Tuesday Note: June 28, 2022
Early Childhood Outdoor Education Grant
We are very proud to announce that our Early Childhood teachers are part of the 42 teams of educators here in Northeast Ohio awarded a grant through the GAR Foundation.

The Educator Initiative Grant (EIG) program has granted our request for $9,660 to expand outdoor education opportunities in the early childhood meadows. While the grant is specifically focused on outdoor learning for our kindergarteners, the funding will benefit our preschool students as well.

Read more about the grant and all the winners this year here on The GAR Foundation website.
School News
Forest Playgroup Registration Open
Join us this summer for our Forest Playgroup program, open to children ages 18 months to 4 years old in attendance with an adult caregiver.

The morning will flow gently through free, unstructured play, circle time, snack and story time. The playgroup will allow parents an opportunity to learn more about Waldorf education and to see their children blossom over five weeks through the rhythm and gentle guidance provided by our Early Childhood teacher, Jenna Heyboer.

This playgroup will be offered once a week on Tuesdays beginning on July 26th for 5 weeks from 9a.m.-11a.m. Each class costs $200 per student with a $20 discount for each additional sibling enrolled. To register contact Tyra Scott at tscott@sgws.org.
Before and Aftercare 2022-23
Before and Aftercare will be available for children from the age of 3 through 8th grade as a pre-registered and prepaid service for the 2022-23 school year. Space will be limited to 6 students in early childhood and 20 students in the grades. Beforecare will begin at 7:30 a.m. and students will remain in beforecare until they transition to morning recess at the start of the school day. Aftercare will begin at 3:30 p.m. and be available until 6 p.m.

Our priority, as always, is to address the needs of the individual child and we recognize the extended time and transitions may be difficult for some children who are not developmentally ready for an extended day. In this instance, a child may not be able to attend before or aftercare until they are developmentally ready for it to be a healthy and positive experience.

The minimum amount of use will be 50 hours ($300) for beforecare and 100 hours ($600) for aftercare.

Below are sign up links:





Contact the office if you have any questions!
Jacoby Road Residential Development
There is a proposal being brought to the Copley Township Board of Trustees for a developer to build 133 single family rental homes on the land adjacent to the south and east side of our school property. Our Board of Directors and Administration have had representation at all the neighborhood meetings and will be at the next township meetings scheduled for July 5th and July 13th. These meetings are open to the public and we invite our families to come.

We are taking an active role in addressing concerns including, but not limited to, safety and security, privacy, groundwater and well water impact, traffic, environmental impact, noise and air pollution during construction, and drainage. More information about the proposed development is here on the Copley township website.  
Supply and Activity Fee
For those families on a monthly payment plan, the first tuition payment for the 2022-2023 school year will be withdrawn on Wednesday, July 20th.

The Supply and Activity fee for each child will also be deducted on this date. If you have any questions, please email Julie Marchetta at jmarchetta@sgws.org.
School Calendar 2022-23
The administrative faculty has approved our 2022-23 school year calendar! The first day of school will be August 31, 2022 and our last day will be June 1, 2023.

Click here for additional dates: 2022-23 Key Dates Calendar
Office Close July 4th - 8th
Just a reminder that the office will be closed July 4th - 8th. We will return July 11th with our normal office hours of Monday - Thursday from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Community News and Events
Rally With Lauren
Ms. Rosa (Lauren) was an Early Childhood assistant in Bluebell Garden and aftercare lead last school year. During her time teaching at Spring Garden, Rosa was diagnosed with lymphoma. In additional to teaching at SGWS, Rosa worked at Chik-Fil-A and has for many years prior. This fundraiser is to help raise money for her medical expenses. Please support Rosa by participating in this event. We are very thankful for Rosa's time here at SGWS and are sending her love and light!
Register for Magic Meadow Summer Camp July 18th-22nd
When: July 18-22
Time: 9am-3pm
Cost: $250

Our Early Childhood Summer Camp embraces the lazy fun days of summer -- friends, fun and frolicking on our 12-acre campus! Ms. Stephanie and Ms. Jenna will guide campers through an enriching and relaxing day including daily movement circle, nature crafts, activities, stories and play. The daily rhythm will closely follow the rhythm of our regular school day with a more relaxed summer feel.

This camp is for children from the age of 3 through incoming kindergarten age (5 by June 1) and toilet trained. There will be 12 campers and 2 teachers. If you have any questions, please feel welcome to contact Amy Hecky, Director of Admissions at admissions@sgws.org or by calling 330-666-0574.

Register here!
Space Still Available: Orchestra String Fling & Gardening Camp
Let your child shine through a fun experience of string orchestra and gardening this summer! 

This camp is being offered the week of July 11th from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for students entering fifth and sixth grade.

Children will explore the basics of rhythm and sound through fiddle pieces, world music, and cinema, specifically Harry Potter! Afternoons will be spent in the garden learning about plants and animals. Other activities throughout the day include crafts and outdoor games. The week will conclude with an Orchestra concert on Friday. This camp is designed for beginning and early intermediate string players who have been playing the violin for at least two years.

Cost is $365. To register for camp please follow this link: Summer Camp - Spring Garden Waldorf School (sgws.org)
Space Still Available: Advanced Chamber Music & Orchestra Camp
This camp is for student entering 7th, 8th, and 9th grade and will be offered the week of July 11 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Join conductors Jenny Cluggish and Edward Grimes for a week of orchestral fun! 

Students will learn about jazz, cinema, and world music in a fun musical environment while improving their sight reading and playing skills. Each day will include both orchestra rehearsal and break out chamber group sessions where students will work together in trios and quartets to prepare a piece for a final concert on Friday. 

The week will include music coaching, games and activities, and related art projects. Advanced Chamber Camp is designed for intermediate to advanced string plyers who have been playing a string instrument for at least three years and are fluent in note reading.

Students who do not attend Spring Garden are welcome but require an audition to be placed in a chamber group.

Cost is $365. To register, please follow this link: Summer Camp - Spring Garden Waldorf School (sgws.org)
Summer Cultural Event Saturday, August 6th
We are excited to announce Parent Council and DEI Committee will be hosting a Summer Cultural Event on Saturday, August 6th from 5pm-7pm at Spring Garden. This event is open to the public. 

From our very own backyard, there will be a special performance by the Himalayan Music Academy. We are asking our community to help spread the word about the event and also let us know if anyone is interested in setting up a booth to sell handmade goods. 

Please contact Tricia Cottrell cottrellpatricia@yahoo.com or Mai Cannon mai@mai-o-mai.com with any questions. We will provide more details as we get closer to the event.
We Are Hiring!
Early Childhood Assistant: Duties include assisting the lead teacher, setting up the classroom, preparing snacks, and supporting the rhythm of the classroom. Bachelor’s degree required. Several positions available. 

Director of Admissions and Marketing
The Director of Admissions and Marketing is responsible for creating and implementing a marketing plan, retention strategies, and admissions strategies to increase enrollment of qualified students. Duties include but are not limited to promoting the school and Waldorf Education through school tours, participation in local events both on and off campus, community partnerships, tracking of enrollment data, participate in creation of policies related to enrollment, creation of promotional materials, Chair of the Marketing Committee, and management and content of school website. This is a full-time salaried year-round position.

Extended Care Lead Teacher: Duties include leading a mixed-age preschool-kindergarten class on Monday through Friday. The teacher will also be in charge of directing aides and working cooperatively with the morning EC faculty to create a cohesive educational-care experience for the children throughout the day. Bachelor’s Degree required, Waldorf Teacher Certification preferred. Work hours: Monday through Friday from approximately 11:30 am-4:00 pm with the possibility of combining with other opportunities.

Spring Garden Waldorf School is an equal opportunity employer. To apply: Please email a cover letter, resume, and three references to learn@sgws.org, attn: Hiring Committee.
Volunteer Opportunities
Landscaping Volunteers Needed
Spring is here and soon Summer will be upon us. As previously we need volunteers to help with mowing, trimming, and general landscaping. 

At this time we are planning for one month rotation for mowing, trimming and weeding that can be done afternoons, evenings and weekends. 

If you are interested please let Mr. Matt (mplevrakis@sgws.org) know your interest and availability for scheduling.
Links and Resources

“A healthy social life is found only when, in the mirror of each soul, the whole community finds its reflection, and when, in the whole community, the virtue of each one is living.”

– Rudolf Steiner
Service Hour Opportunities
Calendar
Parent Handbook
Additional Resources:

SGWS participates in SaferOH: 

Report tips regarding school safety to Ohio Homeland Security's Threat and Assessment Prevention unit  
844-723-3764
(844-SaferOH)
330-666-0574 admissions@sgws.org