Lunchbox Express
October 9, 2020
Updates from Returning to School Task Force
The Returning to School Task Force continues to meet weekly to review metrics and other considerations related to COVID-19. We will continue to update parents of any changes to our plan in the Lunchbox Express throughout the school year. As always, please don't hesitate to email the RTS Task Force with questions or concerns regarding COVID-19 planning.

Learning Scenario Update:
Following faculty input on Thursday, it was decided that we will continue with full days in-person, outside with 3/3 key protective measures for grades 6-8. Kindergarten through grade 5 will also continue with full days in-person, outside with 2/3 key protective measures. If metrics continue to rise, please be prepared to pivot to either a half day in-person or distance learning scenario.
PRWS All-School Town Hall Meeting Gratitude & Recap
We had a great turn-out at Tuesday's All-School Meeting & Town Hall. Many thanks to all the parents, teachers, and board member who participated in the meeting, as well as the the planning committee and presenters!

Much was covered during our time together, including updates from faculty, administration, finance, and Growing for Good. The meeting also featured an update from the Returning to School Task Force, as well as an overview of the considerations that inform the school's decision-making process around COVID-19 protocols. We ended the evening with community Q&A and a beautiful verse.

Did you miss it? No worries! The meeting was recorded and is available here : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1as37PSV_rlO8YgyBK6NLLGsQhbjuZvqn/view?usp=sharing

 
and also available via the Pleasant Ridge Parents Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/1328462353/videos/10223440466103011/

Pentathlon Gratitude
Thank you to everyone who gave of their time and energy for the 2020 Pentathlon. The weather was lovely, the environment of Sidie Hollow was beautiful, and the students were ready. In short notice it all came together with the help of everyone.

Heartfelt gratitude to the following: Nick Hotchkiss and Jordan and Mark Brudos as the set up and take down crew. Jordan also for the ordering and printing of the shirts and many other significant details. Margret Lenarz for beautifying the space with flowers, organizing snacks, and coordinating with the Rooted Spoon for a delicious lunch. Pete Hodapp for creating the programs. Amy and Chris Belling-Dunn for the medals. Vicki Ramsay and Erika Broser for making the laurel wreaths, and preparing the costumes for Athena and Zeus. Mahala Belling-Dunn and Elliot Nichols for their lovely presence as Athena and Zeus. Maureen Karlstad and Mark John for being city state leaders. Drew Shonka for photographing the students in the events. To Melissa Madura and Stephanie Pedretti for directing the students in glorious Apollo. Tejah Broser, Ben Ashley-Kepler and Coyote Merkal for being willing workers. Silvi Shonka, Annie Caldwell, Maiela Leinberger and Mila Lovecky for being our dedicated witnesses and writers to express the truth and beauty of each student. Julee Caspers-Agar for the 40-yard dash assistance over many years.

And thank you to the 6th grade class for their patience in waiting and letting go of their Spring Pentathlon with the other schools.

Thank you all,
Ms. Lerie
Grandparents & Special Friends Day
Friday, October 16th
All are welcome! Register Now!

Grandparents & Special Friends Day is an opportunity for the special elders in our child(ren)'s life to visit the school, our child's classroom, and experience first-hand this unique education for themselves. Many grandparents and special friends return every year! This year the gathering will take place virtually, and offer many of the same elements as in regular years (a school tour, chance to observe lessons, alumni reflections, q&a, etc).

A perk of this year's live, virtual format is that it is accessible to all, near and far. Historically, attendance has been capped due to space. This year the event will take place later in the day (6pm CST), and the whole family is welcome to enjoy it in real time with your loved ones. The more, the merrier! Please note that Registration is required for all participants. If you would like an invitation emailed to your child's grandparents or special elders, please contact Robin Kottke.
Parent-Teacher Conferences With Subject Teachers
Subject teachers welcome an opportunity for parents to meet with them as a group for parent-teacher conferences. In the interest of safety precautions and confidence in planning, fall conferences will be held via Zoom. Appointments will be available Wednesday, October 28 starting at 8:30 am. Please note: just as with in-person conferences, virtual conferences should be a private conversation between teachers and parents/guardians, and children should not be present. If you are interested in scheduling a time for a conference, please contact Stephanie Pedretti by Tuesday, October 21.
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Seeking Piano Moving Help
Ms. Davina has generously offered to give her upright piano to the school, but we need to find a way to move it from her house to PRWS before October 16. Do you have a vehicle that could move a piano? Are you willing to provide muscle for the move? There are no stairs involved. Please contact Stephanie Pedretti by email or call/text at 608-632-2607. Thank you!
Please Return Handwork Tools

Please return handwork tools that were sent home last spring. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Geri directly.

Grade 3 - Crochet Hooks and Weaving Needles
Grade 5 - Wooden Knitting Needles

Thank you!
PRWS Class of 2021 Presents Enchanted Stories
Due to the recommendations from Vernon County Health Department the Enchanted Forest will not be happening this year. The Pleasant Ridge Waldorf School Class of 2021 proudly presents a pandemic-proof, safe alternative to the beloved Enchanted Forest for this Halloween: Enchanted Stories!

The eighth grade class is busy crafting Halloween themed stories for children of all ages. These stories will be recorded and made available for your family’s listening enjoyment on Halloween! They will also be offering little gift bags for order that will include special surprises from the storytellers, akin to treasures they would have shared with the children on the Enchanted Forest walk. 

More information on how to order gift bags and access to the Halloween stories will be coming soon! Thank you for supporting our first fundraiser of the 2020–21 school year!

With love,
The PRWS Class of 2021
PRWS TEXT ALERTS

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Pleasant Ridge Today Podcast!
In our latest episode, we discussed the Pentathlon, Michaelmas festival, upcoming Grandparents and Special Friends Day, and other news.

Listen directly from our website or via your favorite podcast player. Questions or ideas? Please contact us-we'd love to hear from you. Thanks for listening!
Support PRWS when shopping from home!

Don't forget that when you designate Pleasant Ridge Waldorf School on AmazonSmile, a donation will be made to our school.


Community News
Chickens raised by hand from the incubator, now about 5 months old, need a new home. They were initially intended as a 3rd grade project for Mrs. Davina's class. They are Roberta, Helene, Brunhilde, and Co., all together 7 ladies with feathery, puffy cheeks, plus three layers from the original flock. There are also three fine, young gentlemen who could win your affection. The guinea flock that was raised along with the chicks could find a new home as well, however it seems to be six males (who tend to be rather mean and better in soup), and one female. We raised them as "tick eaters". Please contact Mrs. Davina under 608-618-2448. We are on the move to Germany on October 26.
Thoreau College has initiated a new social enterprise business! As you know, PRWS now rents the greenhouses at 520 E. Terhune St. Viroqua to us and we have jumped fully into them... 
repairing the greenhouses, seeding late fall greens, increasing houseplant inventory,
and putting cut flowers back in the cooler!
Other fun stuff as well. We're open Monday thru Saturday 10am - 4pm and we'd love your support!

Contact us at 637-8200 or gardens@thoreaucollege.org. Blessings, beauty, and bounty to us all. Thank you!