From the Director

Dear Families,

I find great joy in listening to the Waldorf curriculum. What I mean by that, is the music. So many schools across our country have cut music from their curriculum, which is such as shame. Generations are defined by their musical preferences. Popular culture is filled with musical expression. So why wouldn’t we promote music in our schools?

Music is an important element of the Waldorf curriculum. According to Rudolf Steiner, the human being is a musical being, and the making of music is essential in experiencing what it is to be fully human. Music in the Waldorf curriculum awakens and nurtures the deep inner life of the child.

As the main lesson curriculum follows the very specific stages of child development, so also does the music curriculum. Engaging the soul activities of thinking, feeling, and willing in the child, the study and experience of the various elements in music arouse and cultivate the very forces necessary to be able to meet the challenges of the world with enthusiasm and confidence.

The music program in each Waldorf school reflects the specific skills, talents, and interests of the class teachers and of the music faculty. The size and configuration of the school building, the number of students, and the funding available also play a role. In every school, however, is the realization that music is necessary and essential to the entire Waldorf school experience. (2009, Andrea Lyman) I look out my office window each day and see our kindergarten students go by in their neat little line singing “Follow, follow, follow, follow”. They sing to show that they understand the expectation, but also because it is fun! In each class children are singing and playing various instruments. It is truly remarkable to see! It is an essential part of development. Music in the Waldorf curriculum seeks to bring the living, healing presence of music into the life of the child and gives them an opportunity to experience both their own individuality and their relationship to community. It provides a chance for the expression of the soul, a discipline for achieving skills and goals, and contributes to the awareness of what it means to be truly human. 

SEVERE WEATHER PROCEDURES 

Madrone Trail follows the decisions made by the Medford School District regarding severe weather procedures. Please refer to social media or media announcements for guidance from MSD. We will also try to post an update on our website and send out an email.

In the event school needs to be delayed, canceled, or released early (due to an unexpected weather event occurring during school hours), the following decisions are possible:

Normal school hours – snow routes: some bus routes in higher elevations change due to snow or slick road conditions. Snow routes are posted ahead of time at: www.medford.k12.or.us/snow

Cancellation:  School and district are closed.  

Two-hour delayed start – regular routes OR snow routes: School begins two hours after regularly scheduled start time. Regular bus routes or snow routes may run, depending on road conditions. 

Releasing school early – normal routes OR snow routes: School is released early due to hazardous road conditions. Buses may run regular routes or snow routes, depending on road conditions.

COFFEE WITH ADMINISTRATION - I will be out on Friday, March 3

I will be making myself available each week (Except March 3) after our assembly for a “Coffee with the Administration” discussion. This will be an informal get together where you are free to ask questions, raise concerns, share ideas and provide me the opportunity to seek feedback from you. So I invite you to stay for a few minutes after each assembly and sample Chef Evan’s special blend while we chat!

Have a wonderful weekend,

~Kendall Roberts

Director

kendall.roberts@madronetrail.org

Sibling Enrollment Form

Please fill out the linked form below if you have an incoming Kindergartner or another child whom you would like to enroll for the 2023-2024 school year if there is space available. Please fill this form out even if your other children are already on the waitlist, as siblings of current students get waitlist priority. Kindergartners will be placed in next year's classes on a first come, first served basis before we lottery non Madrone Trail families. Please note that incoming Kindergartners need to be 5 years old by June 1st, 2023 to be eligible to enroll for the 2023-2024 school year. The form is due March 24.

Auction Happening Tomorrow!

The pre-sale window for tickets with dinner has closed. $20 tickets will still be available without dinner up until the event and at the door if not sold out.

The Auction Committee has been busy all day assembling baskets and getting last minute details arranged. Thank you to everyone who contributed in some way to the Auction.

We'll see you tomorrow!

Thanks to our generous sponsors!

Shelter Projects

It is a tradition for 3rd graders to build shelters as part of the curriculum. Every year they are so impressive! Good work 3rd grade!

7th grade Fundraiser

The Blue Heron Class recently published a book of original poetry and will be selling copies for $5 each. These books will make a great gift for birthdays or Mother's Day, or will simply make a lovely addition to any bookshelf!

Books will be available after school and at lunch recess.

Get them before they're gone!

Lunch Program Update

Our school lunch program begins next week! We will no longer receive free sack lunches or snacks from the district. If your child needs a snack, send them to school with one or make sure you have funds on your EZ School App account so they can purchase snacks (available to purchase during breakfast, 8-9 am). We will have items like string cheese, milk, homemade hummus and carrots, fresh fruit.

If you haven't already please make sure you are setup with your EZ school account so that you can add funds (if applicable) and pre-order meals for your student. It is too late to order food for next week, but you can still order for the week of March 6 and beyond. The deadline for pre-orders is Fridays at 9 am for the following week.

As a reminder: We will not be able to serve your student if they do not have an EZ school lunch account! Set-up instructions and complete information about the program can be found here on our website.

Any questions, comments, or feedback can be directed to Chef Evan at evan.wilson@madronetrail.org.

From the Athletic Director

Basketball



Our girls played their last game Wednesday VS. Rogue River and won 26-14! Our girls improved all season and competed well in each game that they played. Great job ladies on a terrific season!

Notable performances vs. Rogue River

Maddy Bevers 13 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals

Charley Furrer 2 points, 1 steal

Track and Field

Forms have gone home with interested students! If you have not gotten one and your 6th-8th grade student is interested please email me.

Who: 6th-8th graders

When: Practices will be at Madrone 3:15-5:00 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays beginning March 6th. (Students will be released from class at 3:05)

Meets begin in April and the season ends May 4th. Meet schedule will be released in a couple of weeks.

Turn in your participation forms by March 3rd to Ms. Sherrie in the office with your $75 payment. Checks payable to MTPCS

Pear Blossom

Our school is participating in the Mayor’s Cup Fun Run this year on April 8th. We can win prizes and funds for our school based on participation. We get credit for each student and family member registering. The Mayor’s Cup Fun Run distances are one mile starting at 7:50 am and two miles starting at 8:30 am on April 8th. All participants are invited to the free pancake feed from 8am-10am at the YMCA.

https://rvymca.org/pearblossomrun-mayorscup/

Click the purple register now link

Then click red view link beside all schools and community registrations

Select 4/8 and follow the login directions.

Cost is $8 ($20 if you want a t-shirt.)

Important: Select Madrone Trail in the drop down menu on the left bottom section.

This must be done by March 8th to be a part of the school competition.

Stay tuned next week for other community sports opportunities this Spring.

Go Dragons!

~Jeff Roberson

jeff.roberson@madronetrail.org

Sprouts Program 2023-2024

As we look towards next year, we are offering Open House sessions for families interested in the Sprout Preschool Program for 2023-2024. This is a chance to see the classrooms and meet both of our teachers. You can read the teachers' bios on our website here.  

Our Sprouts Preschool Program is a mixed-age Kindergarten classroom joining 6 sprouts and 14 kindergartners for each class.

For families interested in the Sprout Preschool Program at Madrone Trail, please review the following criteria:

1. Child must be 4 years of age by June 1st, 2023 to be considered for the 23-24 school year.
2. Child must be potty trained.
3. Child must be able to be away from parents for at least a four hour period.
4. Note: Enrollment into Sprouts program does not guarantee a spot in Kindergarten

Applications will be emailed out to everyone who have submitted the Sprouts Program Interest Form, linked below. This form is required in order to receive an application, as it confirms that your child has met the initial criteria to be considered for the program.

Open House Offerings:

March 10th, 11:00am - 12:00pm

April 14th, 11:00am - 12:00pm

For further details, contact the Office Manager at taurie.michele@madronetrail.org

Parent Enrichment at Siskiyou School

Hello Madrone friends!

On Wednesday, March 8th at 6:30 pm we will present “Crossing the Bridge” a Parent Enrichment talk by Nina Gallwey. We’d like to welcome your teachers and families to join us!

Between the age of 7 years and 10 years, a child goes through a marked change in consciousness. There are huge neurological developments that create the enhanced ability to manage more abstract thinking, and the child becomes more capable, both physically and academically. At the same time, the emotional seat of the brain is wiring in, and the child learns to navigate their “feeling” life as they “cross the bridge” into the second phase of childhood and the dawn of adolescence. How parents and teachers hold the child during this critical stage of childhood can deeply support the child’s maturing emotional life and sets seeds for the development of the teen years.

Nina Gallwey is one of our founding teachers and has 33 years of experience working with children. This talk is for parents of all ages as Nina will speak to how the bridge years can be prepared for and how they affect the adolescent.

~The Siskiyou School

Interested in Being a Substitute at Madrone Trail?

Review our current Indeed Job listings for each position and apply today!

Substitute Teacher Assistant

Substitute Teacher

Quote of the Day

Handlettered by Ms. Cori

MADRONE TRAIL PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL

www.madronetrail.org

Madrone Trail Public Charter School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age in its programs and activities.