CHECK AVAILABILITY (208) 806-2880 Register Now for 2025–2026! Limited openings—classes filling fast!
A Tuition Free Public Charter School

Author: wp-admin

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

Mr. CJ began his career immediately after high school, working as a full-time floor mechanic and providing services across Idaho, Utah, Oregon, and Washington. After five years in that field, he shifted careers and joined the Cassia School District, where he spent two years as part of their Maintenance and Custodial team—until a district staffing change led him to explore new opportunities.

During his summer breaks, CJ (Clifford) began volunteering at Syringa Mountain School, helping out with maintenance and custodial projects as needed. That’s how his journey with Syringa began—and he’s been an important part of the team ever since!

Fun Fact: CJ has a passion for exploring new cultures and cuisines. Japan is one of his favorite places to visit, and he hopes to return again soon.

Janessa Corrao-Bal

Ms. Janessa was raised here, in the Wood River Valley, where she spent time enjoying all that this beautiful place has to offer. Janessa graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Social Work, focusing on arts, psychology, and education. After graduating, Janessa returned home and began working with non-profits and local schools to find a place and position that matched her skills and interests.

A paraprofessional position opening at Syringa presented itself at just the right moment in Janessa’s life. After accepting the role, Janessa went on to teach 3rd and 4th grade for several years. She is now thrilled to be part of the middle school faculty as the teacher for 7th and 8th grade. Supporting students as they grow into adolescence—navigating deeper questions, big ideas, and new challenges—is a part of teaching that Janessa has always been drawn to, and she feels incredibly fortunate to do that work here at Syringa.

Outside the classroom, Janessa enjoys spending time in the natural world—skiing, backpacking, hiking, and camping are among her favorite activities. She is also passionate about the arts and loves finding ways to bring creativity and self-expression into both teaching and daily life.

Fun Fact:  Janessa played rugby for six years as a flanker—an experience that taught her a lot about teamwork, grit, and staying grounded under pressure!