Suncatcher from the Apple Blossom Nursery class.

Thanks to Paige Black for the photo.

From Margaret Mansker, Projects Director & Lower School Coordinator

Circus arts are a well-loved component of the Waldorf curriculum. Learning to juggle, hula-hoop on a walking globe, and balance spinning plates helps students to develop perseverance and discipline as they attempt new skills outside of their comfort zone. Last Friday, Grades 4-8 spent the day with accomplished circus artists, learning clowning and improvisation as well as physical skills. 

Our guest teachers were Mark Lohr and his two daughters, Grace and Gina. Sharing over thirty-five years of experience as professional circus artists and teachers, they also delighted us with a performance for the entire Lower School.

Mark & family will lead 3 sessions of Circus Camp for rising Grades 5-8 at WWS this summer. Campers will explore the arts of clowning, juggling, circus acrobatics, and more! This program strives to build teamwork and confidence, support risk-taking, and, most importantly, have fun!

Learn more & register for Circus Camp.

From Micah Bump, WWS Parent & Coach

Ah, basketball season at WWS is like a fine crescendo—rising to a thrilling climax at the Middle School Friendship Games at Green Meadow Waldorf School and the High School Tournament at Kimberton Waldorf School. These events let our athletes experience new Waldorf Schools, meet fellow Waldorf students, and, of course, school their peers—both on and off the court. With a packed crowd of parents, alums, and friends, it’s a can’t-miss highlight of the year.

Green Meadow Friendship Games

Under the expert leadership of Coaches Taisto and Baruach, the WWS Red-Tailed Hawks Middle School teams were incredibly friendly—unless, of course, you were the opponent. Then, they were just plain unbeatable. The girls and boys teams sailed through their round-robin games, flexing their defensive muscles and offensive flair in what can only be described as a basketball clinic. A Green Meadow parent serving organic veggies in the community kitchen summed it up best: “You have so many shooters! We just couldn’t keep up!”

The excitement was real—especially since the Green Meadow gym is acoustically engineered to amplify every cheer, whistle, and fast break. It’s a unique, albeit compressed, setup that really lets you feel the bounce of the game—and the energy of the crowd. Great job, Red-Tailed Hawks!

Kimberton High School Tournament

Fast-forward to the next big event: the Kimberton High School Tournament. Last Friday, bright and early, our high school teams boarded a bus for the scenic 3-hour drive to Chester County, PA. Upon arriving at the Kimberton campus, they marched across a picturesque pasture (yes, really) and entered the gym to kick off their tournament in style with a perfect 2-0 day one.

The second day kept the momentum going. The boys’ team kept their two-year winning streak alive, cruising through victories against Steiner and Kimberton. By Sunday, the stage was set: it was WWS vs. Garden City for the coveted Unity Rock trophy. The Rock had lived with us for the past year, and our boys were determined to keep it in the Hawk's nest. Unfortunately, Garden City’s boys had other plans and, despite our boys’ best efforts, they walked away victorious.

On the girls’ side, the team played some of their best basketball of the season, though the results didn’t quite go our way on Saturday. But hey, it’s not just about winning—it's about trying your hardest and staying with all your friends at a hotel with a pool while doing it.

On Sunday morning, our seniors, Gherardo and Kai, and juniors, Frederik and Kate, were invited to strut their stuff in the All-Star games. Kai, in particular, wowed the crowd with a jaw-dropping between-the-legs layup. This was followed by a heart-pounding finale, and while the boys didn’t keep the Unity Rock, they showed everyone that it's the wanting to win—and never giving up—that really matters.

As a parent, it was fantastic to watch both teams bring their A-game, both on the court and off and spend time with WWS friends, new and old. Thanks, Coach Taisto, for your endless dedication to making this event happen every year, and a huge shout-out to our seniors (Aniyah, Caleb, Eli, Erica, Gherardo, Jasper, and Kai), who left everything on the court! You make us proud.

February

14/ Friday

• CG - G8 NO SCHOOL, Conferences
• HS in Session, 12:30 Dismissal

17/ Monday

• NO SCHOOL, Mid-Winter Break

18/ Tuesday

• NO SCHOOL, Professional Development

19/ Wednesday

• School Tour for Prospective Families, 9am

20/ Thursday

• Community Singing, 8:30am (see below)
• TC Meeting, 5:30pm (see below)

21/ Friday

• Coffee & Tea with Margery Bank, 8:30am (see below)
• PFO Family Game Night, 4pm (see below)

22/ Saturday

• Film Screening: Ain't No Back to a Merry-Go-Round, 7pm (see below)

🏀🏀🏀View the Athletics Calendar on our website.

Come Sing with Us!

Thursday, Feb 20 at 8:30am

Right after drop-off on Thursday, Feb 20 our High School Choir Director, Dr. Melissa Chávez, will lead parents/caregivers in a singing circle in the lobby. We'll sing some easy songs and Melissa will coach us in harmonizing as we come together in community and joy.

All voices and abilities are welcome - this is just for fun!

Trustees Council Meeting

Thursday, Feb 20 at 5:30pm

WWS Trustees Council (TC) meetings are held monthly. The first 45 minutes (approximately) are open to the community, and all are welcome to attend. 

At the beginning of each TC meeting, there is a brief study of Waldorf Education / Anthroposophy. Following the study is 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 PFO Executive Team also shares updates from their work with the school community during this portion of the meeting. 

Coffee & Tea with Margery Bank

Topic: WWS Math Curriculum

Friday, Feb 21 at 8:30am

All are welcome! Grab some coffee or tea, and join Head of School/Faculty Chair Margery Bank to ask any questions you have, or just come to listen. Math Teaching Faculty Sarah Heirman (Grades 5-8) and Nick Devinney (HS Math) will be available to speak about the math curriculum and answer questions. This event will be held in the Dan Wacker Entrance Hall at the front of the school. Feel free to join late or leave early as needed. 

RSVP recommended but not required.

Family Game Night Friday

Friday, Feb 21 from 4-6 pm

Get ready for an afternoon of fun at Family Game Night, hosted by the Parent/Family Organization! Join us on Friday, Feb 21 from 4-6 pm in the auditorium for a fantastic time with board games, card games, and more – there will be something for all ages! Plus, food will be served! 

You can also drop in for a game or two before heading to the John & Mary Brauer Gym for the high school boys basketball game that evening vs Lab from 5-6:30 pm.

Have a favorite game you'd love to play? We want to hear from you! Email us at PFOexec@washingtonwaldorf.org with your suggestions.

Glen Echo Desegregation Film Showing at WWS

Saturday, Feb 22 at 7pm

The Washington Waldorf School is delighted to host a free public screening of the film AIN'T NO BACK TO A MERRY-GO-ROUND, followed by a Q&A session with the Emmy Award-winning director, Ilana Trachtman. 

All seats are reserved. We are still taking signups for the waitlist and will be in contact if space becomes available.

Join the Waitlist

View Trailer

Faculty Appreciation Luncheon

Help celebrate and appreciate our amazing faculty!

WWS families annually honor and appreciate our hard-working, dedicated, and beloved faculty by offering them a delicious luncheon. This year's event is Friday, Feb 28 in the school library.

We need your help in two ways:

• Setting Up, Staffing, and Cleaning Up
• Sign up to help set up, staff and clean up.

• Food Offerings
• Sign up to contribute food offerings. Each class has a type of food assigned to it, but they are merely suggestions. If you’d like to contribute a dish that is assigned to a different class, go for it! In either case, please leave a comment saying what you plan to bring.

Thank you in advance for your contributions of food and time -- the faculty treasures this chance to spend time together while sampling the delicious range of cuisines our families offer!

We need your help to make this year’s Gala a success!  Here are two great ways to contribute:

• Host a Buy-In Party – Gather folks for a fun experience (dinner party, wine tasting, fitness class—you name it!), where guests buy a spot to attend. It’s a great way to connect and give back!
• Donate an Item – We’re looking for amazing items for our auction, raffle, and donor gift bags. Think gift cards, unique experiences, specialty goods, or services—every contribution helps!

Your generosity directly supports WWS Financial Aid, and all donors will be recognized.

Let’s work together to create an unforgettable evening that strengthens our community and makes a meaningful impact. If you have any questions please email Erika. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey!

Join an alum mentor panel!

If you are an alum currently attending or recently graduated from college, consider donating an hour of your time to be a March Mentor to high schoolers.

Reach out to Sara at alumrelations@awsna.org if you'd like to participate.

Visit the event site to learn more: https://alums.waldorfeducation.org/e/march-mentoring-2025

If you are a current family - first, check ParentSquare for posts from your teachers, departments (Children's Garden, Lower School, High School), and the administration.

If you cannot find the information you are looking for on ParentSquare, please email your department coordinator/administrator or our Operations Manager:

• Children's Garden - Tarina Szemzo
• Lower School Coordinator - Margaret Mansker
• High School Administrator - Bonnie McClelland
• Operations Manager - Laur Garner

Work for Refugee Family

From Genevieve Baumann, MS Art Teacher & G3 Assistant

Islam and Gule Tulay are Kurdish refugees from Turkey who are looking for work in the DC area. Both Islam and Gule have work permits, are university educated, and speak some English. Skills include cooking, cleaning, child care, and gardening. They are capable of doing all kinds of work and are open to learning new trades. Please contact them at: islamtulay1@gmail.com

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