Chalkboard drawing by Gillian & Bella, Grade 11.

Earlier in May we had a professional photographer come to campus. We loved the pictures and thought we'd share some highlights from the morning he spent with us. Thanks to Eli Turner for the great shots!

A Morning with Our Mixed-Age Kindergarten Classes

• Imaginative play and activities that support gross and fine motor skill development and build core capacities
• Many opportunities for socialization and collaboration
• Lots of time outdoors to explore the natural world

Lower School - Grades 1-5

• Grade 1 - string games and eurythmy
• Grade 2 - working collaboratively in morning lesson
• Grade 3 - eurythmy
• Grade 4 - in morning lesson and woodworking
• Grade 5 - studying geography and migration

Lower School - Grades 6-8

• Grade 6 - in Latin American studies and strings
• Grade 8 - playing chess and studying algebra

High School

• Grade 12 - play rehearsal and honors calculus
• Various music classes - guitar, strings, & choral

Thanks to Lynn Wenning-Adelmann for sharing these photos of current 10th graders - on their way to Hawthorn Valley Farm - recreating photos from their 3rd grade trip to Hawthorn valley in 2016.

May

25/ Thursday

• G5 Parent/Guardian Meeting on Zoom, 7pm

26/ Friday

• Lower School Field Day, 10:45am-12pm (see below)
• 12:30 Dismissal - No Aftercare
• Picnic Lunch on the Field, 12:30-2pm (see below)

29/ Monday

• NO CLASSES - Memorial Day

30/ Tuesday

• HS Athletics Awards, 6pm

31/ Wednesday

• Last Morning Tour of the School Year, 9am

June

2/ Friday

• Rose Ceremony (G1 & G12 Families), 2pm

3/ Saturday

• Senior Graduation, 11am - by invitation only

6/ Tuesday

• Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast, 8:30am (see below)

8/ Thursday

• Meet the Teacher (rising G8), 7pm
• G3 Parent/Guardian Meeting, 7pm

13/ Tuesday

• G8 Commencement, 1:15pm

16/ Friday

• 12:30 Dismissal - Last Day of School

View the Calendar of School Days for the 2022-2023 School Year

Lower School Field Day and All School Family Picnic

Friday, May 26

• Field Day 10:45am-12pm
• Picnic 12:30-2pm

Field Day is a half day with pickup at 12:30 pm and no aftercare. Families are welcome to come and watch Field Day from the hill.

After the school day concludes, our Field Day Picnic will take place from 12:30 to 2pm on the field. 

• We invite you to bring a blanket and picnic lunch for your family. 
• Please note that this is a family event outside of school hours. All student attendees must be accompanied by an adult.

Field Day is a Lower School event, but Children’s Garden and High School families are welcome to attend the Field Day Picnic. We will provide popsicles to help keep everyone cool. Please come join us for a refreshing treat and a chance to socialize with other WWS families!

Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast

Tuesday, June 6 from 8:30-10am

On behalf of the Washington Waldorf School’s students, teachers, and staff, all school volunteers are invited to a Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast on Tuesday, June 6 from 8:30-10am in the school Auditorium. Everyone in our community who has volunteered is graciously invited to attend. Please stop by to drink some coffee, get a bite to eat, and mingle with our staff and other volunteers. We are looking forward to celebrating you!

If you plan to attend, please RSVP via Paperless Post by Tuesday, May 30. If you have any questions, please email Meg Kneisl.

Thank you for all you have done for our students and our school. We hope to see you there!

6 Week Simplicity Parenting Class - Online

June 8 - July 20

Thursday Evenings from 7:30-9pm

Facilitator: Drew Sample (WWS Parent)

Discounted Cost: $100 per family (one or two parents/caregivers can attend per family, use discount code "WWSfam" for discounted $100 price)

Additional $30 fee for Simplicity Parenting materials

Register

In response to demand for a more accessible version of the Simplicity Parenting Family Life course, WWS parent and certified Simplicity Parenting group facilitator Drew Sample is offering the class online at a discounted price for WWS families.

Developed by renowned family counselor, Kim John Payne, the course offers simple, doable, and effective steps for reducing stressors in the home and enjoying a more peaceful and connected home life. Parents who are looking to go beyond just reading the book, and who want to start applying these practices, will get the structure and supportive environment needed to adapt these techniques to their household and make them stick. 

Contact Drew Sample with questions.

Register for Simplicity Parenting

Last Week Was Participation Week

Thanks to the over 150 community members who responded and added their names to the donor wall that will be hung in The John and Mary Brauer Gym next year, and the brick walkway that will lead up to the Gym entrance.

We exceeded our goal, and fully met our $5,000 match from a matching donor who added $50 to every new gift that was made last week, between May 14 - 19.

Congratulations to the following current parents who won bricks! Their names were chosen by a random number generator. All current parents who gave a gift of any amount between May 14 - 19 at 4pm were entered into the lottery.

• Children's Garden: Adam and Erica Mutschler
• Lower School: Jenia and Sebastian Beer
• High School: Jennifer Kittelsen and Greg Gisvold

It is not too late to participate, add your name, and Be Counted. Bricks are available until June 2, and the Room to Move campaign will run through June 30.

Summer Camps - Register Today!

Some of our camps for older students have low registration numbers. If any camp doesn't meet its minimum by this Friday, May 26, it will be cancelled. If you've been thinking about signing up, now is the time. Spread the word to friends!

Learn More & Register

• BigSis Portal - keep your contact information up to date!
• Current Health Policy - updated Aug 29, 2022.
• Lunch program info for current families in ParentSquare.
• Map of the pickup and drop-off flow.
• Magnus Portal for student forms.
• Bulletin newsletters.

If you cannot find the information you are looking for on ParentSquare, please email your department coordinator/administrator:

• Children's Garden - Cecilia Berg-Benson
• Lower School - Christen Leonard 
• High School - Bonnie McClelland

Alum Muralist Available in the Fall

WWS Class of 2006 graduate and artist, Mariano Arrien-Gomez, now living in Bolivia, will be in the DC area this fall and is available to paint original murals in private spaces both indoors or outdoors.

Inquiries can be made to: [email protected]

Special online workshop to explore the content of Dr. Adam Blanning’s new book: Raising Sound Sleepers

Join a three-part, in-depth exploration of three key aspects from the new book Raising Sound Sleepers (publication date June 6). This workshop is designed for parents, teachers and anyone else interested in supporting the well-being and self-soothing capacities of children (and adults).

Participate in the live discussion, or watch it on your own schedule—all three sessions will be recorded and made available to everyone who has registered for the workshop.

• Session One: Wednesday, June 7- Why the Developmental Milestones of Self-soothing are so Important in Today’s Busy World
• Session Two: Wednesday, June 14 - Nourishing the Senses of Touch, Balance, Self-movement, and Life (Well-being)
• Session Three: Wednesday, June 21 -The Predictable Developmental Transitions of Childhood—Common Times for Reorientation

Workshop sessions take place at 6:30pm Mountain time (8:30pm ET)

Tuition: $65 for the whole workshop—three 90-minute sessions

Learn More & Register

Parenting with Non-Violent Communication Course - starts June 1 (online)

From Alison Babil, WWS Alum Family

This course is for parents, educators, and caregivers of children of any age. It offers a holistic approach to understanding children's behavior and the tools to build relationships based on compassion, connection, and trust.  

What people are saying: "This course opened my eyes to more effective, compassionate communication. Not only has it helped me connect better with my teenage daughter, but it has improved communication with my partner. Both my relationships are stronger and deeper thanks to Parenting with Non-Violent Communication. Jeannie is a compassionate and wise teacher!" -class participant.

Nine Thursdays, via Zoom, June 1 - July 27 from 7- 8:30pm 

Classes are recorded.

Instructor: Jeannie Anderson

Teaching Assistant: Alison Babil (WWS Alum Parent)

Register

Email Jeannie Anderson for more information: [email protected]

Jeannie Anderson is a Nonviolent Communication facilitator, Parent Educator, and Life Coach. She is currently studying Interpersonal Neurobiology with child psychiatrist Dr. Dan Siegel through the Mindsight Institute. She is passionate about the connection between neuroscience, trauma, and the healing power of human connection. She is the parent of 2 elementary school-aged children and resides in Baltimore, MD with her family.

Two Cats Looking for a Home

from Margo Reid, WWS Alum Family

Looking to rehome 8 y/o sweet dynamic-duo brothers Leo and Ace. Tuxedo Ace, who loves to cuddle and sunbathe, is not adjusting to a new human baby (marking on stroller, toys). Vet tests show no physical problems; anti-anxiety meds aren’t working. Tabby Leo's stunted paw from birth doesn't deter his fun. Both use litter boxes fine—unless baby makes them jealous—then Ace pees on stuff. Hoping to give the brothers (or one of them) a fresh start. Previously indoor cats, they may benefit from an in/out arrangement with cat-lover oversight.

Please text (301) 768-3441

Weekend Elder Care Available

from Natalie Adams, Former WWS Faculty & Alum Parent

Photchana (Thum) Keadrit seeks weekend hours in elder care. She recently started a new weekday position and before that worked six plus years for a family taking care of a couple in their 90s. She helped my 96 year old mother-in-law who needed support recovering at home from being in the hospital. She provided the best care my mother-in-law has ever had.

Thum has two related licenses: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Certified Medical Technician (CMT). In addition to being an exceedingly patient, thorough, and loving caregiver, Thum is an excellent cook, responsible driver, and first rate organizer; she can help with whatever one needs around the house. She also has more than two decades experience as a nanny for children from birth through the teen years. She helped care for my two children (WWS class of '05 and class of '08) when they were young.

Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or call Thum directly on her cell phone 301-792-1523. Natalie Adams 301-221-6224.

Looking to Adopt a Dog?

From Gemma Sage, WWS Family

Hi, I'm Connor! I'm just the perfect combination of joyful puppy energy and love of everything and everyone. I walk nicely on a leash, and I love treats and training. I can't get enough physical contact, so bring it on! I loooove to play with my doggie friends and I have friendly body language so most dogs like to play with me too. I love kids and people of all ages. I live in a foster home with both little kids and big kids, two other dogs and two adult humans... I love them all but I would love even more to find my forever home where I can stay!

Please reach out to Kirsten Strade at [email protected] or Gemma Sage (240) 441-9156 if you’re interested.

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