Community Update
Oct. 26, 2018
 
Dear Friends,

India blockAs some of you heard at the All-School Assembly today, the Fifth Grade has been visiting and learning about Ancient India in their main lesson block this month. To culminate their studies, 7th Grade Parent Madhu Gulati came in to speak about her own connection to India and share some photographs, stories and Indian cuisine. Joining her was Woodworking Teacher Devo Gunasekara, who shared his own beautiful pictures and also brought saris for some of the students to try on. Entering into the classroom this morning to be a witness to this lovely sharing, I was captured by two stunning chalk drawings, walls filled with lovely and ethereal Sanskrit-inspired watercolor paintings, clay hand-made sculptures of the elephant-headed Hindu God Ganesha positioned around the room, and the aroma of cloves and turmeric.  

While Ms. Cavin clearly had already done a phenomenal job throughout the block bringing the children a feeling for this captivating and rich ancient culture, I have no doubt that hearing, seeing, touching and tasting these experiences through those who have lived the culture was powerful for the children, and such a gift as well. That we have members of our community from all walks of life who not only have such rich background experiences to share, but are willing to take the time to partner with us and share them, moves the learning and work that happens at our school to the next level.  

A few weeks ago in the office I share with CSWS Enrollment Director Donna Soldano and Kate Barba, our festivals manager, I was readying my things to leave and looked over at Donna, who was sitting among a stack of papers she was trying to get through. I glanced at my own desk, with its matching, teetering stacks and we shared a moment (one of those moments many of us experience when we're wondering how it's all going to get done) of solidarity in our striving. And then, for reasons I can't explain, I was inspired to step toward her, hold out my arm with my first clenched and say, "Wonder Twin Powers, Activate!" It was a throw back to the Saturday morning superhero cartoons of  my childhood, and something that my former CSWS colleague Amy Elder and I used to do from time to time when we needed to harness each other's strength, love and good will to continue our working through fatigue or some other challenge.

The Wonder Twins are a somewhat odd and obscure reference -- extraterrestrial-ish siblings who, alone, were just a modest brother and sister twindom but when they "activated" by connecting their hands, took the shapes and forms of objects, animals, and elements of nature that magnified their power and allowed them to achieve any goal (usually defeating the villain of the week). At its core, it is a message of teamwork, albeit one wrapped in a rather campy package. I wasn't sure if Donna would understand, but her eyes widened and then softened as she tenderly related that she and her older brother Robert had shared that same ritual as children, and that it was a dear and meaningful memory, especially now that he has passed on, of the deep connection and solidarity they shared.

As I write this there are countless lovely people working together outside my door to create a magical festival we offer here called Pumpkin Path. Alone, one person could not possibly pull off this type of amazing, heartfelt evening, but when we join our hands together and "activate," when we share our gifts with one another, we magnify our power and are able to create soulful, enlivening curricular experiences for our children, whether an Indian meal, a Native craft or a Waldorf festival.

So I ask you today, what's your superpower? How do you share it? And who are the partners who can amplify that power to move our students' school experience to the next level?

I look forward to hearing your stories and to seeing you tomorrow evening at the Pumpkin Path.

In spirited community,

Nicole Deutsch
Director of Community Development
Chalk Draw - India Om paintings India Altar






































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Community Update Will be on Hiatus on Nov. 2 - (But We'll be Back on Nov. 9!
The CSWS Fall Newsletter will be published in place of the Community Update next Friday, Nov. 2. The newsletter, previously a monthly publication, will be published four times a year moving forward, once each season. It is our hope that a more moderate publishing timeline will allow the newsletter to feature more in-depth, school- and community-specific content, and in fact our upcoming issue will be brimming with feature stories, event photos, student work and an alumni spotlight. If you have alumni news, event photos or other items you would like to have considered for the Winter Newsletter, please email development@cedarspringswaldorf.org. The Update will resume its normal publication schedule on Nov. 9.
Order Your Yearbook by Halloween 
for a Discount!

CSWS Rummage Sale Next Month!
garage_sale_home.jpg
Simplify your life! Unclutter your home! The 7th Grade will be holding a Fall Rummage Sale all day on Saturday, Nov. 10. Bring donations to drop off or pick up on Friday, Nov. 9.  Contact  Annette Macbean at (530) 622-8704 for questions or more information.
Ever Wonder what Eurythmy is Like? 
Now's your Chance to Try it! 
An elementary Eurythmy class
All parents are warmly invited to attend a free introduction to Eurythmy series for the next three Thursdays offered by our visiting Eurythmy teacher, Shannon Wieler.  Ms. Wieler has been joining our First and Second Grades this month to introduce them to this unique form of movement, and now parents have an opportunity to experience it as well. This introductory class, held from 1-1:55 p.m. in the Lily Kindergarten room, will focus on the movements and gestures in our language. Come and experience first-hand what this new art of movement is! To get a little better glimpse into this art, check out this informational video:  Waldorf School Eurythmy
We're Rolling Out the Red Carpet this Year! 





















Click the images to open for download!
Coming Soon ... Apple Ridge Pies! 
apple-pie.jpg Back by popular demand! Apple Ridge Farm Pies will be for sale, delivered to campus frozen in time for Thanksgiving. Please choose to buy your homemade pies this holiday season and help support the Seventh Grade in their fundraising efforts at the same time. Available Pies inclue Apple, Dutch Apple, Peach, Mixed Berry and Strawberry Rhubarb. Pies are $20 each or 2 for $35. Order forms will be sent out in early November.
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Help Needed! 
Our school is much in need of an early childhood extended care assistant. We are  seeking a warm, responsible individual to help supervise this program. Experience with young children and knowledge of Waldorf pedagogy is preferred, but not required. The extended care position hours are Monday through Friday, 12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. To meet state licensing requirements, applicants must have 12 ECE units, and be willing to comply with current CPR and First Aid training, clear a Livescan background check, a TB test, and a health screening and comply with current California vaccination requirements.  Please send inquiries to: Veronica Gunasekara at  veronicalavergne@gmail.com  

The College of Teachers is seeking individuals who can act as substitute teachers. With our pedagogical chair position now vacant, we no longer have a go-to for when our teachers are ill or need to be away for the day for personal or family needs. With the cold and flu season approaching, the College would like to begin compiling a list of people, especially those with a teaching credential or experience working with children, who can support our faculty in this way. Please contact Amy Roehl at classof2023@cedarspringswaldorf.org if you would be able to help with this. 
calendar
Upcoming School Calendar Dates

Oct. 26 - All School Assembly, 12:30 p.m.
Oct. 26 - 7th & 8th Grade Halloween Dance at SWS, 7 p.m.
Oct. 26 - Pumpkin Path Set Up, 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 27 - Pumpkin Path, 4-6:30 p.m.
Oct. 29 - No School (Pumpkin Path Recovery and Faculty In-service)
Nov. 1 - Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing (7th Grade Play), 6 p.m.
Nov. 2 - Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, 11:30 a.m.
Nov. 6 - Student Picture Make-up Day
Nov. 7 - All Community Meeting Session I, 6-8p.m.
Nov. 9 - All Community Meeting Session II, 2-4 p.m.
Nov. 12 - Veteran's Day - No School.

Inspiring our students to reach their highest potential as free-thinking, creative human beings who have a life-long love of learning, Cedar Springs offers Waldorf education to families and their children, infants through Eighth grade. - CSWS Mission Statement

This form is made available to guide parent questions & concerns in support of our school's communication model. Please download and complete with Parent Mentors, Faculty, and Staff.
Quote of the Week...
"In 11 years at this school, I can't recall a time when tere was a happier, more active and more supo