Weekly Bulletin - September 25, 2019
On September 19, 2019 we joined the global celebration of 100 years of Waldorf education.
Watch the video of the making of our 100 on the blacktop. Hear our lower and high school classes singing a song for peace.
Michaelmas is This Friday!
This morning at our monthly Coffee with the Faculty Chair, Jennifer Page, we heard about the importance of annual festivals in the life of the Washington Waldorf School. Participating in festivals and annual traditions connects us to the rhythms and cycles of the natural world. Many festivals around the world began in response to what was happening in the natural world in that time and season and some tie into a spiritual component of how our inner lives are connected to, and impacted by, the cycles of our natural environment. Rhythm and ritual provide a structure that calms the body, relaxes the mind, and allows us to make deeper connections to our environment, our fellow beings, and ourselves.
Michaelmas comes to us at the turning from summer to fall - when the daylight and darkness split the day and we are shifting towards more dark hours. The festival is connected to the time of harvest and moving from the abundance of summer to the gathering and storing of food for the winter. Michael is a symbol of courage - the struggle of the hero/ine facing and subduing a dragon. Stories, of course, connect us to something deeper. Celebrating Michaelmas inspires each of us to draw on our inner strength to take on the darkness we see in the world.
This Friday, Sep 27, 12:45-3pm 
(rain date: Oct 4)

The Michaelmas Festival is a cornerstone in our school year, as it is for Waldorf schools around the world. At WWS we mark the day with all sorts of games and activities of strength, skill, and courage. The celebration begins for the students at 12:45pm on the blacktop. We begin with a dragon pageant, performed by 9th graders and a sword dance performed by the 7th graders. Mr. Elfstrom will set up his forge and become a blacksmith for the afternoon. The day will conclude with a four-way tug of war on the lower field.

Parents are invited to come watch the festival. Please note that activities are intended for our students in grades 1-12 only. Younger siblings may observe the festivities, but should stay with their parents.

Volunteers Needed
Parents are invited to volunteer during Michaelmas - this is a wonderful way to help out and witness this special day! Your assistance making butter, serving popcorn, or leading jump rope will help make this festival a memorable day for lower school students. It is super fun to help out with these activities and we promise it will be a good time! Questions? Please   email   the POSC.
School Calendar
Please note that some future calendar dates/times have changed . Please review the full calendar to ensure you have the most up-to-date version - published 9.12.19!
September

27/ Friday
  • Michaelmas Celebration (rain date Oct 4th) 

30/ Monday
  • NO CLASSES – Rosh Hashanah

October

1/ Tuesday
  • Craft & Conversation in the WWS Foyer, 8:30-10am

3/ Thursday
  • MS & HS Parent Evening - The Self Directed Child, 7-9pm (HS students invited)

8/ Tuesday
  • Craft & Conversation in the WWS Foyer, 8:30-10am

10/ Thursday

11/ Friday
  • GD 8-12 Contra Dance, 6:30-8:30pm

12/ Saturday
  • Songbirds Parent Meeting, 9-11:30am

15/ Tuesday

  • Craft & Conversation in the WWS Foyer, 8:30-10am
  • Annual Meeting & Dinner, 6-8:30pm
Classroom Spotlight: 1st Grade Writing With Their Feet
By working with the feet, we strengthen the capacities and abilities in one's hands. Steiner observed a connection between the hands and feet. Fine motor skills needed for proper pencil grip and writing are supported through this exercise. Balance, listening, and problem solving are activated as well. The children will more quickly develop their drawing and writing skills by working not only with their hands, but their feet.
Meet your 2019-2020 Parent Organization Steering Committee (POSC)
These three parents are currently leading the Parent Organization - from left to right: Carolina Carvalho Cheida (G1 Parent), Sarah Vakkur (G7 + G11 parent), and Susan Holdsworth (G12 parent.) We hope to add 3-4 more members. If you are interested in being a part of the POSC as WWS Celebrates it’s 50th year, please let us know.

We would love to plan a few special things this year and love new ideas. We also welcome comments from all parents so please share any ideas or questions with us by emailing: posc@washingtonwaldorf.org
Look out for more info regarding the Parent Organization in upcoming bulletins!
Fall Bazaar Preparations
Donations for the Enchantment Shop

We are asking for donations of: cotton crochet yarn, felt, ribbons, and/or wool to make items for the Bazaar Enchantment Shop which will be run by the 2nd & 3rd grade classes. Please leave your donation at the front desk in the Enchantment Shop paper bag. Thank you in advance!

Vendor Application Deadline is October 1st

Table Fee: $100 (waived for alumni)

Class Agents Needed
Would you like to be involved as a volunteer for your child's class. Can you volunteer 2-5 hours this year for the WWS Annual Fund? Class Agents are invaluable to the work of the school in meeting its goal of 100% parent participation in this year's Annual Fund campaign. Class agents are needed for all classes, Children's Garden through Grade 12.We would love an Alumni Parent class agent too!
 
In general, the role of the Class Agent is to provide outreach and information on the importance of every WWS family's participation in the WWS Annual Fund. Typical time commitment averages 30 minutes per month. In addition, the Class Agents serve as liaisons to the Development Committee, to share information about upcoming all-school events and all-school fundraisers that benefit the community and financial health of the school. We promise to make your volunteer efforts in this capacity fun! If interested, please contact Development Director Caitlin MacKenzie by  email  or at 301-229-6107 x127 .
Bulletin Board
We welcome submissions of community news, items for sale, want ads, etc. Please keep notices to 500 characters or less. Listings will likely be edited. Please  submit listings  by COB Tuesdays with the subject "Bulletin Submission." Bulletin Board notices generally run for 3 weeks - if space allows - unless other arrangements have been made. There is no charge for listings.  
Casting Call: Supernumeraries for the Washington National Opera
(from WWS Parent Adria Foster)

Seeking MEN and CHILDREN (8 years or older) who are good movers and musically adept for two upcoming operas Otello (auditions Oct 2-3, performances Oct 26 - Nov 16) and The Magic Flute (auditions Oct 7-22, performances Nov 2-23).

Supers are paid a small stipend and receive two dress rehearsal passes for guests for the show in which they appear. Studio rehearsals take place at the WNO Studio in Takoma and are typically on evenings and weekends. Tech rehearsals and performances take place at the Kennedy Center’s Opera House.

Email for more information and to submit an application.
Blessing of the Animals in Chevy Chase - Oct 5, 10am - 12:30pm
(from WWS Parent Rev. Matthew Kozlowski)

Join Rev. Matthew Kozlowski at All Saints Church in Chevy Chase for a blessing of the animals. This free outdoor event is open to animal lovers of all faiths & traditions. 
Free Children's Bench Set

Must be picked up by October 6th in Bethesda.

Set of children's benches that nest together. They are made of wood and are very sturdy. Approximately 7 to 8 feet long.

Email Becky Doran ( WWS Alumni )
Flexible CSA pickup near WWS (From WWS Parent Torie Gorges)

Whiffletree Farm ( located in Warrenton, VA) meat, egg, etc. farm delivery now available around the corner from WWS. We love our farmer, Jesse Straight, and the delicious, carefully-raised products we get from him (chicken, turkey, beef, pork, eggs, and a variety of other items; raised on fresh pasture and forage). Order what you'd like; this is not a traditional CSA with a box selected for you. Pickup is on the first Tuesday of the month in the Glen Echo Heights neighborhood at the home of a WWS family (knock on the door and say hi!).  Contact the farm by email.
Delicious Yuca Rolls For Sale (now through December) 
Gluten free/vegan adaptation of Brazilian cheese rolls

This is a traditional, gluten-free recipe from Brazil, adapted into a delicious  vegan version that gives parents relief when it comes to intolerances, allergies, or how to provide a simple diet food option among friends and family.

Flavors: Plain, pizza (olives+oregano), Brazilian aromatic pepper, black pepper, oregano, garlic, sun dried tomatoes, capers, olives, etc. - Mix and match these flavors or request a flavor of your choice.

Great for snack time at school or at home. Practical because they come frozen. Packages with 20 frozen snack size rolls - $10 Delivered at school.

Call, text or WhatsApp Carolina ( WWS Parent ): (202) 957-3803
5G, Cell Phones, The Wireless Revolution and Health 

Did you know the  Chicago Tribune found  cell phones violate radiation limits when touching the body? A dozen countries recommend that parents reduce cell phone radiation exposure to children. In two upcoming presentations Theodora Scarato ( WWS Parent ) will explain 5G, the state of science on cell phones and EMFs and what people can do to create healthier homes.

Silver Spring Library MD

Sep 26 at 1pm Learn more and register
Epidemic Answers Free Webinar “What Are EMFs? What Are The Health Impacts? What Can Parents Do?

Oct 1 at 6:30 PM Learn more and register 
National Integrated Health Associates - 5225 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 402 in DC.

Email Theodora with any questions.
Holistic Healing with Alli Page - WWS Alumni

Meet your highest self. Now accepting new clients! Meditation and breathwork sessions for emotional healing and inner peace. Mindfulness coaching for self-compassion and stress management. Waldorf community members can enjoy a free introductory session!

202-524-0949 | Email
Children's Garden Teacher Looking for Room to Rent

Rebekah Miller, assistant teacher in the Children's Garden, is in need of a room rental in the area, preferably close to the school or with connection to the metro. 

She is seeking an arrangement that would start the 21st of September or the beginning of October, lasting anywhere from a temporary rental (a few weeks) to a monthly or multiple month lease.  

Please contact Rebekah at 717-460-0994 or via email
Upright Bass for Sale

3/4 Englehart upright bass with bag and bow. Waldorf family purchased it from Potters Violin. Original purchase certificate available. Asking half price. Call Sandy to inquire. 301-928-8177
Violin for Sale

Former Waldorf family is selling a Rudoulf Doetsch half-size violin with bow, hard case and fitted chin-rest. This is a high quality instrument for fourth grade strings students and beyond. Our violin was purchased locally at Potter Violins, where it sells new for $1,195. Violin is in excellent condition, yours for $650. Text or call: 301-412-5654.
Published by the Washington Waldorf School
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We welcome your comments and submissions. Contact  Alia Goodyear  if you would like to be added to our mailing list, or if you have submissions, questions, or suggestions. Please email submission by COB TUESDAY with the subject line "Bulletin Submission."
Washington Waldorf School
4800 Sangamore Road,
Bethesda, MD 20816
301-229-6107