The Waldorf Buzz: Be Informed
Weekly Newsletter for Students, Parents, and Friends of Waldorf MoraineFaculty 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.
Volunteer for The Enchanted Fair
WE WANT YOU… TO VOLUNTEER!
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!
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.
Admissions Happenings
Admissions season is in full swing here at WSMF, and we have many opportunities for prospective families to get to know us better. If you, or someone you know, is interested in learning more about our school, check out one of our exciting upcoming events:
October 27th- Beverly Trick or Treat
Join us from 4-6 PM in front of Beverly City Hall for a fun Halloween activity. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about local Beverly businesses. Details can be found here.
October 30th- Moraine Farm Open House and Pumpkin Walk
We’re very excited to host a Moraine Farm Open House with our property partners this Fall. Happening Sunday October 30th from 11am – 3pm, join us as we open up this very special property for the day. There will be an opportunity to learn all about the work here, including talks and tours from our partners The Trustees of Reservations, Project Adventure, New Entry Sustainable Farming Project, the Friends of the Olmsted Landscape at Moraine Farm, and Fireside Catering. This event is free to attend, but registration is required. Learn more about what will be happening and register here.
After the Open House, join us from 3-6 PM for a festive pumpkin walk through our property’s trails. A $5 donation per family is suggested.
November 5th- Why Waldorf? Exploring Waldorf Education for BIPOC Families
What you need to know as a BIPOC family about the community and student experience at Waldorf School at Moraine Farm. You will have the opportunity to connect with faculty as well as current and former parents of BIPOC students. This event introduces prospective families to our school and our community, allowing them to ask questions about Waldorf education, and the experience of being a BIPOC student and family here. Register to attend today!
November 6th- New Entry Pumpkin Smash
Have some pumpkins left over that are starting to sag? Send ’em flying at the New Entry Pumpkin Smash! This 2nd Annual event is fun for the whole family– launch your gourd using MIT-engineered catapults, and relish some pumpkin pulp. See New Entry’s site for details.
No Tricks, Just Treats– Switch Witch Gifts Galore at the Enchanted Caravan
WCA Update
View the most recent Waldorf Community Association (WCA) newsletter: October 21 • WCA Newsletter. Below are highlights of WCA’s current projects and events. All community members are invited to participate.
- Community Freecycle
This week is our annual fall Freecycle event. Come bring old or out-grown winter clothing (in good condition please!) and exchange it for free! Remember that you don’t need to bring anything in order to take clothing at the Freecycle 🙂 - WCA Fundraiser
Join us for an exciting wreath making workshop lead by Amy Sadler of Luna Moss. Proceeds from this event will benefit the WCA as we work to bring programming throughout the year. - Write a Review For Our School
Recently a community parent wrote a lovely review of our school for the public. We welcome other parents to write a review about our outstanding school. You can do this on a number of websites, including the school’s official Facebook page, its Google profile, Niche, Great Schools, and more. As mentioned above, expressing your shared experiences of the school is a seed that grows. - Next Full Body Meeting
Our next meeting will be December 8th
Here There Be Dragons (And Warriors Too!)
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Exploring Waldorf Education for BIPOC Families
Waldorf School at Moraine Farm is proud to present Exploring Waldorf Education for BIPOC Families the first in a series of panels featuring faculty, and current and former parents of BIPOC students. This program is designed to introduce prospective families of color to our school and our community, allowing them to ask questions about Waldorf education, and the experience of being a student here.
We encourage you to share this event with your friends and neighbors– more information and a link to register can be found here.
Announcing the Admissions Ambassadors Program
What is the Admissions Ambassador Program?
The Admissions Ambassador Program is a way to get involved with our school community by sharing your positive experiences as a parent, faculty member, or alumni with prospective families. Word-of-mouth is the greatest marketing tool and Admissions Ambassadors authentically share the WSMF experience because they lived it. We are looking for people who would like to help at events, conduct community outreach, and personally contact inquiries and applicants.
Please contact admissions@waldorfmoraine.org for more information!
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