Sixth Grade: October 23 - 27, 2023

Dear Sixth Grade Families,

Last week, we wrapped up our Business Math block. On Monday, the students debriefed about the Bake Sale and together made suggestions on what went well and where the booth could be improved in future years. The most anticipated part of the block, however, was when Ki Sara visited the class to help reconcile the cash box and ticket sales from the Bake Sale! It was exciting to see how much money the Bake Sale produced! Accounting for expenses (cost of materials, advertising, booth fees, and supplies for the table), the Sixth Grade raised $712 for their Eighth Grade trip. Way to go! 

The students reinforced their skills working with money, decimals, and fractions this week with various practical skills, such as calculating sales tax and how to leave a tip in a restaurant. To help solidify this skill, include your child in calculating the tip the next time you eat out. Finally, interest, in regard to borrowing and lending money, was introduced. The students decided to put their earnings in a High Yield Savings Account so that the Bake Sale money could earn interest over the next few years. 

To round out the block, the Sixth Grade played a game to simulate the formation of an economy. Their group, each with a unique trade, is ship-wrecked on an island. In order to survive, the class must use the natural resources available on the island, as well as their own skills to form a new economy. 

For the class’s next block, Astronomy, Ki Lesley will continue to teach in the Sixth Grade while Ki Melissa continues working on much needed Administrative work. This is a wonderful opportunity for our class to experience working for a longer period with a new teacher, helping them to be more flexible and resilient when working to meet academic expectations with other teachers. Ki Lesley is also having a blast learning and interacting with our amazing group of students. Please reach out to either Ki Melissa or Ki Lesley (or both of us!) with any questions.

Announcements and Reminders:

  • The autumn weather is here. Layering clothing is essential for students to be comfortable throughout the day.

  • Please label clothing!

  • Send two full water bottles daily. 

Upcoming Events:

  • 11/1: NO SCHOOL: Teacher in-service

  • 11/1: Joyful Beginnings and Kindergarten Parent Night: 6 pm - 7 pm

  • 11/7: Kindergarten Lantern Walk: 6 pm

  • 11/7: Grades 1 - 3 Lantern Walk: 6:30 pm *Please note new date for grades

  • 11/17: Thanksgiving Luncheon 11 am: Half Day

With gratitude,

Ki Melissa and Ki Lesley

Sixth Grade: October 17 - 20, 2023

Dear Sixth Grade Families,

First and foremost, thank you all for volunteering and helping to successfully run the soup booth, as well as supporting our Sixth Grade class in their fundraising efforts! The students were successful in their efforts to host the bake sale booth as they worked with customers, served goods, and accepted payment with growing confidence during their shifts.  It was a valuable life experience, and one that future Sixth Grade classes are sure to undertake. The Kingdom of Halloween itself was such a wonderful success, and we sincerely hope that everyone enjoyed their time at the festival. 

Last week, the class focused primarily on preparing for the Kingdom of Halloween fundraiser, Marketing and Advertising, calculating potential profits, and hands-on practice working with a cash box. The class made print advertisements and tried their hand at direct marketing by handing out flyers at carpool. 

The class calculated the average cost of ingredients for their apple pies, which led to a conversation about markup and potential profits. This helped the class to determine the retail price for their pies. The students also discussed expenses and the creation of an Expense Report for their Pastry Garden Booth. These expenses included the money they spent to purchase a spot in last week’s Garden Messenger, print out advertisements, and the Booth Fee.

On Thursday and Friday, Ki Sara joined the class for some practice with setting up and running a cash box. This helped the students to build confidence in mental math by adding up prices and counting back change. This week, the class will count the Bake Sale cash box and compute their profits!

Announcements and Reminders:

  • The autumn weather is here. Layering clothing is essential for students to be comfortable throughout the day.

  • Please label clothing!

  • Send two full water bottles and bug spray daily.

Upcoming Events:

  • 11/1: NO SCHOOL: Teacher in-service

  • 11/1: Joyful Beginnings and Kindergarten Parent Night: 6 pm - 7 pm

  • 11/7: Kindergarten Lantern Walk: 6 pm

  • 11/7: Grades 1-3 Lantern Walk: 6:30 pm *Please note new date for grades

  • 11/17: Thanksgiving Luncheon 11 am: Half Day

With gratitude,

Melissa

Sixth Grade: October 9 - 13, 2023

Dear Sixth Grade Families,

At the beginning of last week, the class continued with their Business Math block. Thank you all for helping your children research the cost of ingredients for the apple pie. The students compared their prices and together calculated an average price for each ingredient. This week, we will be using that information to calculate a unit price per pie. Working with prices naturally tied into practical work with adding, multiplying, dividing, and rounding decimals. 

In addition to market research, the students discussed other considerations for starting a business, such as location, name/logo, and advertising. They have some imaginative and fun ideas for advertising their booth! Please remember the Kingdom of Halloween is THIS Saturday from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm. If you have not signed up to work the booth, please do so here.  Apple pies should be brought to school this Friday. Please be sure your child is ready to work at their assigned time (see below). We are so excited! 

We finished off the week with a field trip to Catherdal Caverns in Woodville, Alabama, and the VBAS Planetarium in Huntsville. The class had a wonderful time together camping, exploring the caverns through a guided tour, and finally seeing the stars. Thank you to our class chaperones for everything you did to make the trip an amazing experience for the students!

Thank you all for an insightful and engaging day of conversation during our Fall conferences on Friday. It is a gift to make this journey through the grades with you all and your children. Thank you!

6th Grade Student Bake Sale shifts

3:45 pm-5:00 pm Olivia   Zion   Violet

4:45 pm-6:00 pm Andi    Asher   Nico

5:45 pm-7:00 pm Christopher   Rory   Evelina

7:45 pm-8:00 pm Eva    Brendan   Major 


Announcements and Reminders:

  • Kingdom of Halloween is this weekend! Using this recipe, please bake one pie for the bake sale table. Please cut your pie into 8 slices. 

  • The autumn weather is here. Layering clothing is essential for students to be comfortable throughout the day.

  • Please label clothing!

  • Send two full water bottles and bug spray daily.

Upcoming Events:

  • 10/21 Kingdom of Halloween: 4 pm - 8 pm

  • 11/1 NO SCHOOL:  Teacher in-service

  • 11/1 Joyful Beginnings and Kindergarten Parent Night: 6 pm - 7 pm

With gratitude,

Melissa

Sixth Grade: October 2 - 6, 2023

Dear Sixth Grade Families,

Our class began their Business Math block this past week with guest teacher (and TGS renowned juggler) Ki Lesley. The students reviewed the evolution of money, starting with trading. The class had a lively discussion about the bartering system and participated in a button trading activity to help introduce various economic concepts, such as supply and demand. Additionally, they refreshed their skills in working with money (counting back change, adding and subtracting amounts, etc.) and looked more closely at coins and bills. The class also discussed the expectations and responsibilities regarding the Kingdom of Halloween Sixth Grade bake sale table. 

In Handwork, the students have been working on sewing juggling balls with Ki Ieva since the start of the year (in and among other projects). The class has been excited to learn and practice this skill, which, along with being fun, has positive neurological benefits. Practicing at home with scarves, beanbags, balls, or other (safe and soft) objects is recommended. Practicing together should add some extra light and laughter at home as well!

Announcements and Reminders:

  • If you have not yet signed up for conferences, please do so here. It will be lovely to meet with each of you.

  • The autumn weather is here (finally). Layering clothing is essential for students to be comfortable throughout the day.

  • Please label clothing!

  • Send two full water bottles and bug spray daily.

Upcoming Events:

  • 10/11 - 10/12 Sixth Grade caving field trip

  • 10/12 HALF DAY - Parent Conferences

  • 10/13 NO SCHOOL - Parent Conferences

  • 10/14 Community Work Day 10 am - 1 pm *Please note the date change

  • 10/21 Kingdom of Halloween

  • 11/1 NO SCHOOL - Teacher in-service

  • 11/1 Parent Night for Joyful Beginnings and Kindergarten classes, 6 pm - 7 pm


With gratitude,

Melissa

Sixth Grade: September 18-22, 2023

Dear Sixth Grade Families,

This past week, our class concluded our first block on Ancient Rome. We learned about various Roman technologies:  the Roman arch, roadways, buildings such as the Pantheon, and aqueducts. Romans admired many cultures around them, and while these technologies did not originate with them, the improvements made influence us today.  Around these lessons, we heard the story of Marius, a plebian consul, and his rise and fall from power. When we return to Rome later this semester, we will hear stories of the various Caesars that ruled the Roman empire while at her strength and, later, her downfall. 

The Day of Courage was again a lovely time for the Second Grade class. In addition to sanding and polishing the wooden swords they “find” in the forest, each student in second grade receives a handmade gift from students in another class to help them ready themselves to meet the metaphorical dragon within the cave. This year, our class made wooden medallions covered with “dragon” scales to protect these good-hearted warriors. Sharing this magical experience is encouraging for all students and teachers as we look toward the changing seasons.  

Announcements and Reminders:

  • If you have not yet signed up for conferences, please do so here. It will be lovely to meet with each of you.

  • The autumn weather is here (finally). Layering clothing is essential for students to be comfortable throughout the day.

  • Please label clothing!

  • Send two full water bottles and bug spray daily.

Upcoming Events:

  • 10/11 - 10/12 Sixth grade caving field trip

  • 10/12  Half Day - Parent Conferences

  • 10/13  No School - Parent Conferences

  • 10/14  Community Work Day 10 am - 1 pm *Please note date change

  • 10/21  Kingdom of Halloween

  • 11/1 NO SCHOOL - Teacher in-service

With gratitude,

Melissa

Sixth Grade: September 11-15, 2023

Dear Sixth Grade Families,

We have enjoyed learning more about the founding of Rome and the stories of the expansion of the Roman Empire.  This past week, we learned about the seven kings of Rome.  The students learned about each king and the gifts or challenges they brought to Rome.  The class spent time learning about Latin; our spelling words this past week contained Latin prefixes.  We ended the week with the story of Hannibal of Carthage and his crossing of the Alps with his army.  This week, we will hear about the laws of Rome which our government is modeled after and discuss their system of government more in depth.  In math, we are continuing to work on Fractions.

Our Second Grade class is looking forward to this Friday’s Day of Courage.  Each grade class has been at work to make a gift for each student as they ready to face the “dragon in the cave”.  With Mr. Matan guiding them, our class made a wooden medallion with snakeskin for each student.  We wish our Second Graders all the best as they face the dragon and conquer the darkness of the coming season!

Announcements and Reminders:

  • Please wear red or gold for this Friday’s Day of Courage festival.

  • This Friday is also a half-day.

  • Next week is Fall Break, enjoy!

Upcoming Events:

  • 9/22    Half Day - Day of Courage

  • 9/25 - 29  Fall Break (No School)

  • 10/2    Teacher In-Service (No School)

  • 10/12  Half Day - Parent Conferences

  • 10/13  No School - Parent Conferences

  • 10/21  Community Work Day 10 am - 1 pm

  • 10/21  Kingdom of Halloween


With gratitude,

Melissa

Sixth Grade: September 4-8, 2023

Dear Sixth Grade Families,

Thank you for joining our Sixth Grade Curriculum Night! It was lovely to be together with you all in our forest classroom and to share what our year ahead will hold for our students.

Last week, we enjoyed closing our geology block with a fun opportunity to work with Mr. Thomas Hemelaar, a visiting Waldorf teacher from the Netherlands. Mr. Thomas told his personal experience living on the Canary Islands and the history of the volcanic eruptions that regularly occur there. He shared about volcanic eruptions occurring approximately every 50 years where he lived and how scientists now keep track of the building energy and gases beneath the earth’s surface using scientific instruments. He said that previous eruptions were in a remote area on the island and offered a lovely display of the earth’s might at night - until this most recent eruption. The most recent eruption was in a place where many people lived and lasted for three months(!), causing irreversible damage and displacing many families, many of whom lost everything and have not had homes for over two years. This story was very impactful for many students. Following this account, Mr. Thomas led the students in harvesting clay at our creek and working in groups to build twin volcanoes found in Nicaragua. The students thoroughly enjoyed this activity, and we deeply appreciate Mr. Thomas for this experience. 

We also began our first block on Ancient Rome with the story of the founding of Rome. We began at the end of the Trojan-Greek war, following Aeneas, the only surviving Trojan, and his journey that eventually brought him to Italy. The students heard about Romulus and Remus, the twin brothers who founded the city. As it goes in many stories, when a civilization or society is founded, babies are cast out, and one sibling slays the other. The students shared their collective memories of such stories as we looked back through the many ancient histories we have learned over the past two years. Seeing the similarities between ancient cultures around the world (babies going down rivers in baskets, the testing of the leaders, etc.) brings a connectedness that should stay with the students throughout their lives. Roman history continues to influence our lives today, something our students will discover in this block.

Announcements and Reminders:

  • Please send your child in with bug spray; the mosquitos are active! The Repel brand seems to be the most effective.

  • Bring rain and creek gear, including boots, daily! These can be left at school and stored in the shed by the Dome.

  • Hard-soled, closed-toe water shoes or old sneakers are required at Creekcess.

  • Please send your child with an extra, labeled sweater or light jacket as the days are turning cooler, especially in the forest.

Upcoming Events:

  • 9/16 Community Workday 9 am - 12 pm

  • 9/22 Half Day - Day of Courage

  • 9/25-9/29 Fall Break (No School)

  • 10/2 Teacher In-Service (No School)

  • 10/12 Half Day - Parent Conferences

  • 10/13 No School - Parent Conferences

  • 10/21 Community Work Day 10 am - 1 pm

  • 10/21 Kingdom of Halloween

With gratitude,

Melissa

Sixth Grade: August 28- September 1, 2023

Dear Sixth Grade Families,

The Sixth Grade class finished up the first block of the school year last week.  In Geology, we covered minerals, the three types of rocks, an overview of the composition of the earth, the rock cycle, tectonic plates, types of volcanoes, why we have earthquakes, five types of mountains, and we learned about caves.  Using what we are learning about, we also collectively wrote our first five-paragraph essay.  Thank you to the many students who brought mineral and rock samples from home.  It enlivened our study, and the students often marveled over the beauty and complexity of the crystals and the variety of minerals and rocks.  Our class rock tumbler will continue working, and in a few more weeks, each student will have their own freshly tumbled rock to take home as a reminder of these lessons.  It was a busy, engaging, and fun first block. 

Next, we enter into our first block about Ancient Rome. As we start this block, we will hear the story of the founding of Rome and learn about the first seven kings. Over the next weeks, in addition to hearing historical stories of leaders, battles, and the challenges of this empire, we will discuss Roman laws and learn about ancient Roman technology. 

Tomorrow, September 6th is Curriculum Night!  Please note our meeting time is 7:00 - 8:00 pm.  We will enjoy a circle activity, review our weekly schedule, and hear an overview of the Sixth Grade curriculum. We look forward to seeing you on campus for this adults only event.

Announcements and Reminders:

  • Please send your child in with bug spray; the mosquitos are active! The Repel brand seems to be the most effective.

  • Bring rain gear, including boots, daily! It can be left at school and stored in the shed by the Dome.

  • Hard-soled, closed-toe water shoes or old sneakers are required at Creekcess.

Upcoming Events:

  • 9/5 Joyful Beginnings and Kindergarten Curriculum Night 6 pm (adults only)

  • 9/6 Grades 1- 5 Curriculum Night 6 pm and Sixth Grade 7 - 8 pm (adults only)

  • 9/16 Community Workday 9 am - 12 pm

  • 9/22 Half Day - Day of Courage

  • 9/25-9/29 Fall Break (No School)


With gratitude,

Melissa

Sixth Grade: August 21-25, 2023

Dear Sixth Grade Families,

Our class continues to focus on geology and the study of the earth. This past week, we learned more about tectonic plates and how their constant movement over the Earth’s mantle leads to a variety of dramatic natural occurrences (natural disasters for humans), such as volcanoes and earthquakes. We learned about several types of volcanoes along with the Ring of Fire, where most of the earth’s volcanoes are located. Next, the class learned about earthquakes, including Charles Richter, the inventor of the Richter scale. During these lessons, the students heard information and took notes about what they learned or copied the notes from the board. Following a review of the parts of a paragraph, students used their notes and independently created summaries for their Main Lesson books.

As we have now moved into Middle School, the quality of the Main Lesson work comes more into focus. We have begun talking about expectations for their Main Lesson writing and drawings. Additionally, each student received a folder with paper for their spelling quizzes (No quiz last week!), and we spoke of expectations for these as well.  At this time, the focus is on setting up the students for an awareness of producing their best work based on the individual student.  We are not adding in letter or percent grades and will continue in this vein for the majority of the year.

Next Wednesday, September 6th, is Curriculum Night! Please note the NEW TIME for Sixth Grade to meet is 7 pm - 8 pm. We will enjoy a circle activity, review our weekly schedule, and hear an overview of the sixth grade curriculum. We look forward to seeing you on campus for this adults-only event.

Announcements and Reminders:

  • Please send your child in with bug spray; the mosquitos are active!

    Bring rain gear, including boots, daily! It can be left at school and stored in the shed by the Dome.

  • Hard-soled, closed-toe water shoes or old sneakers are required at Creekcess.

Upcoming Events:

  • 9/4 Labor Day (No School)

  • 9/5 Joyful Beginnings and Kindergarten Curriculum Night 6 pm

  • 9/6 Grades 1-5 Curriculum Night 6 pm, Middle School 7 pm

  • 9/16 Community Workday 9 am - 12 pm


With gratitude,

Melissa

Sixth Grade: August 14-18; 2023

Dear Sixth Grade Families,

We had a busy and productive first full week of school! In our Main Lesson, the students each chose a stone to identify by looking at some of the same characteristics used by geologists, such as color, luster, transparency, and hardness. The students recorded a description and drawing of their stone, and with the help of a rock identification app, we learned each stone’s identity. On Friday, we placed all our stones into a rock tumbler, and over the following weeks, we will check on their progress as they are tumbled and polished! We learned about the rock cycle and the three types of rocks; igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic, and volcanoes!

The students were given an assignment book this past week. They recorded their first assignment: study for the spelling quiz on Monday. In these books, they will keep notes of their homework assigned, work to be completed at home, spelling lists, and more. While we will not have daily homework, the students will begin to learn to help organize and track their work. Please help your student at home by reminding them to return their assignment notebook to their backpacks as soon as they have finished using them. Learning good habits regarding homework should start early for the best success!

Announcements and Reminders:

  • Please send your child in with bug spray; the mosquitos are active!

  • Bring rain gear, including boots, daily!  It can be left at school, stored in the shed by the Dome.

  • Hard-soled, closed-toe water shoes, or old sneakers, are required at Creekcess.


Upcoming Events:

  • 8/26 Community Work Day 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

  • 9/4 Labor Day (No School)

  • 9/5 Joyful Beginnings and Kindergarten Curriculum Night 6 p.m.

  • 9/6 Grades Curriculum Night 6 p.m.


With gratitude,

Melissa

Sixth Grade: August 9-11, 2023

Dear Sixth Grade Families,

Welcome back to all! It was a busy time in our class as we entered into middle school!  We are excited to have two new students joining our class, Eva and Evalina; a warm welcome to both of them and their families!

The First Day Assembly was a wonderful experience for all.  Our Sixth Grade students, the lead class in our school, once again had the honor of presenting the rising First Graders with a rose and escorting them to the bridge to cross over and officially join our Grades program.  Welcome, First Grade!   

Our first main lesson block focuses on Rocks and Minerals.  We began with an overview of the most prevalent scientific theory on how the sun and inner planets were likely formed.  We also spoke about creation stories in various cultures and the respect we should give to the beliefs of those around us.  The students were excited to look for and collect different rock samples on campus.  We will examine these and other rock and mineral specimens and, using a rock tumbler, see if we can polish some stones so their beauty can truly shine.  

The new school supplies were well received!   A fresh box of coloring pencils is still met with delight, and as we proceed through our block studies, other needed materials and tools will be presented. 

Announcements and Reminders:

  • Bring 2 full water bottles and bug spray every day.

  • Bring rain gear every day.  It can be left at school, stored in the shed by the Dome.

Upcoming Events:

  • 8/26 Community Work Day 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

  • 9/4 Labor Day (No School)

  • 9/5 Joyful Beginnings and Kindergarten Curriculum Night 6 p.m.

  • 9/6 Grades Curriculum Night 6 p.m.


With gratitude,

Melissa

Fifth Grade: May 15-19, 2023

 Dear Fifth-Grade Families,

Thank you all for my amazing and generous end-of-year gift!  I cannot say enough how blessed I feel to teach your children, to work with your wonderful families, and to make this journey together!  Thank you.  

It was an amazing year together as we journeyed through the last year of elementary school.  The students were collectively excited to look ahead to officially becoming Middle Schoolers!  Questions arose steadily:  “Will we still have recess?” and other vital concerns were addressed (snack, creekcess, etc.) that demonstrate that the change of grade this year isn’t a major shift in who and how they are…yet!.  “Yes, recess, snack and creekcess all continue, and yes, work loads increase, too.”  Nothing is perfect! ;) 

Field day was filled with fun and adventures with water as the class played sponge and cup relays, and ran amuck in the sprinkler.  The developmental gap between first and fifth graders closes on Field Day as everyone enjoys themselves!  Bubbles and popsicles rounded out the morning beautifully. 

Please look for your child’s End of Year report toward the middle of June.  There is some summer work addressed here and there to keep skills sharp.  Students were given a book to read this summer, The Adventures of Robin Hood, and aside from that, having fun is the main directive.  I hope you all have the summer break you desire, for your children, your families, and for yourselves.  I look forward to our next adventures together in the sixth grade!

  • May 22: Start of Summer Break! 

  • May 22-26: Teacher In-Service

  • SUMMER BREAK!

  • August 5: Community Work Day

  • August 9: Grades First Day of School!

  • August 10: Kindergarten First Day of School!

  • August 14: Joyful Beginnings First Day of School!


With gratitude,

Melissa




Fifth Grade: May 8-12, 2023

Dear Fifth-Grade Families,

Thank you to our beautiful community for showering us with appreciation last week!  It’s a gift to teach at our school.  Your thoughtfulness is met with gratitude! 

Our class play of Demeter and Persephone was a successful experience.  The process in and around a Waldorf class play is one filled with specific intentions that allow the teacher to help students develop various personal skills.  A class play also helps strengthen the connectedness of the class community, as the students work together to coordinate movements, support each other to succeed in their roles, and help each other bring their best to the stage.  The students prepared for their roles before and after the excitement of the Pentathlon and did a terrific job overall.  Congratulations to you all, Fifth Grade!  A special thank you to Ki Kathee for supporting our class throughout the entire play experience with her musical gifts and performance expertise.

 As we look to these last days of fifth grade, the students take the time to look back on the past year and reflect on all they have done and accomplished as they review the pages of their main lesson books.  They share laughter and stories, celebrate successes, and witness growth and maturity, both personally and collectively.  I am grateful to share in these moments with your children, and I am thankful to look toward the coming sixth-grade year, knowing I will continue on this journey with your children and your families.  Thank you for all your kindness and support.

Reminders:

Please equip your child with sun hats, insect repellent, 2 filled water bottles, and water shoes that must have hard-soled, closed-toed shoes for safe and fun play in the creek. 

  • 5/17:  Field Day

  • 5/19:  Last Day of School 

  • 5/20: SUMMER BREAK BEGINS!

With gratitude,

Melissa

Fifth Grade: May 8-12, 2023

Dear Fifth-Grade Families,

It was a busy week as we ramped up for our play this Thursday.   The students spent last week rehearsing lines, working on stage presence, and planning how to enter and exit the stage for each scene.  Ki Kathee has joined us for several practices, helping us with placement, music, and other aspects of our play.  Our play will be followed by a cast party at the picnic tables; please sign-up to bring some goodies if you can do so! 

Today, we had the opportunity to try out the pizza oven our class built out of clay harvested around campus, led by Mr. Matan.  Firewood is stored in the lower half, and a fire is built in the top part of the oven.  Once good and hot, the coals are pushed aside, and the pizza is placed inside to bake.  In addition to eating homemade pizza baked in the oven they built themselves, the students enjoyed s’mores.  What an amazing experience for the class! 

Reminders:

Now that the weather is (finally!) warming, please equip your child with sun hats, insect repellent, 2 filled water bottles, and water shoes. Creekcess will begin soon, and students may only go in the water if they have hard-soled, closed-toed shoes for the creek. 

  • 5/9: First Grade Play 5pm

  • 5/9: Third/Fourth Grade Play 6pm

  • 5/11:  Second Grade Play 5pm

  • 5/11:  Fifth Grade Play 6pm

  • 5/13:  Community Work Day 

  • 5/17:  Field Day

  • 5/19:  Last Day of School 

With gratitude,

Melissa




Fifth Grade: April 24-28, 2023

Dear Fifth-Grade Families,

Thank you all for a wonderful auction experience!  Having the special adults in our students’ lives gather together to enjoy each other’s company and view the amazing class projects was a delight!  A special thank you to Major’s mom, Candace, for completing our project in such an incredible way!  We thank you all for supporting our school!

The Southeastern Waldorf School Pentathlon was an experience to be remembered by our Fifth Grade class for years to come.  The students rose to the occasion at all practices, our class presentation, and the final events, building their inner confidence and beautifully representing our school community.  They made friends with those in their city-states, cheering on their new teammates and their classmates in other city-states, alike.  A special and tremendous thank you to Mr. Matan for the excellent training year, and for supporting all the student-athletes at the games, Ki Ben for preparing the students to shine at their presentation for over 140 students and teachers in the audience, Asher’s mom, Heather, for chaperoning, Rory’s dad, Zach, for being a judge, Christopher’s mom, Debbie, for helping to support the dissemination of information, and a special thank you to Violet, who read her Ode to Aphrodite in front of close to 100 students, plus all the supporting adults and families in attendance from 8 different schools! Thank you, also, to all the Fifth Grade parents for your constant support, patience, and understanding as we shared this journey to the Pentathlon.

Our class play of Demeter and Persephone will be on Thursday, May 11th at 6:00.  Our play will be followed by a cast party at the picnic tables; please sign-up to bring some goodies if you are able to do so! Students are memorizing their lines at home, practicing at school, and working on the setting, stage placement, and props.  Please encourage your child to set aside time to practice at home and help them to memorize their dialogue and add inflection and attitude appropriate to their parts.

Reminders:

Now that the weather is warming, please equip your child with sun hats, insect repellent, 2 filled water bottles, and water shoes. Creekcess will begin soon and students may only go in the water if they have hard-soled, closed-toed shoes for the creek. 

  • 5/5 Half Day 

  • 5/9: First Grade Play 5pm

  • 5/9: Third/Fourth Grade Play 6pm

  • 5/11: Second Grade Play 5pm

  • 5/11: Fifth Grade Play 6pm

  • 5/13 Community Work Day 

  • 5/19 Last Day of School 


With gratitude,

Melissa




Fifth Grade: April 17-21, 2023

Dear Fifth-Grade Families,

This Friday is our annual fundraiser!  We are so excited and we hope to see you all (adults only, please). Thank you for your participation in our class auction project and thank you for your continuous support of our school!

We had an amazing and musically educational visit to see the KSU orchestra practice on Wednesday.  It was wonderful to see such an array of instruments and the diverse body of students who play them with such enthusiasm.  Thank you to Ki Ben, our Music teacher, for arranging our visit!

This past week, the fifth-grade class made their final preparations as we head to the South Eastern Pentathlon games.  Practicing our Olympic Oath was central to our week.  

Great Zeus mighty ruler of Olympus,

We pledge our honor to these games.

Strength and Grace will guide our limbs.

Courage and Beauty will guide our hearts.

Truth and Spirit of Cooperation will guide our minds.

We pledge to strive with all our skill to win with Grace, and lose with Dignity.

The students spent extra time with Mr. Matan, finalizing form, speed, and grace for the five events, discus, baton relay, long jump, javelin, and wrestling.  We are packed, excited, anxious, and, as you read this, at the games with seven other Waldorf school fifth-grade classes!

Adding to our excitement, the students are readying for our class play which will be held the Thursday evening of May 11th at 6:00, followed by a cast party at the picnic tables.  Parts have been assigned, and with Ki Kathee’s support, the students dove fully into practice. We worked through the play several times, running through lines and scenes with partners and as a class. Students will be working to memorize their lines at home; please encourage them to set aside time to practice at home and help them to memorize their dialogue and add inflection and attitude appropriate to their parts.

Reminders:

Now that the weather is warming, please equip your child with sun hats, insect repellent, 2 filled water bottles and water shoes. Creekcess will begin soon and students may only go in the water if they have hard-soled, closed-toed shoes for the creek. 

  • 4/25-4/27 5th Grade Pentathlon 

  • 4/28 Annual Fundraiser - Half Day 

  • 4/29 Community Work Day  

  • 5/5 Half Day 

  • 5/9: First Grade Play 5pm

  • 5/9: Third/Fourth Grade Play 6pm

  • 5/11: Second Grade Play 5pm

  • 5/11: Fifth Grade Play 6pm

  • 5/13 Community Work Day 

  • 5/19 Last Day of School 

With gratitude,

Melissa




Fifth Grade: April 10-14, 2023

Dear Fifth-Grade Families,

We completed our second botany block following our spring break week.  We spent time learning about two helpful pollinators, butterflies and bees.  We learned about how they collect nectar, the flowers' gift to these insects, and in return, the butterflies and bees distribute pollen to continue the life cycle of flowering plants.  We also learned about oak trees, their life cycle, seed distribution, and the benefits these trees contribute.  We did the same for coconut palm trees.  As we ended the week learning about bees, we enjoyed a special snack of apples dipped in local honey.

We will begin our second North American geography block, focusing now on the United States, and will work in our Key to Fractions 3 booklets. Also, we are making ourselves ready for the Pentathlon. The students are regularly practicing with Mr. Matan for the five events, working with Ki Ben to learn the songs they will perform, memorizing the oath, and will rewrite final copies of their odes to the gods. 

We are now diving more fully into our play practice based on the Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone.  We are reading the script together and working through ideas for performing the various scenes.  Parts will be announced soon and at-home practice will be required.  The play will be the second week of May, the exact date and time will be announced soon!  

We are definitely keeping ourselves busy!

Reminders:

Now that the weather is warming, please equip your child with sun hats, insect repellent, and water shoes. Creekcess will begin soon and students may only go in the water if they have hard-soled, closed-toed shoes for the creek. 


4/25-4/27 5th Grade Pentathlon 

4/28 Annual Fundraiser - Half Day 

4/29 Community Work Day  

5/5 Half Day 

5/13 Community Work Day 

5/19 Last Day of School 

With gratitude,

Melissa




Fifth Grade: March 27-31, 2023

Dear Fifth Grade Families,

The spring weather gave us a perfect start to our second Botany block.  We began the week by reviewing the lower plants we studied last semester.  Following this review, the concept of vascular and non-vascular plants and the differences between monocotyledons and dicotyledons were introduced.  As we looked closely at the parts of a seed, we explored the parts of a lima bean that we had soaked and dissected and planted lima beans and marigold seeds.  Touring the campus, we had many opportunities to notice the complicated leaf patterns and the four, five, or multi-petals of dicots.  We ended the week learning about pollen and its importance to the life cycle of a plant.  This coming week, we will finish our exploration of botany as we look closely at pollinators and their life cycles.

We were excited to begin play practice last week with a read-through of our play based on the Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone.  In the coming week, the class will work on the play without specifically assigned parts, allowing students the opportunity to live into many characters, work on fluency as we read parts aloud, and absorb the general mood of the play.  Once parts are assigned, students will bring home scripts to memorize lines.  The play will take place after school one evening in early May; the date will be announced as soon as possible!

Our Grandfriends Tea was a lovely community event!  It was wonderful to meet the family and friends of our students and watch the children share and show off our amazing school and campus.  Thank you to all for your support.  

Have a lovely, restful, and fun-filled Spring Break!

Reminders:

4/3-4/7 Spring Break (No School) 

4/25-4/27 5th Grade Pentathlon 

4/28 Annual Fundraiser - Half Day 

4/29 Community Work Day  

5/5 Half Day 

5/13 Community Work Day 

5/19 Last Day of School 


With gratitude,

Melissa




Fifth Grade: March 20-24, 2023

Dear Fifth-Grade Families,

This past week, the fifth-grade class completed their final Ancient Civilization block of the school year. We traveled through time through stories from the ancient cultures of India, Persia, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and finally, Greece. The students deeply enjoyed the stories and a view of life for the people during these time periods. Not only were they able to see the differences in how people in these varied cultures lived, but as we progressed through time, the students could also witness the many similarities these cultures shared as they tried to make sense of and learn more about the world around them. The class is reading additional stories from the Greek period through independent reading assignments. We will soon be working on our class play based on one of the myths we heard as a class. 

We have now moved into our second Botany block. In the next two weeks, we will review the lower plant families and also learn about dicotyledons. To complement this block, each student chose a native plant to draw and then transfer onto copper sheets using tooling. These lovely drawings will become a fantastic wall-art piece for our class auction project!  

If you haven’t yet, please email an RSVP with the number of guests, and their names, who will be attending the Grandfriends Tea on March 31st. 

Reminders:

3/31 Half Day - Grandfriend’s Tea (11:00-12:00)

4/3-4/7 Spring Break (No School) 

4/25-4/27 5th Grade Pentathlon 

4/28 Annual Fundraiser - Half Day 

4/29 Community Work Day  

5/5 Half Day 

5/13 Community Work Day 


With gratitude,

Melissa



Fifth Grade: March 13-17, 2023

Dear Fifth-Grade Families,

The Fifth-grade class had a busy and fun week.  On Tuesday, we celebrated Pi day, 3.14!  After stepping back into geometry and reviewing how to measure the circumference of a circle, we had fun with a Pi-related movement activity and a painting activity, both related to the endless decimal places of this irrational number.  We also enjoyed apple pie (Pi) bars.  As an additional surprise, we also had a cherry pie (Pi) from Andi and her family!  Thank you, it was delicious!

During the other school days, the students worked on writing odes to the god or goddess of their choosing.  We learned how to use a thesaurus, and after completing a brainstorming exercise, we used the thesaurus to help expand our vocabulary choices.  Adjectives were reviewed during grammar and have been essential while working on our odes.  

Please be on the lookout for Key to Decimal homework this week and next.  Students are assigned a certain number of pages to complete at home and can work beyond that requirement if desired.

Reminders:

3/31 Half Day - Grandfriend’s Tea (11:00-12:00)

4/3-4/7 Spring Break (No School) 

4/28 Annual Fundraiser - Half Day 

4/29 Community Work Day

4/25-4/27 5th Grade Pentathlon 

4/28 Annual Fundraiser - Half Day 

4/29 Community Work Day  

* Please RSVP to your child’s teacher the number of guests, and their names, that will be attending the Grandfriends Tea on March 31st. Click here to email  Ki Melissa.

With gratitude,

Melissa