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| News from the Minnesota Waldorf School |
October 19, 2009 |
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Welcome Claudia
We extend a warm welcome to Claudia Fontana who arrived Monday to teach Eurythmy to grades K-8 beginning this week and continuing until December 11th. Ms. Fontana began her Eurythmy and Anthroposophical Training in Stuttgart, Germany. She received her diploma in Eurythmy from the Eurythmy School of Vienna. She has been a stage Eurythmist and Eurythmy teacher for almost 40 years. She taught a block at MWS last spring and we are delighted to have her back to bring this beautiful and important program to our students.
Ms. Fontana will be staying with the Canright family (Kit- MWS/CLWS Math Tutor) and the Berg family (Olga- former MWS Russsian teacher) have lent her a car to use. We'd like to thank them for their generosity. You may help us host Ms. Fontana, too. In the past, our visiting Eurythmists have enjoyed evening or weekend outings with families from the school. If you'd like to invite her to dinner or to happenings around town, please leave a message for Claudia at the school. |
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Picture Day is Wednesday, October 21st
Order forms went home Monday.
Send them back with your child on Wednesday. | |
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Eurythmy with Claudia Fontana at MWS
Tuesdays at 7pm, beginning 10/27
Visiting Eurythmist, Claudia Fontana, has offered to teach a six-week evening Eurythmy class for parents on Tuesdays from 7 - 8:30 pm beginning on October 27th. The cost for the six-week session is $90. Eurythmy is an art form of speech made visible through graceful movement. It is truly something to be experienced! Claudia has taught and trained all over the world and we are lucky to have her teach our Eurythmy block-- take advantage of this unique opportunity to try Eurythmy yourself! Space is limited; see Amy Stephens to register. |
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Parent Council News
All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend the Parent Council meeting Tuesday, October 20th at 7 pm in the Handwork room. The College of Teachers will present the revised Teacher Review and Mentoring processes, the Parent Handbook committee will get started, Holiday Fair logistics will be reviewed and much, much more! Please join us for these engaging discussions, hands-on education, important school news & refreshments. |
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Caramel Apple Social: This Time We Dip
Friday 10/30 After school
Enjoy organic apple slices dipped in delicious caramel sauce (corn-syrup free). Each $3 serving will help to fund the 8th grade class trip. We hope you'll join us! |
Get Ready for the Holiday Fair
We have received many applications, and will soon
announce the wonderful list of merchants for this year's Holiday Fair! The Fair is Saturday, Nov. 21, from 10-4, and Friday night, Nov. 20, 6-9 pm shopping preview and social for adults only.
Friday night's event is a great opportunity to shop in private, away
from those curious little eyes! And, for every purchase you, your family, and all of our friends make at the Fair, 15% goes directly toward MWS. Plus you support local artisan merchants and find the most amazing gifts for everyone on your list.
Exciting news on the Friday night front: Shepherd's Way
Farms has agreed to attend the Fair with samples of their amazing Minnesota cheeses. (Thanks to Ellen Fiorito for her help procuring this sponsor, plus all her hard work to date as Vendor Chair.) We're still hoping to add a vendor to do a beer or wine tasting and are following up on leads now. Please let Liz know if you have a connection or contact in that realm.
What about the games and activities on Saturday's Fair Day? Unfortunately, we don't yet have a Holiday Fair Chair to coordinate that piece. This will be the topic of serious discussion and important decision-making at the upcoming Parent Council meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 7pm. Our current thinking is that streamlining is necessary, and that we still have time to make all the magic happen. Letting go of the Fair's community component was considered, but many feel the Fair is important in showcasing our unique school to potential future families. The hope is that the parent community can find a way to continue the non-merchant parts of the Fair, without sacrificing excessive parent energy along the way. Please, attend the meeting and be part of determining which events will happen at this year's Fair!
Gnomies
Each year, parents and volunteers make little felt and wool gnomes to be given away to children at the very popular Holiday Fair Gnome Cave. The more gnomies we have, the better-- two or three per family is about enough. Patterns, felt, embellishments and directions to make large and small gnomes are available in Amy's office. We have many kits-- older grades children love sewing gnomes and they truly are easy to finish! You may drop-off completed or recycled gnomes and pick up kits or patterns in Amy Stephens' office.
Bake Sale Goodies
Now is the time to start thinking about what you'll make, bake or otherwise create for the Holiday Fair Bake Sale. In fact, since most baked goods freeze beautifully, now is probably a pretty good time to whip up a batch of goodies. The best way for us to have a successful bake sale is to have it overflowing with delicious things to eat. From candied nuts to marzipan piggies, from savory breads to sweet muffins, from jams and jellies to Byerly cakes -- we've enjoyed it all over the years and look forward to what you'll bring. The Kindergarten Bake Sale Coordinators will collect your offerings at school November 20th and 21st. Please label all items and identify ingredients.
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Vision and Hearing Screening: Volunteers Needed
Ann Depaolis-Jones, our school nurse, has scheduled vision and hearing screenings for MWS students on Friday November 13th. Details about the screenings will be published in a later Update. Right now, we are looking for screening volunteers. Ann will need 6 people to assist her with vision testing & 4 more to help with hearing tests. We plan to begin at 9 am and finish by 12:30 pm. It is very easy-- no previous experience necessary! The screening hours coincide with those of the 1/2 day Kindergarten and so it is a fun volunteer opportunity for Kindergarten parents who pick-up at 12:30. Let Amy Stephens know if you are able to help.
Contact: Amy Stephens |
Wrapping Paper & Chocolate!
The 7th Grade is selling Innisbrook wrapping paper & gifts, along with Helen Grace fine candies. Proceeds from these sales will help fund their 8th grade trip in 2011. All orders will be available by Thanksgiving break in time for the holidays.
A catalog is pinned to the bulletin board across from the School Store for your browsing pleasure. To place an order, visit our table in the lobby next week on Mon Oct. 19th, & Tues Oct. 20th, ask any 7th grader, or contact Phyllis Schmit at schmit4@comcast.net. |
Simplicity Parenting is Here
Simplicity Parenting, the new book by Kim John Payne, is in. If you pre-ordered a copy, you may pick it up at the school store. If not, we have a limited supply available. Kim John Payne is counselor, consultant/researcher and educator of both children and adults. He has been helping children, adolescents and families explore issues such as social difficulties with siblings and classmates, attention and behavioral issues at home and school, and a range of emotional issues such as defiance, aggression, addiction and self-esteem. He is also the consultant who helped us implement and establish our Social Inclusion program. He says of the book, "It's not often that a book that springs from the heart of Waldorf education is published by a major house and made available to a national audience. This has happened with the release of Simplicity Parenting. Major media outlets like Time Magazine and NPR are planning feature articles and interviews on the book."
Feeling the effects of autumn? We've got Nature's Vapors Medicinal Salve and Essential Antiseptic Hand Sanitizer from Purple Prairie Botanicals, a Minnesota "GREEN" and "zero waste" company. Purple Prairie products are made from organic ingredients infused with essential oils and contain NO parabens, synthetic dyes, artificial preservatives, animal ingredients, detergents, sulfates or GMOs. Also find LYRA Face Crayons perfect for play or Halloween.
If you're still looking for a way to contribute to the school, consider becoming a school store cashier. We could use two more afternoon volunteers. Contact: Teresa Reid |
| Helle Heckman Lecture: Oct. 28th at CLWS
Parents of Young Children Encouraged to Attend
Helle Heckman, world-renowned early childhood educator and director of the Danish kindergarten, Nokken, will be in the Twin Cities at the end of October. She will present a lecture for parents, teachers and daycare providers on Wednesday, Oct. 28th at 7 pm at the City of Lakes Waldorf School. Topics she will cover include: care of the young child, fun with boys, and "finding danger in safe places." Helle is an engaging and inspiring speaker and her past lectures have been wonderful.
In addition to the parent lecture, she will present a conference for early childhood educators which our Kindergarten teachers will attend. The City of Lakes Waldorf School is at 2344 Nicollet Ave. S in Minneapolis. The phone number is 612-767-1550. |
Parents' Knitting Group: Location Change
Wednesday, October 21, 9 am
Ting Ting Cheng's home: 2511 Lexington Avenue North, Roseville
Call Ting at 651-492-9107 with questions. |
| Let's Go Gnome Crazy
Tuesday, Oct. 27th, 9 am-noon
Come make a gnome
To take home
Then make one more
For the MWS store!
Are you attracted to gnomes? Join other happy gnome-makers to create gnomes from yarn, paper, felt, dough (edible and nonedible) and anything else you can think of (experimental gnomes!).
After making your own gnome(s), consider making one to sell in the school store (in time for the Holiday Fair) or working on gnomies for the gnome cave. This is not a requirement to join the event.
Location: The home of Ting Ting Cheng, 2511 Lexington Avenue North, Roseville (blue house with white trim, between County Roads B2 and C, across from Central Park). It is 5-10 minutes from MWS. Parking: In the driveway in front of the house and next to the reflecting posts, side streets, or at the park. You cannot park on Lexington. Dog: Will be contained. He is also of a breed that doesn't shed. This is necessarily an adults-only event. An RSVP to tinglcheng@gmail.com or 651/492-9107 would be appreciated to determine how many to expect. |
Alumni News
Do you have news to share about a Minnesota Waldorf School alum? We always love to hear about our graduates.
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Community News & Events
The Tradegy of Mephistophles - The Story of Faust
Nov. 12th MWS Festival Hall Glen Williamson is gifted actor and storyteller from New York City. He trained in the Michael Chekhov acting technique and at The Julliard School. Those of us who have been at past performances were inspired as we watched Glen bring spiritual themes to life in thought-provoking and heart-warming ways. 90 minutes with intermission. Appropriate for ages 12 years and older. Tickets: $15/$10 students.
A Novalis Foundation Studies Information Night
Hosted by Linda Bergh, Tues., Nov 3rd 7-9 p.m. Location: Linda's home, 4315 Xerxes Ave. S., Minneapolis Linda is offering this evening to provide information about the integration of Novalis Institute, Waldorf Teacher Training, and the Foundation Year Studies. This is a wonderful opportunity for those interested in or curious about Waldorf Teacher Training. Come with all your questions! Please RSVP to hellolindabergh@gmail.com.
Twin Cities Branch of the Anthroposophical Society will meet Wed., Oct. 21st from 6-9pm at the City of Lakes Waldorf School at 2344 Nicollet Ave in Minneapolis. We will meet in the Fireplace Room to the right of the main entrance beginning at 6:00 with a social hour and potluck supper; the meeting will follow from 7-9pm. Please note that the doors are locked, but press the buzzer and someone will let you in. The topic of our conversation this month will be "Reflections on the World Situation of our Time-Building Confidence and Understanding Between Extremes." Our monthly branch meetings are scheduled on the third Wednesday evening of each month and are open to all who share an interest in the work of Rudolf Steiner and anthroposophy. Upcoming meetings will take place on 11/18, 12/16, 1/20, 2/17, 3/17, 4/21 and 5/19. Call or email Becky Streeter with questions: 952-546-3351 becky_minnesota@yahoo.com
Spring Hill Waldorf School Halloween Walk:
A Wonderful Family Tradition
Children and adults together will follow a walking path lit by jack o' lanterns through the woods and be greeted by fun, friendly characters along the way! The Walk is magical and fun-not scary at all. The activities are suited for children ages 3 through 9 years old, but the evening is great fun for all ages. Children and adults alike treasure the experience and look forward to the Halloween Walk every year!
COST: $5 per person. Children 2 and under free. We accept
cash and checks made out to Spring Hill School.
WALK TIMES: Families with Early Childhood age children are
encouraged to arrive between 5:15 and 6:30 PM. Families with older children are encouraged to arrive after 7 PM. Groups begin every 10 minutes. The walk takes approximately 45 minutes.
COSTUMES: Costumes welcome-however, no scary costumes!
Please dress warm enough for a good walk outdoors.
This year's Halloween Walk will be held at the beautiful Baker Near-Wilderness Settlement in Maple Plain on Saturday, Oct. 24th from 6 to 8 pm. For more information, directions, and a map - please visit our website www.springhillschool.com and go to the Events page (look for the pixie!). We'll see you at the Walk! | |
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Upcoming Events
10/20 Tue 7 pm
Parent Council Meeting
10/21 Wed
Picture Day
10/23 Fri
Kdgtn Field Trip
10/23 4:30 pm
7th & 8th Soccer Game
10/24 Sat 7 pm
7th & 8th Grade Halloween Dance
10/30 Fri 4:30 pm
7th & 8th Soccer Game
11/6 Fri 4:30 pm
7th & 8th Soccer Game
11/6 Fri 7 pm
Solo Ensemble Concert
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Minnesota Waldorf School
Office: 651-487-6700
Fax: 651-487-6800
Aftercare:
612-309-1663 |
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Pizza Day
Pizza Days for this session are:
Oct 21
Oct 28
Nov 4
Nov 11
Nov 18
If you pay by the week, please have your order in by Monday at 8:30 am. |
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Parent Council Meeting Dates All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. Refreshments served.
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Tuesday, Oct 20 Tuesday, Nov 17 Tuesday, Dec 15 Thursday, Jan 14 Thursday, Feb 11 Thursday, Mar 11 Thursday, Apr 15 Tuesday, May 18
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Friday Gatherings: All Are Welcome
Friday afternoons
2:30 pm
Grades 1-8
Gathering
in the
Festival Hall
Students share songs, poems, and snippets of Main Lesson work.
Parents, friends and extended family are welcome to attend. |
Every little bit helps! Take a look at the list below and help us raise money for the school. You may drop-off Box Tops, Milk Caps, Soup Labels & Ink Cartridges in the Parent Lounge anytime.
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School Store Hours
Monday - Friday
8:15 to 8:45 am
and
3:15 to 3:45 pm
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Coffee (& Tea!) Cart Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00 to 9:00 am
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Lost & Found
The Lost and Found basket is located in the Parent Lounge (top of the lobby steps and to your right).
Please check it regularly-- unclaimed items are donated to charity monthly. Your child's teacher may maintain a classroom Lost & Found.
Items which are labeled with your child's name will be returned to your child or placed in his/her classroom Lost & Found.
PLEASE LABEL EVERYTHING! |
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Parent Council & Class Reps
K- Brenda
Sara Bowman
Amy O'Brien
Kelly Ponto Watrin
K-Eileen
Amy Martel
Vaara Ostin
K-Mary Lou
Kris Van Amber
Sasha Graybill-Pauling
1-Weick
Joann Warren
Kristina Herbst
2-Maier
Ellen Fiorito
Kristin Aitchison
3-Lloyd
Amanda Jakowich
4-Garcia
Amy Stephens
Molly Fernholtz
5-Kane
You?
6-Riehle
Liz Lacey-Gotz
Angela Skinner
7-Maier
You?
8-Sibley
Vicki Dunlop | |
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