We returned from Spring Break to find ourselves greeted by greening trees and blossoms bursting forth around campus.

Now is the time to sign up for Buy-In Parties and to enter the Class Basket Raffles! To view the Class Baskets, stop by the school entrance hall for a peek! You may purchase raffle tickets online, in person from Stephanie Hanson, or at the front desk.

Visit Gala Central for:



• Three silent auction items online until April 14: the parking space, a weekend home on the Chesapeake, a fancy sewing machine
• Community Buy-In Parties online until April 14
• Amazing Class Baskets online until April 14

Views of Splendor: Washington Waldorf Spring Gala

Saturday, April 15

Location: Top of the Town in Arlington, VA (The venue boasts spectacular views of DC’s monuments.)

Message from the Parent/Family Organization:

Do you still need a sitter for the Gala? Try the WWS Sitters list! Some new sitters have joined recently, just in time for the Gala. Send an email with your job’s details to WWSsitters@groups.io, and sitters will respond directly to you if they are interested.

We had our first Student Recipe Takeover the week before Spring Break, and what a treat it was! Maria in Grade 6 supported the kitchen in recreating her family recipe “Mama’s Good Old Bechamel Macaroni & Cheese”. Maria’s offering to the community was delicious and had everyone feeling the comforts of this family favorite recipe. 

Upcoming Student Recipe Takeovers:

• Thursday April 20 - Char Sui Fried Rice, offered by Linden (Grade 6)
• Thursday May 4 - Hungarian Goulash, offered by Grade 7

The gym construction project remains on schedule for substantial completion at the end of July!

Recent milestones:

• Masonry on façade
• Site wall foundations poured
• MEP rough-in complete
• Wall close-in inspections complete
• Electric panels electrified
• Drywall commenced in all areas

Here are some recent photos from around the site:

April



12/ Wednesday

• P/FO Online Open Gathering, 7:30pm (see below)

13/ Thursday

• Senior Project Presentations, 3:30pm (see below)
• G3 Parent/Guardian Evening, 7:30pm

15/ Saturday

• Community "Shred It" Day, 11am - 1pm in the WWS Parking Lot. No Charge.
• Spring Gala, 7pm (see above)

17/ Monday

• Class Photo Day

18/ Tuesday

• Community Screening of I'm Not Racist... Am I?, 6:15pm (see below)
• Trustees Council Meeting, 8pm (see below)

21/ Friday

• NO CLASSES - Eid al-Fitr

24/ Monday

• Craft & Conversation, 8:45am

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

TONIGHT - Open Parent/Family Organization Gathering

Wednesday, April 12 from 7:30-8:30 pm on Google Meet

Access the Google Meeting from Parent Square

Catch up with fellow families, hear updates about upcoming events and ongoing P/FO projects, and share your ideas.

Please come and go as suits your schedule!

TOMORROW - Class of 2023 Senior Project Presentations

Thursday, April 13 from 3:30–6pm in the Auditorium.

Please join us for the Senior Project Presentations tomorrow at 3:30 pm in the auditorium! The participating seniors are excited about their work and the students and faculty look forward to the afternoon with the appropriate balance of nervousness and elation.

The presentations will be in the following order:

• Seychelle -- Understanding Dyslexia
• William -- Airpower in Ukraine
• Pritam -- Behind the Lens: The Process of Film Photography
• Sophia -- The Second Congo War and its Violence Against Women
• Catalina & Ayan -- "Sweet Little Manifesto": A Student Short Film
• Douglas -- A History of Opium Use Through the Lens of Music
• Magdalena -- IRIS: Writing and Producing an Album

We will have time for Questions & Answers after Sophia's presentation and after Magdalena's presentation. Please join us!

Due to the topics being presented, we recommend this for audience members in Grade 7 and above.

WWS Community Screening of the Documentary I'm Not Racist... Am I?

Tuesday, April 18 at 6:15pm

I'm Not Racist... Am I? is a feature documentary following a diverse group of teens through a yearlong exploration to get at the heart of racism. Through some tense and painful moments, we see how these difficult conversations affect their relationships with friends and parents, and ultimately challenge them to look deep within themselves. By the end of their time together, we’ll see these remarkable young people develop deeper bonds, a stronger resolve and a bigger, more significant definition of racism than any of us ever imagined. 

Learn more about the documentary.

Trustees Council Meeting

Tuesday, April 18 at 8pm in the WWS library

UPDATE - The TC Meeting on April 18 will start at 8pm and consist of just the executive session. There will be no public portion for the 4/18 meeting.

4 Week Simplicity Parenting Class at WWS

April 26 - May 17

Wednesday Evenings from 6-8pm at WWS

Facilitator: Drew Sample (WWS Parent)

Cost: $100 per family (one or two parents/caregivers can attend per family)

Additional $30 fee for materials will be subsidized by WWS

Simplicity Parenting provides the resources and tools needed to create a simpler and more fulfilling home life for children and caregivers so that they can worry less, feel more confident, have better relationships, and raise thriving, happy kids. Developed by renowned family counselor Kim John Payne, the Simplicity Parenting methods recognize how today's "too much, too soon" culture is overwhelming and stressful for children and makes it very difficult for parents to create the balanced home life they dream of for their family. 

As an antidote to this unbalanced frenzy, WWS parent and certified Simplicity Parenting group facilitator Drew Sample will offer a series of group courses for WWS families to learn about the small, doable, and effective steps Simplicity Parenting offers for reducing stressors and enjoying a simpler, more connected home life. The group offers opportunities to deeply explore the Simplicity Parenting material, discuss with peers how to practically apply these powerful tools, and build a community of support to help them stick. 

Register

Rising Grade 1 Teacher

We are pleased to share with you that we have chosen a class teacher for the first grade class this fall. We were fortunate to be able to consider multiple strong and experienced candidates. One of those candidates, Yulia Kriskovets, stood out above the others, and we are delighted that she will take on this role next year. 

Yulia is currently the WWS Sunflowers Lead Teacher. She was born in Russia and came to the US for her graduate studies. She holds a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Illinois, a Masters in History from the Central European University, and a BA from Kaliningrad State University. Yulia had a successful career in theatre management before a career change. She is a certified Feldenkrais Method Practitioner and completed advanced training in working with children, specializing in child development. 

Yulia completed her Waldorf Grades Teacher Training at the Rudolf Steiner College in Toronto, Canada. Before joining the Washington Waldorf faculty as the lead teacher in our Sunflowers kindergarten, she taught at the Potomac Crescent Waldorf School in Alexandria, VA, where she held lead kindergarten teacher and afternoon program teaching roles. Her role as a kindergarten teacher for the past five years, in addition to her Grades teacher training, uniquely positions Yulia to come into the first grade teaching role, following the children through their development. When observed during her demonstration teaching, Yulia’s care for the class as a whole was apparent, and her ability to manage a large group of children was notable. Yulia’s ability to infuse movement into her teaching, as well as her interest in storytelling as a healing art, will serve the Class of 2035 in their first grade year, and beyond. 

Yulia lives in Rockville and is also a parent at WWS with two children: Maya (currently in Grade 2) and Neel (currently in the Songbirds). In her free time, she loves dancing Argentine Tango and 5Rhythms. 

You may have heard the news, or seen some tearful students at dismissal one day before Spring Break, that our dear Laura Cox will fulfill a lifelong dream by moving to Seattle, WA this summer. She will join the Seattle Waldorf School as their new Grade 1 Teacher. We will have opportunities before the end of the year to thank Laura for her dedicated 17 years as member of the WWS faculty!

Rising Grade 5 Teacher

The rising Grade 5 class is transitioning to the care and thoughtful teaching of Kate Knuth (current MS English Teacher and former Class Teacher).

Kate is from Milwaukee, WI and has worked in Waldorf schools around the world - New York, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Germany, Switzerland and, of course, here at WWS. She was working at Paramount Pictures in Los Angeles and was considering a move into teaching when she learned about the Waldorf movement through a book group. Kate began her teacher training in Chicago in 1999 and then continued Waldorf training and teaching in Dornach, Switzerland and Berlin, Germany. She spent several years as a teacher and administrator at Waldorf schools in New Hampshire and New York before returning to Wisconsin and co-founding the Tamarack Waldorf High School in Milwaukee. There she served as humanities and arts faculty before moving with her family to the DC area. We appreciate the breadth of experience Kate brought with her to WWS.

Kate has her BFA from California Institute of the Arts. She completed Waldorf High School Training at the Center for Anthroposophy and Waldorf HS Teacher Education Program (Sacramento) and Waldorf Grades Training at the Arcturus Rudolf Steiner Education Program and Seminar for Waldorf Pedagogy (Berlin).

Joining WWS in the 2019-2020 school year as the Grade 6 Class Teacher, Kate guided that class through the ups and downs of virtual learning and transitioning back to in-person classes. She then took on the role of MS English Teacher after her first class here finished their Lower School journey. She has been an active and dedicated voice in our collective work towards providing an anti-racist curriculum for our students. Kate has three sons, one a WWS graduate and two who are current WWS high school students.

Assistant Director of Development, Community & Alum Events

We are pleased to welcome Meg Kniesl as our new Assistant Director of Development, Community & Alum Events. Meg joined us this week and is jumping right in with final preparations for the Gala on Saturday.

Prior to joining WWS, Meg practiced as an attorney with Philly VIP. During a transformative AmeriCorps apprenticeship with Public Allies of Delaware, she acquired a strong foundation in leadership, community organization, and service. This experience led her to discover a passion for youth development and enter the nonprofit sector. Meg received her B.A. in Women’s Studies from University of Delaware and her J.D. from Widener University School of Law.

At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware, Meg developed and administered the Mike’s TEAM academic mentoring program which included event management and a range of development related activities. By forming strategic partnerships with a variety of community stakeholders, Meg secured funding to provide mentors for the Clubs' youth and to renovate three Learning & Skills Centers at the Clarence Fraim, H. Fletcher Brown, and New Castle Clubs. The Mike’s TEAM program was nationally recognized for excellence in youth programming, and received a Merit Award from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Meg enjoys music, theater, and attending performances of any kind. In her spare time, she is an avid reader, enjoys learning new things, and engaging in artistic pursuits. Meg has three amazing children, and parenting them is a constant source of inspiration.

Have you checked out the WWS Summer Camps that are available for high school students?

BIKE CAMP 

(Ages 12-18) June 26-30 with Geoff Baker

Bike 15-30 miles per day, along with other activities like a trip to the pool. We will try to get ice cream every day!

REFAB FASHION 

(Ages 11-17) July 17-21 with Alana Maubury Hunter

Create new clothes from old ones and prepare and present your designs like a professional designer.

VOCAL ARTS CAMP 

(Ages 12-18) with Melissa Chavez

Daily workshops will include music theory, sight reading, song interpretation, and acting for the singer through classical and Broadway styles.

• 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 pickup 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

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.

Learn More About the Building Bridges Program

A North American Festival Celebrating the Performing Arts of Eurythmy, Speech, and Music

August 1-6 in Spring Valley, NY

“I Hear America Singing” will be held in Spring Valley, NY this summer by the Eurythmy Association of North America and the Threefold Educational Foundation.

This summer celebration will offer a unique opportunity to experience eurythmy as a performing art. The week-long program will include performances, demonstrations, workshops, and master classes for every level of interest and experience. Participants will be immersed in a rejuvenating atmosphere of eurythmic creativity!

Learn More

Sounder Sleep System®: A course to transform your sleep (online)

from Alison Babil (WWS Alum Parent)

Seven Wednesdays, via Zoom, April 26th - June 7th, 6:30 - 8:00 pm EST

Classes are recorded. 

The Sounder Sleep System® uses simple, gentle movements to calm your nervous system and bring you from an alert state to a state of deep calm. Sounder Sleep draws upon the Feldenkrais® method and ancient Chinese medicine. 

What people are saying: "I am having AMAZING results from the Sounder Sleep System course!! I am falling asleep without sleep aids, and it is deep sleep. I feel great!" -- Joni B., Sounder Sleep System® class participant.

For more information and to RSVP: Email Alison 



Cost: $195 *A limited number of discounted slots available for those who truly need it. Email Alison to inquire. Please note the refund policy: No refunds after April 26th.

Feldenkrais® Awareness Through Movement® Classes: A mini-series to reduce tension & improve movement (Online)

From Alison Babil (WWS Alum Family)

Four Mondays, via Zoom, May 1 - 22, 6:30 - 7:45pm 

Classes are recorded.

Feldenkrais® classes use gentle movement and mindful awareness to change habitual movement patterns that cause pain and tension. Each class takes the student through a sophisticated, gentle movement sequence. The aim is improved function and greater freedom in one's body and life. People often find it useful for back pain, neck pain, posture improvement, and more.

What people are saying:  "I've gotten so much out of Alison's Feldenkrais classes!  I have discovered how to work with my body in ways that generate a lightness of movement that is a sheer delight!" -- Jennifer. M., Feldenkrais class participant

For more information and to RSVP: Email Alison 

Cost: $70 (Discounted rate of $60 for students in Alison's spring Sounder Sleep System® course.) Please note the refund policy: No refunds. 

Alison Babil, GCFP, LMT, is the owner of True North Healing. She is a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner®, a certified Sounder Sleep System® instructor, certified in Soul Lightening Acupressure, and has been a licensed massage therapist for nearly 20 years. She works with clients in person and via Zoom, focusing on movement education, pain, and sleep. For more information Email Alison

Volunteer for Planet Bethesda June 4th--Earn community service hours and/or just for fun!

From Sunny Kaplan (WWS Alum Family)

The 2nd annual Planet Bethesda plant-based food, music & fun festival will take place June 4th in Elm Street Park in Bethesda and we're looking for volunteers! It's a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours (if needed), plus a chance to be a part of an exciting event that engages the community & educates people about plant-based eating. Volunteers will receive coupons to cash in for food and beverages, a free Planet Bethesda t-shirt, and a tote bag filled w/goodies! 

Ready to sign up? Just fill out the brief volunteer questionnaire. There will be two shifts: 8 am–2 pm and 1:30–8 pm, but if you can only work a shorter shift note that on the form.

Questions? Email Sunny Kaplan at planetbethesda@gmail.com.

Adventure Camps

Adventure Camps has provided Waldorf students with unique camp experiences in the US for over fifty years. The camps are organized, led, and run by Waldorf alums, students, teachers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The Adventure Camps staff are dedicated to creating fun, safe, and meaningful camps for all youth. 

Adventure Camps share many of Waldorf education’s values such as: disconnecting from our devices and busy lives in order to connect with one another, developing strong daily rhythms, cultivating respect for all living things, preparing and sharing nourishing meals, and living into the idea that each individual holds tremendous value as a soul at every given moment. All of these, and many more, are integral aspects of our camp experience. 

Learn More

Doctors on Wireless and Environmental Heath 

From Theodora Scarato (WWS Family)

UPDATED

Dr. Hugh Taylor MD, Chair of Obstetrics at Yale School of Medicine and president of American Society of Reproductive Medicine, Dr. Baldwin, and WWS parent Theodora Scarato presented the latest research on wireless as published in the journal Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care. Video presentations are now online.

Learn more at: HealthyTech at Home. 

Contact theodora.scarato@ehtrust.org for more. 

Published by the Washington Waldorf School

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