In This Issue
In the News
Peek into the Classroom
Special Subjects Update
A Beginner's Reflection on Anthroposophy
With Thanks
This and That
Save the Date
School Events
School News
Office News
Community Events
New in 2012

3-Day Nursery 

For 3-Year-Olds

Mon.-Wed., 8:30 a.m.-Noon

Starts Jan. 30

 

Parent-Child Class

18 mo. to 3 years

Thursdays, 9-11:30 a.m.

Feb. 2 through May 31

  

Contact Diane Barlow for more details! 

In the News

One Family's Choice to Go TV Free

 

Students Learn Unplugged at Los Altos School

 

More About Waldorf's Unplugged Approach

 

The Genius of Natural Childhood: Secrets of Thriving Children by Sally Goddard Blythe

 

Another Public School Gets a Clue About Play

 

Want to know more about the founder of Waldorf education? This year marks the 150 anniversary of Rudolf Steiner's birthday, and here are three recent profiles of him:

ABC Radio National

RSF Social Finance

Gaeta Communications 

 

This month's AWSNA Inform is here.

 

Want up-to-date notification of the articles we want to share? Follow us on Twitter @NJWaldorf

Peek into the Classroom

 

Main Lesson Blocks

in December


First Grade

Language Arts: Introduction of vowel sounds and remaining consonants, continued work on letter spacing, size, and formation

 

Second Grade

December: Arithmetic - introduction of place value through story and practice

 

Third Grade

December: Math - vertical multiplication; introduction of long division and liquid and dry

measurement

 

Fourth Grade

December: Human and Animal - exploring our unique qualities as human beings through the lens of the animal kingdom

 

Fifth Grade

December: We will be expanding our horizons into new areas of US geography.

 

Sixth Grade

December: Language Arts: history of the English language/etymology

 

Seventh Grade

December: Setting sail into the Age of Exploration

 

Eighth Grade

December: Physics with Mr. Saperstein 

Special Subjects

What's happening in ...

 

French

Grade 1: simple songs, Simon Says, numbers 1-50

Grade 2: songs about animals, body parts, and vocabulary for clothing

Grade 3: the marketplace, fruits and vegetables

Grade 4: Mr. Pradel's Farm, reading, crossword puzzles, new vocabulary

Grade 5: folk tales, time of day, and weather

Grade 6: The Haunted Castle, reading, crossword puzzles, new vocabulary, basic verbs, adjectives

Grade 7: The Cicada and the Ant; food, grocery shopping, restaurants

Grade 8: creating a clothing and apparel catalog

 

Handwork

Grade 1: learning to knit with  with our handmade needles

Grade 2: knitting gnomes and gnome accessories

Grade 3: crocheting small mats and beginning hats using crochet/sewing skills

Grade 4: cross-stitch bookmarks and a four-way, cross-stitch mirrored project

Grade 5: finishing up knitted balls, beginning socks knitted using handmade double-pointed needles

Grade 6: finishing embroidered felt needle cases, beginning the hand sewing of our dolls

Grade 7: embroidering wet-felted ornaments

Grade 8: SEWING MACHINES!!! Our main project will be making pajama pants, a great tradition for several years.

 

Movement & Games 

Grades 6-8: Target Archery

 

Sculptural Arts

Grade 1: beeswax and clay forms inspired by folk tales

Grade 2: small group projects in clay, making architectural forms from a story

Grade 3: rasping wooden knives

Grade 4: clay Celtic knots, will work on small group projects

Grade 5: painting small clay Buddhas, finishing clay elephants, working with triangle compositions in free-hand geometry

Grade 6: wooden trays in botanical shapes, carve, rasp, and sand

Grade 7: clay sculptures and watercolors, abstract forms based on elements in fairy tales, i.e. alchemy, four elements

Grade 8: working with Mr. Sheen now. (Made coil pottery in September and October.)

A Beginner's Reflection on Anthroposophy
by Beth Patchel

By now most of us know that Waldorf education, conceived by Rudolf Steiner, is but a small arm of a spiritual philosophy known as anthroposophy. Though anthroposophy is not part of the Waldorf curriculum, the teachers have studied it, and its ideas permeate the education. Last August, curious to know more, I attended the first block of the Foundation Studies course, led by Elan Leibner. The central point of study was Steiner's Theosophy. The text is dense, so the intellectual study was balanced with artistic practice in order to help us reach a fuller understanding of it. "Head, heart, hands" is something we all know about in educating the children, but this philosophy can engage everyone, from the child to adult. [Click here to read more]

With Thanks

Thank you to all the families who participated in our Pre-Holiday Shopping Fundraiser in November; it was a pleasure to see familiar faces at our local shops! Many thanks as well to greendesign, CoolVines, Milk Money, jane, and jaZams for their generous support!

This and That

WSP Students in Nutcracker

Nutcracker season is in full swing, and Waldorf students are well represented in all shows in all locations! While all performances are spectacular, the State Theatre in New Brunswick has a live orchestra, and rumor has it that maybe the Princeton Girl Choir will be singing (perhaps some more Waldorf performers can be spotted in the choir!). For show times and tickets, please click here. 

 

Jersey Cares Coat Drive

Debra DeMarco, D.C., has been organizing coat drives through her chiropractic offices in the Jamesburg/Monroe and Lawrenceville areas for seven years. This year again, WSP is teaming up with her to provide warm coats to people in need. The goal of the 16th Annual Jersey Cares Coat Drive is to collect and distribute 50,000 new or "gently used" winter coats to at-risk men, women, children, and infants. The collection runs through December 15. There is a large box in the foyers of both school buildings to collect the coats. Thank you for your donations!

Save the Date

 

Community Meeting

January 17, 2012

 
Open House

January 21, 2012

 

Sample Early Childhood Class

January 27, 2012

 

"Queen of the Sun: What Are the Bees Telling Us?" screening at Princeton Public Library

January 27, 2012

Join Our Mailing List
December 2011
Winter Garden
Our annual Winter Garden reminds us of the coming journey into darkness.

Dear Friends,

 

In some ways, December marks the beginning of a journey: the journey into darkness that is felt by the outer world (at least in this hemisphere), and the journey inward that often accompanies the season. It is a time when much of nature recedes and sleeps, even though the messages in our culture goad us to hurry. But this month we also herald many arrivals.

 

Here on Windy Hill we welcome the shorter days while also looking forward to the light ahead-not only the eventual light of spring, but that of several projects about to bear fruit despite the frost.

 

If you have not visited our website lately, you will notice a new look. The updated site is the result of the efforts of many hands, over many months. As we continue to add improvements, we are grateful to all who contributed to it, and pleased that it offers visitors a warmer-looking "front door" on which to knock.

 

The barn too is coming along well. It is painted and most of the wiring has been completed; the sheet rock and sidewalk should be completed over the next few weeks. The goal is for the second grade to move in over the winter break, and the admissions office is already recruiting children for a three-day nursery to fill the upstairs classroom in the Golden House.

 

On a final note, after many weeks of preparation and planning, we offer several events that celebrate the season and our school: our first online Holiday Auction, which is going on now; a Holiday Shoppe full of wonderful crafts; the annual Winter Garden; and our much-loved Shepherd's Play.

 

As 2011 draws to a close, I encourage you all to look inside yourselves and nourish that small flame within. May we greet the new year, and new achievements, together.  

 

Blessings on the season!

 

Nancy Lemmo, Administrator

 
SCHOOL EVENTS

 

Online Holiday Auction Update

There's just over a week left to bid on 160+ fabulous gifts for friends and family. Please share this link with everyone you know (at least, everyone who enjoys shopping from the comforts of home)! Bidding has been extended to midnight on Sunday, December 11.

 

P.S. Already been there, you say? Well, did you know our Auction Elves have been adding new items all week? Time for another peek!

 

Winter Garden Festival

Saturday, December 3:

4:30 p.m.   Mrs. Cirianni-Jones's Rose Garden

5:30 p.m.   Mrs. Kessler's Sunflower Garden

6:30 p.m.   Community Walk

 

Sunday, December 4:

3:30 p.m.   Ms. Dunlap's Lilac Garden

4:30 p.m.   Mrs. Hamilton's First Grade

5:30 p.m.   Ms. Benson's Second Grade

 

Click here to read more about our Winter Garden festival, including practical details for your child's participation.

 

WSP Holiday Shoppe 

Wednesday, December 7, 8:45 a.m.-2:45 p.m.

Calling all parent crafters and shoppers! Our school store is hosting a Holiday Shoppe from 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. in our Golden House foyer. Parents are encouraged to sell handmade goods such as textile (fabric, wool, felted, or yarn projects) or paper crafts. Tables cost $10 to reserve, plus 25% of sales. Spaces will be limited, so reserve your table today; crafters are welcomed to share a table! Forms and additional information are located here. E-mail inquiries to Jean Alexander.

 

Shepherd's Play

Wednesday, December 21, 7:00 p.m.

Mackay Campus Center

Princeton Theological Seminary

At this time of the year, faculty and staff at Waldorf schools around the world perform this reverential and humorous medieval Nativity play as a gift to students and to the school community. Click here for directions. 


Alumni Holiday Open House 

Friday, December 23, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Visit with faculty and friends! RSVPs are not necessary, but are appreciated: [email protected].

  

 

For details of school events, please contact [email protected].

SCHOOL NEWS

 

Looking for Blog Photographers

Have a great photo for the school blog? Send along photos of school events with brief description to [email protected] and enjoy a few minutes of WSP fame!

 

Holiday Shopping with Scrip

Scrip is a great way to raise money for the school while shopping for friends and family! While enjoying the Holiday Shoppe on December 7, stop by the scrip table to place a delivery or select from our Grab-and-Go inventory. The long list of retailers available through www.glsc.com makes it easy to find whatyou need, and we offer gift certificates to many local establishments as well.

 

Need another way to place an order? E-mail orders to [email protected], or leave an order form with payment in the lock box. (Find order forms here on the school website or in the Golden House.) Scrip coordinator Marian Seliquini is also available Monday and Wednesday mornings in the Golden House kitchen from 8:30 to 9:30 to process orders and answer any questions. To ensure delivery before winter break, submit orders by December 12.

 

P.S. A growing number of WSP families are using www.shopwithscrip.com to purchase ScripNow! e-giftcards and to reload spent gift cards. 

 

Kim John Payne Recap

Our school was pleased to host Kim John Payne during the weekend of November 18 and 19 for his lecture and workshop titled, "The Soul of Discipline." The event was well attended, with 88 people at our school Friday evening and 38 people on Saturday. It was wonderful to both see some of our parents and faculty, and welcome newcomers to our school. Kim offered wonderful advice and insights into parenting, along with many humorous anecdotes.

 

For those who were not able to attend the weekend but would like to hear Kim's work, the school has purchased many of his audio CDs for the parent library. If you are interested in checking out a CD, please contact Marla Hanan at [email protected].

 

Go to the Spa and Support the 3rd Grade Farm Trip!

Need a haircut? A massage? A facial? A great gift? Looking for a salon that offers nontoxic nail polish, Dr. Hauschka, and other natural products? Now through Christmas, save 10% off any treatment, product, or gift certificate at Amber Spa in Pennington. Another 15% from the purchase will be contributed to the Third Grade Class Trip Fund. Please mention Waldorf Third Grade Fundraising to receive this offer. For more information on Amber Spa, please visit their website. Please feel free to share with friends and neighbors!

 

Orchard Farm Organics CSA to Support

the 3rd Grade Farm Trip

Caroline Phinney, of next-door Orchard Farm Organics, has kindly agreed to help raise funds for the Third Grade Farm Trip! She will be on campus from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 6, selling her organic pesto, pumpkin pie filling, vegetables, holiday greens, and other delicious farm products. Please be sure to stop by and see what she has for sale! A portion of the sales will be donated to the Third Grade Farm Trip Fund.

 

Calendars for Sale to Benefit Eighth Grade

WSP Eighth grade parents will be selling calendars in support of the end-of-year eighth grade class trip. These calendars feature lovely artwork from their class, taken from art pieces displayed at the "Princeton in Perspective" art show at Small World Coffee last year. The calendars include November 2011 through January 2013.

 

Pricing for the calendar takes into consideration quantity orders and will be as follows:

 

1 - 3 calendars $15.00 each

4 - 6 calendars $12.50 each

7+ calendars $10.00 each

 

Calendars will be available for purchase directly from Julie Martin, eighth grade parent, up in the school business office, usually between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Calendars will also occasionally be sold at a table in front of the school at dismissal. Orders can also be placed by emailing the following address: [email protected]

 

The eighth grade thanks you in advance for your support!

OFFICE NEWS

  

Tuition Assistance for 2012-13: New Process & Deadline

Tuition Assistance applications for the 2012-13 school year are due January 15, 2012. The application can be completed using your 2010 tax return. However, in order to finalize any award, your 2011 tax return must be submitted. Begin your application now at TADS.com. All grade school students or students enrolled in the five-day early childhood program who will be five by October 1, 2012, are eligible to apply. See website for more information.

 

Windy Hill / 2010-11 Annual Report has been mailed. Did you get yours? If not, please contact Diane Barlow, or view it here

  

Grade School Observation Mornings

The admissions office is scheduling grade school observation mornings for WSP early childhood parents for the first part of Morning Lesson from 8:30 a.m. until approximately 9:30 a.m. If you are interested in registering for a morning visit, please contact Diane Barlow at 609-466-1970, x115, or [email protected].

 

Welcome to New Teacher Jennifer Rosenstein

The College of Teachers is very pleased to announce that Jennifer Rosenstein will join our faculty as the sixth grade teacher beginning on January 4, 2012. Although saddened by the departure of Mr. Amrine, we are excited to have found an experienced teacher with very high recommendations. After teaching grades 2-8 at the Steiner School in NYC she has been taking a year to assess living in NYC. Ms. Rosenstein also taught for 5 years at the Baltimore Waldorf School. A graduate of Antioch University, New England, she has a Waldorf teaching certificate and a BA in History/English. She has a deep respect for an educational philosophy that integrates the practical and moral with the intellectual parts of learning.

Winter Break
Starts December 21 (Half Day; 12:40 dismissal)
School resumes Wednesday, January 4, 2012

 

WSP at the Train Station/Market Fair

This month, look for our "guy" outside of the movie theater at Market Fair, as well as the Princeton Junction and Trenton train stations!

 

December Holiday Craft Classes

Click here to view the many enrichment opportunities available for students this month.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

 

Muscle-Testing Workshop with Laurie Bechler

Friday, December 2, 9:00 a.m.-noon

Location TBD; Cost: $50

Introduction to the art of muscle testing as a tool for improved health. Based on the concept of internal energy fundamental to traditional Chinese medicine, muscle testing is a noninvasive way of evaluating the body's imbalances and assessing its needs. It can provide information on energy blockages, functioning of the organs, nutritional deficiencies, and food sensitivities, among other things. It can also be used to test the body's responses to herbs and other remedies.

RSVP to [email protected]m; part of the proceeds benefit the school.


Doll-Making Workshop

Monday, December 5, 9:00-11:30 a.m.

Yifat Leibner, Waldorf parent and trained educator, has agreed to lead a puppet doll making workshop. Her home is located in nearby Hopewell, and the plan is to do this workshop on Monday morning while our children are in class. The cost for her services and materials is $40. There are currently 2 spots open for this class. If there is additional interest, she will add another class.

 

If you are interested in participating in this, please contact Beth Miller at [email protected], 609-313-4687.

 

Guided by the Light of the Holy Spirit:

Paul - Mani - Rembrandt

A Lecture by Gisela Wielki

Saturday, December 10, 4:00 p.m. 

Hagens Hall

The Princeton Group of the Anthroposophical Society in America cordially invites members and friends to this seasonal event. Rev. Wielki writes, "In the mood of Advent and the coming light of Christmas we shall look for the red thread in the teachings and artistic work of these three very different individuals, each committed to serve the Light, to search for Truth, to come to know and love in Freedom, showing the way to the birth of a spirit-engendered New Human Being." Gisela Wielki is the director of the Seminary of The Christian Community located in Spring Valley, NY. For further information please contact Herbert O. Hagens: (609) 921-8759. 

 

There will be a potluck supper at the school following Rev. Wielki's talk. At this time she will answer questions about The Christian Community. If interested, please contact alumni parent Heide Ratliff at [email protected].

  

River Valley Waldorf School Winter Fair

Saturday, December 10, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Click here to view the flyer.

 

Waldorf Winter Camp at Camp Glen Brook New Hampshire

During the week of February 20-25, 2012, Camp Glen Brook offers its annual winter program for 3rd through 8th graders. The week is patterned after our summer residential program with two morning and afternoon activity blocks. We skate on the pond, sled down the open fields and hills, paint and draw in the art studio, enjoy cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing, and care for the farm animals. In the evenings we gather before the wood stove in the living room for quiet activities, including singing, skits, and games. The annual Winter Olympics and Music Festival are highlights of the week! Contact: [email protected] or 603-876-3342.

Waldorf School of Princeton   1062 Cherry Hill Road   Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 466-1970   www.princetonwaldorf.org