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Important Information
and News from
Madrone Trail Public Charter School
March 17, 2023
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March 20-24
Spirit Week
March 21
3rd grade play, 1:30 pm
March 22
3rd grade play, 9:00 and 11:00 am
March 24
5th grade play, 8:45 am
Coffee with Admin
March 25-April 9
Spring Break- No School
April 10
Parent Council Meeting, 6 pm, Zoom
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Main Lesson Book Drawing by Isobel Bevers, 3rd grade | |
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From the Director
Dear Families,
Many people ask me about the academic rigor of Waldorf education. This gives me a big smile, because it opens the door for me to lay it all out before them! I have watched as teachers read a story to their class while guiding them in a painting project that loosely depicts what is happening in the story. How is this teaching reading? It develops the picture in the mind. It creates the whole, which will eventually break down into the parts. I have spent over 20 years in special education. Early on I learned that a large number of struggling readers do create that picture in their minds. I will read them a passage where a horse runs across a pasture and ask, “What color is the horse”? They ask me what I am talking about. Their minds do not create the imagery.
Rudolf Steiner believed that the child recapitulates human cultural evolution in his development. Children do not enter a Waldorf first grade until they are at least 6 1/2 or 7. At age 6-7 the child is living through the period of human cultural evolution when human beings developed a written, pictorial alphabet, so it makes sense to develop the alphabet using pictures. Human beings had to write something before they could read it. The child is still interested in fantasy and fairy tale, so we develop a picture alphabet using fairy tale stories. From this grows the writing of simple sentences which they have made up. They can “read” what they have written. Probably they have memorized it, but that’s OK. Reading English is mostly memory anyway.
The Waldorf curriculum is based on the developmental interests of children, and does not require reading in the early grades. Material is presented by the teacher in dramatic, interesting ways and the children make use of the material in their play and hands-on dramatic and artistic activities.
It is important to know that reading requires decoding skills that develop in children at varying ages. In Waldorf education we understand that learning to read will unfold naturally in its own time when a child is given the proper support.
Just as a normal, healthy child will learn to walk without our teaching them, and just as a child miraculously learns to speak their native language by the age of three without lessons, worksheets or a dictionary, so will a child naturally learn to read when they has a positive relationship with the spoken and written word.
The bottom line is… Literacy begins at home. Read to your children. Not only is it quality time well spent, it opens their imagination and creates the desire to learn.
CHARTER RENEWAL
Great news! Our charter contract with MSD has been officially renewed for the next five years! Unfortunately, our request for additional funding was not considered. We will fight on and continue to provide the highest quality education in the Rogue Valley (Not that I have a bias or anything!)
MODULAR - FINAL UPDATE
It is finished!! We passed the final inspection and are now able to use the classrooms! Thank you all for your patience and support!
COFFEE WITH ADMINISTRATION - I want to hear from you!
I will be making myself available each week after our assembly for a “Coffee with the Administration” discussion. This will be an informal get together where you are free to ask questions, raise concerns, share ideas and provide me the opportunity to seek feedback from you. So I invite you to stay for a few minutes after each assembly and sample Chef Evan’s special blend while we chat!
Have a wonderful weekend,
~Kendall Roberts
Director
kendall.roberts@madronetrail.org
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Yearbook
It's that time of year to pre-order your yearbook! The yearbook committee, led by Mr. Barbee, is working hard on getting it put together. Yearbooks will be $20 and will be available to order online until April 14. The link is now live!
If you have any pictures that you have taken on field trips or at any other school event please send full size images to yearbook@madronetrail.org.
Cover art by Isaac Richardson, 7th grade.
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Sibling Enrollment Form-- FINAL CALL
Please fill out the linked form below if you have an incoming Kindergartner or another child whom you would like to enroll for the 2023-2024 school year if there is space available. Please fill this form out even if your other children are already on the waitlist, as siblings of current students get waitlist priority. Kindergartners will be placed in next year's classes on a first come, first served basis before we lottery non Madrone Trail families. Please note that incoming Kindergartners need to be 5 years old by June 1st, 2023 to be eligible to enroll for the 2023-2024 school year. The form is due March 24.
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Battle of the Books
Madrone Trail's Battle of the Books (OBOB) Team is off to regionals this weekend at Rogue River Elementary School.
These students have had a blast all year reading some wonderful books and we wish them all the best of luck tomorrow! Go Book Wyrms!!
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May Faire Update
Our May Faire will be on Saturday, May 6
Help with May Faire Food
Chef Evan is organizing a food booth and is looking for help, from food prep and taking orders, to rounding up tables and pop-up tents. Email him if you are interested! evan.wilson@madronetrail.org
We are also looking for craft vendors and/or other fun booth ideas. Forms to have a booth are in the office and are due by April 21st.
Our next May Faire Committee Meeting is April 11, 3:30 pm, in the 4th grade classroom.
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Food Program Update
We've completed week 3 of our new meal program! It's been a very challenging yet extremely rewarding experience! Feeding our students healthy and delicious meals from scratch and then receiving outstanding feedback from the kids is quite amazing. They are so appreciative! This week we served about 280 breakfasts and 580 lunches! In more news, we were featured on the KOBI news program. View the segment here.
Health Inspection
On Thursday, the health department paid us a visit for our first inspection and we are proud to report that we earned an A+ report card (100%). Our inspector reviews schools across Jackson County and was impressed by our program. We take food safety seriously, so this was validating and a positive response from someone outside the school community.
We are hiring!
Chef Evan, Kitchen Assistant Ms. Stephanie and Mr. Sergio are holding down the fort, but we are still in need of a second kitchen assistant to round out our team. Hours are 11:00-4:30 pm on school days (somewhat flexible). If you or someone you know would like to support our meal program through the end of the school year and possibly beyond, we are accepting applications through Indeed.
Featured items for the week of March 20th
To provide variety as well as expose our students to possibly new and interesting fresh produce choices, we'll be featuring a different salad bar veggie and house made jam for our yogurt parfaits and sun butter sandwiches each week.
Featured veggie: snow peas
Featured jam: organic mixed berry
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From the Athletic Director
Track and Field
This week our athletes began narrowing down some of the events they will be doing. FYI, the choices do not lock them into those events for the season. They can try different events at different meets. Also, picture day is next Tuesday, March 21st. Picture packets have gone home, but will be available that day as well. Athletes will get their track uniforms that day.
Reminder: We will continue with the same practice schedule during Spring Break. Both weeks we will practice Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 3:15-5:00 pm at Madrone Trail.
We understand that not everyone will be able to make every practice. Come to what you can.
Track Sponsors
Last week we announced our first round of sponsors. They were Body Right Studios, Rise up Artisan Bread, S & D Performance, New Foundations Property Management, and CALYX CPA. Thank you to these 5 amazing companies for their support!
I am proud to announce 3 more sponsors. Thanks to these amazing companies. Your commitment to youth fitness and sports is commendable!
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Red Lily Vineyards: Red Lily Vineyards is a terroir driven, boutique winery whose underlying philosophy is to create wines that have a sense of place. Call or visit us online at https://redlilyvineyards.com/. 11777 Highway 238, Jacksonville, Or 97530
We are stewards of this land. We feel responsible for its care and protection. We understand that we are merely passing through, and the land belongs to the future. Walking through the vineyard with the earth under your feet and the sun upon your back, you can’t help but feel moved by the surrounding beauty. Each glass of wine contains the memories of the hands that helped harvest, the sun that ripened the fruit, and the rains that brought worry – time truly encapsulated in a bottle. And at the end of each day, we are grateful.
Rachel Martin, Winemaker
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West Orthodontics: Our exceptional team is proud to serve the communities in and around Medford, Oregon. Since 2002, Dr. West has been Medford's premier orthodontist by staying on the leading edge of technology and making the happiness of his patients his number one priority. We strive to create a caring yet professional environment where you and your family can feel at home. We look forward to meeting you and helping you get the smile you've always wanted! Call 541-770-1176 or visit us online at
https://www.westortho.com/
Dr. Lance West offers comprehensive orthodontic treatment, including:
Invisalign
Early Treatment
Adolescent Treatment
Adult Treatment
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Alpha Heating & Air: We are a customer-focused heating and air conditioning company. We employ highly trained people whose goal is to make us the best HVAC service company in Oregon! Whether you need ac repair—and need it fast—or are looking to invest in new HVAC equipment for your home, Alpha Heating & Air can help. Ask around. Our name is well-known and respected in all parts of Oregon. This is because we endeavored to build a brand worthy of your respect and admiration. In Medford, call 541-262-4368 or click https://medford.alphaheatac.com/ to schedule an appointment. | |
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Meet Kelly Ruse- New Board Member
Kelly Ruse was born in New Hampshire and lived in Florida before relocating to Southern California after college. She started her career in education at California Learning Center, an after-school tutoring center, in Santa Barbara in 1997 and later purchased the business in the year 2000. She quickly expanded operations including a larger location which enabled the business to increase its enrollment from 50 to 150 students. In 2006, she was the co-founder and Director of Makai Day School, a small private school for children with learning difficulties where she helped develop curriculum and manage the day to day operations of the school.
Kelly served on the Board of the Directors for the Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic for 3 years and was an active volunteer for several youth programs at the Santa Barbara YMCA. She sold her business in 2012 and became an educational consultant for the Santa Barbara School District. After Kelly and her husband learned that they were expecting fraternal twins in 2016, they made the decision to relocate to Southern Oregon where Kelly currently works from home as an online business manager.
Kelly enjoys spending time at the lake, camping, hiking and traveling with her family. Kelly’s twin boys attend first grade and her Godson attends 7th grade at Madrone Trail. She is grateful to be on the Madrone Trail school board and looks forward to contributing her expertise in the fields of education and business management.
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Media Free March
Join our school community for our first annual Media Free March!
Let's support our children and come together as a community to limit or take a break from screentime this March!
We are raising awareness this month on the adverse effects screentime and social media can have on young minds and bodies.
Reducing, or limiting screen time and social media can help improve mental health, raise grades, end meltdowns and boost social skills. Furthermore, going on a complete fast can allow the nervous system to return to its natural state, allowing children to become calmer, stronger, and happier.
Are you up for the challenge?
Another article to consider, Strangers in Our Homes
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7th Grade Fundraiser
The Blue Heron Class recently published a book of original poetry and will be selling copies for $5 each. These books will make a great gift for birthdays or Mother's Day, or will simply make a lovely addition to any bookshelf!
Books will be available before and after school.
Get them before they're gone!
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Kittens Looking for a Home
Miss Coull has kittens! They will be ready for new homes in April. If your family would like one, please call or text Michelle at 541-944-4152 or send an email to michelle.coull@madronetrail.org.
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Sprouts Program 2023-2024
Families interested in the Sprouts Preschool Program should submit their Sprouts Program Interest Form. This is required to confirm your child meets the criteria for the program. Submitting this form will also allow your family to receive updates, notices about the program, applications, and enrollment information.
As we look towards next year, families interested in the program are invited to one last Open House offering on April 14th from 11:00am - 12:00pm. This is an opportunity to see both classrooms and meet the teachers. This is not an informational session or interview, so for more information or details about the program, please contact the Office Manager: taurie.michele@madronetrail.org
You can read the teachers' bios on our website here. We look forward to meeting your family!
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State Testing
The window for taking our state-wide assessment, the SBAC, opens when we get back from Spring Break. Students in 3rd-8th grade are tested annually in Language Arts and Math, and 5th and 8th graders are tested in Science as well. As per Oregon law, parents and guardians have the right to opt their children out of this assessment. In order to do this, you will need to meet in person with our School Test Coordinator, Ms. Cori, to sign the opt-out form. Please email her to set-up a time to meet if you wish to opt your child out of state testing, cori.royer@madronetrail.org. New this year, 3rd, 5th, and 8th graders do not have to take the Spring I-ready assessment so they can focus all of their attention on the SBAC.
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MADRONE TRAIL PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL
www.madronetrail.org
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Madrone Trail Public Charter School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age in its programs and activities. | | | | |
