Weekly Bulletin

March 1, 2023

The Day of the Languages

This afternoon, our annual Day of the Languages was back in full force. It was wonderful to be able to welcome parents again to this celebration of learning paired with exuberant fun. This was a time for students to experience and delve into a language in a different way, to stretch themselves, to shine, and to entertain.


Here are a few highlights...

A very special thanks to Señor André for bringing us 20 years of delight through the Day of the Languages!

Thanks to Chef Dan and Flo for our Special Menu for Day of the Languages!


International Day - Caribbean Menu

Jerk Chicken: Jamaican seasoned grilled chicken

Rice and Peas: Black beans and rice

Callaloo: Greens stewed down in coconut Milk

Vegan Ital Stew: Rastafarian stew made with carrot, cabbage, sweet potato, peppers, and coconut milk


Read about the menu selection, the history of the meals, and methods of preparation in last week's Bulletin.

School Calendar

Staying Up to Date With Our School Calendar

You can view the full calendar online either on the website , in ParentSquare , or in the BigSis portal (these 3 platforms are synced from the same calendar). 

March


1/ Wednesday

  • G6 Parent/Guardian Meeting, 7:30pm


2/ Thursday

  • G8 Parent/Guardian Meeting, 7pm


4-5/ Saturday & Sunday

  • Undoing Racism Workshop (see below)


9/ Thursday

  • Nursery Parent/Guardian Meeting, 7:45pm


15/ Wednesday

  • Lunch Music, 12:15pm


16/ Thursday

  • Whole HS Parent/Guardian Meeting, 7pm


17/ Friday

  • 12:30 Dismissal - Professional Development Day
  • Student Council Bake Sale at Dismissal, 12:30pm

View the Calendar of School Days for the 2022-2023 School Year

Save the Date(s)

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Friday, May 5 from 8:15am - 12:45pm


Adult Education: Jack Petrash Talk

Thursday, May 4 from 7pm - 8:30pm


Grandparents and Special Friends Day is one of most beloved traditions. This year, we are so glad to be able to bring back this event for our community. 


On Friday, May 5 at 8:15am we invite grandparents and special friends of current students for a morning breakfast reception with speakers, class visits, and special student performances.


In addition, all adults (grandparents and special friends included) are invited to join us the previous evening, May 4 at 7pm, for a special talk by Jack Petrash. Jack is a former WWS class teacher, and the director of the Nova Institute, an organization that has worked with teachers and parents to provide a deeper understanding of children. He is the author of four books on Waldorf Education and parenting, including the recently published book Turning Lead into Gold. '

Read a recent write up on Jack's book from the Waldorf Today Newsletter.


Current Families: Please share grandparent/friend contact information by March 15, 2023, so that we may send them a special invitation and logistical details about the day.

Gym Construction Update

Gym construction remains on schedule, with a goal of final completion by August 2023. Recent construction milestones include beginning the exterior wall insulation (pictured below), and framing for the interior walls.


Donations are still being accepted for this project.

Please make your gift online today! 

Support WWS While Shopping

Shop Sustainable Goods and Support WWS at the Same Time


Jolie Kai is a sustainable fashion boutique at the Shops at Sumner Place (4701 Sangamore Road, Bethesda, MD 20816). Owner Michelle Jaffe is a WWS alum parent, and has generously offered to donate 15% of all purchases made by the WWS community back to the school from March 1 through March 18, 2023 (expanded dates from yesterday's Department Notes)

This is a great opportunity to shop for yourself and your children or purchase gifts for family and friends while supporting a local business and showing some love to WWS at the same time.


In order for your purchase to count towards the donation, please mention that you are with Washington Waldorf School when shopping in the store. If shopping online, use the code WWS. 


Thank you to Michelle and Jolie Kai for this generous offer!


If you have any questions, please reach out to Stephanie Hanson, Director of Development and Alum Relations.

Please note that this promotion cannot be combined with other discounts/promotions and will only apply to purchases made between March 1 - 18, 2023.

Share Your College Experience with WWS High School Students

Thanks to those who've signed up! There is still time...


We are in the process of planning a "College Connections Fair" for the benefit of our high school students to be held at school on Wednesday, March 29 from Noon to 1:15 pm. The purpose of this in-house fair is to allow members of our community to share their personal experiences at their alma maters with our students who are eager to learn about universities or other institutions of higher education such as service academies, art colleges, conservatories of music, etc. Please note: this is an informal event and official representatives of colleges or educational programs are not participating.


Colleges represented from sign ups so far: Bard College, Boston University, California Institute of the Arts, Hofstra University, Kalamazoo College, Purdue University, Syracuse University, United States Military Academy, United States Naval Academy, University of Tennessee, The University of Georgia, Williams College

 

If you are interested in participating, please fill out this form to RSVP by March 15.


Contact Aleksey Gibson, College Advisor, with any questions: agibson@washingtonwaldorf.org.

Quick Reference

If you cannot find the information you are looking for on ParentSquare, please email your department coordinator/administrator:


Bulletin Board

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.  
  • 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.
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.

Community Notice

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A Message of Thanks from Stacey Kornegay's Family


"Thank you" just doesn't seem fitting enough for the outpouring of compassion, selflessness and generosity from the Washington Waldorf School family as we grieve the loss of beloved mother, daughter, sister and friend Stacey Kornegay. In addition to the phone calls, text messages, visits, cards, flowers and other gifts, we have been doubly blessed with scrumptious foods and generous donations via the Meal Train account that was lovingly and thoughtfully created by WWS personnel. Your presence and beautiful sentiments at her homegoing service were simply heartwarming. Stacey obviously touched many lives and hearts during her time at WWS, as she often spoke so graciously of people and events there. We are extremely honored that this year's MLK Day of Service was done in her memory. It is truly rewarding to witness that her love for the WWS family has come full circle.


Again, we wish to extend our deepest and most heartfelt appreciation for all you have done and continue to do on Stacey's behalf. WWS truly exemplifies the word 'community', a characteristic that is severely lost in today's society. We are sincerely grateful and fortunate to have such a wonderful extended family at WWS.


Sending you love and blessings,

The family of Stacey Kornegay

(Ricardo Kornegay, Phyllis Kornegay and Trina Parker)

Classifieds & Events from the Community

PARENT EVENING WITH ADAM BLANNING

Helping Children Settle into Deeper Sleep

From the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America


Wednesday, March15 at 8:30pm ET


In this parent evening, we will look at common sleep challenges and how children's sleep changes with different stages of sensory development. We will also discuss strategies for helping children learn to settle more independently and sleep through the night. Adam Blanning, MD, teaches nationally and internationally about children's development, using the lens of Waldorf education and anthroposophic medicine. He practices in Denver, Colorado, and is himself a Waldorf graduate (and parent).


While the focus of this event will be on supporting parents, it is open to caregivers of all kinds - parents, guardians, childcare providers, teachers, etc. The registration fee is $10 and a portion of the proceeds raised will go towards supporting the international work of the medical section of the anthroposophic society. 


Learn More & Register

Washington Post Article on Biodynamic Farming


Thanks to JC Forgotson, WWS Alum Parent, for sharing this recent article on biodynamic gardening from the Post.


Get your garden in tune with the environment by going biodynamic.


There is a print copy available to read on the Lower School bulletin board "Articles of Interest" section.

The Sword, The Pen, and The Arrow

Spacial Dynamics Summer Program Ages 11-16

From Judith Graff (WWS Faculty & Alum Family)


The fire of fencing

The lightness of the pen

The flash of the arrow

Freedom is born out of form and function

 

Attendees will be introduced to the disciplines of fencing, writing, and archery where goal-orientedness, word-smithing, and social interaction pave the paths for sovereignty, inventiveness, and independence. The elegance, expression, and exactness of these three disciplines will remain with your child long after they have returned home from this life-altering experience.


Learn More & Register

Steinway Baby Grand Piano For Sale

From Aleksey Gibson (WWS Faculty)


1953 baby grand piano, model s, serial #331832, size: 5’-1”, chestnut brown finish, piano bench included. This piano has been tenderly cared for and is in very good condition.


Asking price: $25,000.


View a flyer with more information and photos.


Contact:

Thomas Xenakis at tel: 703-994-2338 or email: tx2@georgetown.edu

In Search of a Used Vehicle

From Debbie & Ken Brock (WWS Family)


WWS family looking for a second vehicle, preferably an older SUV/4-wheel drive. If you are thinking of selling one, please contact Debbie and Ken Brock at dbrock030@gmail.com

Household Items & Clothing Donations

Regular Collection Continuing Bi-Weekly

From Robin Leake (WWS Family)


A special thank you to everyone who donated to our first Hearts and Homes collection event on Sunday, February 19th. A total of 46 lbs of donations were received. Thank you!  


The next drive will take place on Sunday, March 5 from 1-3pm in the WWS parking lot. I hope to see you there!


The goal of the Hearts and Homes project is to collect a wide variety of unneeded household items and clothing to help under-resourced families and keep useful items out of the landfill. Read a welcome letter from Robin and see donation guidelines.


UPDATE

I am happy to announce that we are also accepting the following technology donations for use in a separate local project called "Computers for Good Causes, Not Landfills"

  • All Laptops (Macbooks, Windows) – even if the battery is dead or the power cord/adapter is missing
  • iMacs (Apple desktops)
  • laptop bags, USB (wired) keyboards, USB (wired) mice, webcams, and headsets


These items are refurbished by a local good samaritan and then donated to community non-profit organizations like Community Bridges and React DC


Have questions? I’d be happy to help!

robinrleake@gmail.com

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Farm Fresh Products Delivered Near WWS

From Torie Gorges (WWS Faculty and Family)


Whiffletree Farm delivers orders monthly (first Tuesday of the month) to the home of a WWS family, just around the corner from the school. They offer meat, eggs, cheese, and a variety of other farm products. Items are local (Warrenton, VA), pasture-raised, non-GMO, and raised with sustainable land practices.


Learn more and order on their website.

Social-Emotional Program Recommendation (8-12 year olds)

From Laura McCoy (WWS Family)


Last year my son took this social-emotional program and he gained so much confidence and self-understanding. In these times our kids need extra support on how to navigate their emotions and close relationships. I can't recommend this enough! 


Now Enrolling: 8-12 yr olds social-emotional group to deepen friendships & learn emotion regulation skills. Registration Closing For Spring Group. View Flyer.


Fill Out Interest Form

Topics Include: Identifying strengths, Recognizing emotions in ourselves, Face & body feeling clues, Intensities of emotion, Individual emotional triggers, How thoughts relate to emotions, Self-calming strategies, Dealing with teasing & bullying, Different levels of friendship, Joining & sustaining play, Conflict resolution for social problems, Conversation skills, Mindfulness, Gratitude, Cultivating a growth mindset.

DC Independent Film Festival Film “Canary in a Gold Mine” 

From Theodora Scarato (WWS Family)

The DC Independent Film Festival will screen “Canary in a Gold Mine” on March 3, 2023 at 6:30pm at Landmark’s E Street Cinema, 555 11th St NW followed by an open panel discussion with:

  • Jonathan Mirin, writer, performer, and film director
  • Dr. Mikhail Kogan, Medical Director of George Washington Center for Integrative Medicine
  • Theodora Scarato, Executive Director of Environmental Health Trust 
  • Barbara Koeppel, investigative reporter
  • Joe Sandri, President National Spectrum Management Association


Watch the trailer. 


Tickets at https://dciff-indie.org/#program


UPDATE

Second Screening Saturday afternoon at 12:15 

$10 tickets with the Code CG@DCIFF and children 12 and under free. Starts at 12:15pm to allow families to attend.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/canary-in-a-gold-mine-documentary-and-qa-with-performer-jonathan-mirin-tickets-568290551337

Published by the Washington Waldorf School

Copyright © 2023 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."


Looking for past Bulletins? Visit our Bulletin Archive.

Washington Waldorf School
4800 Sangamore Road,
Bethesda, MD 20816
301-229-6107
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