While teachers, parents, administration, and students have been busy as bees, the board of trustees has be particularly active, not only overseeing the financial health of the school, but recruiting new and talented members as well. We’re pleased to welcome the board’s newest member, Dick Weeks. Below, Dick introduces himself to the community.
Greetings, Ashwood Community,
When my wife, adult daughter and I moved to Owls Head this last July, I missed working with a school, could not sit idle, and started to explore independent schools near our home. I found Ashwood Waldorf School, met with school director Jody Spanglet, and spent a morning visiting classes. 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.
I have over fifty years of educational experience with all age levels. My career in education spans from teaching, coaching, and counseling to independent school administration positions and teaching at the college level. I created and directed the K-12 counseling program for Colorado Academy starting in 1978. From 1981-1989, I served as Director of College Placement and then Dean of Students at Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, NH. In 1989, I became the Dean of Students and later Assistant Head of School at Alexander Dawson School in Lafayette, Colorado while teaching math and coaching.
In 1995, I co-founded the George L. Bridge School (named in honor of my grandfather), and for 16 years, served as its lead administrator. At Catalyst High School (2011-2015), I served in various administrative roles and taught math for five years.
Toward the end of my in-classroom experiences, I taught elementary and middle school math at Broomfield Academy and Hawk Ridge School, as well as art and science at Hawk Ridge. I have also been an adjunct faculty member in the Psychology Department at Metropolitan State University of Denver where I taught psychology and development classes.
Over the past several years, I have facilitated numerous professional development programs and personal growth seminars for adults through group interaction and independent work involving self-discovery and gaining an understanding of the developmental stages at every transition point in our lives.
Dick Weeks, Ashwood Board Member
Welcome to Ashwood, Dick! We are so pleased to have you in our circle.