A month-by-month look at ways we came together in person this year!

Farewell Reception

Friday, June 16 from 1:30 - 3pm

Please join us for a community celebration and time to bid a fond farewell to teachers who are moving on to other parts of the world and/or other endeavors: Laurent André, Dawn Tanner, Laura Cox, Lauryn Morley, and Justin Pyles. See "Fond Farewells" section below.

Please view the invitation and kindly RSVP today if you will attend.

Congratulations to the class of 2027 on their commencement from their middle school to high school years! We gathered yesterday in the auditorium to celebrate this milestone. The 8th graders sang, played fabulous music, and offered thanks to the many teachers that have guided them on their way. Dawn Tanner spoke of joining the class as their Class Teacher in the fall of 2020 and the ways that the class progressed through the hardest times of the pandemic and then celebrated the joys of being together in person.

The Grade 8 trip with Living Classrooms departed Baltimore on Sunday, June 4 at 10am. The class traveled on the Sigsbee, a skipjack, and the Mildred Belle, a buyboat, which are both traditional Chesapeake Bay boats. They spent three days traveling to Cambridge MD, camping along the way. The students studied Bay ecology, did water testing and took samples, and learned navigation and how to handle a boat on the open water. While at the University of MD Horn Point Marine Lab, the class participated in several service projects, including making oyster cages that would be used in artificial oyster reefs to help with Bay restoration. They also helped clean oysters to support their growth and cleaned out one of the oyster rooms in the lab. They had many opportunities to dredge and use a seine net to collect specimens (all released to the waters, of course) which gave them insight into the health of the Bay and the water quality. It was an awesome trip - full of adventure, learning, and lots of fun. 

Each year it is a treat to see the outcomes of the Grade 7 handwork class. The students create and delve into the life of a character as they write a biography. They hand sew the doll and clothes for the character they imagined.

Stop in to see this year's dolls on display in the front lobby.

Seeking members for the 2023-24 Parent Leadership Group!

The Parent Leadership Group (PLG) is seeking members for the 2023-24 school year! When you serve on the PLG, you get an inside view of what's happening at WWS, make friends, and connect with other families and the faculty. Getting involved is good for you, and it's good for your children to see your dedication to their school!

The PLG's mission includes:

• strengthening the community of WWS families by providing opportunities to gather and form meaningful connections with each other
• representing parent/family interests to the administration and Trustees Council
• coordinating volunteers to help produce the Fall Bazaar and other annual events

The Parent/Family Organization needs a variety of perspectives from the community represented in leadership, and we welcome your interest. Please consider contributing your ideas and voice to the PLG!

If you have any thoughts or questions about this opportunity, please email plg@washingtonwaldorf.org.

Building the John and Mary Brauer Gym has been a community-wide effort, made possible by the over 330 individuals and families listed here. If you have already given to the Room to Move campaign, thank you! Please check your name to be sure that it is listed in the way you would like it to be and that it is spelled correctly. If you would like to make changes, please contact Meg Kneisl.

If you haven't had a chance to make your gift yet, you still have time! 

Donations to the Room to Move campaign will be accepted through June 30, 2023. All donors to the campaign will be added to our donor wall.

You also still have time to purchase a brick, as the Brick by Brick campaign was extended to June 30. All funds raised through the Brick by Brick campaign will go towards Room to Move and the Gym.

We are so grateful for the ways our community has come together to make our school's next chapter possible. If you haven't yet, we invite you to join us!

We are delighted to introduce you to our newest addition to the faculty, Linnea Gardner Tippett, who will join us as the Grade 4 Class Teacher for the new school year. Like so many Waldorf class teachers, Linnea brings a breadth of life experience that informs and deepens her ability to meet students as they grow while teaching a wide variety of subjects. Linnea is a US Navy Veteran and worked for over a decade as an Arabic translator and teacher, as well as a subject matter expert and a linguist. Upon becoming a parent, Linnea reflected on the world she wanted for her child, and became involved in local, anthroposophically-minded parenting groups. Her child, who will join our seventh grade in the fall, grew up running barefoot through the coffee farms on the north shores of Oahu and stumbling on the cobblestones of streets in Germany, Estonia, and Sweden. Linnea pursued teacher training from the Sound Circle Center for Arts and Anthroposophy, adding that certification to her studies of geology at the University of Texas at San Antonio, her BA in Elementary Education from Western Governors University, and her language certifications in Arabic and Swedish.

Linnea comes to us from Madison Waldorf in Wisconsin where she has worked in early childhood classrooms and, most recently, as a lower school Class Teacher. We look forward to welcoming Linnea to the WWS community!

Offering our deepest thanks and best of wishes for the road ahead, we bid farewell to those leaving their employment at the school. Once a part of the WWS community, always a part of the community!

Join us Friday at 1:30pm to celebrate our faculty who are moving on to new ventures.

Laurent André

High School Spanish & Clowning Teacher

Thank you to Laurent, who has taught Spanish at our school (8th through 12th) for more than 22 years! Ever since he filled in on an originally temporary basis in the late fall of 2000, he has been a devoted, inspiring teacher who taught with joy and courage. He collaborated on the Day of the Languages for all those years as well -- and always pushed students and colleagues further! Laurent began teaching Clowning in 2016-17 and brought a lot of laughter to his students and their audiences. With that little red nose, he taught his students to perform comedy in a state of open-mindedness that reverses our cultural norms. Making the ridiculous, at least for a short time, ordinary, he showed everyone kindness, empathy, and camaraderie.

We will miss our devoted and rebellious clown and wish him all the best for his new life in New Zealand as he joins his wife, stepchildren and other family. May his soul be ever-expanding!

Dawn Tanner

Class Teacher

We offer our deep thanks to Dawn who has been a Class Teacher at WWS since 2003. Her Waldorf journey began before WWS having spent 8 years as a Class Teacher at the Waldorf School of Baltimore. She has shared her wisdom and leadership beyond the classroom as the lower school department chair, as an AWSNA delegate, and as a member of the College. For many years, Dawn has been an important voice in our school as we work towards being a more inclusive community. She has been a leader committed to broadening and diversifying our curriculum. Her commitment to the work of Diversity, Equity and Social Justice has been steadfast and inspiring to many. Dawn and her wife, Emily, are the parents of two WWS graduates.

We are grateful for the dedication and spirit that Dawn has shared in her work. Dawn will still be seen around WWS on occasion, possibly teaching an occasional block in the middle school and supporting teachers as a mentor and pedagogical coach. She plans to continue her training in Racial and Restorative Justice. Dawn is looking forward to spending time in her garden, out on the water paddleboarding, and kayaking.

Laura Cox

Class Teacher

Laura's tenure at WWS began in 2004 as the Lower School Substitute Teacher. She also worked as the Middle School English Teacher before becoming a Class Teacher in 2008. Laura has shared her knowledge and perspective as a member of the College, as an AWSNA delegate, and on the Development and Advancement Committees. Laura's love of telling stories from an array of cultures has been a particular gift to her students and the community. Laura and her husband, John, have two daughters who brought the family to WWS originally and who graduated from WWS.

We send Laura off with hearts full of love as she fulfills a lifelong dream with her move to Seattle, WA this summer. She will join the Seattle Waldorf School as their Grade 1 Teacher in the coming school year. 

Allysun Sokolowski

Class Teacher

Allysun came to WWS as a Class Teacher in 2019 after teaching Grades 1-8 at Waldorf School of the Peninsula in the Silicon Valley and working as a Class Teacher at Sacramento Waldorf School. Allysun's love of Waldorf education and skilled artistic expression were evident from the moment one entered her classroom. Allysun often lent her beautiful voice to help lead the faculty in song. Her virtual teaching and summer art camps were a gift to students during the tumult of the pandemic lockdown.

We send our warm thanks and well wishes to Allysun on the next steps of her journey.

Lauryn Morley

Class Teacher

Lauryn joined WWS in the 2019-2020 school year as our Lower School Substitute Teacher. Photos of her teaching a WWS class on Zoom during lockdown were used in online publications around the world. In the fall of 2020 she guided a masked and distanced class through their first year in the grades. Lauryn has been a strong advocate for a welcoming and inclusive community and a diverse curriculum at WWS. 

We offer our deep gratitude for all that Lauryn has brought to her students and the WWS community. Lauryn is returning to Canada to be close to her parents, sister, brother-in-law and nephew in British Columbia.

Justin Pyles

Middle School Art Teacher

We are grateful to Justin for jumping in wholeheartedly this year as our Middle School Art Teacher and also as a substitute teacher throughout the school. Justin has been flexible and available to help out wherever and whenever. The enthusiasm he brought to the classroom and school events will be missed.

We wish Justin all the best in his next endeavors, artistic and otherwise.

Our piece thanking our Early Bird and After School Program staff omitted important thanks for two others who support our Early Birds: Jenni Chaves & Wendy Jackson.

A couple of weeks ago in the Bulletin you may have seen a photo of the seniors on their recent trip learning the Lazure painting technique and applying that skill to a new building on the Lakota Waldorf School campus. Charles Andrade, former WWS faculty and Lazure master, reflected on his time working with our students in an article for the most recent Waldorf Today Newsletter.

From the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America:

Join us for an hour of great discussion as we reflect on the works of incredible North American BIPOC authors.

At our first meeting on Thursday, June 29, you will each present a book that you would like the group to read, and we will make our selection. We will then take the summer to read this book, meeting weekly on Thursday evenings to share our thoughts.

Register

Camps for next week are closed. There is still some space available for later weeks with very limited space in the CG camps.

There is still space in the following camps:

• Children’s Garden Camp (Ages 3-6)
• A Waldorf Summer (Ages 4-6) (1 spot left week of 7/10!)
• Feast! (Ages 4-6)
• Adventure and Crafts Camp (Ages 6-10)
• Culinary Camp (Ages 6-10)
• YOU CHOOSE! - Make a bow / arrow / quiver or a knife / sheath / leather pouch (Ages 9-14)
• Summer Writing Workshop: Short Story (Ages 10-14)

Learn More & Register

• 2023-2024 Calendar of School Days & Holidays
• BigSis Portal - keep your contact information up to date!
• Magnus Portal for student forms
• Bulletin newsletters

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

• Children's Garden - Cecilia Berg-Benson
• Lower School - Christen Leonard 
• High School - Bonnie McClelland

New Faculty Member in Search of 2 Bedroom Apartment

Incoming faculty member Linnea Gardner Tippett is looking for a 2 bedroom apartment that allows pets. She would love to be within biking distance of WWS.

Please contact Linnea with any leads by email or text (667) 321-7451.

Virtual Music Lessons with Nevin Bender

Former WWS Music Director Nevin Bender is expanding his virtual piano studio and has openings for two motivated piano students. The studio is geared towards middle school and high school students who play at an intermediate or advanced level, but all levels are welcome. Rising 4^th grade and older. Two virtual piano recitals annually. Students stay long-term and excel.

Interested in developing a love for pentatonic flute, C flute, or recorder? Summer virtual lessons teach technique, reading, and fluency - from your home with Mr. Bender.  Rising 3^rd grade and older. 

For further information and pricing:

nevinbender@gmail.com

301-518-1532

Household Items & Clothing Donations - Thank You!

From Robin Leake, WWS Family

Dear Washington Waldorf Families,

Thank you so much to those who were inspired to give to the Hearts and Homes donation drives. Since the beginning of this year, we have collected 1,943 pounds of donations and 7 computers to benefit local families! Thank you so much for your tremendous effort and kindness. We will continue to host donation collection events every 1st and 3rd Sunday from 1pm-3pm in the school parking lot throughout the summer.

Wishing you a safe and adventurous summer break,

Robin Leake 

Wildlife and Wireless - The Environmental Impacts of Electromagnetic Radiation

From Theodora Scarato, WWS Alum Family



Expert Webinar on Science, Policy and Law

What does the science say about cell tower networks impact birds, bees and trees? Watch the video replay with Albert M. Manville II, PhD., former Senior Wildlife Biologist at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service along with Erica Rosenberg, retired FCC Assistant Chief of the Competition/Infrastructure Policy Division. Hosted by WWS alum parent, Theodora Scarato.

Furniture For Sale

From Maria Monteverde-Jackson (Former Faculty, Current & Alum Family)

A number of furniture pieces and rugs for sale. Items will be added to the document over the next couple of weeks.

If interested in any, please contract Maria Monteverde-Jackson at mariaemonteverde@aol.com.

View the Document

Alum Muralist Available in the Fall

WWS Class of 2006 graduate and artist, Mariano Arrien-Gomez, now living in Bolivia, will be in the DC area this fall and is available to paint original murals in private spaces both indoors or outdoors.

Inquiries can be made to: brochasilvestre@gmail.com

Two Cats Looking for a Home

from Margo Reid, WWS Alum Family

Soft and sweet 8 y/o cat brothers Leo and Ace can be adopted singly or together. They are curious about dogs...could co-exist fine. Tuxedo Ace loves to cuddle and sunbathe, but is recently marking inside with a new baby in the house. Vet tests show no physical problems. Golden tabby Leo's stunted paw from birth doesn't deter his fun. Both use litter boxes fine—unless baby makes them jealous. Previously indoor cats, they may benefit from an in/out arrangement with cat-lover oversight.

Please text Margo @ 202 905 5831.

Weekend Elder Care Available

from Natalie Adams, Former WWS Faculty & Alum Parent

Photchana (Thum) Keadrit seeks weekend hours in elder care. She recently started a new weekday position and before that worked six plus years for a family taking care of a couple in their 90s. She helped my 96 year old mother-in-law who needed support recovering at home from being in the hospital. She provided the best care my mother-in-law has ever had.

Thum has two related licenses: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Certified Medical Technician (CMT). In addition to being an exceedingly patient, thorough, and loving caregiver, Thum is an excellent cook, responsible driver, and first rate organizer; she can help with whatever one needs around the house. She also has more than two decades experience as a nanny for children from birth through the teen years. She helped care for my two children (WWS class of '05 and class of '08) when they were young.

Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or call Thum directly on her cell phone 301-792-1523. Natalie Adams 301-221-6224.

Looking to Adopt a Dog?

From Gemma Sage, WWS Family

Hi, I'm Connor! I'm just the perfect combination of joyful puppy energy and love of everything and everyone. I walk nicely on a leash, and I love treats and training. I can't get enough physical contact, so bring it on! I loooove to play with my doggie friends and I have friendly body language so most dogs like to play with me too. I love kids and people of all ages. I live in a foster home with both little kids and big kids, two other dogs and two adult humans... I love them all but I would love even more to find my forever home where I can stay!

Please reach out to Kirsten Strade at vegsister@yahoo.com or Gemma Sage (240) 441-9156 if you’re interested.

Published by the Washington Waldorf School

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