HAS IT REALLY BEEN 40 YEARS?! | |
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Mountain Laurel Waldorf School turns 40 this year, and my, how we have grown!
12 founding families
23 new families this year
131 students currently enrolled
over 400 alumni
and hundreds of community supporters
It is an auspicious moment to reflect on community, as the wonderful energy of so many new families merges with the deep knowledge and experience of the faculty, alumni and families that have been a part of Mountain Laurel for some time.
We are grateful to you for being part of the community that has helped us sustain and build upon our 40-year legacy of offering outstanding Waldorf education. And we are thrilled to share with you our plans for strategic planning, annual giving and anniversary celebrations.
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STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS | |
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WE WELCOME YOUR INPUT!
Recognizing our deep history, institutional knowledge and existing commitment to Waldorf principles, we are well poised for the launch of a strategic planning process that will provide a roadmap for the next 3 years based on the following key organizational priorities:
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PEDAGOGICAL EXCELLENCE: Ensure a high-quality education to meet the evolving needs of students while maintaining a commitment to Waldorf principles.
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DEIJ: Create and sustain a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and just school community that is safe and welcoming for all.
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ORGANIZATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY: Position MLWS for long-term sustainability and growth opportunities as they arise.
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COMMUNITY: Maximize engagement and collaboration.
The Strategic Planning Committee of the Board of Trustees is composed of representatives from the College, the Administration and the Parent Body. But it takes a village, so we invite you to review the Strategic Planning Priorities in detail and submit your thoughts and questions to us at [email protected].
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ANNUAL GIVING: WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT | |
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WHY IS ANNUAL GIVING NEEDED?
Our Annual Giving Fund is the cornerstone of our fundraising and our most important source of unrestricted funds. The true cost of sustaining our school is greater than what we receive in tuition and fees, which cover only 80% of our annual operating budget. We rely on financial acts of kindness to ensure that every student, every day, benefits from a comprehensive and dynamic curriculum.
WHO DONATES?
Last year, thanks to our families, faculty and board, we reached 100% participation. This all-in record establishes a strong collaborative message – within and outside of our community – that together we are all supporting the well-being and strength of our school. This year, in honor of our 40th anniversary, we are hoping for 100% participation from our alumni as well!
WHAT WILL YOUR DONATION GO TOWARD?
- Sustain and build upon our 40-year legacy of offering outstanding Waldorf education in our community.
- Offer competitive salaries, benefits and professional development to attract and retain top quality teachers and staff.
- Provide tuition assistance and scholarships to make Mountain Laurel accessible to anyone who wants a Waldorf education for their children.
- Work with Alma Partners to consciously incorporate diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice (DEIJ) into all that we do.
- Host professional speakers on topics of interest to families.
- Continue to expand upon our one-of-a-kind programming during the school year and beyond.
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This year marks Mountain Laurel’s 40th Anniversary. We will be celebrating throughout the year and invite all current families and alumni to join in the fun. What do you love about Mountain Laurel? Help us gather 40 Things We Love about Mountain Laurel!
SAVE THE DATE
We are planning special celebrations for the weekend of May 4-5, 2024, including an evening gala on Saturday, May 4th. Please mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information.
STAY IN TOUCH
We’re trying to connect with all our alumni. Know someone who may have lost touch? Please forward them this email, or ask them to fill out our MLWS Alumni Form. If you are an alum of MLWS and would like to get involved, please email [email protected]. Stay tuned for more information!
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GAINING PERSPECTIVE IN SEVENTH GRADE
The historical period known as the Renaissance deeply companions the inner developmental space of students in Theodor Lundin’s 7th grade, which began the year by studying the basic laws of perspective drawing. These laws were first formulated in 1413, at the dawn of the Renaissance. The class worked to slowly master the concepts of vanishing points, converging lines, interpolation (dividing space in perspective given beginning and end positions), and extrapolation (dividing perspective space given a start point and extending into the infinite). With these skills the students gained the ability to convey three dimensional space on two dimensional sheets of paper. Progressing from simple to more demanding renderings required both artistic composition and mathematical accuracy. Final pieces included cityscapes and interior furnished spaces.
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STUDYING BOTANY IN FIFTH GRADE
A walk in the woods in the early morning dew is a wondrous way to witness the sun shining upon jeweled spider webs and fresh mushrooms popping out of the earth. Last month, Michele Turner’s 5th grade class began their two-part study of botany at Nyquist Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary. In the autumn, students take a look at the lower plants, and return in the spring to study flowering plants. Separating the study this way enables the children to learn how the different qualities of plants are important in the ecosystem. Field studies on mushrooms and lichen, and painting "en plein air" (outdoors), gives students a chance to observe firsthand and up-close the little plants that grow in our local environment. The wonderful magic of nature enraptures the children, their questions arise naturally, and the experience deepens their love for the environment.
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DIA DE LOS MUERTOS (DAY OF THE DEAD)
As part of the Spanish language curriculum at Mountain Laurel Waldorf School, Señora Marta Porras, hailing from Guatemala, has celebrated the Day of the Dead with our grades students for many years, sharing pan de muerto y chocolate caliente, and making marigold crepe flowers and colorful kites. A traditional ofrenda is placed in the foyer of the school where the children have an opportunity to honor their departed loved ones.
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MOUNTAIN LAUREL MAKING HEADLINES
If you haven’t yet seen it, click here to check out the article about Mountain Laurel featured in the November issue of Chronogram Magazine! Pass it along to someone who may want to learn more about "education that starts with inspiration!"
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WE'D LOVE YOUR HELP MAKING TINY TREASURES FOR THE WINTER FAIR
At School
- Thursdays, November 9, 16 & 30 @ 1:30 - 2:45 in the Sunflower Garden Room at 16 South Chestnut Street
- Thursdays, November 16 & 30 @ 9 - 10 am in the Carriage House at 7 Innis Avenue
At Home
- Starting Thursday, November 9, kits will be available for you to take home. Kits have all the materials you'll need, including a sample and instructions.
- Pick up a kit in the Reception Office during the day, or outside at pick-up after school.
- If you can’t make it to school, call Sarah Losee at 845-255-0033 and ask her to send your child home with a kit any time between Thursday, November 9th - Friday, December 1st.
We kindly ask that all finished Tiny Treasures be returned to Sarah Losee’s office by Monday, December 4th.
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OPEN CALL FOR WINTER FAIR VENDORS
We invite artisans of natural and seasonal crafts to submit an application to be a vendor at our Winter Gift Making Fair. Vendor registration deadline is Friday, November 17th. Click here for more information and to register.
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LOST & FOUND FRIDAYS
Every Friday that school is in session, from noon to 3:30pm (weather permitting), peruse our Lost & Found table underneath the bulletin board outside Jaeckel Hall. The Lost & Found will also be made available during parent gatherings on campus, such as All School, Parent Council and Class Meetings. We welcome you to look through the bin in the Reception Office at your convenience. Our hope is that every lost item finds its way home again. It is recommended that you label your children's clothing with their name so we can immediately return it to your child. Items not claimed after 30 days will be donated.
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LANTERN WALK
Thursday, November 9
For Sunflower Garden, Nursery, Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade
5:30pm at Deyo House Lawn at Historic Huguenot Street
In November, as the natural world darkens, the inner light of humanity wants to shine forth. During our annual Lantern Walk, this light appears as the flame enclosed in each child’s lantern.
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SCHOOL CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF VETERANS DAY
Friday, November 10
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CLOTHING SALE
Sunday, November 12
9am - 2pm
Everyone is invited to join us at this annual event where you’ll find great deals on gently used children’s clothing, adult clothing, shoes, toys, outdoor gear and household items. All proceeds go toward the annual Third Grade trip to Hawthorne Valley Farm.
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FALL FOOD DRIVE
November 13-17
As Thanksgiving and the holidays approach, we would like to give back to our community with the Fall Food Drive. Donations can be left on the porch of the administrative building at 7 Innis. Organized by Parent Council.
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PARENT COUNCIL MEETING
Friday, November 17
1 - 2 pm via Zoom
We hope you will attend and bring your questions, curiosities, inspirations and enthusiasm with you! If you would like to request that a topic be included on the meeting agenda, please send an email to [email protected] by Thursday, November 16th at 9pm.
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OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, November 18
10 am - 12 pm
Know anyone considering a Waldorf education for their children? Please let them know that our open houses illuminate the Waldorf philosophy, our academic offerings and our dedication to creating a lifelong love of learning. During the open house prospective families will have an opportunity to visit the classrooms and view students’ work samples, attend informational workshops and watch a puppet show. Children are welcome. Download this flier and share with anyone you think might be interested in learning more about our school.
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WORKSHARE - 1/2 DAY OF SCHOOL
Tuesday, November 21
10am - 12noon
St Joseph's Church at 34 S Chestnut Street
Workshares are events that usually take place twice during each school year, just before Thanksgiving and on the last day of school in June. Parents, grandparents, and friends are welcome to come and watch the children in Grades 1 through 8 as they offer a sampling of what they have been working on. Dismissal will be at 12:15, after the Workshare.
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SCHOOL CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING BREAK
Wednesday, November 22 - Friday, November 24
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GIVING TUESDAY
Tuesday, November 28
GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. Click here to support Mountain Laurel as part of your holiday giving.
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COMMUNITY POTLUCK HOSTED BY PARENT COUNCIL
Friday, December 1
3:30 - 5 pm
6 Elting Playground
It's "First Friday" Community Potluck time again. Join the Parent Council for some food and fun. All faculty, staff, students, and caregivers are welcome. Bring food if you are able and if not, just bring your lovely selves. We hope to see you there!
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WINTER SPIRAL
Sunday, December 3
Exact time TBD
As the days grow shorter, our Winter Spiral is an opportunity for every student to take an inward journey to find their source of light and carry it out to the world. By the end of the evening, the room glows with the light of many candles.
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WINTER GIFT MAKING FAIR
Sunday, December 10
11am - 4pm
A longstanding tradition at Mountain Laurel, the Winter Gift Making Fair is an all-in, hands-on event where guests can make their own wreaths, purchase crafts made by students and parents, try candle-dipping, and more. The parent-body helps staff the event, and the whole community is invited. Our last Winter Fair was held in 2019, and we are delighted to be bringing back this wonder-filled event! More information.
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SANTA LUCIA CELEBRATION
Wednesday, December 13
Santa Lucia – a Festival of Light in the Waldorf Calendar of Festivals – is celebrated on December 13, which was, under the Julian calendar, the Winter Solstice. In Waldorf schools, the Second Grade students have the privilege every year to lead the school in the celebration of Santa Lucia.
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PARENT COUNCIL MEETING - IN PERSON
Friday, December 15
1-2 pm
We hope you will attend and bring your questions, curiosities, inspirations and enthusiasm with you! If you would like to request that a topic be included on the meeting agenda, please send an email to [email protected] by Thursday, December 14th at 9pm.
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MUSIC SHARE
Friday, December 15
7-9 PM @ New Paltz High School Auditorium
Grades students share songs, recorder, choral and orchestra music. There is plenty of room for parents, family and friends to enjoy the children’s wonderful performances. All are invited!
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SCHOOL CLOSED FOR WINTER BREAK
Monday, December 18 - Monday, January 1
We look forward to seeing everyone back in school on Tuesday, January 2, 2024!
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CLASSIFIEDS & COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS | |
To have your classifieds or community announcements listed in our next issue of The Laurel, please submit entries here by November 29. Thank you! | | | | |
