment.
What motivated you to volunteer for the Spring Fundraiser?
Having stewardship for the world and making a difference made me volunteer at Walden! It is a way of taking care of our community and its resources by doing our part as members of the parent guild. Also, taking the lead on an important role sets an excellent example for my child and provides me with well-being.
You took on an important part of Walden's fundraising needs during the pandemic. How were you able to adapt our annual fundraising event into the online model while keeping Walden's mission at the forefront?
The pandemic was a challenging situation that pushed me to find new solutions to new problems; these circumstances forced me to adapt to a unique environment by being more creative, fluid, and open-minded. So, I had to trust that everything would end up working out, and no matter how busy I was, new ideas would flow every time I asked myself a new question. As the event fundraiser chair, I had to adapt the fundraiser to an online model by brainstorming, researching, planning, consulting, and executing pioneering ideas conceived with the auction chair and staff team. In addition, having the opportunity to work with Walden's staff and the auction chair was a wonderful experience, and it helped keep Walden's mission intact, which was an important priority.
Any words of encouragement for our current and future parents on volunteerism at Walden?
Volunteering at Walden brings you well-being because it is a way to contribute to the community and set an excellent example for your kids. And don't be afraid to take a role that seems unfamiliar. For instance, I did not know how to chair a fundraiser during the pandemic, but I found a way; and if I can do it, you can do it too! So make a difference, be an excellent example for your kids, trust yourself, and make things happen.
The Pastron Family
The Pastron Family (Chipper, Yvonne, Alex, Sami, Kekoa, and Kealani)
Why did you choose Walden for your family?
We chose Walden for our family because we saw how happy and engaged the students were in their classrooms and the great sense of community. We loved its progressive values and its commitment to focusing on the whole child.
What has your Walden experience been like for these past 22 years?
Walden has been like family for the past 22 years! We have met lifelong friends and experienced a deep sense of community that we haven't experienced at other schools. Our four kids have developed a strong sense of confidence and ability to advocate for themselves. They have each loved their Walden experience look back at it fondly, and have remained friends with classmates over the years.
Any words of encouragement or thoughts you would like to give to our community, both present and future?
Walden is a progressive school that continues to self-review and evolve along with our times. We believe Walden's success is due to staying true to its mission and fostering a strong and involved parent community that supports the faculty and staff. Get involved ... you will make wonderful friendships and love the school even more.
What has “we all have stewardship for the world in which we live” meant to you and your family?
It has helped our kids understand that they are part of something bigger than themselves. Stewardship is a big part of why we chose Walden for our family.