In preparation for the beginning of the school year, many early-childhood families came to ready our classrooms and grounds: paths were cleared, gardens weeded, flowers picked, curtains ironed, bags sewn, sheepskins cleaned, shelves dusted....  Many hands did, indeed, make light work. It was heartening to see so many participants, small and tall, young and old, put energy into beautifying the kindergarten.

After our work, the tea and snack Ms. Swan and I had prepared was enriched by several families' shared garden bounty of tomatoes, grapes, and cucumbers. Children started forming relationships with their new classmates, and parents were able to (re)connect, and to organize possible carpools.

Thank you to all who came to work and socialize!
-Marianne

Our annual Michaelmas pageant and hike will take place on Friday, September 29. Parents are encouraged to join us at 9:00 a.m. for the festivities: music, verse, and pageant, followed by challenging games for the students and a picnic lunch. You can download the schedule here. 

After lunch, we will hike to the summit of Mount Battie. A bus will depart from Ashwood at 11:45 a.m. and deliver grade-school students to the Route 52 Carriage Road trailhead. Because of very limited parking, we encourage parents who wish to join the hike to arrange carpooling to the trailhead. The most convenient option is to carpool from the Route 1, Camden Hills State Park Headquarters entrance.

After a snack atop Mt. Battie, we will continue down to the Camden Hills State Park Headquarters, where we will play games until dismissal time, 3:15 p.m. We encourage parents to arrive early and join in the games! All grade- school children must be picked up at Camden Hills State Park Headquarters at 3:15 p.m. on Friday, September 29.

NOTE: If the morning is very rainy, the pageant will be performed in the community room (downstairs in the grade school building). If hiking isn't advisable because of the weather, we'll sing together, and then resume a regular schedule for the rest of the day. Rain cancellation of the hike will be announced by 8:30 a.m. Friday via email.

Gear for the Hike
For the Michaelmas hike, we encourage parents to send their children to school wearing sturdy footwear and, if possible, a backpack (versus a satchel or sack) containing extra layers of clothing: it is often windy and several degrees cooler at the summit. Also include a hearty snack and plenty of water.

- Ashwood Faculty 

There will be a picnic in the pavilion at Camden Hills State Park after the Michaelmas hike on Friday, September 29.  Come join other Ashwood families for popcorn and drink, and time to catch up with friends.  There's plenty of space to run and play, or just sit and visit!  The pavilion is in the picnic area across from the Mt. Battie entrance to the park. Gates to this area close at 5:00 p.m., but the pavilion is available until 7:00 p.m. if you park your vehicle across the street.  Come join the fun, rain or shine!  Hope to see you there.
 
Brenda Cotton
-8th grade parent

Grades 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8 will be attending the Common Ground Fair in Unity on Friday, September 22. Please bring your students in those classes to school at 7:50 that morning. Dismissal will take place at the fair. Class teachers will contact parents directly about transportation, dismissal, and pickup plans.

Here is the revised Parent Handbook for this school year. Hard copies are available in the office.

- Sarah Ewing

Administrative Assistant

Coach: Jeremy Clough, Ashwood Waldorf School Class Teacher

Who: Any students in the midcoast community in Grades 4-8. Bring your friends! This is club is coed, and no experience is needed. You will learn all the skills and rules you need to play. Your skills are sure to improve, but the main goal is to have fun.

When: Wednesdays 3:30-4:30 p.m. * September 13-October 25

Where: We will meet at Ashwood Waldorf School, 180 Park Street, Rockport, at 3:25 and walk to the Marge Jones Recreation Fields on Rte 90. We will be playing on the Babe Ruth Field. Pick up is at the recreation fields at 4:30p.m.

Cost: $50 per student

Sign-up information:  Call or email Sarah Ewing (207-236-8021) if your child would like to join the club. Students will need to bring running shoes, a snack, water bottle, and appropriate clothing for the weather.

- Jeremy Clough

Grade 5-6 Teacher