Weekly Bulletin
November 24 , 2020
Thanksgiving Message
from Jennifer Page
Thanksgiving
Old Rhyme
 
The year has turned its circle,
The seasons come and go.
The harvest all is gathered in
And chilly north winds blow.
Orchards have shared their treasures,
The fields, their yellow grain,
So open wide the doorway~
Thanksgiving comes again!
I look up at the dark purple blue sky. The early evening stars have just begun to twinkle. The air is crisp, with a hint of frost. The trees with their few lingering leaves wave as the wind passes by. The evening reminds me that in the midst of all the uncertainty and human distress, the earth cycle moves on, unencumbered, constant. I am grateful for so much this year. I am grateful for our teachers, whose creativity has stretched to meet every challenge, whether teaching on campus or virtually. I am grateful for our parents, whose thoughtful support makes our daily work possible. And I’m grateful for our children, whose resiliency and enthusiasm for learning give us joy in the present and renewed hope for the future. I’m also grateful to first responders, nurses, doctors, scientists, vaccine developers, volunteer vaccine testers, and many others giving and sacrificing unselfishly. This Thanksgiving will look different for many of us. Some of us will gather together in the same space or perhaps in a new or familiar outside space, while others will gather virtually. No matter where you gather or with whom, I hope the Thanksgiving Old Rhyme’s sentiment inspires you. May you all have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!
 
With gratitude,
Jennifer
Resources From the Committee for Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice
The Story of Boo-Boo Pup
The first grade class has a little yellow stuffy friend who brings comfort and helps facilitate situations that need a friendly buffer. Here are a few examples of Boo-Boo Pup's skills...
  • A child fell onto the wood chips and the surprise brought quick tears. Ms. Morley brought Boo-Boo Pup out and it “fell” too. The child laughed and was comforted. 
  • A child was missing home and when Boo-Boo Pup sat near them, they smiled and made the pup some food out of leaves, rocks, and dirt.  
  • When the children had a hard time deciding whose sticks were whose and how to create agreements around them. Ms. Morley said she would confer with Boo-Boo Pup to find a solution. The next day, the children asked “what did you two decide?” The process added some playfulness and imagination to creating rules that would otherwise have just been “more rules” in a world that currently has a lot of rules around masks, distancing, etc. 
Unfortunately, Boo-Boo Pup was lost on a recent class walk through the woods. The class was concerned about the pup and quickly jumped into action. They made flyers to let folks know about the lost pup and one child made a blanket and scarf to comfort Boo-Boo Pup once it is found.

There is a possible lead on Boo-Boo Pup's whereabouts but, if you find yourself in the woods behind the school, please be on the lookout!
Fall Bazaar 2020
A Visit From the Pocket Wizards!
The Pocket Wizards came to visit our outdoor classes and gave the students small bags of treasures. Many thanks to Mitch Manning for providing music as the Wizards waved to the students and their families at dismissal.
Bazaar Online Store Closes Tomorrow at Noon!

The WWS Waldorf Store is where we showcase handwork by members of our community, as well as a wide assortment of Waldorf toys, books, art supplies, and a great deal more. This year, we've moved our store online. We couldn't put everything online, so we have curated a collection of popular items and have considered some winter activities. We hope you will do much of your holiday shopping at the Waldorf Store. Not only are there no crowds and no shipping costs, but you will also receive everything before Thanksgiving AND you'll be supporting our school. 
  • Purchase a felt Gnome Hat and/or felt Crown kit
  • Purchase a raffle ticket for a Thanksgiving Pie from Lisa Makes Pie by Sunday
  • Purchase treats and sweets from the online "Bake Sale"
  • Shop at the Waldorf Store online
  • Shop some of our most popular artisans and vendors
Congratulations to JC Forgotson who won the Lisa Makes Pie raffle!
Enjoy the online stores of a few of our vendors and artisans!
High Schoolers On Campus
Thanksgiving Food Drive Results
We are sending a big "Thank You!" to all of the members of our community who participated in our food drives. We provided 800 snack bags to So Others Might Eat (SOME) (pictured) and $600 in gift cards for Samaritan Ministries.
School Calendar
Staying Up to Date With Our School Calendar

You can view the full calendar online either on the website , in ParentSquare , or in the BigSis portal (these 3 platforms are synced from the same calendar). 
November

**NO CLASSES - Thanksgiving Break - November 25-27**
December

2/ Wednesday
  • G9 Parent Meeting, 7:30pm
  • G2 Parent Meeting, 8:30pm

3/ Thursday
  • G5 Parent Meeting, 6:15pm
  • Mindfulness Workshop, 7pm

4/ Friday
  • Coffee Break with Jennifer Page, 10am

5/ Saturday
  • Seasonal Sing-along Celebration, 5pm

8/ Tuesday
  • G10 Parent Meeting, 6:45pm
  • G11 Parent Meeting, 7:30pm

9/ Wednesday
  • G6 Parent Meeting, 4:30pm

10/ Thursday
  • G3 Parent Meeting, 7pm
  • G4 Parent Meeting, 7:30pm

11/ Friday
  • Coffee Break with Jennifer Page, 10am
Book Club
Monday, Nov 30th at 7:30pm

The WWS Community Book Club meets Monday, November 30th at 7:30pm to discuss the Pulitzer Prize winning novel, There There by Tommy Orange. New members are welcome. Please email Susan Walsh at for the Zoom link.
Adult Education - Mindfulness Workshop
Thursday, Dec 3 at 7pm (online)

The prolonged experience of COVID 19 has greatly altered our day to day lives, anxiety level, and wellness. It has been especially challenging for parents as we're left balancing our work, our children's education, and our own emotional health. The uncertainty and anxiety impact many aspects of our existence including work productivity, relationships, wellness, and sleep. Mindfulness and meditation are proven ways to manage stress, better navigate challenging emotions, and enhance your relationship with yourself and those around you.
 
In this workshop participants will experience present moment awareness through practicing mindfulness of body, breath and mind/thoughts and learn about ways to develop a daily mindfulness practice. This workshop will also include guidance and information about parenting and building family resilience in the pandemic.
 
This workshop is facilitated through Zoom by Mick Neustadt LCSW-C, a licensed psychotherapist who teaches group mindfulness sessions and has been practicing mindfulness for 25 years. 

Online Seasonal Sing-along Celebration
Saturday, Dec 5 at 5pm

Send us your favorite holiday and seasonal songs, and we'll pick out a program! Seasonal poetry welcome as well.

Send your suggestions to [email protected]
Winter Webinar Assembly
Grades 1-12
Thursday, Dec 17 at 2pm

This webinar assembly will include music, a slide show, and speakers. The Winter Webinar Assembly is for current families and students in grades 1 - 12. Not to be missed!
Head of School Search
Thank you for spreading the word about our search for a new Faculty Chair & Head of School who will move our school forward in its mission to cultivate each student’s capacity to think clearly, feel compassionately, and act purposefully in the world.

ONE FUND – Together We Thrive
One week to go! On December 1st WWS will launch its GivingTuesday campaign to raise funds for the ONE FUND. On this day WWS will be sending out a community wide text and email campaign to raise much needed funds for our school. 
 
One important goal of this campaign is to have 100% participation from our community. The campaign will be fun and lighthearted and will have incentives throughout the day to encourage participation.
 
One of those incentives will be an on campus socially distanced pizza party for the students in each class that reaches 100% participation AND the pizza will be hand delivered by a gnome (or a human in a gnome costume!). Additional “treats” will be revealed throughout the day on Dec 1.
 
Of course every day can be a giving day, and we are truly grateful for all the ways that you support WWS. 

You Can Make a Donation to WWS in Various Ways

  • Make your gift online 
  • Donate stock or securities, and receive more than 50% in tax savings. Please contact your financial advisor for more information.
  • Participate in the United Way/Combined Federal Campaign and select CFC code #80332. Federal employees can donate to WWS quickly and easily through payroll deductions. Use the CFC code #80332 to select the Washington Waldorf School as your charitable beneficiary.
  • Ask your employer if they offer matching gifts for charitable donations. Many employers will match your donation to the School.
  • If you shop on Amazon, go to https://smile.amazon.com/ch/23-7003486 when doing your online shopping and 0.05% of your total purchase will be sent to WWS to support the ONE FUND.
Bulletin Board
How to Submit a Listing
We welcome submissions of community news, items for sale, want ads, etc. Please keep notices to 500 characters or less. Listings will likely be edited. Please submit listings by COB Tuesdays with the subject "Bulletin Submission." Bulletin Board notices generally run for 3 weeks - if space allows - unless other arrangements have been made. There is no charge for listings.  
Classifieds & Notices
Boys Hockey Skates

Recreational hockey skates - used fewer than 10 times. Sizes 8.5 and 7.5. Runs big. Stainless steel blade; microfiber lining. $40
Contact: [email protected]
Toyota Sienna for Quick Sale

WWS family selling Toyota Sienna, 2012 deep blue/green, in very good condition - up to date service history, all-weather mats included, minor paint scratches, 137,000 miles. We’re asking $9,000 or nearest offer. Please express interest by Wednesday Dec 2 to complete sale by Dec 18. Happy to answer any questions and arrange viewing - in person or remotely!

Household Furniture and Goods for Sale
Great for setting up a new home or filling gaps. All in very good condition, most things are 2-3 years old. Happy to provide photos or details of anything of interest and will gladly discuss a price for a group of items. All items will be available for pick up in Chevy Chase, mid to late December. Please let us know by Dec 7 at [email protected].

Available items: IKEA pull out bed (twin to queen size) with two mattresses and three large drawers (black brown) · Small Ikea desk and molded plastic swivel desk chair (black brown) · Upholstered swivel desk chair (soft brick red) · Small standing chest freezer (white) · Bedside table and lamp (white) · IKEA leather Poang chair (dark brown) · Small mid century couch with chaise (dark brown) · IKEA 6 drawer dresser (natural pine) · IKEA standing lamp (cream) · 2nd standing lamp (back and white) · Snow shovel · Rake · Outdoor broom · Wire three shelf pantry rack · IKEA Small square coffee table (birch color) · Breville espresso coffee machine · Ninja blender · Bose speaker dock for iPhone · Children’s convertible indoor pool/ping pong table and accessories
New Hampshire State Recommendations on Safe Technology in Schools 
shared by Theodora Scarato

The New Hampshire State Commission on 5G issued a final report with 15 recommendations to the Governor. They include several recommendations concerning children and schools such as "replace Wi-Fi with wired technology" and create a state educational campaign so families can practice safer technology at home. Read more about the report at the Environmental Health Trust website.
Chef Eron's Bacon!

Cured & Crisp bacon is a favorite of many of the omnivores in our community. Did you know that you can get Chef Eron’s bacon, breakfast sausage, and tomato sauce hand delivered to your doorstep? Check out the Cured & Crisp website to learn more and order some deliciousness today!
Townhouse for Rent
shared by Caitlin MacKenzie

Lovely 3-bedroom townhouse with basement apartment available for rent for $3,950. Home looks out on national park land, and is close to plenty of walking and biking trails. 15 minute drive to WWS, downtown, or beltway access! 

Imagination Stage At-home Theatre Experience - The Snow Queen
shared by Jesse Travis

The Snow Queen
Dec 12, 2020 - Feb 28, 2021
Written by Mike Kenny - Adapted from the Story by Hans Christian Andersen
Directed by Janet Stanford

In this adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s famous winter fairy tale, a powerful friendship is put to the test as four narrators bring to life the story of Gerda and Kai, life long best friends whose relationship is broken by the unfeeling Snow Queen. Can Gerda save Kai before his heart is frozen solid? Imagination abounds in this magical story of courage, wit, and unshakable resilience! Best for ages 5+
Published by the Washington Waldorf School
Copyright © 2020 All rights reserved

We welcome your comments and submissions. Contact Alia Goodyear if you would like to be added to our mailing list, or if you have submissions, questions, or suggestions. Please email submission by COB TUESDAY with the subject line "Bulletin Submission."
Washington Waldorf School
4800 Sangamore Road,
Bethesda, MD 20816
301-229-6107