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| News from the Minnesota Waldorf School |
February 23, 2010 | |
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Re-Enrollment Intentions Are Due
2010-2011 re-enrollment letters were sent to all current families over break and were due back February 22nd. If you have not already done so, please return your Pre-K/Kindergarten or grades re-enrollment intention form asap to reserve your child's place.
We will begin accepting new students this week. If you would like to email your re-enrollment intentions, cut and paste the appropriate form, from the above links, and email the completed form to Beth Amos at bamos@mnwaldorf.org.
Also, if you are hoping to enroll a younger sibling into Pre-K or Kindergarten, please drop-off an application as soon as possible! | |
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All classrooms will happily accept your donations of tissues. The late winter thaw brings lots of dripping! |
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Tuition Assistance Information & Reminders
Tuition assistance applications are due Tuesday, March 9th. As supporting documentation for your application, you must provide Beth Amos with a copy of your 2009 Federal tax return by April 15th. Tuition assistance packets and information were mailed to those families who currently receive tuition assistance. If your financial situation has changed and you would like to apply for tuition assistance for the 2010-2011 school year, please see Beth Amos for a packet. We encourage all families who need assistance to apply. |
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6th - 8th Grades Ski Trip: Friday, February 26
The 6th, 7th and 8th grades will head to Afton Alps this Friday for their annual Ski Field Trip. Parents who would like to chaperone or drive should contact their child's class teacher. |
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7th-8th Grade Dance Saturday
The 7th and 8th grades will host a beach party-themed dance on Saturday, February 27th from 7-10 pm. The 7th and 8th grades from the City of Lakes and Spring Hill Waldorf Schools are invited to attend. Students should dress for summer fun (no swimsuits, please) and expect an evening of tasty treats, fun music, dancing, frivolity and even a hula hoop contest! |
| Experience Waldorf: Saturday, March 20, 9:45 am - Noon
Back by Popular Demand: Experience Waldorf! Participants in our January session expressed a strong interest in attending a similar program with an extended question and answer time. Participants in the March 20th program will attend one class and thenmeet in the Festival Hall for a question and answer session about Waldorf and MWS.
Do you have a Waldorf or school question that you would like answered? If so, we want to hear from you! Just click here to send a question or write your question and put it in the box in the front lobby.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Experience Waldorf
9:45 - 10:00: Registration/Coffee
10:00 - 10:45: Take a class
10:45 - Noon: Plenum Discussion |
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Claudia Fontana Returns to Teach Eurythmy in April
We are delighted to announce that Claudia Fontana will return to MWS to teach a 7-week Eurythmy block for Kindergarten through 8th grade students beginning April 12th.
We are looking for a family to host Ms. Fontana during her stay. Please call the office, or speak with Noreen Fisher or Mary Lou Bala, if you are able to offer housing. |
The 2009-10 School Yearbook is in Production
Send Us Your Photos
The 8th Grade is beginning to put together the 2009-10 yearbook and welcomes your photo contributions. If you have photos, especially photos from field trips, class plays, or school events, that you could share, please email them to Vicki Dunlop or use info@mnwaldorf.org. If you prefer to copy your photos onto cd to share, you may drop them off with Amy Stephens. |
March 12th Student Concert to Benefit Haiti
This year's second and final Solo and Ensemble Concert, scheduled for Friday, March 12 at 7 pm in the Festival Hall, will be a fundraiser for earthquake victims in Haiti. Upper grades students suggested the idea and unanimously voted to accept it. Admission will be by donation.
For those new to the school, participation in the Solo and Ensemble Concert is voluntary. Students in the 4th through 8th grade are invited to perform a solo or get together some friends in a small ensemble (duet, trio, quartet, etc.) Students may play their stringed instrument, flute, recorder or perform vocally. (Participation as a vocalist begins in grade 5.) |
Important Tax Information
The Minnesota Independent School Forum would like to share some valuable tax information specifically for families with students in private/nonpublic K-12 schools. There is an information sheet on the MISF website and a link to it on our website. |
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Join Our Wednesday Morning Circle
Parents are invited to join in a communal Morning Circle EVERY Wednesday, beginning on February 24, at 8:30 am in the Handwork Classroom (located by the Administrative Office). Kristi Fackel, our Handwork Teacher, will lead parents in morning verse, make announcements or answer questions, and end with a song. |
Parent Handwork Group Time Change
To ensure that those parent handworkers who are interested in attending the new Wednesday Morning Circle do not face a time conflict, the Handwork Group Meetings will start at 9 am instead of 8:30 am from now on.
This includes the upcoming Needle-Felted Animals Lesson on Wednesday, February 24. |
Free Lesson: How to Make a Needle-Felted Animal
On Wednesday, February 24, 9 am to noon, parent Michelle Motto will teach parents how to make a felted animal in the MWS library. (This is the time when the Parent Handwork Group meets so you are welcome to join us even if you will be doing other handwork.)You may choose to make any animal; but an animal with which you feel familiar and a strong affinity, such as your pet, is recommended. Bring to the lesson:- a picture of your animal- wool roving in your desired color(s)- a felting needle- a foam felting pad- natural colored pipecleanersWool and needles are available to buy in the MWS store. Also, some shared supplies will be available for you to use that morning. Even if you are not able to find all the necessary supplies, please come. RSVP to Ting Ting Cheng before February 24 to give her a rough estimate of attendance. Questions? Contact Ting Ting Cheng at 651/492-9107 or tinglcheng@gmail.com.
Parent Handwork Teachers Sought
If you (or someone you know) has a specific handwork talent to share with school parents, please contact Ting Ting Cheng at tinglcheng@gmail.com or 651/492-9107. |
| New at the School Store
Stop in the school store and check out these wonderful new treats and treasures:
- Maple Valley organic maple candy
- Stockmar beeswax crayons: accessory color sets (include pink, brown, etc.), block crayons and stick crayons
- Long fiber wool roving in a variety of earth tones-- perfect for Wednesday's needle felting class!
- BT McElrath's boxes of Valentine's chocolate (dark or passion fruit) are reduced to $5.95 each
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Calling All Travelers
Each summer, our faculty attend Teacher Training at various colleges and institutes around the country. This training helps them plan their blocks for the next school year, deepen their education in Waldorf methods and philosophy and connect with colleagues from other schools for sharing, mentoring and building relationships. It is a significant part of a Waldorf teacher's preparation and the Teacher Development Committee strives to support these endeavors however possible.
To this end, we request that any parents who have frequent flier miles or points they are able to donate, contact either their class teacher directly or the school. These points/miles help offset teacher travel costs. |
How We "Experienced Waldorf"
by Sasha Graybill-Pauling
(On January 23rd), my husband and I had the pleasure of stepping into the Waldorf classroom, led by many of the schools recognizable teachers. I realized early on that the Waldorf education appealed to me on an instinctual level. I often experienced a burst of emotion as I witnessed the children singing in the hallways, participating in festivals and demonstrating confidence that I had not seen in many children.
The Experience Waldorf program was a rare opportunity to experience the depth of this education. To sit in the chairs of our children, to transport ourselves back in time and so boldly contrast our own education with the magical web that is being created at this school. We often hear about what Waldorf will not offer our children, accelerated reading, standardized testing, and a new teacher each year. However, after sitting in the classroom, led by knowledgeable teachers, it was clear what opportunities were being offered to our children! Specifically, knowledge that was enhanced by curiosity led to artfully educating the whole child.
I left the classroom wanting more, mourning the idea that we were not all able to have had such a wonderful education. Our only regret was that we could only choose two classes to participate in that morning. As we walked to our car Saturday afternoon we felt more confident in our choice of education. Each month we prepare a financial budget to pay our tuition expenses. Now we whole-heartedly believe that we are budgeting for an education that is so special and enriching that our dollars seem an inadequate compensation for such an education.
I hope to see more parents participate next year. I feel so strongly that this opportunity is so enriching. We could all benefit from time spent in a Waldorf classroom! We feel like we had the opportunity to crack open the door on a Waldorf class and both my husband and I are looking forward to opening the door further. Thank you to all of the teachers that participated in Experience Waldorf, we appreciate your time and commitment. |
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Frolic News: Host a Great Gathering
Watch your mailbox! The Frolic invitations will be arriving soon. If you can't wait to get yours, online registration has already begun! Visit TheFrolic.org to reserve your seat. Register by March 26th and pay last year's price. Reserve a table for 10 and bring your friends and family!
Great Gatherings are a fun way to meet other parents from our school or get together with your friends and let someone else do the work! They are also an amazing way to raise money for the school and our Great Gatherings co-chairs, Carole Anderson and Brock Christianson, have come up with some fabulous suggestions for you to offer as your own Great Gathering:
- Host a skating party with hot chocolate and treats
- Host a family kickball party with a grill out
- Summer fishing outing - fishing and cooking the catch of the day
- Provide a boat ride to watch fireworks from a lakeside view
- Lead a kayaking trip, moonlight walk, star gazing adventure, cave exploring tour, nature walk
- Lead a canoe trip down the St. Croix - providing canoe rental from Taylors Falls
- Share a unique craft project with a group of people at your home
- Or, your fabulous idea!
Do you already have a Great Gathering idea of your own? Fill out a donation form before March 17th so it can be included in our preview auction catalog.
Want to help with a Great Gathering but don't have an idea of your own? Or have an idea but need some help? Contact Carole or Brock so they can match you with the perfect co-host. |
| In Our Community
We extend our deepest sympathy to Donna, Kjell and Michelle (Gr. 4) Bergh as they grieve the loss of Donna's mother. |
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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
Novalis News:
Biodynamic Gardening with Dennis Dietzel
3 Evening Adult Lectures
Dates: Mondays, March 1, 8 & 15
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Location: Minnesota Waldorf School
Practical Garden Sessions for the Whole Family
Dates: Saturdays, May 1 & 15
Time: 9-11 a.m.
Location: 2954 Hamline Ave, Roseville, MN 55113
Total Cost: $75 per household
Introduction to Hauschka Wet-on-Wet Watercolor Painting with Donna Webb
Session 1
Dates: Tuesdays, March 9, 16, 23 & 30
Time: 9-11 a.m.
Location: Minnesota Waldorf School
OR
Session 2
Dates: Tuesdays, April 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: 9-11 a.m.
Location: City of Lakes Waldorf School
Cost: $120
Childhood Reflections to Enliven Your Parenting with Linda Bergh
Session 1
Date: Tuesday, March 23rd
Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: City of Lakes Wadorf School
OR
Session 2
Date: Wednesday, March 24th
Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Minnesota Waldorf School
Cost: $45 | |
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Upcoming Events
2/24 Wed 8:30 am
Morning Circle with Kristi Fackel
2/24 Wed 9 am
Parent Handwork:
Needle Felted Animals
2/26 Fri 9 am
6-8th Ski Trip
2/26 Fri
2nd Gr Field Trip
2/27 Sat 10 am
Kindergarten Open House
2/27 7-10 pm
7-8th Gr Dance
3/3 Wed 8:30 am
Morning Circle with Kristi Fackel
3/3 Wed 9 am
Parent Handwork
3/5 Fri
8th Gr Field Trip
La Boheme
3/9 Tue
Tuition Assistance Forms Due
3/9 Tue 7 pm
Board Meeting
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Friday Gatherings
On Friday afternoons
at 2:30 pm, grades 1-8
gather in the Festival Hall.
Students share songs, poems, and snippets of Main Lesson work.
Parents, friends and extended family are welcome to attend. |
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Parent Council Meeting Dates
All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. Refreshments served.
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Thursday, Mar 11 Thursday, Apr 15 Tuesday, May 18
Contact: Ben Richards
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Minnesota Waldorf School
Office: 651-487-6700
Fax: 651-487-6800
Aftercare:
612-309-1663 |
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School Store Hours
8:30 to 9 am
and
3:15 to 3:45 pm |
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Coffee & Tea Cart Hours
Monday - Friday
8:15 to 8:45 am
Fancy Coffee Drinks on Mondays! |
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.
** The soup label must include a UPC code **
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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).
Your child's teacher also 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! |
In the Parent Lounge,
you will find:
A binder of Weekly Updates
A Parent Lending Library of Waldorf and parenting books
Publications of interest to our families
Brochures and Business Cards for childcare, music lessons, real estate, etc.
A bulletin board for community announcements and classfieds.
Children's books & toys for entertaining younger siblings. |
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Pizza Days
Pizza Days for this session are:
Mar 3
Mar 10
Mar 17
Mar 24
Mar 31
If you pay by the week, please have your order in by Monday at 8:30 am. |
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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
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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