In This Issue
In the News
Peek into the Classroom
"The Third Grade Farm Trip"
This and That
Save the Date
School Events
From the Office
School News
In the News

  

Your May Inform from AWSNA

 

"The Heart of Education": A TEDx talk by Waldorf educator Lori Kran.

 

"When Is Technology a Tool? When a Crutch?"

 

"The High Price of Materialism"

 

Shepherd Valley Waldorf School Cookbook Dishes Up Healthful Food

 

AWSNA refreshed its Green Pages. Check it out!

 

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

NO SCHOOL

May 25
(Grade School Only)
Report Writing Day

May 28
Memorial Day
Peek into the Classroom:
Creative Writing

  from Signe Motter,

Eighth Grade Class Teacher

 

The following composition came about from a thesaurus/dictionary exercise in which students were asked to use synonyms for the words opaque, malleable, ductile, luster, conductivity, inert, and exposure in prose. The chosen syllables appear in bold.

 

In the dim lit room, she is an artist. Dust hangs in the musty air, and the scent of paint is immortal at her fingertips. Her breath escapes her parted lips in small puffs, stirring the dust into clouds that twirl about her head; but she does not perceive this. She is a world away, this girl with a brush suspended before a canvas, a world where forever reveals endless possibilities.


The strains of piano music dance through the stagnant air, and the notes are stretching and snapping as they yield around her still figure. Concentration in her face is pulled taut, and the energy in her veins shivers as she leans toward the canvas. Whispers tremble, half formed, behind her lips, words she doesn't realize she is uttering. . .

The brush sweeps down across the canvas, and she is set free from her trance, the brush unmasking bursts of color that enchant her eyes. All shades of purple, ebony shadows; azure blue streaking a clear sky; limes and indigos are susceptible to auburns and bronzes. Fawn brown glows with a rusty sheen; bottle green and ocher, amber, zinc, carmine, grape and shocking pink . . . Her hand is turning back and forth, lithe as a panther, her eyes blinded by color. She leans into the art, loses herself in the spectrum. The art dances and sings at the bottom of her abstract soul.

She becomes the color, her eyes fall shut and she sways as she paints. Red glints over her closed lids, pale blue flashes across the inside of her wrist as it turns to catch an obscure spark of silver. The brush flicks with assured strength, and the girl's eyes are open again.

The girl's face is wild and her eyes are radiant as she watches her painting unfold, the taste of a rainbow in her mouth. She loves this, the fierce storms of kaleidoscope hues, the piercing voice of the paint . . . She swirls her brush and is lost among the colors again.

She is a world away, and I cannot follow her there.

 

~C.M.

"The Third Grade
Farm Trip"

by Angela Kneppers

 

"We're going to the farm!" they cried

As off in the bus they did glide. 

A wave to Mom and Dad,

Who beamed and looked glad

As worry and a tear they did hide. 


At last at the farm . . . hooray! 

We've waited so long for this day

Inside to unpack,
Then a quick tasty snack
And it's off to muck out and make hay.

When darkness upon them descended
A meal and a gathering they attended.
Then, weary and glad,
Off to bed they did drag
As the first day on the farm was ended.

And so the days into one another did flow;
Off to their tasks they eagerly did go.
Food made with care
For all to joyously share
With little waiters running to and fro.

Each day sharing chores and a laugh,
And, honestly, who needs to bath
When there's so much to see
And the best place to be
Is watching the wondrous birth of a calf?

To do their best, each child did strive.
Upon fresh air and hard work they did thrive.
Oh the tales they shall tell
When on their adventures they dwell
As into loving arms back home they did arrive.

  Screen-Free Week

Is April 30-May 6

Click here for ideas and resources, or to find events in your area.

This and That

WSP parent Robert Rosenthal has just had a book published by Hay House, From Plagues to Miracles. Congratulations, Robert!

 

Furnished home in Princeton's Little Brook School district available mid-June 2012 through August 2013. This is a 4-5 bedroom home with huge playroom and office. Eco-friendly saline pool, park-like yard and grand piano. Seeking responsible tenants to enjoy this comfortable home, $3,500 monthly. Bike to University, walk to Lake Carnegie. Central A/C, vegetable garden. Pets considered. Please call or e-mail Siobhan at 609-651-8951 for more info.

 

Looking for live-in childcare for the 2012-2013 school year? Melissa Barton, Green Meadow Waldorf grad, can help! Melissa attends college classes MWF, but is free to help with kids, cooking, driving, and provide light house help in the afternoons/evenings and parts of T/Th and weekends. Lots of experience with kids! Call or e-mail Melissa for references at 845-642-2476.

 

Angeline Sturgis Wins Award: In case you haven't heard, WSP parent of alumni Angeline Sturgis was recently named Mercer County Teacher of the year. Click here for details. Congratulations, Angeline!

Save the Date

 

End of Year Grade School Assembly

Saturday, June 2, 9:30 a.m.

Montgomery Upper Middle School

All grade school children are asked to arrive no later than 9:15 to join their classes. Children who are playing stringed instruments need to come early, at 9:00, for tuning. Please leave extra time for parking and entry. Early Childhood families are most welcome to attend!

 

Graduation

Sunday, June 3, 11:00 a.m. 

Join Our Mailing List
May 2012

Dear Friends,

 

After weeks and weeks of dry weather, May began with a thunderclap. As the much-needed rain pelted my windows this morning, I lay in bed thinking about our Morris Dancers. Would their 5:30 a.m. performance at the Princeton Battlefield be postponed? And what about my upcoming trip to Washington DC? I leave Princeton tomorrow to attend a gathering of Waldorf alumni from around the country, and I certainly hope the showers don't keep anyone home. 

 

We always want our lives to run smoothly. And, as we know, the interesting things happen while you're busy making other plans. Our garden will no doubt benefit from a good long drink, and the children are relishing a nice stomp in the puddles. Our next-door neighbors at Orchard Farm welcome a newborn calf; everywhere one senses the thrill of discovery.

 

This is the month of plays and trips, of report writing and new Annual Fund "blossoms" on the bulletin board. We will welcome hundreds of visitors to our campus over the next several weeks, as Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day gives way to May Fair and more. And, thinking about it, I realize that all of these efforts will turn out just as they should be, whether they run exactly according to our blueprints or not.

 

I am reminded of the fifth grade and their recently performed play, "Lewis and Clark," outdoors at Pebble Beach (see photo above). On that historic expedition, the original goal of finding a commercial route to Asia was not met. But, instead, these explorers proved the possibility of overland travel to the Pacific coast, and gained a tremendous understanding of Northwest geography as well as plant and animal life along the way.

 

Here's to your own discoveries this month, and don't forget to splash in a puddle or two.

 

Sincerely,

 

Nancy Lemmo

School Administrator

SCHOOL EVENTS

 

Seventh Grade Play: "Cyrano de Bergerac"

Thursday, May 3, 6 p.m. (Rain Date: Friday, May 4)

The Castle

  

Fourth and Fifth Grade Strings Recital

Monday, May 7, 2 p.m.

Parents of fourth and fifth graders are welcome!

  

Parent Council Meeting

Tuesday, May 8, 7:30 p.m.

  

Meet the New First Grade Teacher:

Maria Cardenas Shull

Wednesday, May 9, 7 p.m.

First Grade Classroom

Parents of next year's first grade will have an opportunity to introduce themselves and get to know Mrs. Cardenas in a relaxed, informal setting. Please note this is for parents only.

  

High School Admissions Informational Meeting

with Scott Eckstein, Solebury School Director of Admission

Wednesday, May 9, 7 p.m.

Seventh Grade Classroom

 

Fifth Grade Pentathlon

Thursday, May 10 (Rain Date: Friday, May 11)

Kimberton Waldorf School

 

Third Grade Play: "The Story of Moses"

Friday, May 11, 6 p.m.

Hagens Hall

 

Sixth Grade Play (Title TBA)

Wednesday, May 16, 6 p.m.

The Castle

 

Annual Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day

and Children's Garden May Festival

Friday, May 18
Children's Garden Program starts at 9:00 a.m.

Grade School program starts at 10:30 a.m.

The annual Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day is an exciting occasion at our school. Grade school guests enjoy refreshments, an assembly in Hagens Hall, and a visit to the classrooms. Children's Garden guests enjoy springtime festivities and snacks with their grandchildren and special young friends. All have the opportunity to see springtime at its best on our lovely campus.

  

A few things to remember: On May 18, grade school dismissal will be at 12:40. (Sixth and seventh graders are asked to stay to assist with May Fair setup until 3:30 p.m.) Children should dress nicely (in school assembly attire).  Since seating in Hagens Hall is limited, priority seats will be reserved for our grandparents and special friends.  Please leave the closest parking spaces free for our older guests that morning. RSVP to Jamie by Monday, May 14, to ensure that a name tag is made for your child's special guest (609-466-1970, x112). Please contact Diane if you are willing to help with refreshments, parking, or hosting for this event (609-466-1970, x115).

  

May Fair

Saturday, May 19, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

From soap felting to jump-rope making, the class activities planned for the May Fair look great. Look out for a chance to sample marbleized paper making, circus activities, origami, and two wild herb walks around campus. We also have a fabulous musical lineup featuring WSP's own talented parents and the indie folk-pop artist Sarah Donner! Many wonderful vendors have signed on with items such as unique jewelry, clothing, and alpaca yarn. There will also be a table from our garden, selling seedlings and handmade items such as soaps or teas made with WSP-grown herbs.

  

Contact Brunda Moka Dias for any additional information or to offer your help at [email protected]. Thank you in advance for all of your hard work to help make this day a memorable one!   

 

Eighth Grade Play: "As You Like It"

Thursday, May 24, Time TBA

Hagens Hall

 

First Grade Play (Title TBA)

Day and Time TBA (End of May)
Hagens Hall 

 

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

FROM THE OFFICE

 

Please note the May 15 deadline for re-enrollment. Contracts received after May 15 will incur a 2.5% administrative fee will be added to your tuition for 2012-13.

 

Coming Soon: Back-to-School Packets

Watch for this May mailing, which will include important forms for Fall 2012.

 

Educational Support Plans Due
If you received an Educational Support Plan (ESP) for your child, please sign and return as soon as possible to ensure services for the fall. Contact Maureen Gold, educational support coordinator, at x142 with any questions or concerns. Also, if summer support was recommended or required, please contact your child's support teacher to make arrangements for your child to continue building skills over the summer.

SCHOOL NEWS

  

Scrip

We have some extra Nomad and JaZams cards! If you think you will visit those stores, please shop now. Contact Marian Seliquini at [email protected] with any questions or to place an order. You can also stop by the Golden House kitchen on Monday and Wednesdays mornings, 8:30-9, to place orders.  Grab-and-go cards are available for immediate purchase.  Orders are processed in 1 week. Payment accepted in the form of cash or check. Credit cards accepted for orders totaling $500 or more.

 

20% Off Entire School Store Stock the Month of May!

 

Community Walkway & Red Barn Classroom Dedication: Recap and Thanks

Thank you to all who braved the rain to join us! More than 100 parents, students, faculty, and friends attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sunday, April 22. A special thanks to Heide Ratliff for the delicious cake, and to everyone else who helped the event run smoothly. Visit our blog for photos!

 

Think it's too late to order a brick? Think again! In celebration of the ribbon cutting, we'll be accepting a new round of brick orders until June 30. Click here for an order form!

 

Call for May Fair Flowers!

We're looking for flowers to incorporate into our beautiful Maypole. Please donate yours on Friday, May 18, by leaving under the maple tree in front of the early childhood classrooms. Contact Brunda at [email protected] with questions.

 

Communiversity Thanks

Thank you to all who volunteered at our Communiversity table on April 28. Parents and students chatted up our summer camp program and May Fair, made scores of twisty-twirlies with little and not-so-little visitors (they were a big hit!), and enjoyed a rain-free afternoon (check out the photos on our blog)! To our parent volunteers, Doug Jackson, Nick Rumin, Eva Ries, and Ondy Wasem; and to our student volunteers, Fiona C., Melina, Angelina, Nora, Katie R., Mia C., and Emily W., you make WSP proud!

 

Summer Camp

Summer's coming . . . and there are still some spaces open at our popular summer camp! Visit us online to check out our wonderful Specialty Camp offerings and to download a camp registration form. For inquiries, e-mail us! Do hurry; we don't want to exclude anyone from our community! 

 

Gift Collection for Teachers

As the school year draws to a close, the Parent Council would like to once again offer as a service to the community our "Year End Gift Collection." If you would like to make a contribution please note that the deadline is Tuesday, May 31. Please look for the forms on or before May 9 in the Community Kitchen in the Golden House.

 

Yearbooks Are Coming! 

Look out for opportunities to preview a proof copy of the yearbook at drop-off and pick-up. Order forms will be available at the table and on the WSP website within the week, or you could just download it here! Deadline to drop off orders is Thursday, May 17, although we will take in-person orders  at Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day as well as May Fair.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

  

A Whole Life Approach to Supporting Your Child

Monday, May 7, 7-9 p.m.

182 Tamarack Circle

Skillman, NJ 08558

A free discussion facilitated by the medical and counseling staff of Volition Wellness Solutions and Healing Oceans Family Wellness Center, including WSP alumni parent Jane Martin and current parent Dr. Deborah Ginsburg. The discussion will focus on a holistic approach to parenting children in today's complicated world. Our discussion will include topics such as ADHD, Asperger's, Autism, the defiant child, and the anxious child, as well as other children. The facilitators will be available to answer questions, which can be submitted ahead of time by discussion participants. Click here for the flyer, or call 609-688-8300 or e-mail with any further questions or concerns.


"A New Thinking About Ascension, Whitsun . . . and Everything Else: Living Into the Spring Festivals"

Wednesday, May 16, 7:30 p.m.

Hagens Hall

Admission: $8

This is a presentation by Michael Ronall and sponsored by the Princeton Groupof the Anthroposophical Society. For additional information,  call 609-921-8759.

 

Princeton Girlchoir Annual Spring Concerts

May 19, 2012, 6:30 p.m.: The Grace Notes, The Quarter Notes, and The Semi-Tones

May 20, 2012, 4 p.m.:  The Cantores, The Concert Choir, and The PGC Ensemble

Princeton Meadow Event Center, West Windsor

Waldorf School of Princeton is pleased to count so many choristers among our ranks! Contact 609-688-1888 or [email protected] for more details.


Peter Wheeler DeLeonibus '95 
Memorial Celebration

Sunday, May 20, 3 p.m.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton

50 Cherry Hill Road

For info, call 609-466-8628. 

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