Newsletter Archive
School Bulletin for the Week of December 6, 2006
thanks • merci • kanke • grazie • takk • obrigado • bedankt • thanks
Thank you. Thanks. Hey, pal; good going! Way to go, chum! Sometimes thanks seems just so over used and at the same time not used enough. For me, saying “thank you” lets you know I am eternally grateful for al you've done these last several weeks to support Holiday Fair 2006.
I have been actively involved in the Holiday Fair for the last seven years. It started out innocently enough as a set up helper, which somehow turned into coordinator and eventually to co-chair. Last year I came on staff as the Special Events Coordinator. I know what this fair takes from every level from parent shift worker to co-chair and behind the scenes.
The gratitude I am feeling as I write this is truly overwhelming. The coordinators stepped up to the plate and hit the road running. Lovingly (most of the time) they forged onward even when we knew there would be no Waldorf Table, even when the snow put a damper on our set up day and even when the temperature was plummeting into single digits. The commitment and sense of humor that many people displayed is a testament to their love of Waldorf education.
Every coordinator did a great job! I only have space to mention a few this week (more to come next week): Chad Willets got on his really tall ladder, as he does every year, and decorated the front of the school; Al Collins created a vision of winter and beauty with elegant simplicity; Katybeth Jensen-Ruscitti used her tenacity, humor and unflagging energy to keep 30+ vendors contented (for the most part) as well as made a beautiful Red Carpet Auction Display; Alan Scott handled the food rooms like the consummate professional that he is; Sara Zimmerman juggled hundreds of names and shift times that would have puzzled most of us (even though she had a sick child and lost power on the day of the snowstorm); Cheryl Henley was invaluable and always showed up at just the right moments with a health drink or overall support (in between handling greenery and poinsettia sales); Josephine Ryan, Doug Culbert, Sue Kallen and Karolina Nowak assisted me on Saturday, problem solving, finding help (and an occasional extension cord); Deb Gohr, in her last appearance at the Holiday Fair, made a splash in the gym and did whatever was asked of her, and after all the years she's put in that's just amazing!
Holiday Fair 2006 will be remembered for the curve ball Mother Nature threw us with Friday's snow storm. So we improvised…the Snow Emergency Plan, or SEP, was put into action. Along with a few brave souls, including Andrea Shaffer, her husband, Steve Walters, and even little Gracie and Ford made an early morning appearance. My own daughter, Katherine Graden, had her first thirteen hour work day and proved to be an avid volunteer. There were even more people who ventured out after the streets cleared up a bit.
The show went on and it was a beauty, thanks to all the flexible and willing parents, staff and student volunteers.
-Mary Jo Graden, Volunteer & Events Coordinator
...
Yes, We’re Still On…Same Day, Same time, New Location!
Wednesday, December 13 • 7:00pm • St. Ignatius Church
Holiday Music Festival
Performances by grades 5-12
Grade 5-12 Students – Gather at CWS • Parents & Spectators — Go directly to Church
...
media watch
When Rudolf Steiner started the first Waldorf school in Stuttgart, Germany in 1919, he spoke about the need for education to develop and nurture capacities in the students to be responsive and creative in the face of an unknown future. Just as our parents could have never imagined a world that includes genetic engineering, global warming and iPods, we cannot know what kind of a world our children and grandchildren will live in. In the aftermath of World War I, Steiner envisioned an education that could cultivate capacities to transform society, enhance our concern for others, and deepen a sense of responsibility for the world.
As our children move from childhood into adolescence, we know they experience many profound physical, emotional and spiritual changes. The Waldorf curriculum is designed to guide and inspire our young people as they go through this transformation. It can be helpful to look at the question of media in these years through the eyes of healthy adolescent development.
The Waldorf high school years are seen as a ‘flowering’ of the twelve year education during which the students develop the capacity to think for themselves. Ninth graders learn through observation of the physical world which leads them to an understanding of cause and effect. Tenth graders learn the origins of ideas which lead them to an appreciation of imagination. Eleventh graders realize that by letting go of spatial concepts they can begin to analyze what is not sense-perceptible. Finally, twelfth graders experience that by synthesizing what they have learned, judgments can arise. These ‘building blocks’ of thinking give our students the tools they need to meet the world with confidence, compassion and courage.
Excessive and unconscious use of the media stunts the adolescent’'s burgeoning capacities for creative and imaginative thinking. If their inner picturing is constantly being replaced by television, film and internet images they will not be able to ‘see what can't be seen’, their imagination. If their inner voice is constantly drowned out by iPods and conversations
on cell phones they will not be able to ‘hear what can't be heard’, their inspiration. If their inner judgment is clouded by addictive behavior they will not be able to ‘know what can't be known’, their destiny.
Although it is neither realistic nor desirable to expect that our older students will be media-free, we do want them to be as free as possible of the negative effects of a media-driven worldview. In order to become a ‘healthy’ consumer of television, film, music and the internet, young people must have opportunities for conversations and reflection about these activities that can potentially ‘enslave’ us.
Waldorf high school teachers have found that an ‘outer-scaffolding’ of clear agreements regarding media use are very helpful. Agreements that are preceded by discussions on the amount and appropriate type of media exposure are useful. By building an ‘outer-scaffolding’ we can help our students create their own ‘inner-scaffolding’ that will serve them for life.
-Colleen Everhart, High School Chair
...
creating community: the new commons
Following the brief yet beautiful Festival of Lights assemblies on Monday mornings this month (right after drop-off), all are welcome to stop by the church Canteen to experience the ongoing creation of the ‘new’ Commons. This informal gathering gives parents — and young children, a time and place to hang out and talk about what’s on their minds. Knitting and craft projects are welcome, too! Sponsored by the PTO.
...
giving gladly
I can remember my dad coming home from Church grumbling about the Church asking him to tithe part of his income to them on an annual basis. I can hear him say, ‘Wasn't it enough to be on the Board, be an elder, do volunteer work, and contribute every Sunday and now they keep asking for more?’. Webster's defines tithe as 10%, one-tenth. Dad … was not happy!
I am sending in an additional check for the endowment fund as I believe that some business comes to me simply because I am a Waldorf parent. That business is a gift to me that I would not normally receive, and I think that it is ultimately fair to donate 10% of that gift back. What I do is to think of which of my clients are a direct result of my association with Waldorf and then calculate how much income is generated to me by them. I take 10% of that and write a check payable to the Chicago Waldorf School. I feel better doing it; it is a gift to me, and I welcome others to join me in this process. Stop and think of what the community provides to you as a gift that you wouldn't normally receive and then tithe. If you do business with me, a portion of those costs will be returned (tithed) to Waldorf.
-Clay Henley, 7th grade parent
...
stars, stars, stars
Thank you to the many families who have signed up for a Giving Tree star. There are many star children still on the tree waiting to be chosen. We have the daunting task of taking care of 135 children this year, but we are confident that we can do it. For many of these children, this present will be their main holiday gift. If you can take a moment and choose a star, these children and their families will appreciate it. The trees are located in the Parent/Child classroom, the main Early Childhood hallway, Ms. Culbert‹s Early Childhood classroom and the main hallway. We ask that all gifts be delivered to the Main Office by Thursday, December 14th. Thank you!
-Lily (10) and Naomi (8) Muskovin
...
light of the season
There will be a short Festival of Lights assembly at 8:05am in the auditorium on Mondays during the holiday season, (December 11th and 18th) as well as on Monday, January 8, 2007. All are welcome to attend. Please come and celebrate the light and the darkness with us.
...
and…they’re off!
(OK everyone. Think Arlington Park race course and read this aloud in your best horse race announcer voice…)
“…And they're off! The classes leave the starting post…and it's EC Hart in a strong lead with horseback riding lessons (neigh! neigh!), letter pressed stationary, acupuncture treatments, pet grooming services, a Great Harvest bread basket, a fairy treasure box from Mrs. Hart, an antique Zulu hat, a signed copy of Barack Obama's book, underwriting for airfare packages and lots and lots of Whole Foods bags! But wait! They're coming around the first turn with a thunderous sound! And here comes the 7th Grade with a 3-day weekend in a Michigan cottage, Olive Garden restaurant gift certificates, ½ cord of firewood, two evening sailing cruises, a round of golf for 3, tickets to Victory Garden Theater, a hand colored family photo and a garden design consult! But that ol' 2nd Grade is straining with every breath to catch up with a large screen/sound system movie night set-up, hand carved rocking animals, a personal behind-the-scenes tour of Millenium Park, a valuable wine collection, priceless story telling time with Ms. Triggiano and a WGN Television Freedom of Speech package…But, oh my! The 3rd Grade stretches its neck out with a Frontera Grill restaurant gift certificate, an oil painting, diamond stud earrings and a hair cut/blow dry! EC Bruck is struggling to pull ahead with Ms. Bruck's donation of hand-knitted horses and 2 pairs of Cubs tickets (right above home plate, folks!) to each of the Milwaukee and Cincinnatti games! And they're coming around the second turn with EC Matson straining to catch up with a Craniosacral therapy certificate and a mini-haircut from Snippets! Now the 4th Grade is nose-to-nose with EC Matson with a Pompeii Restaurant gift certificate and a Curves Club 3 month membership! But…not so fast, folks! The 5th Grade is there alongside with a hand-carved rocking animal and a dog boarding certificate! Straining to catch up is EC Donkel with 2nd City tickets and restaurant package but folks, pulling in front, galloping as fast as they can, is EC Culbert with pairs of tickets to three different Cubs games, a 1-week stay in a South Carolina condo and even 3 baskets to be used as display for the auction tables! And would you believe it?! Right next to them is the 9th Grade with a Cubs Fan Fun Pack and a 4-night stay in a Mexico vacation home and just behind is the 10th Grade sharing the 4-night stay in the Mexican vacation home! And folks,here comes the 6th Grade with a fabulous home-cooked dining experience and more goodies on the horizon! Just behind the 11th Grade is straining to catch up with Mark Jackson drawings! What a sight! The crowd is on their feet! But wait, folks! We're missing some classes! We know we saw them at the starting gate! The crowd strains their eyes, looking in the distance for…oh yes…we think it’s them…emerging from the fog slowly, very slowly…the 1st Grade, the 8th Grade…and the 12th Grade. Will they ever catch up? Will their trainers help them to find their inner auction selves? The crowd begins its rhythmic chant, ‘Come on…come on…come on…where are you?!’
“Whew folks! What an exciting race! We're spent up here in the booth but this is a race worth calling! We're in it until the end! Stay tuned as the finish line looms closer and closer!”
-Auction Color brought to you by Daina Lyons, Acquisitions Co-Producer
...
picture delivery
The last orders of individual and class pictures will be delivered by Warling Studios sometime during the week of December 11-15. Please check in the Main Office.
...
digestion corner
The Digestion Corner has the week off, but will be back.
...
community announcements
...
eurythmy advent festival
All are warmly invited to experience a festival of eurythmy, music and poetry at Esperanza Community Services (520 N Marshfield Ave, Chicago on Saturday, December 9th from 3-5pm. This program is sure to offer inner nourishment for the season of Advent. There will be group singing and eurythmy for all. This event is sponsored by the Midwest Eurythmy Group in Chicago, the Rudolf Steiner Branch and Esperanza Community Services. There is no charge for attendance. Please contribute a sweet or savory dish.
...
christmas open house
Help celebrate your festively adorned home at the Christmas Open House at the Rudolf Steiner Branch on Sunday, December 10th from 2-5pm. Gifts, books and new products from True Botanica will be presented and available. Agalia Natural Finishes, a line of plant-based paint and wood oils, will be demonstrated and available for purchase. Presentations will be made by Dr. Mark Kamsler, Drs. Rentea and John Stolfo respectively. The Rudolf Steiner Branch is located at 4249 N Lincoln Ave in Chicago.
...
singing winds holiday fair
All are invited to the Singing Winds Holiday Fair on December 16th from 11am-3pm. The Fair will feature handmade gifts, children’s crafts, face painting, a puppet show, food and fun! Singing Winds is located at 3000 80th Avenue in River Grove, Illinois. For more information call 708.452.7100.
...
the holidays river rats style
The Irish band Green River Rats will take the stage again on Saturday, December 16th to play and sing Christmas music at the Baked Tomato restaurant, 4358 N Elston. The band features CWS parents Jaime Haas and Kevin Riordan. Come for food and festivities starting at around 7:30pm!
...
classified ads
...
Tweet, Let’s Eat — a delightful Waldorf-parent owned eatery at 5020 N Sheridan Rd is now open during the week for breakfast and lunch 9am-3pm. Closed Tuesdays. Stop in after drop off, meet friends for lunch, have ameeting at Tweet, enjoy a cup of organic Fair Trade coffee and use our wifi access! Mostly organic breakfasts and lunches. Parking lot in back. Child friendly. 773.728.5576, Michelle Fire.
Small Appliances for You: We’ve moved and no longer need a Krups Toaster Oven and GE microwave. They’re not new but they work. Call Jacque at 773.764.4654.
Is living close to school a priority for you? Two short blocks from school — Close to 2000 Sq Ft. 3 huge BR plus office, master bath, full bath, 2 balconies and private deck, DR, large LR (large enough for piano). Kitchen w/separate dining space, hardwood floors, wood-burning fireplace, separate laundry room, secure gated parking included. Tons of closets, super bright. Gut rehabbed in ‘99. Listed at $349,000. Seller is very motivated. Call Robin Langer 312.550.9319.
Lost Necklace: Lost in the CWS gym during a practice or game several weeks ago. Small amber bead necklace with amber screw clasp. If found please call Casey Stewart at 773.274.0415,
CWS Aunt and Art Institute Graduate Student interested in part time babysitting. Lives in Wicker Park area. Call Charlotte at 443.388.1416.
Beautiful Coop Apartment for Sale in Rogers Park! Upstairs neighbor to Sylvie Desouches (3rd grade teacher) and Isadora Harper (1). Huge 2 BR, 1 BA. Hardwood floors, recently redone, new appliances. Front and back sunrooms, porch, backyard, storage, fully equipped exercise room. Short walk to CWS, the el and the lake. Live in a place where you can like your neighbors! A steal at $200,000. For info call the owners anytime: Kevin or Sarah Jane at 773.508.0637 or Sarah Jane at 773.510.2682. Or call Jacque Harper or Sylvie Desouches to learn more before talking with owners 773.764.4654 (please, no calls after 9pm).
Joyful, transformative Yoga for Women workshop Sunday, December 10, at YogaNow, 5258 N Broadway from 2-5pm. Experience the joys of the season in a deeper way by releasing your inner Light with yoga and breathing. Absolute beginners always welcome. Please register by calling Rachel Fiske at 773.404.1955.
Find That Perfect Present! If you didn’t find the perfect present at the Holiday Fair, visit www.HEARTof.com, the online mall of over 600 stores (everything from Amazon.com to Zappos.com), where every purchase earns a donation for CWS. Millions of possible presents, millions of possible donations for CWS — now that’s perfect!
Kids & Teen Yoga at Yoga Now in Edgewater, 5258 N Broadway, 773.561.YOGA. Holiday Drop-In Session December 26-January 7. Winter Session I January 8-February 18, $70 6-week session, $16 Drop-In. Ages 5-7 Th 3:30-4:15; Ages 8-11 Th 4:30-5:14; Teens, Fri 4:00-5:30 sign up only.
Looking for gently used Waldorf-inspired playstands, kitchen playsets, toys, etc. Please call Lydia and Joe, 773.509.1129.
Massage by Lydia Clark licensed massage therapist and current Arcturus student. Therapeutic massage that incorporates Swedish and deep tissue techniques, is soothing, rejuvenating and integrating. Please call Lydia at 773.509.1129.
Former CWS family downsizing and must sell! Charming 2-story brick English cottage on extra large landscaped corner lot in West Ridge. Spacious light-filled home includes 4BR, 2+1/2 baths, including new 1st floor master suite. Updates include eat-in kitchen, custom wood-framed windows, 2 cedar porches and new CAC. Lazured DR by John Stolfo. Perennial gardens, large fenced backyard, 2-car garage on alley plus second driveway. This perfect Waldorf home is at 7346 N Oakley. Come see it before spring! Call Marcia Waller at 773.743.1290 for appointment.
Antiques Conservation, Restoration or Repair. Please contact Filip Marona 773.727.1699.