From the Director

Dear Madrone Family,

Growing up in Southern California had its advantages. The main one being the weather of course. In high school we used to go down to the beach almost year round and play games such as Capture the Flag. Football was especially fun if you timed the snap while the waves retreated, gaining an extra wide field until the next wave washed ashore! But the best memories I have of “Winter” beach activity was when our acrobatic gymnastic team would head to the grassy lawns of Ski Beach in Mission Bay, San Diego. We would tumble, build people pyramids, and do all sorts of activities as we choreographed various routines. However, one activity always made me curious. Our coach had us jump rope. Why would he have us jump rope? This included Double Dutch. Now, I do consider myself athletic, and fairly coordinated, but I was amazed at my sheer ineptness at this activity. I passed it off as a child’s activity but truth be told, it wasn’t easy. It took all I had to get the timing and not look like a goofball while jumping rope on the lush lawns of Mission Bay. It was then that I understood. Timing is everything in just about every sport! It is therefore not a wonder that I am in awe of our entire elementary student body jumping rope each morning with a skill I never fully mastered. 

The Waldorf school curriculum was developed to nurture the healthy development of the child, not only in mind but in body and spirit as well. Physical education and movement form an integral part of this holistic approach, encouraging children to be active not just for the sake of activity, but in order to experience themselves through meaningful movement and to form a stronger connection with the world around them.

Our students participate in jump rope activities regularly, sometimes even daily. The turning of the jump rope is a weaving activity; through the rhythmical turning of the ropes, a golden opportunity is created for a social mixing and blending.

Jump rope is an inherently rhythmical activity. As the students begin the jumping, they experience rhythm; their heartbeat, breathing, and movement all begin to harmonize rhythmically, first individually, then together with other members of the group. This is especially true when the jumping progresses to group jumping: two, three, or four at a time, and again when they pick up the pace and make their way quickly through the line several times, one jump at a time.

While I have focused on the act of jumping rope, the bigger issue is the overall health that physical activity promotes. I was reminded this week that it is of utmost importance to see to our physical and mental health needs in order to be at our best as parents, teachers, and administrators. 

We know this conceptually: put your life vest on first. But to will the self-care is yet another thing we need to do! For hands-on moms, dads, teachers, and other providers, the easiest way –at least superficially–is to put yourself at the back of the line and concentrate on the needs of children because that is what is needed most. It is just too great a task to organize your own health. You just need to get by. You don’t think of the growing tiredness, the eroding quality of your sleep, and the everyday stresses as you get through the daily and constant caring, loving, educating, and raising of children. Especially on this path where we are constantly reminded that tender love is the best ingredient in healing children, the bar is raised so high above our actual capacities that it seems we are constantly clawing our way up but sliding hopelessly down a slippery hillside. Yes, you can do it all–or die trying anyway–but in the end something always gives. 

Make self-care a priority. Engage in activities that help you relax and rejuvenate, such as exercising, meditating, journaling, or pursuing hobbies. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being will enhance your resilience and ability to manage stress. Maybe even consider a few minutes of jump rope!

Have a wonderful weekend,

~Kendall Roberts

Director

kendall.roberts@madronetrail.org

Picture Retake Day

All picture packets and proof sheets went home this week from our first picture day. Picture Retake Day will be Monday, November 13 if you missed it or would like your child's picture to be retaken. You can pre-order picture packets from retake day on Lifetouch's website. Use the Picture Day ID: EVTSWZK97

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be on Monday, November 20 and Tuesday, November 21. Please use the link below to sign up for your spot to meet with your student's teachers. Conferences are an important time for checking in about your child's progress. We hope to see you there!

Jog-a-thon Update

We have had a little over $15,000 in pledges turned in so far! We have collected around $6,000 of those pledges as of today. If you haven't turned your pledge sheet in it's not too late! Get it to Ms. Cori or your child's class teacher next week. We have extra blank copies in the office and on our website if you need a new one.

From the Athletic Director

One of my favorite things I saw at Madrone this week was a group of 3rd graders attempting to take a long rope and have about 10 of the 3rd graders jump over it like a jump rope as the two 3rd graders on the end swung it around. While the attempt was ultimately unsuccessful, as the Athletic Director, I certainly appreciated the effort. Good jump ropers make great athletes later. Keep up the jump roping all of Madrone Trail; even the crazy attempts!

Boys’ Basketball

Our boys completed week 2 of practice today and Coach Tim reports good progress. I am excited to see them take the court in some competitions. The schedule is out!

Madrone Trail Boys' Basketball Schedule 2023

Home = Sacred Heart Gym

Monday 11/13 Home vs. New Hope (4:00) 

Wednesday 11/15 @ Applegate (4:30)

Wednesday 11/22 @ Prospect (5:30)

Monday 11/27 Home vs. RVA (4:00)

Wednesday 11/29 @ Rogue River (5:30)

Monday 12/4 Home vs. Butte Falls (4:00)

Wednesday 12/6 @ Ruch (5:00)

Monday 12/11 Home vs. The Valley School (4:00)

Wednesday 12/13 @ Lorna Byrne (5:30)

Cooking Club

This one almost didn’t happen folks. We had to push the start date back to next Tuesday, November 7th due to not having enough registrations turned in. We have set clubs at a minimum of 8 participants for various reasons. However, I am pleased to announce as of today, we are at 8 registered participants! Cooking club is Tuesdays and Thursdays with Chef Jen 3:30-4:30 pm at Madrone.

Last Chance: New (firm) deadline to register is Monday, November 6th.

Girls’ Basketball Opportunity

The Sacred Heart Girls’ Basketball coach is starting open gyms now through early December at Sacred Heart on Wednesdays to help get ready for the Girls’ Basketball season that starts in January. If the boys have a home game on Wednesday, open gym will move to Sunday that week.

Who: 6th-8th grade girls interested in basketball

Days: Wednesdays (Some Sundays, will be announced)

Time: 2:15-4:00 pm

Location: Sacred Heart Gym

Note: Registration is not needed to join the open gyms, but if your daughter is planning on playing the Girls’ Basketball season and does not have a sport physical on file they will need to have that by January.

Sport Physical Day: We will be having $20 sport physicals done at Madrone Trail November 5th from 2-4 pm for Girls’ Basketball players that need a sport physical. I highly suggest that 6th-8th grade students interested in track that need a sport physical get it done on this day as well. It will be the last Sport Physical day at Madrone this school year.

Note: Sport Physicals are good for 2 years. They do cover your freshman year if you are an 8th grader who got one done this year.  

Coaching Opportunity: We are currently looking for a coach to be an assistant to the Sacred Heart coach during the Girls’ Basketball season early January-early March. Interested parties, please email me at Jeff.Roberson@Madronetrail.org

Mercy Flights

Mercy Flights offers a membership that I truly believe all families should take advantage of. We had a personal experience a few years ago in our family where one of our children had to be transported to Doernbecher hospital in Portland. Because we had this membership we had no out of pocket costs associated with this transport.

The membership is normally $88 for the year, but they are offering to school families for only $63. It’s says Central Point school district, but we got the offer extended to us as well! The sign up link is below.

Here is some info from the Mercy flights membership manager.

HOW DOES IT WORK

• Mercy Flights members with medical insurance
• Your Mercy Flights membership covers the remaining portion of your transport costs after insurance payment has been received.
• Mercy Flights membership without medial insurance or insurance refuses to pay.
• Your Mercy Flights membership covers the remaining portion of your transport costs after insurance payment has been received.
• If you are not a Mercy Flights member,
• Mercy Flights will provide you with the same high standard of medical excellence and compassionate care, and you will be responsible for any portion of the bill not covered by your medical insurance.
• We have reciprocity agreements with Ashland Fire & Rescue, Rogue River Fire District, and Glendale Ambulance District in Douglas County. These partner agencies will honor your Mercy Flights ground membership just like you are one of their members. We, in turn, honor our partner agencies’ ground memberships. Mercy Flights does not have reciprocal agreements for air transports.

Go Dragons!

~Jeff Roberson

Athletic Director

jeff.roberson@madronetrail.org

Madrone Trail T-shirts Update

The shirts and hoodies arrived today, and many excited children put them on immediately! Most of the orders went home but there are a few orders that still need to be picked up. Ms. Cori will do her best to get them to the correct families early next week. If you forgot to order the first time around, or saw how awesome the shirts and hoodies looked and would now like your own, the website is now back online and will be for the rest of the school year. Your only choices going forward will be to get your items shipped to you or pick them up for free at Moxley Media, which is only 5 minutes from school, off Rossanley Dr. The link to order will also be on our website.

If you have any questions please contact Ms. Cori, cori.royer@madronetrail.org

Thanksgiving Lunch Special- Thursday, November 16

We will be serving a special lunch in celebration of Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 16. Our menu will be as follows:

• Turkey
• Mashed Potatoes
• Cranberry/Orange Salsa
• Green Beans
• Stuffing
• Gravy

The Importance of Warmth

Now that the weather is starting to turn, we ask that during these cold months to come that children are sent to school with adequate layers to protect them from all the types of weather we see in the Rogue Valley. We are outside for recess and games class rain or shine. We often hear children say "but I'm not cold" when asked to wear long sleeves and jackets at recess. Also, shorts are not appropriate in below freezing weather. Please help us out and insist your child wear warm layers, even if they disagree. Thanks!

The article below was written by Jessica Porto, from the Waldorf School of Bend's website:

During early childhood, children grow faster than at any other time in their lives. Parents often feel as though they need to buy the next size of clothes and shoes every few months! During this time, a child's body not only grows bigger and stronger, but their organs are fine tuning their development and functioning. The same kinds of forces which make this growth and development possible are also the ones children need to keep their body's temperature at homeostasis. Young children also lose heat faster than adults, especially through the tops of their heads, and can become chilled quickly if they are not wearing enough clothing and a hat during the colder months. When children are not dressed adequately, the forces for growing and learning are compromised and instead are used to keep them warm. Young children often cannot tell whether they are too cold or too hot, and need loving adults to ensure their body temperature is at a healthy level. Wearing layers of breathable natural fiber clothing inside and waterproof, warm gear for outside play is the best way for a child to maintain their warmth.

Substitute Teachers and Assistants Wanted

We are always looking for more Substitute Teachers and Substitute Assistants to be on call throughout the year. If you are interested, please check out our Indeed ads here: SubstituteTeacher and Substitute Teacher Assistant

Parent Education Offering

Workshop Offering-- this weekend

Former Madrone Trail parent, Satya Beneventi, is hosting a live workshop on Saturday, November 4th, 9:30am-12:30pm. The cost of the workshop is $147. Click on the image for more information.

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.