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Last month, before we departed for our Winter Break, our school was alive with the magic of the season. The community gathered for the Winter Fair, where the building buzzed with the generous energy of parent volunteers and creative outlets for guests of all ages. St. Nick visited the Kindergarten, leaving treats tucked into children's slippers – their faces the next morning full of wonder. Children led the Winter Spiral, each one carrying their candle through the darkness with such reverence. And Santa Lucia arrived with her crown of light, reminding us that beauty and warmth prevail even in the longest nights.
The students enjoyed sledding and ice skating. And the teachers gave us the gift of the Oberufer Shepherd's Play, performing with heart and humor.
So many celebrations, songs, and quiet moments of wonder happen within the walls of our schoolhouse. Mountain Laurel holds our children, our families and our community in so many ways.
This month, our Warmth & Light Campaign will support the foundation that makes all of this possible: the operations and infrastructure that keep our beloved school warm, bright, and welcoming.
As we begin this new year together, may we carry forward the light and warmth we've built as a community – in our children, in our school, and in the world they'll help create.
| WORDS FROM RUDOLF STEINER | We need to learn that
each new day and each new year
offers continual revelation. | | |
A COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: WINTER FAIR
The Winter Fair transformed our school into a festive gathering place where families created memories together. Parents volunteered throughout the day, staffing craft stations, serving hot cocoa, and ensuring every detail came together seamlessly. From handmade gifts to seasonal treats, the Fair reflected the generosity and creativity of our community. It was a beautiful reminder that Mountain Laurel thrives because of the dedication and energy families bring to our shared life together. Thank you to all who helped make it possible!
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ST. NICK'S QUIET VISIT
While the Kindergarteners slept at home on December 5th, St. Nicholas made his quiet visit to their classroom. The next morning, children discovered treats tucked into their slippers – a magical surprise that brought wide eyes and wondering whispers. This gentle tradition allows young children to experience the season's magic without overwhelm, honoring their developmental need for reverence and wonder. The joy on their faces reminded us all of the beauty in simple, meaningful moments.
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SANTA LUCIA: A FESTIVAL OF LIGHT
Ms. Neel's second graders – accompanied by Mr. Steve Bernstein on the mandolin –led the school in the Santa Lucia celebration, honoring this traditional Festival of Light from the Waldorf calendar. They processed through the school singing and bringing brightness and warmth to each classroom. This festival, celebrated on what was once the Winter Solstice under the Julian calendar, reminds us that even in the longest nights, beauty and warmth prevail. The children carried this living tradition with dignity and joy. Thank you to the parents who baked and delivered lussekatter – the traditional Swedish saffron buns – to every classroom, adding sweetness and authenticity to this beautiful celebration.
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OBERUFER SHEPHERDS PLAY: A GIFT FROM THE TEACHERS
On December 15th, Mountain Laurel teachers presented the Oberufer Shepherds Play in Jaeckel Hall, offering families this traditional peasant play that has been performed since Medieval times. Passed down through oral tradition in the remote Austrian village of Oberufer, the play tells the Christmas story from the shepherds' perspective with warmth and humor. The teachers' heartfelt performance brought this living tradition to life – connecting our community to centuries of storytelling and celebration.
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AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS ARE STARTING BACK UP!
January - February
Tuesdays @ 3:15 - 5pm
Mountain Laurel's After-School Clubs offer enriching experiences for students in grades 1–8, with programs open to the public including homeschoolers and students from local school districts. Our January–February session features West African Drumming with Amadou Diallo and Seed of Light Puppet Show Rehearsals. Each five-to-six week block allows students to develop new skills and friendships in a supportive environment, with sibling discounts available at 20% off per additional child. Pre-registration is required – click below to register, or contact reception@mountainlaurel.org with questions.
| | SUMMER PROGRAM REGISTRATION IS OPEN! | | | | |
Registration is now open for Mountain Laurel's 2026 Summer Program for children ages 3–8. Pre-registration rates are available through March 1 ($425/week), with special discounts for sibling registrations and families registering for four or more weeks. New this year: After-Care available until 5:30pm.
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SAVE THE DATE FOR AN ELEGANT EVENING
Saturday evening, March 7, 2026
Join us for an elegant evening of entertainment, artistry, and community at The Locust Grove historic site in Poughkeepsie. Our Community Cabaret will showcase the creative talents of our school community with performances, a silent auction, delicious food, and lovely ambience – all benefiting Mountain Laurel. The evening culminates with a late-night DJ dance party. This is an adults-only affair, so secure your babysitter now (ask us for our recommended list!) and prepare for a memorable night of celebration and fundraising. Interested in performing, donating an auction item, or helping with planning? Contact Amy Hannes at ahannes@mountainlaurel.org.
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SEED OF LIGHT: A STORY OF REMEMBERING
Performances on Sunday, March 1, 2026
An original student-made puppet production honoring African civilizations and Black American history, created entirely by students in grades 3–8 with handcrafted puppets, backdrops, and live music. This performance benefits the Margaret Wade Lewis Center and celebrates the power of collective creation and remembrance. Learn more.
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SAVE THE DATE & SAVE A LIFE: AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
Friday, March 20
9:00am to 1:00pm
Conveniently scheduled on the same day as parent-teacher conferences when there's no school. Childcare will be available so parents can give blood before or after conferences. Registration will be available soon.
| | UPCOMING EVENTS
JANUARY & FEBRUARY | |
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SEED OF LIGHT MEETINGS
Tuesdays in January & February
3:30 - 5:00 PM
Volunteers can take part in prop making, set building, puppet manipulation, singing, and more. Email vie@mountainlaurel.org for more information.
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LOST & FOUND
Tuesday, Jan 6; Wednesday, Jan 21; Thursday, Feb 5; Friday, Feb 27
12:00 - 3:30 PM or later (weather permitting)
Outside Jaeckel Hall
Lost & Found can also be accessed anytime in the Reception Office
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THE BALANCING ACT
Wednesday, January 7
9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
A small film crew from The Balancing Act – a national family-friendly educational program – will visit campus to create a 3-5 minute segment about Mountain Laurel, with a special focus on the benefits of screen-free Waldorf education.
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PARENT COUNCIL MEETING
Friday, January 9
2:00 - 3:00 PM
2nd Floor at 7 Innis Avenue (enter at back of building)
All MLWS parents and caregivers are welcome to participate in a meeting designed by and for parents and caregivers. Email parentcouncil@mountainlaurel.org for more information.
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SUNFLOWER GARDEN PARENT & TODDLER PLAY GROUP
Winter Session for Ages 0-3 begins Monday, January 12
9:00 - 11:00 AM
Classes are held on Mondays and Fridays. Register here.
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VOICES FOR INCLUSION & EQUITY (VIE) GROUP
Tuesdays, January 13 & 27, February 10 & 24
7:00 - 8:00 PM via Zoom
The VIE Group is dedicated to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, just, and welcoming school environment. Meets every other week; see School Calendar for all dates. Email vie@mountainlaurel.org for more information.
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WINTER MUSIC SHARE
Friday, January 16
7:00 PM at New Paltz High School
Family and friends are invited to celebrate the children's musical growth. Every child in grades one through eight will perform – younger grades by class, and grades four through eight in ensembles, choirs, and orchestras.
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NO SCHOOL - MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY
Monday, January 19
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RAFFLE DRAWING: WARMTH & LIGHT BASKET
Monday, January 19
Click here to learn more and enter to win
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OPEN HOUSE & WINDOW ON THE MIDDLE GRADES
Sunday, January 25
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
This special program will take you behind the scenes of the Middle Grades at Mountain Laurel. Hear from alumni, ask questions and participate in hands-on learning.
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AMERICAN RED CROSS BABYSITTING CERTIFICATION COURSE
Saturday, February 7
9:00am – 4:30pm
This American Red Cross course for ages 12–16 teaches child care, basic first aid, and infant CPR, with graduates earning certification and eligibility to work at Mountain Laurel's Summer Program, aftercare, and parent meetings, as well as placement on our recommended babysitters list. $150 per person (includes lunch); space is limited. Email reception@mountainlaurel.org for more information.
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DEADLINE FOR AUCTION DONATIONS
Monday, February 8
This year our online auction will launch earlier (the week of February 23rd) than in years past. Help make our online auction a success by donating items and experiences – from handmade jewelry, pottery, and artwork to tickets for shows and sporting events, gift certificates for spa treatments and restaurants, or services like tutoring, catering, and cleaning. This is a wonderful opportunity to share your creativity, support local businesses, and contribute to our school community. If you'd like to help out, or have something you'd like to donate, please email Amy Hannes.
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NO SCHOOL - FEBRUARY RECESS
Monday, February 16 - Friday, February 20
| | CLASSIFIEDS & COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS | | |
Submit your listing
To have your classifieds or community announcements listed in our next issue of The Laurel, please submit entries here by January 15th. Thank you!
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