“Coming from a competitive school in the city, I wasn’t sure what to expect at a Buddhist school in Upstate New York, was it going to be rigorous enough? Would my child remain on par? I could not be more thrilled to see how fully my child is learning and how confident he has become. He now enjoys reading and his handwriting has improved, he’s doing mental math above his grade level. And on top of that, his genuine kindness is shining through brighter than ever. Thank you!”
ABOUT
Founded in 2017, The Middle Way School of the Hudson Valley is one of the first Buddhist preparatory schools for children in the West. Our mission is to empower students to take their places in the modern world. Our pedagogy and school culture draw upon foundational Buddhist teachings and traditions as well as the latest research in child development, neuroscience, and technology. MWS offers an exceptional education, creating conditions for wisdom and compassion to flourish.
ACADEMICS
We view education as a natural learning process that engages children’s innate potential and provides a way to understand the phenomenal world with grace and humor. Our students play, contemplate, engage with text and numbers, and are encouraged to use inquiry as the foundation for academic achievement. Our developmental approach to teaching and learning is highly personalized so that each student is experiences a balance of challenge and accomplishment. The aim is to tap into students’ intrinsic joy of learning while supporting their social, emotional and spiritual growth.
ADMISSIONS
The Middle Way School thrives on the principle of inclusion. We actively seek to build a community that is rich with diverse cultures, races, talents, interests, learning profiles, and economic and ethnic backgrounds. MWS is a pilot school with the support of a global community of friends and foundations who wish to see us succeed. Because of their support, we are able to offer ample financial aid to meet families needs. More than $100,000 in aid was given in 2019.
DAILY AND WEEKLY HAPPENINGS AT MIDDLE WAY SCHOOL
TALENT SHOW!! The annual kid-led revue has become an epic tradition. The children brave the stage and cheer each other on with SO much heart. There’s simply no way to highlight a particular performance because each one is such a gem. It’s a day for the whole school to take joy in each other’s gifts of song, dance, humor, storytelling, and so much more. Hurray, friends!!!
Of course, no one gets a crowd cheering like Dondre, who once again served as our emcee. And special thanks goes to Jen for being an amazing producer and Megan for the magical musical inspiration.
#gatön #gatönweek #kidsareawesome #upstatenewyork #upstateschools #ulstercounty #saugertiesschools #hudsonvalleyschools
It’s a tradition at Middle Way to start off the last week of school with “Amanda’s Ice Cream-o”—a crowd-pleasing offering from our administrative super-star. Throughout the year, Amanda keeps a calm mind and a smile on her face as she directs our school operations and we are so appreciative. Thank you, Amanda—with sprinkles on top!!
#icecreamsocial #superstar #hudsonvalleyschools #directorofoperations #weloveamanda #alsoweloveicecream
With an abundance of special moments around campus this week, we are honoring the delight of being together. Today begins Gatön Week at the Middle Way School. In Tibetan, “gatön” means celebration. Whether it's a wedding, a village festival, or a party, a gatön is a happy occasion, a time to gather in your community. At MWS, Gatön Week is how we close our year—with a week of fun and engaging activities, rites of passage, moving-up ceremonies, and graduation. Let the celebrations begin!
#buddhisteducation #gatön #gatönweek #sagadawa #hudsonvalleyschools #alternativeeducation #hudsonvalleyschools #awholebunchofflowers
Last call! Order a sweatshirt, t-shirt, or tank top in family-friendly sizes and colors by the end of the day today, May 16. Proceeds go to our big plan to grow the school library. We can’t wait to see you wearing your support for our school!
Link in bio, or here:
bonfire.com/store/middle-way-school
When life gives you lemons… Middle Way students gather outside and make lemonade together! Our oldest class of the Garudas illustrated recipe posters and taught the youngest Fawns how to squeeze lemons, adding a little sugar and water. At MWS, classes often share experiences together, learning different skill sets simultaneously. As the older children practice caring for their younger classmates, they gain a sense of loving responsibility and the joy of sharing their wisdom as they grow.
#harmony #hudsonvalleyschools #buddhisteducation #upstater #catskills #saugertiesschools #learningtogether #learningoutside
“Radiate boundless love towards the entire world — above, below, and across — unhindered, without ill will, without enmity.”
(from a translation of the Mettā Sutta, approximately 400 BC)
Timeless wisdom for a modern age.
For one more day, you can support our “school store” and order a t-shirt, sweatshirt, or tank top with this message of lovingkindness. Choose from a wide range of colors and sizes for both adults and kids! All proceeds support growing our school library this summer.
Link in bio, or here:
https://www.bonfire.com/store/middle-way-school
Many thanks!
#schoollibrary #hudsonvalley #lovingkindness #wearyoursupport#buddhisteducation #mondaymetta @bonfire
There’s just a little time left to support the Plant Sale + Yard Sale! Lots of deals and plenty of smiles—all proceeds support the expansion of our library and art room!! Until 2pm 5/13
Kid-made!
We’re raising money to expand our library and art room. You’re invited to our 2nd Annual Plant Sale + Yard Sale—TODAY! Wild-crafted treats made by our children, treasures of the unexpected, and face-to-face friendship with our community. Can’t make it today, but want to contribute? Visit middlewayschool.org/grow
Thank you, friends!
#hudsonvalleyhappenings #yardsale #ulstercounty #saugerties #fundraiser #may13
Today! Can’t wait to see you there!
This week, Middle Way families are sharing their love for teachers with offerings of home-cooked food. Our hard-working educators and staff are being treated to a global array of delicious gratitude. What a joy it has been to share a meal together, eat outside under the blooming spring trees, and see the smile on everyone’s face. AND it continues today… Thank you, parents!! For organizing your time and generous expressions. The love is truly felt.
#gratitude #teacherappreciation #buddhisteducation #hudsonvalleyschools #upstateschools #sharingthelove #community
When we take the time to admire the efforts of others and celebrate them with gratitude, we feel how connected we all are… and the world becomes a more beautiful place.
Thank you, Middle Way families, for the hand-crafted banner, the home-cooked food, the gathered flowers, the time, the energy, and the genuine joy. We love you, too!!
#gratitude #teacherappreciation #buddhisteducation #hudsonvalleyschools #upstateschools #sharingthelove #community
FRIENDS! Now you can wear your support for the Middle Way School. Choose “Radiate Boundless Love” or “Wisdom by Nature”—both available in lots of different styles and colors. All proceeds support our goal to raise $20,000 to expand our library this summer! Available for 7 DAYS ONLY, until May 16! We thank you for your kindness and generosity.
“Wear your support” link in bio, or here:
https://www.bonfire.com/store/middle-way-school/
Each day, Middle Way Teachers meet our students with SO MUCH LOVE in their hearts. They inspire, educate, guide, and counsel. They devote their time and energy to passing on the complexity of academics alongside the tenderness of the dharma. They brave the runny noses and muddy fields—while being true friends to every student. Gratitude is certainly not contained by a calendar, but Teacher Appreciation Week reminds us to share those feelings more openly. Let's celebrate them with our joy and our kindness. Thank you, Teachers!
This week, Middle Way students welcomed Lama Lhanang Rinpoche, a Tibetan spiritual teacher. The children gathered at the pavilion where they worked together to prepare the space and greet their guest of honor. They had an opportunity to practice mudras and chants. Lama Lhanang then shared his story with a humor and wisdom that captivated the children's attention. Students asked thoughtful and respectful questions to learn more about his life and practice. It was a thoroughly enjoyable visit!
Welcoming new visitors with an open heart often leads to a new friendship when they depart.
#learningfromothers #sharingstories #buddhisteducation #lamalhanang #hudsonvalleyalternativeschools #dharmadays
Can you recall a book from your childhood that influenced the person you are today? Have you ever traveled through the pages of a book to explore another part of the world and better understand its culture? Maybe there's a writer who opened your mind in a way you didn't even know was possible…
We believe reading empowers children to FEEL CONNECTIONS. We believe books are mighty tools to HONOR DIFFERENCES.
This summer, we’ll be expanding our school library and we could use your support. We’re enlarging the physical space and furnishing it with shelves to fill. We’re also curating and cataloging a growing collection, tailored to fit the needs of our school.
It’s a BIG project, designed to welcome students back to a new experience in the fall. We could really use your help! If you are in a position to share a donation of any size, please feel our truest gratitude.
Link in bio:
middlewayschool.org/grow
#library #hudsonvalleyschools #hudsonvalleyalternativeschools #ulstercounty #upstateschools #woodstock #saugerties #catskill #phoenicia #buddhisteducation
We have a big project ahead—to EXPAND OUR SCHOOL LIBRARY so we can better serve each child. Books serve as a vital resource for our students and staff—with dharma-specific enrichment, academic inspiration, and guided learning tools. As our small-seed collection has grown with love and attention, so have our needs. We have until June 7 to raise $20,000. Can you help? middlewayschool.org/grow
Spring Shindig! We’ve been observing the joy and impermanence of the seasons with a little festive foraged feast. To prepare, students learned about an area plant that can be both challenging and beneficial—knotweed (Reynoutria japonica). Did you know its spring shoots can be sautéed in garlic and oil for a delicious treat? Students also tapped maple trees for the very patient process of making syrup. Of course, that led to pancakes! Parents were served these specialties from behind the cardboard “food truck” handmade by the Fawns and Snow Lions classes—a deliciously fun day!
#buddhisteducation #foragedfromourforest #outdoorclassrom #hudsonvalleyschools #shindig #impermance #seasons #makingfriendswithnature
Happy Earth Day! With dirt on our hands and smiles on our faces, we’re so grateful for this planet that unites us. May the seeds we grow be a benefit to all.
#buddhisteducation #earthdayiseveryday #plantingseeds #aroundtheworld #growingideas
As part of the “whole child” approach to education at the Middle Way School, parents are invited to be students, too. They can choose from a wide array of offerings throughout the year, including meditation practice and enriching discussions on Buddhist philosophy.
Recently we had a visit from Shugen Roshi, Abbot of @zenmountainmonastery, friend, and advisor to the school. He spoke about the moral teachings of Buddhism and how they can be a guide for parenting. We sat on the outdoor platform that parents helped build and we listened to the sounds of springtime in the background. The oldest students participated by offering “tea for teacher.”
Of the many gems he shared, Shugen reminded us of the importance of our thoughts, words, and actions—the essential forces of human consciousness. “This is how we change the world—through what we think, what we say, and what we do.”
So simple, and so profound.
#buddhisteducation #dharma #precepts #changetheworld #thoughtswordsactions #upstateschools #alwayslearning
Blacksmithing, birdwatching, snake handling, pollination play, team building, gorge hiking, nature crafting… What a fabulous field trip for the whole school! Thank you @ashokancenter for the opportunity to take our outdoor classroom experience to a new location. With a vibrant group of educators on staff, we felt warmly welcomed as we arrived and brightly inspired as we left.
#outdoorlearning #natureplay #natureclassroom #snakesaresocool #blacksmithing #pollination #seedlings #hudsonvalleyschools #ulstercountyny #upstateschools #upstater #buddhisteducation #hudsonvalleykids #independentschool
We love you, Saugerties! Thank you, @upstate_films, for hosting this year’s Middle Way Movie Day. It was so much fun to pack the historic theater on Main Street for the Miyazaki gem Kiki’s Delivery Service and the profoundly emotional This Body is So Impermanent. Afterwards, families spread out to enjoy the local bookstores, shops, boutiques and restaurants. We’re grateful to be a part of such a thriving, kid-friendly, #upstate community.
#hudsonvalleyschools #escapebrooklyn #upstateschools #ilovenewyork #upstater #hudsonvalleyliving #hudsonvalleylife #saugerties #thisbodyissoimpermanent #vimalakirtisutra #petersellars #ganavya
OH, JOY! The Middle Way School is a finalist for the Best Independent School in the Hudson Valley region! We're proud to have earned this superlative last year, along with Best Elementary School. Our Head of School Grace Louis was named Best Youth Advocate, and MWS Advisor Amy Brown-White was amongst the top five Racial Justice Advocates in the area.
This award generates much-appreciated attention and support for our school. Please VOTE DAILY through May 15 for the Middle Way School in the Education and Learning category. Every vote really helps. Link in bio!
@chronogram #chronogrammies #chronogrammies2023 #hudsonvalleyschools #readerschoice #supportourschool #buddhisteducation #upstateny #independentschool #thankyoufriends
This week, the Ravens class of second graders held their first non-fiction publishing party! Each student researched, wrote and illustrated their own book about a #hudsonriver animal. They read aloud with joyful confidence as their parents and classmates cheered them on. Encouraged by lead teacher Susan Wieland, students even translated their research into meaningful measurements, comparing heights and weights to objects in their own classroom “habitat.”
Did you know? A beaver’s body length can match that of a second grader! A river otter can weigh as much as 24 hardcover books. A raven wingspan is about the width of the classroom table.
Other fun facts—Eagle parents work together to raise their children. Beavers show their affections by nibbling on each other’s cheeks. River otters use their tails to steer.
@nysdec #hudsonvalleyschools #hudsonvalleyelementary #ulstercountyny #upstateschools #independentschool #hudsonvalleylife #saugerties
Kindergarten—what a magical age! It’s a time of exuberant exploration and enormous growth. Ripe with curiosity about the world, the kindergarten mind is ready to take on the new challenges of social and emotional learning.
We think it's an ideal time to embark on the Middle Way path. Here, a sense of play brightens their lessons. They are allowed to grow and learn from experiences that are meaningful and relevant to them. The seeds of kindness and self-awareness are planted, from which academics naturally take root.
Throughout the year, they’re learning about literacy, scientific inquiry, problem solving, and artistic expression alongside "life ideas" like mindfulness and interconnectedness. Children also meet with specialty teachers for art, music, outdoor education, movement, yoga, and Spanish.
At the Middle Way School, students develop a true love of learning—a bond they can carry with them throughout their entire life.
Read more about our Buddhist model of timeless wisdom for a modern age. (link in bio)
#hudsonvalleyschools #SEL #kindergarten #hudsonvalleyelementary #ulstercountyny #upstateschools #upstater #outdooreducation #buddhisteducation #hudsonvalleymoms #hudsonvalleykids #independentschool #hudsonvalleylife #hudsonvalleyprivateschool #earlychildhoodeducation #saugerties #woodstock #kingston #phoenicia #catskill #hudson
It’s World Water Day—a great time to reflect on our #outdoorclassroom experiences. During a day on the Hudson River, we cast a seining net to see what life we’d discover. Students got a closer look at #macroinvertebrates with a magnified projection and loved pointing out the ones they recognized from their studies.
With the aid of a dichotomous key, our budding scientists learned how to identify the fish we encountered. Then, we took turns assessing the clarity of the water to better relate to the health of the entire ecosystem.
We’re not only forming meaningful connections to the fresh water around us—we’re helping to raise a global awareness of how connected each living being is to one another.
Thank you @sloopclearwater for all of the inspiration and @scenichudson for creating such a beautiful space to study the #hudsonriver. Visit the UN’s worldwaterday.org to learn more about how water connects the world.
#hudsonvalleyschools #independentschool #worldwaterday #worldwaterday
Empathy and understanding are skills that benefit from practice. Last week, Middle Way advisor Amy Brown-White led an evening conversation for families around diversity and inclusion. We gathered to discuss the questions: Why are diversity and inclusion important? In what ways do dharma and inclusion intersect? How can we shift our perspective around the topic of anti-racism? @amybrownwhite has been working with MWS for three years, shaping the teaching curriculum and sharing supportive resources for families. Thank you, Amy!
Spring is here! While everyone is enjoying signs of the growing season ahead, the Ravens have been studying trees that flourish all throughout the year. As part of their conifer study, they honed their observation skills with scientific drawing. Their writing practice was nurtured by nature journaling. They even had a cooking class: pine needle cookies! Who knew learning could be so fun AND delicious?!
#holisticlearning #needleknowledge #outdoorclassrom #wilderness #skills #hudsonvalleyschools #springequinox
At the Middle Way School, our goal is for each student to forge a friendship with reading.
How? Is there a single best way to help children learn to read? Many schools subscribe to a streamlined methodology, such as Whole Language, Balanced Literacy, or Phonics Based Instruction. While it’s a noble aim to serve everyone equally, it’s not always realistic.
Each child’s brain is wonderfully unique and pathways to reading are forged individually. Of course, there are fundamental components of reading instruction that need to be part of a strong literacy program. These components include: phonemic awareness (the recognition that words are made of separate sounds combined together), phonics (the integration of phonemic awareness with the printed word), vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. The Middle Way approach encompasses all of these components, tailored to the individual.
Being a small school by design allows us to know our students well and to communicate with families readily, as often as needed. We’re committed to timely and effective intervention and we also feel it’s essential to provide high-quality professional development for teachers. By working together, we provide our students with all the help they need in developing important skills and confidence—and, by all means, a sense of wonder about the world.
#literacy #reading #hudsonvalleyschools #independentschool #progressiveeducation #ulstercounty #upstateny #upstateschools
Join us for a rare, one-time screening of the remarkable film this body is so impermanent… (open to the public!)
An artistic collage of music, dance, and calligraphy, the film unites a range of meditations on the Vimalakirti Sutra, a Buddhist text from the first century CE.
Please support this special event by purchasing $10 tickets through the EVENTS link in our bio.
Children are invited to attend a simultaneous screening of Kiki’s Delivery Service, the 1989 Japanese animated classic by Hayao Miyazaki.
See you there!
Today was so much fun! At lunchtime, students learned how to make #buttercandles from… you guessed it… butter! After clarifying and melting, the butter was carefully poured around wicks by the oldest students. The younger friends eagerly observed, and then practiced their own pouring skills with tea. What a fun way to spread a little light!
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#chötruldüchen #butterlamp #ghee
Where do animals seek refuge? To better understand #biodiversity, the Dragons class crafted their own Biome Museum! Parents and schoolmates received a special invitation to visit the exhibition, featuring animals of the rainforest, arctic tundra, desert, ocean, pond, and grassland. Visitors were welcomed by an amazing collaborative mural, and students refined their presentation skills by sharing facts and answering questions. What gracious hosts!
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#biomes #refuge #museumstudies #buddhisteducation #dharmascience @natgeo
When Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche suggested that we start a school in the Hudson Valley, one of his pith instructions was to “create déjà vu” for the children—imprints or memories that might one day come back to them and help lead them to practice wisdom and compassion.
On this Losar we thought we would try to imprint a memory of a magical moment in time, when infinite bunnies sat and chatted with infinite Buddhas in a spellbinding forest in a tiny little box. With the help of @litebriteneon and artist Erika de Vries, we were able to realize that vision at our Lunar New Year celebration.
Students made their way to the "Palace of a Thousand Bunnies" behind several curtains in our pavilion. There they crouched down on the furry carpet and peered into another world. Exclamations of “that was awesome” and “wow” mingled with raga music and wind chimes. Students left the palace with a special blessing cord and hopefully a very good memory.
Happy Losar, everyone!
kyentse @kyentsefoundation #losar #buddhisteducation #dharmaforkids #childhood #fun
The Tibetan Lunar New Year (Losar) is a very special time at Middle Way! We’ve been welcoming the year of the Water Rabbit with arts and crafts, festive activities, joyful songs, and delicious foods. On Friday, students crafted their own rabbit masks for a parade, and served each other traditional Tibetan treats in the classroom. We’ve been practicing generosity and inviting abundance in the new year.
Want to learn more? Hop over to @middlewayedu to read more about #losar — you’ll find lots of fun ideas on how to celebrate this delightful holiday with children!
#BuddhistEducation #DharmaKids #WaterRabbit #LunarNewYear
In anticipation of Tibetan Lunar New Year (Losar), families gathered at school for an early morning smoke offering. Leading the ceremony were special guests Lama Drime and Lama Karma Drodhul, MWS parent and former president of @ktdmonastery. Offerings of flowers, juniper branches, and rice were tossed into the fire, with aspirations for a harmonious and fruitful year ahead. We bid farewell to our obstacles and welcomed what is to come!
#losar #firepuja #blessing #outdoorschool #yearoftherabbit
This week at the Middle Way School, we’ve been celebrating love! We’ve been exploring questions like, “Why is love just celebrated at this time of year? Why not all the time?”
Some of our students read The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage by @selinaalko and penned love letters addressed to the ideas which guide their own hearts—like happiness, humor, equity, friendship, freedom, nature, and peace. By sharing love with the world, students grow to understand its limitless nature.
On this day and every day, let’s radiate boundless love!
#thecaseforloving #boundlesslove #radicalvalentines #metta
Thank you @chronogram readers for nominating the Middle Way School as “Best Elementary School” and “Best Independent School” in the #hudsonvalley. Last year, we held the FIRST-PLACE honor for both.
Only the top 5 nominees advance to the voting round. Will you support us? NOMINATE US DAILY THROUGH FEB. 15 by visiting the link in our bio.
#chronogrammies #chronogrammies2023 #upstateschools #hudsonvalleyschools
Our admissions window for 2023-2024 is open! All applications received by February 5 will be reviewed for early admissions.
To schedule a tour or to get the application process going, visit our admissions page for details: www.middlewayschool.org/admissions (link in bio).
“I came for the dharma and stayed for the high quality education. I could not be happier.” -- MWS parent
Come and join the Best Elementary School in the Hudson Valley (2022 Chronogrammies).
Middle Way School marked the winter solstice in a celebration full of candlelight, song, families, friends and a magical dragon.
Today’s winter solstice is the longest night and shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere ~ we join with you all again to celebrate the suns return and brighter days ahead!
We reflected on this thought from our friend Gaylon Ferguson:
“We're joining in that really large stream of humanity, of human beings all over the world since ancient times, right up to 2022. Here we are, standing underneath these two great luminaries of the sun and the moon, those bright, luminous bodies in the sky. Everyone on the planet at some point, can look up and see. There's a sense in which there's a sun in our heart, that can shine with warmth, and wisdom and compassion. And all around the world there are rituals and ceremonies done on this day.”
–Gaylon Ferguson on noticing the cycles of the sun and moon.
With mastery of fire building comes opportunity! The Garudas cooked an egg in a paper cup IN the fires they built! Best eggs they’ve ever had!
They delighted in the warmth of fire and teamwork- and the successful completion of a challenge.
The Ravens class made their own compasses to determine the four directions in their classroom! They magnetized a needle, stuck it in a piece of cork, and set it in a bowl of water. The needle wiggled and moved back and forth but eventually, the magnetic North Pole pulled the needle around! Oohs and Ahhhs filled the room. Delight!
Dragons are working on their Hudson Valley family story. We love this project as a way to explore lineage, storytelling, collage, and the history of our shared home in New York State.
Oge Mora’s stunning book SATURDAY was our collage inspiration. Thank you @oge_mora!
Today is Giving Tuesday. Your contribution to our general operations fund will support things like PE equipment, art supplies, and campus upkeep and upgrades. Every donation helps, no matter the size. It’s also tax deductible. Link in bio. THANK YOU.
#givingtuesday
Introducing the Fawns Joy Jar! "Snowflakes on pinecones.” "My cat, Sprout.” "Stegosaurus and cheetahs and lions – their sharp teeth make me happy."
Each spark of joy is written on a slip of paper and dropped into the jar, followed by reflections on the myriad ways to bring joy to our ourselves, our family and friends, and communties. This is the beginning of our exploration of Bodhicitta, or awakened heart/mind.
TODAY is Giving Tuesday. Consider supporting Middle Way School with a tax deductible donation to support our operations. We’ll add you to our joy jar:) Thank you! 💙💫☀️
From our sister organization @middlewayedu: We are happy to announce the publication of a new book by Harry Einhorn, who is a composer, artist, meditation instructor, and Dharma Learning Specialist for MWE. Published by Bala Kids, this book is a simple story that describes the aspirations and activities of Lokeshvara, and how he came to have a thousand arms and eyes.
Harry presents Avalokiteshvara (Lokeshvara), the bodhisattva of love and compassion, with simple yet evocative language. Khoa Le’s illustrations are elegant and invoke the mood and beauty of compassion itself. We see the world through Lokeshvara’s gentle gaze. Lokeshvara serves beings in multiple forms, but the text does not address reincarnation explicitly. For this reason, the book is accessible to a variety of audiences who wish to introduce the idea of compassion. Importantly, Harry touches on the essential practice of taming or resting one’s mind in order to benefit others, as well as the value of interconnection.
The experience of trying to help others, but becoming discouraged when it’s not working out as one hoped is a common human experience. Through the story we see how Lokeshvara himself feels such sorrow upon seeing beings’ continued suffering that his heart bursts, and we see how his teacher, Amitabha then helps him to become even more capable in serving others than he was before.
“It is so important for children to know about Lokeshvara. I welcome this book as one that is not only timely but long overdue.”—Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse, author of What Makes You Not a Buddhist
From the publisher:
Lokeshvara shows us that with compassion,
we can always pick up the pieces of a broken heart, and be stronger, more loving, and more wise than before.
Available now from Shambhala Publications, (link in bio)
#buddhisteducation #dharmareading #buddhistbooks #dharmabooks #harryeinhorn @khoa.le.artwork
Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday. On this global day of generosity, we ask you to support progressive Buddhist education for children by making a tax-deductible gift to the Middle Way School.
This year we have 90 students and have expanded into 6th grade. Needless to say our campus is bustling and alive! We’re so grateful for our fantastic teachers and staff and the incredible quality of education they provide each day. Our goal is to raise $20,000 by December 31 to help us meet our daily needs, remain flexible when inevitable change throws a new challenge our way, and maintain stability for our entire school community.
Every donation helps, no matter the size. To give, go to middlewayschool.org, or send a check to 268 W. Saugerties Road, Saugerties, NY 12477. Thank you!
Giving Tuesday is November 29. This global day of giving serves as an opportunity for people around the world to use their individual power of generosity to remain connected and support their communities. As a Buddhist school, we love #GivingTuesday for its focus on interconnection during the Holiday season.
Giving Tuesday and the end of the calendar year are an important time for our school to raise funds including much-needed donations to help cover our operational costs. As you plan your year-end giving please consider supporting Middle Way School. We are a young start-up and your help is especially valued. THANK YOU!
Video by @chase.c.bauer
Sharing knowledge about the wild edible foods of our forest at Middle Way delights our students. They enjoy the work of learning to identify the gift giving plants, the collection and work of processing and preparing the leaves/roots/nuts into a tasty treat. Learning to forage is certainly fun - but it also offers a means of sourcing healthy, local, natural, nutrient rich, free food! There is power in connecting to nature as a means of radical self sufficiency. We hope our students will always carry with them a deep knowing that their(our) own lives are so inextricably connected to the lives of plants. And that plants are just awesome!!
Here are our Middle Way Owls processing red oak acorns. We shelled them, and we are currently cold leaching the tannins out, before we dry and grind the acorns into delicious nutritious naturally gluten free flour.
Our acorn flour cooking class and recipe experimentation to come!
Last week the Owls class had a glorious retreat day. They stepped away from their daily schedule to spend time in the woods. Their time was spent building a fire, cooking lunch, sharing a meal, and exploring at Plattekill Creek. The larger purpose was community building, connection, collaboration, and communication. Fun was had by all!
There’s a lot happening in this photo… This day in the Snow Lions classroom was being documented by our sister organization, Middle Way Education, as part of their action research. Students are delving into the concept of lineage in an experiential way, with parents and grandparents visiting the classroom to share family traditions. Here the Snow Lions (kindergarten) are learning about the English Christmas tradition of crackers while @chase.c.bauer captures the moment. As MWE leads the research and development of a full k-12 curriculum, MWS teachers are the true artists, finding ways to bring Buddhist ideas to children in age appropriate ways. Lesson plans developed at the school are made available on the @middlewayeducation website. #buddhisteducationforchildren #curriculum #lineage #christmascrackers
Interested?
Interested in enrolling? Want to learn more? Fill out this simple contact form (link below) and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Middle Way School holds regular open houses. We also can arrange individual tours. This form will automatically sign you up for important notifications regarded enrollment.
Thanks for your interest in Middle the Way School!
ORIGINS
All major religions of the world have systems of educating children in their traditions, beliefs, rituals, and values. There are maktab and madrasas for Muslims, Catholic schools, Jewish day schools, Sunday schools, Catechism classes, all kinds of afterschool programs, camps, and specialized schools meant to teach children to become the stewards of their respective religious traditions. Buddhist education for children has, for the most part, been offered to monastic communities with grassroots initiatives few and far between. Because Buddhism is not culture bound, there are few broadly accepted holidays, festivals and customs to introduce to children. Often, the transference of the Buddhist view happens in the home. Some Buddhist parents have independently created programs for children, but there is no generally accepted content or method for teaching the dharma to children.
To bridge this gap, a team of educators and active Buddhists, inspired by the vision of Bhutanese Buddhist master Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche, began exploring the possibility of creating such a model of education. It became clear that the model had to be developed in situ, in an actual school. Middle Way Education was established to spearhead this effort.
In 2017 after exploring options in Bali, Indonesia, India, and Taiwan, it was decided that the Middle Way pilot school should be located in Upstate New York. The Middle Way School opened in 2018 with 17 students in West Saugerties. In 2020 we enrolled 55 students in 6 classes.
The Hudson Valley is an ideal location for our pilot school. The welcoming and independent mindset in this area, along with supportive communities like Zen Mountain Monastery, Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, Omega Institute, and other centers of study and practice, makes this a fertile ground for a new model of education to come into being.
We hire and enroll without discriminating against any identifying factor which may include race, age, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socioeconomic background. We will make accessibility accommodations for individuals with disabilities to the fullest extent possible. As an institution and as individuals we recognize that we have the responsibility to actively change the power differences that perpetuate biases against historically underrepresented groups. Our inclusion efforts are a dynamic process. We welcome your experience and invite your input on how our school community can continue to evolve.
