Weekly Bulletin
March 6, 2025
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Congratulations to the students in Grades 8-12 who performed with gusto and humor at yesterday's Day of the Languages celebration!
As is our tradition, the event started with a welcome spoken in some of the many languages that our students represent. The hosts then offered a land acknowledgement, recognition of the turbulent times we are experiencing, and a reminder of the importance of community and laughter.
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As part of our commitment to providing our students a high-quality Waldorf education, WWS maintains accreditation with the Association of Independent Maryland & DC Schools (AIMS) and the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA). We are currently in our re-accreditation process with both organizations and, over the past year and a half, have conducted an in-depth self study, reflecting on how WWS embodies the Principles of Waldorf Education and maintains best educational and operational practices.
The week after next (March 16 - 19) we are excited to welcome seven well-seasoned educators and school administrators who will visit WWS on behalf of AIMS and AWSNA to see our school in action. During this time the team will have the opportunity to better understand how we bring a rigorous and robust education, and particularly a Waldorf education, to our students. They will visit classes and meet with TC members, teaching and administrative faculty, students, parents/guardians, and alums. The Visiting Accreditation Team will recommend to AIMS and AWSNA recognition for areas in which WWS excels and will provide recommendations for WWS to implement to ensure we continue to provide our students with a best-in-class education.
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Grades 7 & 8 Fire Craft and Grade 3 Gardening | |
From Drew Sample, Enrollment Associate
For the past two weeks, Grades 7 & 8 have been practicing fire craft in their Friday Active Outdoor Education period. Challenged to build a fire with just one match, most succeeded in getting a blaze going and keeping it alight for 20 minutes or more. Many even managed to cook dough into bread...well, slightly burned bread.
As these small fires crackled and sweet smells of cooking bread wafted through the air, Grade 3 came marching in, toting a 100' rope and some hand saws to help remove a few invasive tree saplings for their Gardening lesson.
In many environments the idea of middle schoolers tending fires in the same area as 9 year-olds carrying a long rope and sharp tools might give pause. At WWS, it was just another delightful opportunity for our students to connect with nature and each other as they learned some practical life skills and collectively exhaled at the end of the week.
Indeed, it wasn't long before the main work was done and the long rope became a means for a cross-grade game of tug-of-war (no one could agree which team won). Many of the 8th graders knew the 3rd graders by name (the reverse was certainly true) and, towards the end of the school day, the two classes comfortably exchanged a few compliments, playful barbs, and some impromptu games with a stray ball. These interactions were great reminders for me of the strong community our kids are building each day at WWS.
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March
6/ Thursday
- G4 & G5 Parent/Guardian Meeting, 7pm
8/ Saturday
- Apple Blossom Parent/Guardian Meeting, 9am
- G3 Parent/Guardian Meeting, 9am
- Campus Beautification, 10am (see below)
11/ Tuesday
- Cherry Blossom Parent/Guardian Meeting, 7:45pm
12/ Wednesday
- Morning Tour for Prospective Families, 9am
- Community Singing, 2:45pm (see below)
13/ Thursday
- Community Singing, 8:30am (see below)
- Pi(e) Night, 6pm (see below)
15/ Saturday
- WiW Parent/Guardian Meeting, 9am
- Community Playdate, 10am (see below)
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Help Beautify Our Campus!
Saturday, March 8 from 10am - 12pm
Members of the new WWS Land Stewardship Committee are excited to invite all WWS students, caregivers, and families to a campus beautification event on March 8.
We will be doing simple maintenance work to beautify the CG playground area, front garden beds, and other areas adjacent to the school building. There will be jobs for all ages and we welcome any and all hands!
The Land Stewardship Committee has been formed to shepherd the responsible care and maintenance of the land on which our school resides, with a focus on cultivating a mutually beneficial relationship between our community and the land through the support of native flora and fauna, avoidance of pesticides/herbicides, and desire to heal the soil and landscape (among other goals). We'll share more info about the committee and how parents can actively participate and support the responsible stewardship of our community's land.
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Community Singing - Come Sing with Us! *NEW TIME ADDED*
At 2:45pm on Wed, March 12 AND at 8:30am on Thurs, March 13 our High School Choir Director, Dr. Melissa Chávez, will lead parents/caregivers in a singing circle in the lobby. We'll sing some easy songs and Melissa will coach us in harmonizing as we come together in community and joy.
All voices and abilities are welcome - this is just for fun!
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Pi(e) Night - A Look at WWS Math Curriculum Through the Grades
Thursday, Mar 13 from 6-7:30pm
Pi is a wondrous thing - an irrational number with an infinite number of decimal places that have no pattern and yet it is also a figure that explains essential aspects of our universe. Pie is also a wondrous thing! A beautifully round, shareable, flaky, buttery, delicious dish that can be made savory or sweet - indulgent or utilitarian.
Join us the evening of March 13 (the day before Pi Day!) for a serving of each, as WWS math teachers walk us through demonstrations of how we inspire a meaningful connection with math among our students by inciting wonder and curiosity about how math lives in the real world.
Throughout the evening we'll also be enjoying various savory and sweet pies, just to make sure the learning really sinks in ;)
This event is for adults only but will cover all phases of math learning at WWS, so parents of kids at any age are welcome and encouraged to participate.
RSVP requested but not required.
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Community Playdate
Saturday, March 15 10am-12pm
Spring is setting in, creating a great opportunity for us to gather as a community. Join us for a casual Saturday morning playdate, either outside on the playgrounds if the weather is cooperative, or in the gym if it is rainy or blustery. We will also be inviting newly admitted families to this event so this is a chance for all of us to show how warm and welcoming our community is and help it continue to grow.
The school will provide some simple snacks, and you are welcome to bring a snack to share.
All families and children of all ages are welcome to participate (including any siblings enrolled elsewhere!).
RSVP requested but not required.
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From Tammy Gompper, WWS Librarian
Happy Read Across America Week! This event takes place every year during the first week of March and was established by the National Education Association to encourage and inspire children to read and learn. Please see below for a selection of books about our National Parks – a great way to read “across” America and to celebrate the beauty and history of America’s park system.
March is also Women’s History Month. See below for book recommendations and here are some great learning resources from the American Library Association about the role of women in American history.
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From the Parent/Family Organization | |
Thank You to our Volunteers - From the PFO Exec Team
Thank you to all the parents and families who so generously contributed to the success of the Faculty Appreciation Luncheon! The food was not only delicious but abundant, and it was all made possible thanks to your efforts. A big thank you also goes out to those who volunteered their time to help set up, host, and clean up — your contributions were greatly appreciated and made the day run smoothly.
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Support the Gala & Make a Difference! | |
Saturday, April 26
Inspired by the magic of fairy tales at the heart of Waldorf education, this year’s Gala weaves imagination, wonder, and community into an unforgettable evening. Just as stories teach courage, kindness, and the power of possibility, our gathering celebrates the journey of every child at Washington Waldorf School. Through your generosity, we continue to nurture dreams and ensure that more than 40% of our families can share in this transformative education. Join us as we bring this enchanted tale to life—because at Waldorf, we're imagining every step of the way.
Buy Tickets
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We need your help to make this year’s Gala a success! Here are ways to contribute:
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Host a Buy-In Party – Gather folks for a fun experience (dinner party, wine tasting, fitness class—you name it!), where guests buy a spot to attend. It’s a great way to connect and give back!
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Donate an Item – We’re looking for amazing items for our auction, raffle, and donor gift bags. Think gift cards, unique experiences, specialty goods, or services—every contribution helps!
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Become a Sponsor - Whether for businesses or families, you can bundle your tickets with your giving and receive tickets to an exclusive donor reception along with other benefits.
Your generosity directly supports WWS Financial Aid, and all donors will be recognized.
Let’s work together to create an unforgettable evening that strengthens our community and makes a meaningful impact. If you have any questions please email Erika. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey!
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If you are a current family - first, check ParentSquare for posts from your teachers, departments (Children's Garden, Lower School, High School), and the administration.
If you cannot find the information you are looking for on ParentSquare, please email your department coordinator/administrator or our Operations Manager:
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How to Submit a Listing
- We welcome submissions of community news, items for sale, want ads, etc. Please keep notices to 500 characters or less. There is no charge for listings.
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Please submit listings by COB Tuesdays with the subject "Bulletin Submission."
- If you are sending images or flyers, a link to an online version is preferred.
- Bulletin Board notices generally run for 3 weeks - if space allows - unless other arrangements have been made. Listings may not be accepted and will likely be edited.
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These notices are from the WWS community, the greater Waldorf community, and occasionally from our school neighbors. The information and views in them belong to the individuals who submit the notices and do not necessarily reflect the views of WWS. | |
Classifieds & Notices From the Community | |
Art of Living Foundation Event
From Marlene Sandhu, WWS Parent
Thursday, March 20 from 7-9pm
Unlocking Happiness: A Special Evening with Gurudev, Moderated by Harvard’s Arthur Brooks
The Warner Theatre in DC
Tickets: aolf.me/uhdc
What are we each doing to uplift ourselves and others and be in community?
Join an uplifting evening of:
- deep discussion on happiness & fulfillment with Gurudev and Arthur Brooks
- guided meditation experience with Gurudev
- takeaways for stress management, well-being, and personal resilience
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Events from The AntiRacist Table
From Lynn Turner, Former Faculty & Alum Parent
Sunday, March 16
Cosmic Memory -Nurture the Narrative Inner Development Series 2025 SUNDAYS
Weaving biography & social art, astrology, conversation and contemplation, we will travel the cosmos and re-enliven our relationships. Weaving biography & social art, astrology, conversation and contemplation, we will travel the cosmos and re-enliven our relationships with our spiritual home within. Working first to understand and nurture ourselves as subjective human beings we will connect more objectively in meeting our universal humanity. Individual session and session bundles available.
Learn More & Register
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Sunday, April 13
Spring Awakening Workshop: Reconnect, Realign and Renew
Step into the energy of spring and awaken your spirit in this immersive, soul-nourishing experience. This 4-hour workshop is designed to help you Reconnect with your inner wisdom, Realign with your true path, and Renew your energy for the season ahead.
Learn More & Register
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Published by the Washington Waldorf School
Copyright © 2025 All rights reserved
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."
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Washington Waldorf School
4800 Sangamore Road,
Bethesda, MD 20816
301-229-6107
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Washington Small Schools Association
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