3rd Graders at the Farm Trip | | |
As we settle into the rhythm of the school year, we get to witness our students flourish in the nurturing environment that we're building together. Mountain Laurel thrives because we all tend it together. Each family, teacher, board member, and friend who walks through our doors contributes to the living organism that is our school.
In our extended community, it is the dedication, generosity, and belief in Waldorf education that makes Mountain Laurel the extraordinary place it is. With that spirit of collaboration, we're excited to launch this year's Annual Giving Campaign.
Our goal during the 2025-2026 school year is to raise $50,000 through five themed campaigns:
November: Learning
Funding expanded programming including Eurythmy, Games, Sex Education, and CyberCivics – the enriching experiences that make Waldorf education distinctive and whole.
December: Warmth & Light
Covering Operations & Infrastructure, particularly energy costs. Help us stay warm and shine brightly through the winter months.
February: Teacher Appreciation
Honoring our teachers with support for salaries and continuing education. Our teachers are the heart of our school, and this campaign celebrates their dedication and lifelong learning.
April: Nature Connection
Enhancing programming and outdoor play spaces. Waldorf education recognizes that nature is our greatest teacher, and these funds help us deepen that connection.
May & June: 100% Participation
Beautifying our school grounds with improvements to landscaping and signage. This final push celebrates our complete community participation.
Annual Giving bridges the gap between tuition – which covers only 80% of our budget – and the true cost of providing a comprehensive Waldorf education. Learn more about Annual Giving.
After three years of 100% participation in Annual Giving, our grant income has grown from $219,000 to $320,000 – proof that when foundations see universal community support, they invest more generously.
You can begin donating right away or contribute at any time throughout the year. Beyond financial gifts, we also welcome volunteers, auction item donations, and creative fundraising ideas. Watch for our November campaign launch in a few weeks, and join us in March for our annual fundraising event and online auction.
Thank you for being part of this extraordinary community. Together, we ensure that every child at Mountain Laurel receives the gift of a true Waldorf education.
| Read on for an inside look from the past month, special announcements and upcoming events! | | WORDS FROM RUDOLF STEINER | | All knowledge pursued merely for the enrichment of personal learning and the accumulation of personal treasure leads you away from the path; but all knowledge pursued for growth to ripeness within the process of human ennoblement and cosmic development brings you a step forward | | |
MAGICAL SOUP, MISCHIEVOUS VISITORS & MORE
Kindergarten enjoyed a magical month filled with birthdays, stone soup, and Halloween fun! The children brought vegetables from home to chop, stir, and add to the big pot, delighting in the gift of sharing. A mischievous hobgoblin visited, stealing their cookies! The children embarked on a playful hunt, following notes and clues, and eventually discovered and enjoyed their sweet treats.
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6TH GRADE ICE CAVE ADVENTURE
The 6th Grade recently journeyed to the Ice Caves at Sam's Point in the Minnewaska State Preserve to conclude their geology and mineralogy block. Students experienced firsthand how glaciers shaped our landscapes as they explored the caves, observed layered rock formations, and enjoyed a day of hiking and discovery.
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BUILDING BONDS: MIDDLE GRADES RETREAT
The entire Middle Grades spent a beautiful fall day at the Frost Valley YMCA. There were individual and group challenges galore for the students. It was lovely to see such bonding between all the students! We look forward to making this retreat a Middle Grades tradition to open the school year in the years to come.
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THIRD GRADE FARM TRIP: A WALDORF MILESTONE
Last month, Mr. Evans' third grade class embarked on one of the most memorable experiences in Waldorf education: The Farm Trip. The class traveled to Hawthorne Valley for this multi-day immersion in farm life, marking a pivotal moment in child development, when nine-year-olds are ready to understand their relationship to the earth and the work that sustains us. The children experienced firsthand where their food comes from as they harvested vegetables and beans, cooked together, mucked stalls, rode horses, shared meals and tended the land. Through caring for animals and working the land alongside farmers, children develop gratitude, responsibility, and a deep connection to the natural world. This hands-on learning brought their third grade curriculum – focused on farming, shelter, and practical life – vibrantly to life, creating memories and lessons that will last a lifetime.
| | ESSENTIALS IN WALDORF EDUCATION | | The Science of Arts Integration and Student Success | | | | Research consistently demonstrates that integrating the arts into subject lessons such as mathematics, science, language arts, and history is central to student growth and success. A study by the National Endowment of the Arts found that students who engaged with arts and cultural programming showed stronger academic outcomes, greater empathy, and improved critical thinking skills. Participation in the arts also helped students feel more connected to their schools and communities. | | JOIN US IN PLANNING A COMMUNITY CABARET | | |
Excitement is building for an elegant fundraising event this coming March, and we need your creativity and energy to make it truly shine. Our growing committee is seeking passionate volunteers to help with talent coordination, lights and sound, outreach, and event aesthetics.
If you'd like to help shape a memorable and inspiring evening for our community, reach out to Amy Hannes at ahannes@mountainlaurel.org. Your ideas and enthusiasm will bring this event to life and provide much-needed support for our school!
| | INVITATION FOR CULTURAL FESTIVALS AND TRADITIONS | If your family has cultural festivals and traditions that you would like to bring to school, please contact your child's class teacher or send an email to vie@mountainlaurel.org. | GIVE NEW LIFE TO LOVED ITEMS | | |
Donate your gently-used children’s and adult clothing, shoes and outdoor gear to support the Third Grade Farm Trip.
Drop off items up until November 10th
during school hours behind Jaeckel Hall.
No household items or toys, please.
Mountain Laurel’s Annual Clothing Sale will be on Sunday, Nov. 16th, from 9am-2pm.
| | THE CIRCUS IS COMING TO MOUNTAIN LAUREL | | | | |
As our Middle Grade students prepare to weave Circus Arts into their studies, we invite the community’s support.
If you have a unicycle or a few tennis balls ready to be loved anew, please contact Games Teacher Adam Harlec at aharlec@mountainlaurel.org.
| | UPCOMING EVENTS
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER | | |
NO SCHOOL - PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
Monday, November 3
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SEED OF LIGHT MEETINGS
Tuesdays, November 4 & 18, December 2, 9 & 16
3:30 - 5:00 PM in Jaeckel Hall
Meetings are usually held in Jaeckel Hall, but may also be in the Sculpture Studio at 7 Innis. 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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SPECIAL VISIT FROM MATOAKA LITTLE EAGLE
Tuesday, November 4
8:30 - 9:00 AM in Jaeckel Hall
All are welcome to join Morning Assembly for Indigenous stories, songs, and dance. Learn more.
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VOICES FOR INCLUSION & EQUITY (VIE) GROUP
Tuesdays, November 4 & 18, December 2 & 16
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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LOST & FOUND
Wednesday, November 5; Thursday, November 20; Friday, December 5; Monday, December 15
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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COMMUNITY HANDWORK GROUP
Thursdays, November 6 & 20
8:15 - 9:00 AM
Carriage House at 7 Innis
A relaxed and friendly atmosphere for creatives at all levels to gather and work on personal fiber art projects as well as occasional community service projects. Email Michelle Boynton for more information.
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PARENT COUNCIL MEETING
Friday, November 7
2:00 - 3:00 PM
2nd Floor at 7 Innis Avenue (enter at back of building)
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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REHEARSALS FOR WINTER FAIR CAROLING
Mondays, November 10, 17 & 24 and December 1
3:30 - 4:30 PM
Attendance at rehearsals is not required to sing at the Winter Fair; recordings of the songs are provided so you can learn at home!
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NO SCHOOL - VETERANS DAY
Tuesday, November 11
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MINDFULNESS MEETS ANTHROPOSOPHY
Wednesdays, November 12 & December 10
7:00 - 7:45 PM
Jaeckel Hall
A co-created supportive adult community engaging in mindfulness practices such as singing, walking silent meditation, seated silent meditation, reading from inspirational texts from Anthroposophy, “dharma talk" style sharing in order to practice deep listening, closing mirror activity. Meets monthly; please see School Calendar for all dates. Email Michelle Boynton for more information.
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LANTERN WALK
Thursday, November 13
5:30 - 6:30 PM
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. Stay tuned for more details about this seasonal event for families with children in Nursery through Second Grade.
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ANNUAL CLOTHING SALE
Sunday, November 16
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM in Jaeckel Hall
Coordinated by the Third Grade (and supported by the entire school through our clothing donations), this event raises funds for the annual Third Grade Farm Trip to Hawthorne Valley Farm. This event is not to be missed, with great deals on gently-used clothing, outerwear and more, and delicious bake sale offerings as well. (Drop off donated through November 10th during school hours behind Jaeckel Hall.)
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FALL FOOD DRIVE - HOSTED BY PARENT COUNCIL
Monday, November 17 - Friday, November 21
Please take a moment to recognize the gifts and abundance in our communities and help to support those in need by donating to our Fall Food Drive. Donations can be left on the porch of the administrative building all week.
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GRADES WORKSHARE
Thursday, November 20 ***Please note change of date***
1:00 - 2:30 PM at St. Joseph's Church
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.
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SEED OF LIGHT PUPPET AND PROPS WORKSHOP FOR ADULTS
Saturday, November 22
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Sculpture Studio in the Carriage House at 7 Innis Avenue
The children in our after-school program have been doing a fantastic job, and we need your help to bring the Seed of Light to Life! Bring your sewing box, felting pad, and love of creation. Light snacks will be provided.
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HALF DAY
Tuesday, November 25
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NO SCHOOL - THANKSGIVING BREAK
Wednesday, November 26 - Friday, November 28
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HALF DAY
Thursday, December 4
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WINTER SPIRAL
Thursday, December 4
4:30 PM - Nursery through Grade 2
6:00 PM - Grades 3 through 8
Jaeckel Hall
To the sound of soft music, and by the illumination of candles, each child walks a spiral path of evergreens, journeying toward an inner light to be brought out into the world.
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WINTER GIFT MAKING FAIR
Sunday, December 7
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
All are welcome!
Join us as Mountain Laurel's Main Building turns into a winter wonderland with food, crafts, puppets, artisanal vendors, music and cheer to delight the whole family. Admission is free and open to the public, so please invite family and friends. Learn more.
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SANTA LUCIA CELEBRATION
Friday, December 12
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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OBERUFER SHEPHERDS PLAY
Monday, December 15
6:30 PM in Jaeckel Hall
A gift from the MLWS staff to parents and children. A traditional peasant play handed down through oral tradition in the small, remote village of Oberufer, Austria, the Shepherd's Play takes the Christmas story from the point of view of the Shepherds in a unique, humorous and warm-hearted way. Performed since Medieval times by people around the world, it is an annual tradition at Waldorf Schools.
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WINTER MUSIC SHARE
Friday, December 19
7:00 PM
New Paltz High School
There are two music share events during each school year at Mountain Laurel Waldorf School, one on the last day of school before the winter break in December, and another on a Friday in May. Every child in the grades participates in the music shares, with grades one through three sharing with their grade, then grades four through eighth sharing in the various ensembles, choirs and orchestras that are a thriving part of the curriculum at Mountain Laurel. The music shares are typically held at 7pm in the New Paltz High School auditorium, where there is plenty of room for parents, family and friends to enjoy the children’s wonderful performances.
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NO SCHOOL - WINTER RECESS
Monday, December 22 - Friday, January 2
| | CLASSIFIEDS & COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS | | |
Mountain Laurel teacher seeking a 1 or 2 bedroom house or apartment (approx $1300/month, with access to washer/dryer) within 30 minutes of Mountain Laurel with move in date no later than January 1, 2026. Please email tmatsunaga@mountainlaurel.org if you have any leads.
Submit your listing
To have your classifieds or community announcements listed in our next issue of The Laurel, please submit entries here by November 15th. Thank you!
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