Open Classroom Tour: A Glimpse Inside Each of our Classrooms

It may have been some time since you've attended our Open Classroom Tours.  We were fortunate that our April tour was jam-packed with prospective parents and their children and four of our own CSWS parents helping shepherd the large, interested group.  Interest has definitely picked up this spring and we are receiving many more inquiry calls and student applications for the fall.

We began the tour in the Kindergarten and entered each of the classrooms which always smell terrific, especially on Tuesday, which is bread-making day.  The orderly, natural home-like environment of our Kindergarten classrooms is so welcoming to many visitors who often wish they could have attended our school as a child.  We observed the Morning Glory and Rose Kindergartens enjoying nature and outside playtime in our Early Childhood playgrounds. Then we walked through the Lily Kindergarten who begins their day inside the classroom.  The Lily children had built an elaborate fort in their play area and many were gathered around their teachers either making bread or sewing felt butterflies adorned with fairy dust so they could take flight. 

Next door we visited our Eighth Grade who had recently completed their Eighth Grade Project Presentations and were able to confidently share with the tour group and entertain questions about their individual projects, plans for high school next year, extracurricular interests and how their educational and social experiences at Cedar Springs have helped them prepare for their futures. 

Our tour guests then enjoyed a short stop at the top of stairs to our outdoor amphitheater as we invited them to attend any of our upcoming class plays, our Mayfaire Festival and other events which showcase our students, teachers and community.

Third Grade was working on rounding numbers and had beautiful main lesson books and handwork on display for us.  Mrs. Mutrux told us how Third Grade would be taking their first overnight field trip to Fully Belly Farm as part of their farming and agriculture curriculum.  Second Grade had heard the story of St. Francis and had drawn scenes of the story which they worked collectively to put in sequence real time while a tour group was watching them.  They all did great.  First Grade was learning a Mayfaire song with Mrs. Shaver and had just finished up their math book work for the morning. 

As we walked the campus visiting classrooms, visitors were able to view the various garden plots our students tend in our Gardening Program and see our chickens and goats, always a hit with the children on the tour.  They also saw our Woodshop and inviting playgrounds along the way.

Sixth Grade was learning about knightly conduct during Medieval times and also performed a song for us.  Fifth Grade was configured in small groups conducting a Botany study lab with flowers the students were sketching and labeling. They also enthusiastically entertained questions from the tour group about favorite subjects, their class play, upcoming Pentathlon competition and more.  Even Mrs. Elder was put on the spot about what she enjoys about her job.  She confided that she loves the students and bringing this curriculum to them each day.

Enthusiastic hand raising was witnessed in Fourth Grade as Ms. Jenkins led the class in reducing fractions on the board .  They were inspired by this hands-on math activity as they worked out the problem of evenly dividing up delicious cookies pieces at the front of the classroom so each could enjoy them.  Finally, Seventh Grade was in the middle of a Physics lab and the tour group was able to observe the students as they problem-solved and tested their homemade electro-magnet motors.  Seventh Grader, Jonas Poer, was brave enough (after I volunteered him) to stand up on the spot and explain to the large tour group how an electro-magnet motor works, which he did simply and accurately.

By the time the tour group reached our question and answer and refreshments portion of the tour, parents remarked how impressed they were with our school and especially with the older students who presented themselves so well.  "They looked us in the eye" and "are so confident about what they are learning and as human beings" are common impressions this tour group of parents and others have expressed.  Visitors often comment that these are not qualities they tend to find at other middle schools, even private.  

What our Waldorf curriculum, teachers and community bring to our students is truly unique and impressive.  The education and experience the children receive is well-rounded, enriched and they carry with them to high school and beyond.  Every tour I conduct reminds me of just that.

Lynn Morgan, Ed.D.

Director of Community Development (Parent of Kendall, 7th Grade, and Michael, 10th)

to be Performed at Placerville Library

In addition to two school performances (Thursday evening, May 2 and Friday morning, May 3,) the Sixth Grade will take their play to the Placerville Public Library for a free community performance (May 3, 1:00 pm).  The choice of play comes out of our Medieval History studies and our community performance out of the spirit behind our 6th Grade Knighting Project, which includes community service activities.

Please share the news about this free performance on the lawn outside the library with friends and acquaintances outside our community.  We look forward to representing our school and its fine education with the larger Placerville community.

Paula ThompSon

Sixth Grade Teacher

Other grants we have received this year are:

• Two grants, $210 each, for field trips to the American River Conservancy.  Miss Jenkins' 4th Graders used the funds to participate in a two-hour Amazing Adaptations field trip.  Following this trip, an intensive three-week block of classroom studies explored the world of the human being and the animal.  Additionally, Mrs. Elder's 6th Graders will participate in the ARC's Nature Quest Program to help prepare them with a "leave no trace ethic" for their field trip to Yosemite.  

A $475 grant to Mr. Taylor's 7th Grade class from the California Foundation for Agriculture in the classroom.  This "Cream of the Crop" grant was awarded to only 25 programs in the state of California to advance agricultural literacy for life.  It was used to support the Nutrition and Human Physiology block classes, as well as the 7th Grader's efforts in gardening, the produce of which will be used to support the local "Upper Room Dining Hall" that feeds the homeless and disadvantaged in Placerville, 7 days per week.

Tina Rheault

The Etiquette of Kindness started out as Etiquette Classes tailored by Suzanne-Marie English for our Cedar Springs students, years ago, then, it became a book...and now, it's a movement!

It all started right here, at our CSWS over 15 years ago, when  Suzanne-Marie English first took her vision for Etiquette Classes to CSWS class teacher, Janet Langley, and asked: "What do you think about my sharing this with our students?" From that first affirmation and welcome by Mrs. Langley, it has continued year-by-year, with Mrs. English expanding and donating Etiquette Classes to subsequent Sixth, Seventh and Eighth grades at Cedar Springs and other Waldorf schools. This year marks the third time that Mrs. Thompson has welcomed Mrs. English to share Etiquette Classes with one of her classes.  It's always a fun collaboration!

Over the years, parents, grandparents and teachers would ask Mrs. English if there was a book on the subject of etiquette as she brings it.  Knowing there was none, Mrs. English set out to write such a book. Thus, The Etiquette of Kindness -- It's Not Just About the Right Fork! Skills and Courtesies for Our Time; A Manual for Young People (and Others!) was published in December, 2012.

The Etiquette of Kindness becomes a 

fundraising constant for our school --

Copies available in our school office.

And now, it's win-win-win, as The Etiquette of Kindness (EoK) believes in sharing goodness -- and, especially with our school.  From its publication, The EoK has donated dozens of copies of The Etiquette of Kindness to Cedar Springs for its fundraising. Every penny of the $17.95 retail price goes to our school, so when you purchase a copy for your family, give it as a gift, donate it to another school, a library, a church, a civic group ... you give many times over: @ $18 to CSWS; opportunity-creating, life enhancing skills for young people; goodness spread in the wider community.

The Etiquette of Kindness is gaining on its goal: a copy in every school across the country!

The Etiquette of Kindness is becoming not "just" a book but a movement! Here's some supportive, encouraging news from The Etiquette of Kindness'  first quarter:

• We have 232 fabulous public and private school teachers bringing The EoK to their 5,336++ YOUNG PEOPLE every day! Yes, The EoK came out only three months ago, and this is the impact of its kindness-based skills and courtesies in the teaching community -- with your help!
• Besides its support of Cedar Springs, in its first months The EoK has donated over 100 copies to schools, libraries and teachers. 
• And, with a lot of help by adults devoted to young people and to their futures, The Etiquette of Kindness is on the move, sharing its opportunity-making, life-enhancing skills with more and more young people!

Thank you, CSWS faculty, students and parents, for your support and enthusiasm! While supporting CSWS, please continue sharing your contacts, ideas and donation requests with The Etiquette of Kindness. 

To learn more of what's happening for The EoK (and how you can help) here

Visit Our Website. 

Suzanne-Marie English

email:  [email protected]  

Seventh Grade Garage Sale 

Saturday, April 27, 8am - 2pm on basketball court at CSWS

Sponsored by the Class of 2014 as a Fundraiser for their 8th Grade Trip

All Community Work Party

Sunday, April 28, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

NOTE:  Contact Chris BEFORE weed-whacking since some areas need to be hand pulled so the plants under them are not destroyed.  

Waldorf Curriculum Night 

Monday, April 29, 6:30 - 8:00 pm in the Sixth Grade Classroom

May 2013

All Community Work Party

Saturday, May 4, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

6th Grade Play, "Tales of King Arthur

May 3 & 4, 10:45 am - 11:45 am in our outdoor amphitheater

May 4 (Sat) on the lawn at Placerville Public Library, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

7th Grade Play, "Volpone" 

May 10, 10:50 am - 12:30 pm

An Elisabethan Play in our Outdoor Amphitheater   

Mayfaire

May 11- 10:00am - 1:00pm

Free shuttle parking from El Dorado Savings Bank.  Family and friends are welcome.      

Open Classroom Tour

May 14, 8:30 - 10:30am - Please RSVP

The Importance of Being Earnest

June 2013

Last Day of Kindergarten, Rainbow Bridge Ceremony, June 5, 11:00 am

Last Day of Grades Classes, June 6

8th Grade Graduation in our Outdoor Amphitheater, June 7, 6-8:00 pm

Kindergarten Summer Camp - see below

June 17-July 12

FREE Waldorf Kindergarten Puppet Shows 

June 28 & July 12, 1:30 pm, No RSVP needed.

Kindergarten Open House: A Day in the Life of the Kindergarten.

June 22

Please RSVP

Click here to see the current activities available at Rudolf Steiner College.

Crocker House Creative Art Center - Theater Camp, June 17-28

"Chitty Chittty Bang Bang"  Open to kids K-8 grades (530) 622-7879

Equine Assisted Learning - Parent Support Group

For information contact Kim Young at [email protected]

VOICE AND PIANO LESSONS

Find your authentic voice!  Have you ever wished to sing along with a group, but was afraid of what might come out?  Do you have a desire to take part in a singing group or musical theater, but not sure you have the skills?  Or would you simply like to learn to sing with more confidence and presence?  In a short time Jennifer can help you build confidence, presence, range, and musical skills!  In addition to piano lessons, former CSWS class teacher Jennifer Jackson is now offering voice lessons in her home for students aged 12-adult.  (Piano lessons to students 7-adult.)  A small number of after school spots are still available.  Call or e-mail Jennifer today at 530-417-3188 or[email protected] for more information.     

CSWS FACULTY & FAMILY SEEKING RENTAL:  Our landlord has decided to sell. We'll be needing a new place in the next few months. Please let me know if you come across or hear about something in the area that would work for our family of 4 humans and 1 40-lb terrier. Ideally, we'd love 3 bedrooms and a fenced yard, within 10-15 mins from school. Max rent would be $1250. Thanks for keeping your eyes and ears out for us.

Warmly, Nicole Deutsch ([email protected] or 916-596-5705)

WORK WANTED: Aislinn Barney is looking for summer hours. Housecleaning, painting, organizing, animal sitting/possible house sitting.  Please contact through Kim Barney @ 

642-2418.or [email protected]