We are delighted to announce that our teaching positions for the 2012-13 are now filled.

Spanish - Stephanie Packer holds a BA in Organizational Studies from the University of Michigan. She trained as a Waldorf teacher in Spain, and has spent the past several years between Seville, Spain, and Princeton, NJ, teaching in Waldorf schools and in cultural programs offered by the Andalusian Government. Stephanie will join us this August directly from Seville, where she currently teaches English to children and adults.

Eurythmy - We have made an offer to a candidate for the position of Eurythmist, and anticipate receiving a response in the next two weeks. We certainly hope this very talented and thoughtful candidate will be eager to join our faculty next year, and bring many new talents to our lively team. Additionally, we are considering another very interesting candidate who has expressed interest in joining our school.

Educational Support - Our Educational Support consultant Terri Fristad, will not return to Three Cedars next year. Terri has chosen to focus her energy on Whidbey Island, where she lives. In the past few weeks, she very kindly helped us search for her replacement. We are delighted to welcome Mary Spurgin as our Educational Support teacher this fall. Mary is already very familiar with Three Cedars, where for the past few years she has tutored several of our students, both in school and in her private tutoring practice. Mary holds a Masters degree in Waldorf Education from Sunbridge College, NY. She has taught Grade One through Four at the Green Meadow Waldorf School, NY, as well as Japanese, Korean, and art. Mary intends to attend the Waldorf Remedial Education training course, beginning this fall. We look forward to offering her services to our students in need of an educational support plan.

Professional Development
This coming summer, our faculty will renew their skills and perspective by attending a wide array of professional development courses, both in Seattle and further afield. The summer will begin with our 'Review Days' on June 18, 19, and 20, when we will join the faculty of the Seattle  Waldorf School, as well as Waldorf colleagues from Olympia, Bellingham, Bainbridge Island and Whidbey Island, for a three-day symposium on Waldorf pedagogy. Hosted in Seattle, this gathering will be led by Christof Wiechert, a beloved and renowned expert in Waldorf education. You can view Mr. Wiechert's short biography here: http://www.soundcircle.org/content/christof-wiechert.

Following this gathering, our faculty will engage in courses focusing on their specific interest, as follow:

Monica Lander, MaryAnne Hinton, Geri Snyder, and Geraldine Kline will attend the course 'Karma - Future out of the past' offered by Sound Circle Center in Seattle.

Also with Sound Circle, Jung Sook Kim-Tokura, Bernd Zabel and Stacy Evans-Agnew will attend the course 'Practical Advice to Teachers'. In addition to this course, Bernd and Stacy will attend the preparatory course for their class, in Sacramento and Seattle respectively.

Cris Smith, Annette Campana, and Kim Holscher will attend the course 'Teaching Sensible Science' offered by Michael D'Aleo at Sound Circle Center. Ms. Holscher will also attend the AWSNA summer conference in Sacramento, along with Laura Mason.

Maggie Reilly and Ron Sears will attend the course 'Therapeutic Movement in Early Childhood', again offered by Sound Circle Center, while Amy Hoff will attend a course in either Sacramento or Duncan, BC.

And lastly, Annette Campana, Kim Holscher, Britt Urquiza, and Michael Preston will take the Online Intensive Training designed specifically for each of their respective grade, with Eugene Schwarz.

All of us look forward to engaging in these wonderful professional development opportunities, and to sharing our renewed insights and enthusiasm at our Preview Days Retreat in mid-August.

Geraldine Kline, E.D.

A Unique Celebration Of Community and Curriculum!

This year, we combined our annual May Day Festival and our Spring Faire Festival and called it our “MAY FAIRE FESTIVAL”.  With wonderful and warm weather we had a special time celebrating and watching our student’s May Pole processional and dances.  Thank you to each family who brought fresh flowers and greenery from their own family garden or local store.  A special thank you to Trader Joe’s in Bellevue for the incredible donation of flowers this year.

It was beautiful to see the families gather with their children to decorate their May Faire crowns.  Thank you to those volunteers compromised of families and community members for helping to co-create this magical community building and outreach festival for our children and our community.  With our community’s help and endeavors, this was a lovely event and a way to spend the day together.  Thank you for inviting your friends and family so that they could join in the celebrations and fun!

A special thank you to our Master of Ceremonies, Robin Evans-Agnew along with Evelyn Health who graciously helped our May Queen, Caleah Dean and her long-time friends Josh Craig and Journey Cirdain.   A grateful thank you to our May Faire volunteers: Cris Smith, Michael Preston, Aimee Hoff, Ron Sears, Jenny Foster, Lolly Rogers, Geri Snyder, Jim Jack, John Bennitt, Ben and Jackie Ralston, Cristiane and Michael Wegmann, Lesyle Coe, Angie Alkove, Heidi Person, Mary Haller, Michelle and Steven Knapp, Maggie and Peter Bailey, Beth Parker, Kimberly Johnston, Sophie Dolezel, Mary Haller, Kris Solem, Hwasook Jang, Laura Mason, Enrique and Yadira Martinez, Robert Coca, Ben Childers, Scott and Sanae Stanley, Vladimir Eremin, Joanne and David Hasbrook, Amy Cao, Beth and Marty Wilder, Stephanie Salazar, Emma Goldschmidt, Jana McClain, Javier and Rachel Rodriquez, Anne and Rachel Mason, John Tinker, Lisa and Kelly Anderson, Ryan Lipson and Corey Colewell-Lipson, Luz Wigzell, Barbara Houplin Garcia, and Natasha Bordoff .  A special thank you to our students Kylie and Kensington Hartman, Flavia Calliari-Damasio, Sophia Parker, Anna Tinker, Zoe Evans-Agnew, Zoe Colwell-Lipson, Grace Haller, Paige Jeantette-Coca, Ananda Orzel, Elizabeth Elsbree and Hana Stanley who helped staff volunteer positions.

Thank you also to Dysfunction Junction for our talented music as well as Angelina Jeantette-Coca, Liberty Evans-Agnew, Connor Kelly, Julia Ralston and Kaia Goldsworth who represented our Grade Four class with their talented flute pieces and Flavia Calliari-Damasio, Kensington Hartman and Paige Jeantette-Coca who represented Grade 6 for their musical contributions as well.

Three Cedars has had a wonderful tradition of hosting a yearly party in appreciation of its many volunteers, who in many ways seen and unseen make our school the lovely, vibrant community that it is. This event, whether on a cruise or in a parent's home, offered us all yet another chance to appreciate and celebrate the many talents that create our unique school community, and the astonishing generosity that animates its spirit.

As we reach the conclusion of a year of significant transition, and after considering the ways to create a meaningful event for our volunteers hosted by our faculty and staff, I think it is best to simply acknowledge that  we have not been able to give this special event the quality of careful thought it truly deserves.

Throughout the school year, parents and friends of the school give our faculty, students, and the school community the gift of continuous support, time, and resources. Our school Volunteer Appreciation event presents the faculty and staff the chance to express gratitude in genuine and meaningful ways. This year, we have begun to see that this event should not be another event for parents to 'carry' on our behalf, but rather the one event that we, faculty and staff, offer our parents in gratitude. For these reasons, we have chosen to depart from what was offered in the past - cruise or party catered by our parents - and to reflect on the best way to convey our appreciation for our parents' contributions.

At this time of year, we are simply not ready to host a meaningful event for our parents, and this is why the event has been cancelled. As we prepare for next year, we will continue to imagine and create this event to authentically convey the depth of our gratitude to our volunteers, steeped in our collective and shared appreciation of what is given to us daily. The fruit of our faculty and staff shared imagination, our next Volunteer Appreciation event will be a reflection of who we are at this time, free from traditions, and filled with sincere appreciation for all we receive.

Waldorf schools worldwide have long ago opted to eliminate or greatly reduce the use of standardized tests in the assessment of students' achievements. Our school Grading Protocol outlines our approach to grading:

TCWS - Grading protocol

The nature and style of delivery of the Waldorf curriculum, combined with a high degree of individual attention, allow for a qualitative approach to assessment which is reported with increasing frequency as students move through the grades. Waldorf education is concerned with the whole, individual child as a developing human being and assesses students' developmental, social, artistic, and academic progress on a daily basis through a number of methods, including observation. Our school occasionally utilizes Waldorf specific assessment tools in the context of the 1^st Grade Readiness Assessment, 2^nd Grade Assessment, and 5^th Grade Assessment.

Three Cedars Waldorf School does not rely on standardized testing as an evaluation tool, and does not assign letter grades. 

In reporting to parents, we aim to give each teacher the latitude he or she needs to best report the students' progress in the context of their particular subject. Teachers utilize a grid, reflecting a particular skill set articulated on the report by that teacher for their particular discipline. It is important to emphasize that on such a grid, the student is measured in relation to his or her individual abilities, rather than against a class average or a pre-assigned standard of performance.

TCWS does not include letter grades in transcripts for students in grade 1 through 8. If a record of student grades is requested for any reason, an explanatory letter from the Executive Director accompanies the school records, articulating our approach to evaluating student work.

Our school, along with an increasing number of independent schools nationwide, chooses to focus on educating children rather than 'teaching to the test'. We hope that the article from the National Center for Fair and Open Testing will provide you with additional data on the trend away from standardized test requirements for college.

All Three Cedars Waldorf School families are warmly invited to attend the Commencement Ceremony for the Grade 8 class.

The ceremony will be held in Trillium Hall on Saturday, June 16th at 1:00 p.m., with a dessert reception to follow.

Please RSVP to the school office at 425.401.9874 or info@threecedars.org if you would like to attend, and let us know how many will be in your party.

We hope to see you there!

SIGN ME UP!

Simplicity...Calling ALL the parents who want an EASY way to support Three Cedars!

If the following statements apply to you then we need you.

• I shop at Safeway
• I use a grocery loyalty card, VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, diners Club or debit/ATM card
• I want to support Three Cedars Waldorf
• I can spare 5-10 minutes

I am the new eScrip fundraising Coordinator point person here at Three Cedars. The eScrip program is easy to use. After registration (that's the 5-10 minute part) it's a simple way for year-round making money for the school.

Here is the registration link:
https://secure.escrip.com/jsp/supporter/registration/step1.jsp

Group ID# is 500000351

Some of you may have already signed up a while ago. THANK YOU. NOTE: If you have changed a credit card with which you originally registered please update your card info.

This is a year round program. Thank you in advance for all of you who choose to do this.

If you have any questions, feel free to call KAY at the front office M/W/F.

Fifth graders prepare themselves both inwardly and outwardly for the crowning event of their year, the Olympiad. Each child writes an ode to a Greek god or goddess, offering recognition and high praise in the hopes of being blessed with gifts, like strength, skill, endurance, grace, and confidence, that will ensure victory in the running, wrestling, discus, javelin, and long jump competitions.

Will the gods and goddesses accept their prayers and praise? Ask any Fifth Grader next week!

Eleanor Seidman, Grade 5 Teacher

(Click on an image to see it larger!)

Mrs. Evans grew up in Columbia, Maryland where her family enjoyed being the “pioneers” of this new planned community.  Ms. Evans has fond memories of neighborhood parades, walking to school through the forest, and making friends with classmates who had a different skin color than her own.  Stacy graduated from the University of North Carolina where she earned a B.A. in theatre, speech, and psychology.  After graduating, Stacy volunteered for Habitat for Humanity in Americus, Georgia where she worked on the paint crew and earned a food stipend of $25 a week.  It was here that she lived the Habitat motto which was to be “simple and decent.”  After marrying, Stacy returned to Maryland and earned a Master’s in Teaching degree from Towson State University.  She did her training in inner city Baltimore and then took a job in Washington State in the Edmonds School District, where she taught second and third grade for five years.  She left when she was pregnant with her first child and soon after found a Waldorf preschool for her daughter, which changed the course of her life.  Ms. Evans graduated from Sound Circle Waldorf Teacher Training in Seattle, with  a Waldorf teaching certificate and her experience includes a home-based Waldorf preschool for two years and two years with Bright Water School teaching Grades 4 and 5.  Ms. Evans began her journey with the Grade 1 class at Three Cedars Waldorf School in 2009.

DISC UP!
THREE CEDARS ULTIMATE THURSDAYS AT WILBURTON PARK 2:00 TO 3:45 pm

TCWS students began playing ultimate after school in January, 2010, at Wilburton Park. A small but dedicated group of 1st to 4th grade girls and boys showed up every week and worked on their teamwork (head), running (heart), and throwing/catching (hands). In the spring of 2011, TCWS students formed a team, the Geckos, that competed in the Seattle Elementary School League. The Geckos had much fun playing and even won almost all of the team’s games. In April, 2011, the Geckos attended Spring Reign, the world’s largest youth ultimate tournament, and had 4 games of ultimate fun followed by much needed pizza.

In the fall of 2011, more TCWS girls and boys began to play ultimate after school and a second team was formed, the Frost Giants. In late October, 2011, the Frost Giants attended Fall Drizzle, a middle school tournament, and had 4 fun games of ultimate that included 3 victories. On March 17, 2012, both the Geckos and the Frost Giants will begin the 2012 Seattle Spring League season and compete with other schools in their respective leagues. All students are welcome to come out on Thursdays. For more information including ultimate summer camps contact David Hasbrook 425-453-6191 or check out http://www.discnw.org/youth/home.html

WHEN:  July 20-22  (Friday-Sunday).  Arrival and registration begins at noon on Friday, and the last session ends at 2 pm on Sunday.

WHERE:  Olalla, WA – “Magic Hill”, Magical Strings’ own beautiful 5-acre home on the Puget Sound, overlooking Colvos Passage.  Participants may camp in the woods near the studio, or make reservations at nearby B&B’s and motels in Olalla, Purdy, Gig Harbor or Port Orchard.

WHO CAN COME?  Anyone, from bare beginners to intermediate students, with a desire to learn and explore the musical possibilities of the Celtic harp and hammered dulcimer.  Harps and dulcimers will be available for rent and purchase.

WHO IS TEACHING?  Philip and Pam Boulding – internationally known performers, teachers, composers, recording artists, and harp makers since 1978.  Five assistants will be available for tutoring.

COST:  The camp fee is $295.   Instrument Rental:  $35 for the weekend—can apply toward purchase of any instrument.

Come to Magical Strings' home on “Magic Hill” to learn to play the Celtic harp and hammered dulcimer, or enhance your current skills and repertoire in this beautiful setting situated amongst ancient fir trees overlooking the Puget Sound. 

Students are welcome to participate in all sessions.  The instruction will cover many elements of playing technique, and include timeless melodies from the Celtic tradition, as well as arranging, ornamentation, and improvisation.  Each student, regardless of level or ability, may derive something of value from every session.  Emphasis is placed on learning by ear, but music notation will be provided.  Opportunity for practice and tutor’s attention will occur throughout the weekend.  A highlight is the fire circle on Saturday night!

For more information or to register online, visit our website at www.magicalstrings.com

'Pit Forge, Shaving Horse, & Pole Lathe' 

www.ironwoodworkshops.com

Session 1
Monday, July 9 - Friday, July 13 - 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
$360 (includes all materials)
Session 2
Monday, July 16 - Friday, July 20 -9:00 am to 3:00 pm
$360 (includes all materials)

In these outdoor workshops limited to 10 participants, students will learn to work with three amazing tools dating back to antiquity. No previous experience is necessary. Each day students will work with the various tools, developing two or more projects over the course of the week.  For more information and registration, visit www.ironwoodworkshops.com

The pit forge is composed of a pair of leather sacks connected to tubes or pipes, and a shallow pit in the ground. This primitive bellows system is used to coax hardwood to burn hot enough to bring iron to a yellow heat. We will use this to forge small objects such as coat hooks, hardware items, and rustic knives.  

The shaving horse and pole lathe are used in tandem, along with a hatchet, to transform a section of tree trunk into refined spindle forms. After splitting the log to the desired size, it is chopped to a rough cylinder with the hatchet. The shaving horse, a clamping system in the form of a bench, is used to hold the wood while it is further refined with a draw knife. The wood is then put on the pole lathe, a foot-powered predecessor to the modern electric lathe, and turned with a gouge into various spindle forms such as knife handles, rolling pins, stool legs, and the like.

Ironwood Workshops, located in north Seattle, are led by Mike Kline, a trained Waldorf teacher and practicing artist. For the past fourteen years, Mr. Kline has been teaching various 'practical arts' using wood, copper, iron, and willow to students in grades 5-12 in Waldorf schools in upstate New York, Vancouver, B.C., and currently in Seattle. Mike Kline's artwork can be viewed at www.mklineart.com.

Simplicity Kindergarten-Age and Younger ‘Summer Camps’

3-day Summer Camps with Mama Jackie and Mama Briana in Bellevue

10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesdays through Fridays, weekly registration
Outdoor play in nature, exceptional nutrition, and fun with friends!
3 to 6 y.o. without parent or birth to 4 y.o. with parent attending.

See www.simplicitylearningcenter.com for more details.

Click here for full description.

Sara Mae Kline, senior at the Seattle Waldorf High School, is the co-Captain of the high school's A Team, with plans to continue playing Ultimate in college. Sara Mae recently joined the Youth Ultimate Project, started in 2011 by a group of Northwest School students. This initiative is best described by its mission statement: "Investing in the community and leadership of Cambodian youth by providing a positive outlet through the sport of Ultimate Frisbee".

Sara Mae, along with the four other student team members and an advisor will be traveling to Cambodia for two weeks this summer, to teach two camps for youth in underprivileged areas of Phnom Penh. Sara Mae invites you to support this student initiative to bring Ultimate Frisbee to youth in Cambodia in the following ways:

1) Donate used discs, jerseys, and shoes in decent condition.  A collection box is available at the front office.

2) Make a donation via PayPal at youthultimateproject.com. 

3) Stay tuned - visit our website for information on an auction featuring Cambodian art and traditional crafts organized by the students.  All money raised go directly to making the camps available free of charge to these youth (each of the trainers are personally responsible for their travel expenses)- your interest and support is much appreciated.

For more information, visit youthultimateproject.org

Summer at Sound Circle: Rekindling the Flame in Arts, Anthroposophy and Teaching, July 2-6 and July 9-13

Sound Circle’s summer courses and evening lectures are available to “becoming” teachers, practicing teachers seeking continuing education, and the wider community.  This year’s courses include middle school science, early childhood movement and festivals, karma in everyday encounters and experiences, and practical advice for all teachers.  To view the full summer program offerings, click here.

Foundation Year

Sound Circle is currently accepting applications for its eighth Foundation Year, which begins in September, 2012. The Foundation Year serves as the first year of Waldorf Teacher Training, and is also open is open to those interested in more deeply knowing themselves and the world through creative arts and Anthroposophy.   For more information on the Foundation Year, click here.

AMAZING YOUNG WOMEN AVAILABLE FOR CHILDCARE THIS SUMMER!

Brian Hansell and Kimberly Lacy’s daughters, Tara (22yo) and Grace (19yo), are seeking summer employment as in-home nannies, after May 15th, 2012. Hourly rates vary between $12-14, depending upon scheduling and regularity of work. Inquire with kglacy@hotmail.com and indicate the number of days and hours per week, ages of children and any special circumstances, including breaks in care for planned vacations. Both girls are very familiar with Buddhist, vegan, Waldorf and homeschooling family life! Babysitting evenings and weekends also available with advance notice. Glowing referrals are available from other Three Cedars families.

 Changing Seasons Farm is offering membership in our Community Supported Agriculture program (CSA).  We are a small farm, run by family and friends.  Our produce is Certified Naturally Grown, a grass-roots organization where farmers hold each other responsible to meet organic standards.  The farm is on the Snoqualmie River, a great place for picnics and playing in the water during the summer! Please click here for CSA information.

Wild Spruce Summer Camps, 2012 led by Jesse Hays

Waldorf, holistic and creative summer camps for ages 5-11. Two sessions: July 9-13 and July 23-27.

Camps will weave the day's activities with a thread of Learning and enjoying in a harmonious, well-rounded environment.

See www.wildspruce.org for more details and contact Jesse: oonajnick@gmail.com to sign up.

Click here for flyer.

Dear Families and Friends at Three Cedars Waldorf School,

I hope you are well. Kailas and I will be returning to Washington State this summer. I would like Kailas to attend Three Cedars Waldorf School for 7th and 8th grade. We are looking for a place to live that is located near the school.
 
This is a description of what I am seeking:

• A mother-in-law apartment
• A duplex
• An apartment
• A shared living space
• Work exchange in payment for rent
• It would be helpful if my payments did not exceed $500-$700/month.

We look forward to being a part of the Three Cedars Waldorf School community again. Thank you for your efforts in supporting Kailas and me in this transition.

Sincerely,
Nancy and Kailas 

My best contact is my e-mail address at nkrivanka@hotmail.com.
A phone number contact is 510-223-3568.

I am the original owner of a beautiful Baldwin Acrosonic piano built in 1948. It is a fine musical instrument and an elegant piece of furniture.  In recent years, it has been played only occasionally and is in need of tuning to restore its wonderful sound.

When it was made, the Baldwin Acrosonic was at the top of Baldwin's line. This lovely piano and accompanying bench are in fine condition with the exception of a few minor scratches. It is classically styled with reeded legs and a graceful music stand.  The keys are original, as is the gleaming finish.

I have the written appraisal which was $1,000 in 1980.
I am asking $800.
Please call Lillian at 425-451-8470 for more information

Wilburton neighborhood. Garden level studio apt in lower level of split level home. Private entrance. Garage with automatic door (remote provided). Bedroom, furnished with bed, dresser, desk. Private full size bathroom. Large family room, furnished with couch, large table, cabinet for TV,DVD.

Functional kitchenette, ideal for light cooking. Includes small refrigerator. Renter provides electric appliances (microwave, etc.); lots of cabinets for dishes, pots, pans, etc.

Laundry room with washer and dryer shared with owner. Utilities payments; cable, water, electric recycle are shared. Storage space, and good closet space.

Walking distance to Bellevue Botanical Garden, Kelsey Creek Park and walking trails. Located a mile from 405/I-90, and 520. Walking distance to bus route, Uwajimaya, Whole Foods, Bartells, medical facilities.

No pets, no shares, no smokers, no drugs, no parties. Seeking individual with quiet lifestyle. Available June 1, 2012. $900 mo. plus 1/2 utilities. One month Security and first and last month's rent upfront.

Contact 425-451-8470 for more information.