School Governance and the Role of the Board of Trustees 

Ashwood, like all Waldorf schools, works with the pedagogical and curriculum indications that were developed by Rudolf Steiner, an early 20th-century philosopher.  

 

The organizational form of the school is based on Steiner's idea that Waldorf schools are self-governed. Self-governed schools, while free of most government mandates, require a great deal of effort to create worthwhile educational experiences for children and their families.  Waldorf teachers study Rudolf Steiner's philosophy, known as anthroposophy, or "the wisdom of the human being," and apply its insights in their approach to teaching and their collegial work.   

While Ashwood's board of trustees is sensitive and open to the philosophical roots of the school and faculty, board work is essentially organized around standard principles of non-profit organizations and independent school practices. Teachers, administrators, and members of the board of trustees share the responsibility for Ashwood's governance.

The teachers hold primary responsibility for the pedagogy-those things that happen in and around the curriculum and classroom experience.  

Read more. 

-Jody Spanglet

We are happy to welcome several new families to Ashwood in the new year! Sarah Ewing in the office can provide contact information.

Happy New Year!

Reenrollment packets will be mailed to all current families on January 26, 2018.

Tuition assistance packets will be available in the office beginning Friday, January 26, 2018. Pick up yours from Sarah Ewing at the front desk.

Do you have friends who might be considering Ashwood for their children? Please encourage them to begin the enrollment process by inquiring soon!

- Betty Wyman, Business Manager

The challenge is on, Ashwood!  Our lead donors cheer us on to match their gift, which they've now increased to $9,000!  We have until January 19 to meet their challenge. All gifts received January 1-19  count toward the match: they will, in effect, be doubled! We've already received $2,750 since the first of the year; nice work!  Let's keep it up!  Find that annual appeal envelope, go online, or come into the office to drop off a check.

Remember:

• The first class to reach 100% participation receives a Chocolate Extravaganza Torte at their next parent evening!

• You can now make monthly automatic payments through FACTS or PayPal.  Just check in with Betty Wyman, Business Manager.

If you ever have any questions about how our fundraising process works or if you'd like to be a part of this effort in any way, reach out to me, Annie Mahle, Development Director. 207.542.6956

We've added a 5-week session of parent-child classes this winter: sign up no later than this Friday, January 12!  

By Isabella Burke, Grade 5.

By Asa Stone, Grade 5.

The 5th grade is selling the same wonderful, locally roasted, and organic Green Tree coffee as in past years to support our class trips. Buy some for the winter or join our Coffee Club and you will be in heaven for the rest of the school year!

Here's the form.

-Jeremy Clough

Grade 5-6 teacher

Yes, the lost-and-found basket in the grade school is again overflowing with things we can't imaging any family managing without. Before you go out to replace those lost snowpants, etc., have a look!

-Judith Soleil

Enrollment and Outreach

Beginning January 4, 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.

Each week there will be a sign-up for that Thursday's group. Julia Dodge will be managing the sign-up.  You must, MUST sign-up by Wednesday morning to take part that week. This is considered a "group discount" offer so we must have at least 10 people interested in purchasing tickets to receive the discount for tickets, and we must have at least 2 people interested in a lesson group (i.e., a beginner group, or a snowboard group, etc.) for that lesson to take place. There is a form to fill out if you want to rent equipment, and another form if you want to have a lesson. These forms are held at the Snow Bowl for the whole season so you only need to fill it out once. There is NO form for tickets - you just sign up.

The costs this season are as follows:
        $15 for a ski / snowboard lift ticket
        $15 for rental of ski or snowboard equipment
        $15 for a group ski or snowboard lesson
(Please note that children under 7 years of age are not eligible for group lessons. They are required to have a private lesson at a cost of $25.)

Please contact Julia Dodge 712-5231 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