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| News from the Minnesota Waldorf School |
November 17, 2009 |
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Campus Cartography and Clean-Up
The Fourth Grade spent the last week exploring our school grounds and learning how to draw maps. In the process of that exploration, they discovered that the edges of our property needed some TLC, specifically, some trash pick-up! They set out Friday morning full of exuberance and carrying trash bags-- ready to clean up our woods! With sheer delight and real satisfaction, they emerged from the woods toting old bottles, rugs, boxes, hubcaps and buckets, asking when they might be able to do it again! "Ms. Garcia, " they said, "what if we could clean up the entire campus?!" They have found a mission!  | |
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Holiday Fair Shifts Available: Sign-Up Now!
If you haven't yet signed up for a shift at the Holiday Fair, please do so by Thursday. We especially need folks to sell tickets and people to staff the Royal Traetment Room. Check the board next to Amy Stephens' office. |
The Advent Spiral Celebrations at MWS
In Waldorf schools throughout the world, the tradition of the Advent Garden has evolved to present a picture of the inner journey that the soul must make at this time of year. As each child spirals inward to light her candle at the central flame, so also each of us must turn within if we are to find illumination.
The Advent Garden is a dreamy picture of a child's journey into being. The garden itself is a giant spiral of evergreen boughs, golden stars and sparkling crystals. At the center stands a solitary candle. The first child comes forward, bearing a beeswax candle set in an apple. The moment she enters the spiral, she crosses a threshold into a realm where time stands still. In the dark hush of the room, everyone disappears. Alone, the child walks slowly around the spiral to the center, where she lights her candle from the central flame. Even the angels hold their breath as the flame catches; it is a moment of great beauty. As she winds her way out of the spiral, the child sets her own lighted candle on a golden star along the path, to share its light with the next sojourner. One light at a time, the room is gradually filled with the warm glow of a whole community that has come together in reverence.
The part we adults play in this experience is very important, for it is we who must remember how wondrous this event is for the children and take care not to disturb the fragile feeling of awe they carry from it. Watch the children attentively as they walk the the path and you will sometimes see glimpses of the way they have chosen to live their life upon the earth. Some tiptoe, others skip, and each fills us with awe and respect.
We look forward to celebrating this beautiful event with you. Two Advent Spirals are planned-- one for Grades 1 - 8 and the other for our Kindergartens. See the article below for details on each. |
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The Advent Spiral Celebration for Grades 1 - 8
Sunday, Nov. 29th in the Festival Hall
The Advent Spiral is set up in the Festival Hall and takes place in the dark of evening. Please take your children to their classrooms by 5:30 pm. You may then find a seat in the Festival Hall. The children will be brought to the Festival Hall by their class teacher and will remain seated with their class through the evening.
It is appropriate for the children to dress up for this festive ceremony. However, because the children will be lighting candles and walking near them, we ask that long hair be tied back and that shirt sleeves and dress hems be close-fitting without ruffles or flounce.
The atmosphere of this festival is quiet, peaceful and reverent. Creating a quiet atmosphere at home and in the car before and after the ceremony enriches the experience. If younger children become restless during the grades' ceremony, please wait with them in a classroom until they are ready to return.
The Advent Spiral Celebration for Kindergarten
Tuesday, Dec. 1st in the Early Childhood Bldg.
8:40 am-- Miss Mary Lou's Kindergarten
9:40 am-- Miss Eileen's Kindergarten
11:30 am-- Miss Brenda's Kindergarten
Parents are invited to attend the Kindergarten Advent Spiral. Please be seated in the 4th early childhood room at the scheduled time. The children will arrive with their teacher and wait with her until it is his or her turn to walk the path. We will create a quiet, reverent mood for this festival. If younger siblings become restless, please wait with them in the hallway. As with the Grades' Spiral:
It is appropriate for the children to dress up for this festive ceremony. However, because the children will be lighting candles and walking near them, we ask that long hair be tied back and that shirt sleeves and dress hems be close-fitting without ruffles or flounce. |
| Thank You Screening Volunteers!
We'd like to say thank you to our wonderful hearing and vision screening volunteers: Marty Glanville (grandmother of Anthony, Gr. 2), Leah Chaillet-Hines (mother of Evan, Gr. 8 and Jack, Gr. 2), Nancy West (mother of Caroline, Gr. 7 and Caleb, Gr. 6), and Amy Martel and Christy Lillibridge (parents of Amani, K-EM). The testing went very well. Ann DePaolis-Jones, our school nurse, will send notices in the next few weeks to the parents of any students for whom she'd recommend further evaluation. |
| Bake Sale Goodies
Please drop-off your bake sale offerings on Thursday or Friday anytime during the day.
Cafe Brownies
Those of you who have signed up to bake brownies for the cafe may drop them off on Thursday or Friday. Brownies should be UNCUT and baked either in a disposable pan or one well-labelled with the owner's name. If you need a recipe, contact Amy Stephens.
Look for drop-off tables at the top of the stairs by the Parent Lounge! |
| Support MWS with a Matching Gift
"Give to the Max" Day: TODAY ONLY
Your gift 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 today, TUESDAY, NOV. 17th.
Any gift given between 8 am today, 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!)
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Picture Retakes: Wednesday, Nov. 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. |
Holiday Poinsettias on Sale Now
Orders Due Thursday, Nov. 19th
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 Thursday 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.
Take Home Instruments and Empty Those Coat Hooks Thursday!
To tidy and prep the school for the Holiday Fair, we need you to be sure your child takes home all extra personal belongings on Thursday. This means that 3rd - 8th graders should take their instruments home and that all students K - 8 clear off their coat hooks!
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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 Friday, Nov. 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. You must pre-register with Amy Stephens so we know how many children to expect. |
Holiday Fair is this Weekend: 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 posterand 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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Thanksgiving Family Assembly: November 25
Please join us for a Thanksgiving Family Assembly at 10 am on Wednesday, November 25th in the Festival Hall. After the assembly, families are invited to visit the classrooms. School will be dismissed at noon. There will be no Aftercare that day. Students in the 4th - 8th grades should bring their instruments. They will need them for the gathering. |
 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. |
| 7th Grade Handwork on Sale at Holiday Fair
Be sure to visit the 7th grade table for many beautiful handmade treasures including needle-felted animals and nature table dolls, batik silk scarves, beaded ornaments, plant-dyed play silks in many beautiful colors, crocheted bags from recycled shopping bags, hand-knit scarves, and embroidered and needle-felted fleece mittens. The 7th grade is also excited to offer Chico Bags, the reusable bag that folds up into itself for easy storage, in many different styles. We will have shopping, messenger, sling and tote bags. The perfect thing to hold your Holiday Fair purchases.
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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
Services of The Christian Community, also known as the Movement for Religious Renewal, a church inspired by the work of Rudolf Steiner, will be held on Sunday Dec 6 at the Minnesota Waldorf School. The Act of Consecration of Man for Adults will be at 10:30, preceded by a Children's Service for grades 1-8 and followed by a presentation on the Advent Season by Rev. Gisela Wielki and a potluck lunch. See attached announcement or contact Louise Ludford 952-238-0603 for details.
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 next monthly meeting of the Twin Cities' Branch of the Anthroposophical Society will take place Wednesday evening, November 18th from 6:00-9:00pm 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 7:00-9:00pm. Please note that the doors are locked, but press the buzzer and someone will let you in. | |
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Upcoming Events
11/17 Tue
Parent Handwork Due!
11/18 Wed
Picture Retakes
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
11/25 Wed 10 am
Thanksgiving Assembly
11/25 Wed
NOON DISMISSAL
11/26-29
Thanksgiving Break
NO SCHOOL
11/29 5:30 pm
Advent Spiral Grades 1 -8
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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:
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, 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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