Just the Facts

Woodland Star Weekly Update

Monday, March 21st, 2008

 

UPCOMING SCHOOL EVENTS

Monday, March 24^th, Both Kindergartens Parent Meeting, 6-7:30 PM

Tuesday, March 25^th, 1^st and 3^rd Grade Parent Evening, 6-7:30 PM

Monday, March 31^st, 6^th Grade Parent Evening, 6-7:30 PM

Wednesday, April 2^nd, Charter Council Meeting, 6:30 PM

Thursday, April 10^th, Coffee and Conversation w/Barbara Warren, 8:30-10 AM

Thursday, April 10^th, Parent Council Meeting, 6:30 PM

Friday, April 11^th, Spring Assembly, 9 AM

Mon-Fri, April 14-18^th, Spring Break, NO SCHOOL

 

NOTE FROM THE CHARTER COUNCIL

Message from Charter Council President Don Williams ~

The Charter Council meeting on Wednesday, 5th brought out the largest public attendance in the seven years I have been serving on the council.  The community interest was exceeded only by the public forum before the Sonoma Valley Unified (SVUSD) school board several years ago when we were petitioning to be sponsored by them.  It was wonderful to see the interest and enthusiasm, for the more people that show their care and involvement in the school the better.

The main reasons for the turnout appeared to be concerns for the way decisions are made for the school and specifics of how the state's budget crisis and other factors are leading to a necessary reduction in our school's income and, potentially, changes in programs for next year. These concerns are understandable, and I want to share with you some of the ways we are working together to minimize impact to the children.

Most of you are aware that the governing body of the school lies with the Charter Council. We are a nine member board made up of two faculty members, one Parent Council representative, three elected school parents and three appointed members (one of whom can be a community representative, the others school parents). None of us are paid for this time or effort.

The job of the Charter Council is to make decisions they feel is in the best interest of the school as a whole, with particular emphasis on the children. The Administrator (and, this year, Assistant Administrator) attend the meetings, but are not voting members.

Please realize that we represent all the interests of the school, and are working together to make the best decisions we can. We value additional parent input, be it in Public Comment sessions at the Charter Council meetings or through discussions brought forward by the Parent Council.  In addition, we listen to recommendations from the Administration, the Curriculum Director, the Faculty Council, school committees and, sometimes, outside sources who can give us additional advice. 

Our hope is that after informed discussion we can come to consensus decisions on our actions, and that is usually the case. Given the need to make cuts in next year's budget, however, multiple proposals reflecting different priorities have been submitted to the council for consideration.  Our hope is to strike a balance between all the needs of the school, and we are making progress towards that. I am proud of the way we are working to come together - the school can benefit and grow from this process.

Our school essentially has only two sources of income:  money from the state of California and local fundraising. We wish we could add grant writing to that list, but to date we have not been able to sustain a consistent enough program to make that a line item on our income ledger.

Stars In The Night is our primary fundraiser, or course, and I can't thank enough the dedicated group of parents who volunteer to make this event happen every year. Despite its annual success, however, we are still facing a budget deficit for at least the next year or two.

Part of the problem is the current state budget crisis, and the proposal by our governor to reduce funding for education next year. Even though the final state budget won't be approved until August or September, we have been mandated by the SVUSD to prepare our next year's budget using reduced state funding income (this is happening all over the state, and many districts are laying off faculty and staff, increasing class sizes and reducing services).

Many parents are showing an interest in becoming more involved in the school for next year. I can offer two areas where we could use help: the Family Giving Program and volunteering your time. Family Giving is second only to Stars In The Night as a source of fundraising money for the school, but this program has not lived up to our hopes or expectations.  It is not too late to help the school by making a one-time or monthly donation; if enough people could join this program it would positively impact our finances for this year and next. 

For volunteer work, please consider joining one of the school committees.  Many of them are languishing, leaving too many areas either neglected or having to be taken on by the Administration or Charter Council. At our next All-Parent meeting this spring, please listen to the description of the committee functions and volunteer to take part in one for next year.

This is not the first stretch of rough water Woodland Star has had to navigate, and most probably won't be the last. Those of you who have been with the school since its inception know the many hurdles we have had to clear to reach the place we are now. The school is going to remain a successful, nurturing environment that is unique in the Sonoma Valley in its educational approach, and I ask you all to stay involved and help make it the special place you want it to be.

Sincerely,

Don Williams, Founding Family Member & Charter Council President

announcements

From the Desk of the WSEF... Another quick check in to let you know that the final numbers from our successful Stars In The Night are still being tabulated and finalized. As you can imagine, it takes some time to not only assess all the "incoming" funds; we also need to factor in and adjust for the expenditures that made the evening so memorable for all who participated (and all the planning that took place beforehand). Once we get there, rest assured that we'll be sharing the good news. 

Volunteer Appreciation Meeting ~ Sunday, March 20^th, 2-5 PM, Bartholomew Park, see the fundraising section of the newsletter for further details. All volunteers are welcome and encouraged to come join in on the fun and be celebrated in the fashion you deserve!

Charter Council Budget Meeting ~ Wednesday, April 2nd, 6:30 PM in the Main Hall ~ All are welcome to participate in the public comments portion of this meeting where we will continue the discussion of next year's budget.

Lottery Update ~ Our next lottery is March 28^th, so if you have friends/family interested in WSS, encourage them to get their applications in now. Applications can be picked up in the office or on the web at: woodlandstarschool.org

Parking Lot Etiquette~ We need your help in keeping up our friendly agreement with our Altimira neighbors.  Woodland Star has designated spaces in the lot that faces Arnold Drive.  We do not have access to any of the spots in the parking lot across the driveway from WSS. Please, do not park there or in any other non-authorized parking areas. There is available parking in the neighborhood behind WSS and in our authorized spots that face Arnold Dr.  Alternatively, feel free to drop your child off in the safety of orange construction cone zone at our entrance gate.  We have had numerous parking-related complaints and don't want to jeopardize our congenial working relationship with Altimira. Thank you for your assistance!

Speaking w/Children about Human Reproduction & Sexuality ~ Join Waldorf teacher/mentor Karen Rivers for this Parenting Workshop on Saturday, April 19^th, 10-4 pm.  Workshop fee: $60, location: Sebastopol Independent Charter School.  For registration call Karen: 415-662-2147. 

STARS IN THE NIGHT

You are invited to a Volunteer Appreciation Party, hosted by the fundraising Steering Committee!  
Date:  Sunday, March 30, Time:  2 - 5 p.m.
Place:  Bartholomew Park Winery Picnic Area
BRING a healthy FINGER FOOD SNACK TO SHARE (optional), AND A BLANKET/CHAIRS TO SIT ON.  BEVERAGES PROVIDED FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN.

• If you can arrive early to help save space, please feel free.  RAIN CANCELS.
• We will collect all Theme ideas/suggestions for our next big event and compile them for a school-wide vote at a later time.  If you cannot make it, please submit ideas to valrobins@sbcglobal.net.
• We will have prize drawings and lots of fun!  You may want to come earlier and go for a hike with family and friends.
• DIRECTIONS:  From East Napa Street, turn left onto 7th Street East. At stop sign, make slight right onto Castle Road and follow it around to the gates of the winery.  We will be in the picnic area.
  
  RSVP by calling 833-1322 or e-mail: lala50@mac.com by March 28th.

CLASSIFIEDS

Accelerate your journey of Self Discovery by befriending your subconscious ~ Learn to be the director of your own life and consciously guide your children's emotional and mental foundation. If you made the movie night in January for the "Biology of Belief" and the PSYCH-K® demonstration with Stan Hall, you are likely aware of the significance of the role your subconscious beliefs play in your daily life. Learn the tools to work closely with your subconscious at the PSYCH-K® Basic Workshop here in Sonoma, March 29-30. Stan is offering a lowered amountfor the WSS community of $300 ($550 for couples) and will donate an additional $25 to Woodland Star for each individual from our community that takes the workshop. For more information, contact Stan  at (415) 850-6871.

Bella Yarns of Sonoma Spring Schedule ~ Join WSS mom Linda Tropeano for a wonderful line up of classes.  You can get the full details by checking the website at : bellayarns.net  Pick up the list of new classes on cotton sock making, an evening wrap, a strappy little bag, a summer shell or crop tops, and more!  Don't miss the Children's Club,
Friday Morning Mom's Circle and the Friday night knitting club, all that and more at Bella Yarns, 521 Broadway, see you there!

Yoga Class ~ Join Ariana Kanwit for a relaxing afternoon yoga class, Tuesdays from 3:30-5 PM.  All levels are welcome to this intimate and friendly setting.  Classes are held in the home of a WSS parent, for more information see Ariana.

Metric Motors donates 5% of all sales to local school of the customer's choice. Metric specializes in European and Japanese vehicles, although other cars are also welcome. It is a family owned business that provides high levels of customer service at reasonable prices. See John at 21600 8^th St East, 996-4870. * Thank you Metric Motors for a recent school donation of $815!