Pirates!
The Music Theater International describes Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance as "a hilarious farce of sentimental pirates, bumbling policemen, dim-witted young lovers, and an eccentric Major-General." Last week's middle school production of the play certainly lived up to all that and more. It is hard to believe that the play was the result of a four-week main lesson block, before students move onto chemistry, creative writing, and medieval history. The play was a tremendous success in its own right, but it was also a great example of Waldorf education, a project that integrated storytelling, movement, memorization, observation, set building, singing, speech work, and social awareness and growth.

I am tremendously grateful to all of the adults who made the play possible, volunteers and faculty alike. We are so blessed with the talent of Ashwood's teachers that we can forget what an extraordinary treasure it is. This play could not have happened without all of the dedication and love that our volunteers poured into the students, the teachers, and the project itself. There were volunteers working with the students, coaching them, playing games to loosen them up and increase their observational skills; there was set building, costume making, prop gathering, prompting, feeding and nurturing our actors, making coffee, and the list goes on and on. It was a tremendous community effort and our students basked in the glow of accomplishment that comes from their adult community standing together in service of their development.

During those rare moments when I could tear myself away from watching the stage I looked around at the audience and saw huge smiles on just about every face. The only downside of the whole production was sore jaw, a unique ailment that comes from holding a massive grin on your face for two hours straight.

Most of all I wish to express congratulations to our wonderful middle school students. They rose above and beyond, stretched their talents, showed goodwill, earnestly dedicated themselves to their parts, and proved trustworthy, responsible, and consummately creative. They are an inspiration to witness and have made us all proud.
-Jody Spanglet
School Director

King Winter is in the process of being dethroned as Lady Spring begins her silent tiptoe journey across the land. We still see lots of snow, but the sun feels warmer and stronger each day on our faces in the kindergarten. And we have heard returning birds singing as we play outside! The bird feeders need frequent filling, and we notice many deep deer tracks leading right up to school !
Our morning circle began to change today, in honor of the wheel of the year turning toward the spring. Bunnies, lambkins, and new flowers are with us in the circle, along with another new student! Mark Squire (Lola's brother) joined us two weeks ago. We are so happy to have him with us!

We are beginning the fun work of preparing our Easter grass gardens to place in our Easter baskets. Last week Amanda Tavernakis (Forest's mom) was kind enough to come into class and help us with our wet-felted Easter eggs. Thank you Amanda!
We look forward to some warmer weather soon; we miss the trails, which are so challenging to navigate right now.

PS. A huge thank you to Taz Squire for repairing our kindergarten floor. Thank you ,thank you Taz!
 
Bright Blessings,
-Ms. Beth and Jen

We made it!  We've reached $40,000! Our community is one fantastic group of people and we should be proud to know one another. Thank you all for your generosity. You are truly the life blood of this school.

Recent Donors:
Camden National Bank        
Belfast Co-op        
Richard and Eleanor Morrell
Charles and Marylee Dodge
Charles Rooney and Sandra Morrell Rooney
Erin and Alec Brainerd
Benjamin and Mariana Tupper
Barb and Geoff Ohland
Elizabeth Drury       

-Annie Mahle

What Does It Take and How Is It Different from Being a Good Mom?
A public talk for all parents by Jack Petrash
Friday, March 27, 7:00 pm
57 Desert Rd, Freeport, ME
Donation at the door.

Saturday Fathering Workshop
with Jack Petrash
(For dads with children of all ages!)
March 28, 9:00 am - noon
57 Desert Rd, Freeport, ME
Cost: $15

It is rare that dads have a chance to sit together and speak about the joys and the challenges of fatherhood. In this workshop participants will reflect on their own childhood experiences which in so many ways influence our parenting. Through our conversations and reflections we will get at the heart of what it takes to create meaningful and memorable relationships with our children.

Space is limited in this workshop. Registration will be considered complete when your $15 payment has been received. You may pay at any Merriconeag office or mail your check (made out to MWS with fathering workshop in the memo) to the address below.

Jack Petrash, an experienced Waldorf teacher, is director of the Nova Institute, an author, and TEDx speaker in the D.C. area.