Community Update
Nov. 16, 2018

Dear Friends,
Earlier this week I had the opportunity to observe in Ms. Cavin's Fifth Grade Classroom. She started her day with some music and recitation work but then shifted gears, asking the children to return to their seats, where they were to take the paper she had given them and make a list of all the things they were grateful for. I wondered how the activity would go, but then watched as everyone of them dug in to the task with the focused earnestness of children writing a wish list to Santa Claus! They were so intent on their working, in fact, that at a certain point she had to stop them so they could continue with their main lesson work! When Ms. Cavin looked over what the children had written, she saw the following: "Friends, Family, School, A roof over my head, Good food to eat," and, touchingly: "My Teacher."

Reflecting on that moment, I thought about the way in which we work with children
Chalk drawing by Ms. Wares
here at CSWS. Even as adults, stopping our busy lives to just sit and reflect momentarily for all that is good and sustaining in our lives, all we are thankful for, is such a powerful (and rare) activity. It immediately takes us out of ourselves, out of our small inconveniences of the day, our worries about things that will mean nothing a  year or even week from now, and places us solidly in a moment of appreciation. To bring this type of activity to children, to nurture a habit for such type of reflection now, at 10 years old, is to plant the seeds for an adult who will be able to take perspective. That's a great quality to have in a world where so much is at our fingertips (literally) and it's easy to take things, people and experiences for granted. 

As we head into this holiday week and break, I would like to pause and thank each one of you for the part you play in nurturing and sustaining the work we do here at CSWS. You are truly our partners in the children's journey of growth and discovery, and we're so grateful for all of your efforts, time and love. May you enjoy a beautiful and peaceful Thanksgiving holiday, with much time to connect, reflect and give thanks for one another and all the gifts that bless our community each day. 

In spirited community,

Nicole Deutsch 
Director of Community Development

Second Grade Beeswax Creations
Second Grade Drawings

 
Annual Giving Campaign - 
Make Your Pledge Today!
It's the Season of Giving Thanks, and in the spirit of acknowledging those things we value and appreciate, we hope you'll consider making a tax-deductible donation to Cedar Springs Waldorf School. To date we are more than halfway to our goal of $40,000, having already raised $22,239 for our Annual Giving campaign. Thank you to everyone who has already made their pledge. Your commitment and generous donation makes what we do here possible. Our pledge drive runs through Nov. 30, but why not just take a moment now and click the button below to show your support for our students and teachers?  All pledges up to $15,000 made by the deadline qualify for a 100% matching fund, so won't you donate today knowing that you've helped make the gift of a Waldorf Education possible for the children of Cedar Springs? 

  

Thank YOU for your support!

A Grateful Class of 2019
Coming Soon: Advent Spiral!
During the darkest part of the year, the Advent Spiral has traditionally been an  opportunity for quiet contemplation and community during the busy holiday season.  This seasonal observance has been kept by people around the world from all cultures and beliefs.  We can use this opportunity to prepare for the return of the sun, the lengthening of days, and for the insights that we can gain from reflection on the year that has passed.

Evergreen boughs, a symbol of life in the depths of winter, and other samples of nature's beauty, such as roses, crystals, and shells, form a spiral path.  As quiet music plays, each person carries their candle through the dark path to the flame at the center.  You then add your individual light to the community spiral, brightening it for those who come after.  Join us on December 8th for this beautiful experience and gift yourself a moment of serenity.

Order Your Yearbook by Nov. 30 
for a Discount!

Be a Part of a Very Special and Reverent Event

We're Rolling Out the Red Carpet this Year! 





















Click the images to open for download!
Rental Home Needed for our 8th Grade Teacher!
Jeff and Jennifer Jackson are looking for home to rent starting January in the PlacerVille/Shingle Springs/Cameron Park/Rescue/Coloma area. Ideal home would be between 1,200-1,700 sq feet, have parking for 2 cars, 3 bedrooms and a pet option.  Please contact Mr. Jackson at [email protected] with any information. 
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  [email protected]  

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 [email protected] if you would be able to help with this. 
calendar
Upcoming School Calendar Dates

Nov. 19-23 - Thanksgiving Break, no school 
Nov. 30 - Parent Guild Meeting, 1:30 p.m.
Dec. 6 - St. Nicholas Day
Dec. 8 - Advent Spiral
Dec. 10-14, 17-20 - Advent Singing on the Knoll, 8:15 a.m.
Dec. 13 - Santa Lucia
Dec. 13 - Board of Trustees Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 14 - Children's Store
Dec. 20 - Alumni Panel, 8:45-10:45 a.m.
Dec. 20 - All School Assembly, 11:30 - Early Dismissal at 12:30 p.m.
Dec. 21-Jan. 6 - Winter Break, no school
Jan. 7 - Classes resume

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.