Weekly Bulletin

October 12, 2022

Congratulations to the entire high school on their production of SEUSSICAL last week! We are grateful to our families, Jane Christenson and the faculty, and we extend special thanks to our music team - Dr. Melissa Chavez, Wayne Chadwick, and Bobby McCoy.

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A Look Back at Michaelmas

We were delighted to have families join us on campus for our Michaelmas celebration this year. Working around the gym construction brought out our creativity and meant that some Sangamore Road travelers were treated the spectacle of our 30'+ flowing dragon given life by the 11th Grade! For our celebration of courage and strength this year, Michael was not an individual, but a community of individuals (one from each grade) who came together to subdue the dragon they collectively faced. After the pageantry, we gathered on the field where students were given the opportunity to display their own strength and courage.

View on Vimeo

8th Grade Rock Climbing with Calleva

High School Girls Soccer

Many thanks to Micah Bump for the photos!

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). 

October


13/ Thursday

  • CG & G1-5 Morning Tour, 9am 
  • Meet the School Counselor, 7pm (see below)


18/ Tuesday

  • Trustees Council Meeting, 7pm (see below)


19/ Wednesday

  • Middle School/High School Tour, 9am
  • Lunch Music - Diwali, 12:45pm (see below)


20/ Thursday

  • Adult Education: Anxiety in Uncertain Times, 7pm (see below)


25/ Tuesday

  • Whole School Open House, 4-6pm (see below)


27/ Thursday

  • G3 Parent Evening, 7:30pm


28/ Friday

  • *UPDATE* - The Fall Festival will not be held this year.


Oct 31 - Nov 1/ Monday - Tuesday

  • NO CLASSES - Parent/Teacher Conferences

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

Upcoming Events

TOMORROW! - Meet the School Counselor (Zoom)

Thursday October 13 from 7–8pm


Our School Counselor, Jessica Gottlieb, will hold a Zoom “Meet the School Counselor” evening for our community in October. She will speak about her role in the school and answer questions from the community. Before the event, Ms. Gottlieb invites members of our community to submit questions in advance so that she can best prepare for the meeting. Submit questions in advance.

 

Join the Zoom Meeting

 

Meeting ID: 954 738 3784

Passcode: care

Trustees Council Meeting

Tuesday, October 18 at 7pm in the WWS library

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


Trustees Council (TC) meetings are typically scheduled for the third Tuesday of every month of the school year in the WWS library. The first portion of the meeting (45 minutes) 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. 

Lunch Music - Diwali

Wednesday, October 19 at 12:45pm


The WWS music faculty cordially invites you to our first monthly “Lunch Music” offering next Wednesday, October 19. This month’s theme is focused around the Indian festival of Diwali, which falls on October 24th this year, and Grade 5 will be presenting a short program starting at 12:45pm in the WWS auditorium open to the entire community.

 

Bring your lunch to the auditorium and enjoy story, song, and dance while you eat! 


WWS Children’s Garden (CG) faculty member Janaki Srikant will tell a story of Diwali to begin, and the 5th graders have been working hard to bring together songs and dances from the Indian traditions they have been studying in Main Lesson. CG parents are welcome to enter the auditorium through the side doors near the CG gate after 12:30 pickup, as we will keep those doors propped open during this informal event. 


  • We respectfully request that community members who attend wear masks while not actively eating.
  • Please plan to park off campus.

 

Questions? Please email Jennifer Robinson. 

Adult Education Evening: Anxiety in Unsteady Times 

With Dr. Dan Einstein, MD - Anthroposophic Doctor


Thursday, October 20 from 7-8:30pm at WWS **UPDATED TIME**

Light refreshments and social time, 7-7:30pm

 

As COVID-19 restrictions recede, we find ourselves in a society profoundly changed by the experience. The full scope of those changes will not be known for many years, but an increase in anxiety is a part of it. Educators and researchers have both noted dramatic increases in anxiety in our children as the pandemic hit. In an effort to help parents cope with these changes, this talk will explore what contributes to anxiety, how those factors have changed, and how we might think about helping our young people.   

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As an anthroposophic doctor, Dr. Einstein brings a comprehensive, integrated approach to medicine which involves observation of and insight into the whole human being. We are excited for Dr. Einstein to share with us the knowledge and expertise which he has developed over the years with Waldorf schools and Waldorf families. 


Dr. Einstein brings a broad experience of medical expertise. After volunteering in free clinics and studying at the Blue Otter School of Herbal Medicine, Dr. Einstein earned his MD from Case Western Reserve Medical School in 2008. His residency focused on family and integrative medicine. At Avena Botanicals in Rockport, ME, Dr. Einstein was introduced to biodynamic agriculture and anthroposophy. His medical practice, called Holistic Einstein, established 2012, is located in Freeport, ME, where he also has a connection to the Maine Coast Waldorf School. He is board certified in family, integrative, and anthroposophic medicine.

Bazaar Volunteer Sign Up Starts Today!

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Our Fall Bazaar is around the corner - we can almost smell the cinnamon sticks and star anise of the beloved candle craft, almost see the scores of smiling children flocking to the Pocket Wizards. But, we need your help getting there!


This is that special time of year when we ask each and every current family 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.


Although many activities are assigned to a grade or grades, if one of them particularly appeals to you, you're welcome to sign up for it. And if your grade's signup is filled, please look for another place to volunteer!

Help Us Get Ready


There are three pre-Bazaar preparation activities that could use help from the whole school:


  1. The 2nd and 3rd grades have done an amazing job creating treasures for the Enchantment Shop, where the younger children shop on their own. There are some spots left if any other crafty community members would like to contribute!
  2. Help the 4th and 5th grades collect nature items to decorate the wooden bases for Candle Craft. There will be a bin at school to collect them (please email Maysoun with questions). Items to collect include: acorns and acorn caps, sweet gum tree balls, pinecones (tiny and small), pine twigs/greenery, pieces of pretty bark, small shells, any other interesting or colorful nature treasures you might find.
  3. Bake for the Patisserie/Snack Shop! Your contributions make the annual sale of baked goods at the Bazaar a delicious success. Offerings from students, parents and alumni are sold in two venues: the Snack Shop and the Patisserie. The Snack Shop opens at 10:00 a.m. and includes homey items like cookies, bars, and muffins; the Patisserie opens at 11:00 a.m., its tables groaning under the weight of all manner of cakes, pies, cookies, scones, breads, bars, cupcakes—you name it! Deliver the finished products to the Patisserie (located in the WWS auditorium) on Friday afternoon, November 18. Sign up to bake!

All Aboard - Sign up for your Bazaar Shift Today!


To sweeten this year’s call to duty the Development Office is once again offering a fun incentive - Sign up for a volunteer shift by midnight on October 28 to be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift certificate to the Bazaar’s Waldorf Store.


Note: Complimentary aftercare will be available for those volunteering on Friday until 6pm, open to currently enrolled WWS students Nursery and above. Signup details will be sent separately.


Please select your volunteer opportunities below to sign up. Ready, set, GO!


Friday Volunteer Opportunities


Friday & Saturday Volunteer Opportunities


Saturday Volunteer Opportunities

Preview & Activity Tickets Available Now


Activity tickets are available for purchase in advance (save time on Bazaar day), as well as admission tickets for Friday's Preview Night.


Purchase tickets today!

Affinity Groups at WWS

Affinity groups build community amongst people with similar interests, backgrounds, and identities. In an effort to support the experiences and needs of marginalized and underrepresented voices, a few affinity groups have formed at WWS:


  • BIPOC affinity group for adults who identify as people of color, or of the global majority. Sign up.
  • Families of BIPOC - for adults who are partners or parents of people of color. Sign up.
  • LGBTQ+ for adults who identify as, and for people who are partners or parents of, 2SLGBTQIA+. (note: these groups could be split into 2 if there is interest to support them) Sign up.
  • Families of kids with special needs including those that are neurodivergent or have disabilities. Sign up


We are looking for someone to organize the LGBTQ+ list and Special Needs Families list. This would involve accepting people into the groups.io email list and sending out welcome emails from time to time to foster community. The groups may choose to meet in person or just use the email list to share resources and support. Reach out to Torie Gorges if you are interested in learning more.

From the Parent/Family Organization

Gear Shop Update


The weather has turned! There have been a few additions to the Gear Shop inventory -- please keep the donations coming to the bin in the foyer as you discover what your children have outgrown! If you're interested in purchasing an item, please send the line number to wwsgearshop@gmail.com to inquire. All proceeds are donated to the WWS ONEFUND.

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.

Events from the Community

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Eurythmy Spring Valley - Frontier Eurythmy Part-time Training

From Susan Walsh (WWS Faculty)


First two-week training block begins on October 16, 2022


A strong new Frontier class is forming to begin in October 2022. If you are interested in studying eurythmy as a profession, this part-time program was developed to pursue studies toward a career in eurythmy, while honoring other existing commitments. The Frontier training can also be taken as a stand-alone program, with its unique approach to foundation studies through an immersion into eurythmy, for the deepening of one's life and inner development.


Learn More

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Undoing Racism Working Group's Monthly Gathering

Monday, November 7 at 7pm


Want to enrich your anti-racist practice? Come join the Undoing Racism Working Group's monthly gathering on Monday, November 7 at 7pm. We formed this group using the tools of the People's Institute of Survival and Beyond (PISAB) Undoing Racism workshop that has been in use for the last 43 years. We gather once a month to help move our antiracist practice forward, to collectively heal racial wounds and become better allies. You don't need to have taken the workshop to attend this gathering and no prior experience is needed. To join us or learn more, contact dinivrao@gmail.com and/or jessetravis@gmail.com.

Classifieds & Notices from the Community

Part Time Work Available

From Michael Danzansky (WWS Parent) 


Are you passionate about supporting children's emotional wellbeing? I am looking for some part time help with my organization, which empowers parents to better support their adolescents mental wellness. The work is engaging and gratifying, and involves research, organization, and marketing. 


Email to find out more: michaeldanzansky@gmail.com

THANK YOU! - Donation Drive for Displaced Migrant Families

From Robin Leake (WWS Parent)


Dear Washington Waldorf Families,


Thank you so much to everyone who was inspired to make a donation for the migrant families being bussed to our region from the border. We collected 19 bags of clothing, 4 bags of shoes, and a generous helping of hygiene products. Thank you for all of the generosity shown and for your support. Without you, this drive would not have been such a success. I’m so very grateful to be a part of such a caring community. Thank you.


Kindly,

Robin Leake

Published by the Washington Waldorf School

Copyright © 2022 All rights reserved


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