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2021-22 Harvest Festival Snapshot

Festivals are an important aspect of Syringa Mountain School and part of our Waldorf-inspired school culture. Our festivals celebrate seasonal change, rites of passage, and values that we strive to cultivate in our students.

Our first festival of the year was Harvest Festival, also known as Michaelmas.

As Waldorf Schools of New Orleans noted:
“Waldorf Schools around the world celebrate Michaelmas, which began as a harvest festival in the Middle Ages. (Michael) is a symbol of good triumphing over evil, courage over cowardice. The celebration of this holiday teaches the importance of facing fears and strengthening resolve.

Michaelmas falls near the autumn equinox, marking the end of the harvest and the summer…This shift marks a time of turning inward, a time of gathering strength to face the growing darkness.”

We hope you enjoy this brief video showing the hard work and joy that the festival brings our Syringa community.

CJ Edwards

CJ joined the workforce immediately after high school as a full-time floor mechanic. He offered his services across Idaho, Utah, Oregon, and even Washington! After 5 years, he decided on a career change and worked for the Cassia School District for 2 years as part of their Maintenance & Custodial team until the school district switched employers. When CJ had some free time during his summer vacations, he volunteered his time with Syringa with maintenance and custodial work when needed. And that’s how CJ’s story with Syringa began!

Fun Fact: CJ’s full name is Clifford James Edwards. He got his nickname CJ from his initials.

Janessa Corrao-Bal

Janessa is so happy to be returning to Syringa this year as the 3rd-grade teacher. She fell in love with the school last year and is looking forward to her new role.

Janessa grew up here in the Wood River Valley and returned here after receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Vermont. Now, returning home with new experiences and skills, Janessa is passionate about making this community the best it can be. In her past year at Syringa Janessa has helped fundraise for school trips, organized ski days and free ski rentals for students, as well as lent a hand whenever needed. Janessa feels that Syringa is a blessing in this community and believes wholeheartedly in the tenets that we uphold at our school.

Janessa has achieved her K-8th CSI-NTEP, Idaho Teacher Certification as well as currently working towards a Master in Education!