Detroit Waldorf School

Today we honor Juneteenth as a celebration of freedom and emancipation from slavery for African Americans in all 50 states. For family friendly events around the city check out our stories. ❤️🖤💚💛

JOY & GRATITUDE
We would like to thank our parent and alumni parent volunteers who helped create this crosswalk tribute: Ceara O’Leary, for designing a concept that met the street mural guidelines and for fabricating the wooden stencils; and Bill Attwood of MotorCity Marking, for donating the paint, equipment, and expertise needed to complete the project. We would also like to thank the Gray family for donating the Corinthian Bells that hang above the guard house in Mary’s honor. And everyone on our internal team that helped make this dedication possible. 💛

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Today the Detroit Waldorf School Community came together to honor the life and legacy of our dear friend “Ms. Mary” with a dedication ceremony for the crosswalk mural and to witness an award presented posthumously to her by the Detroit City Council.

Many of us knew Mary Henderson from the nearly two decades she devoted to DWS as our crossing guard. Through her unwavering care, loving presence, and nurturing spirit, she touched generations of students, families, faculty, and neighbors. She was a source of comfort, safety, and strength, and her impact continues to be deeply felt.

There are daily reminders of Mary all around us, and for many of us, the crosswalk on Burns Street is one of them. And now, everyone will feel her radiant joy even more as they cross, with a flower appearing beneath each step. Mary loved flowers. So, we felt it only fitting that we imbue this crosswalk with flowers that will be out here through rain or shine, snow, sleet, and frigid temperatures, just as Mary always was. 

While Mary was strong with her voice, she was gentle with her words and the Corinthian Bells hanging above the guard house, lovingly donated by the Gray family in her honor, remind us of Mary’s kindness with every gentle breeze. And it seems she must have known we were all here together today, because the chimes were truly singing to us.

Thank you to everyone—including Mary’s family members—for coming together here today and joining us in community. Thank you to City Council representative Janis Strickland from the office of council member Johnson for attending and presenting the award, as well as the Detroit Police Department’s 7th Precinct Commander Jevon Johnson and NPO Stribling. Thank you to DWS parent Kaytea Moreno Elst for nominating Mary for this award, and thank you to all the members of the Detroit City Council—especially Council Member Latisha Johnson—for presenting Mary, in memoriam, with the Spirit of Detroit Award—recognizing her outstanding service to the citizens of our city. We truly cannot think of a more fitting honor for our Ms. Mary. Councilwoman Latisha Johnson

Class of 2026💛

As tradition holds, the 8th graders worked with handwork teacher Ms. Wong to create a handmade quilt for their class teacher, Ms. Lord, and presented it to her at the Rose Ceremony. Throughout the handwork curriculum at DWS, students develop craftsmanship, perseverance, and problem-solving skills.

Celebrating the Class of 2026. This morning your 8th Grade Presentations showcased your drive, perseverance, creativity, and growth, while highlighting the excellence that comes with a Detroit Waldorf School education. We are incredibly proud of all you have achieved and look forward to all that lies ahead.

This week is all about our Class of 2026. More 8th grade projects to come at 11:00am. Congratulations on all you have accomplished 8th graders!

Congratulations to the students of our 8th grade  Class of 2026! As they make their way toward graduation, Monday, June 1st, will be their individual 8th grade project presentations.
Engaging with a topic of their choice, each 8th grader at DWS spends the year researching the history and details of their topic, working with a mentor to learn the skill or craft, and finally presenting their project on stage to the entire school and parents.

Presentations will be in the auditorium Monday from 9:00-10:15 and second session from 11:00-12:00 with project displays in the gym from  1 2:00-12:30. All DWS parents are welcome to attend (we ask that attendees stay for the full session to prevent disruptions).