Raven’s Call- September Newsletter

Back Together at NVS

The rafters ring with the voices and laughter of students, families, and staff. From our first gatherings to the Back to School Family BBQ, the start of this year at Neskowin Valley School has been filled with connection, joy, and the promise of new adventures.

Change brings fresh opportunities—whether it’s shifting from late summer nights to bright early mornings, discovering new routines, or building connections with new faces. With all this ‘new’ comes a shared commitment to what makes the NVS community so special—our values, which we all lean into together:

We are Kind
We are Sturdy
We are Academically Rigorous and Nontraditional

These core values remain the foundation of everything we do at Neskowin Valley School. While we continue to grow and evolve, our mission is unchanged. We are here to nurture curious, confident, and compassionate learners and to help every student flourish.

We are also excited to introduce our updated NVS logo. This refreshed design honors the legacy of our founders, George and Margot Thompson, while reflecting NVS’s ongoing growth, creativity, and dedication to students and community.

September Highlights at NVS

Meet the Teacher and Ice Cream Social

Our Meet the Teacher and Ice Cream Social, held on August 28, was a wonderful way to begin the school year. Families and students enjoyed meeting teachers, exploring classrooms, and sharing sweet treats.

Trivia contest winners were Jenna Ellis, Tim McNichol, and Charlotte Bartruff. Please see Gina to collect your prizes.

All School Beach Day

On September 9, we celebrated our first All-School Beach Day of the year. The Oregon Coast gave us a beautiful day of exploration and wonder. Students examined specimens of the Neskowin Ghost Forest, shared stories by the shore, and connected deeply with one another and with nature.

Back to School Family BBQ

On September 17, families gathered for our Back to School Family BBQ. Thank you to everyone who brought food and joined the celebration. It was a true family cookout, full of laughter, conversation, and good food. The evening ended with smiles and even a few tears from those who didn’t want to leave.

Enrollment is Open

Enrollment for the 2025–26 school year remains open. With small class sizes, a nature-rich campus, and a balance of rigor and creativity, now is a wonderful time to join NVS.

Upcoming Events

Oct 3rd: Donor Appreciation Night

Oct 4th: HARVEST FESTIVAL

Oct 30th: Halloween Party and Parade

Join us for Neskowin Valley School’s 42nd Annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 4, from 11:30 am–5:30 pm! Celebrate the season with live music, local vendors, raffle prizes, a cider press, kids’ activities, and more. This beloved community event also kicks off our Fall Giving Campaign—Seeds Today, Roots Tomorrow, Growth for Generations, supporting NVS’s innovative programs, small class sizes, outdoor education, and enrichment opportunities. Come enjoy a day of fun while making a lasting difference for our students!

Spotlight on Learning

Preschool/Prek at NVS

Where Play is the Curriculum

During the first three weeks of school the NVS Preschool has been focused on identifying feelings, building a strong classroom community and memorizing our Class Motto- "I am Kind, I am Strong, I am Smart and I can do Hard Things!"

The children start each day by placing their name on our Feelings Check-In board under one of nine feelings presented. We then discuss how everyone is feeling during circle time and each child is given time to share if they would like. We read books focused on one or more feelings and relate the story back to our own experiences. This Social Emotional Learning lays the groundwork for the rest of the year as the class continues to get to know each other.

Over the next few weeks, we will begin our Fall Harvest unit, which includes studying harvesting, the changing of seasons to fall, apples, pumpkins and fall celebrations/holidays.

Lower school at NVS

The Years of the Explorers

Lower School students are off to a strong start, focusing on phonemic awareness and engaging with Illustrative Math. Reading instruction centers on Units of Study, while classroom themes explore fall and seasonal celebrations.

Teachers and students are also establishing routines and procedures, fostering a positive classroom culture where curiosity, respect, and collaboration can thrive. The K–3 multiage classroom provides opportunities for peer modeling, leadership, and individualized instruction, supporting each student’s learning journey.

Specials Check-in: Spanish and Music

At NVS, “specials” classes enrich the whole child and provide opportunities for creative expression and cultural understanding.

Music
Students are learning rhythm, movement, and song while building confidence and joy through group singing, simple instruments, and creative sound exploration. Older students are beginning to explore musical structure and performance skills, preparing for our winter and spring showcases.

Spanish
Through games, songs, and interactive activities, students are building vocabulary and conversational skills. Spanish is woven into daily life at NVS, making language learning engaging and meaningful.

Learn more or enroll here: NVS Friday Enrichment Program

Career Opportunities 

We are Hiring!

We are hiring substitutes and specialized teachers for our 25/26 school year.

We are currently hiring substitute teachers and specialized teachers to join our amazing school community! Our school offers a warm, creative, and nature-connected learning environment where curiosity is celebrated and every child is seen and valued. With small class sizes, a strong focus on social-emotional growth, and a hands-on, project-based approach, we provide a truly unique educational experience. Whether you're stepping in as a sub or sharing your expertise as a specialized teacher, you’ll be part of a passionate team that nurtures joyful learning both in the classroom and in the natural world. If you love working with children and want to be part of something special, we’d love to hear from you!

Visit our website to see all available positions, and for all inquiries, please email info@neskowinvalleyschool.com