Newsletter Archive
School Bulletin for the Week of December 12, 2007
fuel for the spiritual fire
What makes a fire burn
is space between the logs,
a breathing space.
Too much of a good thing,
too many logs
packed in too tight
can douse the flames
almost as surely
as a pail of water would.
So building fires
requires attention to the spaces in between
as much as to the wood.
When we are able to build
open spaces
in the same way
we have learned
to pile on logs,
then we can come to see how
it is fuel, and absence of fuel
together, that make fire possible.
We only need to lay a log
lightly from time to time.
A fire grows
simply because the space is there,
with openings
in which the flame
that knows just how it wants to burn
can find its way.
Judy Sorum Brown
This verse began our discussion on Thursday, November 29 on Spiritual Participation in a Waldorf School. The verse helped us to see the importance of making space for spirituality. The aspects of our children’s education that relate to this issue can be grouped into three separate categories – religious, moral and spiritual. The religious aspect is a minefield of controversy, because it touches on our deepest fears, passions and hopes for our children. The school does not provide a religious education and leaves this realm to the home. The spiritual aspect of this issue, however, is an important part of Waldorf education. Here is where we are called to our own inner strength and where we develop the impulse to become a free human being able to act out of our own judgment.
The festivals have an important role to play in our children’s spiritual education. We heard reports from John Trevillion and Andrea Shaffer, who spent a week over the summer discussing festival renewal at a conference in New Hampshire. The school-wide seasonal festivals are a way for the children to connect with deeper impulses. In the fall, we bring courage to the children; in the winter, we bring reflection and in the spring we bring rebirth, although we do not have a school-wide spring festival. For more on this, see Andrea Shaffer’s enlightening article on the Garden of Light in last week’s Bulletin. We also heard conference reports from Carol Triggiano and Mary Ann Vaca, which showed us that the broader Waldorf community has a place for a wide diversity of experiences and viewpoints.
We had a great turnout and a very lively and open discussion. There was passionate expression, as well as respectful listening. We openly discussed some very challenging issues, such as the presence of Christianity in Steiner’s philosophy and its place, or lack of place, in the Waldorf pedagogy. We heard a wide variety of viewpoints, which sometimes stood in contradiction to each other. For example, we heard a call for more express religious content in the festivals, with all religions represented, while others wanted to lessen religious content and focus on the universal spiritual impulses. The presenters, along with the PTO, strongly feel that the community wishes to have more conversation on this issue. We are arranging for additional discussions, which will most likely take the form of three nights in March. Stay tuned!
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Lubin, for the PTO
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Community Garden of Light Tonight!! • 7:00-9:00pm • Auditorium
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fair thanks!
It was dark, icy, slick and snowy, the garland was taken down, the light blown out, mittens were found, and poinsettias found new homes. The following week, we returned what was borrowed and found what was lost. Our school became our school once more. We did it! But was it over? Or did we have the chance to remember and renew once more for ourselves why we do it each after year. This year, a huge percent of our school community participated in the Holiday Fair – and we send out a big thank you to each and every one of you. Please read the many, many names (printed at the end of this week’s Bulletin) of all who helped make the Holiday Fair such a success! When you attempt a Thank You list of this magnitude, it is possible (if not likely) that someone will accidentally be left off, so please accept our apologies in advance. And, again, our thanks!
Katybeth Jensen-Ruscitti, Holiday Fair Parent Co-Chair
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under the gift wrap
Just in case you are feeling pressured and are being tempted to buy computer games for holiday presents, please read this article first! Ms. Triggiano, 3rd Grade Teacher
The Effects of Video Games: An excerpt from the new book Boys Adrift by Leonard Sax, MD, PhD, which sheds light on several factors affecting boys today.
Dumb and Dumber:
Do video games actually make kids smarter? It depends on what you mean by “smart”. If you ask, “Do video games improve kids’ reaction times, for example, if they’re asking to push a button every time they see a flashlight?”- then the answer is yes. Kids who play video games will be faster at such a task – by about two one-hundredths of a second – compared with kids who don’t play video games.
But if you ask the questions: “Do video games help kids to do better in school? Do the games help improve their grades or their test scores?” – then the answer is no. A series of studies over the past seven years has demonstrated clearly and unambiguously that the more time your child spends playing a video game, the less likely he is to do well in school whether he is in elementary, middle, or high school. Or college.
Video Games Actually Do Fry Your Brain:
New research suggests that video games affect the brain in ways that compromise motivation. The nucleus accumbens – the part of the brain that is responsible for translating motivation into action – operates in balance with another area of the brain, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPEC). The nucleus accumbens is responsible for channeling drive and motivation, and gives the drive a rewarding character. The DLPFC provides a target and a context for the drive. Both these areas of the brain need to be working properly in order for a person to be motivated, and working toward a real-world goal.
A recent brain imaging study of boys ages 7-14 found that playing video games put their system seriously out of kilter. It seems to shut off blood flow to the DLPFC. In other words, playing these games engorges the nucleus accumbens with blood, while diverting blood away from the balancing area of the brain. The net result is that paying video games gives boys the reward associated with achieving a great objective, but without any connection to the real world. Playing videos affects the brain in much the same way as medications such as Ritalin and Adderall and Concerta do. Curiously, this point is not disputed even by the most ardent advocates of video games.
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january speaker series
Get out of the cold and get into heat! January is our speaker series. Mark your calendars for the following events: on Thursday, January 17th Luigi Fiumara will discuss architecture, Wednesday, January 23rd Kim John Payne will come back to discuss social inclusion, Tuesday, January 29th we will have an evening with Douglas Gerwin and finally on Wednesday, January 30th Diane Levin will discuss media at the Lakeshore School. Please check the calendar for more details.
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knit picking
Commons to feature expert knitting assistance! Come to the Commons (in the Canteen) on Friday after drop-off to get your knitting knots worked out. Master knitter Beth Kelly, CWS parent and textile whiz, will be on hand to expertly yet kindly help you with your problems and dead-ends in those knitting projects. OK to bring the kids, too!
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after school protocol
Please remember that practices for after school programs at the Chicago Waldorf School are closed. No friends, siblings or any others may stay and watch practices. The coaches and school cannot be held responsible for supervising other children while leading a practice, nor can we keep track of children who are not team members. Further, children who would like to attend away games and who would like to accompany the team on the bus must have written permission from a parent, and there must be another adult present who is agreeing to supervise the child. Thanks for your understanding and cooperation, as this is meant to be a manageable policy to ensure a good and safe experience for all the children. If you have any questions, please contact Andrea Shaffer at school.
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looking ahead
Parents in grades 6-8 will be getting a description of our new athletic probation policy in the mail. This policy is an extension of the policy that already exists in our high school, and basically asks that students are on time to school, have good attendance, complete their homework, keep up with class assignments, contribute positively in all classes and serve their detentions in a timely manner. Students who are struggling in any of the above areas will be put on athletic probation until the situation improves. More detail will be provided in the letter, and in the forthcoming athletic handbook. If you have questions, please contact Andrea Shaffer at school.
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gems of grade 8
This year the 8th grade made and sold homemade earrings at the Holiday Fair. Many of the 8th grade students worked on these (thanks to parent Barbara Gold for donating real gemstones) and there are still some left for only $25. All proceeds will go toward financing the 8th grade class trip. Needless to say, they would make great holiday gifts! See Mr. Husseini for more info on how to buy them. Thanks in advance for your support!
-Jo Peer-Haas, 8th grade PTO Rep
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quiet, please
The CWS community is invited to attend this year’s Festival of Light assemblies which take place on Monday mornings at 8:05am throughout the month of December. Please help us maintain a mood of awe and reverence by turning off your cell phone before entering the auditorium and refraining from making extraneous noise.
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recycling report
Cumulative recycling totals to date in 2007-2008:
• This week: 101 of paper recycled Last report: 89 lbs of paper recycled
• This week: 25 lbs of plastic/metal recycled Last report 22 lbs of plastic/metal recycled
• This week: 178 lbs of glass recycled Last report: 128 lbs of plastic/metal recycled
A special thank you to the 8th grade this week! They really had their work cut out for them with the additional volume of recyclables from the Holiday Fair.
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coach’s corner
The high school boys had the week off and we used this time to practice, work out a few things and get ready for this week’s games. To get another view of our boys’ games you can find it in the News-Star newspaper where there is a weekly column.
The high school girls had a busy week with three games on their schedule. On Monday, Young Women’s came to our gym only to go home with a resounding loss. The girls came out full of energy and earned their first victory of the season! We started on the defensive side, where we had 18 steals. Many of these steals led to fast break points. Olivia had 14 points and 7 steals while Sanja added 15 rebounds and, finally, Danielle had a team high 4 assists.
On Wednesday we traveled to Francis Parker with the hopes to come out with a two game win streak. Unfortunately, Parker had other ideas. We came out flat in the first half and Parker came out running a very patient offense. Parker came out with 3 different full and half court traps to getting some quick turnovers. The girls came out in the second half energetic and made the adjustments needed to break the press. They made Parker work for the victory, but unfortunately were not able to make a comeback. Sanja led the way with 9 points and 6 rebounds, followed by Arielle with 8 points and 4 rebounds. On Thursday Northtown came to our gym. In a game that was filled with fouls, (9 for us and 20 for Northtown), the girls were not able to convert on enough free throws to keep close to the speedy Northtown. Northtown’s speed gave us trouble in both the full court and half court set. In the 4th quarter we were not able to get it together and we lost by 10 points. Sanja again led the team with 9 points and 13 rebounds followed by Olivia with 7 points and 3 steals.
Upcoming Games: High School Girls:
• Thursday, December 13 Away vs. Cristo Rey; 7:00pm
• Monday, December 17 Home vs. Chicagoland Jewish; 6:00pm High School Boys:
• Friday, December 14 Home vs. Universal; 6:00pm Middle School Girls:
• Tuesday, December 18 Home vs. Catherine Cook; 4:30pm Middle School Boys:
• Tuesday, December 18 Away vs. Catherine Cook; 4:30pm
Go Thunder!
-Christian Schnell, Athletic Director
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community announcements
new moon lodge
She Drums will host a Women’s Community Rhythm Ritual and New Moon Lodge on Friday, December 14th from 8:00-10:00pm at the Lake Street Church located at 607 Lake/Chicago Ave, Evanston. Reveling in the festival of lights and the dark nights of the winter solstice, this celebration will explore the many faces of ‘Mary’ and the essence of the divine feminine through the invocation of the many faces of the goddess through the heart beat of the drum, myth-telling, call-and-response chanting, crafts, healing rituals, trance meditation and other community building activities. All women and daughters 12 years old and up are welcome. The cost is $10. Any questions? Please contact Hazel at 773.549.3026 or via e-mail.
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esperanza advent
There will be a Eurythmy Advent Festival at Esperanza School this Saturday, December. 15th, from 3:00-5:00pm. Please join us for the 28th annual festivities. This is an event for children of all ages featuring rhythmical, flowing movement, creative gesture and rich color expressive choreographed to seasonal music and poetry. Join in the singing and eurythmy for all and listening to a wonderfully told story for the smaller children. Please contribute a sweet or savory dish for the refreshments. All are welcome! Address: 520 N. Marshfield Ave, Chicago. For further information please contact John Stolfo at 312.217.1768.
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at the branch
There will be a presentation on the topic of The Mystery Dramas of Rudolf Steiner at the Branch. Sunday, December 16th, from 7:00-8:00pm. Welcome to an open workshop-style session with visiting Stephan and Beth Usher who will present a passage in speech and eurythmy from Souls’ Awakening, fourth scene, fourth drama. There will also be six Branch members speaking passages surrounding in that scene. Stephan will offer descriptive insights and welcome discussion on the work followed by refreshments. Rudolf Steiner Branch, located at 4249 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago. For more information, call 312.217.1768.
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classified ads
College Bound…. Writing Bound!: Whether you’ve just realized that “yes” you really do have an essay due for your college application, or you’re already well under way, you want to be sure that your college essay conveys how extraordinary you are. College writing teacher, writing coach and CWS mom Saralina Kamholtz-Roberts invites writers of all temperaments and stages of the writing process to get the individualized guidance needed as they cultivate the art of essay writing. Please contact Saralina at 847.864.6986 or via e-mail for more information. Individual coaching session at $75/hr; group workshops also available upon request.
Chalk Up Some Ad Agency Experience! We’re looking for high schoolers or any one else in search of spending mundane afternoons entering mindnumbingly boring data – products & item descriptions need to be input into new websites before launch. Don’t just sit around during winter break – make some spending money! 2-3 positions will last until project is completed. Please call 773.334.2510 or send an e-mail to the good folks over at fathead design.
With the Holidays Approaching and time slipping away, who has time to clean the house? Call Maria, she’s thorough, efficient and wonderful! Maria 773.267.4255.
Achieve Inner Balance and Harmony this busy holiday season with Jia Khechari. He combines acupressure, aromatherapy, light stretching, and energy healing. Slow, gentle limb rotations and the magical tones of Tibetan bowls will restore you to peace. Call Jia for your de-stressing, healing appt at 773.899.4280
Need Quality Artistic Web Design or print work? Waldorf alumni Jean-Patrick Smith can help you! Check out the website , call 773.430.6216 or via e-mail for more information.
My Daughter has Been Very, Very Good this Year! Santa wants to reward her with a used children’s lyre/kinderharp for my daughter for the holidays! Please hurry to help Santa and his elves! He only has $50-75 to spend. Please contact Liz Kantorski at 847.866.6105 to get to Santa.
Walk to Waldorf School! 4 bedroom, 2.1 bathroom Victorian is completely rehabbed with a gracious wrap around porch, zoned heating and A/C, soaring 10” ceilings, newer granite and stainless kitchen with first floor laundry room. Gleaming hardwood floors, natural woodwork, built in hutch. Beautiful glass and marble baths, and private sky lit master suite. Professionally landscaped park-like fenced yard. Offered at $789,500. Contact Maureen Murnane, Coldwell Banker 312.475.3283, or via e-mail.
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On Behalf the Holiday Fair Committee – THANK YOU!!
Linda Abrams • Ken Adams • Karen Adler • Karen Anderson • Gabi Anspach • Irene Arredondo • Martha Arnett • John Barnes • Quinn Baron • Rachel Baron • Barbara Becker-Gold • Vivien Beirne • Nancy Bender • Maurine Berens • Martine Benmann • Beth Billups • Eliza Bivins • David Blood • Cynthia Board • Deborah Boardman • Clara Bonaccorsi • John Bonaccorsi • Paul Boyd • Karen Brennan • Susan Bruck • Elaine Burgher • Clay Byrne • Missy Byrne • Flora Calabrese • Shanti Calabrese • Christine Casorso • Gerardo Cerda • Lauren Cerda • Betsy Chapin-Palder • David Chungbin • Barb Ciurej • Forrest Claypool • Al Collins • Judy Collins • Sharon Collins • Mari Cooper • Charles Cottle • Sarah Cottle • Anne Cousineau • Lisa Crowe • Christine Culbert • Doug Culbert • Sheryl Curcio (and her sister and friend) • Dana DeAno • Sandy Dechter • Charles Depondt • Nancy Depondt • Sylvie Desouches • Barb Dillon • Mike Dillon • Andy Dillon • Jessica Donnelly • Laura Donke • David Dozier • Deb Doetzer • Claude Driscoll • Dan Driscoll • Kathy Dunne • Gina Ehrlich • Nicholas Ehrlich • Colleen Everhart • Dave Ervin • Pete Fagundo • Joe Ferguson • Michelle Feuer • Pauline Fife • Peggy Figiel • Eden Finer • Linda Finer • Kevin Finn • Barrett Fiske • Rachel Fiske • Lisa Fornshel • Carly Garcia • Merci Garcia • Jim Garramone • Julie Garramone • Briar Gartner • Michael Gebert • Chuck Ginsberg • Edison Girard • Bernard Graham-Betend • Alan Gold • Mary Jo Graden • Katherine Graden • Ted Grunebaum • Becky Haase • Tom Handley • David Hallman • Karen Hallman • Jacque Harper • Ro Hart • Jasmine Hasanbegovic • Lachelle Hayes • Julia Henderson • Liz Heavenrich • Cheryl Henley • Cory Hirsh • Michael Holdrege • Patricia Holdrege • Bob Hooper • Dara Hopp • David Hoppe • Barbara Huckabay • Tim Huckabay • Dean Husseini • Satko Ibrahimovic • John Ireland • Rebecca Itzowich • JanPro Cleaning Crew • Heath Jansen • Bill Johnson • Cynthia Joho • Ann Jordahl • Amy Kahn • Michael Kahn • Saralina Kamholtz-Roberts • Elizabeth Kantorski • Quinn Kennelly • Jan Kenyon • Shannon Kerr • Vicky Kim • Adam King • Jim Kotz • Claudia King • Lisa King • Tahirih Klass • Lee Klawans • Doug Knox • Debbie Kriho • Judy Krizmanic • Amanda Kuzak • Chris Kuzak • Dave Lawson • Maddie Lawson • Mark Lazar • Kelly Leonard • Ilya Levinson • Jeremy Lewin • Cydney Lewis • Robin Lewis • Anne Libera • Peter Linett • Julie Lipkin • Isabel Liss • Judy Lubin • Hazel Lucchesi-Ginsberg • Daina Lyons • Jamie Malato • Todd Manley • Dagmara Marona • Nancy Matson • Robin Manesky • Phyllis Marder • Jennifer Masi • Carol McCullough • Margaret McGuire • Sarah McIntosh • Andrea McNaughton • Kate Megregian • Erin Mendoza • Andy Metzger • Chris Metzger • Luke Meyer • Sheree Moratto • Jim Moratto • Becky Moskowitz • Tracy Muhammad • Dru Muskovin • Linda O’Finer • Paul Oldani • Pat O’Malley • Lisa Moser • Susan Mudd • Guy Nickson • Steve Nielson • Joanna Northage-Orr • Karolina Nowak • Stan Palder • Jennifer Paschen • Lisa Payton • Jo Peer-Haas • Kristin Pellicori • Linda Peifer • Breanne Petersen • Rochelle Peterson • Verne Peterson • Kim Piehl • Amos Poole • Luke Prucnal • Ian Randolph • Nicole Richardson • Suzanne Reade • Melissa Reesh • Paul Rekstad • Lisa Rekstad • Stephanie Reynolds • Jean Riordan • Kevin Riordan • Gary Rogers • Katherine Rogers • John Rose • Ramona Rouse • Kim Rowe • Michael Rowe • Marla Rubin • Joe Ruscitti • Fatima Ryan • Josephine Ryan • Phil Ryan • Stefanie Safran • Mick Shields • Peter Schlossman • Roberta Schmatz • Christian Schnell • Allan Scott • Deidre Scott • Steve Sennot • Judy Shaver-Chungbin • Denise Shawgo-Manley • Andrea Shaffer • Clay Shane • Jeff Shane • Sarah Slepak • Cheryl Slover • Pawel Smal • Kerry Smith • Sue Smock-Lawson • Aurel Solomon • Bilha Solomon • Jeff Spade • Mary Spalding • Andrew Starzynski • Casey Stewart • Kristine Spencer • Nick Spreitzer • Laura St. John • Marlon St. John • Pam Stewart • Linda Stormont • Rob Stormont • Dan Sullivan • Lauri Sullivan • Hart Synder • Susan Synder • Nancy Szymanski • Jan Thompson • Simon Thompson • Gregg Tomlinson • Tonya Tomilinson • John Trevillion • Carol Triggiano • Kaye Trotter • Patti Tourney • Ileana Valencia • Mary Ann Vaca • Santiago Vaca • Frank Verciglio • Frances Vig • Halin Vig • Jackie Votanek-Chambers • Asma Waheed • Marcy Walczak • Sherri Wandler • Steve Walters • Ilene Warfield • Cynthia Weir • Richard Weir • Soham Wilkerson • Wilny Wilkerson • Luke Wilkins • Susannah Wilkins • Amy Willets • Chad Willets • Jane Woodcock • Miles Woodcock-Girard • Dave Wright • Tiffany Ying • Jennifer Zielinski • Janet Zimmerman • Sara Zimmerman • Susanne Zipperlen • Jeff Zweben • and many, many more!
Special Thanks: Katybeth Jensen-Ruscitti, Holiday Fair Co-Chair, for all her devotion, dedication and time given to making the 35th Annual Holiday Fair a huge success, and Isabel Liss for her wonderful decorations which turned CWS into a winter wonderland for the day!
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Four Seasons Shop School Store
• Store Hours
Tuesday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm
New! Now Open Saturday 9:00am-1:00pm
Closed Sunday & Monday
773.828.8800
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Bulletin Submission Guidelines
New Deadline: As of October 15, 2007, the deadline for all Bulletin copy is 3:00pm Thursday for inclusion in the following edition.
Submission Guidelines: All submissions must be typed. No handwritten submissions will be accepted. All submissions are subject to editing. Please email submissions to Stefanie Safran.
Community Announcements: Public events (open houses, lectures, performances) can run free of charge in the Community Announcemens section; there is a limit of one insertion per event.
Classified Ads:
All ads must be paid at the time of submission. A classified run is two insertions. Price per classified run:
• $6 – students, parents, staff
• $9 – alumni (students only)
• $12 – all others
Once your ad has run twice we cannot contract for immediate additional insertions. All advertising for goods and/or services will go under the Classified Ads banner.
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newsletter submissions
• Deadline for all material is Thursday 3:00pm.
• Submissions should be emailed to Stefanie Safran and are subject to editing.
• If you would like to receive the newsletter by email, send your email address to Stefanie Safran.
• If you have any questions, call Stefanie Safran in the Development Office at 773.828.8457.