Just the Facts

 
UPCOMING SCHOOL EVENTS

Wednesday, December 19^th, 6-7:15 PM, Winter Assembly at the First Congregational Church

Thursday, December 20^th   Last Day of School, 1 PM dismissal

Dec 21st – Jan. 6^th Winter Break, School re-starts Mon. Jan. 7^th, 2008

Wednesday, January 9^th, 4^th grade Parent Evening with Barbara Warren, 6-7:30 PM

Thursday, January 10^th, Coffee & Conversation with Barbara Warren 8:15-9:15 AM

Winter Assembly ~

Come experience the reverence and beauty of the all-school Winter Assembly.  We will begin promptly at 6 PM, so please plan on arriving prior to that and getting seated and settled.  We will be in Burlingame Hall at the First Congregational Church, 252 W. Spain St..   Dress up attire is requested as we celebrate in style!

 

Coffee & Conversation with Barbara Warren, Thursday, January 10^th 8:15-9:15 AM ~

Join Curriculum Director Barbara Warren for a morning of conversation and sharing.  Bring your questions and ideas to this interactive session where Barbara shares her considerable wit, wisdom and Waldorf experience.

 

6^th Grade Craft Workshop ~ Come Join the Fun!

Mon., December 17^th 12:30-3:30 & Tues., December 18^th 1-4:30

The 6^th grade is having a holiday craft workshop for their business math block.  The money raised will go to their class fund. 

 

They will be supervising candle making, decorations, edible art and gift wrap. 

All grades welcome to participate in the 6^th grade’s craft workshop.  Children will purchase a $5 ticket allowing them to make the four crafts listed above.  A sideline game will be occurring simultaneously to keep everyone active while waiting to do a craft. 

 

Supervision will be provided by Miss Nancy, the teachers mentioned, as well as some 6^th grade parents. 

Being Our Best ~ Your children deserve your very best, and it starts with you ennobling yourself.   In one of Penni Spark’s Ennobled groups, you will have the support and structure you need to bring forth the very best in yourself and your children.

 

We will work in 6-session blocks this year to cover each chapter of the curriculum.  The Ennobling, Not Enabling, a workbook/CD program is full of specific exercises designed to help us lead from Love, our authentic power.

 

Penni would like to start a support group at WSS.  The group is open to all: parents, grandparents, aunties, friends as it is not exclusively about parenting, but about becoming more confident and authentic in our relationships and life.  Groups can meet weekly or twice a month for 90 minute session which are facilitated by Penni.  Cost is $120 for a block of 6 sessions, or $180 per couple , maximum of 10 participants per group.

 

Day and time of session is open based on the needs of persons interested in the group.  If you are interested in participating, please let Sheila know via phone (996-3849) or email: asstadmin@woodlandstarschool.org.  We are also looking for a person to be the organizer and contact for the group, please contact Sheila if you would like to be that person.

 

Lending Library, New Additions ~

After an inspiring talk by Penni Sparks last week, WSS has expanded our lending library to include many of her titles.  To check out a CD, fill out the form in the WSS school store and please leave a $5 deposit per CD.  Current offerings are:

* Choosing Peace                 *Honoring the Lost Art of Mothering

*Constructive Parenting      *Building Up, Not Tearing Down

*Ennobling, not Enabling   *Surviving and Thriving w/your Adolescent

 

2 Day Mathematic Mover Seminars, Sat & Sun, February 9^th and 10^th~

Waldorf math for teachers, parents, tutors….Join WSS Math Specialist, Lori MacKinder for a workshop on 4^th through 8^th grade math made inspiring, fun and easy with games, stories, pictures, color-coding, movement, organization and more!  Location:  Woodland Star, 10-5 pm each day.  Cost: $225 per person, supplies included. 

 

To register call: (916)768-2111, visit: www.yourfullpotential.net, or see Miss Lori.

 

 

Check out the new inventory at the WSS school store~ calendars, day timers and journals are in now and more merchandise is arriving daily for all of your holiday needs.  Shop Thursdays from 12:30-1:30 pm and Friday mornings 8:30-9:30.  By supporting the school store you are not only getting beautiful Waldorf inspired merchandise at phenomenal prices, but supporting our school store so that we can continue to offer this service, check it out!

 

WSS yearbook ~

This year Valerie Flatt is helping us create our yearbook.  We are welcoming  photos of the classes as we go through the year.  Please bring in hard copy photographs (nothing digital please) and put the photos in the folder marked for the “yearbook” in the office.

 

Please put your grade and name on the back of the photos, they will not be returned so copies only please.

 

Our deadline for having these photos in is April 1^st unless you are able to make special arrangements with Valerie.  If you need to contact Valerie her cell is 758-6323, home: 996-2646.

 

E-scrip Update~

An easy way to contribute to Woodland Star is via e-scrip.  In the office (rack on the wall, just inside the door to the left) are registration forms which can easily and securely be filled out on-line at escrip.com.  If you don’t have internet access, fill out the form and bring it into the office. Ask friends and relatives to sign up as e-scrip is a painless way to support Woodland Star financially.  Remember to update your registration annually or whenever you change credit cards.  For more information visit the website or contact Kimberly, 4^th grade mom and e-scrip coordinator at:  939-8708.

 

Green tip of the week ~

The holidays are a time that we celebrate by burning candles, but what about the carbon footprint?  Soy candles seem to be the best choice for candle light.  They are clean burning, last longer, are made from a renewable resource, produce less soot and most are made in the USA.  Try to look for candles made from organically grown soybeans. 

Hi Everyone!

Given that our Stars In The Night theme this is year is “Hollywood”, we’re doing something a little different for our raffle.  Instead of “Wine For A Year”, we’re gathering up the top 100 films ever made for our lucky winner. 

 

Based on the American Film Institute’s newest list of the Best 100 Films Ever Made, we’ve created our own Woodland Star School Wish List on Amazon.com

 

We’re asking that every family purchase or donate one DVD off the list.  As you will see, the DVD’s are priced from as low as $3.00!

 

Please help  – This raffle should be very popular!

 

Using Amazon.com

On the home page, click on the “Gifts & Wish Lists” button.

 

Search – type in Woodland Star and hit GO

 

Make sure you are looking at all UNPURCHASED dvd’s.

 

Right under the “ADD TO CART” button is a “new and used from $_____.” This is where you can find GREAT deals on new and/or slightly used items. Just make sure they have a high “90’s” rating. 

 

As long as you enter through the Wish List for Woodland Star, when you purchase a DVD it should come off the “unpurchased” side of the list.

 

VERY IMPORTANT - PLEASE EMAIL AND LET ME KNOW WHICH DVD WAS PURCHASED.  anindigomom@yahoo.com

 

Purchasing from video store or elsewhere – totally fine, just email and let me know.  I can take the donations, or you can drop them off at the Donation Stations held on Thursdays.  Obviously, if this is a previewed DVD, it MUST be in original case and be in perfect playing condition!

 

NOTE:  Raiders of the Lost Ark can only be purchased from Amazon & friends as a 3 DVD set.  (The other two Indiana Jones movies bundled with it)  If anyone can find it as a single DVD or if anyone’s willing to donate theirs we wouldn’t have to purchase this one.)    THANK YOU!!!

Private Guitar and/or Bass Lessons being offered by 6th grade parent Ralph Cetola. Ages 8 to adult are welcome. Ralph teaches all styles specializing in sight reading, ear training, music theory, and basic musicianship. He has been playing guitar and studying music since he was 13 years old, which makes him about 99 years old now! Ralph is enjoying his 8th year as a music teacher. Lessons are given at his home on Malet Street in Sonoma on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, $20 per half hour. Call 938-1357 for more information. 

 

 

Need help with house cleaning?  Contact experienced cleaner Maribel Lopez, Woodland Star Kindergarten parent, for rates and information today: 495-7462

 

Have you always dreamed of a career in retail?  How about helping out at the WSS school store…we need backup help on Friday mornings to open and staff the store.  Please call Bonnie if you can help out…..did we mention you get a first hand look at all the great merchandise!

 

Do you need a tutor? I have worked with many children from public and private schools over the past 12 years. Working with their math and reading skills, I have been able to see children move out of their struggle and into a confident and competent approach to learning.  Besides being a Waldorf teacher, I have been trained in the Extra Lesson, a Waldorf approach to remedial work. I have also had the fortune to work with a Developmental Optometrist in the field of Vision Therapy. If I can be of any assistance to you please feel free to call me, Carlos Gonzalez, at (707) 694-7500

 

Holiday Cookie Camp ~ Friday, Dec. 21^st, 9 am –4:30 pm

A sweet, sweet season is upon us here,

A time of joy and one of cheer.

So let us share in these delights,  And share our love through out these nights.

 

For those of you who need a place for your child on Friday the 21^st, I am once again offering a baking camp. On Friday we will bake an assortment of holiday cookies to enjoy, share and maybe give away as presents to your friends and loved ones. Along with this we will play games, go on a hike, weather permitting, jump on a trampoline, etc., etc.

 

The camp will run from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Please RSVP if you are interested as space is limited. $45.00 per day.  Carlos Gonzalez 416 4^th St. West, (1block from Sonoma Market) 694-7500, Ahhhh…. The aromas

 

Happy New Year Camp, Monday, Dec 31^st – Friday, Jan. 4^th, 9-4:30 pm~

The bliss, the joy, the ecstasy too,

That whishes to live between you, and me

Don’t forget, make time to play

A resolution needed for every day!

 

For those of you who need a place for your child on New Year’s week, I am offering a baking/ simple bookbinding camp. We will bake an assortment of breads and treats and create simple handmade books. Along with this we will play games, go on a hike, weather permitting, jump on a trampoline, etc., etc.

 

The camp will run from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Please RSVP if you are interested as space is limited. $45.00 per day/ $200 per week.  Carlos Gonzalez 416 4^th St. West, (1 block from Sonoma Market) 694-7500

 

For Sale: Maytag washer and dryer (each in excellent condition) $300 together.  Call Kathy 939-0698

Woodland Star Charter School

Parent Council Minutes

Thursday, December 13, 2007

 

Attendees: Ben Dewees, (President), Cindy Riley (Secretary), Jim Shafer, Todd Kneeland, Andrea Gregory, Kim E Ridge, Amanda Rodriguez, Sheelagh Murphy, Deborah LaDean, Mary Mullen

 

Absent:  Ellen Schwartz, Kim Buchanan, Alex Leader, Evelyn Melendez, Bonne Posert, Ellen Schwartz, Angela Wood

 

New Business:

 

• Winter Parent Social is on track.  Held at Westerbeke Ranch from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. The food plan has been put in JTF.  Kim E Ridge and Todd will set up (start fire and decorate a bit) and Ben will help clean up.  There will be 2 workers there to help set up and clean up.  They will be there from 6 – 11pm, and will cost $15/hr each.  Total of $150.  We will ask for donations and make up the rest from the Festival fund.

 

• Parent Rep to the Hiring Committee – We are looking for a Parent Representative to this committee.  Basically, the candidate needs to have the interest and the time to commit to 2 interviews and observation (around 6 hours total) for each applicant.  We will put this in JTF, and have any interested parents contact Ben Dewees.

 

• Sprite’s Night - All the notes and info from SN 07 has been printed out and put in a binder.  Cindy Riley will continue to work on this, inserting a few more pieces until it’s complete.  It will then be kept with Todd’s Volunteer Coordinator info in the main office.  We discussed the need for continuing focus on order, archives, procedures and systems, so that we can preserve the incredible creative ideas, spirit and work that has been poured into the school for the last 7 years, starting with the founding families.

 

      *Idea to mention to Bonne Posert to have a conversation with Jennifer Goode to put together procedure/system for running the school store.

 

            Deborah LaDean reminded us to remember to use Barbara Warren as a resource, and to join in her "Coffee with Barbara" mornings if at all possible.  We cleared up the misconception that the meetings were “closed” sessions, they are in fact open to all and a “round table” approach.

 

• Parent Mentoring – If anyone is interested in attending the next meeting of the committee to form the Parent Mentoring system, please let Ben Dewees know.  Jim Shafer is interested. They are going to run-thru (role play) a meeting between the Parent Mentor and the new parent, and discuss.

 

• Charter Council Report – no report.  Alex was not in attendance.

 

• Faculty Report – Angela not in attendance.  Patrick Lilley delivered that the faculty has affirmed a process on how field trips are organized and the structure of that process.

 

• Angela's notes were read regarding the Specialty Teachers Committee Issue.  No comment issued.

 

• Committee Reports Genvieve will manage the decorating of Burlingame Hall for this Wednesday’s Assembly.  She’s asking for 4 helpers for set-up and 5 for take down.  Deborah L volunteered for both.  Please see Deborah LaDean or Genvieve to help.

 

• Feed the Faculty Reminders are not going out in a timely fashion to the class reps.  Amanda Rodriguez (AJ) stepped up to manage the reminders from now on.

 

 

 

January –        New PC reps begin Jan-Dec term

                        Finalize parent rep for the Hiring Council

                        Talk about filling Open Committee Positions