Newsletter Archive
School Bulletin for the week of October 31, 2007
come one, come all! all school meeting
The All School Meeting will be held on Monday, November 5th at 7:30pm at Chicago Waldorf School. Everyone is strongly encouraged to attend. These community conversations are places for parents to meet with other parents, Board members, faculty, administrative staff and class representatives.
Your questions and comments during these meetings and throughout the year help shape the direction and focus of our Parent Education, Development efforts, All School Meetings, etc. Come be part of the conversation!
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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. Poole – Language Arts: Stories of Saints & Noble People, Dynamic Drawing: Introduction to Cursive
• 3rd Grade – Ms. Triggiano – Social Studies: Shelters
• 4th Grade – Ms. Desouches – Arithmetic: Fractions
• 5th Grade – Ms. Vaca – Social Studies: North American Geography
• 6th Grade – Mrs. Moskowitz – Consumer Math
• 7th Grade – Ms. Szymanski – Geometry
• 8th Grade – Mr. Husseini – Geometry with Mr. Trevillion
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open house
All are welcome to the High School Open House from 2:00-4:00pm on Sunday, November 4th. The high school is opening its doors to our whole CWS parent community and current students in grades 6-8. Come experience a sample lesson, take in a musical rehearsal, speak with our high school faculty and students and see their work.
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a day in the life: parent-child
As we come back from exploring the beauty of the Sophia Garden, we are warmly greeted by the delicious aroma of baking bread. Parents and children gather at the table to share a blessing and hearty snack. The children look to their parent to see how to hold themselves at a dining table. The adults carry on a lively discussion about home life and receive Waldorf inspired facts and tips about child rearing. Over the course of the morning, the children were given the opportunity to make, with their own hands, the bread that we ate during snack. Children prepared their own meals in their own little kitchen and took precious care of their babies during free play as they imitate the work they observe their parents do at home. During the morning circle the children brought life and movement into their limbs as they honored the earth and the season. They giggled as they played funny games with mom or dad during the circle as well.
After snack is over and after the parents have nourished their souls with the support and community from the other parents, the children know that it is time for the story. A story candle is lit and the children become enthralled in the story that lies before them. Even the youngest child sits with anticipation and the story unfolds. Smiles abound as the children head out the door to go home as they wave goodbye to their friends. Welcome to Parent-Child!
Harper Neilson, Parent-Child Teacher
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parent-child tea
Do you know anyone who has a child under 3? Looking to meet other moms with toddlers? Do you want to learn how to gently introduce Waldorf inspired ideas and rhythms into your home? Please attend a Parent-Child tea and get a feel of what the Parent-Child program offers. Many parents say that it’s their favorite time of the week, many others say that their toddler talks about school at home. You can call Eliza Bivins at 773.828.8468 or send her an e-mail to reserve a spot for either Friday, November 16th from 10:00-11:00am or Saturday, November 17th from 12:00-1:00pm. Reserve your space now! We will meet in 1301 Loyola Avenue in the Parent-Child room of the Chicago Waldorf School. Hope to see you there!
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number one volunteer with a bullet(in)!
For the last several years, parent Cheryl Henley (Keven, grade 8) has generously given up her Wednesday mornings to ensure that our weekly Bulletin gets home with your children every week. After countless hours patiently waiting for the copy to be finalized, clearing never ending paper jams on our finicky machine and walks to Parent-Child and Early Childhood to make sure they get their Bulletins before noon dismissal, Cheryl has passed the Bulletin torch. Thank you so much for all of your dedication and hard work, Cheryl! It is difficult to find words to express our gratitude!
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trip talk
Thank you to the 6th grade for sharing these glimpses of their recent class trip:
A Descent through the Earth
Exhilarated scared, claustrophobic and excited – those were some of the feelings the 6th grade was feeling when they descended down a hole in the earth. Muddy and slimy stones covered the floor of the entrance. We slipped and slid down into a subterranean world. There were places where, if you put your flashlight on them, they glowed. There were places where it looked like another planet. There were bats hanging from the ceiling.
The first exciting thing that we did was crawl on our knees along a tiny passage and force ourselves down a small hole called ‘the birth canal’. Then we found ourselves in a spacious cavern. One thing I remember from this cavern was the constant sound of a drip of water from the ceiling. Then we toured through beautiful, glorious and utterly amazing caverns and chambers. We ended our amazing journey in a small, calm and peaceful cavern. Then we turned back the way we came. At the end near entrance, we turned off our flashlights and looked at the light streaming from the hole. It was amazing, breathtaking and beautiful. This experience was something I will treasure for the rest of my life.
Fionn Shields
Rock Climbing
It was a crisp and cool October day. The sky was cloudless. The warm sun was beating down upon our backs. We started to climb the great quartzite mountain that was so steep.
As we clambered to the top of the mountain, exhausted, we met our wonderful guides, Mr. Humphrey, Eric, David and Jessie. We split up into two groups and headed off separate ways to find where we were going to climb.
Then it was my turn.
The great wall of rock awaited me to climb it. I was nervous and didn’t know if I should climb, but I did it anyway. I started to pull myself up and used my legs to push. Soon enough, I was at the top of a 125 foot cliff which hung over a 500 foot mountain. As I looked down I saw the vast valley spread out before me. There were red, orange and yellow trees lining the valley below me. Over in the west I saw Devil’s Lake glistening and glimmering in the sunlight. The soft breeze was creating little ripples over the glassy surface of the lake.
“Come down, Merci!” I heard someone call, “you’re taking too much time!” I obeyed and left the beautiful picture that had been laid out for me and rappelled down the rocky cliff.
We hiked back down the mountain to the vans which would take us back to our lodge. That night, we were all very tired and sleepy from the big day.
Merci Randolph
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registrar reminder
As the school year is rolling on I wanted to remind all parents that medical forms, dental forms and immunization waivers are due to my office as soon as possible. All Early Childhood, Kindergarten, 1st, 5th, and 9th grade students and new students in any grade must have an updated physical on file each year. Kindergarteners, 2nd and 6th graders need dental forms on file each year. Also, if you waive your child’s immunizations, the school needs an updated waiver on file each year.
You may turn your forms into the Main Office or the Registrar’s Office as soon as possible. Please contact me at 773.828.8467 or send me an e-mail with any questions.
Amanda Kuzak, Registrar
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after care to share
The After Care Program is looking for donations of gently used Waldorf-oriented toys for children ages 3-11 years old. Some examples of useful toys are:
puzzles, marble races, building blocks/shapes, and jump ropes. If you have any questions please contact Jessica Petertil by e-mail. Donations may be brought to the Main Office. Thank you!
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rumblings
Remember there will be no Rumble Club on Halloween! Please understand that we can not switch your registration between different classes as it affects planning and budgeting.
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pocketful of holiday fair
Don’t forget! The Holiday Fair is December 1st! If you have any treasures for Pocket Man please drop them in the Treasure Basket in the Main Office. Thank you! Help make precious treasures for the 2007 Holiday Fair Childrenís House. Meet your fellow EC parents while you glue, knit, felt or sew! We meet at 1228 W. Loyola, Monday mornings from after drop off until noon. Room Parents and everyone who is interested, please stop by Sheree’s old office in the Science Center Tuesday mornings after drop off. Holiday Fair Questions? Please call Tahirih Klass at 773.828.8451 or feel free to send her an e-mail.
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recycling report
Cumulative recycling totals to date in 2007-2008:
• This week: 50.2 of paper recycled. Last week: 41 lbs of paper recycled.
• This week: 13 .2 lbs of plastic/metal recycled. Last week 11 lbs of plastic/metal recycled.
• This week: 73 lbs of glass recycled. Last week 62.8 lbs of plastic/metal recycled.
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one coach’s corner
Space Alert! The Athletic program is experiencing a serious problem with finding space for our trophies! This past weekend at the CAMS league tournament, our Middle School Girls B team took 3rd place and the A team took 1st place! We competed against the British School, Near North Montessori, Catherine Cook, Ancona School and Lycee Francais.
The A team won in the finals against Catherine Cook in two straight games 25-8, 25-9. All the girls should feel extremely proud of their accomplishments and especially the amount of improvement they’ve shown over the season! The girls displayed tremendous sportsmanship as well as each and every one of them made important contributions to the team. Thanks to all the parents and high school students who helped with all the work of hosting the tournament. And, an especially warm thank you to EC parent Kevin Rooney who devoted a huge amount of time to help coach the girls to success.
Go Thunder!
Andrea Shaffer, Athletic Director
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high school news
around the hs blocks
• 9th Grade:
Main Lesson – Permutations & Combinations with Mr. Starzynski
Art Block – Drama with Ms. Everhart
• 10th Grade:
Main Lesson – Human Biology with Mr. Holdrege
Art Block – Veil Painting with Mr. Dozier
• 11th Grade:
Main Lesson – Electricity & Magnetism with Mr. Gleichauf
Art Block – Drama with Mrs. Everhart
• 12th Grade:
Main Lesson – Chemistry with Mr. Kotz
Art Block – Human Form with Mr. Dozier
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godspell
The High School Drama Club’s musical production of Godspell has scheduled performances for December 7th and 8th. Save the dates so you donít miss it!
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another coach’s corner
Our high school girls beat Roycemore in the first round of Regional’s tournament in front of a great crowd. The gym had an excited atmosphere inside that helped carry the team through a slow start. The scrappy bunch from Roycemore kept digging and returning everything we sent at them and was able to split the first two games. In the third game our girls came out on fire and closed Roycemore out.
The girls then moved on to play the third ranked Westminster Christian. The Westminster team played flawless volleyball and wore us down with some good serving to beat us 18-25, 17-25.
Congratulations to the high school girls volleyball team on another great year!
The middle school boys flag-football team beat Catherine Cook in the first round of the playoffs last Tuesday. We had great performances by our defense and the Thunder went into half time with a 32-0 lead. There was great play sparked by Mason Willetts and Noah Megregian and the defense shut down Catherine Cook and gave the offense a short field to work with. Since they were victorious, the team goes on to the Championship game which we will report on next week!
Go Thunder!
Christian Schnell, Athletic Director
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community announcements
Chicago Waldorf parent Deborah Boardman (Hugh Ferguson, grade 6) has two art exhibits opening in November:
• Deborah Boardman: Studio Practice Paintings, Installation with the on-site presence of the artist runs November 2-December 1. Opening reception: Friday, November 2nd from 5:00-9:00pm at Koscielak Gallery Chicago, 1646 N. Bosworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, 773.252.9921. Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday 1:00-6:00pm, Saturday 12:00-4:00pm, or e-mail for information.
• The Flux of Matter at University of Indiana Kokomo Art Gallery (2300 S. Washington St. Kokomo, IN 46904-9003) October 19-November 18. Public Lecture: Thursday, November 8th at 3:00pm. Opening reception with Miami Indian Traditional Ceremony: 4:00-6:00pm. Phone: 765.455.9523.
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loved ones at the threshold
A series of events on Living into Dying: Caring for Our Loved Ones at the Threshold of Death will take place November 2-4, 2007 with Nancy Jewel Poer, author of Living Into Dying: A Journal of Spiritual and Practical Deathcare for Family and Community. Ms. Poer is known across the United States, for her lively lectures on Waldorf education, parenting, child development, the spiritual feminine and the role of women in America, and threshold work. She felt called to threshold work, first assisting with births, and then pioneering support with home deaths in the community, which she has done for the past twenty-five years.
• Friday evening: All Souls Ritual Celebration Bridge Over the River, a community-building ritual to remember those who have crossed over the threshold of death. This evening will include a candle-lighting ceremony, singing and poetry. This event will be held at 7:30pm in the Prairie Hill Waldorf School Auditorium, N14W29143 Silvernail Rd, Pewaukee, WI. There is no charge, however there will be a freewill offering basket to support the Rafael Foundation and Emmaus Branch.Contact Prairie Hill Waldorf school at 262.646.7497 or www.prairiehillwaldorf.org.
• Saturday 9:00am – 9:00pm at Tamarack Waldorf School, 1150 E Brady St, Milwaukee, WI: Living Into Dying: Caring for Our Loved Ones at the Threshold of Death workshop with Nancy Jewel Poer covering the legal, practical and spiritual aspects of home deathcare. Registration Fee – $35. Call 414.277.0009 or visit their website for more information on the full day or $5 for evening viewing of PBS documentary A Family Undertaking only.
• Sunday morning intensive workshop: Deepening our understanding of the spiritual and practical aspects of assisting loved ones at the threshold for those who seek to carry this work in their communities. Held at the Robin Hill House, W2809 Friemoth Rd, East Troy, WI. Registration fee – $50.
Few people are aware they have a choice to care for their loved ones at death and to care for the body at home afterward. Not only is it possible and legal but it often gives deep fulfillment and closure to those who have done so. Ms. Poer can tell many heart warming stories of families and communities that have received blessings from the dying and, in return, have honored them with this final act of love.
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classified ads
Looking to Add a Dog to Your Household? Consider Bosco! We are currently fostering Bosco, a year-old, neutered male pointer-mix, until he finds a “forever home”. He’s sweet, energetic, bonds easily and manages fine around other dogs. He’s got all his shots, too. If you want, I can bring him to school so you can meet him! He’s sponsored by the American Animal Rescue Society. Contact Jo at 773-539-2289 or send me an e-mail.
Apple Mac G3 w/Monitor & Zip Drive for Sale: Blue & White Rev. 2 G3, with Apple Display, SCSI card, Zip drive & media, keyboard, mouse, internal 56K modem. OS X 10.2 currently installed, along with Apple applications. Also has original 8.6 disks if you want to be really retro. Had been our main computer for 8 years. Running Quicken, InDesign, OpenOffice and others (not included, just examples that machine is very usable). Asking $250. Contact Jacque Harper: 773.764.4654 or send me an e-mail.
New Drawing Video: CWS HS Art teacher David Dozier has produced an instructional DVD featuring the Class of 2010, based on his method of teaching portraits to teens in the high school and adults in the Arcturus program. There are only 100 copies available, at $39.95 plus tax. This would make a great holiday gift for someone! To order contact David Dozier at 773.764.4708 or send him an e-mail.
Waldorf Family Seeking Nanny/Babysitter: I am seeking a PT nanny to care for my 4.5 year old daughter on Thursdays and Fridays, or Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am-6pm. I would like to find someone who is loving, fun and also able to set limits. Experience with children is much preferred. This person might have to pick my child up from the Waldorf school occasionally at noon. If interested, please call Sherri at 773.294.1834.
Daycare Services: Beginning 11/1, Rogers Park mother has openings inhome daycare on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Open to partial or full day care. Perfect for part-time workers or stay-at-home parents who need a little time for themselves! Background in education and social work; eight years of childcare experience and mother of 3 girls. Good fit with Waldorf philosophy; references available from CWS families. Provides daily outdoor and indoor free play, carts, music, cooking, emergent literacy and numeracy activities, field trips, healthy meals and snacks in the context of warm, nurturing home environment. Contact Sharon Moriarty 773.262.2058.
I Would Love to Be Your Nanny: Nice, fun and responsible CWS graduate. Availability Mondays-Thursdays in the mornings only; flexible availability Friday through Sunday. Experienced with young children. References available. Please call Melinda at 847.201.4341 (voicemail will announce Innovative Enterprises).
Asthmatics & Allergy Sufferers Rejoice! All plagued by unfriendly microbes, mold, mildew or persistent household odors: The benefits that come with cleaning up your air may pleasantly surprise you! Learn more about unseen health hazards in your home and what you can do to protect your family, keep your home smelling and feeling great, and field test state of the art, space-certified technology (the most effective in the word!) for free! Call Melinda at 847.201.4341 for more information!
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*** REMINDER ***
Parent/Teacher Conferences November 9th & 12th. 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
• 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.