Hartmut Schiffer

Now at age 80, I am happy to be the "grandfather" of the school. I established the teacher library and helped to organize the children's library. I also spend much time in the gardens for instance working to reestablish some balance among the irises and lavender out front of the West Wing. The precocious iris crowd out the humble lavender and need regular thinning.

The move to Carbondale came at a time in my life when I realized I wanted to dedicate the remainder of my life to Waldorf. Perhaps I will be around long enough to see the woodworking, clay and handwork programs get their own spaces. It is important to dedicate a place where children can come to work with their hands, activities that help develop and strengthen a creative will and harmonize their life forces.

The key to learning and the future of the school is the relationship of the student and the teacher. If the teacher is truly interested in what (s)he is presenting, the children are interested too.

Now the school must consolidate all its programs and parts. Then the quality and reputation of the school will be assured. The WSRF will then be ready for a high school. I also hope that I will be here to see that day arrive.