The Leaflet a newsletter for parents and friends of Ashwood Waldorf School

Big Week!
May Fair (and More)
Welcome back! We hope everyone enjoyed a restful and restorative spring break. We look forward to seeing you this week at these special events:

*EIGHTH-GRADE PROJECTS PRESENTATION*
Thursday, April 30, 6:30 p.m. Camden-Rockport Elementary School. Each year the students in Ashwood's graduating class take on independent projects as the culmination of their educational experience. It is an opportunity for the students to have a truly independent learning experience based on their individual interests and inspirations.

Students combine the academic, artistic, and intellectual capacities fostered by their Waldorf education to research, develop, and present a project of their choosing. The maturity and self-motivation required to accomplish such a project is a prerequisite for moving on to secondary school.

The eighth grade project requires the students to find a mentor, research the topic, complete the work and share this experience with an audience.

ALL ARE WELCOME! Parents, bring your younger children to see what they have to look forward to.  This is a great opportunity to invite friends and family who are curious about Waldorf education.

*CAMPUS CLEANUP*
PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF TIME:  Wednesday, April 29, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
This day is always great fun for all, and even more delightful (and productive) when parents join in! All of the grade school students will be divided into mixed-age groups and sent off to tackle different jobs. It's wonderful to see our older and younger students working together, and we warmly invite you to join in!  

Whether or not you're able to be here, we'd appreciate the loan of tools (metal rakes, wheelbarrows, trowels, pruning shears/hand clippers) labeled with family names.

Some of the projects will include trail trimming and maintenance, garden maintenance, mulching of playground areas, planting flowers, raking, etc. If you'd like to help, email or phone Judith Soleil (236-8021), or simply show up!

*MAY FAIR!*
Saturday, May 2, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Come one, come all! Deck yourselves in Renaissance finery (mud boots optional, but recommended) and come celebrate spring with family and friends. Enjoy the annual Maypole dance, cakewalk, open house, display of 8th-grade projects, games and activities, and two performances of a puppet play, "The Little Light Horse." New this year: Wood-fired pizza from Harvest Moon's portable oven will be available for purchase.

Early Childhood News
Nature Preschool
Parents with children in Ashwood's early-childhood program, current and prospective, are invited to a meeting in the early-childhood center on Wednesday, May 13, 6:00-7:30, to hear about exciting new features of the program planned for next year. We look forward to seeing you!  

Craft in Belfast
On Friday, May 29, from 10:00-11:30 a.m. at the Belfast Public Library, Beth Lunt will guide parents and children ages 2-4 in creating flower fairy puppets for spring. All are welcome to attend this free event; please spread the word!

Announcements

Ultimate Frisbee  

This popular after-school activity begins next week, Monday, May 4. Last chance to sign up is this week! 

Who: Any students in the midcoast community in grades 4-8. Bring your friends! The club is coed, and no experience is needed. You will learn all the skills and rules you need to play. Your skills are sure to improve, but the main goal is to have fun.

 

When: Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:15-4:30 p.m. May 4-June 3 (9 sessions; no practice on May 25). Students may sign up for one or two days per week.

 

Where: We will meet at Ashwood Waldorf School, 180 Park Street, Rockport, at 3:15 and walk to the Marge Jones Recreation Fields on Rte 90. We will be playing on the Babe Ruth Field. Pick up is at the recreation fields at 4:30p.m.

 

Cost: $50 per student

 

Sign up information: Please call (207-236-8021) or email Sarah Ewing if your child would like to join the club.

 

Students will need to bring running shoes or cleats, a snack, water bottle, and appropriate clothing for the weather. Please bring boots or an extra pair of shoes as the walk from Ashwood to the recreation fields is often wet.

 
Biodynamic Agriculture: Does It Make
a Difference?
Thanks to Lesley Finlayson for this article about biodynamics with a great title: "Manure and Mysticism." While acknowledging that biodynamic practices improve soil quality, the study concludes that biodynamic agriculture isn't suitable for "mass production." I'm not convinced; what do you think?
-Judith Soleil

In This Issue
Important Dates

Wednesday, April 29   

Campus Cleanup
1:00-3:00 p.m.

Thursday, April 30
Eighth-Grade Project Presentations
6:30 p.m.
Camden-Rockport Elementary School
Not to be missed!

Saturday, May 1
May Fair
11:00-2:00 p.m.
Bring family and friends!

Tuesday, May 12
Grade Eight Parent Evening

6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 19
School Tour
8:15-10:30 a.m
Registration required. 

Community Classifieds
Family Samba Class
Samba dance class for all ages at the Belfast Dance Studio on Saturday, May 16, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. With Lisa Newcomb, and Jeff Densmore on drums. Fun for the whole family! Please preregister by Wednesday, May 13 (minimum of 5 families): $10 per family.
338-5380 or email.

We publish community-service announcements from and for Ashwood community members at no charge (50-words max.). Send to: Judith Soleil. 
Support Our Sponsors
Hatchet Cove Farm will be delivering CSA shares of certified organic vegetables, as well as shares of local grains, raw milk, cheese, mushrooms, and more, to Ashwood Waldorf School on Tuesday mornings this spring and coming fall. Visit their website for more information or to sign up, or email Reba with questions.

bella-luna-ad
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.
Why Waldorf?
Waldorf Schools in Nepal
In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Nepal, thoughts turn to Waldorf schools in that country. This article in the newsletter, Waldorf Today, details how several are faring. 
 
Submissions
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, May 6. Deadline for submissions is Monday, May 4 at 9 a.m.
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Thank you!
 
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