Kindergarten Turtles: September 7-11, 2026
Dear Turtle Families,
Last week, we continued the story, “How the Apple Got Its Star”. During the week, the children finished sewing their very own adorable little apples. Each apple was stuffed with scrap yarn, and a little wooden star was hidden inside before sewing the opening closed and adding a stem and felt leaf. Each apple was unique and beautiful, and the students were proud to bring them home. We deepened our connection to the story with a puppet show and story cards. On Wednesday, the class had an Apple Taste Test during snack. The children helped to chop the apples and then sampled five varieties. During the tasting, we talked about what we noticed about each apple, and everyone shared their observations. In the end, Rockit and Honey Crisp tied for the win, with Granny Apple rounding out the competition in last place. Our play on Thursday brought the story to life, with the Great Apple Tree and a Star Fairy as the lead parts. The other children took on the roles of Stars and Apples, and it was lovely to watch each child’s personality shine through as they interpreted what it meant to be a star or an apple in the story.
On Thursday, we began our drawing rhythm for the year. Each student chose a special sit-spot in the classroom, where they will return every Thursday for 10-15 minutes of quiet drawing time. Drawing time begins each week with a few moments of stillness, inviting the children to notice nature, to listen, smell, see, and hear what is happening around them, and to take a little time to think about what they might like to draw. Then the journals and crayons are passed out, and they begin. Spending quiet time and reflection in the same little piece of nature every week throughout the school year is a small but lovely connection to our classroom and our forest. This week, the students were delighted to find the surprise drawings inside, made by their parents on Curriculum Night.
It is such a pleasure to spend our days in the forest with your children!
Class Reminders and Announcements:
Roots & Rhythms: We are excited to welcome Mari Cooper to our community! Throughout this school year, she will be leading an eight-session parent education series. With extensive experience in Waldorf education, Mari will invite participants to explore the “why” behind what we do through music, movement, and meaningful discussion. These sessions are a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the roots of our curriculum while connecting with other parents in our community.
Participation is expected for all new parents, and all parents are encouraged to join! as part of our commitment to building a shared understanding of the philosophy and practices that guide our school. We look forward to supporting you on this beautiful journey of parenting!
Parent Conferences are on the school schedule for October 8 and 9. I will be in Washington for the Waldorf Teacher Certification Program I am completing, so the Turtle Class conferences will be scheduled over the 2 weeks following my return, October 15-27. Please sign up here to schedule a time to meet.
September 18: Day of Courage (half-day) Wear Red!
September 21 - 25: Fall Break
September 28: Teacher In-Service (No School)
October 3: Roots & Rhythm with Ki Mari from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (On campus, in-person)
October 8: Half Day for all students
October 9: No school and Parent Conferences (Turtle Conferences will be scheduled October 15-27)
Grace and Peace,
Ki Kim
