News from the Parent Council February 9, 2018
Hello MLWS Families!

The beginning of February is the halfway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox, also known the cross-quarter day. Whether you celebrate Groundhog Day, Candlemas or Imbolc, this means winter is officially half over! The days are perceptibly longer, the reappearance of the light is beginning to be apparent and Spring will be upon us soon enough. Parent Council is pleased to share this issue of the newsletter with the community, which includes a Parent Council update, highlights activities of various classes and other school-related topics, offers Classified listings and provides information about upcoming events in the community.


PARENT COUNCIL UPDATE
Highlights of current projects in the works are as follows: 

  • The Welcome Committee has been established and is currently finalizing details for its first open Q&A forum geared towards supporting new families in their first year at MLWS. Stay tuned for more info;

  • A workshop for parents on the topic of the Four Temperaments is coming soon;

  • The idea of a parent-led “Fix It” day was proposed and is in development, with the goal of coming together to give a little extra TLC to various areas throughout the school buildings;

  •  A How-To Guide to inform parents about the various events and activities that occur as they move through the grades (such as Work Shares, Music Shares, Michaelmas, Clothing Sale, etc.), and their roles and responsibilities in relation to these events and activities, is in development;

  • A Welcome to MLWS Packet for new families is also in development.

Parent Council will hold our February meeting on Wednesday, February 14, 3:15-4:15pm* . Please consider attending the February meeting to share your thoughts, ideas and concerns, and to learn more about the various Parent Council initiatives in the works. Help our community thrive. Many hands make light work!

* Please note that contrary to the schedule announced at the start of the school year (which indicated meetings would alternate between 3:15pm and 5:15pm start times), for the rest of the 2017/2018 school year, Parent Council meetings will be held from 3:15pm until 4:15pm, based on attendance during the first four meetings. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

In this issue:
Mountain Laurel Demystified
Upcoming Events
A Peek Into the Classroom
Development Corner
Ms. Loshak on the Airwaves
Classifieds
Mountain Laurel Demystified
QUESTION : When will Mountain Laurel Waldorf School have our School Photo Day?

ANSWER : The school has been communicating with photographer Roy Gumpel, MLWS alumni parent, about scheduling our School Photo Day. He will be our photographer and School Photo Day will take place in late February or early March. Stay tuned for more details!

One question and the corresponding answer will be featured in each issue of the newsletter. If you have a question you would like answered, please submit it to  dana_rudikoff@yahoo.com . Please be patient if your question is not responded to immediately. Thank you!

Calendar of School Events

Friday February 9, 6:00pm:
Parent-sponsored screening of “Take Back Your Power”
MLWS Community Room. This award-winning documentary investigates so-called “smart” utility meters, uncovering shocking evidence of in-home privacy invasions, increased utility bills, health & environmental harm and more. These meters are all over New Paltz, including at MLWS. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact steinhardt.anna@gmail.com .

Monday, February 12, 3:15-4:15pm:
Parent Council Welcome Committee Q&A Session
New parents, and any parents with questions, are invited to attend this event and ask questions you may have about MLWS. Experienced MLWS parents will be present to answer questions and offer support.

Tuesday, February 13, 4:30-5:30pm:
A Peek at Eurythmy Through the Grades
Andrea Marti will offer a free eurythmy workshop for interested parents in the MLWS Community Room. Please RSVP to 845-255-0033 to reserve a space in the class and secure childcare if needed.

Wednesday, February 14, 8:30-10:30am:
Community Craft Circle
MLWS is introducing a weekly Craft Circle for parents interested in sharing handwork skills, ideas and projects. Whether you are new to handwork or you are an experienced pro, please join us every Wednesday from 8:30am to 10:30am in the Handwork classroom as we create in community. For more information, please contact Amy at amyideleon@gmail.com  

Wednesday, February 14, 3:15-4:15pm
Parent Council monthly meeting

Thursday, February 15 & Friday, February 16 at 6:00PM
Boughton Place, 150 Kisor Rd, Highland NY 12528
8th Grade Play
Will & Whymsy: 16 Dramatically illustrated Sonnets of Shakespeare



A Peek Into the Classroom
From Mrs. Liebowitz:

The Sixth Graders have sculpted eagles, which are on display on the first floor of the school. The eagles are part of a trilogy, along with the lion and the bull, creating a picture of the human being—head, heart and hand.

Development Corner

The Annual Giving Campaign is in full swing
and our goal is $25,000!
 
Many thanks to those who have contributed already—we are off to a great start! We have a colorful chart in the school lobby depicting donations by grade. The children are enthusiastic about monitoring their classes' progress; every class with 100% will have an ice cream, sushi or pizza party. The Annual Giving Campaign plays a crucial role in supporting the day-to-day financial needs of Mountain Laurel Waldorf School. Please consider giving today by clicking here .
Spring Gala! April 14

Our second annual Spring Gala is coming up on April 14th . The event will feature an online auction that will open three weeks prior to the event. We are currently accepting donations of auction items. In-kind services are also welcome. For more detailed information and to see current auction items please visit the Gala website at http://bit.ly/mlwsgala2018 or contact Carly Fridlich at fridlichc@gmail.com

We are excited to announce that Skydive the Ranch has donated a tandem skydive to this year's auction!
Notecards featuring MLWS Student Artwork

We are currently selling note cards that feature Mountain Laurel student artwork. Makes a beautiful gift for someone special and supports the school! Cards come in packs of 10 with envelopes and cost $20 per pack. Three choices: kindergarten 2017 watercolor art; 8th grade class of 2016 various works; and 8th grade class of 2016 scratchboard art. Please contact pattyjacobson@gmail.com to purchase cards or with questions.


Here are other ways you can help support the school:

Amazon Smile

Did you know Mountain Laurel Waldorf School participates in Smile.Amazon.com ?  If you shop at Amazon.com, go to smile.amazon.com and register to support Mountain Laurel Waldorf School. Amazon will donate a percentage of the money you spend to Mountain Laurel. It is an effortless way to support the school at no extra cost to you.
Mighty Nest

Mountain Laurel also participates in Mighty Nest, an online store that sells natural, organic and non-toxic products. You can buy items from various categories such as home items, wellness, lunch storage, gifts and many more. Go to mightynest.com and register to support Mountain Laurel Waldorf School. 15% of everything you spend is donated to the school! 


Hudson Valley Seed Company

Be on the lookout for our annual partnering with the Hudson Valley Seed Company sale of spring seed packets. Proceeds from sales are split between the Hudson Valley Seed Company and Mountain Laurel Waldorf School. Order forms will arrive home with students this month. It's just about time to get those spring crop seedlings going!

Ms. Loshak on the Airwaves!
Our very own Second Grade teacher Rachel Loshak is now the host of Stories on Sundays, 4-5pm, on Radio Kingston (WKNY / 1490 AM) . This is a program for children and families featuring stories and songs from fairy and folk tales to myths and legends as well as stories with a connection to our local heritage and history and the occasional special guest! 

Ms. Loshak’s husband, Morgan Taylor, creator of the Gustafer Yellowgold family music video series, also has a weekly family music show, RadioCake, Sundays, 5-7pm, on Radio Kingston , during which he brings his blend of sophisticated musicality and whimsical childview to the local community.
Classifieds
REQUESTS
We are the village. This is a listing of Mountain Laurel families navigating difficult times who need our community’s support and practical help with meals, rides, and more. To make additions to the list for future newsletters, please submit details to Meredith at verderosa@gmail.com

COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS, EVENTS & EXHIBITS
Spring Writing Workshop with the Hudson Valley
Writing Project at SUNY New Paltz
Saturday, February 24, 8:30am-12:00pm
SUNY New Paltz, Old Main Building

The Hudson Valley Writing Project is delighted to offer morning writing workshops for children (ages 7-10), for teens (ages 11-17) and for adults. Our experienced teachers provide creative inspiration for writing and encourage sharing in relaxed, supportive settings. Young writers enjoy two workshops while adults benefit from a single longer session.
Fees: Student Workshop: $25 / Adult Workshop: $20 / Student & Adult Workshop: $40
To register or for more information about the workshops, visit the website: www.newpaltz.edu/hvwp

***
The Bees Needs: A Bee-Keeping Workshop
Saturday, February 24, 9:00am-2:00pm, lunch is included
RosenSpace, 402 Main Street (ground floor), Rosendale, NY (behind The Big Cheese)

Get all of your pre-season beekeeping housekeeping done with us! We will provide fully-equipped honey and wax processing stations, frame cleaning and building tools, and candle-making lessons. 
$40: use of our honey spinner, wax processing and candle-making stations and frame building equipment
$75: set of 10 frames, including foundation, plus use of our honey spinner, wax processing and candle-making stations, and frame building equipment

RSVP to Kathy Puffer by February 20th at puffer.biogas@gmail.com or 845-380-2633

***
Springtime Soaps: A Soap-Making Workshop
Saturday, February 24, 2:30pm-5:00pm, light refreshments and tea will be served
RosenSpace, 402 Main Street (ground floor), Rosendale, NY (behind The Big Cheese)

Easy soap making with fun shapes and herbs. Soap "make and "take includes a sink side basket filled with your hand made soaps. Children will go home with a bar soap with a toy of their choosing on the inside. 
Cost: $20 for adults, $8 for children. 

RSVP with Kathy Puffer by February 20th at puffer.biogas@gmail.com or 845-380-2633

STUFF (For Sale, For Free, ISO…)
ISO Boys Hiking Boots Size 4 (possibly a half-size smaller or larger would work). Text Lisa at 845-430-4633 or email sunsnake@optonline.net

For Sale :
Antique mahogany sewing table. It can be used as a kitchen table. Two drawers on one side. $400
Contact Kiki (845)332-7257

For Sale : Expandable Ice Skates Gently used, Gray, Youth sizes 2 to 4. $15 00. Text Lisa at 845-430-4633 or email sunsnake@optonline.net

For Sale: Stroller Ironman Bob Stroller for Sale, 2012 version. Identical to 2016 BOB which can be viewed at the website bobgear.com. Heavy Duty with suspension for trails and running, perfect for Minnewaska carriage trails. Also included is the infant Graco car seat adapter, which allows you to use car seat in the stroller. Excellent condition. Price reduced to $125.00. Please contact Dennis at dennis.ebbing@gmail.com

For Sale: Land in Stone Ridge, NY Three Individual sites, each with B.O.H approval for a 3-bedroom single family home. Underground electric to each lot already in place. Great location -- private but close to Stone Ridge amenities. Please see link below and email us directly if you need more information - email: land4salestoneridge@gmail.com


LEARN
Winter Camp at Glenbrook Each February, Camp Glen Brook in southwest NH (an educational facility of the Waldorf School of Garden City, NY) offers a fun filled, wholesome, media free Winter Camp for children in grades 3 - 9. This year the dates are Monday, February 19 through Saturday, February 24. Please visit our  website  to learn more and watch our Winter Camp video or call us at 603-876-3342. We hope your child(ren) will join us this Winter! 

Traditional Figure Drawing for Teens Offering 14 to 19 year olds an opportunity to hone their figure drawing skills at the 10 Horse Art Center (five minutes outside of New Paltz). The 12-week class covers anatomy, proportion, composition and perspective, with the goal of creating accurate drawings of the clothed human figure from direct observation. Contact Alex Canelos at 845 255-7612 or  alex@thesevenfoldstudio.com . For details, visit www.sevenfold.school/figure-drawing-for-teens/  . Adult classes also available. ( www.sevenfold.school/figure-drawing-1/ )

Traditional landscape paintings in oil – Tim Smith
Offering private tuition for adults and 8th grade students in classical oil painting method. To organize a session around your or your child's specific schedule and needs, 

Guitar and mandolin lessons  with Mr. Steve Bernstein at his home in Gardiner, NY. Children, teens and adults are all welcome. Please call: 845 255 0822 or drop a note in his mailbox (2nd floor) at school.

Private Drum-Set Lessons Amir Ziv (Head of the Drum Department at the New School University's Jazz & Contemporary Music Program) is now offering students of all ages private lessons from his home studio in Kerhonkson. Serious students only. For more details and to set up a time to speak on the phone or in person, please email:  az_prod@yahoo.com To view Amir’s bio: http://www.newschool.edu/jazz/faculty-az/?id=4e6a-417a-4f51-3d3d

Music Composition with ‘Famous Waldorf Alumna’
Have you ever wanted to write a piece for recorder? Maybe a piano sonata? Or even a symphony? My name is Stephanie Ann Boyd, I’m a symphonic composer in New York City, and I went to the Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor. You can find me on the list of Famous Waldorf Alumni, and my music is being played all over the world. I teach music composition lessons via Skype and I have helped over 100 people write their first pieces. I charge $100 an hour, and I have financial scholarships for those who need them. You can read more here: http://stephanieannboyd.com/teaching and you can contact me at: stephanie@stephanieannboyd.com

Tutoring Ashley Sapir Lathrop is offering tutoring for children in reading and literacy skills. She holds dual master’s degrees in elementary education and literacy, with certification in both areas. Whether it is decoding, phonics, comprehension, fluency, or simply finding more comfort with literacy skills, Ashley finds fun and meaningful ways to help children shine. Ashley is available year round for tutoring, at an hourly rate of $60, and can be reached at (845)519-5067 or ashley.sapir@gmail.com

SERVICES
Seeking F/T Nanny Position Mature, experienced child care provider seeking full time nanny position while pursuing part time education. References available. Former nanny to MLWS family. janeborgen2@yahoo.com 845.750.5203

Valentine and Wilder's Pet-Sitting Service
Experience with cats, fish and guinea pigs, but open to other pets as well! (917) 309-7790 or seanaskye@me.com

FREE Sustainable Living Consultations Would you like to live a more sustainable lifestyle? Do you need help determining what personal actions have the biggest impact? We offer consulting to help you tread lightly on the Earth and mitigate climate change. This is a free service because we truly believe in building a viable future for all of our children. Samrat Pathania (Waldorf parent) and Dan Guenther are the Climate Consultants. For more informarion, email samratpathania@gmail.com or call/text 631-848-1599.

Home Inspections : emfs, dirty electricity, radio frequency
Concerned about children’s cell phone or lap top use? Get protection from new electric meters. Get emf readings on prospective new homes. Learn about router signals. Create an emf free sleeping environment. Teach children about safe wireless use. Decrease overall field exposure. Measure offices, cars, dorms. Learn about resources. Public talks. Harrison Barritt, selfkindness@yahoo.com , 256-0446

Permaculture Home and Property Designs : installed and maintained by Andrew Faust and Adriana Magaña. We help you to adapt your vision to the ecological and geological realities of your site. We have more than twenty years of experience in the region offering the following services: Real Estate Assessment and Land Selection, Installing and Maintaining Ponds and Solving Water Problems, Creating Biodynamic Orchards and Farms, Organic Vegetable Gardens, Off-grid Natural homes and communities, Native Landscapes, Permaculture Forest Gardens, Contact us at 917-584-4588 or see our portfolio and get a quote here: http://www.permaculturenewyork.com/design-consultation

HEALTH & WELLNESS
Postpartum Wellness: Restoring Your Pelvic Floor
A workshop for Mothers of ALL ages!
Sunday March 18, 2018, 10am – 12:30pm , $40 before March 1, $50 after
Hudson Valley Midwifery/Stockade Wellness, 14 Hurley Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401
To register or for more information: hello@anneliesemordhorst.com 413-320-9380

Learn about your amazing and resilient Pelvic Floor:
what is it? what does it do? → discover your anatomy
Take home understanding, experience and information :
how does the Pelvic Floor repair? → learn a healthy and restorative movement practice

Looking for a reason to stay in shape this winter, while meeting other MLWS parents?
Let's form a team of MLWS Parents to participate in the 2018 Rock the Ridge 'endurance challenge'. This Mohonk Preserve fundraiser caters to all abilities. We'll divide the course into equal parts that each team member (or twosome) can walk/jog at their own speed. To prepare, we'll schedule once per month group training walks. Interested? Contact Mischa Cohn: mischac@hotmail.com

Wellness: Holistic, Drug-Free Asthma and Allergy Relief. Buteyko Breathing Method is the most effective drug-free approach for the management of asthma, other breathing related problems, anxiety and panic attacks. Technique can be practiced by children and adults. Anna Yashayeva, RN, Dip BBM. yaanna1@gmail.com . 917-750-2652 

Naam Yoga Classes with Renée at The Living Seed in NP: 10:00-11:30am
All levels welcome! Call 917-655-2540 for more information.

Welcome Wellness MLWS parents Liz Duncan-Gilmour, Callie Hershey and Nancy Hoose invite you to experience Ondamed® PEMF therapy. Liz and Callie founded Welcome Wellness after our children achieved remission from neurological Lyme Disease with the help of Ondamed® therapy. Our team has seen the benefits from Ondamed® therapy with issues including stress management, sleep disorders, sports injuries and surgical rehab, Lyme disease and other chronic and degenerative issues. A one-hour session generally costs $75, but MLWS families will receive a special “friends and family” discount. We are located across the street from MLWS at 29 South Chestnut St., Suite 201. Please call to learn more. Liz: 845-616-2709, Callie: 914-456-5406, Nancy: 518-269-6357.

TRAVEL
Waldorf-Anthroposophical Tours in Europe
Two European tours with Waldorf/Anthroposophical themes are being offered by Sarnia Guiton of Sophia Services for 2018.

In Search of Knights Templar in Portugal  The Knights Templar are well known for their activities in Jerusalem and the Holy Land in the Middle Ages following the First Crusade. Their demise in 1307 is also well known. What is not so well known is the belief that their activities in Portugal, working with Bernard of Clairvaux and Portuguese Templar Kings over several generations, formed a Kingdom of Conscience with laws that are echoed in Rudolf Steiner’s Threefold Social Order. 

In Search of the Future - in Hungary, Romania & Bulgaria Anthroposophy was planted in these Eastern European countries early in the last century. Communism kept it underground prompting it to grow strong roots. At the end of that era, it grew strong and firm above ground and blossomed with joy that it could now be free. We have known none of that in the West. On this tour we will explore what has been happening anthroposophically in Eastern Europe in the last 25 years, and if we have anything to contribute or to bring back home from our experience.
For more information, please contact: Sarnia Guiton, 604.740.0676, sarnia@sophiaservices.ca