No Bus Service- NEXT FRIDAY

There is no bus service next Friday, September 29. We're sorry for the inconvenience.

From the Director

Dear Madrone Family,

I was thinking about family pets the other day. The joy they bring, the companionship, the responsibility they instill in us, but mostly the unconditional love they provide (unless you have cats… cats require food and a general acknowledgment of their superiority as a species prior to any affection being given to a human!) Unfortunately, my reflection was coming as we were saying goodbye last weekend to our family cat of nearly 14 years. A truly traumatic time for us all. That being said, we all had a time of healing as we shared fun stories of our cat, who ended up with three legs for the last five years of his life due to losing a hind leg to a tumor. He still zoomed around the house with the best of them! 

I would hope that, space permitting, each of our students gets to experience life with a pet. I truly enjoy seeing the family dogs in the car as parents drop off their children each morning. The best part is more often than not, the dog is riding shotgun and the kids are in the back! Owning a pet is an excellent learning experience for a child and aligns with Waldorf education and the teachings of Rudolf Steiner.

In studying individual animals, Rudolf Steiner states the first step is to familiarize the students with that animal by way of a complete description including where it lives. It’s ideal to bring a live animal to the classroom, Steiner says, or to make a drawing.

The animals that Steiner uses as examples include: a cuttle-fish as the best representative of the head; a mouse, lamb, horse or other mammal which represents the trunk; and human beings, in which the limbs are the most significant. In our detailed descriptions of the animals, we want to give children “a certain feeling for the difference between animals” by way of comparison to human beings.

“By teaching in this way we gradually awaken in the children a strong sense and feeling for the fact that the character of the lower animals is head-like, that of the higher animals is trunk-like, and that of man limb-like.”

The end result is the moral element: children are left with a strong impression that we humans can take up a piece of chalk and write, and we can do this because our hands and arms are not needed for other work. Steiner says, “there is no more wonderful symbol of human freedom than man’s arms and hands.”

Steiner explains that this is a very important approach to take in teaching about animals. Because so often, we hear the message that human beings are higher beings because of our heads, our thinking. Steiner wants to instill the message that we are higher beings because of our limbs and that all of the activities of nature are united in us. This helps to develop a firm moral concept in children by appealing to their intellect and strengthening their feeling and will.

Steiner concludes by saying that we want to guide children to understand how we are only fully human when we use our hands for working in the world. And we will not achieve this moral component if we only describe each animal by itself.

I guess it makes me think about why some people are dog people, others cat people, many are both, and just about everyone likes horses. We somehow connect with animals in our own way. Although I only have cats at the moment (minus one), I can’t pass a dog without asking if I can take a moment to pet the dog and wish I had one of my own. This is why cat cafes exist. So even if you don’t own an animal, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy your friends' pets!

NEW! We are excited to announce that Lincoln Stegall, one of our 7th grade students, will be joining me in the parking lot starting Monday morning, September 25! He will be a morning crossing guard that will assist at the crosswalk. This will occur during the morning drop off from 8:15-8:30 am when most of our students arrive. He will be wearing a yellow vest and holding an orange flag. Here is the protocol that Lincoln will follow:

Dangers: 

1. Drivers looking directly into the sun
2. Drivers moving too fast in the parking lot
3. Drivers not able to see children and parents waiting to cross because of parked cars

Procedure:

1. Lincoln will stand on the left side of the lane next to a traffic cone placed just off the back bumper of the parked car
2. When parents and children need to cross from either side, Lincoln will put out his flag and MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH THE DRIVER and motion for them to stop
3. Once the driver is stopped, Lincoln will walk to the halfway point of the crosswalk, once there, he will motion for parents and children to cross
4. When they have successfully crossed, Lincoln will return to his spot by the cone, leaving the flag out until he is back in position. He will then motion for traffic to continue.

Considerations:

1. We may need to have parents and students wait a moment if cars are backed up. We will let the line of cars clear for a moment so we don’t back up traffic in the street. Mr. Roberts will help with this.
2. If Mr. Roberts is out (very rare!) then we will not have a crossing guard that day.

Have a wonderful weekend,

~Kendall Roberts

Director

kendall.roberts@madronetrail.org

Welcome Back Picnic and Clothing Swap-- TOMORROW

Hello from the Parent Council!

We can’t wait to see everyone at Doc Griffin Park this Saturday 9/23 from 11am-2pm. Alongside a community gathering and playdate, we're also having a clothing swap. We’re accepting all sizes from newborn to adult, so please gather up your gently used clothes, shoes, boots, coats, hats, and mittens! 

If you have any questions please reach out!

Sincerely,

Megan Shaw

Parent Council Chair

(541) 840-2937

From the Office

Our 2022-2023 yearbooks sold out quicker than expected last year. If you were not able to purchase one and would like one, we have ordered a few more for purchase. We have less than 20, so get yours soon. This is your last opportunity to get one. They are $20, and can be purchased from Ms. Sherrie in the office. Cash, check, or credit card accepted.

Picture Day is Tuesday, October 10. Order forms will go home soon. You can also order pictures directly from Lifetouch's website. Use Picture Day ID: EVTTXZRVF.

Madrone Trail T-shirts

Madrone Trail shirts and hoodies are now for sale! Pre-order yours now until Monday, October 9. Once the pre-order window closes they will go into production and be delivered to school for pickup, hopefully before our Jog-a-thon on Friday, October 20.

We will have both our Madrone Trail Dragon and Blue Heron designs available in t-shirts, long sleeves, and hoodies from sizes Youth Small to Adult XXL. Madrone Trail Dragon shirts will be available in light green, dark green, tan, and blue. The limited edition 8th grade designed shirt will be available in light purple, dark purple, and grey. Unfortunately, long sleeve shirts and hoodies are not available in light purple.

Order yours today from the link below! If you have any questions please contact Ms. Cori, cori.royer@madronetrail.org

Lost & Found

Our Lost & Found is already growing. The new location for the Lost & Found rack is by the bathrooms past the Kindergarten classrooms. Please check it periodically if your child is missing something. Jewelry and small items that are found are in the office with Ms. Sherrie. We donate things that are left on the last Friday of the month, which this month is the 29th.

The Library is now Open!

Thanks to our Library Committee and dedicated staff, the Madrone Trail Library has successfully opened. Your child will have an opportunity to visit the Library every week with their class.

In order to check out books, you must fill out our Library Parent Policy Agreement Form before they can check out books! Please take a moment to sign the agreement so your child may access these services. We appreciate your cooperation. We have had around 130 students get this formed signed so far, thanks to all the parents that have done so so far, but we need more to sign it! This form can also be found on our website here.

From the Athletic Director

Our fall sports continue to roll on. Both Coach Alexis and Coach Jen report that our athletes continue to improve and work hard each time out. Look for registration forms for Boys’ Basketball to go out in the next couple of weeks. Note: our boys program begins Oct. 23rd and ends December 13th and is for 6th-8th grade students. School basketball only takes place during the school week. The community opportunity listed below does potentially conflict with ours for 6th and 7th graders with practices during the week; however games for Junior Comets are on Saturdays. Long story short, it is possible to do both school ball and Junior Comets for 6th and 7th graders.

Volleyball

Monday we played at Ruch. Both Varsity and JV lost 0 sets to 3. Wednesday, we were at Home vs. Saint Mary’s. Varsity lost 0-3 and JV lost 1 set to 2. Standouts from the week were Anastasia and Natasha for their great serves and Fiona and Faith for their great returns.       .

Next week:

Monday, 9/25 at Sacred Heart JV plays at 4:00 pm, Varsity at 5:00 pm

Wednesday, 9/27 @ Butte Falls Varsity plays at 4:30 pm, JV at 5:30 pm

Cross Country 

Last week’s meet results are in! There were 7 schools represented including Fleming, Hanby, Logos, Lorna Byrne, Madrone Trail, Oakdale, and Ruch. There were 72 male runners and 40 female runners.

Theo Gerig 14:12.9 (16th overall, 5th for 7th grade)

John Richardson 18:30.8 (46th overall, 12th for 6th grade)

Maddy Bevers 15:12.0 (2nd overall)

Sidra Price 16:34.2 (6th overall)

Kaela Morgan 22:26.3 (23rd overall, 9th for 7th grade)

Next week:

Tuesday, 9/26 @ the Central Point Expo Center

Girls race at 3:00 pm, Boys race at 3:30 pm

Community Sport Opportunity

Registration is now open for Boys’ Basketball through Junior Comets Sports.

Who: Boys grades 1st-7th

Cost: 1 participant $50, 2 participants $90, 3 or more participants $120

When: Practice starts November 1st, First game November 18th, last game January 20th

Skills Evaluation date: October 21 (Location and time TBA)

Register at https://www.juniorcometsports.com/registration-information2.html

Go Dragons,

Jeff Roberson

jeff.roberson@madronetrail.org

From the Kitchen

Greetings from the lunch program!

We are rolling out new daily lunch specials starting the week of Monday, October 2 for grades 3-8. These items will require a pre-order by Saturdays at 10 am for the respective upcoming week. Sandwiches & soup will still be available every day without having to pre-order.

Mondays

Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Vegan Primavera Pasta

Tuesdays

Bean, Rice & Cheese Burritos

Served with optional sour cream and salsa

Thursdays

Cheeseburger

Hamburger

Veggie Burger w/ Cheese

Vegan Burger

Fridays

Chicken Teriyaki

Vegan Teriyaki

We will continue with the same menu for grades K-2! Pre-orders are NOT required for K-2 meals. Teachers inform the kitchen staff every morning as to which students need a meal.

K-2 Menu

Mondays - Vegan Primavera Pasta

Tuesdays - Stone Soup

Wednesdays - Sunbutter Sandwiches

Thursdays - Cheese Burgers (vegan burgers available by request by emailing Chef Evan @ evan.wilson@madronetrail.org)

Still haven’t applied for free meals?

Click here to apply for free breakfast and lunch 

Free lunch applications are being accepted and are essential to complete if you qualify, even if you were approved last year. 

New parents: Click here for instructions to register your EZ app meals account 

SNACKS

Please note that snacks are available during each class’ snack period. We highly encourage parents of students in grades K-2 to pack a snack so your student does not have to leave the classroom during this period. We do not offer free snacks, even if you qualify for free breakfast and lunch and you do need to have funds on your EZ app account if you would like your student to be able to purchase snacks. Examples of snacks we offer are fresh fruit, milk, cheese, granola, nutri grain bars, and chips (baked Lays, pita chips).

Pricing and Payments

If you do not qualify for free meals, a complete meal for lunch will be $3.50 for grades K-2 and $4.25 for grades 3-8. Breakfast including fresh fruit and milk is $3 for all grades. A la carte and snack items will also be available for purchase during breakfast, snack and lunch periods. You will need to have funds in your EZ account to pay for snacks and a la carte items (all parents). Funds can be added to your account online or you may avoid the processing fee and provide funds to Ms. Sherrie ($10 minimum please). We do not accept payments at our point of service. 

Thank you!

Crafting Circle Forming

Hello to my Crafty Madrone Parents and Children. We will officially be holding a child friendly Crafting Circle! I’ve gotten a number of families interested in some after school craft days from 3:15-5pm. We have NOT decided on a day yet. If you would like to come felt, crochet, knit, sew, share patterns and techniques, and commune with other crafters please click the link below and sign up with your availability! I will be emailing out a tentative start date this weekend.

Please reach out to me if you have any questions:

meganzshaw@gmail.com

Michaelmas

Festivals are a vital part of Waldorf education. Madrone Trail celebrates the rhythm of the year through festivals honoring the seasons and the natural world. As we celebrate and mark the passage of the seasons through art, music, and story, we deepen our connection to the rhythms of nature and our relationships with each other and create community. Many of our festivals are celebrated community-wide. Some festivals are celebrated with the children during school.

Our first festival is Michaelmas, which will be celebrated on Friday, September 29th, from 2:15-3:00 pm. Michaelmas, as it is observed in Waldorf schools, is the "festival of courage." Michael, the archangel who inspires courage, is associated with this festival at harvest time. The students will hear a story of a knight conquering the dragon, sing songs of courage, and enjoy dragon bread and cider. Through this community festival, we celebrate the apples and wheat harvested in the fall, while preparing ourselves for the inner wakefulness and courage needed for the winter months ahead.

Class teachers and your class parent representatives will be sending out emails with details of what each class needs to bring to make this festival a success. For those courageous parents wanting to make dragon bread, below are a few recipes to help guide you, along with some pictures of dragon bread throughout the years. They can also be found on our website.

Dragon Bread Recipe from the Washington Waldorf School

Sweet Sourdough Dragon Bread Recipe

Gluten Free Dragon Bread Recipe

Dragon Bread Examples

Cans & Bottles Recycling Fundraiser

If you would like to donate cans or bottles, please make sure to drop off your sealed/tied bags in plastic trash bags (please no paper or open bags). These will be bagged and tagged in our special blue BottleDrop bags and taken to the center for redemption with our special coded tag that will be donated into our school account.

Parents may drop off sealed bags to the area between the dumpster and the greenhouse, at the end of the bamboo fence on the edge of the parking lot between the kinder yard and 7th-8th grade modular. Bags will be taken to the BottleDrop once a week.

If you are able to assist with transport of large quantities of bag donations, please contact the office manager:  office@madronetrail.org

If you have a personal BottleDrop account, and would like to send online donations to our Give Account, you may login to your BottleDrop account and search for Madrone Trail.

Please review the list of acceptable items:

Included, in sizes 3 liters or less:

Soda, Beer and malt beverages, Water, Kombucha, Hard Seltzer

Included, in sizes from 4 ounces up to 1.5 liters:

Coffee and tea, Energy and sports drinks, Fruit and vegetable juice, Hard Cider

Not Included:

- Distilled spirits / liquor

- Wine

- Infant formula

- Liquid meal replacements

- Non-beverage foods

- Beverages that list dairy milk or plant-based

milk as the first ingredient

- Beverages in a carton, foil pouch, or metal

container that require a tool to be opened

Thank you for supporting our 8th graders!

Substitute Teachers and Assistants Wanted

We are always looking for more Substitute Teachers and Substitute Assistants to be on call throughout the year. If you are interested, please check out our Indeed ads here: SubstituteTeacher and Substitute Teacher Assistant

A current need we have is for music class coverage 2 days a week (Mondays and Thursdays) from 1:30-3:00 pm. One of our music teachers, Mr. Zeller, is currently out for health reasons. Please contact Ms. Taurie, taurie.michele@madronetrail.org, if you are interested in helping out.

Quote of the Day

Handlettered by Ms. Cori

MADRONE TRAIL PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL

www.madronetrail.org

Madrone Trail Public Charter School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age in its programs and activities.