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| News from the Minnesota Waldorf School |
November 10, 2009 |
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| The Festival of Martinmas: November 11th
Quiet is the mood...we are coaxing a nascent flame
The twigs of the bare trees gently rattle and sway as the wind sighs through the branches above. Below, the Earth is quiet, still. Signs and sounds of life are hidden from our senses and we must begin a new season finding faith and nourishment in the warmth that lies within. The spark of human spirit must now be tended and its flame kindled with warmth enough to sustain ourselves and to share with others.
As we process in solemn silence upon this November earth, let us find hope that our small light, joined with others, and carried into the world will warm and guide us through the ever-growing darkness. | |
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Martinmas Lantern Walk for 1st and 2nd Grades
November 11th, 5:30 pm at Harambee School
On Wednesday evening, November 11th at 5:30 pm, the 1st and 2nd grades and their families will gather in the parking lot at Harambee School (between MWS and Cub Foods), in dimmed light and hushed tones. At 5:35 pm, with only their lanterns illuminated, the 2nd grade will lead the 1st grade into the November darkness. They will walk along silently, allowing the experience of the silence and the subtle sounds of the night. Afterwards, they will join in a great circle, gathering their lights together and sharing their lantern songs. We hope all 1st and 2nd grade families are able to attend.
Martinmas in the Kindergartens
The Kindergarten classes will celebrate Martinmas with a lantern walk at school Wednesday morning. This event will be part of their school day and is for the children only. Kindergarten families are encouraged to take a lantern walk on their own in the evening.
Martinmas in the Grades: Joseph's Coat Collection
As we prepare to observe the season of Martinmas, the third and fourth grade classes will continue their tradition of hosting a school wide coat drive. These classes will be collecting coats and other winter essentials to benefit Joseph's Coat, a St. Paul community organization which works to help individuals and families in need. New or "gently used" coats of all sizes are needed. Other winter items such as hats, scarves, mittens, boots and snow pants are also needed. All items should be new or gently used. There is a coat collection chest in the front lobby of the school. The third and fourth grade classes request that you drop your items off before Wednesday, November 25th when they will be delivered to Joseph's Coat. |
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Parent Council Meeting
Nov. 12th, 7pm, Early Childhood Building
All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend the Parent Council meeting Thursday, November 12th at 7 pm in the Kindergarten Cottage. In order to not disturb the Glen Williams performance in the Festival Hall, please go around the school. The Board Chair, Tom Halverson, will discuss Enrollment committee activities, planned Parent Handbook updates will be presented, Holiday Fair logistics will be finalized and much, much more! Please join us for these engaging discussions, hands-on education, important school news & refreshments. |
Solo Ensemble Concert
The Solo Ensemble concert will be held Friday, Nov. 13th at 7pm. All are invited. The Solo Ensemble concerts (there are two each year) are voluntary. Students who perform have worked individually or in small groups to prepare a piece especially for the concert. We welcome alumni Alicia Hillar (Class of '04, Ms. Riehle) and Natalie Alper-Leroux (Class of 08, Mr. John) who will perform as special guests that evening. We hope you'll make plans to attend and support the work of our dedicated student musicians and vocalists. |
| Support MWS and Get Your Gift Matched on "Give to the Max" Day
Gifts can count as your Annual Fund contribution!
GiveMN is offering an exciting opportunity for one day only for people to contribute to MWS or any MN nonprofit and have the opportunity to have their funds matched! $500,000 is available in matching funds and will be split proportionally among ALL donations made through www.GiveMN.org on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17th.
Any gift given between 8 am Tuesday, Nov. 17th and 8 am Wednesday, Nov 18th will be eligible for the match. Unlike other organized giving organizations usually take, GiveMN will take NO FEES from your contributions. That means every dollar you give --plus any matching money -- goes directly to MWS! (Note that donations up to $2,500 will be matched!)
Because of the importance of this opportunity for our school, a reminder will be sent out community-wide on Monday and Tuesday of next week. Please call or email Liz with any questions. |
Picture Retakes: November 18th LifeTouch will return on Nov. 18th for photo retakes. If you would like to have your child's photo re-taken, please return the photo package with your child on the 18th. If your child was absent on photo day and you would like to have pictures taken, please send an order form and payment in with your child on the 18th. Extra order forms are available from Amy Stephens. |
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Holiday Poinsettias on Sale Now
The 7th grade is pleased to announce the annual Holiday Poinsettia Sale. Order your holiday flowers and support the 7th Grade as they raise funds for their 8th grade trip. Order forms are available now online and on the bulletin board across from the School Store. Order forms and payments are due by Thursday, November 19th. Poinsettias are available in red, white and pink and will be delivered on Tuesday, Nov 24th. Questions? Contact Phyllis Schmit or Becky Debertin. |
| Lost & Found will be Gone 11/19
We will donate all items remaining in the Lost & Found on Thursday, Nov. 19th to tidy up for the Holiday Fair. Please take a moment to check it between now and then. The Lost & Found is located in the Parent Lounge in two large brown baskets.
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Before & Aftercare Important Information The days are colder as winter approaches, but we will still be outside for play in the mornings and afternoons unless it is raining or bitterly cold, so please make certain that your child or children have hats, mittens, snow or rain pants and jackets for before and after care! Before care will continue to meet in front of the school building when outside.
Childcare on November 20th
We will offer childcare from 9 am to 4 pm on Friday, November 20th in order to serve the needs of our Holiday Fair set-up volunteers. Please pre-register with Amy Stephens so we know how many children to expect. |
Holiday Fair: Spread the Word!
Posters and postcards are available on the front lobby table for community members to help get the word out! Take as many as you can post or drop off at your local coffee shop, the library, your preschool, yoga studio, or wherever you think prospective families might be visiting. It's a great way for families to get to know the school and our community, and increased enrollment helps in so many ways! Or, download a poster and print your own. Do email Liz or let her know if supplies run short or if there's anything else you need to help promote our Holiday Fair.
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Holiday Fair: FAQ
There are many details to be considered for the Fair. Here is a short list of answers to some frequently asked questions:
- If you did not receive an email from the Holiday Fair co-chairs or your Class Rep outlining your class' responsibilities check your Junk Mail or make sure you are on the class email list. We have heard from a couple of people who have had this problem.
- Students in grades 5 - 8 are asked to sign up for a shift to work before, during, or cleanup for the Fair. This is in addition to the shift that parents are asked to work.
- Volunteering to bake a cake (for cake walk) or brownies (for cafe) can be considered a bake sale contribution but not as your work shift.
- You may sign up to work a shift in whatever spot piques your interest but please be sure your own class responsibilities are taken care of first.
- We are looking for musicians to perform during the fair-- any and all musicians welcome. "Sets" can be long or short and parent, student or alumni performers are a delightful addition to the line-up! Contact Mark Bensing to schedule a time!
- We will have filtered water available during the Fair. Please bring a reusable bottle for water as we will not sell bottled water this year. Coffee, tea, milk and other beverages will be available for purchase.
- The last shift of each activity includes clean-up.
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Holiday Fair: Fun, Games and R & R !
Are you looking for a little time to relax at the Fair? The Holiday Fair offers you two different places where you can enjoy a little peace away from the bustle-- the Royal Treatment Room and the Quiet Room. Both will be located in the Kindergarten Cottage. Sign up to be pampered in the Royal Treatment Room! Choose from color light facials, craniosacral work, chair massage, foot massage and Chinese acupressure. Tickets for appointment times will be pre- sold before the Fair at drop-off and pick-up next week. Tickets will also be available on Friday night (20th) and of course during the Fair! Appointments are limited so reserve your times early! Many people don't realize we provide a Quiet Room. Be sure to use the Quiet Room if the "fun of the Fair" is too much for you (or someone you know)! You can sit down, relax, and have some quiet time away from it all. A good place for you and your little one to have some quiet time. |
Holiday Fair: Bake Sale Guidelines
As you think about creating a little something yummy for the HF Bake Sale, consider these tips:
- You may make anything from apple muffins to zucchini bread.
- One item per family is all that is needed, ie: one dozen cookies, muffins, bars, OR one bread, cake, pie, jar of jam, etc. but no limits will be imposed on over-achieving bakers. (Families volunteering for Cake-Walk cakes or Cafe brownies do not need to bring a contribution to the Bake Sale.)
- No refrigeration is available so we request no perishable items, please.
- All donations should be brought to school on Thursday, Nov. 19th (place on woodworking tables in hallway near the office) to allow us time for set up and pricing.
- Please label your donation and provide as complete a list of ingredients as possible, but at the least please identify common allergens, for example: Russian Tea Cakes (flour, pecans, white sugar, margarine, eggs, no dairy)
- Please package your item for sale. It is important that goods be visible so avoid aluminum foil or wax paper. Items should also be airtight and secure.
- If you choose to package your item in a decorative tin or basket, we will price those items will be priced higher.
- Items will be sold by the dozen, half dozen, and individually so if it makes sense for your item to be packaged by six or even less (for giant muffins or cookies for example) please do so.
- Please leave pies, cakes and breads whole.
Questions may be directed to Vaara Ostrin (Joren Schooley K-EM) at v.ostrin@gmail.com or by phone at 612-799-0628 on Thursday 11/19, Friday 11/20 or Saturday 11/21 . Thank you all for your time and effort toward making the bake sale a fun, profitable and delicious part of the Fair! |
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Holiday Fair Parent Handwork
Thank you to everyone who is working on handwork projects for the fair. For those who took a project home, the due date for returning the completed handwork is Tuesday, November 17. There is already a handwork drop-box in Amy Stephen's office for returns before or on November 17. In addition, I will be in the Parent Lounge on Tuesday, November 10, 8:30 to 11:00 am, to do handwork. Please feel free to join me! Once again, thank you so much for all your help. You're gnome-rific!!!!
Help Us Make 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. Sarah Bowman will be making gnomes in the Parent Lounge on Mondays after drop-off until 10:30-- join her! |
Organic Apple Pies for Thanksgiving: Canceled
The 8th grade will NOT be taking orders for pies for Thanksgiving as previously announced in order to save their energy for Holiday Fair activities. |
| 10% Off Nova Naturals!
For a limited time, you may order products from Nova Naturals catalog and save 10%! Browse the catalog online or in the school store. Note: Although you may browse the catalog online, you MUST order through the school store to receive the discount. All orders must be submitted by Friday, November 13th. Payment is not due until time of purchase. Support the school, save 10% and pay no shipping! |
Blue Sky Guides Still Available Through November Didn't get your Blue Sky Guide yet? Only $20, and $10 goes directly toward the 8th grade trip for the class of 2010! Did you know the book includes a $20 coupon for Patina, more than $80 in grocery store and coop coupons (including Mississippi Market, Lund's/Byerly's, Whole Foods and Fresh & Natural), plus serious discounts to plays at all your favorite venues (MN Opera, Jungle, History Theatre, Southern, Theatre in the Round...) and lots, lots more. Support local, support green, support the class of 2010! Please email 8th grade parent Liz Lacey-Gotz or stop by her office to pick up a copy. |
Keep Kids Cuddly Soft & Warm and Raise Money for MWS! Now through Jan. 1st, any purchases made online at Flowering Child www.floweringchild.com will benefit MWS. Flowering Child sells soft, European, wool and silk undergarments for babies and children. Just enter "MN Waldorf" in the comments field when you check out, and they'll send the school a check for 10% of the sale. (They were a vendor at the Fair last year, but cannot attend this year.) Their clothing makes a treasured gift worthy of handing down to younger siblings! Click here for more info. |
Amelia Peacock, (Class 2006, Ms. Reagan) will be appearing as Lady Bracknell in the South St. Paul High School production of "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde. From one of the great wits of the Victorian age comes one of the funniest plays to ever be seen on the stage! Performances are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday November 12, 13, and 14 at 7 PM at the South St. Paul High School Auditorium, 700 N 2nd St., South St. Paul. Tickets are available at the door: $9 adults, $7 students 18 and under, and $7 seniors.
Do you have news to share about a Minnesota Waldorf School alum? We always love to hear about our graduates.
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Martinmas Celebration for Families
Firefly Farm, Stillwater, Nov. 14th at 4:30 pm
It's time for the seventh annual Martinmas lantern walk, potluck and theatrical at Firefly Farm in Stillwater. Please join us for a celebration of generosity of spirit inspired by the life of St Martin on Saturday, November 14th at Firefly Farm (11675 Keats Ave. N) beginning at 4:30 pm. The day's events are scheduled as follows:
4:30 Gathering and Lantern Making
5:30 Lantern Walk on the Farm
6:00 A Brief and Beautiful Theatrical -- "Generous Spirit, St.Martin of Tours"
6:30 Pony Rides on the "Roman Soldier's" horses (shhh don't tell the children, it's a surprise!)
7:00 - 9:00 Potluck and BIG Bonfire We are reminded by St. Martin that it is simple acts of selflessness that are truly good. It is a very calming holiday, and we hope you will come away from the lantern walk and story of Martin with a sense of inner peace. Please bring a dish to share. We will be serving vegetarian soup and bread for all. Please rsvp to Sandra 651-351-9007. |
Community News & Events
A note of gratitude from Philadelphia Community FarmThanks to all of the school groups, visitors, garden members, and friends of Philadelphia Community Farm. We had an outstanding garden season this year and enjoyed many happy and meaningful moments with the children and adults who visited. Please check out our blog to see pictures of the school groups, farmers, and animals or to get some great recipe ideas at http://philadelphiacommunityfarmcsa.blogspot.com. Have a happy Thanksgiving! CLWS 8th Grade to Perform Fiddler on the Roof
The City of Lakes Waldorf School Eighth Grade will perform the musical Fiddler On the Roof next Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights (Nov 19-21), 7 PM, in the CLWS gym. The play performs with one intermission. Refreshments will be served in the lobby during intermission. A $5 donation helps defray the cost of the production.
The Tragedy of Mephistophles - The Story of Faust Nov. 12th MWS Festival Hall Glen Williamson is a 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. | |
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Upcoming Events
11/10 Tue 7pm
Board Meeting
11/11 Wed 8:30 am
Parent Knitting Group
11/11 Wed
5:30 pm
Lantern Walk
11/12 Thu
7 pm
Mephistopheles-
Glen Williams
11/13 Fri
Hearing & Vision Testing Gr 1-8
11/13 Fri 7pm Solo Ensemble Concert
11/20 Fri
NO SCHOOL
Holiday Fair Set-Up
11/20 Fri 6-9 pm
Parents Shopping Evening
11/21 Sat 10 am - 4pm
Holiday Fair
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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:
Nov 11
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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Thursday, Nov 12 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 & Frank Jakowich
4-Garcia
Amy Stephens
Molly Fernholtz
5-Kane
Mark Bensing
6-Riehle
Angela Skinner
7-Maier
Becky Debertin
8-Sibley
Vicki Dunlop | |
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