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It's hard to believe we're almost halfway through the school year. As we near the end of the Fall semester, we’re happy to share a few highlights that we hope will bring warmth to your heart and a smile to your face.
- Our newest teachers – Michelle Boynton (Handwork) and Alexa Mossbrucker, (Sunflower Garden) – are settling in their classes as they delight the children and adults alike with their crafting skills and teach with dedication and a sense of humor.
- Sarah Losee, our wonderful new Main Office Receptionist, has already learned everyone’s names (!) and with her warmth and kindness, always happy to help, makes the Reception Office welcoming to children and parents.
- As we saw at the November Work Share, the children’s main lesson books are already so rich and filled with learnings from their first few months at school.
- We hear sweet recorder melodies in the hallways of the school and feel gratitude for the return of this integral piece of a Waldorf education.
- Students are learning not only in the classroom, but with each other as they share their work and projects.
We also wanted to share that we are so grateful to Michele Turner and Paola Tayvah – two wonderful teachers who will be moving on in the coming year.
Michele Turner has been accepted to the Peace Corps with a placement in Jamaica, starting in March. She will be teaching the beautiful 5th grade class up until the February break. We are very excited for Michele for this fantastic opportunity to teach the children under the auspices of the Peace Corps.
Mountain Laurel's Educational Support Teacher extraordinaire, Paola Tayvah will be retiring from Mountain Laurel School at the end of this school year and is looking forward to moving closer to her children. In the 5 years that Paola has supported not only the students but also our teachers, with her deep expertise in literacy and numeracy, and her care and compassion, she has made a deep impact on many.
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LOOK WHAT'S GROWING IN THE SUNFLOWER GARDEN
Striving to counteract the fast-paced mentality of today, our Parent & Child Sunflower Program supports parents in creating a nurturing, rhythmical environment for their children. 19 families joined us for our weekly teacher-led play group. Parents are welcomed with tea and handwork while the children enjoy free play, climbing, crawling and socializing. Learn more about our parent-child programs.
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SHARING WORK AND WONDER
Our November Work Share boasted a standing-room-only crowd of families and friends who learned from our students in Grades 1-8 as they shared songs, poems, skits, tongue twisters, and world languages. Guests and students alike also had an opportunity to peruse Main Lesson Books, which showcase the incredible progress students make as they journey through the grades, from learning and drawing the alphabet and fairy tales to learning and drawing complex anatomy, mathematics and architectural design.
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GLIMMER, LANTERN, GLIMMER
As the natural world darkens, the inner light of humanity wants to shine forth. During our annual Lantern Walk, this light appears as the flame enclosed in each child’s lantern. The Lantern Walk is a cherished event at Mountain Laurel Waldorf School. After sunset on November 9th, the littlest children, their souls wide open to wonder and magic, walked along a candlelit path holding their lanterns until they reached a circle of light, where, as they sang the lantern songs, dancing fairies entered the circle and handed out magical star cookies to all the children. Thank you to the Historic Huguenot Street for allowing us to use their beautiful grounds for this event.
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NIKITA OARCEA, CLASS OF 2014 | |
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MLWS: What are you up to now?
Nikita: I live in Beacon NY and work as a Project Engineer for Walden Environmental Engineering. I graduated from Rondout Valley High School in 2018 and the University at Buffalo in 2022 with a degree in Civil Engineering and focus on water resources and environmental topics. Working at Walden, I recently completed an Energy Efficiency Analysis and Improvement Study for Mountain Laurel's main school building. The Study was partially funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) P-12 Schools: Green and Clean Energy Solutions (PON 4157) program. The goal of the Study was to identify energy saving opportunities that could help MLWS reduce their carbon footprint and energy expenditures. The main components of the Study included reviewing the existing condition at the school, identifying areas of poor insulation and recommending improvements, investigating the feasibility of installing solar, and comparing different heating and cooling system alternatives to replace the current boilers that are nearing their end of life.
MLWS: What is your fondest memory from your time at MLWS?
Nikita: I have a fond memory of learning about geometry. Mr. Neel asked me to stand up and say "Pythagorean Theorem" every time he said the words "A squared plus B squared equals C squared" while teaching. I admired this unique method he came up with to get people to remember this core concept.
MLWS: How did your MLWS education prepare you for the world?
Nikita: I believe the emphasis on creativity in the MLWS education has given me an advantage in life. For example, creative thinking that was instilled in me at a young age is useful when coming up with solutions to unique engineering problems.
MLWS: Anything else you'd like to say to current and prospective families?
Nikita: Trust the process of a Waldorf education!
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ANNUAL GIVING OFF TO A GOOD START! | |
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HOW ARE WE DOING?
We launched our 2023-2024 Annual Giving Campaign last month and received an outpouring of generosity! Thanks to those who contributed, we are just over 10% of the way to our goal of $50,000 and on our way to our goal of 100% participation.
WHY IS ANNUAL GIVING NEEDED?
Our Annual Giving Fund is the cornerstone of our fundraising and our most important source of unrestricted funds. The true cost of sustaining our school is greater than what we receive in tuition and fees, which cover only 80% of our annual operating budget. We rely on financial acts of kindness to ensure that every student, every day, benefits from a comprehensive and dynamic curriculum.
WHO DONATES?
Last year, thanks to our families, faculty and board, we reached 100% participation. This all-in record establishes a strong collaborative message – within and outside of our community – that together we are all supporting the well-being and strength of our school. This year, in honor of our 40th anniversary, we are hoping for 100% participation from our alumni as well!
WHAT WILL YOUR DONATION GO TOWARD?
- Sustain and build upon our 40-year legacy of offering outstanding Waldorf education in our community.
- Offer competitive salaries, benefits and professional development to attract and retain top quality teachers and staff.
- Provide tuition assistance and scholarships to make Mountain Laurel accessible to anyone who wants a Waldorf education for their children.
- Work with Alma Partners to consciously incorporate diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice (DEIJ) into all that we do.
- Host professional speakers on topics of interest to families.
- Continue to expand upon our one-of-a-kind programming during the school year and beyond.
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THE ANNUAL WINTER GIFT MAKING FAIR IS BACK
We are pleased to announce that once again, after 4 years, on Sunday, December 10, from 11am - 4 pm, Mountain Laurel's Main Building will turn into a winter wonderland with food, crafts, puppets, music and cheer to delight the whole family. Admission is free and open to the public, so please bring your family and friends. Learn more.
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WE'RE HIRING!
5th Grade Teacher
We seek a certified and caring 5th-grade teacher who is committed to the ideals of Waldorf education and who wishes to be an active member of our community. The position is available to begin January 2024. Learn more.
1st Grade Teacher
We seek a caring 1st grade teacher committed to the ideals of Waldorf education and willing to be an active member of our community, working cooperatively and positively. The 1st grade teacher is responsible for leading the children with love, reverence and respect for childhood, possesses excellent classroom management skills, is organized and can oversee the social health of the class. Position available for the 2024-2025 school year. Learn more.
Educational Support Teacher
We are seeking an Educational Support Teacher to work with our students to help them overcome hindrances to learning stemming from physical, social, and/or emotional imbalances and academic needs. Learn more.
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WINTER GIFT MAKING FAIR
Sunday, December 10
11am - 4pm
A longstanding tradition at Mountain Laurel, the Winter Gift Making Fair is an all-in, hands-on event where guests can make their own wreaths, purchase crafts made by students and parents, try candle-dipping, and more. The parent-body helps staff the event, and the whole community is invited. Our last Winter Fair was held in 2019, and we are delighted to be bringing back this wonder-filled event! More information.
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SANTA LUCIA CELEBRATION
Wednesday, December 13
Santa Lucia – a Festival of Light in the Waldorf Calendar of Festivals – is celebrated on December 13, which was, under the Julian calendar, the Winter Solstice. In Waldorf schools, the Second Grade students have the privilege every year to lead the school in the celebration of Santa Lucia.
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PARENT COUNCIL MEETING - IN PERSON
Friday, December 15
1-2 pm
We hope you will attend and bring your questions, curiosities, inspirations and enthusiasm with you! If you would like to request that a topic be included on the meeting agenda, please send an email to parentcouncil@mountainlaurel.org by Thursday, December 14th at 9pm.
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MUSIC SHARE
Friday, December 15
7-9 PM @ New Paltz High School Auditorium
Music is an integral and thriving part of the MLWS curriculum. Music Shares are special opportunities for students in 1st through 8th grade to share the music they’ve been working on in our school’s various ensembles, choirs and orchestras. Parents, family and friends are welcome!
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SCHOOL CLOSED FOR WINTER BREAK
Monday, December 18 - Monday, January 1
We look forward to seeing everyone back in school on Tuesday, January 2, 2024!
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COMMUNITY POTLUCK HOSTED BY PARENT COUNCIL
Friday, January 5
3:30 - 5 pm
6 Elting Playground
It's "First Friday" Community Potluck time again. Join the Parent Council for some food and fun. All faculty, staff, students, and caregivers are welcome. Bring food if you are able and if not, just bring your lovely selves. We hope to see you there!
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SCHOOL CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY
Monday, January 15
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PARENT COUNCIL MEETING
Friday, January 19
1 - 2 pm via Zoom
We hope you will attend and bring your questions, curiosities, inspirations and enthusiasm with you! If you would like to request that a topic be included on the meeting agenda, please send an email to parentcouncil@mountainlaurel.org by Thursday, January 18th at 9pm.
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OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, January 21
10 am - 12 pm
Know anyone considering a Waldorf education for their children? Please let them know that our open houses illuminate the Waldorf philosophy, our academic offerings and our dedication to creating a lifelong love of learning. During the open house prospective families will have an opportunity to visit the classrooms and view students’ work samples, attend informational workshops and watch a puppet show. Children are welcome. Learn more and share with anyone you think might be interested in learning about our school.
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This year marks Mountain Laurel’s 40th Anniversary. We will be celebrating throughout the year and invite all current families and alumni to join in the fun. What do you love about Mountain Laurel? Help us gather 40 Things We Love about Mountain Laurel!
SAVE THE DATE
We are planning special celebrations for the weekend of May 4-5, 2024, including an evening gala on Saturday, May 4th. Please mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information.
STAY IN TOUCH
We’re trying to connect with all our alumni. Know someone who may have lost touch? Please forward them this email, or ask them to fill out our MLWS Alumni Form. If you are an alum of MLWS and would like to get involved, please email ahannes@mountainlaurel.org. Stay tuned for more information!
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CLASSIFIEDS & COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS | |
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Save 25% on Winter Clothing at Oaki and Danish Woolen Delights
For rain suits, bibs, snow suits, wool layers and more, use discount code MountainLaurelWaldorf (not case sensitive) to receive 25% off orders of $29.99+ from oaki.com. This code can be used anytime.
Use discount code MTLRLWS2325 and save up to 25% on brands such as LANACare, HOCOSA, and Geggamoja when you order new wool items through Danish Woolen Delights by 12/21/23. 10% of all sales purchased with this discount code will be donated back to Mountain Laurel.
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To have your classifieds or community announcements listed in our next issue of The Laurel, please submit entries here by December 18. Thank you! | |
WORDS FROM RUDOLF STEINER | |
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Receive the children with reverence
Educate them with love,
Let them go in freedom.
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