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March at Mountain Laurel greets us with the courage, creativity, and bold movement of the Fire Horse, an animal and symbol whose appearance in the Chinese calendar occurs only once every 60 years, bringing with it a blazing convergence of fire's passion and the horse's boundless forward energy.
To welcome the Lunar New Year, Mandarin Teacher Beatrice Chen organized a full day of festivities including a traditional attire presentation by the Beauty through the Dynasties Club, a whole-school sweeping clean, and the thunderous joy of the Lion Dance performed by the Mid-Hudson Chinese Language Center.
In Waldorf education, seasonal festivals are woven intentionally into the rhythm of the school year to nourish the children's sense of wonder, belonging, and connection to the broader world. The Lunar New Year supports our Mandarin Chinese curriculum and offers a rich window into one of the world's great living traditions, inviting every child into a wider circle of human experience.
Over the past month, we celebrated the whole child – heart, mind, and body – in multiple ways. Valentine's Day filled our classrooms with handmade expressions of love and care. Black History Month and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. invited deep reflection and learning. And the Fire Horse swept through our halls with color, drumming and joy.
Now we hope to feel winter's final breath and spring's first stirrings. This month, Mountain Laurel was also featured on the Balancing Act, bringing our story to a wider audience, and our school store is stocked with spring-inspired Waldorf items for you to bring home. After one of the snowiest winters in recent memory, spring is coming and we are galloping toward it with open arms!
Keep reading to find out more!
| WORDS FROM RUDOLF STEINER | In all things 'becoming' there must be growth and evolution. Hence we perceive in the present the seeds of transformation and of growth. | | |
LOVE IN BLOOM: EARLY CHILDHOOD VALENTINE'S DAY
Sweetness filled the Early Childhood classrooms on Valentine's Day as our youngest students celebrated with handmade cards, seasonal treats, and heartfelt moments of connection.
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WEST AFRICAN RHYTHMS: CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
In honor of Black History Month, Mountain Laurel welcomed percussionist Amadou Diallo for a vibrant all-school assembly and a full day of drumming and dance. A performer and teaching artist with The Vanaver Caravan for over 20 years, Amadou brought the rich rhythms and traditions of his home in Senegal, West Africa, to life for our students. From the thunderous resonance of the djembe to stories of growing up among Senegal's diverse cultures and traditions, it was a joyful, memorable, and deeply enriching experience for the whole community. (Amadou will be offering West African Drumming as an after school club beginning March 10th for children in grades 1-8. Click here to learn more.)
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JOAN OF ARC: A 6TH GRADE TRIUMPH
The 6th Grade brought the extraordinary life of Joan of Arc to the stage in a powerful class play. With passion and conviction, students embodied the courage of a young girl who trusted her inner calling and changed the course of history. Class plays are a hallmark of Waldorf education, offering students the opportunity to develop confidence, collaboration, and artistic expression through storytelling. This performance was a testament to the remarkable growth of this class and left audiences entertained and inspired.
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WELCOMING THE NEW YEAR: CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
Mountain Laurel rang in the Year of the Fire Horse with a joyful school-wide celebration led by Mandarin Teacher Beatrice Chen. The day was filled with cultural richness and community spirit: students gathered for a traditional attire presentation by the Beauty through the Dynasties Club, tracing the elegance and artistry of Chinese dress across the centuries. The whole school joined together for a symbolic clean-up — a cherished New Year tradition of clearing away the old to welcome fresh beginnings — before the highlight of the day: a lively Lion Dance performed by the Mid-Hudson Chinese Language Center. The beating drums, swirling colors, and infectious energy of the lion brought good fortune and delight to students and staff alike.
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EMOTIONAL SELF-REGULATION
Not Neglecting Our Own Needs - Emotional Self-Regulation - Part One
In the first episode of this five-part series on Emotional Self-Regulation , Kim John Payne reflects on the quiet power of micro self-care - small, intentional moments that help parents replenish their emotional reserves.
What Pushes Our Buttons - Emotional Self-Regulation - Part Two
In this episode, Kim explores one of the deepest challenges for parents: the feeling of being unseen, undervalued, or taken for granted.
When It All Gets Too Much - Emotional Self Regulation - Part Three
In this third episode, Kim offers a practical, compassionate invitation to slow down.
Why Screen Time for Kids Makes It Hard For Us - Emotional Self-Regulation - Part Four
Here, he reviews how screens can disrupt not only a child’s emotional balance but also a parent’s ability to stay centered.
When Kids Are Angry, They Are Vulnerable - Emotional Self Regulation - Part Five
Finally, Kim explores the idea that when children are angry, they are also deeply vulnerable.
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DOING THINGS THE HARD WAY IS WORTH IT
In our tech-driven world, escapism has become the norm. Children are engaging in real life less, distracted by screens, and demonstrating a low tolerance for inconvenience. Waldorf Education believes that doing things the “hard” way results in better focus, more creativity, higher academic achievement, and better mental health. By staying off screens, resolving conflict in person, writing essays in cursive, knitting a hat, doing multi-sensory science experiments, going outdoors in all weather, learning an instrument, and more, we help students push through discomfort to become engaged, enthusiastic, and resilient learners.
Click here to read more.
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MOUNTAIN LAUREL FEATURED ON THE BALANCING ACT
Mountain Laurel was featured on The Balancing Act, a national family-friendly program covering health, wellness, parenting, and lifestyle. After researching schools in the Hudson Valley, producers chose Mountain Laurel because they felt their audience would appreciate learning about Waldorf education and what makes our approach distinctive. Watch our segment here.
| AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS RETURN THE WEEK OF MARCH 9TH | | After-School Clubs are back — and open to the public! This session runs March 9 – April 21 and features Drama Club, West African Drumming, and Sculpture Arts. Clubs meet once weekly, 3:15 – 5:00 PM. Pre-registration is required. Click here to learn more and sign up. | | |
AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
Friday, March 20 @ 1:30 - 5:30 pm
| | | | The American Red Cross is facing a severe shortage, with hospital demand outpacing supply and blood inventory down roughly 35% over the past month. One donation can save up to three lives — and you can give right here at Mountain Laurel. The drive will be held on parent-teacher conference day, with childcare available for currently enrolled students. Pre-book your appointment to help everything run smoothly; walk-in appointments are not guaranteed. | | SPRING HAS ARRIVED AT THE MOUNTAIN LAUREL SCHOOL STORE! | | Looking for a special spring gift or the perfect treasure for the tooth fairy to leave behind? Visit the Mountain Laurel School Store, located in our entrance foyer or online. This season we're stocked with Easter crafts, farm stories, handmade jump ropes, and fresh spring-inspired items alongside our beloved year-round offerings — beautiful gems and crystals, handmade natural items, Waldorf art supplies and craft kits, thoughtfully selected books, and Mountain Laurel logo clothing and gear. Whether you're shopping for a child's birthday, a teacher appreciation gift, or simply want to support our school while finding something special, the store offers unique treasures you won't find elsewhere. Every purchase supports Mountain Laurel! | | | SUMMER PROGRAM STILL ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS | | | | Registration is still open for Mountain Laurel's 2026 Summer Program for children ages 3 and up. We have special discounts for sibling registrations and families registering for four or more weeks. New this year: After-Care available until 5:30pm. | | UPCOMING EVENTS
MARCH & APRIL | |
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WINTER REVELRY: CANCELLED
Please note the event scheduled for Saturday, March 7th has been cancelled.
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AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS
Beginning the week of March 9
Our Spring After School Clubs will begin the week of March 9th. Click here to learn more and sign up.
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VOICES FOR INCLUSION & EQUITY (VIE) GROUP
Tuesdays, March 10 & 24 and April 7 & 21
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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PARENT COUNCIL MEETING
Friday, March 13
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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NO SCHOOL - EID AL-FITR
Thursday, March 19
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NO SCHOOL - PARENT / TEACHER CONFERENCES
Friday, March 20
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AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
Friday, March 20
1:30 - 5:30 pm
Childcare will be available for currently enrolled Mountain Laurel students. Pre-book your appointment to help everything run smoothly. Walk-in appointments are not guaranteed.
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NO SCHOOL - SPRING BREAK
Monday, March 30 - Monday, April 6
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8th GRADE PLAY: SLEEPING BEAUTY, BRIAR ROSE
Wednesday, March 25 & Thursday, March 26
Time TBD @ Boughton Place
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SCHOOOL PICTURES: MAKE-UP DAY
Tuesday, April 21
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HALF DAY: STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY
Friday, April 24
| | 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 March 15th. Thank you!
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