Fall Parent-Child Program Winter Festival this Saturday, December 14th

Dear Parent-Child Families,

We look very forward to seeing you this Saturday, December 14th for our Winter Festival at 19 Clinton Street.

We would like to cook for you!

Please see below the times for your class to join us:

• Monday and Thursday Classes:  10-11 AM
• Wednesday Classes:  11:30 AM-12:30 PM
• Friday Classes:  4:30-5:30 PM

Please RSVP and send any dietary restrictions  to Brigitte.Choura@newamsterdamschool.org.

Many blessings,

The New Amsterdam Faculty

Holiday Auction Extended to 11:59 PM on Sunday, December 8th

The Holiday Auction is on a roll ...  bids are coming in fast and the competition is intense for many popular items.

But there are still bargains to be had (and fundraising targets to be met!) so...

We've decided to extend the auction through
Sunday, December 8th at 11:59pm!

Yes, another four days to make sure that you don't miss out on this fabulous opportunity to do your holiday shopping AND support our wonderful school.  And a little more time to encourage friends and family and anyone you know to get online and join the bidding.  

Every little bit helps.

Thanks so much for your support and happy bidding!

 

Here's the all important link.

The Holiday Auction is open to all.  Please pass on to family and friends and encourage them to pass it on, too.

Like us on Facebook and share our Auction updates.

There are so many amazing items!


Unique Experiences


Murray's Cheese 101 Class




Firehouse Tour for 15 Children


Vacation Homes


Family Week at Small Farm




Montauk Weekend



Ingredients for the Perfect Date Night


Date Night Babysitting




Home Massage & Private Chef's Dinner for Two


Collectibles


Limited Edition Gift Pack


Wonderful Waldorf Toys


Hand Knit Hedgehog Family


Gift Certificate to Nova Natural


Handcrafted Heavy Doll from Ghana


And so much more!!!

There’s sure to be something for everyone!

Thank you from the Garden Committee

Dear Parents,
In the spirit of the season we would like to take a moment to thank you for your generosity! Our Fall Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Clothing Sale raised over $800.00 in funds for garden plants and supplies. Used by over 20 families who were able to join us on Fall Family Garden day and in over 11 different projects scattered throughout the garden! (700 spring flowering bulbs, 45 cabbages, 28 bags of mulch.. please see the full list at school)!
El Jardin de Paraiso, a beautiful magical place, in a public space, where on Family Garden Day family after family who entered the gate that morning  brought with them their light, love, and community spirit to keep it safe and beautiful! And boy we had a lot of fun doing it! We are grateful to all the children and their families for all their hard work and efforts!!
And, as our Holiday Silent Auction Benefit comes to an end next week we'd like to remind you of the incredible power of participation and encourage you to bid generously and often until it ends!

Upcoming Admissions Events

Pre-School Tour
Tuesday, December 17th from 9:10-10:10 AM
During the tour we will take time to observe each of our classes and then there will be an opportunity for a brief discussion. The tour is for parents only and space is limited.

Grade School Open House
Tuesday, December 17th 7-8:30 PM
During this event we will have an in depth discussion about the Waldorf grades curriculum and how it meets the needs of the developing child.

Open House
Thursday, January 16th from 7-8:30 PM
Our Open Houses are for parents only and are an opportunity to see our classrooms, meet our teachers and participate in an in depth discussion about our programs. 

RSVP Karen.Talluto@newamsterdamchildhood.org to participate

Parent Lecture: January Date and Topic TBD

Our January Lecture will be set soon.
Visit our Lecture page for information about past lectures.

Online Holiday Auction: Keep the Bids Coming!

Dear friends,

The 2013 Online Holiday Auction is LIVE and in full swing.  If you have been eyeing an item, now is the time to place that bid for a special someone or yourself.  The Holiday season is upon us!

Here's the all important link.

Our Holiday Auction is most definitely open to all!
Please pass the link on to family and friends and encourage them to pass it on too.
You can also help us distribute Auction Cards which are available at the front desk.

We have a spectacular selection of wonderful items this year!

Children's Party Ideas

Handcrafted Items


Leather Goods

 

 

Incredible Gift Certificates

 

 

There's sure to be something for everyone!  New items are still be added so be sure to keep checking back.  And remember that all proceeds support the New Amsterdam School so don't be shy about going over the value amounts. 

 

The Auction is open for bidding until 11:59 PM on Wednesday, December 4th.

 

Happy bidding everyone and thank you for your support!

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

The New Amsterdam Holiday Auction Committee

 

Robin's Nest Winter/Spring Enrollment

Space is available in our Robin's Nest aftercare program for families enrolled in our morning 3 & 5 Day Nurseries and Kindergarten programs.  This restful program meets daily from 12:30-3:30 PM and supports families who need care in the afternoon.

The afternoon rhythm begins with lunch.  The children will eat a nutritious meal they have brought from home and then they will transition into a period of rest.  After rest there is time for free play and a healthy snack that is provided by the school.  Before dismissal the children help with clean up and then they are picked up by their parents or caregivers at 3:30 PM.

We encourage parents to carry the rhythm of aftercare into their home lives by offering their children a time of rest after lunch each day.  If you would like support in establishing a home rhythm that includes rest please contact our Aftercare teacher, Rie Seo at Rie.Seo@newamsterdamchildhood.org.  She is happy to share her insights and suggestions.

To join the program please complete the Aftercare Registration Form and return it to the school with your tuition check.  To help the children in coming into the rhythm of Aftercare we ask that parents enroll their child a minimum of two days per week.

Please note that all fees will be prorated based on your start date.

2013 Spiral of Light

Our Spiral of Light festival will be held on Saturday December 7th, 2013 at 1 Avenue B. 
 
Here is the schedule for the day:

• 10 AM Parent-Child Program:  Parents are invited to walk the spiral (parents only please)
• 10:30-11:30 AM Bridge:  Puppet show, tea and play while parents walk the spiral.
• 11:30 AM -12:30 PM 3 Day Morning Nursery and 3 & 5-Day Afternoon Nursery:  Puppet show, tea and play while parents walk the spiral.
• 3:30 PM 5-Day Morning Nursery:  Puppet show and children walk the spiral.
• 4:00 PM Apple Village:  Puppet show and children walk the spiral.
• 4:30 PM Kindergarten:  Puppet show and children walk the spiral.

More details will be shared in a dedicated email on Friday, 11/29.

Towards Societal Wholeness Event: All are Welcome!

The Future of Creativity:
Free Culture, Waldorf Education & the Movement for Teacher Run Schools
Saturday, November 23rd from 10am-4pm

Please join us for this Towards Societal Wholeness event.

We will delve into conversation and bring our questions as we attempt to shed light on the Free Culture movement and the role that Waldorf education has in this context.

 

Speaker:  Nathaniel Williams is from the southeast of the United States. He spent 5 years in Switzerland studying art and anthroposophy. He completed a 3 year painting program at the neueKUNSTschule in Basel and then joined a puppetry troupe led by Thomas G Meier. He returned to the US in 2004 to create and teach art. In 2009 he moved to Columbia County, NY and founded Free Columbia with painter Laura Summer.

2014-15 Re-Enrollment Applications for Pre-School and 1st Grade are Due

Please complete the first page of the application and return it to the school if you would like your child to continue with us in the 2014-15 school year.  There is no application fee for re-enrollment and the application is non-binding.  Contracts will be sent out before the end of January.



Contact Karen Talluto if you have any questions about the re-enrollment process. 

Cocktail Reception & Raffle at Von to Launch our 2013 Holiday Auction

HOLIDAY AUCTION LAUNCH PARTY at VON (3 Bleecker Street)

Wednesday, November 20th from 6-8 PM
 

We’re so excited about the Holiday Auction Party!
Please join the New Amsterdam Community for complimentary drinks and food, kindly donated by our families from Von and Murray’s cheese, for a convivial evening to launch our fabulous Holiday Auction! It’s a great opportunity to get the community together and it’s always a fun evening. 

Look out for postcard invitations in reception this week and please RSVP to kaarinvon@gmail.com.  Friends and family welcome too!
 

Questions?  Call or email:

•  Jennie on 917 331 9250 jennie@soulsomefood.com
• Claire on 917-498-4690 claire.szeto@gmail.com
• Lynne on 917-697-8830 lynne.wu@newamsterdamchildhood.org.

 

HOLIDAY AUCTION RAFFLE

 

We’re excited to announce this year’s Holiday Auction Raffle to kick off this year’s fabulous Holiday Auction. 

We have two wonderful prizes to give away. 
Our star prize is a beautifully handcrafted basket of knitted kitties, lovingly made by our Craft Cooperative – who could resist?
Second prize is two tickets for the New Amsterdam Winter Benefit Concert – to be held in February next year – and always a wonderful occasion.

(Winner gets to choose which prize they’d like!).

Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 and are available in reception and open to all to buy (ie. Please encourage friends and family to support the raffle too!).

Tickets will also be on sale at the Holiday Auction Launch Party – Wednesday 20^th November, 6 – 8pm at Von, 3 Bleecker St.  All welcome.

Winners will be announced at the party.

 

Questions?  Call or email:

• Jennie on 917 331 9250 jennie@soulsomefood.com
• Claire on 917-498-4690 claire.szeto@gmail.com
• Lynne on 917-697-8830 lynne.wu@newamsterdamchildhood.org.

New Winter Parent-Child Class

New Amsterdam's Parent-Child program is an opportunity for parents and their young children aged 6 months to over 3 years to come together once or twice a week.  The children play in an age-appropriate space that challenges gross and fine motor skills, promotes exploration in a child-friendly environment with simple toys, and develops their fledgling social capacities in a small group of other children.  Seasonal games and songs, story time, and a snack together are part of this weekly class.  Parents are encouraged to give their focused attention to observing the children.  Special attention is given to supporting and understanding the physical and social development of the children.



Classes began the week of January 13th and continue through the week of March 17th.


To re-enroll please contact me, complete an application and return it to the school with your tuition check. 


Winter 2014 Schedule

6-9 months of age (non mobile) TBD

10-16 months of age (mobile) meets Tuesdays from 9:15 AM-10:15 AM

12-18 months of age (mobile) meets on Tuesdays from 10:45 AM-12:15 PM &/or Thursdays from 11:15 AM-12:45 PM
17-23 months of age meets on Thursdays from 9:30-11 AM NEW CLASS

18-24 months of age meets on Fridays from 9-10:30 AM

22-28 months of age meets on Wednesdays from 9-10:30 AM

24-30 months of age meets on Wednesdays and/or Fridays from 11 AM-12:30 PM

30-36 months of age TBD 

Classes meet on the following dates:

• Tuesday 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11 & 3/18
• Wednesday 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/26, 3/5 & 3/19
• Thursday 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/27, 3/6, 3/13 & 3/20
• Friday 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/28, 3/7, 3/14 & 3/21

Tuition is as follows:

• Tuesday 9:15-10:15 AM Classes (meeting 1 hour per week for 9 weeks) $418
• Tuesday 10:45 AM-12:15 PM Classes (meeting 1.5 hours per week for 9 weeks) $603
• Wednesday Classes (meeting 1.5 hours per week for 8 weeks) $536
• Thursday Classes (meeting 1.5 hours per week for 9 weeks) $603
• Friday Classes (meeting 1.5 hours per week for 9 weeks) $603 

Please note tuition will be prorated based on start date.

Parent Lecture Monday, November 18th 7-8:30 PM

Celebrating the Holidays with Young Children

Please join us as we discuss how we build a relationship to the Holidays and other Festivals.

Topics and questions we will consider include the following:

• The importance of festivals and how we can use them to enrich our children's lives.
• What is appropriate for the young child?
• How can we find our own resonance and meaning for the festivals?
• How can we establish our own family's traditions and rituals?

Speaker:  Louise de Forest spent many years as a Waldorf kindergarten teacher in Vermont and New York and as an Early Childhood Pedagogical Director at the Rudolf Steiner School in Manhattan.  She now works as a freelance Educational Consultant, travelling extensively throughout the United States and the world.  She trains teachers, mentors, evaluates and speaks.  The happy mother of four grown children she enjoys her home in western Massachusetts when she is not travelling.

Monday, November 18th from 7-8:30 PM
1 Avenue B (at Houston Street)

Upcoming events and announcements for November 5 through November 11, 2013

School is closed Monday November 11th
for a Veteran's Day
We hope everyone enjoys a
wonderful weekend.

Holiday Auction on the Home Stretch

Thank you ALL for your efforts so far.

We’re officially in our final week of soliciting donations, so whatever requests you may have made, or fabulous ideas you’ve had, NOW is the time to follow up, beg, cajole to get things confirmed.

We have wonderful things turning up daily.  Just in – a fabulous opportunity to own an Eli Wilner handcrafted picture frame, a couple of sessions with the extraordinary “Holy Mama”  Jerilyn Brownstein, a special date night dinner at Sant Ambroeus, four tickets to the hugely popular Cheese 101 class at Murray’s Cheese and $100 to spend at Union Market.  We can’t wait to start bidding!

And please mark your calendars for the launch party at VON – Wednesday November 20th, 6 – 8pm, generously sponsored by our families from Von and Murray’s Cheese with complimentary drinks and food.  It’s a great opportunity to get the community together and it’s always a fun evening.

Questions?  Call or email:

• Jennie on 917 331 9250 jennie@soulsomefood.com
• Claire on 917-498-4690 claire.szeto@gmail.com
• Lynne on 917-697-8830 or lynne.wu@newamsterdamchildhood.org

We can email letters and donation forms too.  Donations due (ideally) by November 8th.

Grade School & Pre School Open House Thursday, November 14th

Learn more about our Waldorf inspired pre-school and grade school curriculum and how it meets the needs of the developing child.  During the evening we will tour our classrooms, meet our teachers and participate in an in depth discussion about our programs.
RSVP required.  Parents only please.

Lantern Walk this Friday, November 8th

Friday, November 8th
4:30-5:30 PM
El Jardin del Paraiso Community Garden (enter on E. 4th Street btwn Aves C & D)

The lantern walk at New Amsterdam is a celebration taking place halfway between the fall equinox and the winter solstice.

As the sunlight dwindles and night lengthens we gather as a community, outdoors at sunset, to share warm cider and then together find a pathway through the darkness.  We sing traditional lantern songs and are guided by the light of lanterns which the children have helped to make at school and which they carry to illuminate the way. The festival ends quietly as the children receive a small gift from the teachers and a magical experience to carry home and into sleep.

Announcements for week of October 28 through November 3

School will be closed Friday November 1 for a faculty Development Day.
 We hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

November Admissions Events

Free Family Sample Session
Saturday, November 2nd 10-11:30 AM
Join us for bread baking, play and circle time.  There will also be time for parents to ask questions about our programs. 
RSVP required to attend.  Children must be two years of age to participate.

School Tour
Tuesday, November 5th 9:10-10:10 AM
Spend some time in our classrooms and then share in a discussion about our Waldorf inspired curriculum. 
RSVP required to attend.  Parents only please.

Grade School and Pre School Open House
Thursday, November 14th 7-8:30 PM
See our classrooms, meet our teachers and participate in an in depth discussion about our programs.
RSVP required.  Parents only please.

 

Wanted: Date Night

Yep, it’s the Holiday Auction Committee again, cajoling everyone we know to give us something fabulous for our hugely popular and wildly successful Holiday Auction …  Wonderful goodies are arriving at the school each day, and we’re very excited about all sorts of things – from luxury salon experiences and a wonderful farm camp to picture framing and piano lessons. Thank you EVERYONE for all your hard work and generosity so far.

We were thinking it would be fun to offer some exciting Date Night experiences– so please do continue to ask your favourite eateries, or theatres or music venues – anything – to consider a donation.    And given that we’re almost to November, now is the time to be following up on all those people that you asked weeks ago that have forgotten to get back to you ...

All donations are due by November 8th.

And book your babysitters for the launch party at
VON on Wednesday, November 20th, 6–8pm
generously sponsored by Von and Murray's Cheese.
It’s a great community mixer that introduces new and old families while having fun on behalf of our school.
Questions?
Call or email Jennie on 917 331 9250 (jennie@soulsomefood.com),
Claire on 917-498-4690 claire.szeto@gmail.com,
Lynne on 917-697-8830 or lynne.wu@newamsterdamchildhood.org.

We can email letters and donation forms too.

DONATIONS STILL NEEDED FOR HOLIDAY AUCTION!

Once again, thank you to everyone who’s helped so far – we have some lovely new items to add this week – gift certificates for gorgeous Goatmilk kidware, a subscription to Taproot Magazine, a beautiful gnome house from Heartwood Arts and a gift certificate for Laicale – amongst some lovely crafts and other nice things!

 
But we need more, of course, and everything helps!   Let us know if you need more letters and forms (and we’re happy to receive donations by email too), or if you have ideas and need us to help follow something up?  Or if you have time to help us with solicitations?  We may not yet have approached many of the businesses in our neighbourhood, so if you have a contact or a connection somewhere, then please do go ahead and ask them!

 

And Claire has some easy craft instructions for anyone who’d like to have a go at making a simple craft item at home?  Or outsourcing to Granny???

 
All donations due by November 8^th.   Thank you so much again for all your help.

 
Questions?  

Call or email Jennie on 917 331 9250 jennie@soulsomefood.com

Claire on 917-498-4690 claire.szeto@gmail.com,

Lynne on 917-697-8830 lynne.wu@newamsterdamchildhood.org.

Renew, Reuse, Recycle Clothing Sale to Support the Garden Fund

Monday, October 21st through Friday, October 25th

Annual Fall Garden Fundraiser Week

 

Our Renew, Reuse, Recycle Clothing Sale is the Fall Fundraiser for the school's "Family Garden Day."  The sale will take place in the Parent Lounge from Monday, October 21- Friday, October 25th!

It's the time of year we all go through our children's closets.

Parents, we ask, if you would please carefully chose 3 to 5 pieces of high quality clothing that is outgrown or gently worn to donate to our sale.

Beginning on Wednesday, October 15th you may drop of your hand selected contributions at the front desk. All shoes, clothing, maternity items should be in great condition, free of stains, rips, and should have working closures. We ask that you please only donate items that you yourself would gladly purchase for $5 to $10... so we can offer good quality to families during our event.

All benefits, proceeds and donations will go to the school's garden fund.

Our Renew, Reuse, Recycle sale is organized for one week. which gives families time to bring things in, browse, shop, and/or donate funds directly to the cause.  Last Fall we raised over $900.00. We hope with your help to top that and buy even more  needed supplies this year.

Fall Family Garden Day

Saturday, October 26th
10am to 1pm   
El Jardin del Paraiso (enter on 4th Street btwn Aves C & D)

 
Come one, come all to work, mulch, plant, weed, seed and celebrate the season!

BYO picnic and more details to follow...

This is an event for our entire community and we encourage everyone to attend! 

2014 Winter Benefit - Call for Talent

Dear New Amsterdam Families and Community:

As many of you know, the winter benefit plays a key role in raising funds for the school, as well as raising awareness of the school in our neighborhood, and our city.  It is also a great time for us to come together as a community - sans kids!

As we begin planning this year’s event, to take place in mid-February 2014, our goal is to craft an evening that is as rich and vibrant as the downtown community our school calls home. In these early stages we would like to ask each of you if you have a connections, of whatever degree, with any of New York’s many world-class performers and artists. If you do, or know someone that does, we would love to hear from you. Musicians, actors, dancers, trapeze artists, all are welcome! Our intent is to let the evening take shape around the talent we enlist.

So take a moment to flip through your rolodex (real or virtual), and let one of us know if anything comes to mind, however tenuous a link it might be.

Please email co-chairs with your ideas:
Nathan Laffin - nathanlaffin@me.com
Howard Dulaney - howard.dulaney@newamsterdamchildhood.org

Thank you in advance. We’re looking forward to sharing more details about the winter benefit later this year-and to seeing you there in February!

Warmly,

Winter Benefit Committee
(Resource Development)

Fall Fair at the Green Meadow Waldorf School

 

 

Enjoy the fun of Fall Fair at the Green Meadow Waldorf School

this Saturday, October 12th from 10 AM to 5 PM

Upcoming Admissions Events

Please share information about our upcoming admissions events with your friends and with your parenting web groups. 

General Open House

• Thursday, October 10th from 7-8:30  PM
• Thursday, November 14th from 7-8:30 PM

During the Open House parents will tour our classrooms, meet our teachers and participate in an in depth discussion about our programs.  Parents only please.

1st Grade Open House

• RE SCHEDULED Tuesday, October 29th from 7-8:30 PM
• New Date Coming Soon!

Our 1st Grade Open House will be an opportunity for parents to learn more about the Waldorf grade school curriculum and how it meets the developing child.  Parents only please.

Free Sample Session

• Saturday, November 2nd from 10-11:30 AM

The Sample Session is an opportunity for parents and their children over the age of two to explore one of our classrooms, share in an activity and a circle, and for parents to learn more about our pre-school programs.  Space is limited.

To participate in any of our events please email Karen.Talluto@newamsterdamchildhood.org.

Free Parent Lecture

• Monday, October 21st from 7-8:30 PM

An Introduction to the Waldorf Grades Curriculum with Tim Hoffmann
Please join us as we explore the Waldorf School First Grade and Grade School curriculum.

Questions we will consider include the following:

• How does academic work begin in the first grade?
• How do children begin to learn how to read?
• How do foreign languages, mathematics, and music become a part of the children’s daily routines?

Speaker:  Tim Hoffmann studied anthroposophy and Waldorf education at Emerson College and the Goetheanum in Dornach.  A class teacher at the Rudolf Steiner School since 1981, he also taught for many years at the Rudolf Steiner Institute.  He is currently on sabbatical.

 

Adults only, please.

Parent Lecture: An Introduction to the Waldorf Grades Curriculum with Tim Hoffmann

Monday, October 21st from 7-8:30 PM

Please join us as we explore the Waldorf School First Grade and Grade School curriculum.

Questions we will consider include the following:

• How does academic work begin in the first grade?
• How do children begin to learn how to read?
• How do foreign languages, mathematics, and music become a part of the children’s daily routines?

Speaker:  Tim Hoffmann studied anthroposophy and Waldorf education at Emerson College and the Goetheanum in Dornach.  A class teacher at the Rudolf Steiner School since 1981, he also taught for many years at the Rudolf Steiner Institute.  He is currently on sabbatical.

 

Adults only, please.

New Fall Parent-Child Class Thursday from 11 AM to Noon

We are now offering a class for parents and their children between 10 and 16 months of age on Thursdays from 11 AM to Noon. 

The class will meet on the following dates:  10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/21, 12/5 & 12/12.
The fee for the seven week program is $325.

Space is still available in other classes as well.

For more information or to enroll contact Karen.Talluto@newamsterdamchildhood.org or visit our Parent-Child Program Page.

Fall Fair at the Waldorf School of Garden City

Come and Experience Fall Fair at the Waldorf School of Garden City on October 19th from 10 AM to 4 PM. For details see there website or contact karen.talluto@newamsterdamchildhood.org.

Reflections on the Community Meeting from Lisa Bono

Dear Community,

What a wonderful community meeting!  Thank you to the many parents who joined us, faculty, board members, administration and committee chairs.  Thank you for your stories, love, and commitment to growing ourselves and New Amsterdam.

I am continually amazed at what Waldorf Education can bring about in the world today and to imagine that the first school began 94 years ago is a testament to the truth and healing that is inherent in the impulse behind our work together.  Each year in some ways we bring the past with us, in some ways the future is built upon this.

It was almost eight years ago that New Amsterdam began and in reflecting on this I realize that we are continuing the work of building a strong foundation.  Each one of us is playing a significant role in the future of  our children, education, New York City and Waldorf Education.

I would like to share our announcement again, we will be beginning  our First Grade at the New Amsterdam School in the fall of 2014!

It is an auspicious time, an exciting time.  We are all apart of this, and waking up to each other and to the challenges and beauty of our time.

With gratitude,

Lisa Bono

Faculty Chair

Learn About the Waldorf Grades Curriculum

Our friends at The Rudolf Steiner School are happy to introduce our parents to the grade school Waldorf curriculum at their upcoming Open Houses.

These events are a wonderful opportunity to learn more about what your children will experience as they move into the Waldorf grades. 

Open House Dates and Location:
Wednesday, October 9th and Thursday, November 7th at 7 PM
Rudolf Steiner School
15 East 79th Street

To attend please contact Melissa Sussman at malter@steiner.edu or by phone at 212-327-1457.

We will also be scheduling a school tour when parents can observe children in their grades classes.  If you are interested in participating in a tour please contact me at Karen.Talluto@newamsterdamschool.org.

Boulder Waldorf Kindergarten Needs Our Help

The recent flooding in Colorado caused immense damage at the Boulder Waldorf Kindergarten (BWK) where the flood waters were four feet deep.

Although BWK has been able to salvage tables and chairs, everything else will need to be replaced. BWK has found a temporary home for its children nearby during the rebuilding phase, scheduled to last 4-5 months.

The structure of their permanent building seems to be integral, but the entire interior of the school has to be replaced and is being gutted for rebuilding.

They need "everything" to bring BWK back.

How to Help BWK:

Donate Waldorf/LifeWays Items: play cloths, silks, wool felt, dolls, crayons, paint brushes, puppets, wooden toys, play animals, gnomes, additional nature table supplies, candles, candlesticks, homemaking items needed for cooking, cleaning, nurturing care and all the necessary items for caring for toddlers, etc. may be donated through Suzanne Down, the school's mentor. Please email her for the address — suzanne@junipertreepuppets.com.  Send items you may already have and are willing to pass on.

Donate Cash: If you do not possess school items but wish to help, Boulder Waldorf Kindergarten (BWK) is also accepting cash donations via PayPal. Go to http://paypal.com, click Transfer then Send Someone Money. Use donate@boulderwaldorf.com for the TO email address.  If it is important to you that your cash donation be tax deductible, please email dave@boulderwaldorf.com for additional details.

Donate anonymously: If you wish to donate but remain anonymous, or if you have additional questions, please contact Suzanne Down at suzanne@junipertreepuppets.com.

Donate through Bella Luna Toys: Sarah Baldwin, owner of Bella Luna Toys, has offered that anyone wishing to donate to the Boulder Waldorf Kindergarten can purchase a gift certificate at Bella Luna at a 20% discount with the code BOULDER. Thus, someone purchases a $100 gift certificate for Boulder and pays $80.

http://www.gofundme.com/boulderwaldorf

“Boulder Waldorf is a beautiful, farm-type kindergarten with chickens, goats, bunnies, honey bees and big biodynamic garden plots. It is a real working farm / kindergarten. The goats get milked daily and they make goat cheese weekly, which the children have on their bread the following day. It has been and will be again a wonderful example of practical and artistic life in the Waldorf kindergarten. They are looking for space in a church or other location (they have a lead on a synagogue) where they can operate. It may take 4-5 months to get the building in shape. Seana Grady, the Boulder Waldorf Kindergarten Co-Director, is upbeat and optimistic that things will work out. We send our loving thoughts and prayers to this lovely program for children. ”

Seana’s family home adjacent to BWK was also flooded. They had to evacuate in the dark hours of the morning on Thursday. Thankfully all are safe. Seana wants everyone to know that BWK and her family are already receiving an outpouring of warmth and support. “We feel so grateful and held. It is truly amazing to experience how a community pulls together in times like these. We feel fortunate and blessed that we are safe and supported. Our hearts go out to all in Colorado that have experienced hardship and loss during this time.” —from Nancy Blanning

Holiday Auction

Holiday Auction 2013

We’re really excited about the auction items that have been coming in – from a beautiful vacation home-stay in Palm Springs, to a course of yoga classes, and some wonderful crafts – thank you all for your efforts so far! 

Solicitation letters and donation forms are available in reception (and we can send you email versions if you prefer), and there are still some packs for parents to pick up in the class sign-in area.   Do let us know if you’d like more ideas about who to ask and what to ask for.  And just keep on asking!!  Every little helps.   Think about where you spend your money and who therefore might be happy to support us?  And also about what you’d like on the auction to help you with your Holiday shopping?

The Craft Cooperative would really welcome any help with making craft items.  If you’re not able to attend on Friday mornings, then Claire would be happy to provide you with instructions or a kit to make things at home – ranging from simple knitted squares that anyone could do, or sewing bean bags, to knitted chickens or sewn felt animals etc for more experienced crafters.  Or how about outsourcing to Granny or anyone else in your family with some time/ability??

 Just a reminder that all donations due by November 8^th.

 Thanks so much again for all your help. 

 Questions?  Call or email Jennie on 917 331 9250 (jennie@soulsomefood.com), Claire on 917-498-4690 szeto@katonahsystems.com, or Lynne on 917-697-8830 or lynne.wu@newamsterdamchildhood.org.

Towards Societal Wholeness Begins this Weekend!

Towards Societal Wholeness

       Why did the first Waldorf School begin?

 

A foundation in Rudolf Steiner's Social Ideas

 

Kick-off event:

Friday 9/27  4:00-6:30pm and

Saturday 9/28 10:00am-4:00pm

 

2013 Meeting Dates

October: 9, 23

November: 6, 13, 23 (Saturday)

December: 4, 18

Wednesdays 4:00-6:00pm & Saturdays 10:00am-4:00pm

2014 Meeting Dates

TBD

 

If you are interested but unable to attend the kickoff event please contact Meaghan: meaghan.witri@newamsterdamchildhood.org

Thank you and let me know if you have questions.

 

Meaghan



 

 

 

Holiday Auction Update

Thank you all for your contributions so far … it’s going to be a great auction!

Holiday Auction letters and forms are available in reception, and we’ll be sending you all some more later this week (we can send you an email version too).  We’re hoping that each family can solicit or contribute at least two items, and all donations need to be in by November 8th, so now is the time to be thinking about it!  If you have ideas for donations but no time to ask, then we’d love the details.  Also, we’d love some help with following up leads on the phone or in person, if anyone has time/capacity for that?

For those of you new to the school, the Holiday Auction is one of our key annual fundraising events.  Our fundraising efforts enable us to keep tuition affordable and supports our financial assistance program, as well as facilitating ongoing education and enrichment for our teachers and staff.  The Holiday Auction is also a unique opportunity for the school to reach out to a broader community – to
communicate more about who we are and what we do – as well as offering an opportunity to help us in our efforts.

We welcome participation in the Craft Cooperative as all craft contributions play an essential role in the Holiday Auction, as well as other School Events and the classrooms. The Craft Cooperative is meeting every Friday morning from 9am in the Parent Lounge.  All are welcome – total beginners and experienced crafters alike.

Questions?  Call or email
Jennie on 917 331 9250 (jennie@soulsomefood.com),
Claire on 917-498-4690 szeto@katonahsystems.com,
Barry on 347-387-4401, or
Lynne on 917-697-8830 or lynne.wu@newamsterdamchildhood.org.

Craft Cooperative

Dear families,

 
Crafting Fridays this fall in the Parent Lounge. All are Welcome!!
 
The Craft Cooperative is a group of parents, caregivers, staff members and teachers who get together to learn crafting skills, share patterns and techniques, and teach and inspire one another to create! The Craft Cooperative plays an essential role in fostering a hand-made sensibility of our school and craft contributions are important to the Holiday Auction, other School Events and the classrooms.
 
We will meet formally two Fridays a month throughout the year, and informally on other days. Our first meeting will be Friday September 20th at 9:15 am after drop off in the parent lounge.
 
This year we will offer a monthly tutorial. We are kicking off this year’s crafting with Essentials of Knitting, taught by one of our own veteran crafters! Claire will begin the first week with ‘Casting On’ and following tutorials will include Knitting, Purling and Casting off. Kaarin will be present as well for back up! Although these tutorials are geared towards complete beginners and advanced beginners, all are welcome, and the level and pace of instruction will be self-adjusting depending on who we are this year.
 
On Friday Sept 20, we will teach the basics: casting on, knitting and the garter stitch. You will be surprised by how easy it is and by the wonderful things you can make with such simple techniques. 
 
Later in the year we will have tutorials on:
Sept-Oct: Knitting & knitting the stockinette stitch
Nov: Needle felting
Dec: Hand sewing
 
spring:
Plant-dyeing with Ms. Kaori
Doll making with Clarisse
 
Other tutorials tbd! And if you have a suggestion or a question, please don't hesitate to contact us!
 
claire: claire.szeto@gmail.com or kaarin: kaarinvon@gmail.com
 
Our aim is to inspire a love for craft making and toy making in our community. We also hope to create excellent crafters so we can continue our tradition of making toys for our classrooms, our holiday auction and our spring fair. We also hope to be able to create toys for Waldorf schools in other countries where children do not have funds to buy such beautiful toys.
 
Please join us and share in the wonderful art of crafting together.

Upcoming Admssions Events

Please share our upcoming events with your friends!

Open House:  An opportunity to see our classrooms, meet our teachers and participate in an in depth discussion about our programs.

• Thursday, October 10th from 7-8:30 PM

Sample Session:  Parents and their children over the age of two to spend time in one of our classrooms, meet our teachers and learn more about our unique approach to early childhood education.  Sample sessions are limited to six families.

• Saturday, October 5th from 10-11:30 AM

To attend an event please contact Karen.Talluto@newamsterdamchildhood.org.

If you would like to act as a parent ambassador at an upcoming admissions event please contact me at Karen.Talluto@newamsterdamschool.org.

Holy Mama / Holy Papa Welcome Session

An Introductory Group Session led by Jerylyn Brownstein

Wednesday, September 18th 9:15-11:15 AM

Parent Lounge

 

What is wisdom?

Wisdom is seeing the whole in the parts,

And in the whole seeing the holy.

--Sufi Teaching

 

This introductory group session is led by Jerilyn Brownstein, msw, who has been working with parents and their "inner life" for the past fifteen years.

 

This first group sets the stage for a monthly group of holy mamas and papas interested in growing themselves while they grow their families.

 

For further information go to: www.jerilynbrownstein.com

 

What is the sacred wisdom that being a mother/father offers us?

What are the parts? — the parts we can not see, the parts we do not want to see, and the parts that are strong and reflect our deepest essence.

 

How do we develop the capacities to see and be our whole self, our HOLY self.

 

FEE: Free

Introductory Group-Free

Monthly Group-Determined by the number of parents committed

 

A holy mama/papa is aware that parenting is an initiation into wholeness. Meeting, accepting and learning to work with all the parts of our self we meet in being parents – we become healthy, whole, holy.

 

phone: 845.256.0833 email: sacredmama@aol.com

www.JERILYNBROWNSTEIN.com

Now Enrolling Our Fall Parent-Child Program

We are now enrolling the Fall Session of our Parent-Child program.  The program is a wonderful way to learn more about the Waldorf approach to early childhood education, experience our classrooms with your child and meet other families in our community.

Classes begin  the week of September 16th and continue through the second week of December.

To enroll please contact Karen.Talluto@newamsterdamchildhood.org, complete the registration form and return it to the school with your tuition check.

• 6-9 months of age (non mobile):  Mondays from 9:15-10:15 AM  9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/18, 11/25, 12/2 & 12/9.  Tuition $511
• 10-16 months of age (mobile):  Mondays from 10:45-11:45 AM  9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/18, 11/25, 12/2 & 12/9.  Tuition $511
• 17-24 months of age:  Fridays from 11 AM-12:30 PM  9/20, 9/27, 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/8, 11/22, 12/6 & 12/13.  Tuition $670
• 19-25 months of age:  Wednesdays from 9-10:30 AM  9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/20, 12/4 & 12/11.  Tuition $737
• 22-28 months of age:  Fridays from 9-10:30 AM  9/20, 9/27, 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/8, 11/22, 12/6 & 12/13.  Tuition $670
• 26-36 months of age:  Wednesdays from 11 AM-12:30 PM  9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/20, 12/4 & 12/11.  Tuition $737
• 36 months of age and older:  TBD

Back to School Picnic

Saturday, September 7th from 11:30 AM to 1 PM

El Jardin del Paraiso Community Garden (Enter on E. 4th St. btwn Aves. C & D)

 

Please join the entire community for our annual Back to School Picnic.
Pack a lunch and join us for a celebration of the new school year.

Spread out your picnic blanket and enjoy your lunch with new friends and old.
Share stories of summer and joyous play in our wonderful community garden!

***If it is too rainy for us to meet we will let you know by email at or before 10:15 AM on Saturday.

Register Now for our 2013-14 Aftercare Program

Our Aftercare program addresses the needs of working parents and parents who want their children to receive quality afternoon care consistent with the principles of Waldorf education. The program meets daily from 12:30 to 3:30 PM (please note the program has been extended by 30 minutes) and is a time for the children to rest after their busy mornings.

For more information please read our 2013-14 Introduction to Aftercare.  To register or if you have questions about the program please contact Karen.Talluto@newamsterdamchildhood.org. 

Registration forms can be returned at the Preschool Parent Orientation on Tuesday, September 3rd.

Forms We Must Have on File for Children to Begin Bridge, Nursery or Kindergarten Classes

Greetings all!

As we prepare for the start of the new school year I wanted to remind you about the forms that need to be on file at school in order for your child to attend our pre-school programs. 

• Annual Medical Form to be completed by your child's pediatrician and returned to the school.
• Day Care Cumulative Health Record to be completed by you and returned to the school.  If you have your 2012-13 DCCHR on file you can review it, add new information, initial and date for the 2013-14 school year.
• Pick-Up Authorization Form to be completed by you listing all persons authorized to pick-up your child from school.  Should be updated throughout the year as needed.
• Volunteer Sign-Up Form to be completed annually by you.
• Parent/Caregiver Agreement to be signed and returned after reviewing the 2013-14 Parent Handbook.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Warmly,

Karen

Karen.Talluto@newamsterdamchildhood.org
917-715-3554

Bridge, Nursery & Kindergarten Welcome Packets

Greetings and a very happy Summer to you all!

Families enrolled in our 2013-14 Bridge, Nursery & Kindergarten programs will be receiving their 2013-14 Welcome Packets next week by mail.  If you are away and would like me to send you a digital copy as well please let me know. 

The packets include the 2013-14 School Calendar and our newly updated Parent Handbook.  We ask that you review the handbook and then sign and return the agreement sheet on the last page.  Our community thrives when we share a common vision of our work together and it is our hope that the handbook will bring clarity to this vision.

Also included is the Volunteer Sign-Up Sheet.  As a developing school your involvement is essential to our success.  Please take a moment to share your interests, skills and availability.  The sheets should be completed and returned to the school in August.  Our committee leaders will reach out to you at the start of the year to speak with you about ways you can contribute to the school.

Aftercare Information and Registration Forms will be in the packets of families enrolled in our Morning Nursery and Kindergarten Programs.  Registration Forms are also available on our website.

Cumulative Health Record Forms must be completed by a parent and mailed to the school on or before August 19th.

Selected articles are also included and we hope you find them informative and inspiring.

Please contact me if you have any questions or if you don't receive your packet by July 19th.

Warmly,

Karen Talluto

Karen.talluto@newamsterdamchildhood.org

Pre-School Medical Forms are Due Today, 7/15/2013

The Annual Medical form must be completed by your child's physician and is due at school today, Monday, July 15th.  If your form will be late please contact Karen.Talluto@newamsterdamchildhood.org. 

The form must be on file for your child to attend our drop off programs this fall.

Letter from Miss Elea

Summer at New Amsterdam

As the weather grows increasingly warm and the grasses grows tall, we find ourselves drawn continuously further out, falling slowly into a dream-like relationship with the world of nature.  Our sense of time becomes temporarily suspended and we pause to reflect, finding a moment of quiet in between breaths, until it is time once again to realize that the wheel of life is still circling and the season turning again towards fall.

The children experience this mood of summer deeply.  Rhythms of school and home begin to shift.  Days lengthen and the sun seems to linger a bit each evening in the sky to enjoy just a few more moments before bedtime.  The element of water comes into play with jubilant splashing in fountains, pools, ponds, and ocean mist.  Magnificent castles are built in the sand and then slide away again with the incoming tide.  And who can forget that summer brings such delights as flavored Ice cream and the most wonderful variety of fresh fruits and berries?

The children who have joined us at New Amsterdam this summer have been enjoying picnics at the garden, and plenty of time for romping amidst leafy trees and bushes, chasing bubbles and imaginary dragons, and giving one another horsey rides with our play reigns.  On many days we walk to the far side of the garden for a visit to the baby chicks who only a few weeks ago were so small and fuzzy, but who now are growing tall and showing off colorful new adult feathers.  On our first day in the summer garden, we laid out our blanket in the shade of the mulberry tree and quickly discovered that the ripe, red berries were raining right down onto our plates!  On another occasion, one of the children looked up into the tree and excitedly pointed to a nearby woodpecker, displaying his jaunty red, white and black feathers and tapping here and there at the bark for something good to eat.

Over by the pond, turtles laze about in the sun and on days when the hose is on, bringing fresh water down to the pond along a rocky creek bed, the children make leaf boats and float them downstream, laughing as the tiny vessels wind their way around the rocks.

While our school community is dispersed in these summer months, traveling and spending time with friends and family, we stay connected in our thoughts and hearts.  In not too long we will reunite joyfully with friends and teachers and admire all the growth and change that has taken place during the bright days of summer.

Happy thoughts and safe travels, until we meet again!