|
NO SCHOOL
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
FRIDAY, MAY 24-
MONDAY, MAY 27
| |
|
 |
|
A Peek into the Garden and More
|
by Suzanne Cunningham
 The seventh and eighth grades met with former gardening assistant Piers Duffell this past week, to learn about his year in the Peace Corps, in Swaziland, Africa. He led the students in a cooking demonstration of a traditional Swazi dish (using corn and beans) and gave the students a lesson in water conservation and permaculture.
The eighth graders are nearing the finish line with their raised bed projects.
Also, the third grade put up the Purple Martin bird nests in the Sheep Pen, in our continued adventure in housing the migratory birds. They are the largest bird in the swallow family and are, you guessed it, purple!
Lastly, we've begun using donated burlap sacks in the garden beds, thanks to Small World Coffee Roasters! These simple sacks help prevent weed growth, soil erosion, and water loss, while cutting down on trash for Small World and costs for us (do you know how much these cloths cost online?). The fifth and seventh grades help out by cutting the bags open, and laying them down (with holes cut out for plantings). A win-win arrangement!
|
|
| This and That |
National Waldorf Art Exhibit Is Calling Out for Entries
Art Show in Philadelphia : "What Is Waldorf?"
For Waldorf alumni, parents or teachers. Deadline is June 15.
WSP Student Babysitters
These 7th graders are available to babysit as a fundraiser for their class trip: Emily W., Lakumi M. D., Mia C., and Sophia S. To contact their parents, please consult your school directory. All will be available over the summer as well.
Handle Level I & II Course Announcement
June 21-23, 2013
Camp Sankanac, Traber Center, Spring City, PA
Creative Working with Wool Fibers and Plant Colors: A Retreat at the Fiber Craft Studio
With Renate Hiller & Mikae Toma
July 8-12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tuition: $550, including materials
|
|
CLASS TRIPS
7th Grade: 5/13-5/15
Bike trip 5/16
5th Grade:
Camp Tacqua
5/28-5/31
| |
|
| Community Events | |
Ellarslie Open 30 Juried Exhibit
Ellarslie Mansion in Cadwalader Park
The Trenton City Museum, 2 Parkside Ave, Trenton
April 26-June 9
This year's juror selected 119 captivating works in a variety of styles and media produced by 95 talented artists (including WSP's own Shyam Maharjan!).
Princeton Girlchoir Annual Spring Concerts
Princeton Meadow Event Center
545 Meadow Road, Princeton
For ticketing information, visit the Princeton Girlchoir website. Many of our students lend their vocal talents to this group! Come support them on the following evenings:
*Sing and Dance Into Spring!
Featuring Grace Notes,
Quarter Notes and Semi-
Tones: Saturday, May 4
7 p.m.
*World Music Suite: Music of
Eastern Europe and Beyond
Featuring Concert Choir,
Cantores, and Ensemble,
with special guests
Svitanya: Sunday, May 5
4 p.m.
|
|
|
Spring Work
at the Farm
by Thirza Wakely
What does the farmer do in the spring?
He sows the seed that harvests bring;
But first he wakes the earth from sleep
By ploughing it well and harrowing deep.
And busy must be the farmer's boy!
To care for the lambs that leap for joy.
To feed the calves so tender, and young
He rises as soon as the day's begun.
And then the farmer's wife so kind,
Food for the ducklings and chicks was fine.
And hark! what the queer little piggy-wigs say,
"Don't forget me, I'm hungry today."
From The Waldorf Book of Animal Poetry
| | |
| Save the Date |
End of Year Grade School Assembly
Saturday, June 8
9:30 a.m.
Montgomery Upper Middle School
Graduation
Sunday, June 9
12:30 p.m.
First Grade Class Play
Tuesday, June 11
6:30 p.m.
Early Childhood Last Day
Thursday, June 13
Grade School Last Day
Friday, June 14
Farewell to Faculty Potluck TBA
|
|
|
|
Former WSP gardening assistant Piers Duffell recently met with the seventh and eighth grades to talk about his year in the Peace Corps, in Swaziland, Africa.
|
|
Dear Friends,
There were a few moments there when I truly wondered if spring would come. But here it is, with all the tulips and dandelions and flowering trees I remember-and the pollen to go with it! Now that the sun is finally starting to show itself, thoughts turn to events ahead.
We welcome hundreds of visitors to our campus over the next several weeks, as Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day gives way to May Fair ... can Graduation really be less than 6 weeks away? And don't forget, spring is Play Season! Here's what one Waldorf teacher has to say about class plays:
"Dramatic and stage presentations are an essential part of the life of the school. Students give presentations beginning in first grade and increasing in complexity through the grades. These presentations complement the subject matter of each grade. The eighth grade play is a major production that utilizes the acting, language, musical, manual and artistic skills the students have learned throughout their school journey. Students develop poise, confidence, and grace on the stage. These events are also opportunities for all parents and the wider community to see Waldorf education at work.
"Furthermore, play-acting develops clear speech and improved spelling, the use of meaningful gestures develops careful listening, and learning to move with ease about the stage enhances spatial orientation. Beyond this, putting on a show brings the class together as a whole, solidifies their social bonds, and creates a sense of community among all the children in the class."
If you can make it to one performance other than that of your child, I encourage you to do so. There's no better time or place to observe the "blossoming" of this education, and our students.
See you there!
Sincerely,
Nancy Lemmo
School Administrator
|
|
SCHOOL EVENTS
Second Grade Class Play:
"Brother Francis and the Wolf of Gubbio"
Thursday, May 2, 6:30 p.m.
Second Grade Classroom
Seventh & Eighth Grade
Eurythmy Performance: "Joan of Arc"
Tuesday, May 7, 2:15 p.m.
Hagens Hall
The curriculum for the upper grades includes work with the dramatic elements of eurythmy, and the classes have enjoyed working on this play. The seventh graders have the main roles, supported by the eighth graders. We will also have a dress rehearsal on Monday, May 6, at 1:30, if that time is easier for you to join us.
Please know that this is not a polished performance, but more of a studio piece, a "work in progress," which has allowed the students an introduction to combining various elements practiced over the years to make an artistic whole.
Third Grade Class Play:
"The Story of David"
Thursday, May 9, 6:30 p.m.
Hagens Hall
Annual Grandparents' & Special Friends' Day
and Children's Garden May Festival*
Friday, May 10
Children's Garden Program starts at 9:00 a.m.
Grade School Program starts at 10:30 a.m.
This annual event 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 10, 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 6, 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).
*The Buttercup Nursery will have its event on Wednesday, May 8, at 9 a.m.
May Fair
Saturday, May 11, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Contact Brunda Moka Dias for any additional information or to offer your help at mayfair@princetonwaldorf.org. Thank you in advance for all of your hard work to help make this day a memorable one!
Fourth and Fifth Grade Strings Recital
Tuesday, May 14, 2 p.m.
Hagens Hall
Parent Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 14, 7:30 p.m.
Fifth Grade Pentathlon
at Kimberton Waldorf School
Thursday, May 16 (Rain Date: Friday, May 17)
Eighth Grade Play:
"A Midsummer Night's Dream"
Wednesday, May 22 & Thursday, May 23
(Rain Date: May 28 & 29)
Time TBA
For details of school events, please contact events@princetonwaldorf.org.
|
|
|
FROM THE OFFICE
Re-Enrollment
Please note the May 15 deadline for re-enrollment. Contracts received after May 15 will incur a 2.5% administrative fee added to your tuition for 2013-14.
Coming Soon: Back-to-School Packets for 2013-14
Watch for this May e-mailing, which will include important forms for Fall 2013. If you have any questions about completing these forms, contact registrar Solveig Pearson at x114 or spearson@princetonwaldorf.org.
Educational Support Plans Due
Some of you have or will be receiving Educational Support Plans in the upcoming weeks. These plans outline recommended support for your child for next year. If you received a plan, please sign and return it AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to ensure services for the fall. In an important change from previous years, all plans will be due BEFORE THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR. Once you have received your plan, contact your class teacher or Maureen Gold, Education Support Coordinator, at x142 or mgold@princetonwaldorf.org with any questions or concerns.
|
|
SCHOOL NEWS
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 visitors, and enjoyed the shade of our tent! To our adult volunteers, Jennifer Mulvihill, David Henry, and Linda Bolis; and to our student volunteers, Angelina, Nora, Sophia, Lakumi, and Emily, you make WSP proud!
Board of Trustees Appoints Officers for 2013-14
The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the election of officers for the new board year beginning at the June 2013 board meeting. Congratulations to all, and many thanks for your dedication and service to the school!
Mark Hornung, Chair
Nick Rumin, Vice Chair
Bill Bauer, Secretary
Jeff Trent, Treasurer
Yearbooks Are Coming!
Watch for opportunities to preview the 2012-13 Yearbook at drop-off and pick-up, and in the school store on May 10 (Grandparents' & Special Friends Day), May 11 (May Fair), and May 14. Order forms will be available in the school store, are posted on the website, and available here. The deadline for pre-orders (best price) is Friday, May 17.
Scrip for Spring
Scrip gift card sales have raised more than $4,500 this school year. Many thanks to all our participating families! Scrip gift cards will continue to be sold through the end of the school year. Purchase gift cards for your spring and summer shopping needs: clothing, home and garden, sports equipment and more.
Scrip gift cards can be purchased at the following times: 8:30-9:00 on Mondays in the community kitchen and 8:30-9:15 on Tuesdays in the school store. Or simply send an e-mail to Scrip Coordinator Marian Seliquini at scrip@princetonwaldorf.org. Current in-stock inventory includes LL Bean, Home Depot, Amazon, Whole Earth, Nomad Pizza, Jazams, and more. For a complete list of participating retailers, visit www.glscrip.com.
Windy Hill School Store
Stock up on Smartwool, candles, books, beauty products, and more, 10-30% off. Many more items are on sale, with discounts increasing after May Fair. Stop by soon for the best selection! The school store will close for the year on Tuesday, May 28. Thanks to everyone for their support and good cheer!
Call for May Fair: Vendors, Flowers & Volunteers
We still have a few spots for vendors that may want to have a table Saturday, May 11. If you know of a small business that would fit well with our event (arts, knitting, crafts, woodworking, etc.), please ask them to fill out an application as soon as possible and drop it off with $25 at the front desk or mail it to our school (Attention: May Fair). Here is the link for the application and more information. If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail Melissa (melissa.printon@comcast.net) or Kristin (kristin.menapace@babybootcamp.com), May Fair vendor representatives.
We're looking for flowers to incorporate into our beautiful Maypole! Please donate yours on Thursday, May 9, by leaving under the maple tree in front of the early childhood classrooms.
If you would like to volunteer at our raffle table, we have two shifts open: 10:30-1:00 and 1:00-3:00. Contact Jamie Quirk at events@princetonwaldorf.org if you can spare the time.
We also need parents of upper grade children to volunteer with Ms. Cunningham's table. Contact Brunda Moka Dias at mayfair@princetonwaldorf.org with questions.
Summer Camp
Although the deadline for a student discount is TODAY, May 1, 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!
|
|
|
