As the sun sets earlier and the days grow darker, the tradition of making and carrying lanterns into the dark evening symbolizes our inner light shining forth in the world. Photo of Grade 3 lanterns.

Grade 6 - Euclidean Geometry

Sixth graders are hungry for the precision and revelation that Euclidean geometry offers. They begin their studies by deeply investigating the concepts and evidence of monad, dyad, and triad. Then, using only a compass and straightedge, they embark on geometrical constructions. 

Students focus on precision as they create detailed and accurate representations. Constructions begin with lines and angles, including bisections, parallel lines, and perpendicular lines. They explore the concept of new shapes growing out of basic divisions and then move on to more complex precise shapes and divisions (examples: inscribing a hexagon, multiple divisions of a circle, and constructing and decomposing an infinite square). Topics covered include circle elements and terminology, dimensionality, angle measurement, types of triangles, and quadrilaterals.

Grade 11 - Projective Geometry

What happens if you take the key axiom of Euclidean geometry (proposing non-intersection of parallel lines) and decide to do away with that precept? This is the basis of the Projective Geometry main lesson taught in Grade 11 - a perfect time to question the "givens" of our earlier education. The students are asked to consider what other geometries are possible, what tangible properties infinity may have, and how some of these concepts can be shown using a straightedge or compass. A classic example in Projective Geometry is to consider the parallel lines of railroad tracks. If a railroad is infinitely long, the tracks not only appear to converge at the vanishing point, they actually do meet at the "ideal point" or "the point at infinity".

The discussions in Projective Geometry call for the rejection of fast-held assumptions and the ability to challenge conventional wisdom. At WWS, we encourage our high school students to develop a more critical view of the world, no longer accepting things to be as they have been told, but as they see and examine them.

At the end of October, officials from Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) visited WWS and a few other schools to observe classes and engage in a dialogue with teachers and administrators. In particular, PGCPS wanted to discuss ways to move away from a heavy reliance on digital technology that the pandemic exacerbated - particularly in their middle and high school programs. 

WWS was delighted to host the group and enjoyed sharing our school and engaging in a lively discussion about educational philosophies and practices. Some observations and questions from PGCPS included: how teachers determine what they teach, how they engage students in learning, and how/when WWS teachers use or don't use digital technology. They also asked about the Waldorf practice of teachers staying with classes for multiple years.

Following up on their visit, PGCPS representative Elizabeth Stuart Whitehead shared that "As a learning organization, Prince George's County Public Schools is imagining the future of education and classrooms as we move out of the pandemic. We were grateful for The Waldorf School for allowing us to visit to see what their integrated model looks like. We learned quite a lot and are excited to strive for innovation, continuous learning and improvement to support our students!"

November

10/ Thursday

• Craft & Conversation, 8:30am (see below)
• High School Open Day for Prospective Families, 9am

11/ Friday

• NO CLASSES - Veterans Day

12/ Saturday

• Songbirds Lantern Walk, 5pm

15/ Tuesday

• Middle School/High School Tour, 9am
• Trustees Council Meeting, 7pm (see below)
• Meeting for Rising 1st Grade Age Families, 7:30pm

18/ Friday

• 12:30 Dismissal - Bazaar Preparations
• Bazaar Preview Night, 7pm (see below)

19/ Saturday

• Bazaar, 10am-3pm (see below)

23-25/ Wednesday-Friday

• NO CLASSES - Thanksgiving Break

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

Craft and Conversation

Thursday, Nov 10 from 8:30-10am *TOMORROW*

Join us in the school foyer tomorrow morning for our last Craft & Conversation before the Bazaar. Gather to socialize and create handwork for fun and to (optionally) sell at the Fall Bazaar. Tomorrow we will have warm drinks and other treats as well.

Regardless of skill level, all are welcome! This week we'll be needle felting and making some simple stick boats (pictured). stick boats.

Trustees Council Meeting

Tuesday, Nov 15 at 7pm in the WWS library

(open to the community 7-7:45pm)

WWS Trustees Council (TC) meetings are typically scheduled for the third Tuesday of every month of the school year in the WWS library. The first 45 minutes of the meeting is open to the community, and all are welcome to attend. During this portion of the meeting, we hear a comprehensive report from our Head of School/Faculty Chair that includes updates from the various administrative departments of the school as well as other pertinent information. The Parent Leadership Group (PLG) also shares updates from their work with the school community during this portion of the meeting. 

Preview Night Tickets

We are excited to be once again opening our doors on Friday for Preview Night with wine and lite nibbles. From 7-9pm, enjoy refreshments while having the first opportunity to shop this year's treasures. Limited tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Advance online sales will close Thursday November 17 at 5pm. Adults only please.

Activity & Show Tickets

Save time by getting your activity tickets in advance! Tickets are $1 each, advance sales are in bundles of 10. Please pick up your tickets at school the week of the Bazaar, or at Preview Night. Tickets will be accepted during the Bazaar on Nov 19 from 10am -3pm for all crafts and activities, the Enchantment Shop, and for some food and drink items. The Puppet Show is suggested for ages 4-8 and the Tiny Story Time is suggested for ages 2-4. Learn more about the planned crafts and activities.

List of Vendors

We are excited to share details on the 40+ artisans participating in the Bazaar this year.

Who Should Volunteer for the Bazaar? You!

We ask each and every current parent or guardian to sign up for a shift. Please note, high school students have been assigned to a shift already and are welcome to trade with each other as needed. HS parents and guardians, please sign up for a shift of your choosing. We love it when alum families volunteer as well! Many hands make light work for this annual fundraising and community building event. Each class that reaches 100% participation from their parents/guardians will earn a pizza party for their students!

Through January, WWS will host regular Morning Tours and High School Open Days with opportunities to see the school and to observe classes.

We will also host a Whole School Open House December 6th from 4-6pm where visitors can tour the school at their own pace and talk to teachers and current families. If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please email the enrollment office.

If you know any Prospective Families that might be interested in visiting for a High School Open Day, Morning Tour, or Open House, please share information from our website or connect them with the enrollment office at: erollment@washingtonwaldorf.org or 301-229-6108

WWS is seeking a Database Support Contractor, effective immediately, to support the Development Department with data entry and records maintenance. Working under the direction of the Director of Development and Director of Alumni and Community Relations, this is a part-time position for 10-15 hours per week, including the summer. 

Read more about this and our other current job postings.

• BigSis Portal - keep your contact information up to date!
• Current Health Policy - updated Aug 29, 2022.
• Lunch program info for current families in ParentSquare.
• Map of the pick up and drop off flow.
• 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

Maryland Lyric Opera - Un Ballo in Maschera

Un Ballo in Maschera

Friday, Nov 11, 2022 at 7:30pm

Sunday, Nov 13, 2022 at 2pm

Combining political intrigue, a dangerous love triangle, and a fortune teller’s mysterious prophecy, Un Ballo in Maschera shows Verdi at the height of his powers. A masterwork that survived a notorious battle with censors and endless revisions before its premiere, the opera contains radiant choral writing and some of Verdi’s most passionately expressive melodies. Never has the downfall of a king sounded so exhilarating! The Maryland Lyric Opera Orchestra is conducted by internationally renowned Verdi specialist Andrea Licata, and audiences are invited into the masked ball of the opera’s title with immersive visuals led by David Gately.

• Sung in Italian, with projected English subtitles
• Running time 2 hours 45 minutes, with one 20-minute intermission
• Location: The Music Center at Strathmore

Learn More and Buy Tickets

Helping Children Feel Calm in an Anxious World

WECAN Zoom Parent Evening

Wednesday, Nov 16 at 8:30pm

The Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North Amercia (WECAN) is very excited to be offering a Parent Zoom Evening November 16, 8:30pm EST, 6:30 MST. The guest speaker is Adam Blanning, MD who will speak about Helping Children Feel Calm in an Anxious World.

The registration fee is $10. We want everyone to to have access to this evening. If you require financial support please email Heather Church. 

Learn More and Register

More information about the Evening:

Helping Children Feel Calm in an Anxious World

Rates of anxiety have increased dramatically over the last several years. Part of that comes from shifts in our nervous system, some from just navigating so much change. We will explore ways to help children (and adults) calm, center and find greater well-being in a stressful time.

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).

Homes Not Borders Storytelling and Fundraising Event

From Robin Leake (WWS Parent)

Homes Not Borders annual storytelling event is next week. Listen to amazing stories from refugees and their allies - all to support Homes Not Borders' work helping our newly resettled neighbors. Tuesday, November 15, 7-9pm.

Get Tickets

The Inner Compass Process Online Course

From Danielle Roessle (WWS Alum & Former Faculty)

Former WWS College Advisor Danielle Roessle, LCSW, Career and Business Alignment Coach, noticed that many professionals who were unhappy with their career were not using their time and talents in a way that felt meaningful to them. In her decades of experience, one of the best ways for individuals to find more fulfilling career opportunities is by exploring childhood memories and identifying patterns of where they thrive and what holds them back — Why? — Because a person’s behavioral patterns and motivating talents are formed in childhood, and these insights can be used to clarify their career or business direction.

Danielle is excited to announce the launch of The Inner Compass Process self paced online course on October 30th. The course guides career changers and business owners through a series of exercises to rediscover what makes them thrive, research career/business opportunities that are more aligned with their needs, and create a roadmap of next steps to achieve their goals.

To learn more about the course and sign up for free trainings, please visit innercompasscoach.com/careercourse.

For more information about coaching and services, please email danielle@innercompasscoach.com. 

In Search of Full or Part Time Nanny

From the Brevoort-Lee (Current WWS) Family

Searching for a loving nanny for 2 kids, 2 and 4 yo. We live in N Arlington. Would prefer to hire someone for 40-45 hours per week, but can adjust to afternoons-only and 32 hours per week. 

Pay competitive. Must be able to demonstrate safe driving. 

Thank you!

Jess and Ken

Contact: jslee1@gmail.com

Fall Parent Toddler Class at Acorn Hill

We are pleased to offer a Parent Toddler Class with Ray Bleicken this fall! The Parent Toddler class is open to 8 toddlers ages 18-30 months by November 8, and one caregiver. The program consists of two parts: 

• In-person class at Acorn Hill (Tuesdays, 9:30 - 10:45 am) will offer self-directed movement and play in an outdoor space, and circle time with songs, short stories, and finger play.
• Two adult-only virtual meetings (Wednesdays, 8:00 - 9:00 pm) will focus on respectful caregiving and discipline and allow for conversation and observations from the class.

Program Dates

In-person class:

Tuesdays November 8, 15, 22 and 29, 9:30 - 10:45 am

Parent evenings:

Wednesday: November 2 and 16, 8:00 - 9:00 pm

Cost: $295

Learn More and Register

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