Newsletter 2 December 2013

In ThisIN THISIssue: ISSUE

Dates to Note 2 DWS News 3 Holiday Fair Photos 4 Holiday Fair Help Needed 5 Basketball Champs 6 Colorado Gives Day Results 7 DWS Spartans Middle School A Team Carolyn’s College Corner 10 Crowns Undefeated Season with Anthroposophy Notes 11 Parent Education 13 League Championship Title! Community Notes 14

1 UPCOMING DATES TO NOTE

Dec. 20 Jan. 8, 9 am Shepherd’s Play at 9:30 & 11 am Epiphany Assembly Evening performance at 7pm Early Dismissal: 12 Noon for all Jan. 10, 6-8 pm students Parent Council Baked Potato Night NO AFTERCARE Jan. 11, 6-8 pm Dec. 21—Jan.5: Winter Break Family Friendly Improv Night Back to School on Monday, Jan. 6 No Winter Break Camp Available Jan. 13, 5:30 pm Wisdom of Waldorf Evening Dec. 28, 10:30-1:00 Mercury Group (Anthroposophical Youth Jan. 14, 7-9 pm Group) Art Project & Potluck with Turbo Teens Marielle Levin Parent Evening with Douglas Gerwin

“Sometimes our fate resembles a fruit tree in winter. Who would think that those branches would turn green again and blossom? But we hope it, we know it.” —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

2 TWO DWS STUDENTS SELECTED FOR ALL-STATE ORCHESTRA

Sophomore Marley Aiu (cellist) and Junior Rachel Prendergast (violinist) have been accepted into the Colorado All-State Orchestra. Both girls sent in their applications and recorded auditions in November, along with hundreds of other high school music students from all over Colorado. Results were announced last Friday: not only were both Rachel and Marley accepted, but both were placed in the Symphony orchestra, which is the more advanced of the two All-State orchestras. This will be Marley’s first and Rachel’s second time playing in the All-State Orchestra, which is open to Colorado 10th through 12th graders. The three-day event, which includes seating auditions, workshops, and rehearsals with the top music students from throughout Colorado, culminating in a final concert Saturday night, will take place Thursday, February 13, 2014 through Saturday, February 15, on the campus at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. The Symphony will be directed by Dr. Jefferey Meyer, who teaches at Ithaca College in New York, directs a chamber orchestra in St. Petersberg, Russia, and has won awards at many international competitions. Past DWS students who have participated include Margot Anthony, Nick Anthony, Chloe Prendergast, and Gautam Webb. The final concert, at 6:00pm Saturday, Feb. 15, is open to the public. Both Rachel and Marley started playing their instrument in the 3rd grade at the Denver Waldorf School!

Santa Lucia Day: 2nd Graders Share Songs & Goodies

Environmental Policy: An Update from the Building & Grounds Committee You may have noticed a funny machine set up in the main hallway a few weeks ago. It was doing air testing as part of our asbestos management plan. The results came back clear, as expected. Testing was performed in several locations throughout the building. As with most old buildings, DWS has some environmental issues to manage which we do through remediation or in-place management, as needed. Aside from verifying clear air on a regular basis, DWS uses green cleaning products and green materials such as no-VOC paint, water-based polyurethane and recycled flooring. We strive to make the best material choices to protect our children and the earth.

3 HOLIDAY FAIR JOY & THANKS

All photos courtesy of Bruce Kelley ©2013

4 HOLIDAY FAIR CLEAN UP HELP Last Call for Holiday Fair Volunteers!

On Monday, December 30th from 9:00 am —1:00 pm, we need about 8 volunteers to help us take down the Holiday Fair decorations from the hallways of the school. If you’re available to help, please email [email protected].

We also have two serving pieces and some grocery bags left over from the donations. Please stop by and pick them up. All Elf Land creations will also need to be brought home– check at the table in the front hall to claim yours before the break.

5 SPARTANS BATTLE TO LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

After finishing in fourth place last year in the 5280 League basketball season tournament, a young Denver Waldorf Middle School Boys A basketball team looked forward to “next” year. 2013 turned out to be a year of destiny – and the seasoned DWS Middle School Boys A team lived up to all the preseason hype under the firm but gentle guidance of Coach Marc Quinn (who also assisted referees in making the right calls). The 2013 team was comprised of ten 8th grade boys and two 7th grade boys, displaying a strength and maturity unequalled by any of this season’s outmatched opponents. After cruising to an 8-0 record during the regular schedule, the season-end tournament resulted in a semifinal victory over Rocky Mountain Lutheran and a final championship victory over Denver Jewish Day School. The 7 -point victory (49-42) in the final game was the closest margin of the year, while the average score during the entire season was 44-22. Cameron Archer and Christian Davis led the team with scoring averages of 13.8 and 13.2 points per game, respectively. All twelve players scored during the season and every player played in every game, including the championship. A tenacious, scrappy defense complimented the team’s scoring prowess. Congratulations to all the boys on an undefeated championship season – one they will always remember!

MIDDLE SCHOOL A TEAM:

Cameron Archer Elias Johansson Eli Busenbark Jose Laris Christian Davis Zian Lusero Zachary Fanch Lou Maley Gabe Goodman Hugo van’t Veer Paul Ikenberry Kieran Williams

6 COLORADO GIVES DAY THANKS By John Russell, member, DWS Board of Trustees & Development Committee

On behalf of the Development Committee and the Board of Trustees, I would like to thank each and every one of the over 200 community members listed below who made their annual donation to the Denver Waldorf School on Colorado Gives Day. Last year, by participating in Colorado Gives Day, the school received an extra $2000. The Denver Waldorf School relies on the generosity of the families of students and alumni to operate the school for our children. This year the budget for the annual campaign is $185,000. These dollars go toward offsetting the cost of education, which the tuition dollars by themselves do not cover. Our goal for Colorado Gives Day was to raise at least $120,000, we exceeded that goal by raising $152,000. Including gifts that were given prior to gives day we have already raised over $166,000 towards the $185,000 for the fiscal year (August 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014). We still have a little ways to go and there is still time. If you have not yet had an opportunity to make a gift, log in to www.denverwaldorf.org and donate today. No amount is too little. Again thank you for your support.

Jonathan D. Ahalt Molly Burke Peter Douglas & Sara May

Kumella Aiu Parry Burnap Ginny Douglass

Badreay Alqallaf Joshua & Mary Carr Betsy Doyle-White

Diana Anderson Lauren Choate Richard & Kay Droste

Anonymous Todd Christensen Benjamin & Laura Drotar

David & Dawn Archer Joseph & Kelly Church Georgiana Duncan

Jon Atkins & Randie Thompson Rebecca Church David Dunn

Michael Bruce Baker Laurie Clark Wayne Easter

Jess Bartley Patrick Condon & Elizabeth Gonzalez Evan & Kim Ela

Geoffrey Bateman & Mark Thrun Edward & Anne Cosgriff Jack Etkin

Mariette Bell John Countryman Jossy Eyre

Lee Bergstedt & Rebekah Chadwick David S. Creager William & Jennifer Feinberg

Melissa Billetter Brandon Credeur Lydia Fiser

Karen Bilsborrow Debra Curran Karl Fleischer & Giti Samar

Adam Blanning Brian & Margaret Davis Dennis Fleming

Nancy Blanning Drew Day & Kimberly Daly Thomas Sanford Francis

Janet & Bob Bogdan Lourdes Delgado Darlene Louise Gaillot

Robert & Julie Bogdan Lori DeMoney Watson Galleher

Steve Bondy & Karee Justice-Bondy Robert Demsey & Sandra Haynes Daniel & Tobie Garcia

Sharon Borton William DeVoe & Susana Brizuela Tara Gaschler

Michael Boudreaux & Andrea Enright Vernon Dewey Jerry Georgeff & Kim Gorgens

Charles & Courtney Boyle John Dicker & Shannon Cumberland Daniel & Jean Gibbons

Renee Burger-McMichael Barbara Dolan Charles & Karen Goetz

Please notify us if there are any corrections or omissions.

7 COLORADO GIVES DAY THANKS

Mark & Nancy Goodman Darlene Iriarte Ron Lottridge Daniel Neves & Stephanie Palm Neves Terry L. Goodman Ina Jaehnig Chenxi Lu David Oppenheim Michael & Diane Graboski David & Shari Johansson Judith C. Lucas John & Kathie Oppenheim Colette Green David S. Johnson Phil Luna Daniel Opyd Josh & Kate Gregory Leonard Johnson Allison Lusero Hoffman & Indra Lusero John & Josephine Ostrander Ryan & Tara Gregory Ben Jones Anne Macomber Jennifer Palmer Lukas & Erin Gruber Kurt & Krischa Jones Christopher Maley Travis & Jennifer Parker Christa Leah Gustafson (Baudher) Alice Jordan Brian Marquette Andrew Paschetto & Deirdre Penny Guy John Anthony JorDan Thompson Donna Martin David Haddock & Klara Michael Justice & Edith Nockels Scott & Andrea Pearson Matouskova J. Landis & Sharon Martin Joel Andrew Kauffman Gerald & Faustina Pfister Keenan Hand Kimberly Martin Bruce Kelley Ronald & Deborah Pierce Scott Hanks & Kelly Snyder Todd Matuszewicz Evan Kelley Joseph & Gwendolyn Pollara Tom Harberts & Elizabeth Jennifer May Cornelia Kellogg Strammiello Alan Pologar Warren May Melissa Kendrick Elizabeth Hartman Stephen Powers Joseph Wade McClain Christopher Kennel & Marija Kenny Hayes Dan Prendergast & Carla Sciaky Dubrick Jeff E. McClendon Anonymous Jeff & Krista Price Philip Keppeler Mike McHenry Caroline Heberton Brooke Pulsinelli Kesher Foundation Brian McPeek Renata Heberton Michael & Alyssa Quinn Milan & Ozrenka Klanjsek John Alexander Menninger Evan & Shawn Hecox Marcia Ragonetti Jan Kneisel & Tamara Mahoney Jason Metter James Hedemark & Brie Kaiser Kneisel Matthew Ralston Noah & Sarah Meyer Bill Henry & Shelly Sandel Sheila Kowal Arvida Rascon Jay & Deb Mills Steven Hill, Jr. Daniel & Elizabeth Krause Kinch Reindl Moz & Leah Mirbaba Jim Hindes Greg Kuczynski & Emily August Josh Renkin & Jen Grauer Anne Mitchell Daniel Hirsch Sasha Kurbegov & Barbara Costa Peter & Marcy Renton Robin Wright MacKinnon Mitchell Pam Holbrook Elaine Kurbegoz Roxanne Rhodes Susanne Mitchell Brooke Huffman Samantha Langston Kieran & Leigh Rhysling Andrew & Amy Mohraz John Huggins & Monica Martinez Derek Lawrence & Margaret William Rickards Jay & Stacy Montgomery McCullough Kelly & Shelley Hummel John Roberts Claire Moran Brian & Sarah Lee Charlene Hunter Darrin & Peggy Robertson Michael Evan Moss Terrill Legueri Soma Hunter Angelique Rodriguez James Neill Tyler Lewark Kathy Huwaldt Iris Rodriguez Russel Nelson Dennis & Trish Licata Scott & Denise Ikenberry Jeff Rogoff & Jenni Hayes

Amy Linden Please notify us if there are any corrections or omissions.

8 COLORADO GIVES DAY THANKS

Adam Rovner Brian Sipes Rosemary Loomis Vermouth

Jeremy Rowland & Monica Genadio James C. Smith Daemon Visconti & Andrea Pettit

John Russell Thomas William Smith Terrance Volk

Daniel & Shana Sacco Ed Spotts Jeff Wahl & Kathy Ohara

Erica & Alberto Sadun Kathryn Spuhler Richard Wallace

Louis Peter Salfi Steve Taylor Richard & Ann Walter

Annie Sandusky Noah & Lila Teitelbaum Stephen & Elizabeth Webb

Anonymous Carrie Tentori Donald Weinshenker & Erika Walker

Brian Schwartz The Ilse Nathan Foundation Kaylene Weiser

Robert & Leah Secrest The Sprout Foundation, Inc Burton Wells Wetherbee

David & Elizabeth Selzer Anne & Adam Thom Cassie Wilkinson

Michael & Susan Senior David Todd Tim Williams

Autumn Sesrs Dona M. Totten Patrick & Stephanie

David & Suzanne Shapiro Richard Trenholme Leah Witzig

Rotem & Gali Shein Uriel Pharmacy Deborah Catherine Wolf

Duncan Shepherd Ash & Elizabeth Valeski Evelyn Wolf

Wilma Shepherd Van Gogh Photography Danny Wood

Jason Shimkos Richard & Krisztina van't Veer Phil Woodford

Robert Shomo & Julie Spiegleman Anthony Velasquez Matt Woodhull & Teresa Garcia

Joe Simodynes & Keira O'Connor Verde Denver Real Estate

Please notify us if there are any corrections or omissions.

Thank you again for your generous support of DWS.

Campus Master Plan Update

The Denver Waldorf School Association recently learned of an opportunity to consider an alternate school site, a few miles from our current location, which would provide all of the key elements listed in our current campus master plan. The school's Administration, College of Teachers and Board of Trustees are investigating this opportunity and will report findings to the greater school community as soon as possible following Winter Break.

9 CAROLYN’S COLLEGE CORNER

College Profile: University of San Diego Ideal Student: Eager to get involved in a variety of campus clubs, teams and activities; planning to travel during undergraduate studies Location: San Diego, California

Campus Environment: Country club by the sea with Division 1 sports; Catholic liberal arts education

Special Programs: Number 1 in Study Abroad; competitive athletics

A private university located high above beautiful Mission Bay with views to match, this school has a much different feel than its public cousin, University of California, San Diego. A perfectly manicured school where not a leaf, shrub or blade of grass is out of order, USD brings to mind a country club. Don't be fooled, however, as there is serious learning going on here. The school was founded by a Catholic order that believed beautiful surroundings would inspire learning and intellectual pursuits.

As a Catholic School, it is committed to ethical conduct and compassionate service and leadership throughout their curriculum. All of USD's programs are built upon the liberal arts tradition by developing critical thinking skills with an emphasis on fundamental skills, written and oral communication and an understanding of the past. “Number 1” in study abroad is their claim to fame, as well an abundance of clubs and organizations for anyone and everyone. USD is Division 1 athletics, so games are taken seriously and a school-wide passion. Most popular majors are business administration, finance, communication, accountancy, marketing and psychology.

College Profile: University of California at San Diego the school; Division-2 sports; strong research program; active Greek student life Location: San Diego, California Ideal Student: Driven and independent; comfortable with 300-400 students Campus Environment: Beautiful, hilltop campus with over 23,000 students in a class; doesn’t need financial aid or scholarships in the undergraduate programs

Special Programs: 6-college system to promote smaller connections within

With 23,000 undergraduate students and 4,000 graduate students, you know you are part of the large UC system here! Beautiful campus set on top of a hill overlooking San Diego, this large campus works hard to promote a small school feel.

The way this UC is set up is called the "6-college system". When admitted to the school, the student picks in order of preference the college they wish to be a part of. Each college has its own individual look, feel and particular focus. With their own dining halls, and suite-style living, each student lives with their college mates for 2 years (4,000 per college). While a student can major in whatever they like in any college, each student will have specific requirements to fulfill for their college. The idea here is to promote a small school feeling within such a large campus.

The Greek system is alive and well here and because it is a Division-2 school, the sports program is not nearly as strong or as important as its D-1 brothers and sisters within the UC system. This is a good option for the athlete who doesn't want D-1 pressure but would like to remain highly competitive in their chosen sport.

This is a high-level research school and a great option for the student who has a clear focus for their future. For the Colorado student, however, only 10% of students are from out of state and the UC system is not shy about charging high tuition for out of state students. And understandably so; the UC system isn't big enough to handle the amount of CA students who apply. There is no financial aid for the out of state student and merit aid is non-existent. This school is for the student who is comfortable with 300 to 400 in a class and will advocate for themselves with their professors. In an effort to reassure those of us who were skeptical of large class sizes, our tour guide kept emphasizing the importance of office hours for professors. This drove home the point that UCSD is for the independent, self-advocating student. Maybe not the best option for undergraduate Colorado students, but UCSD would be a great option for grad school, when hearts and minds are focused and research opportunities are plentiful. 10 ANTHROPOSOPHY NOTES

The Mercury Group of the Denver Anthroposophical Society (formerly the Youth group) meets twice monthly to study the works of Rudolf Steiner to deepen an understanding of anthroposophy. During the Holy Nights, the Mercury Group is hosting an event called "Exploring the Holy Nights Through Art" with therapeutic artist Marielle Levin. Following the art event there will be a potluck meal. All parents and interested adults are also invited to the art event and potluck. This event will be hosted by Bridget Blanning and Renata Heberton. We hope to see you there! For more information, please contact Jennifer Parker at (303) 883-0296.

11 ANTHROPOSOPHY NOTES

12 PARENT EDUCATION

13 COMMUNITY NOTES FOR THE COMMUNITY, BY THE COMMUNITY

Waldorf Alum Offering Child Care, House/Pet Sitting During Holiday Break

My name is Annie Coyle, and I am a 2011 DWS alum. Last summer I worked at the summer day care with Carla and Brooke. I will be coming home to Denver for Christmas break and would love to offer my services as a babysitter, dog sitter, or house sitter from Dec 21 - Jan 2. Please contact me at [email protected]. Thanks!

Seeking Part Time Assistant and Substitute

Seedlings Community Wondergarden is seeking a loving assistant and substitute primarily 10:30 -1:30 M-F with some full days needed. Please contact Susan at [email protected] with your availability and resume - if you can only work some days of the week you are still welcome.

14 COMMUNITY NOTES FOR THE COMMUNITY, BY THE COMMUNITY

15 COMMUNITY NOTES FOR THE COMMUNITY, BY THE COMMUNITY

Dr. Christine Carter, author of Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

7:00pm – 9:00pm

Keynote followed by book signing

Graland Country Day School

New scientific research reveals that happiness is a learned skill and that parenting styles and practices have a tremendous effect on children’s emotional outlook on life. A sociologist and happiness expert at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, Christine Carter, Ph.D. is the author of RAISING HAPPINESS: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents. Dr. Carter also writes an award-winning blog, which is syndicated on the HuffingtonPost and PsychologyToday.com. Dr. Carter draws on psychology, sociology, and neuroscience, and uses her own chaotic and often hilarious real-world adventures to demonstrate the do’s and don’ts in action.

Dr. Carter has been quoted or featured in The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, the Chicago Tribune, the San Francisco Chronicle, The Washington Post, the Boston Globe, as well as Good Housekeeping, Parenting, Martha Stewart’s Whole Living, Fitness, Redbook, and dozens of other publications. She has appeared on the “Oprah Winfrey Show,” the “Dr. Oz Show”, the “TODAY” show, the “Rachael Ray Show,” “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” “CBS Sunday Morning,” “ABC World News with Diane Sawyer”, PBS, as well as NPR and BBC Radio.

We kindly ask that you rsvp at: www.graland.org

16 COMMUNITY NOTES

17 Mission Founded on Rudolf Steiner’s humanitarian curriculum, The Denver Waldorf School awakens and inspires students' critical thinking, emotional intelligence and artistic expression, preparing them to bring relevant contributions to the world.

940 Fillmore Street Vision Denver, CO 80206

The focus of our work is the development of Phone: 303-777-0531 the whole human being. To further this aim, ax: 303-744-1216 we strive to provide a beautiful, cohesive campus, that radiates learning, working, and Admin Main Office playing while attracting and expanding full [email protected] and diverse enrollment supported by abundant resources. We enthusiastically Enrollment work and serve in the world community as [email protected]

stewards of social renewal. Development [email protected]

Business Affairs [email protected]

Communications [email protected]

Organics Delivered proudly serves the students and staff of The Denver Waldorf School nutritious, hot lunches made from scratch. Orders are due by the Friday prior. Weekly & monthly orders are accepted. Paper menu/order forms are available next to the kiosk by the main office at school. Please visit our website for the current menu or to order online. Feel free to email us at: [email protected] or call Miguel, Monday through Friday from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at: 720.883.2326.

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