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ABOUT COS Circle of Seasons Charter School is a K-8 public charter school that offers an approach to teaching and learning that is both whole child focused and student centered. We are the first, and one of just a few, public charter schools on the east coast that is guided by the core principles of Public Waldorf Education. Circle of Seasons campus is located in Fogelsville, PA and is positioned on a 35 acre hilltop with access to outdoor classrooms, hiking trails, woods and playing fields. COS nurtures a supportive academic learning environment and classroom community by helping students develop respect, confidence, acceptance, in addition to other positive social values. We believe that happiness, inspiration, creativity and fun are compatible with public education and should not be limited to those who can afford a public school experience. Using a Waldorf approach thoughtfully synced to Pennsylvania State Standards, students are immersed in a curriculum that emphasizes teaching and learning from where the students are physically, emotionally, and developmentally. This approach encourages developmentally appropriate engagement in both math and literacy and also includes nature based exploration, creative arts, movement and music. All of these components are embedded intentionally throughout all areas of the curriculum and the students' experiences.

HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Support our one-of-a-kind Public Waldorf Charter School by making a financial contribution. With your help, we can directly contribute to changing education to benefit our local and global communities. All contributions should be made through the COS Foundation . Thank you for your thoughtful donations! A ll donations are tax deductible (tax id# 47-5655434). WAYS TO GIVE Gifts to the Circle of Seasons Foundation enhance and expand the charter school’s facility and campus, and assure long-range financial flexibility for the school by supporting curriculum and enrichment opportunities for all students and teachers. You can make a gift to the Foundation in the following ways: By Check : Make your check payable to Circle of Seasons Foundation, Inc. By Credit Card : Click the button below to make a one-time donation or a recurring donation Donate Your Car : Vehicle Donation to Any Charity (V-DAC) is a free, convenient service for converting your extra car, truck or RV into a tax deductible donation benefiting the Circle of Seasons Foundation. You can donate online here (URL is http://www.v-dac.com/org?id=47-5655434 ) or by calling 1-877-999-8322. EITC Donations The Circle of Seasons Foundation has been designated an Educational Improvement Organization (EIO) through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and may receive donations from businesses through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program. Tax credits may be applied against the tax liability of a business for the tax year in which the contribution was made. For more information, visit the DCED's Educational Improvement Tax Credit web page. (URL is http://dced.pa.gov/programs/educational-improvement-tax-credit-program-eitc/ ) The Foundation can accept EITC donations for the following programs offered to students at Circle of Seasons Charter School: Gardening Program, Grades 1- 5 Instrumental Music Program, Grades 1-5 STEAM Program, Grades 6-8 Woodworking, Grades 6-8 MATCHING GIFTS Many companies offer a Matching Gift Program as part of their employee benefits. According to fundraising experts, at least 10 billion dollars in workplace matching funds go unclaimed every year, largely due to employees not knowing the company will match their charitable gifts. What a great way to increase your financial support of Circ le of Seasons Charter School without any additional out-of-pocket expense! You can double or even triple the value of your contribution by simply notifying your employer of your charitable gift to Circle of Seasons. Plus, you and your spouse may be eligible to submit claims from separate employers for the same gift! Contact the Human Resources office or even a former employer (for retirees) to inqui re about whether or not they have a Matching Gift program. If your company has a paper form, it can mailed to: Circle of Seasons Foundation | 8380 Mohr Lane Fogelsville, PA 18051 | 484.504.9088 *Please note: While you will be recognized for your gift plus your company’s matching gift, only your personal contribution is fully tax deductible. Circle of Seasons Tax ID # is 47-5655434 DONATE

Health Forms and Information PHYSICAL EXAM FORM MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION FORM FOOD ALLERGY ACTION PLAN SEIZURE ACTION PLAN STANDING MEDICATION ORDER DENTAL FORM 2025-2026 HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE SUNSCREEN FORM ASTHMA ACTION PLAN CONTACT THE NURSE

Administrative Coordinator Kim McFarland Administrative Coordinator < Back Kim entered the workforce after attending Kutztown University. Kim moved to Florida and worked as an Executive Assistant at American Media, Inc. She also started a non-profit organization with a friend teaching children the importance of ocean/beach pollution prevention. After moving back to Pennsylvania, Kim worked for ARCH of Lehigh Valley for several years supporting families of children with Autism. Wanting to continue her desire to work in the presence of children, her most recent endeavor for the past several years has been supporting local charter schools in an administrative position. Kim is grateful and excited to be a part of Circle of Seasons as the Office Manager. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, nature, and spending all other time with her husband, two sons, and their new puppy, Oliver. kmcfarland@circleofseasons.org < Previous Next >

Intervention Teacher Amy Chassard < Back Intervention Teacher Amy graduated from Kutztown University with a degree in Marine Science. During her college years, she participated in Semester at Sea. With this program, she traveled to twelve countries, visiting five continents. After graduating, Amy worked for Cedar Crest College for ten years before entering the public school environment. Amy spent five years working one-on-one with students on the spectrum before transitioning to substitute teaching. A coworker wisely suggested looking into COS, believing that she would love their head, heart, and hands approach. Outside of work, Amy enjoys traveling, kayaking, walking, and spending time with her children. Amy loves bringing laughter to her friends, family and coworkers. achassard@circleofseasons.org < Previous Next >

Administration and Staff Joey Huber CEO, Principal Read More Alyssa Radice Waldorf Lead Read More Kate Elias Dean of Students (5-8) Read More Andrea Caliente-Haas Receptionist Read More Kim McFarland Administrative Coordinator Read More Perri Lipsky Special Education Administrative Assistant Read More Kara Vasilakos Business Office Clerk Read More Matt Smith Director of Special Education Read More Jon Shafer Director of Plant Operations Read More Jill Jenkins School Counselor Read More Kristy Weaver-Ahner School Nurse Read More Erin Orben Executive Assistant Read More Doug Keller Facilities Manager Read More Kiely Ostfeld Assistant Principal Read More Dennis Nappi Dean of Students (K-4) Read More Karri Schreppel Enrollment & Student Information Coordinator Read More Chealsa Miller School Health Assistant Read More Casey West Academic Intervention Coach & Assessment Lead (K-8) Read More Craig Frederick Grounds Manager Read More Faculty Kara Tervo Clover Kindergarten Teacher Read More Ashley Pietropinto Daisy Kindergarten Assistant Read More Taylor Freyer First Grade Class Teacher Read More Aimee Loessl Second Grade Class Teacher Read More Sara Cipriotti Third Grade Class Teacher Read More Tara Grather Fifth Grade Class Teacher Read More Chris Shumate Sixth Grade Class Teacher Read More Joseph Ciaravino Eighth Grade Class Teacher Read More Domenic DiMenichi ESL/Intervention Teacher Read More Nathan Gerheart Band Teacher Read More Amanda Millhouse Fine Arts Teacher Read More Seval Kanik Strings Teacher Read More Casey Faurl SEL Teacher Read More Meg Kelch Special Education Teacher Read More Cynthia Hafner Paraprofessional Read More Emily Kopke Paraprofessional Read More Jasmine Rich Paraprofessional Read More Lisa Ottaviani Paraprofessional Read More Ariel Sly Intervention Teacher Read More Alexis Sirrakos Substitute Teacher Read More Dylan Rex Substitute Teacher Read More Christine Westrich Clover Kindergarten Assistant Read More Christy Bishop Kindergarten Assistant Read More Annika Twombly First Grade Assistant Read More Aurora Fantozzi LTS Grades Teacher Read More Alexis Smith Fourth Grade Class Teacher Read More Kendra PeloJoaquin Fifth Grade Class Teacher Read More Greg Kapner Seventh Grade Class Teacher Read More Amy Studzienko Eighth Grade Class Teacher Read More Jeanette Sommons Music Teacher Read More Krista Spradlin German Teacher Read More Edit Locke Games and Movement Teacher Read More Emma Simms Fiber Arts Assistant Read More Kaitlyn Pearson Special Education Teacher Read More Colleen Dreisbach Special Education Teacher Read More Caroline Rocchino Paraprofessional Read More Lydia Freeby Paraprofessional Read More Anna Haring Paraprofessional Read More Amy Chassard Intervention Teacher Read More Lorraine Lidon Intervention Teacher Read More Mike Watson Substitute Teacher Read More Caitlin O'Connor Speech and Language Therapist Read More Rebekah Schaeffer Daisy Kindergarten Teacher Read More Kelly Moneymaker First Grade Class Teacher Read More Lauren Martin Second Grade Class Teacher Read More Sarah Johnson Third Grade Class Teacher Read More Pam Lagler Fourth Grade Class Teacher Read More KellyAnn Purugganan Sixth Grade Class Teacher Read More Wendy Gornicz Seventh Grade Class Teacher Read More Samantha Ferrizzi Woodworking Teacher Read More Allison LeCoultre Spanish Teacher Read More Jordan Weagly Gardening Teacher Read More Irene Blough French Teacher Read More Scott Mitsching Fiber Arts Teacher Read More Heather Lyon Special Education Teacher Read More Jennifer Hartshorne-Hesketh Paraprofessional Read More Annette Perez Paraprofessional Read More Anastasia Seader Paraprofessional Read More Sandy Cahill Paraprofessional Read More MaryAnn Columbus Intervention Teacher Read More Michele Schock Substitute Teacher Read More Dylan Odhner Substitute Teacher Read More

Student Services At Circle of Seasons Charter school, we meet children where they, supporting each individual's unique needs. Supporting students physical, emotional, and intellectual development is at the heart of what we do here, and our robust student services support this goal. Please click the buttons below for information on these services, and please let us know if you have any questions. SPECIAL EDUCATION MULTI-TIERED SYSTEMS OF SUPPORT STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SAP) TITLE IX INFORMATION ENGLISH LEARNER SERVICES

Games and Movement Teacher Edit Locke < Back Games and Movement Teacher Edit earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from East Stroudsburg University. She is also a certified yoga teacher and has been teaching yoga to both adults and children all around the Lehigh Valley for the past decade. Edit taught 3rd grade for one year, and PLAY/PE for 5 years at Seven Generations Charter School before joining the staff at COS as a Movement and Games teacher. She is thrilled to be in an environment where children naturally thrive, and can't wait to share games with students that they will truly enjoy and through which they will effortlessly develop a life-long passion for being physically active and socially apt. elocke@circleofseasons.org < Previous Next >

Second Grade Class Teacher Aimee Loessl < Back Second Grade Class Teacher aloessl@circleofseasons.org < Previous Next >

Evaluation Information Evaluations of Students with Disabilities If a parent believes that their child may have a disability, they should write to the Director of Special Education at COS. There are procedures in the charter school by which teams of teachers and parents can meet to discuss any concerns and proceed to evaluation steps, if necessary. Any formal evaluations proposed by the charter school require parental consent. If a child is found to be disabled and in need of special education servi ces, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be developed with parental participation. In compliance with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Pennsylvania State Special Education Regulations, parents are ensured of confidentiality of all appropriate student and family information. Students who have a disability and do not qualify for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) may need accommodations under the ADA Amendment Act of 2008 (ADAAA). These students will be evaluated to determine what accommodations may be needed to allow them access to any school-related activity. Interested parents should write a letter to the 504 Coordinator at COS. Independent Educational Evaluation According to Part 300 of the Federal Regulations § 300.502 parents may obtain an independent educational evaluation at the charter school’s expense if they disagree with the evaluation completed by the charter school. An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is an evaluation conducted by a qualified examiner who is not an employee of the Circle of Seasons Charter School. Parents may be eligible to receive an IEE at the charter school’s expense if the parent disagrees with an evaluation the charter school has conducted. A request for an IEE must be made in writing to the Director of Special Education within one year of the date issued on the charter school’s evaluation report. COS EVALUATION AND REEVALUATION POLICY INDEPENDENT EVALUATION POLICY

Multi Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Circle of Seasons Charter School believes that to provide the most effective education for all students, we must start with providing an effective education for each child, and truly understanding who they are. We know that children have different learning styles and not all children will respond to the same instructional approach. Some students may require additional support to experience success. At COS, we use Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), a 3-tiered approach, to identify and support students who are not experiencing success with our core curriculum and instructional strategies. These students will be provided with two levels of support beyond the core curriculum. MTSS has been identified as best practice in education, and fulfills federal and state requirements for meeting the needs of all students. At TIer 1 (i.e. core curriculum), the classroom teacher uses the core curriculum for all students, including strategies to support students with different skill levels. Research has shown that at least 80% of students can be successful with the general education approach and curriculum. At TIer 2, the core curriculum are supplemented with additional small-group interventions for students who are struggling at Tier 1. At COS, students are provided with additional instruction in their area(s) of need. Parents will be notified in writing and proposed interventions and support strategies will be described. At Tier 3, a small percentage of students who do not benefit from Tier 2 are provided more individualized and more focused interventions. WIthin each tier, student progress is monitored on a schedule determined by the student’s need. At Tier 1, all students’ basic skills are monitored 3 times a year. At Tier 2 and Tier 3, students’ skills are monitored more frequently. We take very seriously our responsibility to ensure the success of ALL students. MTSS allows us to support each student more effectively. The goal of MTSS is to close achievement gaps and ensure that all students are successful at Tier 1.

Band Teacher Nathan Gerheart < Back Band Teacher Nathan Gerheart grew up in the Oley Valley School District in Berks County, PA. He was involved with music and other artistic opportunities throughout his time there. Nathan then earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Moravian University. When studying at Moravian, Nathan gained experience with band, orchestra, guitar, piano, and vocal pedagogy. Nathan also got the opportunity to perform with several great artists while at Moravian. Some of which included Phil Woods, Dave Liebman, Maria Schneider, Robin Eubanks, and Bob Dorough. Mr. Gerheart has also enjoyed performance opportunities in the local Lehigh Valley community. These experiences helped grow his love and appreciation for music and education. Nathan has been an educator in the Lehigh Valley since 2019. He is excited to join the faculty and staff in his first year at Circle of Seasons: 2023-24. Nathan brings a love and passion for educating young musicians and helping to nurture a love and appreciation for music. These beliefs aligned perfectly with the mission of Waldorf education and is what drew Nathan to Circle of Seasons and its lovely community. When Nathan is not teaching or playing music, you can find him curled up on the couch with a good book and his dog (Maggie) and two cats (JJ and Rossi.) When not reading he also enjoys playing video games and board games with friends and family, or watching a good tv show or movie. Nathan also enjoys getting time outside hiking trails, going to the dog park, or playing recreational sports. ngerheart@circleofseasons.org < Previous Next >