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September 30, 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.  Whole Lotta Talkin' Goin' On!
Many, many thanks to the more than 100 parents, teachers, staff and alumni parents who joined us on Tuesday evening for our first "Community Conversation" - what a wonderful evening! We began with a hearty meal of soup and bread, enjoying the opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new acquaintances. Nettie inspired us with her insights into our celebration of Michaelmas, significant in the Waldorf tradition for its expression of courage and strong will. Following a tribute of thanks to Cindy Scheyer for her leadership of the Parent Association, we moved into what would be nearly two hours of energizing, honest conversation.
We'd like to share some of the key themes and ideas we heard voiced, and make a commitment to come back to you with a plan for moving forward after we've had more time to reflect on the evening's dialogue. I had an "aha moment" while out running on Wednesday morning (there seems to be a connection between my feet moving and my ability to find some clarity). While excited by the terrific participation on Tuesday night, I realized we also moved the bar up quite a few notches, which felt a little unnerving. There was a clear call from people for a plan - a thoughtful, intentional and action-oriented way to take SWS to yet the next phase in its evolution. Not a couple of one-off activities or events, or a handful of volunteer opportunities. The community expressed its desire for a destination, and a roadmap to guide us there.
Many hopes and possibilities were offered including:
- Breaking down barriers and building a unified, healthy community, where people feel they can belong and contribute
- Communicating the value of Waldorf education and SWS to the greater community, and making the school accessible to a diverse group of families
- Ensuring the long-term financial stability of the school, and creating a culture of giving time, talent and financial resources
- Expanding and enhancing our facilities to support the educational program - perhaps a gym, performing arts space, and farm/garden
People shared their doubts as well, such as:
- Channeling the energy and momentum of this evening in a way that is inclusive, rather than falling to a small group that eventually burns out
- Articulating a vision for the school, developing a plan and securing the funds we need to make it happen
- Developing a fully-enrolled, sustainable high school that is connected to and builds on the existing preschool-8th grade program
We acknowledged and celebrated that much has been accomplished in the first 30 years of SWS - we have an extraordinary legacy to carry forward and a solid foundation on which to build. We wish to preserve those things that connect us, such as festivals, and at the same time, realize our bold aspirations for the Seattle Waldorf School of the future.
In the coming weeks we will seek further input and work to develop a plan to bring to you. In the meantime, we encourage you to consider ways in which you can become more engaged in the SWS community. For example:
- Attend one of the upcoming Parent Association meetings - at the high school on Tuesday, October 4 at 7pm or at the grade school on Tuesday, October 11 at 7pm.
- Join one of the newly forming Affinity Groups - sign up here.
- Help plan the Community Celebration, an evening of fun and fundraising on March 17 - contact Gabi McCarthy, Development Coordinator.
- Assist with efforts to ensure safe routes to walk and bike to school - contact Tracy Bennett, Head of Administration.
- Learn about opportunities to serve on Board committees such as Finance or Facilities - contact Dick Watkins, Board Chair.
Finally, we'd leave you with this suggestion, offered by a parent toward the end of our Community Conversation. Next time you are on campus - whether at Kinderhaus, Briar Rose, the Grade School playground or the halls of the High School, take a moment to greet people and introduce yourself to someone you don't know. It's through these small acts of kindness and connection that our community will flourish.
Tracy Bennett, Head of Administration
Nettie Fabrie, Head of Pedagogy
Dick Watkins, Board Chair
A BIG Thank You
Tuesday evening was a lovely event because of the many helping hands that transformed Huckleberry Hall into a welcoming, comfortable and nourishing (in more ways than one) gathering place for us adults, and then quickly changed it back into the classroom it is during the school day. Thank you all for making it happen, together.
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School Photos - If You Have Not Ordered...
Photo orders will be processed after Monday, October 3. Orders received after Monday will be processed at a later date at the higher reprint rate. Please bring your photo order blue envelope with payment to the grade school office by Monday so it will be included with the first batch. Photos will be delivered in 3-4 weeks and will be sent home with your child. Many thanks to Mary Cairns for her gentle presence in working with our students to create smooth photo days. |
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Focus On Faculty
Andrea Marquardt-Preiss, Eurythmy Therapist, was born and raised in the Black Forest, in the south of Germany. Her passion for movement, dance and people have guided her on a path of learning and teaching that continues to fascinate and inspire her. Starting out as a physical therapist in Germany, she worked for 12 years in the fields of Neurology and Orthopedics, especially with children. During this time, Andrea discovered the Feldenkrais Method, a holistic approach to movement and learning on all levels, and Eurythmy, which unites movement, poetry and music. Andrea worked as a Feldenkrais Practitioner and as Eurythmist in Germany in her private practice near Munich, Germany, and she taught Eurythmy in a Therapeuticum and in private Kindergartens, where she witnessed the healing effect of Eurythmy on children and adults. In 2008, Andrea moved to Seattle with her family. She recently finished her training as Eurythmy Therapist, and now works with children at SWS. In addition, Andrea utilizes Feldenkrais and Eurythmy Therapy in her private practice with people of all ages. For her own enjoyment, Andrea performs with the Puget Sound Eurythmy Troupe. They most recently performed the East Indian fairy tale The Boy with the Moon on His Head for our grade school students. She also loves hiking, being in nature with her family, and greatly enjoys the immense variety of music in Seattle.
Wonder what your student does and learns during Eurythmy class? Look for an article in the next Connection to learn what Eurythmy is and how it fits into the Waldorf curriculum. In a later issue, we will follow up with a second article focused on how Eurythmy Therapy enhances our Educational Support program.
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 High School Happenings
The Parent Association (HS) invites you to participate in planning activities to help build community and support the faculty as they nurture the students. Join us at the high school at 7pm on Tuesday, October 4.Grade School Happenings
October 11, 7 pm, grade school campus, music room
At our first meeting at the grade school 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. Join us at the grade school in the music room at 7pm on Tuesday, October 11.
Look for minutes from past meetings in the Parent Association section of our website. |
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Chinook Books Are Back!
The Parent Association will again be selling these popular coupon books to benefit our school - last years sales helped finance the new yellow school bus and the kiosk at the grade school. Cost is $20 per coupon book (with 100 additional new coupons!), $10 for mobile coupons or $25 for a book/mobile coupon combo. Plan to buy Chinook Books for your own family or as gifts for friends and family or the neighbor who helped jump start your car! Look for a separate email coming soon with details on where and when to purchase them.
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 Grade 11 - Astronomy Trip To MRO
As part of our astronomy block, our class was invited to go to Manastash Ridge Observatory in Eastern Washington. We arrived at MRO last Monday under very cloudy skies after a very bumpy drive up a long dirt road, and were given a tour of the small observatory built for the University of Washington in 197 2. We were pleased to find that, in addition to the 30" telescope and several antique computers, it also housed a lovely common area with an extensive record collection. After dinner, as it got dark, the sky remained pretty cloudy until about 9:30pm when enough stars were visible for us to open the dome. Dr. Oliver Fraser, our former teacher who had invited us up, allowed us to operate the telescope and dome ourselves, and by the end of the night a number of us were feeling pretty confident in working the computer-operated telescope. Finally, the clouds cleared enough for us to see some neat things in the sky, including Jupiter, the Pleiades, Andromeda, and a number of other stars. But, for me, the most exciting part was feeling that I was actually getting to experience and participate in science in a much more first-hand way--and finding that it was my own curiosity that was driving the experiments, rather than a teacher's instructions. Thank you so much to Oliver Fraser for allowing this unforgettable opportunity! Hallie Barker and Kristina Heidt, grade 11 students, photo Elliot Smith, grade 11
Grade 9 - This just in...
Our freshmen class has been working and learning at Jubilee Farm this week. Brenda Baker, our high school office manager reports: "Neil stopped by in the late afternoon on Wednesday. I was surprised to see him! Apparently the ninth graders have some pretty huge appetites--he had to come back to buy more food! He said the group is a wonderful class and that this is the best Jubilee experience yet."High School Sports We are happy to report from another successful cross country meet this week at Fort Nisqually Park, with all of our runners again placing in the top 20 in a field of 50 runners. Stuart and Maddy repeated their feat of placing 1st and 2nd in their respective divisions, Christian was 4th, Ty came in 8th, and Ryan was 19th. A great race for all of them! (Some of the team members did not compete as they were working on the farm.) The volleyball team has moved up in the world! The girls are very happy to be able to use the Queen Anne Community Center for many of their practices and games. (Click on the picture for a larger version of the image.) |
Welcoming Fall
A few enterprising and industrious parents have given the large planters by the drop-off circle a much appreciated face lift. In addition, four additional bales of straw now offer a place to sit by the entry to the play yard and the kiosk. Thank you very much!
Meet The Specialty Teachers - October 12 & 19
Find out ho w the class teachers and the specialty teachers work together to coordinate and enhance the rich Waldorf curriculum for your student/s.
You will experience a mini lesson from each specialty teacher and have an opportunity to ask questions. To give you more time with each teacher, we are offering a couple of different dates. Click here to see the dates and times for the different grades.
Break Care For October 17 & 18
We are pleased to introduce Mollie Welch, SWS alumni parent, as our new break care teacher. Mollie will be preparing fun projects and nutritious snacks for students from age 5 through grade 5. You can register for a full day (8am - 5:30 pm) or a half day (8am - 1pm). Registration forms are due on October 10 and available in the grade school office or online here.
After School Activities
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.
Wednesday, Oct.12, 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9, and 16, Huckleberry Hall from 3:15 to 4:15.
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Michaelmas - Challenges, Fun, Feast 
We are grateful for the images from parents Sean Thomas and René Dubay, hot off the camera, that will give you just a glimpse of the wonderful day at the grade school today. You may wish you could have been there, looking over the fence like these kindergarteners... Click here for more.
Grade 3 is very grateful for the bounty of vegetables that parents generously contributed to the soup for the feast!
Grade 7 - Astronomy
Last week Ms. Brudi's 7th grade class ventured over the mountains and through the sage brush to the shores of t he Columbia River at Maryhill State Park for their Astronomy field trip. The group camp site was terrific, with space for a dozen tents and plenty of lawn left over for playing frisbee and running through sprinklers. After dinner the first night, we traveled to the Goldendale Observatory, where we learned the interesting history of the Observatory and the basics of observing stars from volunteer astronomer Steve. We also enjoyed the opportunity to look through the large telescope at Jupiter and its moons. The following day we turned our gaze from the heavens to the water as we traveled down the Columbia for a tour of the Dalles Dam. Park Ranger Amber lead us through the innards of the dam, revealing the 22 giant turbines that generate the power. She showed us the long curving fish ladder and explained how the salmon are able to return to their spawning places. On the way back to camp we stopped for lunch on the lovel y grounds of the Maryhill Museum. After touring the museum we made one more stop, at a replica of Stonehenge, sitting magnificently atop a bluff above the Columbia. That evening after dinner was devoted to campfire (s'mores anyone?) and star gazing, as Ms. Brudi and her sky chart helped the students find their favorite constellations. Many students slept under the stars that night, in order to track the course of their favorite stars across the sky. We were fortunate that both nights were relatively cloudless, and warm. The last morning was a colossal cooperative effort to pack up the tents, clean up the kitchen shelter, and load the vehicles by 10am. A fun and successful field trip, with the additional benefit of the naming of the new yellow school bus, now called Steve, at least, by the 7th grade.
Jeff Rahlman, grade 7 parent
Grade 5 - Botany
Grade 5 students have been learning about the parts of a plant, the parts of a flower, photosynthesis, pollination, mon ocotyledons and dicotyledons and the plants that grow in different climatic environments (biomes). Their studies were enhanced by a couple of field trips recently. Last Friday, students took the bus to visit the Conservatory on Capitol Hill where they enthusiastically observed, drew, and photographed the plants. Yesterday, blessed by glorious weather, the class hiked up to Lake Serene, examining plant life along the way. You can see some watercolor paintings, inspired by this morning lesson block, at the end of this newsletter. |
Grade 2 - Why Do Fables And Second Graders Go Together So Well?
From a letter by Ms. Ellingson to grade 2 parents
Grade 2 students are currently hearing fables, stories in which animals take on human aspects such as the "crafty fox" or the "cunning crow." In one such story, a crow throws a fit over getting some water in a jug. The students are not told the moral of the story as such. The next day, they get to be the character, or perhaps the storyteller. They hear the story, then act it out, then try to answer the question "What might it be telling us?" In the crow story, they noticed that throwing the fit was not working, thought maybe patience is necessary, or sometimes you have to be practical, or sometimes you have to go slowly. They are also learning to rephrase a statement to make more sense to more kids, if their meaning is not understood at first.
Social bumps that take place in class life can be addressed by using references from the story, as in "Yep, he's got a lot of the fox in him today..." Through the year, the class will hear many "teaching stories" -- some involving animals, others a "wise-fool" character. These lessons will come from many cultures including African Anansi tales, Turkish/Persian Hodja stories and American folktales like Brer Rabbit.
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MICHAELMAS WATERCOLOR
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In contrast, second graders will also hear stories about people who have risen to their best selves (commonly called "saints, though not in the religious/Catholic sense). Examples might be St. Martin (a Roman soldier who gave a blanket to a beggar in need) or St. Francis (who had an affinity for animals and embodied kindness, too). The reason for all these trickster tales and fables is that these stories directly address the inner life of a second grader. Overall, eight is a mischievous year. As they are starting to understand jokes, riddles and plays on words, second graders can be really funny. Part of the job of being a second grade teacher is helping children understand when to apply their burgeoning senses of humor (for example, Hirata Sensei may not have the same appreciation for armpit farts that your eight year old thinks are universally hilarious). Your children will push boundaries with a twinkle in their eye. They meet the world with lots of confidence - often overestimating their own skill or judgement! However, second graders are not just about the joy of naughtiness. Like the saints, they can rise up to be their best selves -- noble, helpful, the epitome of goodness. They shift fluidly between their higher and lower selves and can easily become indignant if they are feeling noble when others are not...
Second graders have no shortage of strong emotions. It is likely there will be many "tempests in teapots" about social issues, especially the inclusion of others, but even supreme drama blows over quickly. Acknowledgement is often enough to heal, for example "Yes, that sounds like a rough day. Maybe tomorrow will be better." Tears are a normal part of second grade life. The students have to ride the ups and downs, and be on both sides of these mistakes. They will be okay and come out stronger for it on the other side. |
  Busy At Kinderhaus Lavender and Rosemary students have been happily preparing for the Harvest Festival, by cutting up vegetables for the soup, shaking/making butter, baking dragon bread, and by going on numerous outings to gather beauty at the park: berries, leaves, and - perennial favorites - chestnuts.
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This section provided as a free service to the SWS community.
What Are Our Community Members Up To?
SWS Students Perform At Teatro ZinZanni
Ezra Weill (grade12) and his sister, Una Bennett (grade 9) will be performing in the upcoming Teatro ZinZanni show for kids: Big Top Rock on Saturday mornings, October 8, 15 and 22. They will present their fireman rescuing a cat stuck in a tree aerial rope act, as well as other circus arts. Tickets are reasonably priced, starting at $12. Check out the ZinZanni website if you are interested.
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Lectures, Workshops, Concerts, Festivals Etc.
Halloween Festival At Licton Springs Park - An Invitation From Betsy Weill
Calling all families of little ones who would like to trick-or-treat along the forested park pathways from 4:30-6pm on Monday, October 31. There will be costumed (not scary) Friends of the Forest, who will be offering sweet treats to share with the children. Join us at the playground for music and a cup of warm organic apple cider. Licton Springs Park is tucked away between Aurora Avenue and North Seattle Community College. It is bounded by Densmore Avenure North, Ashworth Avenue North, 95th Street and 97th Street.
It is a free and public event, mostly funded by the Licton Springs Community Council, but you are welcome to put a few dollars in the donation basket, near the apple cider.
I am always looking for people who would like to get dressed up and be a Friend of the Forest... Groups of people in costume are welcome and this is sometimes more fun than standing around solo. You must be at least 12 years old to be a Friend. In the past we have had pirates, fairy tale characters, gnomes, bad weather, mushrooms, three Marie Antoinettes, piles of leaves, witches, fairies, fortune tellers, deep sea divers in wet suits in the creek, spiders, princesses, giants... Please give me a call at 206-527-1949 if you or someone you know is interested. Betsy Weill, grade 1 teacher
Loving What Is, A Workshop In The Work Of Byron Katie Friday, October 7, 6:30 to 9:30pm and Saturday, October 8, 9 to 6pm, Center For Spiritual Living, 5801 Sand Point Way NE The Work is a simple and life-changing process of self-inquiry. Join us to identify and question the stressful thoughts and beliefs that keep you from experiencing joy and accessing the abundance of possibility in each moment. Questions? Contact SWS parent Shawn Sutton at 206-356-9970 or shawnlynn@comcast.net. Click here for the flyer.
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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 206-734-7912 or mariegizard@gmail.com
Looking For Kind & Trustworthy Housecleaner For Residence In Wedgwood
Looking for someone who is responsible and thorough in their housekeeping. Work is 1 day per week for 3 hours, $15-18 per hour DOE. Flexibility, willingness to do certain tasks and a desire to get the job done are crucial. Bringing your own cleaning supplies is preferred, but not required. Contact Tonya atadmin@poulsonleadership.com if you feel you would be a good fit with us!
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 at 206-729-2534. (He is 6 years old.) Thanks. 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. 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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WATERCOLORS FROM BOTANY BLOCK, GRADE 5
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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, October 11.
Submissions Guidelines © 2010 Seattle Waldorf School.
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