Your Weekly Update
 

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News from the Minnesota Waldorf SchoolSeptember 14, 2010
Welcome to our Update!

The Weekly Update is our school newsletter, sent every Tuesday afternoon. The Update is where you will find school news, a weekly calendar of MWS events, as well as listings of workshops, conferences, and family news items. The Classifieds section is the place for anything you want to buy, sell, trade, rent or advertise (50 word maximum). The deadline for all items is 2 pm Friday. Please e-mail items to Amy and Vicki at info@mnwaldorf.org. We reserve the right to edit articles and classified items as needed. An archive of Weekly Updates may be found on the website.
 
If you prefer to receive a paper copy of the Update, please let Amy Martel or Vicki Dunlop (in the Front Office) know. She will send it home with your youngest child each Wednesday. Paper copies are also available on the table in the front entry.
 
Welcome, New Students & Faculty!
 
We welcome all of our new students & their families:
 
Miss Brenda's Kindergarten: Bea, Alexandra, Zarah, Anouk, Sophia, Noka
Miss Eileen's Kindergarten: Brenna, Haley, Harry, Lucas, Ingrid, Elliott, Daniel, Bobby, Grace, Selina
Miss Mary Lou's Kindergarten: Natalie, Evelyn, Evan, Adeline, Grace, Emerson, Lillian, Owen
Ms. Holt's 1st Grade: Aaliyah
Mrs. Maier's 3rd Grade: Micah
Mrs. Lloyd's 4th Grade: Drake, Sean, Eleanor
Mrs. Garcia 5th Grade: 
Peter
Mrs. Kane's 6th Grade: Sophie
 
We're delighted to introduce our new faculty:
Ms. Vicki Dunlop, Student Services and Marketing
Ms. Amy Martel, Student Services and Coverage
Mr. Craig Wenberg, Building Manager
Ms. Amy Miller, Miss Eileen's Afternoon Assistant
Ms. Karen Stanko, Miss Eileen's Morning Assistant
Ms. Kerry Joly, Miss Brenda's Assistant
Ms. Kelsy Petrykowski, Coverage and Aftercare Lead
Ms. Chenoa Albertson, Aftercare Assistant
 
and those faculty returning to new positions: 
Mrs. Jennifer Holt, 1st Grade
Ms. Lauri Pierce, Admissions and Ensemble
Ms. Kristi Fackel, College Chair and Handwork
Ms. Johanna Garcia, Faculty Chair and 5th Grade
Farewell 
We would like to say farewell and best wishes to the following students:
 
Miss Brenda's Kindergarten: Lenon Reising-Storey
Miss Eileen's Kindergarten: Hal Beatty, Bobby Cooper-Mann, Annika Brelsford, Kendall Ellingson, Orion Sibley, Matea Speidell, Connor Werl
Miss Mary Lou's Kindergarten: Devon Brandt, Mason Mead
Mr. Weick's 1st Grade: Jason Speidell
Mrs. Maier's 2nd Grade: Annthony Fiorito
Mrs. Lloyd's 3rd Grade: Mira Mead, Lily Speidell, Sylvia McMillan
Mrs. Garcia 4th Grade:  Nathaniel Brelsford, Ethan Speidell, Michelle Bergh
 
Meeting Adolescence - All Parents Welcome
Please join us Saturday, September 25 from 10 - noon for a look at the joys and complexities of that rare time of life called adolescence. Presenters include upper grades teachers David Maier (8), Johanna Garcia (5), Debbie Kane (6) and Kirsten Riehle (7).
 
Topics Include:
The Arts as a Balm for the Adolescent Soul
Human Development and the Four Bodies
Growth of the individual in the Pursuit of Ideals 
Arts Workshops:
Physics - penetrating mysteries of nature with thinking
Perspective Drawing - perspective in art and thought
Speech & Drama - meeting emotional archetypes
Writing - expressions of soul
Wednesday Pizza Update
 
The 8th grade is in search of a new pizza provider.  If you know of a local pizza shop that delivers fresh (hopefully organic) ingredients at a reasonable price, please let Mr. Maier know.  All funds raised will go toward the 8th grade class trip.
 
 
Reminder: Children go to Extended Care Before 8:15 am & After 3:30 pm
 
For the safety of our students, children who arrive prior to 8:15 am must be accompanied by an adult or be enrolled in Beforecare. Drop-in Beforecare is billed at $6/hr or $3/30 min.
 
A member of the faculty or staff will wait in the entry with children dropped off after 8:15 am until the classrooms open at 8:20 am.
 
Likewise, any child not picked up by 3:30 pm, will be sent to Aftercare. Drop-in Aftercare is billed at $6/hour for the first hour and then at $1.50/15 min.  
 
The Aftercare phone number is 612-309-1663, available after 3:30 pm.
 
 
First Fool Parking Space is Reserved
 
Please remember that the  First Fool Parking Space is a reserved spot for the winner of the Frolic parking raffle.  The two parking spaces marked "Reserved Parking" and the "First Fool Parks Here" are reserved spaces that are raffled or auctioned off at the Frolic, our annual spring gala. If you wish one of them were your special spot, we'll happily sell you a chance or two to win one of them this Spring!
 
Keep Our Fire Zones Clear
 
It is imperative that we keep the sidewalk and circle areas in front of the school open and available for emergency personnel. If you plan to leave your vehicle even for a "moment," please park in the north lot or in one of the spaces east of the front circle.
 
The no parking zones are clearly marked. Take a minute to notice them the next time you're dropping off or picking up your child. Keeping these areas open and accessible keeps our community safe.

 
Kindergarten Cottage Parking
 
Kindergarten families should park in the front/main parking lots.  There will be a staff or volunteer to assist in bringing your children to the Early Childhood building.
Many, Many Thanks for a New Administrative Office Space!  Science and Woodworking Space Coming Soon!
 
So many people contributed to the planning, funding and building of the new Administrative office space space and we extend a hearty thank to all of you. 
 
Once again Bob Wander, our general contractor, and his construction crew were amazing and joyful workers.
 
A big thank you to Craig Wenberg, our new building manager, for all of the odds and ends that come with construction, as well as preparing the whole school for our first day: waxing floors, fixing doors, tending to the landscape and so much more.
 
Thank you to Dennis Jelcic, friend of the Dunlops, as well and Bruce and Vicki Dunlop for the many days of wiring the network and phones in the new space, as well as replacing existing wiring; and for their work upgrading and optimizing the school computers -
 
As soon as the Administrative Staff moves into its new space, construction will begin on the new Woodworking/Science class room.  We will be adding built-in countertops and tool storage, a door, and outdoor workspace, new science bench and outside exhaust.  The new space should be completed in a few weeks.
Last Chance to Advertise in the Parent Directory!  
 
This year's Parent Directory will once again include 'Pastel Pages' -- our version of a business directory. If your business appeals to Waldorf families, or you would like to make your services known to our community in an uncluttered environment, this is a great opportunity. Deadline to apply for advertising is Sept 17th!  For more information, download a form and fax it to 487-6800, or contact Marketing Coordinator at 651-487-6700 x244. 
 
 
No School Monday, November 1:  Faculty In-Service Day
 
We have now scheduled the date of our Fall Faculty In-service meeting.  Please note that there will be no school on Monday, November 1. This will be a joint faculty meeting with the City of Lakes and Spring Hill Schools.  We are still working on a date for the second In-Service meeting. 
 
 Parent Council Meeting Tueday, Sept 21st
 
All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend the Parent Council meeting on Tuesday, September 21st at 7 pm in the Handwork room. Join us for engaging discussions, hands-on education, important school news & refreshments!
 
Visit the School Store...
 
Back to School Sale at the School Store! 
Visit us at the store and receive 10% off your purchase now through Friday, September 17th!
 

Become a Cashier
Looking for a fun way to get involved at the school?  Volunteer as a cashier at the school store!  We sell unique toys, books, school and art supplies, handwork items, and seasonal gifts for your home.  Staffed by parent volunteers, all profits of the store benefit our school. 
 
Store Hours:
Monday-Friday from 8:30-9:00 am and 3:15-3:45pm
Wednesdays also open at noon. 
 
Come and visit us soon!
 
Contact: Teresa Reid
Take a Look at the Chinook Book
(formerly known as the Blue Sky Guide)
 
The 7th grade class will be offering Chinook Books this fall. The same Blue Sky Guide with a different name!  This year there is a coupon for $5 off activity tickets at the Holiday Fair!
Parent Morning Circle 
 
Parents and friends are welcome to gather on Wednesday mornings at 8:45am in the handwork room for morning circle.  We will read a short verse followed by a short meditation and then sing a song together to begin the day.
 
ANSWA Newsletter 
 
The latest issue of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) Newsletter is available online.  This newsletter keeps all those interested in Waldorf Education informed of the current events affecting Waldorf schools nationally and internationally.
 
 
 
Make a King Winter for Your Nature Table
 
Are you interested in getting together to make a King Winter figure? A few parents who have never done it before, including me, would like to try!  If you would like to join us or have experience making a King Winter figure, please contact Ting Ting Cheng at 651-492-9107 and let her know the best times for you to meet.
 
Parent Handwork Wednesdays 
Join other parents and relatives for social and creative fun on Wednesdays from 8:30 am to noon, beginning on September 15.  We will meet in the Early Childhood Room in the Kindergarten Cottage.  Everyone is welcome, regardless of skill level.  Parents may also bring their children to play in the room.
 
Bring your own project!  Come to meet people!   Peruse our new handwork library!   Or learn to make the featured project! 
 
Our current featured project will be gnomes that are impressive yet simple to make, using pipecleaners and felt.  Gnome samples are located near the front office and outside the Early Childhood Room.  All materials will be provided.  (If you make a gnome for yourself, consider making an extra one for the Holiday Fair fundraiser; but by no means is that a requirement.)
 
Our group's adopted grandmother, Marty Glanville, will return to teach knitting. 
 
Questions?  Contact Ting Ting Cheng at tinglcheng@gmail.com or 651/492-9107.
 
Library for Parent Handwork Books 
 
Beginning Wednesday, September 15, the new Parent Handwork Library will be up and running in the Early Childhood Room's coat closet.  Easy-to-follow instructions for checking out a book will be posted in the library.  Currently, a few books have been donated to the library but many of them are on loan, so please remember to return books as sonn as possible.
 
Questions?  Contact Ting Ting Cheng at tinglcheng@gmail.com or 651/492-9107.
 
Alumni News
   
If you can sign and dance, Matilda Buffum, MWS alumni, is looking for you.  Matilda is involved with  the Totino-Grace High School Elementary & Junior High Show Choirs.  If you love to sing and dance, consider joining the show choir OR come to the free concert on Sunday, November 14 at 7pm in the newly renovated Totino-Grace H.S. Theater.  See the flyer in the Parent Lounge for more information or to register for the choir.
 
Do you have news to share about a Minnesota Waldorf School alum? We always love to hear about our graduates.
 
Community News & Events 
 
FRIDAYS AT WONDERMENT IN LINDEN HILLS 
A free lecture and discussion series will be offered at Wonderment from 7-9pm, refreshments provided.  Adults only, registration preferred.  Please call 612-929-2707 for more information and to RSVP.
 
Childhood Reflections with Linda Bergh, Friday, September 17, 7-9pm
Imaginative Play with Kerry Miller, Friday, October 8th, 7-9pm
The Body's Role in Optimal Learning with Stephanie Johnson, Friday, November 5th, 7-9pm
 
FALL CLASSES THROUGH NOVALIS INSTITUTE
Novalis Institute is eager to announce our 2010-11 schedule. We invite you all to participate in the richness of our classes this year.  We have something to offer everyone, whether you seek personal development, artistic experiences, a deeper understanding of Rudolf Steiner's work, or a glimpse into your child's school life.  Participating in these classes brings an enlivened sense of community with those around you.  Please come!
 
Send an email with your name, address, phone and class to our Coordinator at info@novalisinstitute.org. Pay in full online via credit card on our registration page www.novalisinstitute.org  or mail a check with your name and class to Novalis Institute, 1908 41st Ave. N.E., Columbia Heights, MN  55421. Questions? Call 612.465.9582
 
Upcoming Classes:
Festival Life: Elena Orsak; Saturdays, Sept. 25, October 16, Nov. 13, Jan. 8, March 12, May 7 from 9 - 11:30am at City of Lakes Waldorf School
 
Biography: Linda Bergh; Saturdays - October 2 & 30, November 20, March 5, April 2, April 30 from 9am - 4pm at City of Lakes Waldorf School
 
The Meditative Journey: Linda Bergh; Fridays - October 1, 29, November 19, March 4, April 1, 29 from 7 - 10pm at 4315 Xerxes Ave S., Minneapolis, MN  55410
 
The Elements and the Temperaments: Donna Webb; Thursdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4 from 7 - 9pm at Center for Wholeness Studio, 4506 Valley View Road Edina, MN 55424
 
Beyond Chatter: Kim Snyder-Vine; Friday, October 22, 7-9 p.m., Saturday, October 23nd, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at City of Lakes Waldorf School
 
More information at www.novalisinstitute.org.
In This Issue
Welcome
Pizza Update
Extended Day Care
Fire Zones
Parent Directory
Faculty In-Service
Alumni News
Community News
Calendar of Events
Message
Message
Upcoming Events
    
9/17 Fri
Growing Together
9 - 11:30am
***************
 9/18 Sat
Kindergarten Parent
Orientation
10 - noon

3rd Grade Parent Meeting
10 - noon

1st Grade Parent Meeting
noon - 2pm
 ***************
9/20 Mon
4th Grade Parent Meeting
6:45 - 8:30pm
***************
9/21 Tue
Parent Council Meeting
7pm

3rd Grade Field Trip to
White Pine Orchard
9am - 2:30pm
**************
9/22 Wed
Parent Handwork
8:30am - noon
***************
9/23 Thurs
Growing Together
9 - 11:30am

8th Grade Parent Meeting
6:30 - 8pm
***************
9/24 Fri
Growing Together
9 - 11:30am
 ***************
9/25 Sat
Meeting Adolescence
10am - noon 
 

visit our Google calendar for more dates and event details.
MWS Sports

7th & 8th Grade Soccer (all games played on Fri)
 
9-17 at Ft Snelling G
4:30 MWS1
5:30 MWS2
 
9-24 at Ft Snelling G
4:30 MWS2
5:30 MWS1
 
10-1 at Ft Snelling G
4:30 MWS1
5:30 MWS2
 
10-8 at Ft Snelling G
4:30 MWS2
5:30 MWS1
 
10-15 at Ft Snelling C
4:30 MWS1
5:30 MWS2
 
10-18 at Arlington
4:30 MWS1 & MWS2
 
10-29 at Ft Snelling C
4:30 MWS2
5:30 MWS1
 
11-5 at Ft Snelling E&W
4:30 MWS1
5:30 MWS2
Minnesota Waldorf School

Office: 651-487-6700
Fax: 651-487-6800
Aftercare:  
612-309-1663
Quick Links
 
School Store Hours

 Monday - Friday
 8:30 to 9am
&
3:15 to 3:45 pm
 
Wednesday
 open at noon also 
Coffee & Tea Cart Hours

Monday - Friday
8:00 to 9:00 am
Parent Council Meeting Dates
All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. Refreshments served.
.....
 Tuesday, Sept 21
Additional dates coming soon. 
 
Ongoing
 Fundraisers
 
 
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 Label,  & Ink Cartridges in the Parent Lounge anytime.
 
 
 
 
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!