Newsletter Archive
thank you, parents!
While students enjoyed a four day weekend over the Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, the faculty and staff attended a two day lecture and workshop with our guest, Kim John Payne. The faculty and staff were thrilled to learn that Monday's lunch was going to be Teacher Appreciation Day, a gift from the parents of the school. Upon emerging from the lower eurythmy room into the Auditorium, we were greeted with food, drinks, desserts and linens with fine china…an amazing spread fit for a king! The faculty and staff's souls and spirits (along with our stomachs) express true and full appreciation for your thoughtful lunch! Afterwards, the ever-thinking parents even bagged and wrapped the left-overs for us to take home, so none of that wonderful food went to waste! You truly outdid yourselves! Thank you to all parents who participated, with special thanks to Valerie Hartmann, Judy Shaver-Chungbin and Jan Thompson for being such wonderful hostesses and coordinators.
-Kristi Richey, Development Associate, on behalf of the Faculty & Staff
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The 10th Grade Proudly Presents:
Aristophanes' Lysistrata
Thursday, February 14 • 7:30pm
Friday, February 15 • 7:30pm
Appropriate for 3rd Grade +
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media event
Last Wednesday evening several parents and teachers attended a lecture by noted author, Diane Levin, about the effects of media on children. The event was co-sponsored by the our PTO and Lake Shore School. In the course of the evening, Ms. Levin touched on many issues that we, as a Waldorf community, have been wrestling with for a long time. Two points, in particular, seemed to resound strongly with Waldorf's perspective on media and childhood. She called the first Problem Solving Deficit Disorder, in which she described how children who engage in regular “screen time” (TV, computer, video, gameboy) develop a consumer attitude of entitlement and become easily bored. Ms. Levin also discussed how media exposure undermines learning and forces children to grow up too quickly. Her second major point focused on what she called Compassion Deficit Disorder. She talked about how media exposure can awaken young children to the horrors of modern life and can lessen their ability to develop compassion and empathy for others.
Ms. Levin took many questions during the evening and it became very evident how many parents in the audience were struggling with how to control their children's growing appetite for more and more screen time. Many of these parents were not part of our community and it was easy to sympathize with how challenging this task must be when one has to stand alone. How very fortunate we are as a Waldorf community to be able to join together as parents and teachers in our quest to preserve and protect childhood!
Parents in the early childhood support teachers by keeping their young children away from television, computers and overly intellectual stimulation. Parents in the grade school support teachers by following the no screen time on school nights rule. Parents in the high school engage in healthy dialog with their adolescents about how to handle media appropriately. Teachers support parents by bringing a curriculum that promotes imagination, creativity, self-direction, empathy and compassion. Parents support each other by trusting that they can send their children to another's home and the same media rules apply. Parents in a Waldorf school are not afraid to set boundaries or to say no. They know this gives the child a sense of security and safety. By working together with these principles we protect the sanctity of childhood, not only for our own children, but also for every child in our school.
Ms. Levin's talk inspired us to stick with what we are doing and proved that Waldorf education is on the cutting edge of understanding what it takes to raise a loving, successful, healthy individual in the 21st century.
-Carol Triggiano, 3rd Grade Class Teacher
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harmony & the home
This Friday, February 8th, after drop-off, come peruse books on the topic of harmony between home and school, then hear an informal talk at 8:40am by our own Ms. Donkel. She will be discussing ways to bring the Waldorf approach home. Laura is great to listen to - informative, experienced and wise.
This event is sponsored by the PTO and School Parent Task Force.
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reaccreditation redux
The Chicago Waldorf School is fully accredited by the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA) and the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). In order to keep that accreditation, we need to complete a reaccreditation process every few years. The first step we need to complete is getting input from the Chicago Waldorf community via an anonymous survey. If you did not receive the survey in the mail, contact Kristin Pellicori in the Main Office. Please complete your survey and return it to the Main Office by February 11, 2008 (note new due date). It is important that your voice be heard so we can formulate an accurate picture of what the school is doing well and what needs to be worked on.
If you have questions regarding the survey, please contact Flora Calabrese at 773.381.1327.
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around the blocks
Here is what is coming up next on the grade school block rotation:
•1st Grade - Ms. Petersen
Arithmetic
•2nd Grade - Mrs. Sullivan
Arithmetic
Native American Stories
•3rd Grade - Ms. Triggiano
Social Studies: Farm Life
•4th Grade - Ms. Desouches
Science: Human Being & Animal
•5th Grade - Ms. Vaca
Freehand Geometry,
Ancient Egypt
•6th Grade - Mrs. Moskowitz
Language Arts: Grammar
•7th Grade - Ms. Szymanski
Science: Human Physiology
•8th Grade - Mr. Husseini
Science: Weather & Climate
with Mr. Trevillion
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what’s in seasons
…Weleda Baby Products and Rosemary Hair treatment — helps fight lice naturally! Hand-made snuggly woolen scarves by CWS parent, Judy Collins! Beautifully hand-felted flower pins by Miss Sue — a great gift for your valentine! Stunning hand-painted knitting needles and buttons from Russia…and much, much more. You’ll just have to come in and see for yourselves…
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making memories
Sitting at the dinner table the night before we left for Camp Edwards, I asked Jules, my Waldorf graduate, what his favorite grade school trip was. Without hesitation he said it was the 4th grade Camp Edwards winter trip. Yes, there was a little home sickness, a little whimpering, a few bumps and bruises from falling on the ice and sledding, but all in all the kids had a great time. The staff at the camp are professional counselors, educating our children with authority, warmth and kindness. They set up the rules, the modes of conduct, the parameters and we all go from there. Some kids respond with the I can do spirit and jump right in, others have a harder time, but everybody comes around in their own time and way. After all, we are all different. What we learn at Camp Edwards is respect for one another, the value of team work, how to have fun and enjoy ourselves without the xbox, the media, face book, the cell phone etc. Yes, we support this kind of wholeness at the Waldorf School, but at camp, in the quiet hilly countryside, there are fewer distractions and learning becomes interesting and fun. Of course snow (or the lack of it) can make or break this trip. Fortunately we had a snow-filled time, allowing us to spend lots of time outside, running, sledding, skating and exploring. We tracked animals, tested our vision outside at night, built shelters for survival in case the bus didn't come to get us, and we had to spend another few days living outside, living off the land. The bus did come,and we all came home, happy that we had the opportunity to have some fun getting to know each other even more than we do already, learning and being physically active outside in the fresh crisp winter air.
Delphine is my last 4th grader, the last one I will have the opportunity to accompany on the Camp Edwards trip. This was my fourth Camp Edwards trip. The experience has been consistent and rewarding. Thanks for letting me be part of it again. I guess you can tell I had a great time. Maybe your kids will look back on their 4th grade trip with Ms. Desouches and their friends and parents and say, “That was a great trip.” I hope so!
-Mark Lazar, father of Delphine (4), Lucien (7), Fiona (9), Sebastian (11), Simone (12) and Jules (Class of ‘07)
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high school news
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around the blocks
Here is the latest block rotation:
• 9th Grade Main Lesson: Descriptive Geometry with Mr. Gleichauf
Art Block: Metals with Mrs. Vig
• 10th Grade Main Lesson:
History through Language with Mrs. Huckabay
Art Block: Drama with Ms. Everhart
•11th Grade Main Lesson:
Developmental Biology with Mr. Holdrege
Art Block: Bookbinding with Mrs. Melvin
•12th Grade Main Lesson: History of Calculus with Mr. Starzynski
Art Block: Sculpture with Mrs. Vig
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the eternal battle
The 10th Grade will perform Aristophanes' Greek comedy Lysistrata on Thursday, February 14th and Friday, February 15th, at 7:30pm in the CWS Auditorium. Aristophanes' satire on social and political life in ancient Greece is viewed through the battle of the sexes. The 10th Grade is setting their production in the 1940s with Rosie the Riveter taking on GI Joe! We hope you’ll join us for a rollicking evening filled with satire, slapstick, buffoonery and good old-fashioned fun! Recommended for 3rd Grade and up.
(We're looking for a park-style bench for our set if you happen to have one lying around….)
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community announcement
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alum in times square
We are pleased to report that John Lawlor (Class of '99) has achieved success in the fashion world, having designed a jacket that is featured on a billboard in Times Square. The billboard is an advertisement for LRG (Lifted Research Group), a clothing line John has been working at as a designer for the past two years. After graduating from CWS, John received a bachelor's degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Following his education there, he went on to study at the Fashion Institute of Design in Los Angeles, California. After a recent trip back home for the holidays, John cited that he credited Waldorf education and the personalized attention he received here as playing an important role in developing his confidence as a human being and as an artist. Congratulations to John and best wishes for his continued success!
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alum on ice
CWS's own favorite ice dancer, Benjamin Agosto, and his partner, Tanith Belbin, won their record-tying fifth consecutive National Ice Dancing Championship on Saturday in St. Paul, Minnesota. Ben attended CWS grade school until skating took him to Detroit for further training after 6th grade.
The Olympic Silver Medalists (2006) shot to an early lead with an energetic and demanding Polka in the compulsory dance, continued to hold the lead in the original dance and then clinched their win with a joyous, elegant and technically challenging free dance to Chopin’s Amelie. Ben described their free dance as “an attempt to portray the innocence of young love.” Their speed, athletic skill and grace on the ice make them a truly captivating pair to watch. NBC commentator, Tracy Wilson, called their performance one that “will win them the World Championship” in Sweden. They received the best U.S. score ever in the free dance (109.92) and a personal (and US) best score overall in the three-stage competition (216.07).Tanith and Ben, who have been skating together for 10 years, are considered contenders for Olympic Gold in the next Winter Games. They are the only US ice dancers ever to win a medal in the Olympics.
-Becky Haase, CWS Librarian
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a look in the lookingglass
Don't miss Lookingglass Theatre's current production of Hephaestus, featuring 12th grader, Simone Lazar. It is circus arts meets theater meets Greek mythology in a fabulous original production that includes an international cast of circus professionals. This stellar production has received 13 rave local reviews thus far and will be enjoyed by grade school on up. Eight shows each week through March 9th. For more information, go to Looking Glass Theatre’s website.
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jump rope fun at kovler
For those of you who have seen jump ropes being made at the Holiday or May Fairs know how exciting it is to see yarn be magically transformed into amazing and beautiful jump ropes. For the last two years, some of us have gathered after the Holiday Fair to make some jump ropes which have been donated to the Kovler Center (CWS'through-the-alley neighbors). This year, through the generosity of the school and through the assistance of Patricia Holdrege, who has been collaborating with the Center on the Sophia Garden, we were invited to 'take our show on the road' (well…at least through the alley) and participate in the Kovler Center Family Festival on January 13th. What fun we had creating jump ropes with the families who attend programs at the Center! Beautiful live music, crafting, eating and lots of joy and laughter surrounded us. It was a very inspiring place with such a sense of appreciation and camaraderie. We thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to participate and to witness some of the amazing work being done right there. Here is some information about the Kovler Center written by Marianne Joyce, Social Services Manager for Kovler:
The Marjorie Kovler Center provides comprehensive medical and mental health care to survivors of torture from around the world. Estimates suggest that more than 5000 survivors of torture live in the Chicago area. Many were tortured for their political affiliation, ethnic identity, or their work advancing human rights. They often arrive in our community having only recently fled detention or other persecution. In addition to medical and psychological care, they need assistance finding housing, food, and clothing (especially in winter!) and a bed. More importantly, they need to feel hope that their situation will improve.
The Marjorie Kovler Center, located in Rogers Park, is a program of Heartland Alliance for Human Rights. The Center has a staff of eight and an active volunteer network of more than 100 psychologists, doctors, dentists, psychiatrists, social workers, massage therapists, interpreters, acupuncturists, ESL tutors and others. In addition to providing medical and mental heath care, it provides social services to support survivors as they recover. Staff and volunteers also support similar programs in Guatemala, Rwanda and Haiti with training and technical assistance. The center is supported by private donations and grant funding from the Office of Refugee Resettlement and the United Nations.
We hope this gives a picture of the importance of the work being done at the Kovler Center. We hope to continue to be involved with the Center on upcoming projects and plan to keep the CWS community informed of future programming as well as ongoing needs. For more information, call 773.381.4070 or email case manager Sara Daniel.
-Sue Smock-Lawson, mother of Madeline (7), Arielle (10) and Ryan (Class of ‘03)
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classified ads
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Allergy Safe House for Sale! A healthy house! 3 BR, 2 Bath, beautiful, solid dry. Located in Skokie the house is a brick ranch. Fantastic laundry and kitchen! Separate office⁄rec room with lots of storage and detached garage. Low taxes. No pesticides used for over 20 years. $449,000.For more information, please email House4You.
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Northwaters Wilderness Programs: An outstanding complement to Waldorf education, weaving environmental consciousness, community awareness and native philosophy into outstanding wilderness adventures. 5 distinct summer programs — boys, girls and co-ed ages 10 to 17. For more information visitNorthwaters Wilderness Programs or call 866.458.9974.
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Futon Sofa For Sale: Mission style futon sofa (frame and mattress). Honey colored wood. Very good condition. Mattress very comfortable. Paid $470 for it in 2001. Your price: $150. Pick up in Rogers Park. Call Jacque Harper at 773.764.4654.
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Child Care Available: My name is Erika Meers. I have just graduated from a Masters program in Education and Waldorf certification. I am a responsible, outgoing and friendly person. I love children and I have experience working with children from the ages of 3 through 10 both in the classroom and in the home. I am available immediately with a two hour minimum. Please contact me at 773.726.9660
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food for thought
Knowing is not enough; we must apply.
Willing is not enough; we must do.
-Goethe
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Four Seasons Shop School Store
Gifts for All Ages!!
Valentine's Day Items
Calendars & Note Cards
Books
Uriel Pharmacy Skin Care
Young Living Essential Oils
Toys
and more…
Store Hours:
Tuesday-Friday
8:00am-4:00pm
Saturday
9:00am-1:00pm
Closed Sunday & Monday
773.828.8800
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BULLETIN SUBMISSIONS
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•If you have any questions, contact Ilene Warfield or call 773.465.2372.