Farewell 
I am writing to let you know that Marianne Bockli will not be returning to Ashwood next year. Marianne is a tremendous contributor to the school, first and foremost as a deeply wise and talented teacher, but, also, through her significant participation on Ashwood's faculty and board. It is our greatest hope that Marianne will remain connected to Ashwood and be available to mentor new teachers. We will miss her sorely but support her as her journey leads her elsewhere in the coming year.

We have already begun the search for a new teacher and I am pleased that we have a number of interested, and well-qualified, Waldorf-trained candidates. We will review applications and interview prospective teachers in February. Ashwood's interview process includes a two-day visit to the school during which the teacher candidate observes in the classroom, meets with our faculty, and leads a classroom activity while faculty representatives observe. I will let you know when we have a new teacher to introduce to you.

You can read Marianne's letter to early-childhood parents here. Please note her request: "As the [early-childhood] children so live in the present moment, please do not share this information

with them. In due time I will tell them a story explaining my departure. Thank you for your support and understanding."

With warm regards,
- Jody Spanglet

School Director

Congratulations, Ashwood!  We did it.  All of us raised $40,000 for the annual appeal, and 100% of the board, faculty, and grade-school families contributed.  

Kudos to grade 7-8 for being the first class to get to 100%!  A chocolate delight is in your parent evening future.

Thank you to everyone who was a part of this effort.  Ashwood is alive and well thanks to our strong community.

Thank you to our wonderful donors (list continued from the last issue of the Leaflet).

-Annie Mahle
Development Director

On Wednesday, February 14, our monthly school tour will emphasize the how, what, and why of Waldorf teaching in grade 1. After classroom visits to grade 1-2 and 3-4, participants will meet with school director Jody Spanglet for a lively presentation and refreshments. There will be plenty of time to ask questions.

Highly recommended for early-childhood parents, those among our parents who may be new to Waldorf education, and for anyone who is curious about "the fastest growing educational movement in the world!" Please join us, and bring friends.

Attendance is free, but registration by Monday, February 12, is required.

As 2018 kicks into full swing, we wanted to send out a quick recap of 2017 and what AWS alumni can look forward to in this next year.  Thanks to the 50+ alumni who sent in updates about where they are and what they're up to; we look forward to continuing to collect and share the wonderful things you all are doing!  We sent out two alumni-specific e-newsletters in 2017 and have more on the docket for 2018-- so make sure we have your updated email address!  We also held a great meet-up in Belfast over Thanksgiving break with alumni from classes 1998 to 2016. We look forward to holding future get-togethers, so please let us know if you are interested in being involved or helping to organize.

In other news, this fall we celebrated our first Ashwood alumni wedding!  Abraham Stimson and Valerie Shepard met in elementary school at Ashwood and were members of the first graduating class of 1998.  At their wonderful wedding in Hope this fall, they were joined by 22 AWS alumni and alumni parents.  Congratulations, Val and Abe! 

Zoe Geer, Caroline Ginsberg, Meghan Flynn, Brianna Shepard, Val and Abe, Zachary Davis, Alden Robinson, Tiyana Wolf-Whitehead, Nathaniel Stimson, Elizabeth Robinson, plus teachers and parents! -Caroline Ginsberg Alumni correspondent

Dear Ashwood Community,
Please mark your calendars with these important dates!

March 17: Dance Party at the Rockport Opera House featuring The Right Track, Midcoast's 11-piece R&B/Funk/Soul band!
Tickets go on sale February 17!
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Dance lessons 7:00 p.m.
Band starts 7:30 p.m.

March 27: Middle School Music at Flatbread
Grab your friends and bring your appetites!
4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Pizza benefit for Ashwood
6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Music in "That Room"

April 27: Serve-A-Thon
All school: during school hours
April 27: Blood Drive at Ashwood Waldorf School.  Encourage your friends to join you in making a life-saving donation of blood.

April 28: Serve-A-Thon
Families, Alumni, Sponsors, & Friends 

 
Meg Chittenden led us in many beautiful harmonies in January and she is coming again next week. Hope you can join us! Here is a note from Meg.

- Kari Luehman
Ashwood Parent

Skiing on Thursdays continues! The Camden Snow Bowl is again offering discounted lift tickets, discounted equipment rental, and discounted ski and snowboard lessons for Ashwood families and friends every Thursday afternoon after school (except during vacation weeks) while the Snow Bowl is open.

Please contact Julia Dodge 712-5231 to sign up or with your questions.

Think Snow!!

Of course, we all love to support our local businesses, but when it just can't be found in the Midcoast, AmazonSmile is a great backup. What's more, when you shop with AmazonSmile, they automatically make a donation (.5% of your purchase price) to the charity of your choice. While this may not seem like a lot, it adds up!

1. Go to www.smile.amazon.com.  
2. Add Ashwood Waldorf School as your charity.  
3. Bookmark www.smile.amazon.com.
4. Use AmazonSmile every time you shop at Amazon, and they will donate .5% of your purchase to Ashwood.

-Annie Mahle

Development Director