Newsletter Archive
School Bulletin for the week of December 5, 2007
fall under the godspell
The Chicago Waldorf High School’s Drama Club will perform the musical, Godspell, this Friday and Saturday, December 7-8, at 7:30 pm in the Auditorium. The story of Godspell is based on the New Testament’s Gospel of St. Matthew whose message is about love, forgiveness, tolerance and celebration. One of the biggest off-Broadway and Broadway successes of all time, Godspell features a score by Stephen Schwartz and includes a string of recognizable songs, including Day by Day.
Godspell is directed by CWS music teacher, Jeff Spade, and the cast includes students from grades 9-12. Live music is provided by a combo comprised of CWS faculty and students. Come join us for a festive evening of music, dance and stories! Recommended for 3rd grade and up with donations gratefully accepted at the door.
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The High School Drama Club Presents:
GODSPELL
December 7th & 8th • 7:30pm • CWS Auditorium
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holiday fair farewell
The Holiday Fair comes but once a year, yet each November many of us find ourselves asking, “Is it that time of year already?” We may question the logic of so many hours spent on an event that will be attended primarily by parents, faculty, students and our community of friends. The Holiday Fair is not about fund raising (although making some money is not discouraged!) nor is it about buying raffle tickets (to win back what we bought in the first place!) or baking (when we will probably find ourselves nibbling on what we bake!). So what is the Holiday Fair and why do we do it?
The Friday before the Holiday Fair is the traditional “set-up”. We transform our school from its normal look to the beautiful Holiday Fair. This year the 4th grade decorated the outside of the school. Lanterns were made by our children and were used as focal points. Cardboard boxes were transformed into presents. The Early Childhood was dusted with fairy dust and the hard working parents went on to create the holiday magic of childhood. Lights were hung, greenery placed, classrooms were transformed into rooms to candle dip, make jump ropes, and a care to share room was created before our very eyes.
Our gym became a room filled with lights and fabric that reflected both the light and the dark of the season. Look at those wreaths – we made them! Pre-ordered greenery orders were placed, labeled and ready to pick up on time. Doo dads were bought, bows were made, and wreaths were decorated. When you visited the Early Childhood while little ones made crafts, did you feel the magic down to your very toes, did your eyes fill with tears?
While the parents were busy in the gym, the 8th grade was busy turning classrooms into dining areas, and a place where our community could share conversation while dining on Fair food that included Italian Beef, Jambalaya, Hummus platters, all donated. Could you smell it?
The auditorium was brought to life for the live performances planned for Saturday, and the high school café readied itself to serve coffee and baked goods. The high school kids hung snowflakes with care in the café.
On Saturday morning, did you see: the bustle of Waldorf parents settling into shifts, the jingle of Pocketman and the Winter Fairy getting ready to start the day with over 2,000 wrapped treasures that the 1st grade wrapped? Whose pockets were jingling and whose basket was swaying with those treasures? While the north wind blew, our welcome table warmly offered cookies, directions and raffle tickets as our guests streamed under our garland into our festival of lights.
Did you hear what I heard? The Mummers Parade starting our day, the story of Chanukah being told, the puppets play, the songs and music from our own music department and high school kids. Who planned this gala of activity? Could this have been the work of 2nd grade?
Did you see what I saw? Children making jump ropes and juggling balls under the direction of the 7th graders, the long standing tradition of candle dipping shepherded by Waldorf teachers and the 5th grade, 8th graders sold babysitting coupons and handmade coupons. Did you feel the joy?
The day ended with the raffle (and yes we will win back what we have donated!), where our children stood in line for the pure pleasure of pulling a winning ticket out of the basket, (and laughed at the forbidden iPod donated). Did you see the smiles? Did you hear the 6th grade parents organizing, selling and donating raffle gifts? Were you touched by their kindness, humor and hard work throughout the day?
Who was behind the scenes to make sure it all ran smoothly? The Faculty, Staff and Board as well as many, many more! Stay tuned to see all of your thank yous next week!
May the Holiday Fair spirit stay with us all throughout the holiday season and the New Year!
Katybeth Jensen-Ruscitti, Parent Co-chair & Tahirih (Tea) Klass, Director of Special Programs
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giving tree
What are those trees in the hallways covered with stars? We call them the Giving Trees. On Grand Avenue there is Esperanza, a small Waldorf inspired school for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Their families whom are all from the inner city of Chicago, deal with the overwhelming challenge of supporting families in addition to caring for their family member with special needs. At Esperanza there are many children in pre-school who could use our generosity. These children range in age from infant to toddler. Each year CWS asks for the support of the Waldorf community to provide a gift for one of these children. In order to do this, the process is simple. Simply pick a star from the tree in the main office area. The star will tell you about the child you’ve chosen. Write your name and information on the star and fill out the information on the sheet provided, then go shopping! Keep in mind that these children are developmentally about 6 months behind their chronological age.
Consider the Four Seasons Shop as a place to shop as the school store has many lovely gifts! Please have your gifts to the Front Office by Monday, December 10th. These children and their families will appreciate your generous spirit during this season of giving. Thank you.
Dru Muskovin, PTO Liaison
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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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garden of light
During a Waldorf school year, there are three big festival times that occur which we mark as both a school and as a community. The first is the fall festival of courage, or Michaelmas, during the fall equinox. The last festival comes at the time of the spring equinox, and is a celebration of rebirth and renewal. At this time of the year as we approach the winter solstice, the darkest of times, we prepare to undertake our Garden of Light.
For all these festivals, we look to the natural phenomenon that surrounds us – for the quality of the light, the behavior of the plant life and animal life. We use those cues to create an event that we can participate in as conscious human beings. In this way, festivals in our school act as a way for us to feel a connection to our environment, each other and our inner selves. In this cold, dark time of the year, when the leaves have fallen away, the ground is hard and brown and the days are the shortest, there is a paradoxical inner wakefulness. Waldorf teachers use this knowledge and at this time bring in subjects that require a greater concentration and inner picturing. This is an excellent time to look inward and reflect.
The Garden of Light is a ritual of quiet contemplation. During the school day of December 12th, the early childhood, lower grades and the 12th grade participate in this event. That evening parents and students in our school are invited to come and experience the Garden of Light from 7:00-9:00pm in the Auditorium.
The festival is designed to create a reverent mood. There will be evergreen boughs in spiral formation on the stage. Each participant is given an apple with an unlit candle in it, and then walks the inward spiral to the middle and then lights the candle from a large candle in the center. The lit candle and apple are then carried as the participant exits via the outward spiral, and the apple is placed along the path. All of this is done in complete silence, accompanied by soft music. For many, this simple act of coming in, lighting and going out, can be quite powerful and meditative. It is an outward action that signifies the finding and igniting of one’s own inner light.
While the children are in school, we engage in celebrations with various festivals to enlighten aspects of child development as well as with our curriculum. These ‘Big Three’ celebrations are meant to be larger in scope, inclusive, and participatory for all regardless of their individual religious practices. Festivals are not intended as spectator events, but strive to present opportunities for reverence and engagement with the world and each other. With those considerations in mind, this year we have officially changed the name of the event (previously known as Advent Garden) to Garden of Light. To further keep with the desire to have participation from all different beliefs, music will be carefully chosen so that a reflective and reverent, yet non-denominational mood is created. Respectfully submitted,
Andrea Shaffer, for the Festivals Committee
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welcome!
We are pleased to welcome Kristiana Richey, who will be provided much needed administrative support to our Development program. Kristi is a graduate of the Austin Waldorf School, has a bachelor’s degree in International Business and has a strong interest in a career in the Development field. We are so thankful to have her join us! Please stop in the office across the street from the main building and say hello!
Sheree Moratto, Interim Co-Administrator
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directory update
The Directory Addendum is now available. If you did not receive a copy, you can pick one up in the Front Office. If you make any changes to your address or phone number in the future, please be sure to contact Amanda Kuzak at 773.828.8467 or send her an e-mail so that we can update it in our system.
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ad-ing around town
Hello and welcome to the cold of winter and the upcoming, exciting holiday season! I know as many of you plan how you will spend your winter break, you think of experiencing the city and all it has to offer. As you may take the CTA trains and buses, please look on the Red Line and bus lines such as the 22, 36, 125, 135, 136, 146, 147, 148, 151 as well as many more to look at our exciting ad for the Chicago Waldorf School!
Stefanie Safran, Director of Marketing & Communications
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you do the math!
Problem #4 was: Find all solutions to the problem x240 – 409680 = 0.
Solving this problem on a calculator would be very difficult because 409680 is a huge number. The problem can be solve simply by using the properties of exponents. x240 = 409680. Now, 4096 = 163 so x240 = (163)80×240 = 16240. This means that x must be 16. But, because 240 is an even number, x could also be -16. So the solutions to problem are 16 and -16. 12th grader Michael Sanders solved this problem during one of our weekly math club meetings.
I taught two classes for the 7th grade this week and during that time, we discussed angles and polygons. Problem #5 is similar to the problems we dealt with during these classes:
What is the sum of the interior and exterior angles of a hexagon?
Answers should be submitted to Andrew Starzynski or you can put the answer in my box in the main office.
Good Luck,
Coach Starzynski
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recycling report
Cumulative recycling totals to date in 2007-2008:
• This week: 89 lbs of paper recycled Last report: 61.7 lbs of paper recycled
• This week: 22 lbs of plastic/metal recycled Last report: 14.6 lbs of plastic/metal recycled
• This week: 128 lbs of glass recycled Last report: 84.1 lbs of plastic/metal recycled
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inclusive new year
This past September many of us attended Kim John Payne’s lecture that was an opening to his Social Inclusion Training with our community. We see this training as an opportunity for us to deepen our understanding of complex social issues and further develop the skills and tools needed to address them. Kim John has worked with many communities in implementing a Social Inclusion Approach, which has as its goal helping teachers, parents and students develop the skills needed to work with the emotional and social obstacles that are a part of both our lives today.
Kim John Payne will return in January 2008, for a four-day visit that will include a two-day in-service training with faculty and staff on January 21-22, 2008 and two-day training with a Social Inclusion Coordinating Group of teachers and parents on January 23-24, 2008 at the school. We are looking for two parents in our school to be members of the Social Inclusion Coordinating Group. The parent members would need to be available for the SICG Training along with the following qualifications that Kim has identified:
• background in a care profession (along with an understanding and respect for confidentiality)
• healthy personal connection to this aspect of the school’s social life (There should not be a conflict of interest such as wanting to be on this group to work out either personal social issues or issues involving one’s own children and class.)
• The ‘life space’ and time to take on being a part of this group
• demonstrated deep connection to the school and its aims and values
If you are interested in being considered for this work, please contact Colleen Everhart, the High School Chairperson, by e-mail per the link previous or by telephone at 773.828.8469. She is gathering a list of interested parents which she will give to the faculty members of the SICG who will contact you with further information.
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cultural report
In November, our school had the opportunity to host students from our sister school in Moscow, Russia. Fifteen 6th graders, four 9th graders and two teachers visited our school on Thursday, November 8th. They spent their day with our students, participating in classes and socializing with students. A trip to the beach and an evening carriage ride in the park were arranged for the students to see some of Chicago.
Since I had traveled to Russia a few years ago and lived with many Russians during my stint in the Peace Corps in Kazakhstan, I spoke to the 6th graders before the Moscow students arrived. I fielded many good questions about Russian history, culture and living conditions. The students also wanted to know what they could do with their guests or what they could talk about. Several of our students were able to host the Russian students overnight on Thursday. After the home stay, I heard many positive things from our students and the students from Russia. Not only did the students manage to eat and talk, but began friendships and, I hope, an interest in each other’s country and culture.
Before their evening flight back to Moscow, the Russian students were able to see more of Chicago’s sights. We began the tour with a trip to the top of the John Hancock. Even though they were from a city of 12 million, the sights of Chicago’s lake and skyscrapers were impressive and the students enjoyed every minute looking down on the city below them. Both students and teachers expressed interest and surprise that our downtown is both residential and commercial. They took many pictures as we drove down Michigan Avenue and insisted on stopping at Millennium Park to better see the Bean. All were enthralled with the Bean. One of their teachers came up to me to say just how fascinated he was by the Bean. The tour concluded with a trip to the Shedd Aquarium. This was one place that they really wanted to see, and the fish, whales, otters and the view out to the lake did not disappoint.
The students had a wonderful experience in Chicago, both visiting our school and seeing some of what the city had to offer. They expressed thanks for the opportunity to visit and to all those who helped to make their visit a success. Perhaps some of our students will now have Russian pen pals and have an interest in visiting Moscow one day.
Amanda Haase, CWS Grade School Alumna & CWS Substitute Teacher
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team thunder!
The middle school girls’ Thunder basketball team put up a game effort but were outplayed by the older, taller, more experienced Roycemore team last Wednesday. Our defense stepped up their game in the second half, allowing only half as many points as they had in the first half. But even the compassionate referees could not even up the score, and our shots were just not sinking. The Thunder fans were loud and proud throughout the game.
Despite the score, the girls were awesome! Only one or two of them had ever been in a “real” basketball game before this one. But they played with spirit and will, and you could feel their confidence grow as the game went on. For most of them, their level of experience has just doubled! We look forward to watching them soar to new highs in the near future.
Go Thunder!
Rachel Fiske, 6th Grade Parent & Special Correspondent
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coach’s corner
The high school boys opened up their season this past Wednesday against Chicagoland Jewish. The offense got off to a slow start in the first quarter, but the defense was strong and forced a lot of bad shots by Chicagoland Jewish. In the second quarter our offense started to pick up and was led by Josh Collins, who created a few fast break points. We were tied at halftime. In the third quarter, Chicagoland Jewish lead the game by 10 points. We picked up our defensive pressure in the fourth and pulled within 4 points with less then two minutes remaining but we ended up losing 48-40. Josh led the scoring with 16 points and also had 7 rebounds and 7 steals. The high school girls traveled to Noble St. on Thursday for their second game of the season. Noble St.’s number 43 was a force to be reckoned with. When we got a rebound we were able to hit Olivia Ragan on a fast break and open up the game by neutralizing their inside presence. By halftime we were only trailing by 5 points. In the second half #43 wore us down and Noble St. was able to win the game.
Upcoming Games – High School Girls:
• Wednesday, December 5 Away vs. Francis Parker; 4:30pm
• Thursday, December 6 Home vs. Northtown; 5:00pm
• Tuesday, December 11 Home vs. Providence St. Mel; 5:00pm
Upcoming Games – High School Boys:
• Saturday, December 8 Home vs. Rickover Naval; 5:00pm
• Monday, December 10 Home vs. St Gregory; 5:00pm
Upcoming Games – Middle School Girls:
• Thursday, December 6 Home vs. British School; 4:30pm
Upcoming Games – Middle School Boys:
• Thursday, December 6 Away vs. British School; 4:30pm
Go Thunder!
Christian Schnell, Athletic Director
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community announcements
baltic solstice
Bella Voce, Chicago’s premier chamber choir, celebrates its 25th season with gems from the Baltic and beyond. Program centerpieces include Rautavaara’s Magnificat and Part’s O Antiphons. Sylvie Desouches, CWS parent and 4th grade teacher, will be singing in this program and would love to see you there.
Performances on December 9 at 4:00pm in Barrington; December 16 at 7:30pm in Lisle; and December 18 at 7:30pm at the Harris Theater in Chicago. For tickets, please call 312.479.1096 or visit their website. For the Harris Theater concert, please visit their website or call 312.334.7777. Any questions you can contact Sylvie Desouches at 773.764.4654.
Bella Voce is also performing as part of the city’s Caroling at Cloud Gate program. Pieces will include some from their Baltic Solstice season program, as well as traditional carols. It will be held on Friday, December 7th, 6:00pm. Location: The Bean (official name is Cloud Gate) at Millennium Park. This short program is free and all who attend will receive a flyer with a special promotional code for a small discount to the Harris Theater concert on December 18th.
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mazel tov!
Rebeca Itzkowich and John Ireland would like to extend an invitation to the CWS community to join in their son Illan’s Bar-Mitzvah celebration on Saturday, December 15 at 10:00am at the Shaare Tikvah B’nai Zion Temple, 5800 N. Kimball Avenue, Chicago. All are very welcome!
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city garden holiday fair
The City Garden Holiday Fair will take place Saturday, December 8th, from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Please join us for the offerings of local vendors, live jazz music, children’s activities, a wholesome cafe, raffle drawings all-day long, and good cheer. The City Garden early childhood center is located at 920 W. 19th Street in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. Please call 312.421.3050 for more information.
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at the branch
Welcome to the Rudolf Steiner Branch’s Annual Holiday Open House this coming Sunday, December 9 from 2:00-5:00 pm. At 2:15pm sharp, a lecture will be presented: What are Three Requirements of Effective Anthroposophical Medicine? (How is this today directly related to the story of the gifts of the Three Kings?) The speakers will be representatives of True Botanica: Ross Rentea MD, Andrea Rentea MD, and Mark Kamsler MD. Our festive occasion rounds off with refreshments and holiday cheer. A very wide range of health, skin care and cosmetic products from True Botanica will be available for sampling and purchase. These would make wonderful gifts for oneself or others and a portion of the proceeds will also benefit the Branch in its fund raising efforts. Also on hand will be original art and craft items, an extensive range of book titles and deliciously arranged refreshments! Some discounts will apply at this special event. With any questions please call Janis Ignoffo at 312.549.5753. The Branch is located at 4249 N. Lincoln Ave.
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classified ads
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Twin Beds for Sale! Gently used oak bunk bed with two twin mattresses from two former Waldorf kids! Guard rail for top bunk. Beds can be unstacked. $250. Call 773.764.5483 and ask for Gerry or Pam.
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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.
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happy hanukkah
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food for thought
You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.
Kahlil Gibran
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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 Friday 3:00pm.
• Submissions should be emailed to Stefanie Safran and are subject to editing if longer than one paragraph. Written submissions may also be handed in at the front desk.
• 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.