From the Director

What a wonderful first week of school it has been! Each morning I’m greeted by so many smiling faces walking onto campus—it fills me with gratitude and excitement for the year ahead. If I don’t yet know you by name, I’d love the chance to; please feel free to introduce yourself as you walk past.

The children look happy and eager to be back, and our campus is already thriving with positivity and joy. This energy sets the perfect tone for what I know will be our best year yet at Madrone Trail!

I look forward to seeing you all at Family Night next Thursday evening. We will have free childcare for school-age children on the playground, provided by one of our kindergarten assistants. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to stop by the office and say hello—I’d love to connect.

Warmly,

Kelly Ruse

Interim Director

kelly.ruse@madronetrail.org

From the Pedagogical Committee Chair

Dear Madrone Trail families,

It is my great honor and privilege to announce that our school is now fully accredited as a member in good standing with the Alliance for Public Waldorf Education. After several years of slow and deliberate institutional soul-searching (known as a 'self-study'), we finally received our letter of approval just last weekend confirming our membership as the fruit of many conversations among staff and board members around the identity of our school with respect to the Alliance's Seven Core Values:

1. The Image of the Human Being

2. Child Development

3. Social Change through Education

4. Human Relationships

5. Access and Diversity

6. Collaborative Leadership

7. Schools as Learning Communities

We are grateful to have completed this process, but in many ways this is just the beginning of our work as a school, as an organization, and as a community. As members of the Alliance for Public Waldorf Education, we now enjoy the right to rename ourselves Madrone Trail Public Waldorf School (a process which the board is just beginning to look into), but we also must commit to ever renewing and verifying our commitment to the seven values named above. This means that it is not time to rest, but to press onward toward building an even more robust school community that promotes a collaborative strategic vision among teachers, parents, and administrators. The values of public Waldorf education must now be proven through practice. 

The impulse for Waldorf education arose in the immediate aftermath of World War I in Germany. We have to imagine that at that time, there were none of the 'props' that we now have at our disposal as Waldorf educators: colored chalk and silks, abundant wooden toys, painting supplies, and a copia of literature on Waldorf teaching and parenting methods. With this picture in our minds of the first Waldorf school, in its simplicity and even austerity, we have to wonder, what then is the 'essence' of Waldorf education? There are many ways to answer this intractable question, but at the very least it is this: to strive for the renewal of human values through education by teaching on a human scale, that the earth may enjoy an increase in fraternity, solidarity, and mutual flourishing in every sphere of life. This is the lofty vision that makes our pedagogy stand out among all the rest, and it is a vision that I am proud to share with the other member schools of the Alliance for Public Waldorf Education as we continue to engage in this work, which is nothing short of sacred. 

In celebrating today, we look forward in hope to the challenges of tomorrow. Thank you for embarking on this journey with us! 

Daniel Nicholas

3rd grade teacher and Pedagogical Committee Chair

daniel.nicholas@madronetrail.org

From the Parent Council

Join the Parent Council! We are still in need of Parent Representatives for this school year. The Parent Council is designed to support our school events, festivals, and classroom needs. Our mission is to create a collaborative and supportive environment between parents and teachers to stay involved and informed. We foster a schoolwide community and strive to help every parent contribute and feel heard. 

This is a wonderful way to get your volunteer hours and build community. If you are interested, sign up here for additional information and updates. The next Parent Council meeting will be held on September, 8th at 6pm at the school in the 4th grade classroom.

From the Volunteer Coordinator

Hello wonderful Madrone Trail families! 

I hope that you had a rejuvenating and joyful summer break. I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself as the volunteer coordinator for our school! I have been part of the Madrone Trail community for the last four years, and have been very involved with volunteering during that time. I am truly looking forward to this opportunity of coordinating the volunteer needs of our school so that it can run successfully.

As you may already know, Madrone Trail requires all families to participate in 25 volunteering hours, per family, during the school year.

Before you can volunteer, you must complete an application/background check. Background checks are valid for two years. If you have received an email that yours has expired or you have yet to complete one, click the link below to complete the Medford School District Volunteer Application!

Here are a few of the current volunteer needs! If you would like to get involved please reach out to me!

• Library volunteers
• Dragon Cafe volunteers
• Groundskeeping volunteers

My goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to get your volunteer hours in and will be communicating many different opportunities to you throughout the year. Our school relies on volunteers to run smoothly, so allow me to help find the perfect opportunity for you! Feel free to reach out to me via email with any questions whatsoever and please join me at Parent Night on September 4th for more information on volunteer opportunities, committees, and how to log your volunteer hours. 

Thank you so much and welcome back to school!

Stephanie Booker

Volunteer Coordinator

stephanie.booker@madronetrail.org

From the Dragon Café

A big THANK YOU to the immensely talented Britt Lawson for creating this beautiful sign for us. We are so grateful for your time and artistic talent. 

The Busiest Restaurant in Town!

What a fantastic first week back at school! It was such a joy to welcome our students and dish out some seriously delicious meals—not to mention the rave reviews we received on our new menu!

Thanks to our brand-new convection ovens, we served up 184 pizzas to students and staff on Thursday alone. It was a total whirlwind of cheesy goodness, but our incredible team pulled it off with smiles (and maybe a few new burns).

And that’s not all! On Wednesday, we hit a record-breaking 170+ meals served on early release day—our biggest yet. Sure, our feet are tired, our backs a little sore, and we’re eyeing the weekend like it’s a slice of cake... but getting to serve this amazing community makes it all 100% worth it.

Kitchen Volunteer Shifts

Speaking of tired feet... we could really use some helping hands! With more students joining us for lunch and the same small (but mighty!) kitchen crew, we’re stretched thinner than ever.

We’re currently looking for parent volunteers to help with afternoon kitchen clean-up. Shifts run from 1:15–3:15 pm, and your support will help us keep the magic (and meals) coming. If you’re able to lend a hand, please reach out—we’d love to have you on the team!

All About Snacks

First off—a quick apology that snack info took a little longer to roll out. Thanks for your patience!

Here’s what we’ve got:

We offer goldfish, sweet potato crackers, raisins, string cheese, and milk for $0.50 each. Every student can also grab one apple for free.

But wait, there’s more! BIG NEWS!

We just learned that we received a grant to offer fresh fruits and veggies to students free of charge during snack time. And not just your standard apples and carrots—we’re talking star fruit, Armenian cucumbers, kiwis, gazpacho and other exciting, sometimes surprising, produce picks.

This is a huge win for our students, and we can’t wait to see them try new flavors and textures in a fun, healthy way!

Snack Payment Info

For any paid snack items, students must have a positive balance on their EZ app account.

New to Madrone Trail? No problem! Each student already has a profile—you’ll just need to create a parent account and link it to your child. You can load funds using a debit/credit card on the EZ app, or make payments directly in the school office (cash, card, and checks accepted).

Need help? Reach out to Chef Evan anytime.

Snack FAQ: “Why don’t you sell more variety or ‘better’ snacks?”

Great question! As a proud sponsor of the National School Lunch Program, we follow a long list of nutritional and purchasing rules. In fact, snack regulations are even stricter than those for breakfast and lunch (who knew?)

Even though the snacks are for purchase, we’re still required to meet federal nutrition standards and stick to approved vendors. We get it—it may seem a little rigid. But these guidelines are what make it possible for us to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students.

Thanks for your understanding and continued support!

Last but not least, an incorrect version of our lunch menu was published in last week’s update (dangit, Chef Evan!) Here is the correct version, namely the hot lunch special on Tuesday and Friday is flipped. FYI, full information about the lunch program including menus for your fridge will be included in the Welcome Packets coming out next week! 

Chef Evan

evan.wilson@madronetrail.org

From the Athletic Director

What a whirlwind this first week has been for me with two sports and two clubs all beginning at the same time. We have had great enrollment in all 4 activities. Please read the section your student is involved in to find updates.

Sports Physicals

For all sport participation we require a sport physical be done even to begin practicing. This can be done with your PCP and many chiropractors do them.

If you still need one, Sarah Roberson will be available on Monday September, 1st. (NP with Complete Integrative Care) Sign up in the link here.

Girls Volleyball

We have 10 participants so far. Deadline to register Tuesday, September 2nd.

Who: 6th-8th graders

Cost: $100. Scholarship and payment request forms are in the office.

(Please don’t ever let money be the reason your child does not participate)

When: Practices Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 3:30-5:30, Wednesdays 2:15-4:15 until games start on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Game Schedule: Home games are in the Sacred Heart gym

(Games will start at 4:30 or 5:30 depending on team placement)

9/8 @ Rogue Christian Academy

9/10 Home vs Applegate

9/15 @ Rogue Valley Adventist

9/17 Home vs Lorna Byrne

9/22 @ New Hope Christian

9/24 @ The Valley School

9/29 Home vs Rogue River

10/1 Home vs Rogue Christian Academy

10/6 @ Ruch

10/8 Home vs Rogue Valley Adventist

10/13 @ Lorna Byrne

10/15 Home vs New Hope Christian

Cross Country

We have 10 participants so far. Deadline to register Tuesday September 2nd.

Who: 6th-8th graders

Cost: $100. Scholarship and payment request forms are in the office.

(Please don’t ever let money be the reason your child does not participate)

Cross Country will typically practice Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 3:30-5:00 unless there is a meet. If the temperature is over 100 degree, practice will be canceled and text notifications sent.

Cross Country will meet on the courtyard at 3:30 each practice day.

Meet schedule: (Girls run at 4:30, boys run at 5:00)

9/9 Expo center Central Point

9/18 Host Ashland Middle School, Location TBA

9/25 Host Oakdale Middle School, Location TBA

10/2 Host Hanby Middle School, Location TBA

10/9 Host Madrone Trail, Location Logos field

10/16 Conference Championships, Expo center Central Point 

Fall Clubs!

OBOB (Oregon Battle of the Books)

Mrs. Richardson will be once again running our OBOB club.

When: Wednesdays 1:15-2:15. Starting September 10th, ending in March.

Who: 6th-8th graders (No cap)

Where: In the Library

Cost: Free! (This one is free folks)

There is a link to our new clubs form below (It is very similar to the sports form, but we are now separating the 2 forms)

Watercolor Club

Carole Whitridge will be teaching a watercolor painting class! There will be a younger grades class Wednesdays and an older grades class on Mondays.

Watercolor painting registration is full.

Note: We had 23 (3rd-5th) graders sign up for the Wednesday class and 5 (6th-8th) graders sign up for the Monday class. We need to balance this out. We are asking for volunteers from any of the Wednesday class grades to switch to the Monday class at 3:30-4:30. Please email me ASAP if you are willing to switch. We will switch the first 9 responses. Thanks

When: Starting September 8th ending October 22nd

Mondays 3:30-4:30 

Wednesdays 1:30-2:30

Where: In the 6th grade classroom

Cost: $75

Basketball Club

Mark Stegall is returning to offer Basketball Club this year. Basketball Club is not the same as our school basketball team, which will be signed up for separately and will need a current sports physical.

When: Starting September 9th ending October 16th

Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30-4:45

Who: 6th-8th grade (Coed) (Capped at 14 participants) 6 spots left!

Where: Madrone Trail gym

Cost: $75

A note about end times: Please pick up your student on time after any club or sport activity. One complaint I have received from coaches and club directors in the past is students not being picked up on time. Please make it a point to be there at the designated end time of their activity.

Go Dragons!



Jeff Roberson

jeff.roberson@madronetrail.org

Cans & Bottles Fundraiser

Got cans! Or bottles! 

The 8th grade class is raising money for their end of the year trip and we can use your help! Throughout the year we will be accepting cans and bottles that can be returned for a deposit. So, if you have bags of cans and bottles lying around the house, or work somewhere that has a can bin, we will be happy to take them off your hands. 

2 Easy ways to do it!

#1: Drop off your bags of cans at the can drop-off location between the school dumpster and garden. We will take it from there.

#2: Pick up blue bags from the office (the blue bags indicate non-profit fundraiser), then fill up the blue bags at home or at work and bring them to the drop-off location at the school. 

Thanks everyone! Our hope is to raise a ton of $ with the recycle fundraiser this year.

-Mr. Barbee and the Blackberry Class

From the Library

Students may begin checking out books from our school library the second week of school. We also have a parent section, which includes crafting, gardening, nutrition, and Waldorf-specific resources. Parents may check out library books on their child's account.

Please make sure that you have added your child to the library system if you haven't already. Click on the Library Parent Policy Agreement to get the process started. You only need to do this once, if your child was able to check out books last year, you are good to go.

Parking Lot Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures

Drop Off: Parents/Guardians have two options this year for drop off.

• They can pull up to the drop off zone and drop off their students as we did last year. Please use only this entrance and not the gate by the crosswalk. After dropping off students, turn left and exit through the parking lot. DO NOT drive on the track in the morning.
• Parents/guardians can also park and walk their students to class. Please use the crosswalk and walkways to navigate the parking lot. 
• Students can be dropped off starting at 7:45 am. Students dropped off between 7:45 am and 8:30 am will go to the playground where they will be supervised by a staff member or to the gym starting at 8:00 am to get breakfast.
• Students getting food need to get their breakfast immediately upon arriving at school, and not play on the playground first. Breakfast will be served until 9:00 am for late arrivals.

Pick Up: As with drop off, parents/guardians will have two options this year. 

• They can use our pick up lane (the track) and have their students (3rd-8th) delivered to their car as we did last year.
• They can park and walk in. THIS IS REQUIRED FOR K-2.
• NOTE: If your K-2nd grader has a responsible older sibling in 4th grade or above, you can make an arrangement with those students' teachers to have the older child pick up the younger one to be picked up in the pick up line. 
• To make the pick up line go quicker, we will have 3rd-5th grade out in the courtyard and 6th-8th grade in the field. If you are walking in, please wait for those classes in the courtyard and pick them up from there. Do not go to the classroom. Pick up time will be between 3:15-3:30 pm (1:15-1:30 pm on Weds.) Please arrive in the pick up line or the courtyard no earlier than 3:00 pm (1:00 pm on Weds.)
• 6th-8th grade parents/guardians, please use the pick up line if you do not want to get out of your car, or park in the back of the lot and walk to get your child. We have many students trying to load into cars in the driving lane, this is backing up traffic in the parking lot.

Please be patient with us and new parents the first few weeks as we all get into the rhythm of drop and pick up routines.

Also, please note: drop off and pick up time is not the time to engage in conversation with your child's class teacher, as they will be busy getting ready for the start of the day, and ensuring all students get to where they need to go in the afternoon. If you would like to discuss something with a teacher, please email them to arrange a time to meet or talk on the phone.

Bus Schedule UPDATED

Please communicate with your class teacher if you child will be riding the bus this year. Please note here has been a change on Wednesday. Jefferson is the first stop.

Community Offering

More information here: https://elementsnatureschool.com/wilderness-wednesdays and https://elementsnatureschool.com/forest-fridays

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.