Weekly Bulletin

March 15, 2023

Pi pie from Lisa Makes Pie - from March 2020. See video below.

Yesterday Was Pi Day!

Yesterday morning, pie after pie was carried through our front doors. Math classes in the middle school and high school enjoyed tasty treats related to their studies. Books about pie were featured in our library. The intersection of math and baking is a perfect fit for the hands-on, multidisciplinary types of lessons we love at WWS!

Throwback to Pi Day 2020


On Pi Day 2020 we were all dealing with the shock and uncertainly of the start of lockdown and figuring out what virtual learning looked like for a Waldorf school. We had made this video before the shut down and we were still able to have pie for Pi Day in whatever way we could manage...

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Join Lisa Catalone (WWS Parent, "Pie Maven" of  Lisa Makes Pie, and designer of our school logos, etc.) and Sarah Heirman (WWS Middle School Math Teacher, WWS Parent, and avid baker) as they make a berry ginger pie that celebrates the digits of Pi in honor of Pi Day.


View the Video :   Mixed Berry Ginger Pi Day Pie

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


16/ Thursday

  • Whole HS Parent/Guardian Meeting, 7pm


17/ Friday

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


21/ Tuesday

  • Trustees Council Meeting, 7pm


23/ Thursday

  • Grade 8 Play, 7pm
  • G5 Parent/Guardian Evening, 7pm


24/ Friday

  • Grade 8 Play, 4pm


27/ Monday

  • Craft & Conversation, 8:45-10am (see below)


29/ Wednesday

  • College Connections Fair, 12pm (see below)


30/ Thursday

  • Grade 4 Play, 4pm


31/ Friday

  • 12:30 Dismissal - Spring Break


April 3-7/ Monday - Friday

  • NO CLASSES - Spring Break

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

From the Parent/Family Organization

Craft & Conversation will meet every other Monday starting March 27!

 

Thanks for taking the survey - Monday was the winning day.


Come to the foyer after drop-off to socialize and work together on handwork projects. All are welcome, regardless of skill level.


Subscribe to the list for updates.

Do you have opinions about lunch? Put them to good use by joining the Lunch Team! 


The Parent/Family Organization is seeking interested members for a Lunch Team to collaborate with Laur Garner on constructive changes to the lunch program, including research into possible alternative structures. Team members will likely attend a few meetings to collaborate. 


Please email plg@washingtonwaldorf.org by Friday March 17 if you're interested in joining the Team.

Save the Date!


Open Parent/Family Organization Gathering, Wednesday, April 12 from 8:45-9:45am in the foyer and 7:30-8:30 pm on Zoom

Grade 8 Play

Alice@Wonderland


Thursday, March 23 at 7 PM

Friday, March 24 at 4 PM


What would happen if a 21st-century Alice collided with Lewis Carroll’s legendary Wonderland? This modern retelling of the classic children’s story has all the characters you know and love, including the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit, and the Queen of Hearts. The story is laid out in traditional style, except that Alice is distinctly contemporary, complete with a cell phone in hand. The play imagines a present-day Alice encountering the Wonderland that many of us treasure. A sharply told, crisply paced ride, this adaptation has been praised for its humor, modern style, and appeal to both children and adults.

Senior Project Presentations

Class of 2023 Senior Projects

 

Every year, Seniors may elect to do an independent project delving into a topic that particularly interests or inspires them. The process begins with a proposal toward the end of Grade 11. Following approval, they work independently for about a year. Students also have a class in the 2nd and 3rd quarters of Grade 12 to further develop and discuss their projects. Each student has a mentor for their senior project. This process culminates in a public presentation for the community.

 

This year, 8 Seniors will present their projects on Thursday, April 13 from 3:30–6pm. Presentations will be followed by Q & A. Topics will be announced soon!


Please join us for the presentations!



Due to the topics being presented, we recommend this for audience members in Grade 7 and above. Students, parents, and friends are invited to join us in the auditorium!

Gala Tickets For Sale!

The Gala is a month away! Tickets are now on sale to the community - and your friends outside WWS. 


“Views of Splendor: Washington Waldorf Spring Gala” will take place in the evening on Saturday, April 15. This year, the Gala is located at Top of the Town in Arlington, Virginia boasting spectacular views of DC’s monuments.


There are a few ways you can participate this year:


Attend!

Purchase a ticket to this year’s Gala


Contribute to your Class Basket

Each K-8 class, and the High School have been asked to put together a themed basket to support the Gala. Each basket will be raffled off at the Gala. You need not attend the Gala to win a basket. Look for communication through the PLG and your class parent about how you can contribute.


Event Sponsorship

If you own a business or are closely associated with one, please contact the Development Office if the business is interested in sponsorship and/or advertising in the Gala program. Business sponsorships begin at $500.


There will be a Pre-Gala Kickoff Coffee on Tuesday, March 28 in the lobby after drop-off. Buy-In Party signup will begin at the coffee and Gala tickets will be for sale.

Gym Construction Update

As we move closer each week to meeting our $7 million Room to Move campaign goal, we reflect on how the dream of a Gym for Washington Waldorf School began. Having a Gym, for both athletics and community use, has been a vision for WWS for over 40 years. Former Lower School Teacher and Middle School Girls Basketball coach John Brauer remembers when the weather was too rainy or cold for basketball practice outside. To accommodate, he had the students run laps in the Lower School hallway. Each time we had a “home” game in one of our rented gyms, we had to set up chairs, bring in the scoreboard equipment, and strike everything at the end.


Thirty years ago, alum parent and lead donor Brad Clark remembers walking the school grounds with John Brauer. As they walked what is now the current construction site, Brad said to John "wouldn't this be a great spot for a Gym?" Fast forward to today, with Brad's leadership and the support of our full community, the gym is becoming a reality. Brad is naming the Gym in honor of John and Mary Brauer, as a tribute to their decades of service to our school.


This is an important story in the history of our school, starting with an initial vision and continuing with incremental step by step perseverance. While we are almost to our goal, we are not there yet! Please consider adding your name to the list of WWS community members who are supporting this project. Brad is generously matching every gift dollar for dollar, until we reach our $7 million goal.


Learn more about the Gym and Room to Move campaign.

John and Mary Brauer with Brad Clark at the groundbreaking ceremony in September of 2022.

Donate Now

Grandparents & Special Friends Day

Invites Will Be Sent Soon

Current Families: 

Today is the final day to share grandparent/friend contact information so that we may send them a special invitation and logistical details about the day.

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Friday, May 5 from 8:15am - 12:45pm


Grandparents and Special Friends Day is one of our 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.

Support WWS While Shopping

Shop Sustainable Goods and Support WWS at the Same Time


Ends on Saturday!


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. 

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

Today is the deadline to sign up!



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, College of William and Mary, Emory University, Hofstra University, Kalamazoo College, Purdue University, Syracuse University, United States Military Academy, United States Naval Academy, University of Georgia, University of Tennessee, 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.

Waldorf Teacher Training Information

Building Bridges is an effort to make Waldorf teacher training more accessible in our area. There are three upcoming information sessions:


  • April 30 - Info session at Baltimore Waldorf School from 2-3:30pm  With Torin Finser and David Barham 
  • April 30 - Info session at Acorn Hill, 7pm. With Torin and David.
  • May 1 - Info session at WWS from 3:30-5:00. With Torin and Debbie Spitulnik.


This is the course for you, if you have completed Explorations (or an equivalent training). If you have not completed Explorations, it is not too late to join the Spring session that just started.


Learn More About the Building Bridges Program

Classifieds & Events from the Community

Appalachia Service Project (Agers 13+)

From CJ Leonard, WWS Faculty & Family


This is a service opportunity for ages 13 and up, making homes warmer, safer, and drier for Appalachian families. Sleep-away, open to everyone regardless of faith.


Information zoom meeting THIS SUNDAY at 12pm

Please contact: John Parker, johnparkers@me.com, Eron Picus, eronpicus@mac.com, or Christen Leonard, cjsleonard23@gmail.com


Learn more about the program.

youth-volunteers-with-adult-group-leader-working-on-underpinning-scaled image

Anthroposophical Society, Greater Washington Branch Easter Talk by Frank Hall

From Nancy Foster, WWS Family


Parzival's Teachers: On the Way to the Grail a talk by Frank Hall

Thursday, April 6 7:30-9:00 pm

At the home of the Fosters: 7717 14th St. NW, Washington, DC


View flyer to learn more.

Household Items & Clothing Donations

Regular Collection Continuing Bi-Weekly

From Robin Leake, WWS Family

 

The next drive will take place on Sunday, March 19 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.


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


Please help me spread the word by sharing this information with your neighborhood listservs. 


Have questions? I’d be happy to help!

robinrleake@gmail.com


Special Request: I am currently working with a refugee family expecting twins this Summer. If you, or someone you know, has any maternity clothing, baby or nursery items to donate, I would love to offer them to this couple. If you can't make the collection events, please email me to schedule a pickup at the meeting point of your choice. Currently, Mom has very few clothing items to wear and her tummy is growing by the day! Thank you to everyone who donates.

Art Spark, a Teen Art Summit

From Sven Abow, WWS Faculty & Alum Family


This Saturday, calling all teens to visit Art Spark, a Teen Art Summit at Harmony Hall in Fort Washington, MD. Art Spark is a networking event for teens that are creating art, or that are interested in creating art. There will be great performers, attendants will get a free head shot to be used by them to promote their art, and more. The cost is $25 per participant, and it is organized by the Department of Parks and Recreation of Prince George’s County. You don’t have to be a county resident to attend.


Learn More

Register 

Eurythmy Spring Cleaning

From Susan Walsh, WWS Faculty


Friday, March 24 from 7-9pm

Saturday, March 25 from 10am-12:30pm and 3-5pm

At the Christian Community Church, 4221 Metzerott Rd, College Park, MD 20740


To register, email Carol Petrash

PARENT EVENING WITH ADAM BLANNING

Helping Children Settle into Deeper Sleep

From the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America


Wednesday, March 15 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

Published by the Washington Waldorf School

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