The Waldorf Buzz: Be Informed
Weekly Newsletter for Students, Parents, and Friends of Waldorf MoraineFaculty and Staff Updates
2022 is coming to a close, and we excitedly look forward to the promise of new opportunities in 2023. Among these, will be welcoming new faculty, staff, and community members into our school, each of whom will bring their own gifts to us. Before we welcome new faces however, we wish to recognize the contributions of those faculty and staff who will be pursuing new opportunities of their own in the new year.
Kelsey Burns
As of the new year, Kelsey will be moving on from her role as our Director of Marketing, Communications, and Development to join another school in the Boston area, working on their Annual Fund. Kelsey joined our admin team a year and a half ago, and we are grateful for her work in that time. During her tenure, Kelsey has overseen our advertising efforts, newsletter production, various website updates, and worked to bolster our school’s fundraising efforts. Notably, she has spearheaded efforts to increase awareness of the Annual Fund, and worked closely with the Development Committee to produce two Enchanted Fairs. In addition to these many hats, Kelsey served on the School Director Search Committee, COVID taskforce, and has worked in the classrooms with students on reading.
Per Kelsey, “it has been a joy getting to know the WSMF community during my time here. I have especially valued my time working with parent volunteers through the Development Committee and WCA, and have loved the chance to bring exciting programs and events, like our environmental speakers and the Gnome Run, to life for our school. I will miss the many wonderful people here and look forward to visiting!”
We are thankful for her many contributions, and wish her luck in her new role.
Jennifer Buzzotta
Jenny joined our faculty this year, leading our Nursery Aftercare program. She has brought joy to the children’s afternoons each day and we are deeply grateful for her care and enthusiasm these past few months. As of the new year, Jenny will be stepping away from her role in order to pursue other endeavors, and we wish her the best of luck. We are happy that Jenny will still be engaged with our community as a parent. Below is a note from Jenny to the community.
Dear Waldorf Community,
After months of holding Nursery Aftercare with complete reverence and love, my life is now moving towards a new adventure which will require more of my daytime hours. Because of this, it is with the deepest respect for you, and your children, that I will say goodbye as the Nursery Aftercare Teacher on December 20th. We are so fortunate that Liz Nugent and Caitlin Auguste will be staying on as assistants, which will provide continued support for your children and for the class. The holidays are such a time of deep reflection for me and the relationships that I have formed with all of you are something that I am extremely grateful for.
With so much love,
Miss Jenny
Eurythmy Workshop Coming in January
Eurythmist Maria Ver Eecke will be teaching at the Waldorf School at Moraine Farm from January 3-February 17, 2023. You may look forward to students sharing their eurythmy at the February assembly.
Parents, Guardians, and Friends are invited to six sessions of Eurythmy for All Ages!
Wednesdays at 8:30am: January 11, 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15
Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes for movement.
To register, please email msmith@waldorfmoraine.org
What is the Art of Eurythmy?
In an article from AWSNA, eurythmy is described as “intentional movement through exercises, patterns and games that increase in complexity through the grades”. In practicing Eurythmy, students “learn to move in thoughtful and disciplined ways in collaboration with others” and it “teaches skills like cooperation, spatial and sensory awareness, midline crossing for brain building, motor skills and more.”
The human being is continually maintaining balance. When we become overwhelmed, we contract into ourselves and burn up our forces. When we spread ourselves too thin leading to exhaustion, we have dispersed our forces. Eurythmy fosters soul breathing between the sense of self and the outer environment, between the soul and the world. All of us need these hygienic eurythmy soul exercises to strengthen our life forces. If you take joy in movement, this is a golden opportunity to move with others in a harmonious rhythm. Interested in learning more about Eurythmy and why we practice it? Check out this article that former WSMF teacher Susan Elmore wrote for our blog in 2020.
Private Consultations
Maria Ver Eecke is a therapeutic eurythmist, with a diploma from the Medical Section at the Goetheanum and certified by AnthroMed. Maria has experience recognizing imbalances in children and she is able to provide methods to help alleviate what hinders a child from learning.
In addition to the community Eurythmy sessions, those interested may schedule a private consultation with Maria during her six-week stay at WSMF by emailing editor@eana.org.
Maria Ver Eecke is presently the therapeutic eurythmist for the School of Eurythmy, Spring Valley, NY. She taught eurythmy for forty years in several Waldorf schools, a charter school, and a home-school program. Maria met anthroposophy in Maseru, Lesotho, when she was a class teacher in an English-medium preparatory school. Currently she is the editor of the newsletters for the Eurythmy Association of North America and the Association of Therapeutic Eurythmy in North America.
3rd Grade Soup Sale and Last Store Pop-Up of 2022
Each year the 3rd Grade class takes a Farm Trip in the spring, which they fundraise for throughout the year. Help this year’s class meet their fundraising goal by stopping by their soup sale tomorrow afternoon. 3rd grade parents will have a table set up following dismissal from the assembly.
Saw something wonderful at the Enchanted Caravan (of course you did!) and need to grab it before school lets out for break? Pop into the store tomorrow between 8:15 and 1 PM to get your shopping squared away.
Can’t make it? As always, you can shop the Enchanted Caravan online anytime. Shipping is available anywhere in the U.S.
Apple Dolls
The craft of making apple dolls is a tradition that comes out of the Seneca, an Indigenous nation also known as the Onöndowa’ga, or “People of the Great Hills”. In the Seneca tradition, the doll was called “Loose Feet” and considered to be a wise, old, and happy spirit that makes the wishes of little children come true. Apple head doll making was adopted as folk craft through colonial North America and continues to this day.
Part of the magic of the process of making the apple head dolls is the discovery of just who the doll might become in the end. The carving of the face is the beginning step, but how it dries and shapes over time is unique, and how the maker decides to dress the doll with clothing and hair brings a final personality into being.
Interested in making your own apple dolls? Click here for the instructions!
Store Pop-Up this Friday!
The Enchanted Caravan is restocked with all of your favorite gifts this holiday season! Pop into the store this Friday to browse the best hostess gifts, holiday gifts and more. As a reminder, your shopping is for a good cause– store proceeds support our school!
Can’t make it Friday? You can shop the Enchanted Caravan online anytime. Shipping is available anywhere in the U.S.
The store will also be open every Tuesday at 1 and 2:45 between now and Winter Break when our 3rd Grade class will be selling soup and baked goods to fundraise for their class Farm Trip. Stop in and help them reach their goal!
New Parent and Child Class Starting Jan. 10th
Stumped for a holiday gift for a family with a young child? Consider the best gift of all– investing in education and quality parent-child bonding time! The next session of Mrs. Hill’s Peach Blossom parent-child class (ages 3-12 months) is starting on January 10th! Peach Blossom meets once a week on Tuesdays for 5 weeks, and is an opportunity for caregivers to observe, understand, respect and enjoy the individuality of each baby. Classes include interactive touching and singing games, developmental observation and discussion time with other parents.
Tuesday Peach Blossom Class 12:30-2:00pm
5 classes
January 10, 24, 31
February 7, 14
Peach Blossom not the right fit for you? Check out our other wonderful parent and child offerings— don’t wait too long though, Winter sessions are kicking off now!
Let People Know How Much You LOVE WSMF!
Did you know?
That more than 25% of families searching for a school for their child look to online sources for information, and that >65% said parent reviews influenced their decision in what school to pick?
YOU are the best resource we have when it comes to letting people know how great our school is. Help us out by writing a review today!
Faculty Updates
The start of the 2022-2023 school year has been busy, and as the end of the calendar year draws close, we wish to take a moment to recognize some of the changes that have occurred within the ranks of our faculty and staff. To those departing, we send the warmest wishes for happiness in their next endeavors. At the same time, we enthusiastically welcome those who have recently joined our wonderful teaching and support staff here at the school.
WELCOME
Julia Newcomer
Julia first joined the WSMF faculty as an Early Childhood substitute teacher last year. She had such a wonderful experience working with our students that she has chosen to join as a permanent assistant to the Buttercup class this year. We are appreciative of the love and care that she brings to the students on a daily basis.
Liz Nugent
Liz has been a long-time member of the community, first as a parent and then as an alumni parent. This fall she has taken on the mantle of Nursery assistant, and will also be supporting the after school programs. Her help has already been felt across our nursery program, and for that, we are grateful.
Charles Kennedy
Mr. Kennedy will be joining our staff as of November 28th. He will be taking over as our facilities manager, seeing to the daily upkeep of our beautiful campus. Mr. Kennedy brings a wealth of experience, borne of many years with Georgetown Public Schools. We look forward to welcoming him to our community.
DEPARTING
Jack Hogan
After 10 years as Facilities Manager, Jack Hogan left his roles at the end of October to pursue another very exciting opportunity. Over the past 10 years Jack has worked hard to keep our campus up and running, ensuring the safety of our playgrounds and building, and so much more. We are extremely grateful to Jack for his work over the years and hope that you will all join us tomorrow afternoon, during the Thanksgiving Assembly, when we take the time to thank him and wish him well in his next endeavor.
Branigan Reed
Branigan leaves our school after six years as a teacher, social emotional learning specialist, and festival life committee member. She has spent her tenure bringing energy and joy to her students and colleagues, and she will be missed. Below is a note that Branigan wished to share with the community.
May the sun shine upon you.
May all love surround you.
May the light within you, guide your way home.
Danielle Greendeer Will Read Tomorrow
Tomorrow, November 22, 2022, Waldorf School at Moraine Farm will welcome a very special guest to our Thanksgiving Assembly. Danielle Greendeer is a member of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, farmer, and author of Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story. She will be visiting with our students and reading this beautiful, and thoughtful, story to our community. Her book tells the story of two children from the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe who learn the story of Weeâchumun (corn) and the first Thanksgiving. We are so grateful to Danielle for taking the time to share this powerful indigenous story with us. Prior to, and immediately following the reading, Danielle will be signing copies of her book for the community. Those interested in a signed copy may purchase a book through our school store in advance, or may purchase one at the signing.
To learn more about Danielle, please visit https://www.charlesbridge.com/pages/danielle-greendeer
To learn more about Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story, please visit https://keepunumuk.com/
Photos courtesy of Charlesbridge Publishing
Enchanted Caravan Pop-Up TOMORROW
Join Us All Day Tomorrow for a Special Shopping Event!
The Enchanted Caravan will be open all day on November 22nd for families looking for holiday hostess gifts and more. Stop in anytime throughout the morning, or following the Thanksgiving Assembly to see what wonders are available. As a reminder, you can place an order anytime on the store site (shop.waldorfmoraine.org) and we ship anywhere in the country (perfect for those out-of-town loved ones this holiday season).
In addition to the Enchanted Caravan, following the Thanksgiving Assembly, the 3rd Grade class will be hosting a special sale of greeting cards and soups. Proceeds will go towards their class Farm Trip later this year.
Giving Tuesday
The end of the year can be an overwhelming time, but it is also an amazing opportunity to take stock of the things we are grateful for. One way to show our gratitude is by giving back to the causes and organizations that matter to us most– and we ask you all to consider giving back to WSMF this year on Giving Tuesday (November 29th).
Each year, Waldorf School at Moraine Farm relies on the support of our community to help us advance our mission and provide more opportunities for our students.
Please show your support for our school by making a gift on November 29th.
Not able to make a gift this year? Consider a showing your support by using your voice. Our school grows because of our passionate and invested community members– it is your testimonies that convince new students that this is the perfect place for them! We’d like to reach EVEN MORE potential families, and with your help, we can. Consider writing a review of our school on a site like Niche.com or refer a friend!
There are so many ways you can give back to our community, and we are grateful for all of them!
Author Visit: Danielle Greendeer
On November 22, 2022, Waldorf School at Moraine Farm will welcome a very special guest to our Thanksgiving Assembly. Danielle Greendeer, a member of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, farmer, and author of Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story, will be visiting with our students and reading this beautiful, and thoughtful, story to our community. Her book tells the story of two children from the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe who learn the story of Weeâchumun (corn) and the first Thanksgiving. We are so grateful to Danielle for taking the time to share this powerful indigenous story with us. Prior to, and immediately following the reading, Danielle will be signing copies of her book for the community. Those interested in a signed copy may purchase a book through our school store in advance, or may purchase one at the signing.
To learn more about Danielle, please visit https://www.charlesbridge.com/pages/danielle-greendeer
To learn more about Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story, please visit https://keepunumuk.com/
Photos courtesy of Charlesbridge Publishing
Lantern Walk
The Enchanted Fair is November 19th
The Most Magical Time of the Year
The air is filled with the sounds of laughter and singing, and the smells of popcorn and campfires. You’ve never been so ENCHANTED by a school event before. After all, what could be better than the Enchanted Fair?
Everyone’s favorite event will be happening on November 19th, and we can’t wait to welcome you to campus! Come get your holiday shopping done, sing some carols, listen to a story by the fire, sip on some warm drinks, and nibble on a delectable baked good. It’s fun for all ages! Pre-order your tickets today at shop.waldorfmoraine.org/fair
Give Us Your Best— GINGERBREAD!
This year we will have a gingerbread house competition during the Fair. Think you have what it takes to bring home top prize (bragging rights)? Email Kelsey to let her know you want in on the best competition of the year.
Volunteer at the Fair!
The Enchanted Fair is right around the corner on November 19th and we are asking for volunteers to help staff the event. We have many different opportunities available– from set-up and decoration to gift wrapping at the Wee Folk Shoppe! We’re very excited to bring you this magical event made possible with the help of our community. Volunteer slots are generally 2 hours long, and families are encouraged to sign up for more than one (we promise you will still have plenty of time to get out and enjoy the fair!). More details regarding specific positions can be found on the form and the event organizer will contact all volunteers prior to the Fair to answer questions. Sign up to volunteer here!
Literacy Revisited, Our Partnership with The Reading Studio
At the start of this year, Waldorf School at Moraine Farm announced a plan to re-examine and revamp the way our school approaches literacy. Our plan to do so focuses on three key elements:
-work with external partners to understand where our current program excels and where we can provide additional support
-seek out best practices that can be integrated with our Waldorf pedagogy
-provide professional development for our faculty to support their instruction
We are pleased to announce that we will be partnering with Kristen Williams, founder of The Reading Studio to begin our work in this area. We selected The Reading Studio as a partner because of their core belief that each child’s path to learning is unique, and commitment to treating each student’s engagement with literacy as something special– tenets that resonate strongly with our existing Waldorf pedagogy. We are also thrilled that The Reading Studio is located right here in our Beverly community.
As our literacy initiative progresses we are committed to updating our families and community members. As we begin this exciting adventure, we encourage you to visit The Reading Studio’s website and learn more about Kristen’s work.
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