Joyful Beginnings Hummingbirds: January 27 - 31, 2025
Dear Joyful Beginnings Hummingbird Families,
What a remarkable and eventful week it has been. Last week and earlier this week, the Hummingbirds listened intently as Ki Alycia shared the heartfelt, timely story about transition with the children, who were eager and ready to welcome the star child into the world and patiently await Ki Alycia’s return in the spring. And on the morning of Wednesday, January 29th, the star child, Rudy Gregory Pinizzotto, arrived! The Pinizzotto family is overflowing with happiness, and we send them our warmest wishes. Our Hummingbirds continue to send love and rainbows to Ki Alycia each day during circle time.
The children couldn’t have been better prepared by their dear teacher to embrace a new one, and they’ve shown incredible resilience in welcoming Ki Pri with both smiles and honesty. Our gratitude goes not only to the delightful children but also to Ki Angela and all the parents for your trust and understanding. Ki Pri and Ki Angela will continue to work together to maintain the daily rhythms of the class, staying true to the journey the children have been on. We understand how vital it is for the children to feel the warmth and security that comes from the daily rhythms – the cycle of outbreaths and inbreaths. The rhythm of Waldorf education allows children the time they need to engage with the world and experience it at their own pace. During circle time, we also use the opportunity to practice breathing in and blowing “icy breaths” as we say our King Winter verse.
King Winter now is in the land,
he reigns with cold and freezing hand.
He makes Jack Frost touch nose and toes,
and gives our cheeks a rosy glow.
The children also had a wonderful time running from tree to tree, hopping on stumps, exploring the forest, discovering mushrooms growing on wet stumps, and gently viewing the chickens that the Third Graders were caring for at the farm. They enjoyed some finger painting as well and had a wonderful time celebrating Sully’s birthday with his sweet family.
We’ll be celebrating two more birthdays this week, and on Thursday, we’ll also be attending the Lunar New Year performance by the grades students. Families are welcome to join us in the sanctuary starting at 11:30 a.m.
Thank you to the parents who joined us on Curriculum Night, where Ki Siyu and Ki Alycia shared the wonder and power of storytelling, delighting us with their lovely puppet shows. We also discussed ideas for the auction project, which seems to be shaping up beautifully. We’re excited to see families come together, enjoying the process of putting their efforts into a wonderful project that supports our school.
Also, a big thank you to all families who joined us this past Saturday for our All School Meeting. Your continued support and the sense of community you bring are what keep our lovely school strong and growing!
Announcements and Reminders for Hummingbirds:
*Note on conferences: In light of Ki Alycia’s maternity leave, please note that spring conferences for the Hummingbirds will be scheduled for the month of April instead of 2/6 and 2/7 as the school calendar indicates. Scheduling options will be sent out closer to those dates. In the meantime, please reach out directly with any questions about your child’s school experience! Please be aware there is no school on 2/7.
Valentine’s Day: As has been our tradition at The Garden School, in lieu of passing out cards from home on Valentine’s Day, our class will recognize the day by telling the story “Valentino and the Rainbow Hearts.” Please save all student card/ gift exchanges for play dates off campus.
2/4: Ella’s Birthday celebration
2/6: Jacob’s Birthday Celebration
2/6: Lunar New Year performance
2/6: Half Day - Parent Conferences
2/7: No School - Parent Conferences
2/17-2/21 Mid Winter Break
2/24: Teacher In-service: No School
With Gratitude,
Ki Pri and Ki Angela
