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November 30, 2012 
We look forward to celebrating the season and our community with you at Winter Faire tomorrow at the grade school campus.
Next issue: December 14
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A L L S C H O O L N E W S
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Go Big
While sorting through some things in my oldest son's room the other day, I came across his senior sweatshirt. Tradition had it that in the 12th grade the class designed a hoodie that only the "almighty seniors" could wear, and on the back was nickname or phrase unique to that student. John's sweatshirt read, "Go big or go home," which at the time filled me with pride. If my son could head off into the world with the courage and confidence to pursue his passion, take some risks, and fully engage in life, then I must have done something right.
I share this now, as it feels appropriate and timely as we prepare at SWS to "go big" - literally and figuratively. In the next few weeks you will have an opportunity to learn more about our plans for a major expansion and renovation of the grade school building. As you can see and feel, our classrooms are bursting at the seams with 25+ students. We long for more space in Huckleberry Hall to showcase our performing arts program. We desire additional breakout areas for educational support and small group work, as well as additional bathroom and kitchen spaces. In short, we need Room to Grow.
Since the construction of the "new wing" 12 years ago, we have not invested significantly in our current grade school facility. And while it has served us well, our program, as well as our enrollment, have grown considerably. For our faculty to truly deliver the exceptional Waldorf education our students deserve, we need larger and enhanced learning spaces, both inside and out. We are excited to move forward with this ambitious plan next summer and look forward to starting the 2013-14 school year in our "new" building.
I hope you will join us at one of the upcoming meetings in the garden house at the grade school campus and learn more. A courageous vision and generous community have brought us to this exciting point in the school's history - we are poised to embark on yet another inspiring leg in the journey. This is indeed our opportunity to "go big" and model for our children our courage to hold a vision and make it a reality. How powerful and exciting is that? We may need our own sweatshirts!
Warmly,
Tracy
Room to Grow Expansion Project Discussion Opportunities:
December 4 - 7 pm
December 6 - 8:30 am
December 10 - 5 pm
December 11 - 8:30 am
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School Closure Policy - Inclement Weather
For your information: The school either opens on time, or is closed. (We do not use delayed start times.) In the event of adverse weather, we will make one decision - open or closed - which will be in effect for all three of our campuses (high school, grade school, Kinderhaus). 
SWS utilizes a system of email and automated phone calls to notify parents of school closures andother emergencies, and to give updates as needed. (We use the phone number and email address indicated on your child's Emergency and Consent Form for inclement weather notices or cancellations.) In addition, we send SWS closure information to SchoolReport.org, an emergency alert system for schools in the Puget Sound region, and the information is then picked up by local media, for broadcast on TV and radio.
SchoolReport.org also allows parents to subscribe to receive emergency messages for more than one school via email. Click here to subscribe.
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Inspire! - Looking For Restaurant Gift Certificates
Planning for next year's Inspire! Auction is happily moving along thanks to the work of our wonderful volunteers. We look forward to another fun party with dinner, a live auction, fund-a-need, dessert dash and a dance.
Here is a great and easy way for YOU to help, too: The next time you are out at your favorite local favorite restaurant, ask if they would like to advertise to 250+ people by donating a gift certificate of any value from $25 to $100. We would appreciate the opportunity to showcase them, and we are sure people would love to go have dinner! Click here for the procurement form. The Inspire! Auction Planning Committee
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Join Us For The Shepherds' Play - December 19, 5 pm & 7:30 pm 
"We have some new cast members and the show will be amazing!" says director Kate Golden. Save the date for this annual SWS tradition, a gift from the faculty to the community. The play is a classic written in the Middle Ages, and each year our faculty make a point of adding new special twists that will be sure to delight our community, keeping it a secret who plays what role.
We hope you will join us for one of the two shows in Huckleberry Hall at the grade school campus.
Click here for the flyer.
Margaret Leonard, grade 4 parent, is organizing a special dinner for the faculty to enjoy between their two shows. If you would like to help in some way, click here to email Margaret.
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Is Your Child in the Yearbook?
We want to include as many students in the yearbook as possible, but we can't do it unless we have photos. Parents, please submit your photos from this school year (or class events from the past summer) by Wednesday, January 23.
There are three ways to submit photos: - Turn a CD into the school office. Write your name and class on the CD.
- Upload the photos to the school SmugMug site: http://seattlewaldorf.smugmug.com/
- Email the original high-resolution files to Jane Higgins: jhiggins@seattlewaldorf.org
Tips: - Close-ups (or semi-close-ups) showing faces work best.
- Photos with 2-4 students in them together work better than the whole class in the photo.
- Select the top 20-30 photos from your batch: reasonably well-lit, in focus, and fairly close-up.
Thank you - your help is much appreciated!
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Do You Know About PCC Scrip? Do You Remember To Take Your Card When You Shop?
PCC Natural Markets has given us an opportunity to raise funds for our school while shopping for groceries for our families.
It's easy to participate:
- Purchase a PCC Scrip Card from the school office for $10.
- Shop at your local PCC for all your favorite produce, meats, health and beauty items - anything you normally would purchase.
- Use your card to pay.
- Recharge it in the store when you shop.
Twice a year, Seattle Waldorf School will receive a check for 5% of all purchases made with the Scrip Card - it's that simple! Last year we raised about $10,000 - how easy is that?!?!
Scrip Cards are available in the school office. If you have any questions, please contact Muffie Signalness at 206-913-2742 or development@seattlewaldorf.org.
Thank you for your generous support of SWS!
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Grandparents Day - My Experience As A Guest My husband and I had the privilege of celebrating Grandparents' Day 2012 on November 21st, my birthday. What a special gift it was to be enfolded in the warmth of our Waldorf community that supports working with children in the most humane educational system we've had the privilege to observe. We are unreservedly grateful to have seen in action our 4th grade granddaughter, Teo, happily growing at Seattle Waldorf School in the nurturing, inspiring classroom of Wim Gottenbos. It was a joy watching her, her peers, and her teacher massage grammar concepts and basic math facts with movement, humor, and excitement.
Later we grandparents were invited to Huckleberry Hall for a Q & A session with Ms. Freundlich, Eurythmy teacher, and Mr. Gottenbos. Ms.Freundlich linked the importance of the body and movement in promoting learning and spoke to the Waldorf philosophy of striving to meet the needs of every single student. Mr. Gottenbos's responses to two (of many) questions bear reference. He gave an enthusiastic de  scription of a curriculum developed with a sensitivity to and respect for child development. For instance, the curriculum grows with children's increasing awareness of right and wrong and the power of choice. (Fairy tales, fables, legends, Roman and Greek civilizations precede rebellion as seen in the American Revolution.) He also addressed mandated testing that is done in public schools in Washington and throughout the country. The Waldorf approach is not to rely on standardized test scores. Rather, students are assessed on an ongoing basis, where they are considered as whole children, not just as recipients of curriculum and test-takers. If I may add a personal note, I retired last June from teaching gifted students in a Seattle public school. Students are being tested again this year in the fall, winter, and spring. Scores are expected to improve with each test, and if not, there are stressful consequences. I am most appreciative that our Waldorf children are spared the time and energy this dubious testing demands - never mind the anxiety that's produced for students, teachers, and parents. How wonderful that every class at our school has its own inspiring Mr. Gottenbos! My husband and I offer heartfelt thanks to every teacher, administrator, and staff member at the Waldorf School, each so kindly and knowledgeably loving our grandchildren into learning! Theresa Roth, grade 4 grandparent     PHOTOS THANKS TO TATIANA AVAEVA AND MUFFIE SIGNALNESS
LEFT TO RIGHT: SOCIAL TIME AT THE GRADE SCHOOL, CLASS ROOM VISIT IN GRADE 4, GRADE 1 PERFORMS, VISIT AT THE HIGH SCHOOL.
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Grandparents Day - Thank You!The Thanksgiving holiday came early as our community celebrated family with two Grandparents Days. We were blessed to have 17 guests at the high school on Monday and more than 75 at the grade school on Wednesday. Our visitors came from Canada, Colorado and other distant points to learn more about our Seattle Waldorf School. Grandparents and special friends visited morning lessons, asked questions about the developmental stages of students and the advantages of a Waldorf education, and experienced music, song, poetry and science lessons - all in a few short hours. We are thankful for each of our guests and that they were able to join us. We are also very grateful to the faculty and staff at both the high school and grade school for making these mornings so memorable. As one grandparent exclaimed, "Love everything about Waldorf...wish I could do elementary school over again!" Our parents also played a huge role, and we are very appreciative that they shared their precious time and talents baking, hosting, guiding and cleaning up! Thank you to everyone for making these events so perfect! Muffie Signalness, Director of Development
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2013 SWS Calendars - For Sale At Winter Faire Stay organized while enjoying artwork from 60+ SWS students from Kindergarten through grade 12. These beautiful calendars are only $15 and make great gifts for the holidays. Available at Winter Faire at the Community table and in the high school or grade school offices. |
News from the Admissions Office
The phone is ringing and online applications are filling up the inbox. One last reminder that we must receive completed applications for siblings by December 7 in order for them to receive priority placement in SWS programs. Click here to complete the online application.
We are pleased to report that we had incredible attendance at our recent open house events! The grade school was host to over 50 interested parents on November 7, and it was another great crowd at the high school on November 3, with many prospective students and parents in attendance.
Thank you to those who invited friends and family to learn more about the amazing education your children are receiving. Word of mouth is by far the most effective way for us to reach out to new families who may not yet know enough about us, and we are more than happy to meet with families you recommend to us. We are particularly focused on attracting students to next year's 6th and 7th grade classes. If you know of families who are searching for a great middle school, please encourage them to give SWS a look.
The Admission Ambassadors program is in full swing, making a tremendous contribution to the open house and tour events as well as to the important follow-up with prospective families after the events. Many attendees commented on how much they appreciated the opportunity to speak with SWS parents about their experiences here. This program is a wonderful way for parents to contribute to the very important work of reaching out to the broader community, as we strive to bring Waldorf education to more children. Please be in touch with Meg if you are interested in participating.
Dates Of Tours & Open Houses For early childhood and grade school dates, click here. For high school dates, click here.
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Financial Aid Information Night - Save The Date!
Do you have a student who will move from kindergarten to 1st grade or from 8th to 9th grade next year but are thinking the tuition costs may be prohibitive? Are you considering bringing a sibling to SWS but aren't sure what the additional tuition will mean for your family long term? Have your family's financial circumstances changed this past year? If any of the above questions have come up for you, please join us on Tuesday, December 11 at 7 pm in Huckleberry Hall to learn more about the school's financial assistance program and application process. Tracy Bennett, Head of Administration, and Marlinda Siegfried, Financial Aid Manager, will present an overview of the philosophy guiding our financial aid allocation, the steps and materials needed to complete the application, and key deadlines for 2013.
We encourage all families who may need assistance with tuition next year to explore this option for your family. Click here for the flyer.
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P A R E N T A S S O C I A T I O N
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Almost 80 Entries In The Parent/Community Directory!You may remember seeing an email introducing the parent/community directory about a month ago. The directory is a way to let people know your interests, talents, business, or specialty. We now have almost 80 entries - and it is really fun to scroll through and learn a little bit about our community! We invite YOU to take a look at the entries we have so far here. (You can sort alphabetically, for example by first name, if you click on the title of a column.) If you like, click here to add your information to the directory through our online form. (Please let us know if you stay at home too. Other parents will be glad to know who else is around at home.) Participation in the directory is purely voluntary, and the directory is not for solicitation purposes. Enjoy! Cathy Simon, grade 1, 7, 9 parent Opportunities To Meet & Share... Tea with Nettie & Tracy
HIGH SCHOOL: Wednesday, January 16 at 8:30 am Additional dates to be added later.
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H I G H S C H O O L N E W S
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New Blocks Started This Week
- Grade 9: Permutations & Combinations with Mr. Freundlich
- Grade 10: Embryology with Ms. Tompot
- Grade 11: Flowering of English with Dr. Hipolito
- Grade 12: History through Architecture with Ms. Bowman
Grade 12 - Eurythmy Tour
Grade 12 students have been working hard to prepare for their performances of the Grimms' fairy tale The Singing, Soaring Lark. As seniors, they took responsibility for many of the pieces that together create the magic that is a Eurythmy fairy tale. They designed and put together many of their costumes, utilizing the school's stash that has built up over recent years. They each developed the character of their role with the gestures and movements that define and express it. They choreographed the parts of the story and, with Ms. Povinelli's help, wove them into a satisfying whole. Next week Thursday, they will travel to the SWS grade school and to Bright Water School on Capitol Hill, where they are sure to enchant their student audiences with their gift.
GRADE 12, PHOTO THANKS TO MARY CAIRNS
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Call To Service By SWS Junior - Donate Meals & Coats!
As you may have read in the last Connection, I am organizing a holiday dinner for the residents of the transitional housing at Sandpoint. This tradition is important to me because I have so much to give and this is an easy, rewarding way to share my blessings. The dinner is coming up soon and I need at least 10 more people to sign up to cook. The food needs to be able to be eaten from a plate and cannot contain pork or ham. The best foods are casseroles, vegetable dishes, pastas, salads and rice/bean dishes. All food will need to be dropped off at Sandpoint (near Magnuson) on Tuesday, December 18 between 4 and 6 pm. If you are interested or have any questions, please click here to email me! I am getting more and more excited the closer we get to the dinner, but I really need additional donated food to make this happen.
Every year, as we serve dinner, guests are invited to browse through coats we have brought for them. To continue this tradition, I am starting a coat drive. I have put a plastic bin in the lobby of the grade school and one in the hall of the high school - please add any gently used coats or sweatshirts of any size to the bins. As the days get colder, my thoughts turn to the holidays and cookies and all of that. I don't know for certain, but I can imagine that if I were less well off than I am, the holidays might be a time of struggle, of trying to stay warm. Coats can be expensive. Through offering free coats, we are acknowledging and helping to overcome that worry.
Thank you so much for anything you can contribute! I am very grateful for this opportunity to share my commitment with you all. Maddy, grade 11 student
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G R A D E S C H O O L N E W S
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After School Activities - Grades 5-8 Ultimate Info Meeting: Save The Date
Tuesday, January 29, 7 - 8 pm, Huckleberry Hall
In preparation for the 2013 Ultimate season, the coaches would like to meet with the parents of all returning and prospective Ultimate players in grades 5-8. Discussion will include information on our core values, expectations of players, team assignment strategies and practice location/schedule. Please mark your calendars and look for more information in future issues of the Connection.
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Break Care - Registration Due Friday, December 14
Seattle Waldorf School offers Break Care from 8 am - 5:30 pm for our students age 5 through grade 5 for the upcoming Winter Break: Friday, December 21 and Wednesday, January 2 through Friday, January 4. We offer a morning and afternoon snack, and ask that you provide your child a lunch. Registration forms are available in the grade school office or online here.
Please contact Diana Wolfe at dwolfe@seattlewaldorf.org with any questions.
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Lost & Found - Will Be Donated On Friday, December 21
The Lost & Found basket by the door is overflowing again. All of the coats, sweaters, shoes, water bottles, hats, etc. will be displayed in the lobby or outside, weather permitting, starting on Monday, December 10. Everything that is left behind when school is out for the Winter break will be donated on Friday, December 21.
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Grade 1 - Learning To Knit With Grade 8
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E A R L Y C H I L D H O O D N E W S
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Lavender - The Joys Of Rain From a recent letter to Lavender parents by Mary Lentz. Please remember not to share these stories with your little ones.
We had the most wonderful time in the rain on Monday! When it rains that much and that hard, Woodland Park becomes a water wonderland! Little trickles turn to little rivulets, little rivulets turn to babbling brooks, babbling brooks turn to raging rivers - or so it seems to your little ones. We built dams and let the water build up for a while, then we caused the dams to break and watched the water rush in torrents down the hill - only to begin building yet another dam - over and over we did this with joyful abandon! As we were coming back into the Kinderhaus yard after our walk, pretty much soaked through, I heard a little child exclaim, "This was the best day!"
Kelly and I are so happy to teach in a school where children can have such a direct experience of Mother Nature in all of her many moods and guises. For this we are truly grateful.
LAVENDER KINDERGARTEN, PHOTO THANKS TO MARY CAIRNS
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C O M M U N I T Y A N N O U N C E M E N T S
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This section provided as a free service to the SWS community.
What Are Our Community Members Up To?
Louis Walbrek, a grade 8 graduate from Mr. Perry's first class, now lives in Bellingham where he is the director of the peer mentor program at Sehome High School. The program includes more than 60 freshmen paired with juniors or seniors who meet at least once a week to work on homework and school projects during Sehome's Anchor period - a designated time for students to study and meet with teachers. During that time, mentors help with homework assignments. They also can bring the students to talk with teachers about tests and work, or just talk about life in general. Click here to read more about the program.
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Lectures, Workshops, Concerts, Festivals Etc.
Off the Risers, A Concert Of Song And Movement
Friday, December 7 at 8 pm and Saturday, December 8 at 4 pm, Black Box Theater at Edmonds Community College, 20310 68th Ave W, Lynnwood
Faculty members Mary Lentz, Ingrid Orlow, and Robert Murphy are part of the Spirit Of The Sound choir and invite you to enjoy this spectacular concert with a broad range of movement, from evocative to hilarious, by masterful dancers as well as the entire choir itself - in the context of a range of choral music, from pop to serious to gospel - choreographed by professionals and directed by the amazing Eric O'del. The venue is exciting, literally an empty "black box," inviting audience and performers alike to witness deep creation by the human spirit. And funny noses. Click here for details and to buy tickets online, or speak to Ms. Mary, Dr. Orlow, or Mr. Murphy for more information or tickets. Willow Branch Puppet Theatre Group Presents: Star Money Sunday, December 16, 11 am & 1 pm, Seattle Waldorf Grade School, Huckleberry Hall A wonderful sensitive Grimms' fairy tale for this time of the year. All ages are welcome. Advance VISA/MC reservations by December 15: $ 7 child/senior & $8 general admission. At the door: $8 child/senior, $9 general admission. Call 206.985.2059 with questions.
Navigating The Middle School Years
Tuesday, January 29 at 6:30 pm, Bainbridge Island
All are invited to attend this free lecture with Dr. Johanna Steegmans, sponsored by Madrona School. Click here for the flyer with location details and more.
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For Sale Play stand set for sale, $140. Two pine play stands, each measuring 48"H 49.5"W 9"D, with moon and star cutouts along the side panels. Contact Susanne at subleeck@hotmail.com or 206-632-0978
for pictures.
Voice & Piano Teacher Experienced music teacher provides customized instruction in voice and piano in an inviting, supportive environment, for students of all ages. Studio is conveniently located 10 minutes from SWS grade school. Jill Brewer has worked extensively with Waldorf students (references available). Discover and nurture your talent, intelligence, and passion for music. Call Jill at 206-364-2349. Home Near SWS Grade School For Sale By SWS Alumni ParentThis 4-bedroom home is conveniently located on a dead-end street near the grade school. Large lot, with mature gardens, fruit trees adjacent to city green belt. Multiple decks, enclosed hot tub, lower level MIL (currently rented), skylights, gas fireplace. $499,000. Click here for the flyer with pictures and contact info.
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Looking For Childcare? Offering Childcare?
Click here to see an online page to assist our community in exchanging this kind of information.
For information on Break Care for children age 5 to grade 5, see the Grade School News section above.
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S O U N D C I R C L E C E N T E R
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Upcoming Events at Sound Circle Center, Autumn 2012 Please consider joining us for the following lectures or parenting courses and check our website for more details - click here. Introduction To Anthroposophy With SCC Faculty & Guests Join the new Foundation Year students for presentations on essential themes in Anthroposophy: Saturday, December 1, 9:15 -10:45 am, One Life Church, 3524 NE 95th Street, Seattle The Human Being and the Cosmos: Seven-Foldness with Jenny Fawcett Saturday, December 8, 9:45 - 10:45, Huckleberry Hall, Seattle Waldorf School grade school campus Winter Festivals with Mary Oak Drop-in: $10 per session. Click here for details.
Media Literacy : A Course For Middle School Parents And Educators
Saturday, December 1, 9:15 - 10:45 am, One Life Church, 3524 NE 95th Street, Seattle
This series of workshops with Caroline Cummings will explore how improved media literacy helps to develop critical thinking and active participation in our media culture. The first session took place on November 10. Please contact Mary Oak at moak@soundcirce.org if you wish to join the course.
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WATERCOLOR, BEN, GRADE 6
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Mission
We educate our students to be free human beings who impart purpose and meaning to their lives,
who meet life with courage, and respond with initiative and creativity to the needs of the world and their fellow human beings.
  
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The Connection is generally published twice a month while school is in session. For publication dates, click here and type the word Connection in the search window.
Please email all submissions directly to: newsletter@seattlewaldorf.org.
All articles or ads for the next issue are due by noon on Tuesday during the week of publication.
Submissions Guidelines © 2010 Seattle Waldorf School.
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