Just the Facts
Woodland Star Weekly Update
Monday, March 16, 2009
Learning to think, to care, to create
UPCOMING SCHOOL EVENTS
Monday-Friday, March 16-20th, CONFERENCE WEEK - Grades 1-8 DISMISSAL 1:00 PM
Wednesday, March 18th, Charter Council Meeting, 6 PM
Monday, March 23rd, 2nd Grade Parent Evening, 6-7:30 PM
Thursday, March 26th, 5th Grade Play, Main Hall, 6 PM
Friday, March 27th, 8th Grade Project Night, Main Hall, 6-9 PM
Saturday, March 28th, The Great Gatsby Fundraising Event, 5 PM
FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR
Conference Week ~ This week has been dedicated to allowing parents and teachers the opportunity to connect and work together in supporting student success in the classroom. To that end, be sure you schedule a time to meet with your teacher (s). Good communication is the key to working together and we want to be sure you all have the opportunity to meet with your teachers during this scheduled conference week.
Math Conferences ~ 6th, 7th and 8th grade parents please sign up in the office for your parent conference with Math Specialist, Stacy Duval. The sign up sheet is on the front counter.
Parking Lot Concerns ~ I have noticed as well as had it brought to my attention by several parents that the parking lot is becoming increasingly busy and treacherous. I'd like to review our protocol. The curb is for drop-off only. Please do not park your car and leave it there. The idea is that parents who want to drop- off and leave can drop the child onto the safety of the sidewalk. When parked cars are lingering in the curb spaces, parents are forced to drop-off children into lanes of traffic. This is completely unsafe. If you want to park and come onto campus (it is wonderful to see parents on campus), please park in one of our designated parking spots and walk your child in. I appreciate your help in keeping all of the children safe. One more request is for all of us to take a deep breath, slow down and be more mindful during this busy drop-off time. Thanks!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE WOODLAND STAR COMMUNITY
Hello, Everyone, and greetings from the Kindergartens. I am writing to you with an appeal to ask you to open yourselves to Community Awareness. I am grateful to everyone for their help in cleaning up the Kindergarten yard after it has been played with by children outside of Kindergarten. I want everyone to know that everyday we, as the Kindergarten Community, clean our entire playground before we go home for the day. We put the wheelbarrows against the fence. All the buckets and watercans go to the shelf in the corner. The shovels, hoes, and brooms go to the wine barrel between the classrooms (upside down, please). All the wood goes into one area. We also put all the logs together in one area. All the ropes are hung on the hanger. Please do not leave ropes tied to the play structure. We are glad to share our resources and materials with the whole school body, but please keep in mind that one of the strong conceptual frameworks of Waldorf pedagogy is to create order, cleanliness, and the esthetic sense of beauty that comes out of order. One of the things we do as teachers is to try to enhance the sense of rhythm and security that comes from finding things in their proper place every day. When I come to school in the morning and see the wheelbarrows all over the yard, shovels and hoes all over the sand, buckets hither and thither, I feel frustrated, sad, and annoyed. I have a need for respect for the work we do everyday as a Kindergarten Community. I would like to request that whosoever uses our playground please put away all the aforementioned items in their correct and respective homes. I deeply appreciate your openhearted consideration of this request, and want to thank you now for your participation. Please be aware that one aspect of keeping the Kindergarten yard orderly is Parent Supervision. Frequently we see that no one is actually watching the children playing in the yard. It is difficult for the teachers, whose job it is to have vigilant supervision, see so many children after school who are not being attended to by adult supervisors. Please help us meet each other in our concern for the safety and growth of the children and the maintenance of our property.
With love,
Miss Monnica
Sweetpea Kindergarten
8th Grade Project Night ~ Open to the public, all are welcome. The 8th grade students will make an oral and artistic presentation on a topic of their choice demonstrating the multitude of skills they have acquired during their years at Woodland Star. Main Hall at 6:00-9:00 PM.
*The Cure for Money Madness* ~ Take control of your finances! Spencer Sherman, Waldorf parent, financial advisor, and author of a new book "The Cure for Money Madness" *(Random House), will offer simple, practical, and invaluable guidelines for navigating the financial crisis, transforming your relationship to money, and ending financial stress. Make the most of your money and decrease your debt and expenses. Regardless of the state of your finances, this is the time to create your family's blueprint for financial success. www.curemoneymadness.com. Tuesday, March 31st, 7 - 9 pm in the Assembly Room of the Sebastopol Independent Charter School, 200 S. Main St., Sebastopol, 95472. Free event, no reservations necessary, everyone welcome.
*If The Recession Becomes A Depression*
Us
Waldorks are ready. We can bake bread, making the cherished bulk food order
stretch all the way to that last day of school and maybe into the next year. We
love to hang our laundry on the line and treasure musical instruments. Bicycles
are not foreign to us and we don't need nylon stockings because they're
synthetic and many of us don't shave our legs anyway. We know how to serve
basic grains a myriad of ways and more. We can sew, and knit, and love to
recycle and read out loud. Our hens are healthy as can be and we have enough
eggs to share with most of the town. We live and love candlelight, can even
"roll our own", and our children can entertain themselves quite
nicely without electricity. And besides, most kids go to bed before the sun
goes down anyway. We are raised in this "community consciousness"
that will only manifest greater as things get tougher.... Oh friends, I could
go on and on.---Marianne Frost, past owner of Ruby Morning
Play Garden
Circus Waldissima ~The circus is coming to town for our 17th
annual season. We will offer two different shows for the public: "Circus
Waldissima Plays Monopoly" on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 2:00PM in Sophia Hall
with Circus Artists from Grade 3 and up. In addition, On Friday, April 3 &
Saturday April 4, 2009 at 7:00PM our advanced Circus Artists will present "The
Cabaret" in which they have comical, daring and breath-taking adventures at a
hotel. There will be pre-show food and fun. Come early!
Tickets are on sale now in the Summerfield
Waldorf School
and Farm lower school office.
Adults $14 Children & Seniors $7.
Advanced tickets are recommended because they sell out fast!
All performances in Sophia Hall @
Summerfield Waldorf School
and Farm
655 Willowside Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
*Waldorf Parenting Conference: "Educating Our
Children-Changing the Future"*
"Educating Our Children-Changing the Future" will be the theme of the regional
parenting conference April 25-26 at Sacramento Waldorf School.
In response to the tremendous changes and challenges facing us today, there
will be more than three dozen workshops on social change, sustainability,
parenting and Waldorf education, which was founded out of an impulse for social
change and cultural renewal. A complete
brochure and secure online registration are available at: www.waldorfinthehome.com
or by calling (303) 546-0070. The conference is organized by Rahima Baldwin
Dancy at Informed Family Life.
School Tours ~ All School Tours the second Wednesday of each month. Next tour: Wednesday, April 8. Step inside each classroom for a view into the amazing world of the WSS curriculum. We will start with a brief discussion and then spend a few minutes in each classroom (K-8) during Main Lesson. It is a great way to learn about the curriculum and what it has to offer your children as they move through the grades. This is a wonderful opportunity for new, prospective and even established families to learn more about our school. Tours are approximately 90 minutes and begin at 8:30 am. Adults only please and reservations are required. Please contact Susan to book a spot on our next tour.
"The Four Temperaments" ~ A talk given by Roland Baril, Summerfield Waldorf School's Lower School Coordinator. Wednesday, March 18, 2009, 7:00pm, Sophia Hall,
Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm 655 Willowside Drive, Santa Rosa, (707) 575-7194
*What are the Temperaments? *Working with the Temperaments *Balance
OPEN CAMPUS VISITS AT RUDOLF STEINER
COLLEGE ~ April 2,3,4; April 30;
May 1,2. 9200 Fair Oaks Blvd
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Meet faculty and students and take part in classes and special events for any
part or all of the three days. Campus
housing is available. Call us for a
schedule and registration! Main Office
916-961-8727 ext.100. Visitor's activities are FREE.
Visitors' Reception, Art Gallery,
Presentation & Foundation Year Play * Fair
Oaks Campus ~ Friday, April 3, 6pm (Gallery), 6:45pm
(Presentation). Come early to Friday
evening's Foundation Year Student Play and enjoy complimentary refreshments,
student art, and a presentation on Waldorf Education by Ted Mahle and Patrick
Wakeford-Evans. Play tickets $10.
Students/Seniors $7.
San Francisco Waldorf Teacher Education
program INFORMATION EVENINGS ~ Meet with master teachers and program
directors to learn about our San Francisco Waldorf Teacher Education
program. For information call Jessica
Eicher at 415-359-5189 or e-mail jessicaeicher@gmail.com. San Francisco
Waldorf School:
2938 Washington St., San Francisco, CA 94115
* March 25 * May 6 * June 10
* August 28; East Bay Waldorf
School: 3800 Clark Road,
El Sobrante, CA 94803
* March 24 * June 6; Waldorf School of
the Peninsula: 11311 Mora Drive, Los Altos,
CA 94024 * May 5
FUNDRAISING
Have you purchased your tickets for the GREAT GATSBY, March 28th, 2009 at Ramekins? Look at some of the great Live Auction items we have in store for you!
Cookies once a month for a year - by Sheila Reilly
Special Order Glass Blown Lighting Fixture donated by Glass Artist Alex Leader handmade
Hand Forged copper bust made and donated by Metal Artist Anastatia Waterfield
Tree House especially designed and installed by John Arntz and Andy French
Emery Estate Lake - Party for 40 of your closest friends or work party to appreciate your staff
Dinner at Chip's with Executive Chef from Estate Restaurant John Toulze cooking.
Progressive Dinner Package, party with the Charter Council President for Appetizers, have dinner at Rick and Jamie Love, then walk on over to the Eberts for the after party!
Ride on the SF Fire Boat in the SF Bay for 10 (12 and up only)
Ride on a Helicopter over SF Bay for 6
We are still looking for volunteers for the event. Sign up to help on the volunteer sheet outside the office.
We need LOTS of WINE to pour at the Great Gatsby event. Please donate anything you can; you can leave it in the office.
We are also looking for RAFFLE TICKET SELLERS at the following locations:
Sonoma Valley Bank, Friday, March 20
Whole Foods, Saturday, March 21
Sonoma Valley Bank, Friday, March 27
Sign up with a friend and sell tickets. Sign up sheet outside office.
The Second cMarket Auction is NOW OPEN!
So what are you waiting for?...Bid Now!
Place Your Bid.
Whether you're looking for something unique for yourself, searching for a gift
for a special someone, or looking to add a little adventure to your life,
you're sure to find something in our auction catalog. Every bid helps support
our cause.
Tell Your Friends.
The success of this online auction depends on spreading the word to as many
people as possible. We need your
help. Please Refer a Friend and encourage them to participate so they
don't miss a single moment of the fun and excitement. To bid go to http://www.woodlandstar.cmarket.com. Or
go to school website and click cMarket.
Grand Parent Challenge went out last week and Grand Parent Appreciation Day invites as well. If you want one to give to your parents, there are extra copies in the office.
Meetings: Great Gatsby committee meets Wednesday mornings at 8:30 in main hall.
Thanks! Any questions, please call Monica 225-5557, pmgconway@sbcglobal.net.
eScrip Recycling ~ Keep them coming: toner cartridges, cell phones, iPods, laptops. There is a collection bin in the main office near the copy machine. It all adds up to funds for the school. Any questions, contact Monica Conway 707.225.5557 or pmgconway@sbcglobal.net
Seventh Grade Burrito Fundraiser ~ Please fill out your form and include payment ($4) by FRIDAY for yummy, organic burritos on Monday!
CLASSIFIEDS
Planet Organics Store is open! ~ 19449 Riverside Drive. Woodland Star parents and staff can enjoy $10.00 off their first purchase of $50 or more! Open 7 days a week, 10am - 8pm. planetorganics.com 1-3% of your purchase goes to WSS when you use eScrip.
Sonoma Garden Park is offering Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) ~
- A CSA membership is for the entire 25 week harvest season at Sonoma Garden Park, which begins May 20, 2009, and ends on November 4, 2009. Each membership provides enough produce for 2-4 people, and costs approximately $20 per week. Payments can either be made in full, resulting in a membership discount, or made in three payments throughout the 25 week harvest season. We will also have a blog which will be updated weekly with recipes and a list of the week's produce from the garden. All CSA applicants must be members of the Sonoma Ecology Center. If you are not currently a member, a $50 registration and membership fee is required. Sonoma Garden Park is located at 19990 Seventh Street East, Sonoma CA 95476. Sonoma Ecology Center Mailing Address: PO Box 1486, Eldridge, CA 95431 Phone: (707) 996-0712 ext. 108 Fax: (707) 996-2452
- Email: jessica@sonomaecologycenter.org Website: www.sonomaecologycenter.org
Escape to Oregon ~ Fly fishing, hiking, sight-seeing...sound good? Offered is a one week rustic camp retreat, suitable for up to 4 people. "Alkali Flat Wild Life Refuge", 50 miles east of Bend, Oregon, approximately 10 hour drive from Sonoma. This is your very own 340 acre camp site, which includes a 12' X 16' cabin with sleeping loft wood stove, and generator; no electricity. All this for only $335! Based on availability, please arrange 30 days in advance. Please call Sue Pitman at 812-3720
MonaVie for sale ~ Please contact 6th grade parent Sue Pitman at sue_pitman@yahoo.com or cell: 707-812-3720. You can also visit www.the-team.biz/mv1228605 For all first time orders through the school there will be a donation back to Woodland Star.
Dr. Sara Thyr, naturopathic doctor in Petaluma, specializes in natural and effective treatments for women's health issues and pediatrics. www.DrThyr.com for more information. Phone: 707-780-6033. Email: sara@DrThyr.com. Dr. Thyr is offering to donate 10% of every WSS parent or child visit back to the school!
The Morning Glory Kindergarten is in desperate need of a new vacuum! Thank you!
For Rent ~ Beautifully maintained 1 br 1 ba second storey house for rent, furnished, no pets, W/D, month-to-month, $1200 negotiable. Lomita Ave. Bill or Doris 996-2755.
Calligraphy Class ~ On Thursdays at 1:10 PM, I would like to offer a Calligraphy Class for 6th-8th graders. Please call Carlos Gonzalez, 694-7500 or abczcarlos@netscape.net.
Afterschool violin, viola and piano lessons offered at WSS ~ For information please call Gail at: 953-4470 or gailclaus@comcast.net
Homework
Clubs ~Attention 6th, 7th & 8th grade parents and students. I am offering various
Homework Clubs for the upper grade students.
We will meet in the Mail Hall or in a classroom at 3:10 PM or 2:10 on
Thursdays. The cost is $10 per student. Please call Carlos Gonzalez,
707-694-7500 or abczcarlos@netscape.net.
Beginning Group Guitar classes ~ offered at Woodland Star School each Thursday beginning at 1:30. Students attending grades 3rd through 8th at Woodland Star School are invited to join. Cost is $20 per one hour session paid monthly. Call Ralph Cetola, 938-1357.
Girls Rising ~ Specifically for 6th-8th grade girls. To reserve a spot or for more information, contact Kathy Hargitt, M.A., at (707)235-8488 and/or kathyhargitt@vom.com
Waldorf Inspired Child Care Program ~ Please call Kathy Lee, WSS parent, to set up an interview. (707) 996-1297
Handyman available ~ Carpentry, gardening, and electrical work. Jesus Gonzalez, 343-6314.
Need a House Cleaner? ~ Lily Rossman (4th and 2nd grade parent) is looking for work cleaning houses or offices. She may also be available for childcare or yardwork. Please call 939-8570.
Experienced Babysitter, House-sitter and Pet-sitter ~ Sliding scale and references available upon request. Please contact Marie Hargitt (Miss Marie from aftercare!): 707-338-7571.
Household items for sale. Make offer. Proceeds will be donated to Woodland Star:
Contact Mara Lee or Fred Ebert at 933-8333 or 363-2432 to see what is available.
Looking for laptop computer donation~ 707-227-2946 Nancy, 707-694-7500 Carlos.
Sonoma Garden Park CSA Application Form
Name: _________________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________City: _______________ Zip: ____________
Phone: ______________________ Email: ____________________________________
Sonoma Garden Park CSA Details & Payment Information
Please check the following payment option for your CSA membership:
Sonoma Garden Park CSA Full Season Membership (Payment Due by March 4th)
__ $50 SEC Registration & Membership Fee (if you are not currently a member)
__ $475 Full Season - Produce Only
__ $550 Full Season - Produce & Flowers
Sonoma Garden Park CSA Payment Plan (Payments Due March 4th, May 20th, and August 4th)
__ $50 SEC Registration & Membership Fee (if you are not currently a member)
__ $175 Produce Only
__ $210 Produce & Flowers
Are you interested in helping to support a CSA membership for a family in need?
We will be donating two memberships to families in the community who could not
afford this opportunity without your support. Please check a donation amount:
__ $25 Donation __ $50 Donation __ $75 Donation __ $100 Donation __ $200 Donation __ $500 Donation
Total Enclosed $___________
Payments can be made by cash, money order, or check, payable to the Sonoma Ecology
Center. Please note that applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.
Payments received after CSA memberships have been filled will be returned, and you will be
added to a waitlist. Send completed application and payment to:
Sonoma Garden Park CSA
Attn: Jessica Glatt
Sonoma Ecology Center
PO Box 1486 Eldridge, CA. 95431