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Dear Friends,
In tandem with the exciting launch of AWSNA's new bookstore, we are delighted to learn that Dragon Boy, the wonderful novel by Donald Samson, was awarded First Place (Gold) in the Moonbeam Best First Books category. The Moonbeam Children's Book Awards are intended to bring increased recognition to exemplary children's books and their creators, and to support childhood literacy and life-long reading.
Dragon Boy, the first of the Star Trilogy, is the story of a boy who is orphaned
twice by the time he's nine. He's living on the streets and does not even know his
own name. He's not allowed to set foot in the one place he is determined to find work. To complete the disaster of his young
life, he's in love. The object of his affections is Star, an
immense, emerald-green dragon. But here good fortune finally smiles
on him:
Star is a Luck Dragon. Suddenly Dragon Boy is admitted as a barn boy into the elite Dragon Compound. He is given three warm meals a day, work, and even a name. And best
of all, Star takes him on as a secret apprentice.
The Moonbeam Best First Book award is a wonderful testament to Dragon Boy and to AWSNA publications. AWSNA publishes books that capture the imagination of children and
inspire in them a love of books, reading, and learning. We publish books tried
and tested in Waldorf schools and their communities- keeping children
engaged, enchanted, and filled with wonder.
Warm good wishes through the autumn!
Frances Kane Patrice Maynard Michael Soule
Administration Development & Outreach Programs & Activities
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International Day of Peace Honored
The Waldorf School of Princeton hosted the Folk Tale Puppet Troupe for a performance of "The Queen Bee", on Sunday, September 20 at 2:00p.m. This marionette show was offered free of charge in honor of International Day of Peace. Read more at Why Waldorf Works.
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10,000 Sign Petition to Scrap Assessment Tests in UK
More than 10,000 people have signed a petition urging the government to scrap Sats
tests in primary schools. Teachers have mounted a campaign to end the
tests and are threatening to boycott next year's unless the government
promises to end them. They say the focus on testing, and the league
tables the results feed into, have narrowed the curriculum and forced
teachers to teach to the test, undermining children's learning.
"Abolish Sats," says author Michael Rosen. 'They're utterly useless and
they drive children, teachers and parents nuts.' Read more Why Waldorf Works
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The Classroom of the Future
Several
months ago, Architecture for Humanity put designers all around the
world to the test in their 2009 Open Architecture Challenge for the
Classroom of the Future. The mission? Address the unique issues that
schools everywhere are facing in order to provide innovative,
cost-effective and sustainable learning spaces for students. Over 400
entries were submitted. The Founders' Award was given to the
Corporación Educativa y Social Waldorf (Waldorf Educational and Social
Corporation) in Bogota, Columbia. Designed by Arquitectura Justa, the
space is unwalled with a central terrace to act as an open-air
classroom. The building itself is infused with natural daylight and
constructed from natural materials with a strong focus on sustainable
design. Read more at Why Waldorf Works.
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Upcoming Events
AWSNA Summer Conference Dates AnnouncedSAVE THE DATE
June 22 - 25, 2010: Decatur, GA
Building the Bridge to Adolescence, sponsored jointly by The Waldorf School of Atlanta and Academe of the Oaks. More information coming soon! More events can be found at Why Waldorf Works.
You are welcome to send us Waldorf-related
events for posting on our web site.
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AWSNA provides leadership to schools by facilitating resources, networks and research as they strive towards excellence and build healthy school communities. The Association performs functions that its member schools and institutes could not do alone, including:
· Outreach and advocacy
· Accreditation and school support services
· Professional development activities
· Research and publications
Please contact us if you have any questions about AWSNA or this newsletter.
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