Director Search
As you know, after 10 years of leading and strengthening Ashwood, Jody Spanglet is stepping down from the Director position and on July 1 will begin in her new position as Faculty Chair. In preparation for that day, the Director Search Committee has been hard at work since the fall to find her replacement - difficult shoes to fill. Our first task was to fine-tune the job descriptions for both positions to provide clarity to applicants, candidates and the Ashwood Community. We have received and carefully considered resumes, interviewed three candidates, conducted a second interview with one, and are checking references while we consider a second interview with another. We will keep you informed as progress is made on the process.  Director Search Committee:Betsy Morrell, Co-chair Nancy Harris Frohlich, Co-chair Jody Spanglet,Director Amy Watson, Faculty Jeremy Clough, Faculty Annie Mahle, Board & Parent Jacob Wienges, Parent Buck O'Herin, Parent
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- Do you have an interest in the governance of Ashwood Waldorf School?
- Do you have a passion for Waldorf education, in general and/or Ashwood, in particular?
- Have you been putting off getting involved because you are too busy? (The busiest people are often the most effective!)
- Do you have children (who may be adults now) who benefited from their Ashwood education and you now want to make sure this path is available for others going forward.
- Do you have children in the school now and want to be part of keeping school growing and flourishing?
- Are you a grandparent, aunt, uncle, friend of Ashwood who likes what they see here and want to be a part?
- Did you graduate from Ashwood and now want to give back?
- Do you like chocolate?
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If you answered yes to one or more of these questions then the Ashwood Board might be just the place for you. We are looking for smart, interested, folks to join our already strong board. We have specific needs for individuals with financial, legal, strategic planning, and/or marketing skills. Not to shamelessly bribe, but, chocolate is served at most board meetings.
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Parent-Child Classes
The winter session of Parent-Child classes started mid-January and finished at the beginning of March. We settled into our rhythm, and after two sessions, even the youngest participant knew what to expect.
With most adults involved in a craft activity at one of our tables, children play with the craft materials for a bit, then go on to explore the toys and other children's play (it is so wonderful to see them starting to take an interest in the other small people in the room, and to see their social skills starting to develop). Then, a few of them gravitate toward the snack table, to wash and cut apples (assisted by an adult or two). Of the four or five apples cut, a few chunks actually make it into the bowl; most are eaten there and then! Since the children so clearly show us that they are hungry, we heed their call, clean up the craft and toys, set the table with mats and napkins, have a short circle, wash hands, and sit down for snack: millet porridge, made creamy with tahini and sweetened with barley malt and raisins; a few pieces of apple and some apple sauce; sweet herbal tea to drink. Maple syrup liberally poured over the porridge adds the finishing touch. Once snack is finished, children, with their parents' assistance, clear the table, we have a short puppet story, then get dressed to go outside to play. A goodbye song ends our time together.
To see this group of people, little ones and grown- ups, getting to know one another joyfully (in the adults' case, for the little ones, this is still a developing skill) sharing practical tips and parenting knowledge, is heartwarming.
On the last day of our winter session, the kindergarten children joined us to dip candles. My "old" colleague and friend, Audrey McGlashan (we started teaching together at Ashwood, over twenty years ago!) visited and helped carry the activity in her safe and usual fun way. Many people walked around the table, dipping the wick into the pot of molten wax set at each end, and watched with amazement as from a skinny string, a stout candle developed!
-Marianne Böckli
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A Note from Ms. Beth
In the Early Childhood program, we've been enjoying the mountains of snow around the Rosewood building. There is a drift of snow right up to the roof in the back of our classroom! I am excited to report that it has been transformed into what the children have dubbed "The Time
Machine. " They created a pathway to the top and a snow slide for disembarking. The steering mechanisms are icicles picked from the eaves. You have a choice, do you prefer going backward in time or forward? Let the navigators know and they will be happy to assist you in your travels. Tickets available for purchase at the door.
Our morning circle is now centered around the theme of the March winds. Lots of opportunities for language arts building as we increase the verses and songs week by week.
I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who held my class when I was away in Kansas mentoring a new kindergarten teacher. Thank you to Liz Sizeler, Marianne Böckli, and über-reliable assistant Jen Corning for holding down the fort when I was traveling.
Warmly,
-Ms. Beth
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The Pirates Are Coming
Ashwood Waldorf School's middle school will present Gilbert & Sullivan's swashbuckling comedic operetta, The Pirates of Penzance, at the Rockport Opera House on Thursday, March 19 at 11:00 a.m. and Friday, March 20 at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited. A $10 donation is suggested. Under 16 free.
Adapted for teen voices, this production includes all of the elements for which the Victorian-era theatrical partners W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan are so well known. Startling plot twists, physical comedy, word play, sword play, and more all come together in this classic musical comedy to create a perfect storm of romance, adventure, hilarity and hijinks.The Pirates of Penzance includes one of the most famous patter songs in the history of musical theater, "I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General," sung in this production by Isaiah Doble. The show also features Aspen Laurita-Spanglet as the courageous Mabel; Caleb Edwards as Frederic, "the slave of duty;" Ryan Hart as the Pirate Queen; Julian King as the Sergeant of Police; and Kate Kemper as the lovesick and matronly Ruth. Backed by a 24-member chorus of bumbling constables, sentimental pirates and feisty maidens, the cast not only upends a few gender stereotypes, but may just give audiences a whole new perspective on what it means to be a teenager. -Laura Purdom, Grade 6 Class Teacher
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Joan Almon Tonight!
JOAN ALMON, internationally renowned educator, will speak tonight, Wednesday, March 11, at 7:00 p.m. in the Buttercup room in our early-childhood building. Ms. Almon's topic will be "Raising Resilient Children Today." Joan Almon's decades of experience with young children and her humor, warmth, and compassion make her an outstanding presenter. Don't miss this special opportunity to hear Joan; she is a wonderful speaker! Admission is free of charge and open to the public. For more information, contact Judith Soleil: 207.236.8021
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House Party: Last Call!
This Saturday, March 14, at 10:00 a.m., Julia Dodge and Barney Hildreth will host the last in our series of house parties. You're invited to feast with friends, and help us enliven Ashwood's early-childhood program. We need your insights and support as school ambassadors; please join us! Childcare will be provided. Please RSVP by 4:00 p.m. Thursday, March 12. 
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The Challenges of Being a Good Dad
 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 Workshopwith 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.
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Click the logo above to read the March issue of INFORM, newsletter of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America.
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Wednesday, March 10
Grade 6 Parent Evening
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 14
House Party
10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Contact Judith to RSVP and for directions. Monday, March 16Regular school day.
Thursday, March 19
Pirates of Penzance
Rockport Opera House
10:00 a.m.
Grade One Parent Evening
6:00-7:00 p.m.
Friday, March 20
Pirates of PenzanceRockport Opera House6:30 p.m.
Interactive Web Calendar
Printable Calendar
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Housing WantedWaldorf & Landing School graduate newly-employed at Artisan Boatworks seeks room w/kitchen privileges (private bath preferred) near Ashwood for 4 to 6 weeks beginning March 13 or shortly thereafter. Then seeking to rent a 1-bedroom or studio apartment. Internet access a must. FreelandA_pub@comcast.net
or 774.392.5122
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Apartment? Repairs?
Do you know of apartment or cabin rentals for the first week in July for my sister who will be visiting from Tucson? She'd prefer to be on a lake or near a beach in order to swim and kayak, etc.... We are also looking for help with my parents' place in Rockport, which includes roofing, putting in a new bathroom, kitchen faucet, cabinets and more. Sarah Trapani at 975-0353.
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Moving: Help?
I will be moving at the end of March and need feathers for my new nest (that is, furniture!). Looking for:
- dresser
- dining table and chairs
- bookcase
- comfortable chair
I will be glad to purchase these items. I will also need a truck or van and a strong helper or two to assist with the move. Many thanks! 230.0868
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What Is the Mission of Planet Earth? A Spring Course of Study in Anthroposophy
 March 1-April 26, Sunday afternoons, 2:00-4:00 p.m. Ashwood Waldorf School. 180 Park Street, Rockport, Maine 04856
Presenters: Cordelia Lane, Lee Chisholm, Jennifer Greene, Sarah Hyde, Susan Silverio, Cheryl Martine, and Michael Ronall will offer individual classes. We invite you to join us for this exploration of an esoteric understanding of the role of Earth in the unfolding of the Universe based on insights from Anthroposophy. You may register for the entire course or for selected classes at $25 per class. This course will explore an esoteric understanding of the role of Earth in the unfolding of the Universe based on insights from Anthroposophy. This will include the significance of Adam and Eve, Noah and the Flood, Buddha, and other important spiritual figures. The final class will be presented by Michael Ronall, who received an M.A. in philosophy from the New School for Social Research and Waldorf high- school teacher training at the Center for Anthroposophy in Wilton, NH, with graduate and anthroposophical studies in Europe. An alumnus of the Rudolf Steiner School in New York City, Michael worked for twenty years in advertising agencies in New York and has actively served the Anthroposophical Society in America. He has been consulting editor and a contributor to the Newsletter of the Anthroposophical Society in America, and has taught at Sunbridge College, Eurythmy Spring Valley, the Fellowship Community, and the Foundation Studies Program in Princeton, NJ. His writings have appeared in diverse periodicals, and he was a featured speaker at the 2009 annual conference of the Anthroposophical Society in America. Eight classes, Tuition: $175. Online registration, or email Bridget.Click here for class descriptions. Suggested reading is Christianity as Mystical Fact (and the Mysteries of Antiquity) by Dr. Rudolf Steiner.
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We publish community-service announcements from and for Ashwood community members at no charge (50-words max.). Send to: Judith Soleil.
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Be a Sponsor
Display or text ads appear here, in the right column of the Leaflet, and link to your website. The cost is $5/edition for a square ad (170 x 170 pixels) and $10/edition for a long ad (170 x 340 pixels). Discounts are available for long-term ads. The Leaflet appears every other week except in July. For more information, email Judith Soleil.
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| | Blue Marbles at an Arab Waldorf School |
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In June 2014, a group of Waldorf students and parents from California visited Tamrat El Zeitoun, the first Arab Waldorf school in Israel. At the end of their week of service, they gave each class in grades 1-5 a blue marble.
The children from Tamrat El Zeitoun gave them memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
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Do you have a story to tell about Ashwood? A review of a book or an event? A reflection on Waldorf education? Photos you've taken?
A question about the Leaflet?
Send us an email! We would love to hear from you. The next Leaflet will be published on Wednesday, March 25. Deadline for submissions is Monday, March 23 at 9:00 a.m.
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Thank you!
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