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Susan Starr's nursery: eight of these children
are in WSP's Class of 2010.  |
We
found the Waldorf
School almost by
accident, through an ad in the local paper. We went, tentatively, to an open
house. There was an instant sense of
recognition, a feeling of homecoming. We never did make it to any of the other
schools' open houses, but enrolled Nicola, then 2 1/2 years old, into the
parent-child program in Hopewell.
It was the last year of the millennium.
Over the course of a decade, we have
watched both our children grow, unfold, and flower in the rich environment of
the school, built with painstaking care and love by the many teachers, each an
exceptional human being. In the early years, I used to say that loving your
child is part of their job description. But in time, as I saw more of the
teachers and started to get glimpses of what goes on behind the scenes, I
started to realize that they operate from a truth within their hearts from
which naturally spring the meticulous attention, the endless hours they devote
to class prep, the love and friendship they give to our children.
The school is suffused with that
truth. I also used to say--and this I
still say--that nothing happens here that can be labeled "fake." There are no "kiddie" crayons: the
children, from the nursery to the eighth grade, create their art with
artist-quality materials. They work in a real garden that is deeply and truly
nurturing in every way. They experience the real weather. They perform real
plays. Everything they learn in the classroom comes to them through experiences
in the real world, from jumping rope all the way to chemistry experiments. You
know, I had no idea how much truth can be revealed through a single bean bag.
Most of all, our teachers nurture a sense
of community, a feeling that we have a place in the world. My family tends toward
the cerebral, but at this school all four of us are learning that just a good
head won't get you very far without diligent hands and an open heart.
My family's journey at the school, thank
goodness, is not over: our younger daughter, Katy, still has quite a few years
ahead here. But the eighth graders, Nicola among them, are coming to closure in
these weeks. Their yearbook pages show photos of them as babies and tiny tots;
they have now become tall, capable, well-balanced young men and women who look
into their future with open eyes, open minds, and open hearts. I hope you find
time to join us under the tent for the graduation ceremony on June 6, to wish
them well on their onward journey. I'll be there with my box of tissues.
Tineke Thio, WSP parent of Nicola Faas '10
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DON'T MISS THESE EXCITING EVENTS! |
| End-of-Year Assembly
Saturday,
June 5, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Princeton High School Auditorium
151
Moore Street
Princeton, NJ 08540
Please join us
for this event, which offers a glimpse into the wonderful things our children
have learned during the year. The assembly is a morning filled with not-to-be-missed
student performances in grades one through eight. All grade school
children are asked to arrive no later than 9:15 a.m. and to join their classes
at that time. Children who are playing stringed instruments need to come at
9:00 for tuning. Please leave some extra time for parking and entry into the
high school. Early Childhood families are encouraged to attend!
For
more information about the assembly, including guidelines for attire and directions
to Princeton High School, click here.
Class
of 2010 Graduation
Sunday,
June 6, 1:30 p.m.
What's next for WSP's latest crop of graduates?
KatieLeigh
Cirianni-Jones: Hopewell
High School
Madison
Davis: Princeton High School
Nicola
Faas: Princeton High School
Corrie
Gray: The Pennington
School
Emma
Greenspan: Westtown
School
Moses
Heberlein: Solebury
School
Bhavani
Jaikaria: George School
Sienna
Jones: Lawrence High School
Dylan
Karchere-Sun: South
Brunswick High
School
Michael
Kerr: Monadnock Waldorf School
High School
Katherine
Kuntz: Council Rock North
Megan
McGahren: George School
Starting Friday, June 4, the graduating students will display their work in the grade school hallway for all to view. Please stop by to experience their journey!
First Grade Play:
"The Devil with the Three Golden Hairs"
Tuesday, June 8,
9 a.m. (Grade School performance) 6:30 p.m. (Parent/Community performance)
St. John's Bonfire
Thursday,
June 24, 8 p.m.
Since
many customs of midsummer festivals blend with aspects of St. John's life, these celebrations have
become interwoven around the world. While wind and air (think of the birds
returning and ribbons flying around the Maypole) are the themes and symbols of
spring and Whitsun, the Summer Solstice and the Feast of St. John emphasize the
sun-the element of fire.
Bonfires
express the essence of the Midsummer and St.
John's feast-connecting to the wisdom of the spirit
through light. They allow us to fully feel the warmth and power from both above
and within.
Rise up O flame
By thy light glowing
Show to us beauty,
visions and joy.
Families
are welcome to participate in this wonderful community tradition: Enjoy the truly magical midsummer fire at night, and watch the expression
of awe and amazement on the children's faces as the flames dance and jump. Join
hands to leap over the flames and take the opportunity to transform the past,
to "burn up" old, unwanted elements of your own nature. Then, return home with
glowing images that will nurture your dreams.
Please refrain from bringing cell
phones, iPods, cameras, or other devices to this school event. Proceed with due caution,
of course, and make sure your children are safe around the fire.
Please visit our online calendar for a full listing of events.
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SCHOOL NEWS
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Welcome to the World, Baby Peter!
Congratulations to Jeff and Stephanie Marshall on the birth of their son, Peter,
back in March. Cecelia, a student in Sarina Cirianni-Jones's kindergarten class,
is now a big sister!
Grandparents' & Special
Friends' Day
We
welcomed more than 100 guests to our annual Grandparents' and Special Friends'
Day on May 14; a combination of grandparents, relatives, special friends, and
parents were here to join in our kindergarten classes' May festival
celebrations and to enjoy the grade school mini assembly and visits to the
classrooms. Many thanks to our teachers for their work in preparing for this
special event and to our students for their presentations. Thanks also to Siobhan
Darrow and Audrey Maest for providing home-made refreshments; to Ondy Wasem for
her help with parking; to Susan Mania and Kimberly
Trent for taking photographs; and to Jennifer Murray, Chi Park,
and Shawn Tepper-Levine for registering guests in the kindergarten classes.
Four
Seasons Auction
The
Four Seasons Auction was a successful
fund-raiser for our school. With all income and expenses accounted for now, we
are pleased to announce that the auction raised $20,000. This is the first time
our school community has attempted to hold an auction in two consecutive years.
Thanks again to all who made this important event possible!
One Month to Go for Our
2009-2010 Annual Fund Campaign!
Kudos
to our first and eighth grade classes for being the first to reach 100 percent
family participation! To date, 65 percent of our current families have made
gifts and pledges to the Annual Fund. There's still time to make your gift or
pay your pledge by Visa or MasterCard online or by mailing it to the school.
Currently,
we've raised $83,939 in gifts and pledges (payable by June 30) toward our
$115,000 goal.
Gifts
to our Annual Fund are coming in every size, and from many different
individuals:
- 35%
from current parents (includes employees who are current parents)
- 32%
from alumni parents (includes employees who are alumni parents)
- 11%
from alumni
- 9%
from current and former grandparents
- 5%
from current and former employees (excluding current/alumni parents)
- 5%
from friends
- 3%
from businesses
- and
1 gift from a current student!
Thanks
to all for making this a successful year of fund-raising for WSP! We still hope
to get 100% participation from all classes!
Did You Try Our Online Surveys?
This is a last reminder for alumni parents and alumni to please complete our recent surveys; the alumni parents survey is here, and the alumni survey is here.
Each survey only takes a few moments of your time, and your answers will greatly help support our ongoing communication efforts!
May Fair
Thank
you to all the parents, faculty, and students who supported the May Fair this
year. It was truly spectacular to see the children embracing all the activities
and celebrating springtime. It is these festivities that make our community
special and we appreciate everyone who made the festival so successful.
Sara Young Singh
From the School Store
Thank you to all who donated to our annual rummage sale. We
had very generous donations and raised $530 for our school! Anyone who
donated to the rummage sale, please stop by the school store and receive 25%
off your next purchase!
The rummage sale at May Fair will be an annual event, so
please start saving for next year. You can even bring in your donations now and we
will store them for you. So save all of your Waldorf-inspired
toys, eco-friendly items, children's raingear, woolens, etc., and donate them.
This is an easy and environmentally conscious way to raise money for our
children's education and for our school.
ON SALE NOW: ALL SmartWool - Buy 2 or more items and get 20%
off!
Murder Mystery Dinner Tickets Still Available
This year's
second grade class parents will host a Murder Mystery dinner for 20-40 people
at the Historic McGahren Barn on October 23, 2010, where you are the star and
help figure out whodunit! Guaranteed to be the bee's knees! Bring your beverage
of choice and be sure to come dressed in 1920s attire.
Tickets are
$60 each and can be purchased by contacting Diane Barlow,
609-466-1970, x115, dbarlow@princetonwaldorf.org.
Summer Camp
There are
a limited number of spaces still available for Summer Camp! Visit us online to download a camp brochure
and registration form. Please e-mail inquiries to summercamp@princetonwaldorf.org.
Check out our specialty camps for 9- to 18-year-olds. New this year is "Waldorf-Inspired Art" taught by Peter Sheen.
Reminder: Please complete and return camp medical forms and
2010 school emergency forms ASAP!
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FROM THE OFFICE
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Enrollment Agreement Reminder
Friday, June 11, is the last day to withdraw (in writing) your enrollment agreement and the financial commitment for the 2010-11 school year. After this date, enrollment agreements are binding for the full amount of yearly tuition.
2010-11 Back-to-School Forms Have Been Mailed!
Remember to complete your forms now and return them to the office before the end of this year. Questions? Contact Solveig Pearson, registrar, at spearson@princetonwaldorf.org, or call 609-466-1970, x114.
Last Day for Early Childhood Students
The last day
of school for the early childhood will be Thursday, June 10 (9-11:30 a.m.).
Last Day Is Field
Day for Grade School Students
The
last day of grade school is Friday, June
11. On this special day, students gather together for mixed-age relays and
fun from 10:45 a.m. to noon. Parents are welcome to come and enjoy the
event in the lower field. Please remember, pickup on the last day is at
12:40!!
End-of-Year
Reports for Grade School Students
Teacher
reports portray an insightful picture of each grade school student's work for
the year. Generally, end-of-year reports are intended for parents alone and are
only to be shared with students when suggested by the child's teacher. Reports
will be mailed after the close of school. For families with an outstanding
account balance, reports will be withheld until payment has been fulfilled.
Meanwhile,
parents are encouraged to acknowledge and rejoice in their children's year of
grade school. Together with your child, it is wonderful to take the time to
review and celebrate the hard work s/he put into each of her/his main lesson
books, sculptures, paintings, handwork projects, etc. Keep in mind that each
student's work reflects a moment in time of the ongoing learning process, and
children should not feel pressured to recall details about their work.
Enrichment
Thank-Yous
Without
such fabulous and dedicated teachers to conduct our after school enrichment
sessions, we would not have so many rich and varied programs to enjoy. Here is
a list of the people that have contributed throughout the year:
- Jessica
Alfaro: Community Singing
- Jason
Canard: Adult Eurythmy
- Children
of the Earth Foundation: Nature Camps
- Sean
Cirianni-Jones: Woodworking
- Kristen
Daley: Adult Handwork
- John
Hunt: Fort Building in the Woods
- Bella
Jaikaria: Circus
- Carol
Kehoe: Acting
- Francoise
Nelessen: Kindergarten Craft
- Mollie
Rose: Candle Dipping, Adult Bal-A-Vis-X
- Herb
Saperstein: SSAT Prep
- Peter
Sheen: Adult Tennis
- Lorraine Shiarappa: Grade School Craft
- Gail
Trautz: Felting
- Sharon
Vecchiarelli: Cooking
- Shirley
Wang: Chinese, Celebrate China
- Ondria
Wasem: Keyboarding
- Jamie
Watson: Morris Dancing
- Stony
Brook Watershed: Outdoor Naturalists
New
Faculty
We
are pleased to announce Stephanie Packer as our new Grade School After School Program
Teacher for next year. Ms. Packer graduated with distinction with a BA from University of Michigan in organizational studies.
Following her degree, Ms. Packer became a human capital analyst, after which
she realized she would rather teach people something that would add more meaning
and value not only to their lives, but also her own.
She
spent the past two years in Seville,
Spain, where
she found the value and meaning that was lacking in her first job. She taught
English immersion courses and assisted primary school teachers in developing
bilingual courses and extracurricular activities.
Ms.
Packer spent a summer working with Mrs. Phinney at Orchard Farms, which sparked
her interest in Waldorf education. In researching education alternatives, she
was impressed to find the Waldorf approach had an emphasis on creative paths rather than standardized
tracks.
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FROM THE BOARD
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Update on Space
Planning, from the Board of Trustees
On May 24, the
Board of Trustees reported to a community meeting on plans to evaluate and
decide on expanding teaching space to be completed over the next two years.
The school's
most pressing needs include an additional space for Early Childhood/three-day
nursery and Parent-Child class by September 2010, and an additional teaching
space by September 2011. Beyond that, we need a consolidation of work already
underway in the Red Barn, or Tractor Shed, a re-organization of storage space,
and a change of use for the two barns near the road.
Over the past
year, members of an energetic task force on the Board, led by David Turnbull
and Jennifer Bryson McGahren, have diligently plowed through a series of tasks,
closely examining the existing structures and evaluating space needs that
support enrollment growth, engaging an attorney and a site plan engineer,
reviewing and re-drawing a Master Plan to be submitted to Montgomery Township,
getting input from the College of Teachers, and meeting with the local Zoning
Board, not to mention answering a lot of questions from the rest of the
school's Board. The task force has also sought input from the Finance and
Development committees.
The task force
saw the advantage of converting the room on the second floor of the Golden
House, where the School Store is now, into a space for Early Childhood/Nursery
for the 2010-11 school year. It is has been used for such a purpose before and
can be ready in September. The location for the School Store has not been
finalized.
Securing the
additional teaching space is a little more complex. Any construction of new space
requires a revised Zoning Resolution, and that first requires an application,
and THAT first requires the submission of a new Master Plan that can provide a
context for long-term (5-10 year) plans. So the task force, with input from
lawyer and engineer, drew up a new Master Plan. Though its title makes it sound
kind of immutable, the Master Plan is actually just an illustration of how the
school may want to use space. It essentially gives us the option of finding new
uses for buildings that already exist, such as the Red Barn, the Crib Barn and
the English Barn, really beautiful old structures that feel essential to the
atmosphere of the campus, but that can only be used for storage at the moment.
The Plan also needs to include any possible new additions to existing
buildings, or new structures. In short, all serious options need to be in the
plan. We feel that this plan leaves us with a lot of flexibility in our future
growth.
The new Master
Plan was posted at the meeting, and a copy is now up on the wall at the Golden
House, in case anyone wants to see it. It's pretty cool. It shows areas
adjacent to the Golden House and the Grade School that could become new
teaching spaces in the future, and a cluster of teaching spaces around the
tractor shed at the end of the Grade School building. At the meeting on May 24,
the Board voted to approve the Master Plan for submission to the Zoning Board.
The next step,
to be achieved over the next month, is to get price estimates for various
possible additions to the Grade School and/or conversion of the Tractor Shed to
make two attractive teaching spaces. One possibility is to upgrade of the
Tractor Shed to make a new teaching space, adding a furnace room, bathrooms and
a rotunda-shaped addition that could be constructed with ease and without undue
expense. The other is to make a two-story addition at the end of the Grade
School building.
During this
process, our guiding principle is to look at ways of making new teaching spaces
that are practical, attractive, durable, and economically viable. We are very
conscious of the need to mind costs, and we do not want to commit the school to
long term financial burdens. We want to make the best short-term decision that
is also a very viable long-term decision. Once options are finalized, the Board
will examine them and authorize the Task Force to proceed with a definitive
site plan. That will then be submitted to the Zoning Board. Once it is
approved, the school will commit to a start date for construction that allows
for a completion date of August 15, 2011. The Board intends to keep everyone
posted on our progress, and as we go forward, we welcome suggestions, comments
and wisdom from our community.
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NEWS FROM OUR ALUMNI
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| Young Alums Gathered in NYC for Inaugural
"Young
Alumni Night" on April 29
This
event drew close to 80 people from seven northeast Waldorf/Steiner schools,
including alumni from the Waldorf School of Garden City, the Great Barrington
Rudolf Steiner
School, the Green
Meadow Waldorf
School, the Hawthorne
Valley School,
the Kimberton Waldorf School,
the Rudolf Steiner School of New York City, and the Waldorf School of
Princeton. Read more here!
WSP Alumnus Available for Babysitting This Summer
Victoria
Albert '06 is looking to babysit this summer before she heads off to Barnard College in the fall. Over the summer
she'll be living at home in Pennington. Her contact information is victoria.g.albert@gmail.com, or (609) 658-8231.
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SUMMER READING
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| Seven
"Myths" about the Social Participation
of Waldorf Graduates
This
article, about a survey done of Waldorf Education graduates in Brazil, does a
good job of refuting some of the commonly held misconceptions about graduates
of Waldorf schools. Read it here.
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SAVE THE DATES
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| If
you'd like to mark your calendars for the fall, the Grade School opening day
assembly will be held on the morning of Tuesday, September 7. Early Childhood classes
begin on Wednesday, September 8, and the Parent-Child class starts on Friday, September 10. See
our school calendar on the website for other important dates. You will
receive more information in August.
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ONE MORE THING!
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This
is the last Willow
until September. In wondering what inspirational words I could leave you with, I remembered a verse used by the faculty at a recent event.
As I reread this verse, it really spoke to me; I'd like to share it with you in the hope that you enjoy it as
much as I do. Perhaps it will add some extra meaning to this special time
called summer. Please have a wonderful vacation!
To keep up with any summertime happenings, stop by our blog!
Nancy Lemmo
"Working
Together"
(From The House of Belonging by David Whyte)
We shape ourself
to fit this
world
and by the world
are shaped
again.
The visible
and the
invisible
working together
in common cause,
to produce
the miraculous.
I am thinking
of the way
the intangible
air
passed at speed
round a shaped
wing
easily
holds our
weight.
So may we, in
this life
trust
to those
elements
we have yet to
see
or imagine,
and look for the
true
shape of our own
self,
by forming it
well
to the great
intangibles
about us.
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