Osiyo, Chickadee Families,
What a wonderful taste of summer the students experienced last week! Along with the warm weather, new material was introduced to the children for our outdoor classroom: sidewalk chalk! The chalk was met with a great deal of enthusiasm as students excitedly colored and drew on wood, rocks, trees, and even dirt! The children further changed the landscape of our outdoor classroom by adding a deep cavern to our digging area. Students have worked to deepen this hole over many days, and are planning to dig tunnels to their homes so they can visit school whenever they want. Planks of wood have been fashioned into bridges, which students use to walk or drive dump trucks over the gap. More animal friends have taken advantage of the warmer temperatures to visit us at school. The children have been especially happy to see woodpeckers, carpenter bees, and skinks around the campus.
Throughout the year, students learn about the importance and sacredness of all life. This idea encompasses not only other humans but animals and plants as well. The children are encouraged to observe small creatures with curiosity and wonder as opposed to disgust or fear. They are reminded to show kindness to Brother or Sister Tree and to avoid injuring roots when digging. Brother Wind plays tricks when he blows the backpack blanket, and Jack Frost blows his icy breath on our picnic tables on chilly mornings. Ants are left to do their work and slugs to return to their families. In this way, the students are allowed to develop a deep respect and understanding for all life that sets a strong foundation for both arts and sciences once they enter formal academics. While “STEAM” is a newer idea to some methods of education, it has always thrived in Waldorf and forest schools!
Announcements and Reminders:
Thank you for continuing to send your children dressed in layers and with rain and cold weather gear each day.
It is a good time to begin adding insect repellant back to backpacks.
Please ensure your child’s lunch contains elements to provide them with sufficient energy for the day. Protein, long-acting carbs such as grains, and fruits and vegetables are all vital to helping students through their active day at school.
Upcoming Events:
3/27-29: School Photos
3/29: Grandfriends Day (12:30 All School Dismissal)
4/1-4/5 Spring Break (No School)
4/23-4/25 5th Grade Pentathlon
4/26 Annual Auction Fundraiser - Half Day
Thank you for sharing your children with us and for being part of our community.
Gvyalieliga,
Ki Holly
