Newsletter Archive
School Bulletin for the Week of May 21, 2008
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annual circus club show
This Friday at 6:00pm there will be a performance sampling the work of the students in this year's Circus Club. Come one and all. The show is free and open to the public. You will see tumbling, collaborative movement, trapeze, silks, Spanish web, juggling, walking globe, jump rope and spinning plates. The whole affair is very serious, of course so there will be no clowning around…and this year there is even some singing. The first portion of the performance is the younger grades (3-5) and then the older class (6-12) will perform acts that they've been working on. Each year we use this show as an opportunity to raise money and consciousness for a charitable organization. This year we will pass the hat for Circesteem and Awassa in Ethiopia.
Parents of Circus Clubbers are reminded that directly after school on Friday all are required to attend the dress rehearsal, followed by dinner and the performance at 6:00pm. If you can help on Friday, please let me know. Also, circus clubbers should wear stretchy outfits that do not 'fly-up' when children go upside down. Hair should be pulled away from the face. If your child has dietary restrictions, please let me know so that I can feed them appropriately.
And as always, no videotaping! Having the final performance is extremely exciting and the children are always very proud of what they have done. Seeing video of it later really challenges their inner experience of magnificence. No flash photography! This is obviously unsafe for the performers.
It has been a pleasure this year to work with your children and with the circus professionals from Actor's Gymnasium and Circesteem. Also, I want to thank senior Simone Lazar, who shared her wisdom, experience and grace with the older girls who were interested in learning difficult routines on the silks. It was especially wonderful to see her help the younger classmates and she was a wonderful teacher.
Please call or e-mail me if you have any questions. I hope to see you there!
-Andrea Shaffer
Co-Athletic Director & Grade School Gym Teacher
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Special Limited Time Engagement! 3 Performances Only!
The 12th Grade Presents:
Tennessee Williams' Camino Real
Thursday, May 22 • Friday, May 23 • Saturday, May 24 • 7:30pm
Suitable for Grades 6+ • Donations Gratefully Accepted at the Door
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may (fair) we thank you?
A big thank you to everyone! This year's May Fair was a wonderful event! The weather was great and fun was had by all! We extend a special thanks to all our our wonderful room parents for organizing the various areas of the Fair!
Give us a few days to close the event out (and recuperate!) and we'll get back to you with more next week.
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development update
There are six weeks left to make your donation to the Annual Fund! As of this week, 66% of the parent body has given to the Annual Fund. As several classes approach the 100% participation mark and will soon join Laura Donkel's class in receiving a Red Velvet cake from Tweet, we urge you to make your donation today. Also, if you have made a pledge to this year's Annual Fund, and still have yet to fulfill that pledge, you will be receiving a reminder letter shortly. If you cannot remember if you have given to the Annual Fund this year, please contact Kristi Richey at 773.828.8456.
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driving for dollars
Parents or legal guardians who provide transportation to and from school because free transportation is not available for their children may be eligible to receive money from the state of Illinois to help offset some of the cost. To qualify, you must live over 1.5 miles from school This transportation reimbursement program has been in effect for some time and Waldorf parents have taken advantage of the program in the past. To apply, parents must submit claim information (social security number and claim amount or distance from home to CWS) to our office. Then we transmit it electronically to the State Board of Education. We suggest that parents interested in applying for the reimbursement come to the front office to verify eligibility and begin the process. Reimbursement requests must be submitted no later than June 30, 2008.
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uniform formality
Please return all sports uniforms (for both grade school and high school, boys' and girls' teams) to Coach Schnell by May 23rd. Invoices will be sent home for the cost of uniforms not returned.
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while supplies last
Attention, CWS campers! Need a mess kit for your upcoming class trip? Please take what you need from one of the bins in the Front Hall. Maybe you'll even find the mess kit you lost last year! These are unclaimed items CWS Quartermaster Deb Gohr has collected.
Need a sleeping bag or pad? The Quartermaster has a small supply available for loan. Contact Deb Gohr at 773.784.7914.
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volunteer opportunity
CWS Quartermaster Deb Gohr is looking for a volunteer to assist with organizing, managing and pulling camping gear for CWS class trips. The busy times are divided between fall and spring trips. If you are interested, please contact Deb Gohr at 773.784.7914.
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you do the math!
The last problem was:
Problem #12:
How many unique 8-letter words (letter combinations, not exclusively dictionary words( could you make out of the word ILLINOIS?
If all of the letters were different then the answer would be 8! = 40,320. However, the letter I repeats 3 times and L repeats twice. Thus the answer is 8!⁄(3!2!( = 3,360 ways of creating unique 8-letter words from the word ILLINOIS.
I hope you enjoyed that problem, here is another:
Problem #13:
A ladder is resting against a wall. The top of the ladder touches the wall at a height of 15 feet. Find the distance from the wall to the bottom of the ladder if the length of the ladder is one foot more than twice its distance from the wall.
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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high school news
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sounds of silence
It will be strangely quiet in the east wing starting next week. Why? Because all the high school classes will be away on their Service Learning trips. Each year all the high school students and many of the faculty scatter near and far to participate in Service Learning experiences for two weeks. This year the 9th-11th grades will be gone Monday, May 26th through Friday, June 6th; the 12th grade will be away from Monday, May 26th through Tuesday, June 10th. Here's where they're headed:
•The 9th grade heads north to Osceola, Wisconsin to work at the
Community Homestead Biodynamic Farm.
•The 10th grade goes to Vermont to learn about sustainable architecture.
•The 11th grade travels to Kimberton, Pennsylvania to work at Camphill
Village.
•The 12th grade joins in the anthroposophical work being done at the
Kibbutz Harduf in Israel.
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focus on faculty
Barbara Huckabay teaches World Religions, History through Language, Ancient History, Medieval History, Parzival, Russian Literature, and the English Track in the High School. She also teaches a journalism elective which produces the ever popular Waldorf Chronicle. Barbara earned a BA in French and English Literature from Wheaton College and a Waldorf Teaching Certificate from Sunbridge College. She is a member of the National Conference of Teachers of English, former Editor of the Journal of the American Judicature Society and was recently invited to take part in a grammar colloquium sponsored by the Research Institute for Waldorf Education.
Barbara is the oldest of seven children. She was born in Michigan but lived mostly in New York State until age 11. Her father was a biochemist with a bit of wanderlust. In 1961, the whole family moved to Egypt for five years. Barbara became interested in Waldorf education through her children. She first heard of the Chicago Waldorf School from Barbara Richardson (wife of our former class teacher Ron Richardson) who was a friend from her college days. She was attracted to the school from the very beginning and leaped at the chance to take the teacher training which was just beginning in the early 1990s. The first class included Claude Driscoll, Colleen Everhart and Andrea Shaffer. They went to Spring Valley every summer for three weeks. Their lead teacher, Norman Davidson, a crusty old Scotsman, was a tremendous influence on all of them.
Barbara and her husband, Tim, have been married for 34 years. They have four children, two girls and two boys, who all attended CWS — three (Jonah, Jesse, Sophie) graduated from 12th grade, and the one who didn't (Sarah) taught Spanish here for two years. Barbara's family moved to Evanston in 1985, and her son, Jonah, joined Frances Vig's 2nd grade. Sarah came into the 1st grade with Eleanor Seidman, and Jesse was in EC with Melanie Hopp and Ro Hart.
Barbara and Tim have recently discovered a passion for world travel, and for the past four summers have ventured increasingly far afield � first they timidly ventured to England, then Ireland, then France and finally — bravely — China where their son Jesse is living and working. While there they spent time at the Chengdu Waldorf School, which led to the placement of three seniors in Chengdu for their internships. Barbara hopes to continue strengthening ties with this school.
Barbara and Tim love to garden. They recently replanted their entire back yard and now have a vegetable patch and raspberry bushes.
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artistic achievement
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky is the 9th district host for the national congressional art competition An Artistic Discovery. This competition was started in 1982 and receives enthusiastic participation nationally. The winners' art works hang in the Washington DC Capitol building for a full year. This year there were 14 high schools participating from the 9th district with 36 submissions. David Dozier submitted the work of three of our high school students: Jess Suttner, Julia Hlavac and Lily Muskovin.
On Monday, May 12th, the students and their families attended a reception and viewing of the art work from all the schools. Congresswoman Schakowsky and Ra Joy, Executive Director of the Illinois Arts Alliance were on hand to speak, congratulate and present certificates to the students. The art works will be on view at Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton Street, for a full month. Stop by and see what our high school students are doing.
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community announcements
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open positions
The Chicago Waldorf School has the following open positions:
•Grade 5 Class Teacher
•Spanish Teacher
•German Teacher
•Educational Support Teacher
•Eurythmy Teacher
•Music Grades 1-12
•Front Office Manager
•High School Office Manager
•Marketing & Communications Director
•Development Director
china connection
Former CWS faculty member, Elisabeth Swisher, has had a working relationship with the Chengdu Waldorf School in Chengdu, China for the past several years. This week she forwarded this letter from Li Zhang of the Chengdu School, dated May 16, 2008:
It's the fourth day after the earthquake, although aftershocks can still be felt sometimes, it's been much milder. Life in Chengdu is basically back to normal whereas there are still people living in tents and cars in the street. Most schools and kindergartens are still closed as large amount of buildings need safety examinations and sterilization and people need consolation.
The condition in the heavily-damaged areas is so tragic that it's beyond word description. What is threatening after the earthquake is the pollution of the water source, epidemic and allocation of the injured. Our school is also undergoing a big challenge; we provided our playground and tents for parents and children to spend last few nights. At the same time, teachers work with parents to make sure the children are protected and comforted both physically and mentally to go through this difficult time. We prepared abundant water and food for the possible contamination of water head.
Since the aftershocks decreased, the school office has been moved from a tent into a classroom. We feel very lucky and grateful that no body was injured and we get adequate food and sleep. We are so concerned with the suffering of people in the disaster areas that we teachers get together to pray for the dead and the living and sending our gratitude and good wish to the mother earth, asking for more strength to us from the spiritual world to get through this challenging time and to enable human being reflecting on the world situation we are in.
Teachers in our school are in very high spirits and have been working in the school after the earthquake helping [with] cleaning, sterilizing and communicating with parents. We have also collected two vans of salvation materials such as tents, blankets, clothes and drinkable water to send to the disaster areas. The teachers voluntarily donated totally 7,000 RMB out of their low salary. Almost all the young teachers have applied to do volunteer work in the damaged areas, especially to pacificate the children there and they are on call now.
Currently, the demolishment of school facility is our biggest challenge; three kindergarten rooms and the office section are endangered and cannot be used anymore. The damaged areas reached up to 535 square meters and fence 40 meters. At the moment, with the help of constructors and engineers, we are working on the budget and details of reparation. We are trying our best to solve the building problem and let the children return to the normal school life.
During this period, we have received a lot of kind regards from both China and overseas and we are deeply appreciative for that. We are very touched and strengthened by this heart-warming concern from all around the world. The donation is not only a material support but more importantly a spiritual inspiration. We sincerely thank you for all you have done for us!
With best wishes! Li Zhang
Ms. Swisher will be returning to Chengdu next month. Usually she gathers donated school supplies to bring with her. When she goes this time, she would like to bring donations to go toward aiding victims of the earthquake. If you would like to find out how you can help, please contact Ms. Swisher via email or call 773.973.7416. Donations can be sent to 1252 W. Glenlake, Chicago Il 60660. Thanks!
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spring creativity fair
The Wild Tree Cafe is hosting a Spring Creativity Fair on May 31st and June 1st. The fair will feature live music, outdoor dancing, candlelight food tasting to benefit Food from the Heart, and your ideas and creative input! As always, table space at the fair is free, providing you help us spread the word and
market the event. Local artists, mucisicians, healing practicioners, writers, chefs, etc. can email Jaqi to check space availability and to sign up.
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laundry scoop
Many neighbors and members of the Waldorf family who have dropped their laundry at the now-closing American Family Pride laundry may wonder where long-time employee Gloria Arenda is now working. She is working in the much
larger (and newer) Sudz Wash and Dry at 1425 Morse (6925 North). There is a
parking lot in front of the store. Gloria's hours are Monday and Saturday from 6:00am-1:00pm and from 1:00-7:00pm on the other weekdays. The Sudz drop off rate is basically the same as at AFP. Gloria would be happy to see some of her long-time customers from Loyola Avenue.
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classified ads
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Join Us This Summer for our Inaugural Family Wilderness Journey in the Hiawatha National Forest of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It's a journey that will lead to stronger, healthier connections between children and nature — and by extension, between children and parents. Our week (July 19-25) will be an easy, enjoyable way for families to be in nature together. We will provide all the ingredients for a week of wonder and exploration: camping gear, delicious food, and local know-how. We'll canoe, hike, fish, and swim, and there will be plenty of time to enjoy the wilderness one-on-one with your child. To deepen our connection to nature and the land, the journey will also include Native American ceremonies with our guides, who are leaders from the Ojibwa nation. For parents and children age 8-18. For more info contact one of the organizers of the journey 3rd grade parent Cheryl Slover-Linett.
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Early Childhood Student & Experienced Childcare Provider has her own licensed daycare in Evanston for babies⁄children 0-5 years old. She is kind, loving, gentle. Please email Marie or call her at 224.392.9011. The center will be open 24 hours, depending on parents' need. References provided.
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For Sale: Two wooden play stands and wooden clips. Play stands (originally built by Joe Ruscitti) are in very good condition. Asking $55 for the pair. Play clips also in very good condition, but may need new rubberbands. $5⁄each (six available). Would prefer to sell all to one person, but will sell clips separately. 'You Pick Up' for playstands (will require an SUV or van to transport). Contact Isabel Liss at 773.583.2836.
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Lok-Kwan, Licensed Acupuncturist will help you relax, renew and rejuvenate after a long, long cold winter! Acupuncture, Shiatsu and herbs will have you ready to 'bloom' in no time! Now offering a FREE pain clinic on Fridays. See Lok-Kwan’s website for details. Also great with children. Call him soon; he books up quickly. Lok-Kwan 847.323.9297. Offices in Chicago and Evanston.
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For Sale: Bundy⁄Selmer clarinet, excellent condition; bought new and only used for 8 months — standard clarinet for CWS band — save money by owning, not renting! $90. Wooden platform⁄bunk bed, twin, w⁄shelf on each
headboard, plus futon; can be used as bunk bed by putting futon (included) on bottom — probably homemade — will need a mattress for the top — sturdy. $75. Cort black electric guitar, w⁄case and amp — 5 years old, but used for only 3 — good condition — great guitar for beginners! $100. Haro trick bike, bright blue, ridden just a few times, for approx. age 12 and up. $150. Ikea desk plus chair —desk never used, just sat gathering dust; chair is new — never even put together! $120. Wood-framed print of Georgia O'Keefe: self-portrait in old age )B⁄W( $15. Prices are negotiable and a percentage of sales will go to the Annual Fund. Contact Jo Peer-Haaas or call 773.539.2289.
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Former CWS Student who's turning 18 soon, is looking for work this summer. Can mow, weed, move things, unpack, etc. Available June 1st. Call Sam 847.903.7454.
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Looking for a Great Summer Getaway?? Hearthaven Cottage awaits you! Located in beautiful Lakeside, Michigan in the heart of Harbor Country. Only 75 min from Chicago. This 3-bedroom 2-bath designer home offers such amenities as central air, oversized whirlpool tub, screened in porch, outdoor fountain, and fire pit. Enjoy two-block walk to beach and nearby antique stores. Dine at many fine cafes and gourmet restaurants. Pick blueberries, sample local wineries, or climb the dunes at nearby Warren State Park. It all awaits you! One Prime week left in August available now! Full week or partial offered. Take advantage of Waldorf School discounts! Call Betsy at 847.475.5703 or 847.902.4467. See you on the beach!!
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food for thought
If you don't know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else.
-Lawrence J. Peter
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Four Seasons Shop School Store
New Stock for Spring
Calendars & Note Cards
Books
Uriel Pharmacy Skin Care
Young Living Essential Oils
Toys
and more…
New Extended Hours!!
Open Mondays 8:00am-4:00pm
Tuesdays 8:00am-5:00pm
Wednesdays 8:00-4:00pm
Thursdays 8:00am-4:00pm
Fridays 8:00am-4:00pm
Saturdays 9:00am-1:30pm
Closed Sundays
773.828.8800
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Get Your Bulletins Here!
•Send your email address to Ilene Warfield. We will follow
up with a weekly email notification once the Bulletin has been uploaded to the CWS website.
•Go to the CWS website click Current Bulletin.
•You can access past weeks' Bulletins in our Newsletter Archive.
•If you absolutely must have a paper copy, please stop by the Main Office
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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.