Welcome SWS 2024-2025: What to Expect in the New School Year
As the summer days begin to fade and we prepare to welcome the new school year at Susquehanna Waldorf School (SWS), we are excited to embark on another journey of growth, learning, and community. Whether you are new to Waldorf Education or a returning family, this time of year is filled with anticipation and energy. To help you and your child transition smoothly into the new school year, we’ve put together this guide on what to expect and how to make the most of your experience.
Understanding The Waldorf Approach
Waldorf Education is unique in its holistic approach to learning, focusing on nurturing the intellectual, artistic, and practical skills of each student. At Susquehanna Waldorf School, our curriculum is designed to meet the developmental needs of children at every stage. From early childhood through the grades, our students engage in a rich variety of activities that foster creativity, critical thinking, and social responsibility.
Key Elements of the Waldorf Curriculum:
- Rhythm and Routine: Each day is structured around a rhythm that includes a balance of academic work, artistic activities, and outdoor play. This rhythm helps children feel secure and supports their natural development.
- Morning Lesson Blocks: The school day begins with a two-hour Morning Lesson, where students immerse themselves in a single subject for several weeks. This immersion into learning allows for a more profound understanding and retention of material.
- Artistic Integration: Art, music, world languages, and movement are woven into the curriculum, helping to engage multiple senses and deepen learning. Whether through painting, sculpting, or playing instruments, students explore and express themselves creatively every day.
- Outdoor Learning: Nature plays a central role in Waldorf Education. Our students spend ample time outdoors, learning through exploration and hands-on experiences. This connection to nature fosters environmental stewardship and a deep appreciation for the world around us.
Preparing For The School Year
To ensure a smooth transition into the school year, here are a few tips for both new and returning families:
- Familiarize Yourself with School Routines: Review the daily and weekly schedules with your child so they know what to expect. Understanding the rhythm of the school day can help ease first-day jitters.
- Prepare School Supplies: While Waldorf schools focus on simple, natural materials, make sure your child has all the necessary supplies. Your class teacher will provide a list of items needed for the year.
- Establish a Home Rhythm: Creating a daily routine at home that aligns with the school’s rhythm can be helpful. Consistent bedtimes, meal times, and quiet times for reading or creative play can make the school day more manageable. This is also a great time to limit screens to minimal use only during weekends.
- Stay Connected with the Community: Engage with other parents, attend school events like our Playground Cleanup, and connect as a class. Building a strong connection with the school community enhances your child’s experience and provides you with support and resources. The Parent Guild is the collective parent body of Susquehanna Waldorf School and meets once a month on Sunday from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. This year’s meetings are on: 8/18, 9/15, 10/20, 11/10, 12/15, 1/12, 2/9, 3/16, 4/27, 5/18
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Announcing: A Restorative Storytelling Workshop with David Sewell McCann from Sparkle Stories
Saturday, September 28th
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
We are thrilled to invite you to a special parent workshop featuring David Sewell McCann, a master storyteller and co-founder of Sparkle Stories. David's enchanting audio stories have captivated the hearts and minds of children and families worldwide, offering a unique blend of entertainment, education, and inspiration.
Join us to discover how storytelling can transform your family dynamics and foster deeper connections.
- Catered lunch included (vegan and gluten-free options available)
- Childcare for 5 years and up is available (additional fee will apply the day of)
About David Sewell McCann
David Sewell McCann, the visionary behind Sparkle Stories, creates original audio stories that ignite children's imaginations and nurture their emotional growth, grounded in the Waldorf educational philosophy. As an advocate for restorative justice, David uses storytelling to heal communities and promote understanding. His workshops teach how sharing stories can resolve conflicts and build trust. Attend this workshop to learn how storytelling can be a powerful parenting tool, helping you connect with your children, address challenges, and support a harmonious family environment. Don’t miss this chance to enrich your parenting journey with David’s expert guidance and transformative stories.
Learn more about David Sewell McCann's storytelling: www.https://howtostory.org/
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Support SWS This ExtraGive!
Extra Give is Lancaster County's annual 24-hour day of giving, and it's SWS's biggest fundraising event of the year! We need your support to reach our goal of $50k!
Ways To Support
Make your donation go further by becoming a Matching Donor! To reach our goal, we must raise $25,000 in matching funds. These funds will serve as a match to those who donate on the day of. We’re seeking donations ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to be matches.
Donate a Homemade Prize! Do you love to bake? Do you knit or make crafts? Homemade prizes have become a beloved ExtraGive tradition. Join the incredible group of homemade prize donors this year! Prizes will be distributed to lucky donors throughout the day!
Become a Fundraising Champion! Create a personal fundraising goal and share with your friends, family, and colleagues. A small time commitment with a big impact! Organizations with fundraising champions raise 2.5x more than other participating organizations.
Spread the word and donate on November 22nd!
Interested in being a matching donor or donating a prize? Email courtney.kokus@susquehanna.org for more information.
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We're Hiring!
Afternoon Garden Assistant
SWS is seeking a part-time Nursery Afternoon Garden Assistant for children ages 2 & 3. We are looking for a teacher dedicated to Waldorf pedagogy who will bring a confident, nurturing, and warm classroom presence. This is a Monday through Friday position that will begin with meetings in late August and then with the regular daily schedule from September through May 2025, 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. The pay rate is $16/hour, paid monthly on the last business day of each month, September 2024 – May 2025.
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26th Annual Auction
Call for Big-Ticket Donations
We are already working hard to organize the 26th Annual Auction, set for April 5th, and we need your help to make it a success! We are seeking donations of big-ticket items that will captivate our community and bring in vital support for Susquehanna Waldorf School. If you have access to vacation homes, Airbnb stays, unique experiences, or artistic talents, we would love to feature your contributions in our auction. Handmade items, artwork, and other special pieces are also greatly appreciated and will need time to create.
Please consider donating and helping us continue to provide an enriching education for our students. Your generosity will make a lasting impact!
To donate, don't hesitate to get in touch with Courtney Kokus at courtney.kokus@susquehanna.org
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Classroom Designs that Enhance Learning
Waldorf classrooms are intentionally designed. They are moveable, include natural elements and light, soft color, and are uncluttered. Entering rooms like these can invoke feelings of comfort and wellbeing.
This article from Edutopia -- The Science of Classroom Design -- looks at hundreds of research studies to determine what makes an ideal space for learning and Waldorf classrooms fit the bill.
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Playground Cleanup & Ice Cream Social
Saturday, August 24th
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
at Susquehanna Waldorf School
Join us for the annual playground cleanup! All are welcome to help make our beloved nature-inspired playground beautiful for the upcoming school year!
This is a family-friendly event; however, be aware that loud lawn equipment will be used during the morning. Bring your own tools and water. Trimmers, chainsaws, blowers, and a truck bed or two to haul landscaping debris will also be helpful. Come for an hour or for the whole morning.
FREE ice cream sundaes (and fruit popsicles) will be served at Noon to celebrate our work together!
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Peace Kids To The Rescue Art Show
Friday, September 6th
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
at The Ware Center
This incredible art show and silent auction was started by an SWS student and his family. It features donated art from children ages five through eighteen, including many SWS students and alums! Learn more here.
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We're Seeking Vendors For The 2024 Winter Faire!
Sunday, December 8th
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
at Susquehanna Waldorf School
The annual Winter Faire is a beloved community tradition at the Susquehanna Waldorf School on Sunday, December 8th, from 11 am to 4 pm.
Our indoor/outdoor Winter Faire will feature vendors with an incredible array of gorgeous, handmade gifts, a Secret Shoppe for children to purchase gifts for friends and family, music, wholesome children's crafts, hot food, a coffee/bake shop, fire pits for roasting marshmallows, and more.
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EITC Fall Enrollment
Donate to the SWS financial aid fund and get 90% BACK in your state taxes!!!
EITC is an incredible state tax credit opportunity that allows PA state taxpayers to donate their state taxes to an independent school and get 90% back on their tax returns.
For example, if you donate $5,000 through the EITC program, the school gets all of those funds to apply to financial aid, and you get $4,500 back in your taxes!
Click HERE to download the Fall 2024 joinder agreement.
Please email Courtney Kokus at courtney.kokus@susquehanna.org with any questions.
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Thank You, Class Of 2024!
A huge heartfelt thank you to the class of 2024 for painting our park-facing exterior doors! These doors now hold so much beauty and magic that we will all get to enjoy for many years to come!
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Calling all alum and alum families! We are so excited about our new official SWS Alum Association! This group, initiated by the SWS Development Committee, aims to reignite the connections among Susquehanna Waldorf Alum and fortify our cherished community.
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