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Table of Contents
ALL-SCHOOL NEWS
Thoughts From Tracy Harvest Supper Details Welcomes All Around New School Bus You've Got Kid-Mail! Zip Code List 2012 Calendars Yearbook Parent Resource Library Focus On Faculty PARENT ASSOCIATION NEWSHigh School Happenings Upcoming Meetings Chinook Books HIGH SCHOOL NEWSCollege Visits Hydrology Sports GRADE SCHOOL NEWSKiosk After School Activities Lost & Found Rose Ceremony Grade 6 "Under Construction" EARLY CHILDHOOD NEWSPreschool Gems COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTSProvided as a free service to the SWS community.
September 16, 2011Dear Friends, We hope you will enjoy this current issue of the Connection with the latest SWS news. Feel free to forward the newsletter to interested community members using the Forward email link at the bottom of this newsletter, below our logo. They will then be able to subscribe to the newsletter. We regret to be able to include only a few of the many wonderful activities that take place in our busy school life.  Thoughts From Tracy "Community building! It is particularly noteworthy that the community building ideal should be making its appearance in our day. It is the product of a deep, elemental feeling found in many human souls today, the product of a sense of definite relationship between person and person that includes an impulse to joint activity." (From Lecture VI, "Awakening To Community" by Rudolf Steiner in Stuttgart, February 27, 1923)
Since taking the position of Head of Administration at SWS a couple of months ago, friends and colleagues who are unfamiliar with Waldorf education have asked me, "What makes a school a Waldorf school? What is so different?" Clearly the answer to this question is lengthy, and one I am not yet able to provide. But I can immediately point to one thing that has stood out clearly since my first visit to the school in June: the passionate commitment to community. Through class trips, festivals, parent education events, musical performances and more, SWS children, parents, teachers, staff, and extended families find joy and value in coming together in meaningful ways. One of my goals in the coming year is to continue to strengthen our sense of connectedness as a community that spans from Parent/Tot through 12th grade and across three campuses. An important part of that effort will be to discern, collectively and mindfully, how we can best spend our time, energy and resources to create opportunities to engage in "joint activity" as Steiner suggests. The first of these is the Community Conversation, hosted by the SWS Board and Co-Heads on Tuesday, September 27. We will begin the evening at 6pm with a simple supper of soup and bread in celebration of Michaelmas, and Nettie will share with us the significance of this tradition in Waldorf education. At 7pm, we will move into a dialogue about our goals for the year, including revitalizing the Parent Association, advancing the school's strategic plan, creating a campus master plan, and developing greater financial sustainability. This evening offers an opportunity for us to share ideas, concerns and questions, with the goal of affirming our vision for SWS. As you may have noted, there will not be a family Michaelmas celebration on Saturday, October 1 as originally indicated on the calendar. I imagine this change in plans is disappointing, even alarming, to some, and I would like to explain the rationale behind our decision. At the June Parent Association meeting, which I attended, there were no volunteers to spearhead the planning and management of this significant event. Over the past few months I spoke with many parents and teachers and came to realize that the wonderful success of the festivals, Farmers Market, auctions and other Parent Association activities had perhaps come at a cost - that the intense workload was borne by a small group of dedicated parents, who are simply worn out. In addition, there are parents who would like to get involved but don't know how yet or don't feel included. Given this, it seemed wise to step back, catch our breath, and take a moment to "re-vision" how we create the community we want for our children and parents, our teachers and staff.  | |
TRACY, ROBERT MURPHY & KIMBERLEY HINER
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I hope you will join us on the 27th to begin what will be an ongoing dialogue about how we, as a community, support and live out the school's mission: to educate students to be free human beings who impart purpose and meaning to their lives, who meet life with courage, and respond with initiative and creativity to the needs of the world and their fellow human beings. After all, it is our shared commitment to nurturing, inspiring, preparing and launching our children that gives meaning and purpose to our community in the first place. Thank you for so warmly welcoming me to SWS. I am grateful for the opportunity to join you in building on the work of the last 30 years to continue to provide our students and families with an extraordinary educational experience. Tracy Bennett, Head of Administration Harvest Supper On Tuesday, September 27 The SWS Board will provide soup, bread and beverages for this adult-only event. We hope you can join us at 6pm in Huckleberry Hall for this meal, followed by our Community Conversation at 7pm. Click here for the flyer.
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Welcomes All Around... Our senior class did a marvelous job leading our Welcome Assembly at the high school last week, where they were warm, thoughtful, sincere, funny, clever, kind, earnest, and wonderfully welcoming as they offered individual introductions for each of our 33 newest students.
 
At the grade school campus, first graders were lovingly welcomed by our eighth graders during the beloved Rose Ceremony. Parents were happy to meet and reconnect at two social events, one at the grade school and one at the high school. See photos and a story about the Rose Ceremony in the Grade School News section below. |
Many Thanks For
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PARENT ASSOCIATION FUNDRAISER
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The New School Bus! We are grateful to the Parent Association for funding the purchase of a second bus for the school. This yellow bus was already put to great use in transporting our 9th graders during their hiking trip before school started and will be used by grade 7 next week for their Astronomy trip. Those wheels will indeed go round and round...
You've Got Kid-Mail! Today we are sending home a packet with this year's directory, a yearbook order form, a photo order envelope for grades 8 and younger (due prior to Photo Days, September 27 - 29), and a yellow card with information on how you can help raise funds for the school when you make online purchases. For families with two households, two directories will be sent with your student.
Zip Code List
Our school is committed to reducing our environmental impact which is why we have created a zip code list of families that will make finding carpools easy. Perhaps you never knew that another SWS family lives just 5 blocks away! See who lives close to you, and in which grades their children are. The list will  be emailed to you later today. Please let us know if you find it useful or have other comments.
2012 SWS Calendars - Now For Sale
Stay organized while enjoying artwork from 60+ SWS students from Kindergarten through grade 12. Calendars are only $15 and make great gifts. Available in the high school or grade school office. Click here for the flyer.
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Changes For Using The Parent Resource Library
Interested in Brain Rules or Nonviolent Communication? We invite all SWS parents to peruse our Parent Library (located in the lobby of the grade school) and check out any of the interesting books. You will find a wealth of information about Anthroposophy, how and why we celebrate festivals, how to talk with your teenager, the nine-year-change, how to make felted gnomes, and much much more.
These are the new rules for borrowing books:
1. You must fill out a library user card, which will remain on file in the office.
2. You may check out a maximum of 3 books for up to 30 days.
Please note that you are responsible for returning the books to an office staff member. If you leave books on the front desk, we cannot be responsible for them, and you may be charged late fees or replacement costs.
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Focus On Faculty
Robert Murphy, strings teacher and middle school choir director, grew up in Columbia, SC. He started playing the piano at age 4 and the violin at age 10. He rapidly progressed on the violin to become the concertmaster of the South Carolina All-State Orchestra at age 12, and performed at Carnegie Hall at age 14. Robert was privileged to study with world renowned teachers, such as Dorothy Delay. He went on to receive his BM in violin performance and a MM in violin pedagogy and orchestral conducting. Robert's summers were mostly spent performing at prestigous music festivals, such as the Brevard Music Festival, the Spoleto Music Festival, and the Prague Chamber Music Festival. Robert played professionally with many orchestras and chamber music groups around the United States, but his most memorable performances were with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Hootie and the Blowfish.
Before coming to the Seattle Waldorf School, Robert taught orchestra and digital music in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. When he is not playing the violin, he enjoys bowling, biking, hiking, camping, exploring new restaurants, and attending sporting events. Robert is a big fan of the Seattle Sounders and enjoys college football. Welcome, Robert!
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 High School Happenings - Save The Dates
The Parent Association (HS) was pleased with the turnout of parents on Friday, September 9 for the first Beginning Of The Year High School Parent Social, and plans to make it a yearly event. All are welcome to join in planning additional activities to help build community and support the faculty as they nurture the students. All meetings will be held at the high school at 7pm: Tuesday, October 4, November 1, and December 6.
   Next Parent Association Meeting At Grade School: Tuesday, October 11 - All Are Invited!
7 pm, grade school campus, music room At this first meeting we will determine our areas of focus and set goals for the year. We want to provide an array of opportunities for parents to get involved and support the school.
Chinook Books
Last year's Chinook Book fundraiser, led by Carolyn Cox, was very successful, and the Parent Association is planning to offer it again this year. Look for details in future issues. Proceeds from this and other fundraisers helped purchase the new yellow school bus that helps tremendously with field trip transportation. Thank you!
Look for minutes from past meetings in the Parent Association section of our website.
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 College Visits At The High School
We hosted three colleges at our high school campus this week - University of Puget Sound, College of the Holy Cross, and Quest College, Canada. All students are encouraged to watch the "Colleges and Universities" bulletin board for news of future visits.
Grade 10 - Studying Hydrology
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PLEIN AIR DRAWING FROM PREVIOUS TRIP
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Grade 10 students have been actively engaged in discovering how essential aspects of the earth interact with solar radiation to create what is known as climate and all the rich biological diversity of earth. The block culminates with a week-long trip to Hyla Woods, a sustainable forestry operation outside of Portland. At Hyla Woods, the class will have an opportunity to work intimately with stream and forest ecology, and of course, to deepen their connection to their studies through art.
High School Sports
Coach Andy Barker (grade 11 parent) and his assistant Cheryl Smith (grade 11, 9 & 8 parent) report that our cross country team is off to a great start and has several meets coming up, among them September 22, 3:30pm at Seward Park on Lake Washington and October 4, 3:30 at Lincoln Park in West Seattle.
Led by Coach Tiffany Towles, the volleyball team has been practicing for nearly a month. The girls continue to improve and look forward to playing some games in the coming weeks.
At the end of the summer, we bade farewell to Coach (Bryan) McGriff, who has taken a full-time teaching position at Bright Water School. We wish him well!
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Kiosk - A Labor Of Love
Please take a moment to admire the new kiosk in front of the grade school building. Many thanks to the Parent Association for raising the funds to purchase the materials, and especially to Shelly McSweyn, Joel & Douglas McCulloch, Jeff Rahlmann, Jeff Stephens and Tim Love for their work in making this happen. The kiosk will feature information about upcoming school events, news and other SWS happenings.
A Safe Walk, A Calmer Parking Lot
Many grade school parents and students have enjoyed a refreshing morning walk from the church parking lot to the grade school campus these first few days of the school year. The watchful eye of an off-duty police officer makes 100th street feel safe, which in turn helps ease the congestion in our parking lot at drop-off time. Please park in the large lot to the east of the church - the spaces directly adjacent to the church are reserved for parishioners. Thank you!
After School Activities - Sign Up Now!
Grades 2 - 4 Circus Class! Mrs. Klansnic's circus program starts on Monday, September 26 and offers beginning juggling, balance activities, tumbling, and more. The 6-week session culminates in a short program for the parents at the last session. Class size is limited to 14 students and classes fill quickly! Sign up in the office. Cost: $60/student.
Session 1: Monday, Sept. 26, Oct. 3, 10, 24, Nov. 7, and 14, Huckleberry Hall from 3:15 to 4:15.
Session 2: Monday, Feb. 6, 13, 27, March 5,19, and 26. This session is open for sign up as well.
Grades 5 - 8 Aerials Class! Our after school aerials class has been very popular and is being offered again, with Ezra Weill (SWS grade 12) and Una Bennett (SWS grade 9) assisting in this high flying class. Class size is limited to 8, so don't hesitate to sign up in the office! Cost: $60/student.
Session 1: Wednesday, Oct.12, 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9, and 16, Huckleberry Hall from 3:15 to 4:15.
Session 2: Wednesday, Jan. 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8, and 15. This session is open for sign up as well.
Middle School Musical Planning is underway, with shows scheduled for the first weekend in March. Rehearsals will begin in January. Watch this space for what show has been chosen, audition dates and further details. Cost: $140/student.
Lost & Found
Please check the Lost & Found bin (the wicker chest in the lobby, right inside the door) regularly for items that may belong to your family. The chest tends to fill up quickly! Small items are held in a basket in the office. |
Rose Ceremony
At the 2011 SWS Rose Ceremony, Mrs. Weill's excited and not-a-little anxious charges were welcomed into Huckleberry Hall by hundreds of gentle voices raised in song. Then, after hearing the eighth grade recite a verse of Shakespeare and Native American poetry in their honor, each first grader received a rose. From my sideline seat, I strained to hear what those towering teenagers were saying to our little ones as they handed off the roses. And I just made out a whispered, "Welcome to our school."  After sharing an enchanting story of children entering the garden gates using both curved and straight lines, Mrs. Weill led her class out of the hall and the rest of us were treated to both thoughtful and entertaining glimpses from the other class teachers into what grades 2-8 have in store for the coming year. Did you know Mrs. Rice could play Mary Had A Little Lamb on Coke bottles? Well, by the end of the year, the sixth grade will be able to tell us why. And we're also all now waiting with bated breath for the seventh grade to discover why in fact Mrs. Brudi's torn tendon will take so much longer to heal than bone. In any case, with my children now in first and second grades, I've been privy to two consecutive Rose Ceremonies. And each one simply reaffirmed our commitment to the gentle beauty of Waldorf Education. So much so that those faculty members on guard at the door of Huckleberry Hall at next year's ceremony should consider themselves warned...even without a first grader to support, I may just try to sneak in. Michelle Millard-Kish, grade 1 & 2 parent. Photo by René Dubay, grade 1 & 3 parent. |
Grade 6 - "Under Construction"
From a letter to grade 6 parents by Kristen Rice
The Waldorf Curriculum is specifically designed to meet the students at each stage of their development. As the students enter into the Middle School years significant changes come about in their relationship to themselves, their peers and the world around them. Gradually, and sometimes not so gradually, the balanced, harmonious children of fifth grade begin to appear as if they have become strangers in their own bodies! No longer so balanced and graceful in their physical movement, they grow angular, lethargic and even a bit gawky as their very skeleton begins to grow heavy. This stage of development can best be characterized by the growing sense of independence which the eleven/twelve year old begins to experience in both her inner and outer life. This emerging sense of individuality can often be accompanied by dramatic changes in behavior as they experiment with different writing styles, attitudes, dress, and even speech patterns. For these next few years the students will be "under construction" as they try to define themselves by who they are and who they are not!
Though the deep inner transformation which is at work can present challenges, it certainly has a bright side as well! Accompanying the phenomenon of puberty is a growing sense of responsibility. The capacity for true and loyal friendships emerges, as well as a profound interest in others and the world and its laws. The middle school years are a time of great change in the way the students think. In the earlier grades their thinking had more of an imaginative, pictorial quality rather than conceptual. As they leave childhood behind, the world now comes into sharper focus as this imaginative thinking begins gradually to transform into a capacity for intellectual thought based on observation and experience. Someone once said that "thought is the child of imagination". If the imagination has been allowed to unfold naturally and the intellect has not been prematurely awakened, the child will develop a strong capacity for creative, mobile thought.
The sixth  grade curriculum is perfectly suited to meet the needs of the students who now begin to develop a capacity for more conceptual, analytical, deductive and causal thinking. They will sharpen their powers of observation, memory, research and recording in our first Physics block. We will make the transition from ancient to more modern History as they are now ready to grasp history in its temporal sequence of cause and effect. We will journey through the rise and fall of the Roman empire through the Middle Ages. We will explore the depths of the earth in a study of Geology and Mineralogy as well as look at the heavens from a geocentric point of view as we study Astronomy. In the realm of mathematics we will branch out in practical, abstract and artistic directions through studies in Business Math (percent and interest) and Geometry. We will expand our knowledge of physical geography to include the continent of South America as well as expand our souls into the unlimited possibilities of drama with our class play. A rich year lies ahead, certain to challenge and inspire the sixth graders. |
 Preschool Gems From recent letters to Marigold and Lupine parents by Martha Swain (Please remember to not share these stories with your little ones.) I told everyone that I had asked Mr. Love to work on our pump. For after all, Mr. Love can fix anything anywhere in the whole school. "So can my daddy," chimed in Nicola. Then Liam thoughtfully added, "I know why he is called Mr. Love. It's because people love him so much for fixing everything." Everyone nodded. At the snack table today, Lucia announced, "I am this many years old." and she held up three fingers. Cash chimed in, "I am too!" Others nodded. "Then I will be four years old at my next birthday." "I am already four!" added Madeleine. A few heads nodded at this. "THEN I will be five. 3, 4, 5 that's how it will be!" Each child, and I mean almost every voice was heard in agreement, fully delighted,"Yes, I will be five!" except for Cadia who stumped the crowd, "I will skip five!"
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This section provided as a free service to the SWS community.
What Are Our Community Members Up To?
Songs Of Hope Benefit Concert
Fumi Tagata, Lavender parent, is part of Songs of Hope, a community of Seattle-based musicians, artists and others who want to offer ongoing support to Japan Disaster Relief. Their second benefit concert will take place in downtown Seattle during lunch time on Thursday, September 22. Click here for more information about the event, and a short video with messages from artists and audience members, recorded at the first benefit.
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Lectures, Workshops, Concerts, Festivals Etc.
Oktoberfest Celebration At Maple Leaf Lutheran Church
Saturday, September 24, noon-5 pm, Community Plaza of Maple Leaf Lutheran Church, 10005 32nd Ave NE
Dig out your dirndls, loosen the lederhosen, and polish your polka shoes for the third annual Meadowbrook Oktoberfest. This uber-fun event features live music by the Smilin' Scandinavians (Seattle's No. 1 polka band), plus a beer garden, hard and soft cider, and hearty bratwurst meals. Also includes kids' meals and activities. Admission is free. Tickets for activities will be sold at the event. (Cash or check only at the door.)
Note: Beer Garden open until 6 p.m. Must be 21 and over with ID to enter. More information at
meadowbrookoktoberfest.com
Art Classes With Janet Lia
Come enjoy creating art after you drop off your children at school. Several courses are offered for September and October. AWE Studio is just 3 blocks away from SWS and Janet Lia is an experienced Waldorf Art teacher (9 years at SWS and 15 plus at Sound Circle Teacher Training). All levels experience success! Click here for more information.
Parenting with Positive Discipline
Thursdays, September 22 - November 3, 6:30-8:30pm, Dale Turner YMCA in Shoreline (190th and Aurora)
For parents who want more cooperative, respectful, and joyful relationships with their children.
The cost for this experiential, 7-week class is $100 per person or $150 per family for members of the YMCA; $135/185 for non-members. Childcare is available for no additional charge. Please be sure to sign up for child care by September 20th so that adequate staffing can be scheduled. Class size is limited.
Register for both the class and childcare at the front desk of the Y. The phone number is 363-0446. Click here for the flyer.
Simplicity Parenting Info Night
Wednesday, September 21, 7pm, Three Cedars Waldorf School, 556 - 124th Ave NE, Bellevue
So much of modern life seems to be about more. Come to an evening with a refreshing message: LESS!
Suggested donation: $10. No one will be turned away due to inability to pay. Click here for the flyer.
Join Us For The First Of This Season's Family Dances!
Sunday, September 18, 3-5 pm, Phinney Neighborhood Center-Community Hall
Continuing 20 years of folk dancing for children and families - all music is live, all dances are taught, no experience necessary! Amy Carroll teaches the dances, Forrest Carroll and friends play the tunes. No experience needed. Come join the fun! $5 per person, $15 per family. ($6 and $18 for those not members of PNA or SFS.) Find the Community Hall at 6532 Phinney Ave N., Seattle and go into the brick building using the lower parking lot entry. Questions? SWS parent Clare Woolgrove by email at clare@seattlerolfer.com or see seattledance.org/family.
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Housekeeper Available
Eco-friendly, reliable, trustworthy house cleaning. Thorough, detail-oriented. Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, one-time, move-in/move-out, seasonal. Excellent references. Laundry and ironing available upon request. Contact Marie Gizard at 206-735-7912 or mariegizard@gmail.com
Roosevelt Area Family Looking for Experienced Nanny
We are seeking a part-time nanny to care for our articulate 3 year-old daughter and easy-going 5 month-old son. We need about 10 - 12 hours a week on Monday, Friday and one other day in the afternoons/evenings starting the week of September 19th. If interested please call 206-859-9922. Thank you!
Lazure Painting Rooms To Hold The Spirit Of The Child
Meet Danielle, the Pacific Northwest's Waldorf inspired painter. For more information, visit LazureFinishing.com or email DanielleKerrWilson@gmail.com.
Couch For Sale
Bauhaus brand. Beige textured fabric clean, no odors or pet hair. Can be put together as L-shaped or seperately. Lots of matching cushions. $175, or will consider a partial trade. What do you have?
Email mariegizard@gmail.com to see pictures. Located in U district.
Looking to buy LegoEspecially if it is police with robbers and vehicles like boat, car, and helicopter. Mixed up sets are great, too. Please call Sawyer. (He is 6 years old.) Thanks. 206-729-2534 Tutoring AvailableI am a certified Waldorf class teacher who taught at Green Meadow Waldorf School in NY from grades 1 through 4. Currently I tutor (and have tutored) Waldorf students at Three Cedars Waldorf School in Bellevue. My husband, baby, and I just moved to Ravenna a few months ago. I would like to expand my tutoring services to the Seattle Waldorf community. I tutor children up through grade 4 in language arts, math, Japanese, or drawing and painting. I love teaching through games, movement, and art. I have a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Art and a Master's degree in Education. Please e-mail me at maryspurgin@hotmail.com or call me on my cell: 845 323 7578.
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Sound Circle Center for Arts and Anthroposophy is beginning the new school year with a feast of offerings. Please consider joining us for the following courses, as well as our community celebration. See below for summaries with links to our website, which will provide more detail.
Family Foundations Course and Orientation Meeting
Orientation: October 11, 6:30 - 8:30pm, Seattle Waldorf School, 2728 NE 100th St, Huckleberry Hall
This inspiring and supportive parenting course is being offered one Saturday a month from 9 am - 2pm at the Seattle Waldorf School, starting on October 15. The day consists of three classes - Developmental Dynamics, with Susanna Reynolds; Painting, with Flora McEachern for an artistic experience of the content being covered; and Child Development with Johanna Steegmans, Holly Koteen-Soule and others - plus a session for parents to share concerns and ask questions. Cost for one participant is $620, for a couple $930. For more information and an account from a participant, click here.
The Heart of the Matter: Healing Arts and Anthroposophy
Beginning in October we are offering an eight-month series of weekend modules applicable to those working in the healing/health care professionswho are seeking to rejuvenate themselves through the arts and gentle self-transformation. Weekends can be taken separately or as a continuing course. Continuing Education Units available.
Healing Arts OPEN HOUSE ~ Come meet the faculty and get an overview of the program. Friday, September 16, 8 pm, Seattle Healing Arts Center, Forum Room #330, 6300 9th Avenue NE (corner of 9th Ave NE and NE 63rd Street), Seattle. For more information, click here. Nurturing Resilience Through the Art of Storytelling - A Workshop with Nancy Mellon Sunday, October 9, 10 am - 5pm, Seattle Waldorf School, 2728 NE 100th St, Huckleberry Hall How can we build the strengths we need amidst our daily challenges? You are invited to discover how stories and plot lines serve as gateways to the intuitive wisdom that supports our ability to survive challenges and to thrive. To download a flier with more information about the workshop and Nancy Mellon's work, click here Course Fee: $120 Sound Circle's Community Celebration October 29, 9 am - 1:30 pm, Seattle Waldorf School, 2728 NE 100th St Enjoy a "sampler" of Sound Circle's offerings via workshops, food and inspired interconnections at a free all-community event. Multiple art and study sessions will explore our biographies (personal to global) and the theme, Looking In and Through the Mirror. The event will also launch Sound Circle's annual fundraising drive to support Teacher Training Program student scholarships. Whether you know the Sound Circle community well, or are simply curious about what Sound Circle and the day's activities offer, save the date and bring a friend! For more information and to RSVP, see soundcircle.org
Please visit our website soundcircle.org for more information about our lectures and our Waldorf Teacher Training program. There, you can also find a link to Ripples, our quarterly newsletter.
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GRADE 10 ART INSTALLATION,
PREVIOUS HYLA WOODS TRIP
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Connection is published bi-weekly when school is in session.
Please email all submissions directly to: newsletter@seattlewaldorf.org.
All articles or ads for the next issue are due by noon on Tuesday, September 27.
Submissions Guidelines © 2010 Seattle Waldorf School.
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