Newsletter Archive
we go green!
The Chicago Waldorf School has been making great strides over the last few years in an effort to become as 'green' and energy efficient as possible. This has included launching a school-wide recycling program, composting in the Sophia Garden, upgrading all of the windows, using only LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) approved materials for all building upgrades, bringing in expert consultants like Luigi Fiumara to assess our facilities, using only recycled paper products and applying for a grant from the Illinois Energy Commission to install solar panels on our Science Center.
As part of this effort we are taking our Bulletin paperless. Each week, the Bulletin alone consumes approximately 2500 sheets of paper. That's nearly one tree every two weeks! With Earth Day approaching on Tuesday, April 22nd, we thought it the perfect time to make a change.
The last round of paper copies will be distributed to students on Wednesday, April 16th. Beginning on Wednesday, April 23rd, you can receive your Bulletin one of the following three ways:
•Send your email address to Ilene Warfield. We will follow up with a weekly email notification once the Bulletin has been uploaded.
•Go to www.chicagowaldorf.org and click on Current Bulletin. Once there you will also be able to access past weeks' Bulletins in our Newsletter Archive.
•If you absolutely must have a paper copy, please stop by the Main Office where we will be happy to print one for you.
The Bulletin is the source to stay on top of what's happening at CWS, so we want to ensure it will remain accessible and visible to the entire community. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Kristin Pellicori in the Main Office at 773.465.2662. Happy Earth Day!
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You are cordially invited to attend…
Senior Projects
Tuesday, March 11th — Friday, March 14th
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annual fund update
It's been two weeks since we gave a first look at Annual Fund giving by class, which means it's time for an update. Currently, the 2nd and 9th grades are tied for first place at 46% participation with 3rd and 7th grades pulling up behind them. We thank all of you who stepped up and supported our all important Annual Fund! Remember, through this fund, the school is able to cover the costs that tuition alone cannot cover. Help us reach our goal, in both educating your children and achieving a 90% parent participation rate! If you have any questions about the Annual Fund or the Development program, please contact Kristi Richey in the Development Office at 773.828.8456.
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spring is coming! spring is coming!
And so is the May Fair! We are starting to have planning meetings and gathering ideas for May Fair 2008! In next week's Bulletin, class assignments will be posted! If you have any ideas or are interested in taking a leadership role in this amazing event, please contact Tahirih Klass at 773.828.8451 or email Tahirih Klass. Thank you!
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spring food drive
Did you know that the 8th grade works at the St. Ignatius Food Pantry every month? When we were there after Christmas, the shelves were overflowing, but now…they are close to empty. We are having a spring food drive to help re'fill the shelves. You can give any non-perishable food item, but here are some suggestions:
•pork products are not as useful
(there are many Muslim and Jewish families)
•hygiene items are very useful
(toothpaste, disposable diapers, toilet paper and
other medical items)
•individual servings are better than industrial size
(most households are 2-4 people, and the food pantry is not an
authorized food re-packing site
•mixes are great
(cake, pancake, pasta, rice)
•protein
Please consider giving items from your home pantry, or donating a bag, next time you shop. Nothing is wasted, and it is an immediate way to improve many people's quality of life. Thanks, and send the items with your child for the table in the front hall. We will take any item any time you bring it.
-Ms. Shaffer & the 8th Grade
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mad manna money
Manna is good for CWS! We just received $630 from Whole Foods, which we earned as a result of Manna purchases! We're all buying groceries anyway, right? If you are interested in learning more about the Manna program or in participating, please contact Carol McCullough at 847.651.1678.
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tuition assistance
There is still time to apply for Tuition Assistance, however the deadline has passed for 'priority' processing. Remember: You must file your 2007 income taxes before completing these forms. Our school code for the TADS+ application is 13069. If you need assistance completing your TADS+ application please call toll-free 1.800.884.8237, Monday through Friday, 8:00am-6:00pm. If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact Carly Garcia at 773.828.8454 or Carly Garcia.
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what's in seasons!!
Beautifully hand made spring flower babies! More wooden toys from Ostheimer, bunnies, sheep, ducklings ' Robin Redbreast! New books: Biodynamic Food and Cookbook!, Easter: An Introductory Reader by Rudolph Steiner, Celtic Wonder Tales, Grimm's Fairytales and much more! And don’t forget all 2008 Calendar and Note Cards are now 50% off!
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rumble club
Now on Mondays we have a return of our Theatre Games Implosion taught by Blaine Swen. Blaine has worked with Second City and is looking forward to playing fun and imaginative theatre games with your 3rd-5th grade student. Forms are available in the Main Office, and I will also hand them out in lunch boxes this week. Continuing on Tuesdays is West African dance with Mama Sadira and Brother Assane. Thanks for your continuing interest in this program. If you have questions, please call Ms. Shaffer at x8323 or email Andrea Shaffer.
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recycling report
Although it has been a while since we published a recycling report, the 8th grade has continued to gather up and tally our recycling. Cumulative recycling totals to date in 2007-2008:
•This week: 132 of paper recycled
Last report: 89 lbs of paper recycled
•This week: 32.5 lbs of plastic⁄metal recycled
Last report: 22 lbs of plastic⁄metal recycled
•This week: 232 lbs of glass recycled
Last report: 128 lbs of glass recycled
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social inclusion corner
Interrupting anti-social language is the key to preventing an escalation into bullying. Because only one out of every ten put downs is actually witnessed by adults, it's important to speak up when the opportunity presents itself. Here is an everyday tool for working with arguments and put downs: Disapprove—Affirm—Discover—Do-Over (DADD).
First…Disapprove — Begin by expressing clear disapproval for the action: “It is hurtful to behave as you did.” “We don’t speak that way in our family.” Speak with directness. Mean it. And…Affirm — It is always best to separate a child's actions from her whole being. To achieve this, disapproval needs to be followed up right away by an affirmation: “You hardly ever speak like that.” “So often you say helpful things.” Then…Discover — What are the issues behind the actions? “What’s up?” “Something must be bothering you.” For younger children: “It looked like you were frustrated when you said that.” These questions must come at the right time to get an honest response. Finally: Do-Over: When the issue is clarified — “Let’s work out a way to say what you need without being hurtful.” “You’ll need to apologize for the words you used, then perhaps your friend will be able to hear what is bothering you.” In this way we honor everyone's needs, while acknowledging responsibly toward others.
Timing is very important in the practice of DADD. Considering the temperament of the child can help. The Choleric needs to be spoken to away from friends and usually after she has calmed down. Key words: Defer, Deflect, until you can be Direct. The Melancholic needs to be spoken to with an understanding of the vulnerability they often experience. Key words: Safety, Empathy, with quiet Accountability. The Phlegmatic can be very stubborn if she feels her side has not been heard. Don't take them by surprise. Let them know, for example, that when you get home you will want to understand why they are speaking in that way. Key words: Fairness and Timing. The Sanguine needs to be tackled right then and there. If you don't, she will wonder what all the fuss is about ten minutes later. Key words: Implications of Actions. It is tricky to determine the child's temperament, especially when they are very young. Try asking, Which temperament is my child least like?” This tool can be used to deal with a simple clash between children, or it can be used over the space of days when the issue is more complex. In practicing DADD you will be able to intervene with quiet confidence without seeming to be on anybody's 'side'.
-Hazel Lucchesi-Ginsberg, SICG parent member
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you do the math!
The last problem was:
Problem #8:
Solve this system of equations:
x + y – z = 1
8x + 3y – 6z = 1
-4x – y + 3z = 1
Editors Note: Since this math problem contains so much complex mathematical formatting, Coach Starzynski has even stumped the newsletter’s publishing department! Please see the downloadable .pdf version of the newsletter (located in the right-hand margin of the page) for the correct problem formatting as intended by Coach Starzynski. Our apologies to everyone (especially Coach Starzynski and everyone who submitted solutions to last week’s problem) if the formatting in this problem is not done correctly.
There are many ways to solve this problem. My favorite method is to add equations together. This allows us to eliminate variables so we get down to two equations and two unknowns and finally one equation and one unknown which we can solve directly. Equation 1 and equation 3 are good candidates to begin with because the variable y can be eliminated if both equations are added:
( x + y – z = 1 ) + ( -4x – y + 3z = 1 ) = ( -3x + 2z = 2 )
We now need another equation with an x and a z in order to finish. Let’s add the first and second equations together. However, in order to eliminate the y, we need to multiply the top equation by -3. So equation 1 now becomes: -3x – 3y + 3z = -3. Now we will add the new equation 1 to equation 2: ( -3x – 3y + 3z ) = -3 + (8x + 3y – 6z = 1) = ( 5x – 3z = -2 )
Now we have our two equations and two unknowns. Unfortunately, the coefficients are such so that we have to multiply both equations through. Let’s get rid of the z. In order to do this, we’ll multiply the -3x + 2z = 2 by 3 so it becomes -9x + 6z = 6. Now, let’s multiply 5x – 3z = -2 by 2 so it becomes 10x – 6z = -4. Add our two new equations together: -9x + 6z = 6 + ( 10x – 6z = -4 ) = ( x = 2 )
Now that we have x = 2, everything becomes easy. Plug 2 in for x in either one of our two unknown equations to find z.
-3(2) + 2z = 2 g -6 + 2z = 2 g 2z = 8 g z = 4
Now take z and x and plug them into any of the three unknown equations and we’re all set.
2 + y – 4 = 1 g y = 3
So x = 2, y = 3 and z = 4.
I hope you enjoyed that problem. Here is another:
Problem # 9:
100 shares of Stock A are purchased at $30 a share and then sold for $24 a share. X shares of Stock B are purchased at $34 a share and then sold at $38 a share. What would X have to be in order to break even from the losses from Stock A?
All 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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coach's desk
The high school boys' basketball season was one of growth. The boys started to see that they can compete with any team in our league.
We started the year with a close game versus Chicagoland Jewish only losing by 4 points. The game went back and forth the entire way. But in the fourth quarter we just couldn't come up with enough stops on the defensive side of the ball. However, the boys started gaining some confidence that they were ready to take the next step. Unfortunately our shooting let us down in the next few games. With the team shooting under 35% from the floor we saw a lot of opportunities for wins slip away.
The shooting starting to come around when we visited Roycemore. Danny Nickson got the game going by hitting the first shot of the game. He eventually scored 11 of his 16 in the first quarter. He took over and got us off to a hot start scoring all 11 of our points and taking an 11 to 6 lead at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, our defense came up strong and never allowed Roycemore to start a run. We kept coming up with some great stops, and with the rest of the team finding their shooting stroke, we took a 7 point led into half. In the third quarter, seniors Josh Collins and Noah Pool stepped up with 7 points each. Roycemore finally got something going in the fourth quarter and started making a push at our lead, eventually tying it with just seconds to play. Danny stepped up to the line and hit the front end of the one and one to give us back the lead. After a stop on both ends of the floor Roycemore had the ball with a chance to win it. Danny again came up big by getting his hands on the dribble which forced the Roycemore player to stumble and try to regain control of the ball by which time he did he only had a chance to throw up an off balanced shot that fell short, giving us the 1 point win. We then went to Yeshiva and had a chance to win until the fourth quarter, when the experienced Yeshiva team was able to get to the free throw line and convert giving them the win. After a couple of more games our boys hosted Roycemore, this time without the seniors. Again Danny hit the first shot of the game this time it was a three and the boys didn’t look back until the fourth quarter. Sebastian Lazar came up with 8 points in his first start of the season and a couple really big offensive rebounds. Tanner Rubin and Mike Matson came up with 15 and 12 rebounds respectively helping us win the rebound battle. With the team playing really well on both sides of the floor and some really unselfish ball handling, they took a 16 to 13 led into halftime. With only six players we started showing a little fatigue in the fourth and Roycemore was able to make the run. They were finally able to get some open looks, which they weren't able to get earlier in the game, and were able to convert on the shots. They took the lead for the first time in the game with under 3 minutes to go.
Down two, Tanner hit his only basket of the game, a three pointer to give us a one point lead. After they hit a couple more baskets we had the ball one point down. Connor Dillon found his way into the lane and drew the foul, he calmly stepped to the line and hit both free throws giving us a one point led. With less than 5 seconds on the clock Roycemore had one more shot at winning the game but they passed the ball out of bounds as the buzzer went off, giving us another one point win over them.
The end of the season found us struggling to keep up any kind of momentum and injuries started slowing down a few players. Unfortunately the season never really had a finish; bus problems caused us to miss one tournament game and vacations led to us miss Regionals. But despite that, the boys had a solid year and took another step in becoming a winning
program.
I want to say thank you to all who came out to watch and support the team and to the team itself for all of their hard work.
-Christian Schnell, Athletic Director
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high school news
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around the blocks
Here is the current high school academic block rotation:
•9th Grade
Revolutions with Mr. Massie
•10th Grade
Kinematics with Mr. Gleichauf
•11th Grade
Parzival with Mrs. Huckabay
•12th Grade
Senior Projects⁄Internships
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mathlete makes state!
Senior Michael Sanders has qualified for the state finals in the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM) statewide math competition. He qualified in the individual Pre-Calculus written examination. This means he will go to the state finals at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana in late April. Congratulations, Michael!
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college counseling
Below is the list of schools our Seniors have applied to for the Fall 2008-2009 school year. Acceptances will come from school in the next few weeks. Students do not have to commit to a school until May 1st. When our students know where they plan to attend, I will let you know!
•Arizona State University
•Art Institute of Chicago
•Art Institute of Philadelphia
•Bates College
•Beloit College
•Bowdoin College
•Carleton College
•Claremont McKenna College
•Coe College
•Colby College
•Colby-Sawyer College
•College of Santa Fe
•College of William and Mary
•Columbia College Chicago
•Concordia University (Montreal)
•Connecticut College
•Cornell College
•DePaul University
•DePaul University School of Music
•Dominican University
•Earlham College
•Eastern IL University
•Eckerd College
•Elon University
•Emerson College
•Fashion Institute of Technology
•Gettysburg College
•Goucher College
•Guilford College
•Hampshire College
•Hobart & William Smith College
•Illinois Institute of Technology
•Ithaca College
•Kalamazoo College
•Knox College
•Lake Forest College
•Lawrence University
•Lewis & Clark College
•Manhattan School of Music
•Marist College
•Marquette College
•Mills College
•Montreal School of Circus Arts
•Naropa University
•New England School of Music
•New York University
•Northeastern Illinois University
•Northwestern University School of Music
•NOVA Southeastern
•Oberlin College
•Occidental College
•Pitzer College
•Pomona College
•Sarah Lawrence College
•Shimer College
•Skidmore College
•St. Andrew's
•St. Olaf College
•Swarthmore College
•The College of Wooster
•The Julliard School
•U-Mass Amherst
•University of Wisconsin
•University of California, Berkeley
•University of California, Los Angeles
•University of California, Santa Cruz
•University of Chicago
•University of Colorado at Boulder
•University of Denver
•University of Illinois at Chicago
•University of Miami
•University of Minnesota
•University of Southern California
•University of Vermont
•USC — Thornton School of Music
•Vassar College
•Washington & Lee
•Washington University in St. Louis
•Wesleyan University
•Western IL University
-Eliza Bivins, College Counselor
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alumni news
Alumni Shanti Calabrese (Class of 2003) has been accepted into the University of North Carolina at Greensboro's Master of Science in Athletic Training graduate program. After this two year sports medicine program she will become a Certified Athletic Trainer and eventually hopes to work with athletes in an educational setting.
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condolence card
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sproull family on the loss of Kenneth R. Sproull. Mr. Sproull was the father of G. Eric Sproull (Heidi) and the devoted grandfather of former CWS students Anika (Class of 2013) and Quintin (Class of 2015).
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community announcements
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at the branch
Rick Spaulding will be having a book release event Sunday, April 6, from 2:00-4:00pm, at the Rudolf Steiner Branch, 4249 N. Lincoln Ave. His book is titled, Ralph Waldo Emerson: The Infinitude of the Private Man. Rick has been a member of the Anthroposophical community in Chicago for many years, including being one of the original Waldorf School parents. He has taught in the Chicago Public School , the Chicago Waldorf High School, the Arcturus Teacher Training Program and he has given numerous lectures and studies at the Rudolf Steiner Branch of the Antrhoposophical Society.
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anthroposophy conference
You are warmly invited to attend the 8th annual Viroqua Anthroposophy Conference with James Ulness, Ph.D. on March 14-16th in Viroqua, WI. The conference includes three lectures on the theme, Rhythms of Wholeness: A Guide For Living, plus a special Easter Mysteries talk on Palm Sunday afternoon. Workshops will be offered on Eurythmy, Nurturing Arts; Transforming Polarities in Ourselves and in Our Communities and Embodying the Heart Mission of Anthroposophia with Robert Karp of the Central Regional Council of the Anthroposophical Society. The weekend also features a delicious community dinner and talent show on Saturday evening. Cost is $90 for the full conference or $15 per lecture⁄workshop. For more information, go to Rhythms of Wholeness or email Sheila; 608.637.3546.
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women's rite of spring
Saturday March 29th, 12:45-5:00pm, the She Drums MysteryLodge presents: Fertile Balance: A Women's Rite of Spring — An Experiential Workshop Exploring the Resurrection & Rebirth of Your Creative Self.
Tune into the Impulse of Spring in our supportive Circle of Women:
•Balance, New Beginnings, Growth
•Blessing & Planting Seeds ⁄ Affirming Productive Habits
•Invoking the Allies & Energies of the Vernal Equinox
•Becoming your own Midwife ⁄ Manifesting Prosperity
•Initiating Self-Care, Inspiration & Fortitude
•Drumming as Invocation, Shamanistic Trance & Empowerment
Fee: $55 pre-registered, $65 at the door; some work exchange scholarships available. Location: Lake Street Church (607 Lake at Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL). Space is limited; to preregister, contact Hazel. March is International Women's Month and this She Drums MysteryLodge Workshop is an official Chicagoland Gather the Women event. “If it is to be, it is up to me.” For details, please visit She Drums.
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classified ads
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Waldorf Family Seeking occasional evening⁄weekend babysitter for our 5 year old daughter and 9 month old son. Located just 2 blocks north of school. Please call Jessica at 773.575.6215 for more information.
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House for Sale: Environmentally safe 1920 brick bungalow on Ravenswood Manor's quietest street. 1/2 block from the Francisco stop on the Brown line. Next door to Angelic Oranics biodynamic CSA drop site and Red Group raw milk & eggs co-op members and long-time CWS family, Nancy & Tom Melvin (May & Leif, both CWS Class of 2002). Be our neighbor! Call the realtor Baird & Warner 773.549.1855.
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Come to Mindful Evolution at 1769 1⁄2 W Greenleaf Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60635 (between Clark and Ravenswood) for a hair cut and/or acupuncture. I have been cutting hair for about 20 years and have been a Licensed Acupuncturist since 2004. I have been serving Waldorf families for about 10 years and am now a Waldorf parent myself. My hours of operation are Wed. — Sun. 8am — 5pm. By appointment only. Call Gail Jarrett at 773.465.7999; cell phone number is 847.606.7099.
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I Would Love to Care for Your Child! Nice, fun and responsible, I would love to care for your child for a few days each week while your work gets done. I am a Chicago Waldorf School graduate and experienced with young children. References available. Please call Melinda at 847.201.4341 to discuss availability (voicemail will announce Innovative Enterprises).
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Senior Project Schedule
Wednesday, March 12
• 10:00-10:45am Camila Vaca
The Ideals of Beauty
Grades 7+
• 11:00-11:45am Lila Lupetin
Past Lives' Regression Therapy
Grades 6+
• 1:00-1:45pm Joshua Collins
Stand-Up Comedy & Social Change
Grades 9+
• 2:00-3:00pm Natalie Thomas
Sleeping & Dreaming
Grades 8+
Thursday, March 13
• 10:00-10:45am Sarah Crawford
The Psychology of Advertising:
Oh, My Goodness! I Have to Have It!
Grades 6+
• 11:00-11:45am Gwen Snapp
Lilith: The Divine Feminine
Grades 6+
• 1:00-1:45pm Noah Pool
Recording & Overlaying Music
Grades 5+
• 2:00-3:00pm Farley Kelly-Masterton
The F6F Hellcat: Musings on Fighter Plane Design
Grades 5+
Friday, March 14
• 10:00-10:45am Brianna Sennott
Alzheimer's Disease: “Second Childishness & Mere Oblivion”
Grades 6+
• 11:00-11:45am Claire Depondt
Deconstructing the Binary Gender System
Grades 9+
• 1:00-1:45pm Simone Lazar
The Body⁄Mind Relationship
Grades 5+
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Parent⁄Teacher Conferences
Thursday, March 20th
No School for Early Childhood, Grade School or High School
To Schedule an Appointment
•Early Childhood
Sign-ups available on bulletin boards outside classrooms
•For Grade School appointments
Contact Ilene Warfield at 773.465.2372
•For High School appointments
Contact Tiffany Ying at 773.828.8464
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Four Seasons Shop School Store
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
•All submissions must be emailed to
Ilene Warfield and are subject to editing.
•The deadline for submissions is 3:00pm on Thursday for publication in the following week's edition.
•If you would like to receive weekly
email notification of electronic
publication, send your email address
to Ilene Warfield.
•If you have any questions, contact Ilene Warfield or call
773.465.2372.