Newsletter Archive
school bulletin for the week of june 11, 2008
2007-2008 annual fund wrap-up
Unbelievably, this is the last bulletin of the year, we are sending out a big thank you to all of the parents, grandparents and friends who have contributed to the Annual Fund. Our total is currently $205,000, which is over 90% of our budgeted financial goal. Thank you for your generosity if you are one of the 287 donors who have contributed to the Annual Fund. If you have not yet contributed, please take this opportunity to help us reach or surpass our financial and participation goals.
Class participation levels continue to increase, too. We are pleased to announce that three more classes have joined Laura Donkel's EC class in achieving 100% participation. Congratulations to EC Matson and the 8th and 9th grades! A couple of other classes (3rd grade, 12th grade) are in the running to receive the next congratulations and a Red Velvet Cake from Tweet.
In closing, thank you all who have donated in support and celebration of the mission of the Chicago Waldorf School. Special thanks to our Annual Fund Co-Chairs, Michelle Feuer and Avery Heavenrich; to Mary Spalding and Marcy Walczak whose support and leadership have been critical to our success; to the Board of Trustees for their tireless efforts to bring the Annual Fund to a successful conclusion.
Please remember that to make a contribution to the Annual Fund, you may call Kristi Richey at 773.828.8456 to make your payment through credit card over the phone, go online to our website Donations Page, or drop your check off at the Development Office or Front Desk.
-Kristi Richey & Sheree Moratto for the Development Office
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as the year ends…
Closing Day Assembly & Rose Ceremony
Friday, June 13 • 10:30am
8th Grade Celebration
Saturday, June 14 • 2:00pm
12th Grade Graduation
Saturday, June 14 • 7:30pm
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thank you
I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.
-Edward Everett Hale
I want to take this moment to thank all of the parents, friends, alumni and families that make up the community of the Chicago Waldorf School for all of their hard work. The 2007-2008 school is almost at a close and I just wanted to thank everyone who volunteered and gave of themselves to better our community. Whether you stood out in the rain directing traffic or you were camped with 30 2nd graders, or you baked a cake for the Holiday Fair, or you organized so that others could do something…You are appreciated and honored!
Thank you! Cheers! Bravo! Have a wonderful summer!
-Tahirih Klass, Director, Special Programs & Mgr, Four Seasons Shop
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facebook!
Yearbooks have arrived! Those who pre-ordered can pick theirs up at the Front Office, and those who still wish to buy one can do so at the Front Office as well for $50.
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driving for dollars
Parents or legal guardians who provide transportation to and from school because free transportation is not available for their children may be eligible to receive money from the state of Illinois to help offset some of the cost. To qualify, you must live over 1.5 miles from school. This transportation reimbursement program has been in effect for some time and Waldorf parents have taken advantage of the program in the past. To apply, parents must submit claim information (social security number and claim amount or distance from home to CWS) to our office. We transmit it electronically to the State Board of Education. We suggest that parents interested in applying for the reimbursement come to the Front Office to verify eligibility and begin the process. process. Reimbursement requests must be submitted no later than June 30, 2008.
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volunteer here
The PTO is looking for some volunteers to work in Parent Education and Hospitality. If you are interested or need more information, please call Katherine Rogers at 847.864.5674.
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circus thanks
Thanks to all the parents in Circus Club who contributed to the charitable collection for the Awassa Children’s Project in Ethiopia and for Circesteem in Uptown. Altogether we were able to raise $651.55, which will be split between the two organizations. Thanks also to Linda Peifer, Erin Mendoza, Saralina Kamholtz-Roberts, Laura St. John, Jessica Donnelly and Cynthia Weir for helping the day of with pizza service. If you helped to put mats aways or push in the bleachers, again, thanks. Thanks also to the generosity and support of all the circus families for the beautiful flowers and gift. I certainly appreciate the good will, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting your children run away and join the circus for a while each week. I look forward to more fun next year!
-Andrea Shaffer, Gym Teacher & Co-Athletic Director
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fun in the sun
Limited space is still available in the CWS Summer Camp 2008. Ileana Valencia, Spanish teacher at the Chicago Waldorf School for 17 years, current Chair of the Foreign Language Department and a trained teaching mentor, will lead the sessions along with two assistants. Children will enjoy arts; nature crafts; sports; exploring the neighborhood and Sophia Garden; afternoons at the beach; free play; weekly field trips; and other age appropriate activities. The camp is organized as a series of six 1-week sessions (June 16 — June 20; June 23 — June 27; July 7 — July 11; July 14 — July 18; July 21 — July 25; July 28 — August 1; NO CAMP June 30 — July 4). Sign up for one or more weeks or for the entire series! $200 per week plus a $70 one-time supply fee. Participation is open to children aged5-12, regardless of CWS enrollment status. Registration brochures are available in the Front Office or call Kristin Pellicori at 773.465.2662.
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social inclusion wrap-up
We have made a fine start in our social inclusion work this year. In September, we look forward to presenting our Social Inclusion mandate to the community; to the high school students beginning work on the Code of Compassion, and to arranging our next series of meetings with Kim John Payne. We welcome Becky Moskowitz as the new grade school faculty representative to the Social Inclusion Group as CWS continues this ongoing work to form our school's social inclusion approach. Stay tuned for year 2 of our 3 year forming process!
-Dean Husseini, for the Social Inclusion Group
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phantom thanks
On May 30th, the 6th grade performed the play The Phantom Tollbooth. The performance was wonderful! I know you'll understand exactly what I mean when I say that if our 6th graders went on stage and sung the ABCs we would all get tears in our eyes and hug each other.
The opportunity for me was not in seeing our 6th graders on stage, but behind the scenes and during rehearsals. Throughout the rehearsals and performance they nagged, coached, bossed and applauded each other's efforts. This was no Hallmark moment — this was 6th graders hard at work interacting with each other and their teacher. Not giving your all was not an option. During the performance, they worked together behind the curtain, helping each other with costumes, cues and constant reminders to “Shhh!” They helped one other find safety pins among the heaps and parts to costumes that had gone astray. They even helped with gluing mustaches into place.
Sixth graders encouraged each other. Every student had a part — some feeling more comfortable on stage than others; some able to project to a greater degree. They offered encouragement and moral support. Many times a high five or hug was offered as a reluctant, but aspiring actor went on or off stage.
Will our 6th graders grow up to become the next American Idols? Nobody can say. What I can say with absolutely certainty, though, is that the Waldorf curriculum is helping them learn extraordinary empathy, team building and communication skills that leave us breathless! Our children are being given every opportunity to grow up making a difference in our world, and all I can say is, “Get ready, world, because they are on their way!”
Thank you, Ms. Moskowitz for a great year, and for making all things possible!
-Katybeth Jensen-Ruscitti, 6th Grade Parent
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calling all pictures!
Do you have pictures from CWS events, celebrations, assemblies or plays? The Development Office is currently seeking pictures of our community from the past year to use in general marketing materials and for our Annual Report. If you have pictures you would like to share with us, please email them to Kristi Richey or call 773.828.8456. Thanks!
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what's in seasons
'Tis the season for an end-of-school-year-sale! Now through June 13th, spend $25 and get 10% off, spend $50 and get 15% off, or spend $200 and get 25% off! Come in and see what's in Seasons! The Four Seasons Shop will be open during the summer. Hours will be Mondays-Fridays from 9:00am-1:00pm.
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you do the math!
Our last problem was:
Problem # 13:
A ladder is resting against a wall. The top of the ladder touches the wall at a height of 15 feet. Find the distance from the wall to the bottom of the ladder if the length of the ladder is one foot more than twice its distance from the wall.
The ladder is the hypotenuse of a right triangle. The two legs of the right triangle are 15 feet and let's say x. This means the length of the ladder is 2x + 1 which is twice x plus one. Using the Pythagorean Theorem, we can set up the equation:
15² + x² = (2x + 1)²
225 = 4x² + 4x + 1 – x²
225 = 3x² + 4x + 1
0 = 3x² + 4x – 224
Using the quadratic formula, we get
x = -28/3 or 8
Because this is a geometrical problem, we can have negative numbers so the answer is 8.
Well that's all folks. Have a wonderful summer! I appreciate all of your comments and solutions.
Aloha,
Coach Starzynski
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post-pentathlon
For the second year in a row, Waldorf 5th graders gathered in Hartland, Wisconsin to experience two days of athletic competition in the five events of the Pentathlon: javelin, discus, running, long jump and wrestling. Every year the organizers listen to feedback we receive and try to improve the event, and so every year is a little different. This year we were blessed with good weather! This is unusual for our event, but was most welcome.
One improvement I tried to make this year was to open up the opportunity to be a volunteer judge to the whole community, including alumni. This allows the whole community to be involved in the event, and makes it possible for the 5th grade parents to spectate. I was most appreciative of Mary Jo Graden (8th grade parent), Hazel Lucchesi (2nd grade parent) Jason Greenberg (2nd grade parent) Amanda Haase (alum) Nathan Barford (alum) and especially to Dan Driscoll (the only 5th grade parent who judged due to a last minute cancellation) and Deb Gohr (parent of alumni) who not only judged but also came a day early to help set up the events. Being a judge is three days of hard but meaningful work. It was impressive to see how much generosity of spirit each judge brought to their task. It is also a wonderful opportunity to work with the children and meet parents from other schools. Hazel wrote a beautiful chant to lead the procession to the athletic fields. Also, Beth Billups (5th) and Judy Shaver-Chungbin (5th) decorated the lodge for our Greek Feast. And lastly we want to thank room parents Kerri Smith and Josephine Ryan for their help and support.
In total, there were five alumni present, and during a campfire they shared their stories of the pentathlon with the group. Their accounts included descriptions or horrific weather conditions and terrible discomfort. But, they also described overcoming fear and doubt and learning to value the contributions of others.
In our mainly process-oriented educational model, there are a few times when we expect crystalline effort, and the pentathlon is the earliest of these. A year of work, inner and outer, athletic and social, is brought to brief and important culmination in the purposeful execution of these five events. And then, as part of the experience, the results must be digested and accepted. After watching the event in various forms for 11 years, I would describe the event as fun, difficult, strenuous, beautiful, disappointing, triumphant, painful and celebratory. It is an amazing way to bring to the fore the multi-faceted issues of competition and compassion and community.
I certainly hope that those individuals interested in working toward a quality event for the 5th grade and who have some time and interest to devote to the school would consider working as a volunteer judge next year, or in the years to come. The contribution of time and good will is one of the most moving aspects of the event, and a meaningful and important way to contribute to the
children’s educational experience.
-Andrea Shaffer, Gym Teacher & Co-Athletic Director
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community announcements
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chengdu update
CWS parent, Erin Mendoza, is coordinating the collection of gifts, monetary and otherwise, for the Chengdu Waldorf School in China in the aftermath of the recent earthquake there. Cash is, of course, helpful because they lost several buildings that will need to be replaced. But items such as gently used pentatonic flutes or money for flutes, Stockmar watercolor paints, stick crayon cases and⁄or Lyra colored pencils would be very much appreciated as well. Cash, checks or donated goods can be given directly to Erin Mendoza or can be dropped of at the Four Seasons Shop. Checks can be made out to CWS but please indicate that the funds are earmarked for the Chengdu Waldorf School on the check's memo line.
Former CWS music teacher and parent, Elisabeth Swisher, will be travelling to the Chengdu school on June 24th and will take all collected goods and money. For more information, please email Erin Mendoza or call 773.868.1214.
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fish in the bathtub
Yes, that's right — a delightful read of five short stories now available at the Four Seasons Shop. This gem of a book features two of our very own Waldorf parents, Pam Bradley and Pam Stewart. For those of you who are familiar with Beyond the Rainbow Bridge, co-authored by Pam Bradley and Barbara Patterson, you know what a wonderful writer Pam is. Once you read this treasure, you'll find both Pams spin their tales with love, warmth and hope. It's the perfect book to read during the summer and it's on sale now for only $6.50. Stop by and pick up copy while supplies last. Happy Reading!
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alumni news
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alum sensation
Alumni Malcolm (Ike) Edgerton and Christopher Misa have created a minor Web sensation with their rap about their favorite international business magazine, The Economist. They were featured in an article in The Guardian and interviewed on NPR All Things Considered.
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classifieds
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Wonderful Part-Time Nanny Available from mid-August. Since we are moving out of state, our very wonderful, experienced nanny will be available for three days a week. She has been with us for two years and is especially wonderful with babies and toddlers. Warm recommendations upon request. Please call Nirit at 773.248.4678 or call Barbara directly at 773.732.5500.
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Balance Boards & Beams handcrafted by Waldorf parent Liz Kantorski. Fabric covered miniature seesaws and low balance beams are available for custom orders…choose your own fabric, size and style. Good for balance, coordination, exercise, imagination and fun! A great addition to any room in your home, and even at the office. Makes a unique present. For more information and to request pictures please email Liz Kantorski or call 847.866.6105.
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Come Back Inn! Once upon a time there was a ‘doll house’ with 2 BRs (one with queen bed, the other with two twins), a bath with shower, convertible futon in LR, dining area, full kitchen with microwave, dishwasher and stacking washer⁄dryer — and the best of all it is in beautiful Beachwalk, Sheridan Beach, Michigan City, IN. This 'doll house' sleeps 5-6. Central air, outdoor gas grill, cable TV, access to community pool, Lake Kai with paddle boat and fishing, tennis, basketball courts, playground and (of course) Lake Michigan. Near Lighthouse Place Outlet Mall, antiques, Blue Chip Casino, Washington Park Zoo and more. Beaches and relaxation await you! Just 90 minutes from Chicago! Please — no pets or inside smoking; smoking is permitted on the porch. Schedules are flexible; reservations available now. Three-day minimum stay — $500; weekly from Fri-Fri or Sat-Sat, $1500. Please visit the Come Back Inn website or call 708.481.1130 .
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Huge Condo for Rent in Rogers Park! Large living room with bay windows; open and updated kitchen; 3 bedrooms, 2 baths; 1500 sq ft. Hardwood floors throughout, all appliances and storage area. Reserved parking included. Walk to El (Loyola station) and Clark Street Bus #22. Call Laura and⁄or Francisco Bulgarelli 626.241.2241.
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Bring Order to Life! Whole Life Services, Inc. is offering coaching for and/or assistance with clutter, home space organization, time management, small business management, family management, and many other aspects of your life. Call Phyllis Weiland to access her 40 years of experience in all these areas. She loves to organize, create special spaces and create structures and practices that make your life and home or business a fun place to be. Consultation fees by the hour. Project management or assistance — call for free quote. 847.733.0116 (nights and weekends, please; it's a second job for me.) or email phylkat@ameritech.net.
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German Theater Summer Camp for Children! The Dank School is offering a German Theater Summer Camp for children ages 5-9. All levels are welcome. Rehearsals will take place Saturday mornings, June 28-August 9, from 9:30-11:30am at the Dank School (4740 N Western Ave). The performance of the Bremer Stadtmusikanten (Bremen Town Musicians) will take place at 3:00pm on Sunday, August 10th. To register, obtain a registration form from Mrs. Warfield in the Grade School Office or download the registration form at Germandankschool.org. The tuition is $140 per child (or register by June 10th and receive the early-bird fee of $120). For further information call 510.207.2099 or email
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German School of Chicago, an initiative formed by parents and educators to establish a K-12 International School in Chicago, is offering a German immersion summer camp for 6-10 year olds. This camp is organized in cooperation with the Lycee Francais, and will be held at their location. Camp 'Die Forscher' (The Explorers) is for children entering 1st and 2nd grade (ages 6-7), and camp 'Die Abenteurer' (The Adventurers) is for children entering 3rd grade through 5th grade (ages 8-10). This camp will be mostly play-based, and include activities such as arts and crafts, sports, games, theater, and music. There will also be field trips organized. Some attention will be given to German language-building skills. Beginners and speakers of all levels of fluency are welcome. The camp runs for three one-week sessions from July 7-July 25, 2008, Monday — Friday, 9:00am-3:00pm; $350 per week. For more information, visit the German School of Chicago or the Lycee Francais.
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Need a Summer Nanny⁄Babysitter? Hi! My name is Kiah Shapiro and I'm a CWHS graduate from 2007 and I am looking to nanny or babysit this summer. I have quite a bit of experience working and spending time with children. I can drive and my schedule is fairly empty for the summer. If you have any questions or would like a reference, please feel free to give me a call at 773.425.2180.
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Part-Time Assistant Needed for organizing, MySpace work, and a little computer research for a cool new website for organic and natural products and information. Most of it can be done at home on your own computer. If you are dependable, have a computer and need some part-time income, contact Cathey at 773.772.0728 (note corrected phone number).
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10th Grader Laura Holdrege is available for summer work: babysitting, housework, pet sitting, and gardening. In the past, Laura has helped students practice their Handle exercises, so this could be part of a child care arrangement if your child has had a Handle evaluation. Laura will be in town all summer except for July 26-August 9. For more information call 773.878.4890.
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For Rent: Beautiful, newly redecorated 1st floor apt. in NW Evanston. Vintage house, 6 rooms, 2-3 br, 1 bth, updated plumbing, electric, custom kitchen. Big yard, park across street, 1 blk N. of Central and bus, 2 blks to Metra. $1650 includes heat, water, own laundry, storage. Non-smoking. Call Susan 847.869.9898.
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food for thought
Summer afternoon — summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.
-Henry James
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Fall 2008 — Key Dates
september
2 — tuesday
•Orientation for Grades 1, 9, 12 and New High School Students & Parents
3 — wednesday
•Classes Begin for Grades 1-12
4 — thursday
•Early Childhood 2 & 5 Day Programs Begin
8 — monday
•Early Childhood 3-Day Program Begins
october
13 — monday
•Columbus Day — No School
november
7 — friday & 10 – monday
•Parent-Teacher Conferences — No School for Early Childhood-Grade 12
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Four Seasons Shop School Store
School Store — Summer Hours
Mondays — Fridays
9:00am-1:00pm
Closed Saturdays & Sundays
Crafts, art supplies, gift items, silks, books, baby care, school supplies and much more…
773.828.8800
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BULLETIN SUBMISSIONS
•All submissions must be emailed to
Ilene Warfield and are subject to editing.
•The deadline for submissions is 3:00pm on Thursday for publication in the following week's edition.
•If you would like to receive weekly
email notification of electronic
publication, send your email address
to Ilene Warfield.
•If you have any questions, contact Ilene Warfield or call
773.465.2372.