The Leaflet a newsletter for parents and friends of Ashwood Waldorf School

Early Childhood News
Parent-Child Classes  
On Tuesdays, five parents/caregivers and their toddlers trickle in to the Early Childhood building at around 9:00 in the morning. All check out the prepared activity on the table. Some children rush to the toys, others hide behind adult legs, peeking with interest but not wanting to be seen quite yet.

We have been very busy making applesauce, ironing and folding napkins, mending or sewing some doll clothes, shucking corn, washing dishes, chatting, and, of course, playing. It is wonderful to see parents share information and parenting tips and children gaining confidence and starting to relate to one another.
EC Harvest Festival
The EC faculty, with help from the grade-school teachers and Mr. Griffin, set up and cleaned our manual cider press: it was ready for the bounty of fallen apples, brought over the last few days by many parents. It was ready for our September 29Harvest Festival! The Parent-Child class joined the kindergarteners and their parents in the celebration. Some made cider or sliced apples to hang for drying, while others raked and weeded the yard; several picked herbs and tied them in bundles to dry. It was lovely to see everyone, big and small, being so industrious. Even the first and second graders brought their strength and enthusiasm to crank the press for a while.

After all the harvest activities and a seasonal circle with songs and verses, we ate our picnic lunch, sitting on blankets, chatting and admiring the results of our work.
The next day it poured rain. How lucky we were!

We will have applesauce for our snacks throughout the winter and aromatic herbs to flavor soups and teas, thanks to the communal efforts of early childhood parents and children. Thank you to all the helpers!

- Marianne Böckli  
Books & Crafts
We're happy to announce a new opportunity for those interested in early-childhood development to meet together with Beth Lunt, an experienced teacher and mother, to read and discuss an engaging book and then learn to craft a different lovely item each week.

And, we're excited that this wonderful offering will take place at Zoot Coffee in Camden, thanks to the generous hospitality of proprietors (and Ashwood parents) Sondra and Jim Hamilton! What a cozy way to spend four fall Thursday mornings!

Register now by emailing or phoning Judith Soleil (207-236-8021), and order the book in time for the first gathering on October 29. (Also available from Amazon; if you order from them, remember you can benefit Ashwood by setting up an Amazon "Smile" account).

Grade School News
Grade 7: Imagined Cities
While we were learning about Marco Polo, I asked the 7th grade students to write their own description of coming upon a city, with one impossible element. Here are three of the compositions I received.
-Lesley Finlayson, class teacher
 
LETTER FROM A VOYAGE
 
Dear My Mother and Father,
     This has been the most incredible journey of my life. It all started seventeen moons ago, when the horrible storm hit. We were trying to find the pirates that have been terrorizing our land, when dark clouds came in from above. We had no time to take cover, for we were in the middle of the ocean, away from all civilization. We headed to the bottom of the ship, and our boat rocked around, leaving us lost in the sea.
     When the storm passed, all we could see was water for miles, so we sailed on without hope, until the miracle happened. We had almost run out of food; we were waiting for death to take us all away. We had lost three men, and were prepared to lose another, when we saw land. A land that was so beautiful, that we had to look away. A tall, glass, beautiful building towered over us all. We heard faint music coming from this strange city. We saw buildings of many colors; buildings made from wood, glass, and metal; building made of all shapes and sizes. None of us had ever seen a place so amazing. We sailed to this strange place. I threw down the anchor, and stepped on the dock. The smell of cakes, cream and berries filled our noses, and a woman with long, golden curls ran up to us and greeted us with a big smile.

     Next thing I knew, we were cleaned up and sitting at a long table, with delicious-looking foods lined up in front of us. Most of the dishes had names I had never heard of. Berries, chocolate, pastries, everything was very good. People wear very interesting clothes. The women wear long, colorful, flowing skirts, while the men wear colorful denim and plaid. Everyone was very kind to us, and gave us a place to stay. I had a room that was designed to look like a meadow. The walls were blue, and painted with big rainbow clouds. All around the city, the clouds were each a different color: green, purple, orange, you name it. The floor of my room was green, like fresh grass.
     I went outside to explore today. I saw a bakery, craft stores, markets, and clothing makers. I bought a green scarf for each of you. I hope you like them. The rainbow clouds shine above my head in a courtyard as I write this letter to you. I think I love this place, but I will be back soon to see you, you have my word.
Be back soon!
 
-Morgan MacDougal
 
Read more....
Revolution in Grade 8
The Eighth Grade has been studying the events that led up to the American Revolution. This week they wrote letters to imaginary relatives in England about their frustration with King George III and the British Parliament. Below are three of the letters.

24 September 1774
Dear Alfred,
It's taxation without representation! Your Parliament has been taxing us to the last farthing with such laws as the Stamp Act and the Townsend Act. I see no reason why we should pay to have your "lobsterbacks" (that's what we call the British regulars!) eat our bread, drink our ale, and sleep under our roofs. Because you fought the French & Indian War to defend your colonies is no reason for such atrocities. Our fathers and sons fought and died alongside your men in the same battles. I hope this letter finds you as it has left me: well and in good spirits.
Sincerely,
Jasper
Map by Rachel Sizeler-Fletcher

September 24, 1774
Dear Beloved Cousin,
How are you? Is it simply glorious there in England? I would imagine it is, with all the money have have from the taxes here! I'm sorry. I don't mean to insult you. I know it's not your fault. People here are very frustrated. It all started with the French & Indian War, which led to unfair taxes. We're mostly upset because it is taxation without representation. I'm sorry I've written a whole letter about our troubles here. I love and miss you dearly.
Your Cousin,
Anikka

5 September 1775
My Dearest Fubb,
How's it going in England? How's the weather? What about the food? Things aren't so great here in the colonies. Your supposedly great King George III is taxing us on everything: tea, fish... You name it! He's taxing us on it! It's taxation without representation! And it's all because of that French & Indian War. Oh, and as a nice bonus, your king is making us house his own British redcoats!!! He says it's for our own protection, but we don't need it. We have our own militia. It's all just a bunch of hoohaw, and, frankly, you're just as bad as the rest! God bless Massachusetts!
Fondly,
Blubbweejin (Cullan)

Festival News
All Hallows' Eve
Please help us to spread the word: the All Hallows' Walk will take place this year--on Ashwood's beautiful campus--on Friday, October 30, the night BEFORE Halloween! This is a change from previous years, when the event took place on October 31 at Merryspring Nature Center in Camden.

As always, we're looking for help to create this beloved event. Do you know a juggler, a magician, musicians, or any other performers who'd like to join in the fun? Would you like to dress in costume and portray a fabled character on our woodland path? Perhaps you'd like to tend the fire, serve cider, bake and/or distribute cookies, or park cars?

It's not a moment too soon to volunteer! Please contact Judith Soleil and let us know how you'd like to be involved.
Announcements
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Sign up now to get the parent-teacher conference slots that best fit your schedule.  The sign-up notebook is in the office.

-Sarah Ewing

Click the logo above to read the October issue of INFORM, newsletter of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America.
In This Issue
Important Dates
Wednesday, October 14 
Grade 7 Parent Evening  
6:00-8:00 p.m.

Thursday, October 15
New Parent Welcome Evening
6:00-8:00 p.m.

Doll Making Workshop
6:30-8:30 p.m.

Friday, October 16
Assembly: Grade 3-4 presents
8:40 a.m.

Crafting at the Farnsworth Museum
10:30-11:30

Monday, October 19
Bridge Ceremony and Dinner,
Grades 6 & 7

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, October 20
Session 2 of Parent-Child  Classes Begins
9:00-11:00 a.m.

Wednesday, October 21
School Tour. Visiting Grades 3-4, 7,
and 8.
Separate tour visits the early-childhood classroom. Call Judith (207-236-8021) or email to REGISTER by Monday, October 19.

Thursday, October 22
Parent-Teacher Conferences
1:30-5:50 p.m.

Doll Making Workshop
6:30-8:30 p.m.

LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR "BOOKS & CRAFTS" SERIES TO BE HELD AT ZOOT!

Friday, October 23
Parent-Teacher Conferences: NO SCHOOL
8:30 a.m.-3:55 p.m.

Crafting at the Farnsworth Museum
10:30-11:30

Community Classifieds
Help Launch the New Book by Parent, Ronni Arno!

We publish community-service announcements from and for Ashwood community members at no charge (50-words max.). Send to: Judith Soleil. 
Support Our Sponsors
Hatchet Cove Farm
Hatchet Cove Farm (Elias, grade 4 and CJ, grade 1) is excited to begin a monthly raw milk CSA, with delivery to Ashwood. The farm's tiny herd of Dexter cross cows produce creamy milk that is delivered in glass half-gallon jars. Click here for more information, talk to Reba or Bill at pick-up, or email or phone: 712-7382.

Bella Luna Toys
bella-luna-ad
Be a Sponsor
Display or text ads appear here, in the right column of the Leaflet, and link to your website. The cost is $5/edition for a square ad (170 x 170 pixels) and $10/edition for a long ad (170 x 340 pixels). Discounts are available for long-term ads. The Leaflet appears every other week except in July. For more information, email  Judith Soleil.
Kaspar Hauser

Sunday, October 18,  2:00 p.m. at the Camden Public Library. Admission $15

A strange boy appeared on the streets of Nuremburg 187 years ago, barely able to stand, walk, or speak. In Kaspar Hauser:  The Open Secret of the Foundling Prince, historical facts and characters mix with a supernatural tale of a golden house, a wicked stepmother, and a boy kept in a dark cellar for most of his childhood. Who was he? And why does his story still affect us?  

Through drama and masterful storytelling, award-winning New York actor Glen Williamson has created an epic fairytale with historical interludes, including esoteric interpretations as well as the latest scientific research about one of 19th Century Europe's most compelling figures.
 
We hope you will join us for this extraordinary theater performance, and consider enrolling in the fall course at Ashwood Waldorf School in Rockport to explore the life and significance of Kaspar Hauser offered by Studies in Anthroposophy on three subsequent Sunday afternoons: October 25, November 1, and November 8 from 2-4:15pm. The three classes will be facilitated by Cheryl Martine, Sarah McBrian, and Susan Silverio, and include form drawing exercises led by John Silverio. The Glen Williamson performance is a prerequisite. Tuition for the three classes is $70. Register here. 
Why Waldorf?
Waldorf Education in Kenya
Waldorf Education in Kenya

Scenes from a Waldorf school in Nairobi.  

Submissions
Do you have a story to tell about Ashwood? A review of a book or an event? A reflection on Waldorf education? Photos you've taken?
A question about the Leaflet?
Send us an email! We would love to hear from you. The next Leaflet will be published on Wednesday, October 28. Deadline for submissions is Monday, October 26 at 9:00 a.m.
Make a Donation
 
Support Waldorf education in midcoast Maine. Make a tax-deductible donation today by clicking the button below. 
 
Thank you!
 
Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter  Visit our blog
The Leaflet |  lpurdom@ashwoodwaldorf.org