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| News from the Minnesota Waldorf School |
March 16, 2010 | |
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Parent Council Media Awareness Project
The Parent Council is beginning a new initiative to heighten awareness of the presence of media in our community. We will offer Information concerning media and its effects on our families. We are all aware of the increasing societal pressure to become media savvy at an earlier and earlier age. By openly discussing this topic, the Parent Council hopes to help our community come together to preserve and support the wonder of childhood.
At our next meeting on April 22nd (please note: new date), David Maier, 7th grade teacher, will lead a discussion on Media Awareness. We invite everyone to attend.
Here are some quick facts to get you thinking:
- Research now indicates that for every hour of television children watch each day, their risk of developing attention-related problems later increases by ten percent. For example, if a child watches three hours of television each day, the child would be thirty percent more likely to develop attention deficit disorder. --- D. Christakis, Pediatrics, April 2004
- One in four children under the age of two years has a TV in his or her bedroom. --- Zero to Six: Electronic Media in the Lives of Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers, Kaiser Family Foundation and the Children's Digital Media Centers, 2003
- In 1975 only 11% of US households had more than 3 televisions...and 57% only had 1! Now 50% of American homes have at least 3 televisions or more and 19% of homes have only 1. --- Nielson, 2006
- The average American home has the television on for well over 8 hours every day. That is an hour more than just a decade ago. --- Nielson, 2006
- The average American watches 4 hours and 35 minutes of television each day. --- Nielson, 2006
- Today, 8-18 year-olds devote an average of 7 hours and 38 minutes (7:38) to using entertainment media during a typical day (more than 53 hours a week). And because those children spend so much of that time 'media multitasking' (using more than one medium at a time) they actually manage to pack a total of 10 hours and 45 minutes (10:45) worth of media content into those 7½ hours. --- Kaiser, 2010
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MWS Board Update by Tom Halverson, Chair
We are pleased to introduce two new board members. Sue Campbell, mother of Max (7th), Nora (2nd), and Bruno (class of 2009), has joined the Board as the chair of our newly re-established Enrollment Committee. Tom Steinmetz, father of Gabriel (3rd) and Maeve (1st), has joined the Board as chair of the Development Committee. Tom has been leading the Capital Campaign, and he is replacing outgoing Development Chair, Kevin Schmidt. We are deeply grateful to Kevin for his vision and dedication to our school, and we are pleased that he is willing to continue to help in development efforts.
Board committee membership is a fun and easy way to get involved in school governance. You do not need to have expertise to participate on one of these committees, just a willingness to help share in the good work of the school. These committees typically meet once a month. If you think you might be interested in joining, talk to the committee chair, to me, or to our administrator, Melinda Lopes.
The Building Committee (Chair, Sarah Homstad) works with the administration to ensure maintenance of the existing facilities and to provide leadership for future building and grounds projects. The Landscape Committee is a subcommittee of the Building Committee which plans and executes landscaping and gardening projects.
The Development Committee (Chair, Tom Steinmetz) seeks financial resources in support of the school and ensures that fund-raising activities are compatible with the expressed needs of the community. The committee oversees the Annual Fund and the Capital Campaign.
The Finance Committee (Chair, Tim Kane) monitors and ensures the financial health of the school. The committee recommends the budget, tuition levels, and financial guidelines and policies to the Board. The Tuition Assistance Committee is a subcommittee that oversees tuition assistance based on financial need.
The Enrollment Committee (Chair, Sue Campbell) is an ad-hoc committee formed to work with faculty, staff, and parent volunteers to oversee and support the enrollment, outreach, and marketing activities at the school.
I also want to thank the other members of the Board of Trustees for their important work. They are Mary Lou Bala (College Chair), Brenda Haak (Faculty Chair), Kevin McGrath, Suzanne McMillan, Lael Nelson (alumnus), Melinda Lopes (Administrator), Ben Richards (Parent Council Chair), and Peter Schmit (Secretary).
Feel free to contact any of us with questions, concerns, suggestions, or ways that you can help support the education of our children.
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Fifth Grade Sock Walk
The Fifth Graders have completed their socks, and in celebration, we took the annual Sock Walk through the school. Students visited the grades' classrooms and descended upon the administration offices, as well. The children are very proud of their accomplishments, and are now onto the next project: a design-your-own cable hat. Be on the lookout for many intricate cable patterns! You'd think I would be used to their amazing abilities by now, but they continue to surprise me, and I am gratified by their enthusiasm!
Did you know that the knitting socks supports the development of three-dimensional thinking? Knitting in the round necessitates the turning of a heel which supports the ability to visualize in 3D! The 5th grade Handwork curriculum intentionally supports the children's main lesson work in geometry.
Kristi Fackel
Handwork Teacher
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AWSNA March Inform Newsletter Available
'Inform' is a publication sent by the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) to all the affiliated Waldorf schools in its membership to keep parents, teachers, board members, alumni, and all those interested in Waldorf Education informed of the current events affecting Waldorf schools nationally and internationally. You may read the latest newsletter on our website www.mnwaldorf.org. |
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MWS Summertime Family Camping Trip
Mark your calendars now for the annual Waldorf Family Camping Trip. The dates are Father's Day weekend Fri., June 18th to Sun., June 20th. This is a wonderful MWS tradition- a family camp outing for MWS families and friends at beautiful Whitewater State Park. There is (ice-cold) swimming and hiking at a mosquito-free park (honest, it is!). Whitewater State Park is +2 1/2 hours from the Twin Cities just west of Wabasha. We reserve a primitive group campsite and camp all together in a circle of tents. It is a lot of fun and often our site is filled to capacity so make your plans soon. Hobo pies, s'mores, a hand-pump for water, campfire singing, star-gazing, tadpole-catching are some of our favorite parts of the trip. Carole Anderson coordinates this trip. Reserve your spot with or ask your questions of her at 651-430-1825. |
| Experience Waldorf: Saturday, March 20, 9:45 am - Noon
Participants in the March 20th program will attend one class and then meet in the Festival Hall for an extended question and answer session about Waldorf education. As of now, the schedule, classes and teachers are as follows:
9:45 Registration/Coffee
10:00 Take a class:
Ms. Johanna Garcia - Math
Mr. Gideon Weick - Movement as a Foundation for Learning
Mr. David Maier - History
10:45 Plenum Discussion
Do you have a Waldorf or a specific 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 on a slip of paper and put it in the box in the front lobby. We look forward to hearing from you. |
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The Frolic Online Auction Starts March 29 at 7am
With over 100 unique items and great deals already entered, our online auction is ready to browse! Spa packages, dance and theater tickets, family venues, sporting events, jewelry and more!
New This Year!
More Items Online: This year we are putting more of the Frolic auction items online. With most items online, you'll have more time at the Frolic Auction Gala and Dance to browse select silent auction items (including the popular student artwork), enjoy the appetizers, beverages and conversation. So don't miss out, check out the great deals and unique items online!
Great Gatherings Online: This year we are offering half of the Great Gathering spaces for purchase online; just look for the "GG" categories.
Online Auction Access at School: Stop by the Parent Lounge during the week of March 22 (between 8:30 & 9:30am and 2 & 3:30pm) to preview online items in-person, learn how to register and bid or just use the computers to browse the catalog. Print catalogs will also be available to peruse.
Online Auction FAQs
1. Do I have to register to browse the Online Auction?
No, you don't have to register to browse. Feel free to browse any and all the items online with no registration necessary.
2. Do I have to register to bid in the Online Auction?
Yes, you do have to register to bid. Registration is secure and easy. Have your credit card handy during registration, as this will be the card that is charged when you win an item.
3. How can I become an Online Auction sponsor?
Becoming an auction sponsor is a great way to support our school while gaining valuable visibility within our community and nationwide. Just go to the Frolic Online Auction and click on the "Become a Sponsor" box at the bottom of the page.
4. How can I donate to the Online Auction?
Donating an auction item is another great way to support our school while gaining valuable visibility within our community and nationwide. Just go to the Frolic Auction and click on the ticket labeled "Donate an Item".
5. What is a Great Gathering?
Great Gatherings are classes or special opportunities that you sign up for individually and pay a set price. These are one-of-a-kind offerings from businesses and community members such as specialty dinners, wine tastings, pool parties and even juggling classes. Many are offered year after year and become so popular they sell out quickly! For more information, go to the Frolic Auction and click on the ticket labeled "Donate an Item".
Help us make our Online Auction the best ever by sending online auction information to your friends and family! There are lots of great deals on theater tickets, family fun packages, music, sports and more!
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| School Store News: Sunscreen & Spring Fun
Springtime gifts and toys are arriving at the school store. Look for kites, silks and items for your spring nature table.
Next time you swing bythe store to grab BT McElrath chocolates, check out the beautiful and very reasonably priced silver and stone jewelry-- earrings, necklaces and pendants.
If spring break will see you someplace warm and sunny, stock up on sunscreen from Purple Prairie Botanicals This marvelous locally-produced, all-natural product comes highly recommended. Samples are available.
SunStuff SPF 15 Lotion will protect from sunburn and moisturize at the same time. We start with our organic olive oil lotion and add 10% zinc. Shea butter & Jojoba oil which is believed to contain natural sun protection as well. Blocks UVA and UVB rays. Unscented. 100% Natural, biodegradable and environmentally safe. Meets the rigid standards for sunscreen allowed in the protected coral reef lagoons of Mexico.
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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. |
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Welcome and Congratulations
We are delighted to congratulate Lizbet and Daniel Franc on the March 11th birth of their daughter. Congratulations also to her big brothers Benjamin (K-MLB) and Gabriel (K-EM). |
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Alumni News
Bruno Povejsil (MWS Class of '09) was named Student of the Month at the Agriculture Food Science Academy (AFSA) for February. He also made the A-honor roll and is busy on the basketball team. He'd love to host any interested MWS student who'd like to shadow at AFSA.
Kudos to Ali Riehle (MWS Class of '03)! Photos from her study-abroad experience in India this winter were chosen for display at the University of Wisconsin-Stout gallery. Ali is currently a Junior studying Industrial Design with an emphasis on Sustainable and Environmental Design. One of her photos:
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
Books Wanted
Are your bookshelves overflowing with books your children have outgrown? The Neighborhood House, a St. Paul organization that helps immigrants and low-income individuals integrate into society, connect with community and achieve a better quality of life, needs children's books appropriate for ages 3-8. Michelle (Gr 4) has worked with The Neighborhood House and is organizing a book drive for them. If you have good condition books you would like to donate, please bring them in between now and March 29th. We will have a collection box in the front lobby. Thanks for your help!
Intro to Biography: Highly Recommended
Please join beloved local teacher Linda Bergh for a single morning introduction to Biography, inspired by our children. Participants who have done this work have described it as transformational, with one student recently stating, "I gained many insights by consciously journeying into my past, and from there was able to freely and playfully create a vision for my life."
You may find all of our current classes and registration information on our home page at http://novalisinstitute.org/. Questions? Call 651.489.2060 or email info@novalisinstitute.org.
Come and see how awareness of your life and journey can awaken you to your children. This class provides a chance to experience how opening to your biography can further your understanding of your children and awaken more capacities as a parent. This will be a single 3 hour class offered during school hours.
Linda Bergh, a core teacher at Novalis Institute, has been teaching Biography in our community for over a decade. This class is a new opportunity to have a one time experience of the biography work, focused through our children.
Session 1
Date: Tuesday, March 23rd
Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: City of Lakes Wadorf School
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Session 2
Date: Wednesday, March 24th
Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Minnesota Waldorf School
Cost: $45
City of Lakes Waldorf School Dance for 7th & 8th Grades
You're invited! Saturday, April 17 from 7-10 pm. DJ and dancing at CLWS for 7th and 8th graders. $10 admission at the door. City of Lakes Waldorf School is located at 2344 Nicollet Ave. S. Minneapolis 55404. Submit music requests to cbmcenery@yahoo.com. They will be forwarded to the DJ before the dance.
Wilderness Camps for Children
Several catalogs for summer wilderness camps have arrived at school recently. We would like to make these available to parents and have placed copies in the Parent Lounge for you to read. Since there is only one of each, please copy the information you need and leave the catalog for others' reference. Links to the various camps are included here:
Waypoint: www.northwaters.com/waypoint
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Upcoming Events
NO BUSES
3/12 Fri 7 pm
Solo Ensemble Concert
3/17 Wed 8:30 am
Morning Circle with Kristi Fackel
3/17 Wed 9 am
Parent Handwork
3/17 Wed 7pm
8th Gr Parent Mtg
3/22 Mon 6:45 pm
6th Gr Parent Mtg
3/23 Tue 6:45 pm
5th Gr Parent Mtg
3/24 Wed 8:30 am
Morning Circle with Kristi Fackel
3/24 Wed 9 am
Parent Handwork
3/24 Wed 6:30 pm
1st Gr Parent Mtg
3/26 Fri 2 pm
6th Gr Class Play at Gathering
3/26 Fri 7 pm
6th Gr Class Play
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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, Apr 22
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
*NEW*
Wednesdays
12-12:45 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:
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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