April 14th, 2024
This is a preview of our bulletin for the week of April 14th, 2024
Love coffee? Love art? Love our Waldorf kids?
Our students' artwork is currently brightening the walls of the Albany branch of Uncommon Grounds coffee shop at University Plaza, 1225 Western Avenue. The show is on view from now until April 30th, so grab a cup of tea and enjoy the light, color, and joy of our student work. Selections of artwork from grades 1-7 are represented.
Also, Uncommon Grounds in Clifton Park will show our work in June, at which time we will organize an all-school gathering to celebrate. We will keep you posted as details develop!
You are warmly invited to join us for a morning presentation on our curriculum and to learn more about Waldorf’s progressive approach to education. Our Windows Into Waldorf presentation will begin at 11am and will be held in the Eurythmy room.
We also welcome you to enjoy an afternoon stroll through the grades. We invite you to peek into the Waldorf learning journey as you fill your hearts with the beautiful main lesson work displayed throughout each classroom. We will have refreshments and a fun activity for the children!
This invitation extends to Waldorf families, children included, as well as community members. There is no fee or RSVP required to attend.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Hello There April!
April 20th - 11:00am - Windows Into Waldorf - Lower School
April 20th - 11:00am-1:00pm - A Waldorf Spring Walk-Through - Lower School
April 25th - 5:30pm - Spring Concert - City Music Hall
April 27 - 9:00am - Forest Walk With Miss Sara
April 27th - 10:00am-12:00pm - Clean Up Day At The Forest And Lower School
April 27th - 12:00pm - 4:00pm - Gear Swap at Lower School
Save The Date
May 1-3 - 7th Grade Field Trip
May 3rd - 6:30pm - 5th grade play for parents
May 9th and 10th - Grade 6 Medieval Games @ High Mowing School
May 8th - 6:00pm-8:00pm - Open Mic Night at Caffe Lena
May 14th - 6:00pm - 2nd grade play for parents
May 23rd and 24th - Grade 5 Greek Olympics
May 30th - 6:00pm - 7th grade play for parents
Middle school artists collaborated to depict the earth fully "in the round", observing it from seventeen different angles. They noted that typically, flat maps depict the Americas or Europe in the center, but in reality, the earth in all its roundness, has many different important oceans and landmasses. Class seven will study the Age of Exploration soon, and this is a great way to appreciate the depth and breadth of world geography. Their paintings are hanging in the DEI-designated space in celebration of Earth Day, April 22nd.
Please Join Us For Our Gear & Clothing Swap!!
We are collecting all seasonal outerwear, base layers and outdoor gear. Are your kids growing out of their rain pants? Ready to size up or down on your bike? Here is the perfect opportunity to swap items, make some room in your closet and support your school.Look for a collection box 4/24, 4/25 & 4/26 at your child’s school, or drop off directly to the lower school between those days between 7:30am & 3:30pm. We ask if you have any large items, example (sleds, skis, bikes) to please bring directly to the lower school. Acceptable items include: children's clothing, rain and snow suites, gloves, mittens, hats, boots, shoes, sandals, bathing suits, skates, sleds, skis, bikes and other sporting equipment. Please make sure all items are clean, wearable and in good used condition.
Fill a bag for only $10 dollars! All larger outdoor gear items will be priced individually and affordably! Any items that are not purchased will be donated at the conclusion of the sale.
All proceeds will benefit the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs.Please email Nicole at registrar@waldorfsaratoga.org for any questions.
Trying Hard To Catch Up With Mr. Stewart
Mr. Stewart has a Physical Education degree, and enjoyed teaching the grades for nine years. When the Waldorf Games Teacher was leaving, it seemed to be a natural transition for Scott to step up and step in. "My favorite part of Waldorf is how each teacher is allowed the freedom to work with the children in front of them, meeting them where they are, not tied down, but with specific goals in mind that the class and teacher can work toward during the school year."
As far as his kids go, Scott has twin boys, Jonah and Phoenix, 21 years old. When they were growing up, Scott coached Jonah in track and field, while encouraging Phoenix to cultivate his artistic side. "If they asked me to go to the gym - which they did once they were older, I was happy to work out with them. Overall though, we chose to encourage the boys to follow their own interests rather than force them into ours, and we think it's worked out well for our family."
When I asked Scott what he'd like people to know about his life at home, he shared how he'd love to be more involved in homesteading. "My wife, kids, and I value the simple life. For example, I cut seven cords of wood each spring, and we are gardening more, trying to live off the land. We work hard and play hard." I laughed - I've never seen Mr. Stewart sit still - what about rest hard? He plays PickleBall, soccer, softball, hockey, and would love to do more lane swimming at the YMCA here in town, because, you know, he is a lifeguard during the summer.....
"Being part of Waldorf Education over the past 16 years has helped me grow so much as a person. I can honestly tell you as much as I gave of myself to the school, I got more back." He told me. "And, I will miss the connections - the joy in watching each kid's journey, knowing I've had a lasting impact on their lives."
Oh, Mr. Stewart, you've had a lasting impact on all of our lives!
Dear WSSS families,
EXCITING NEWS!!!
Spring sports abound! Upon our return from the spring vacation, after-school athletic clubs will begin and students have lots of options to choose from. With a club nearly every day of the week, your youngster is bound to find something to get excited about.
Please contact Mr. Stewart to get full details and to sign up! sstewart@waldorfsaratoga.org
or sign up on our website.
https://www.waldorfsaratoga.org/movement-and-clubs
The morning before its occurence, class five painted what the eclipse might look like. The mystery and anticipation of the event was expressed in color and texture!
They also made pastel drawings on midnight blue paper as an exercise in drawing with light colors on a dark surface. What began as a study of the totality of the eclipse morphed into general cosmic musings:
A couple of months ago we started composting in our classrooms upstairs at the Lower School! Miss Hope built a compost bin outside with gardening classes, but there was only a compost bin in the kitchen, which meant a lot of each classroom's food waste was still going into the trash.
Miss Emily secured classroom compost bins for each classroom grades 1-5. Grade 6 has their own classroom compost bin and grade 7 has use of the kitchen so the older grades downstairs compost that way.
Aftercare helps empty the classroom compost bins into the outdoor composter, then wash the classroom bins, and return them to each classroom. Once the outdoor composter is full, we let the compost turn to soil, and start a new outdoor receptacle. When the transformation to compost is complete, we plan to use it in our schools raised beds and gardens!
Thank you Ms. Hope, Miss Tamara, Miss Emily, and Aftercare!
This week, when the 3rd and 4th grade students returned to school, they were so excited to share highlights from their Farm Trip to Hawthorn Valley. One said he loved feeding the pigs, another excitedly told us one of the baby calves escaped and they worked together as a group to corral him. Sheep shearing was very popular (and only happens twice a year, so it was a real treat to watch!) and they all had fun collecting eggs, making yogurt, and writing letters home to their families. One young boy laughed and said he felt "all grown up now!" Sounds like it was a great experience!
Our 2023-24 Annual Fund Campaign: Rooted in Waldorf is off to a great start - with the help of our generous donors we have raised $25,726 as of April 11th. Your support allows us to enrich and grow the academic, music, and art programs that help our students do remarkable things.
Please consider a gift to our Annual Fund today. Click the link below to donate, or text Waldorf to 44321. Checks can be made out to the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs and either mailed to 62 York Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, Attn: Annual Fund or they can be brought into our main office at 62 York Ave.
https://waldorfsaratoga.bigsis.com/forms/donation/Annual%20Fund%20Appeal
OPEN MIC NIGHT!!
The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs is hosting an Open Mic Night at Caffe Lena on Wednesday, May 8th from 6:00pm-8:00pm.
Tickets will be sold at the door. Admission will be $20 for adults, $10 for 12 & under, children 5 & under are FREE. There will not be a cover charge for performers.
This is a fundraising event. 100% of ticket proceeds will go to the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs.
ALL SLOTS ARE NOW FILLED!
Please reach out to Danielle Arenas with any questions darenas@waldorfsaratoga.org
April Forest Walk
Come join Ms Sara, our Birchtree class teacher, in a wonderful spring morning walk. Saturday, April 27th, 2024 at 10am At our Forest Kindergarten located at 45 Kaydeross Avenue West, Saratoga Springs
We need your help!
April 27th from 10:00am - 12:00pm
Sign up for help at the Forest or at our Lower School. We will be raking, mulching and planting. Please bring your own rake and gloves if you have them!
Please see the Signup Genius link below to sign up!
If you have any questions please reach out to Danielle at darenas@waldorfsaratoga.org
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0848ACA62FA0F4C43-48801485-clean
Exciting News!!
We are revamping our website and would love to speak with Alumni students who attended Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs. We are hoping to learn about ways your Waldorf education stayed with you in life's personal journey. If you are interested in sharing highlights about where you are and what you're up to, please reach out and let us know. You can fill out the survey below and we will be in touch! We cannot wait to hear from you!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSebbae9nv7GKoG-heVo7Nz9Xas0JUj5oHVJaWMuP_1oLPSqwQ/viewform
"The totality of truth is present in every soul as a seed and can be brought to blossom if the south devotes itself to the development of that seed."
~~Rudolf Steiner~~
Hand-In-Hand Partner
January 14th to April 30th
Keep your car sparkling while supporting our school.
Purchase a car wash through Hoffman Helping Hands they will donate 50% of the sale to our school! *
To purchase a car wash click here.
*Note that the full-service car wash is available in Ballston Spa, but not Saratoga Springs
If you, or someone you know, is interested in learning more about Waldorf Hand-in-Hand partnerships, please email
development@waldorfsartoga.org
"April is like a secret whispered in the woods, a hush of green and bustling life."
~~Sarah L. Wildes~~
**Thanks for this beautiful picture, Nursie!**
PLEASE JOIN US
If you are interested in becoming more deeply involved with our School, consider joining one of our many committees. New members always bring a fresh perspective to our work; learn more about our committees and who to contact to get involved by emailing administration@waldorfsaratoga.org