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heartbeatNovember 2014
Into the Wilderness By Valerie Pufahl, hS OutdOOr educatiOn & Student aSSiStance cOOrdinatOr
IN thIs Issue...
Into the WildernessPage 1
Spiral of LightsPage 3
Annual GivingPage 4
Camphill Start-upPage 5
From the School Store Handmade for the Holidays
Page 6Holiday Market
Page 7Admissions Update
Page 8Wreath Sale
Page 9New Scrip “Choice”
Page 10Community Events
Page 11
In the months of July, August, and September, I had the privilege of leading five week-long outdoor trips for our students. This was the second summer that we offered summer backpacking adventures for middle and high school students from multiple schools, in addition to our annual High School Outdoor Weeks.
Our middle school summer trip had six students, three from PWS and three from Cedarwood Waldorf School. We enjoyed the wettest week of the summer in the lush woods of the Opal Creek and Bull of the Woods Wilderness. We hiked about 20 miles over four days, camping at Elk Lake and along the stunning pools of Opal Creek. Although much time was spent hiking in the rain and hunkering under tarps, we still managed outrageous laughter, many games, and splendid moods. Due to the weather, we ended up retreating from the woods a day early to dry ourselves out and spend our final evening and
morning at school, where we had a breakfast cook-off challenge among other fun closing activities.
Our high school summer trip had eight students, all from PWHS, and was a magical and challenging 6-day loop through the Three Sisters Wilderness. We covered about 38 miles and spent our final full day traversing between South and Middle Sister, crossing snowfields in the middle of August. For many of the students, this was their first backpacking experience, which they found to be much more work than front-country camping. They also found backcountry travel to be deeply rewarding from what they got to see and experience, as well as the opportunity to meet new physical challenges, find personal empowerment, and discover new ways of interacting with each other.
(continued on Page 2)
Wilderness educator Jack Hoiland (PWHS ‘07) teaches basic survival skills during 9th Grade Outdoor Week
hear tbeat / PORTLAND WALDORF SCHOOL
page 2
November 2014
Wilderness, continued
During the first full week of school, our 11th Grade was split into two groups, each completing a traverse of the Mt Jefferson Wilderness, taking in the wonders of Jefferson Park, close to 20 miles over four days. The students climbed over ridges and descended to pristine lakes, enjoying each other’s company and sharing true confidence and kindness. I was so impressed with this class in particular, in their accumulated outdoor skills and comfort, their joyful embrace of challenge, and their understanding of community.
We slept at alpine lakes, listening to geese land on the water through the night, watching the moon rise and cast light on the ridges to the west, and capturing sight of constellations before crawling into sleeping bags for well-deserved rest. We camped on the edge of the tree line below Park Ridge, traveled between sleep and awake in heavy winds, after the kind of sunset that settles into your bones for safe keeping. We cooked and laughed and did morning yoga. Our three exchange students were brought in easily, each of them ending the week full and grateful for this time to acclimate to their new classmates.
On the final evening, we joined again as one group and had a memorable evening fire circle, complete with trip reports from each group in the form of skits, and a moving council circle where we each shared something we love about being in the city or at home, and one thing we love about being in the wilderness. The students’ responses about the wilderness included insights such as:
“We get to listen to ourselves, our bodies, eat when we’re hungry with no concept of time,
and have long conversations over days.”
“We don’t live this way very often, so simply, with all we need on our back and from the environment around us. It is very rewarding and refreshing.”
“In the city, I appreciate being easily connected with family over great distances -- but in the wilderness, I am more connected with myself in a real way.”
The following week, our robust 9th Grade enjoyed the sights and sounds of life in Oxbow Regional Park along the Sandy River. We focused on community building, Leave-No-Trace ethics, and outdoor living skills. Some of the highlights for the students were our Leave-No-Trace skits and songs, our final evening talent show, the fabulous game of Carrot Ball brought to us by instructor & alumnus Sam Hoiland ‘09, morning meditations and solo time, campfire stories and singing, cooking meals together, and our fire-making and shelter building.
The final trip of the season was for our 12th Grade, who embarked on their wilderness solo in Goldendale, Washington on the land of Ekone Ranch. The students spent two days in preparation, walking the land, selecting their sites, making decisions about gear to pack, many of them preparing to fast, and each of them defining and sharing a personal intention for their solo time. The land at Ekone was dry, bright, golden, and crisp, with windmills spinning in the distance, witnessed from the top of the canyon walls. Woods comprised of oak and ponderosa made an inviting canopy for the students to seek refuge, introspection, and playfulness.
(continued on Page 3)
11th Graders Jonah, Stewart, Aoife & Linnea enjoy the view during 11th Grade Outdoor Week
PWHS students enjoy a “creek stomp” during their summer backpacking adventure
hear tbeat / PORTLAND WALDORF SCHOOL
page 3
Wilderness, continued
Congratulations to our Wolfpack Middle School Cross Country boys team on their district victory and third-place finish at the state meet at the end of October!
Congratulations also to our two High School Varsity Cross Country runners who will be representing PWS at the high school state meet in Eugene: Alma Baker & Izaak King!
What a great finish to the fall athletics season! Next up, basketball... Let’s go, Wolfpack!!
Wolfpack Season
The students were ceremoniously sent out at dawn on the third day, and each of them returned to our basecamp meadow by 9:00am on the fifth day – some quiet, walking slowly to soak in their final moments of solitude – while others walked quickly, eager to be amongst friends. The final days were spent listening to each student’s story of their experience, cooking and sharing meals, playing student-created forest games, and continuing to soak up the landscape.
It is the hope of this solo experience each year that our students have pieces of their story and solitude that encourage them through their senior year, as they turn toward many milestones and decisions about what to do next in their lives. That encouragement may come from a reflection or reconciliation, a personal ceremony, watching the sunrise, crawling ants, singing, pacing, listening with their eyes closed, or even a dream.
And for now, all the outdoor gear has been cleaned, dried, and organized – stored away until spring, or until the students come knocking, seeking adventure and a wilderness embrace. Each time I take our students out, I am deeply moved and humbled by this offering I get to hold out to them. From each of these five trips, the students came out of the woods peaceful, confident, and happy -- with a new experience that lives inside of them and creates a new room in their soul, full of new capacities.
hear tbeat / PORTLAND WALDORF SCHOOL
page 4
November 2014
Annual Giving
Fundraising Changes This YearThe most visible change this year is that we will not be holding our auction. Over the last several years, it has been hard to depend on the auction revenue. Additionally, parents have shared that they didn’t feel it was open to everyone, since some parents felt they could afford a ticket, but couldn’t afford to purchase anything. We also heard from other families who felt obligated to purchase items each year to support the school, making the event feel like a bit of a burden. With this in mind, we thought we would take a year off.
Instead, on March 7, 2015, we will host a community dinner – all of the fun, none of the auction. The cost of the tickets will only cover the expenses of the event. The hope is that this event continues to provide our parents, faculty and staff the opportunity to come together and celebrate PWS and our community.
Then in the years to come, we can explore what our community looking for in a fundraising event.
Why Do We Fundraise at PWS?Fundraising represents 7% of this year’s operating budget. Only tuition makes up a bigger portion of the pie that keeps our school running. Every year, PWS depends on support from our families and friends in order to balance our budget. Don’t forget:
By Sara caSe, directOr Of deVelOPment
FuNdraIsINg stabIlIzes tuItIoN• $200,000=over 15 Grades tuitions or
11 High School tuitions • Without fundraising, each student’s tuition
would increase by $700.
partIcIpatIoN really does help• When we begin seeking out grant
opportunities, grantors typically ask how many of our closest stakeholders support PWS. Low participation numbers make it appear as though our community does not strongly support our mission, which causes grantors to question why they would support our school, when our own community does not.
every gIFt matters! • Last year, we had 327 gifts and raised
$128,834. More than half of the gifts came at the Spruce Level ($1-$99). Giving, at whatever level you can, really makes a difference.
Throughout the month of October, members of the Board of Trustees came to most of the class meetings to facilitate conversations about fundraising at PWS. They talked about this year’s changes to our fundraising plan, explained why we fundraise on top of tuition and fees, and shared the importance of community participation. The questions and ideas from these conversations were wonderful. For those who were not able to join in the conversation, we wanted to share a bit of what they discussed.
hear tbeat / PORTLAND WALDORF SCHOOL
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November 2014
Annual Giving, continued
Ode to my Socks
Mara Mori brought mea pair of sockswhich she knitted herselfwith her sheepherder’s hands,two socks as soft as rabbits. I slipped my feet into themas if they were two casesknitted with threads of twilight and goatskin,Violent socks,my feet were two fish made of wool,two long sharkssea blue, shot throughby one golden thread,two immense blackbirds,two cannons,my feet were honored in this wayby these heavenly socks.They were so handsome for the first timemy feet seemed to me unacceptablelike two decrepit firemen,firemen unworthy of that woven fire,of those glowing socks.
Nevertheless, I resisted the sharp temptationto save them somewhere as schoolboyskeep fireflies,as learned men collectsacred texts,I resisted the mad impulse to put themin a golden cage and each day give thembirdseed and pieces of pink melon.Like explorers in the junglewho hand over the very rare green deerto the spit and eat it with remorse,I stretched out my feet and pulled onthe magnificent socks and then my shoes.
The Annual Support Campaign will be kicking off on November 3rd. Thank you so much for your support! In the meantime, we will leave you with this poem, which hints to the theme and fun that will accompany the kick-off!
The moral of my ode is this:beauty is twice beautyand what is good is doubly goodwhen it is a matter of two socksmade of wool in winter.
Pablo Neruda
hear tbeat / PORTLAND WALDORF SCHOOL
page 6
November 2014
make oNe take oNe caleNdar11/6 Needle-felted Winter Doll11/13 Felted Owl11/20 Wet Felted Tree Stump
November specIal store hours11/10-11/11 Closed for Inservice & Veteran’s Day)11/22 Open 11:00am – 3:00pm during our Holiday Market & Handmade for the Holidays events!) 11/24-11/28 Closed for Thanksgiving Break - so stock up on your beeswax candles the prior week!)
holIday shoppINg Ideas We are getting new items in daily, so stop by and put your wish lists together.
doN’t mIss our dr. hauschka aNd Weleda sale! Just in time for Grandparents & Special Friends Day, and Holiday Market & Handmade for the Holidays! Come in for 25% off on November 21 & 22 only!
Don’t forget to “like” our Facebook page!
By yVOnne cSekO, StOre managerFrom the Spring Creek Store
Saturday, November 22nd, 11am-4pm
PWS Orchard Room
$5 materials cost
The sun has finally gone for the year. It’s time to gather again for our annual day of
craft making!
Tea, coffee and snacks will be provided along with all the materials and guidance you will
need to make some classic and beautiful Waldorf crafts.
Childcare will be provided by donation. No children allowed in the secret workshop! This is a grown-ups only time.
As an added bonus this year we will be holding our event on the same day as the annual PWS Holiday Market! So you will be able to wander up to the gym and enjoy some beautiful handmade work by local artisans, shop, and eat lunch in the special cafe set up by our High School students.
If you are a skilled crafter or a long time attendee and lover of this event please consider signing up for a time slot helping on one of our craft tables. A copy of the sign up sheet will be in the main office or you can email Jenny Nielson - [email protected] - if you want to help or have any questions or materials to donate.
We look forward to seeing you there!
hear tbeat / PORTLAND WALDORF SCHOOL
page 7
November 2014
Spring Creek Store’s 3rd Annual
HOLIDAY MARKET
A Handmade EventFestive and Fun!
Gifts for all ages
SaturdayNovember 22nd
10am - 4pm
FREE ADMISSION
Portland Waldorf School 2300 SE Harrison Street, Milwaukie 503-654-2200 ext 208 [email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Spring-Creek-Store/171520762862849
Featuring Local Artists, Designers, and Crafters
hear tbeat / PORTLAND WALDORF SCHOOL
page 8
By mary BeatOn, directOr Of admiSSiOnSAdmissions Update
November 2014
Tis’ the season for High School enrollment! The Admissions team has been busy reaching out to the broader Portland area this fall to spread the word about Portland Waldorf High School. We’ve hosted booths at school fairs and farmers markets, spoken on panels and in presentations for middle school parents, and have visited a great many schools. This year, our outreach has broadened beyond our Waldorf community to include independent schools (ie: The Gardner School), Montessori schools, the home-schooling community, and international students.
Of course, we will be welcoming a great many of our own 8th graders to the High School… students from Ms. Nelson’s class have already begun shadowing with our wonderful High School Student Ambassadors. The Admissions team has also extended warm invitations to our neighboring Waldorf friends in Portland (Cedarwood, Portland Village School, and Micha-el School) as well as further afield (Swallowtail, Corvallis, Eugene, Bend). The response has been positive and enthusiastic!
This enthusiasm was demonstrated this past Friday when a tremendous number of Waldorf 7th and 8th graders arrived at PWS for our Middle School Halloween dance. After the middle schoolers were checked in, we welcomed their parents over to the high school for beverages, snacks, conversation and a presentation by PWHS students. This new event, a hospitality and information evening for visiting parents, was well received and is likely to become an integral part of our High School outreach.
So, if you walk through the High School this fall, you may see some new, young faces… be sure to say hello and welcome our 8th Grade visitors. Special thanks to the 9th Grade for being such great (and busy!) hosts to our high school this year.
We are excited to see the rising 9th Grade begin to form! It looks to be an especially dynamic group with the interest from our new connections with the other independent lower schools being so very positive, and our connections with our Waldorf friends in the area developing and strengthening. We continue to reach out to international students as they have been such
positive and diverse additions to our community this year. We look forward to sharing more news with you about the Class of 2019 in the next few months!
hear tbeat / PORTLAND WALDORF SCHOOL
page 9
located outside the school office, and in-person orders will be taken at school November 3-7.
Click on the button below to purchase your seasonal greenery online:
or find the link on the PWS website homepage: www.portlandwaldorf.org.
Happy shopping, and thank you for supporting PWS 4th and 6th Grades!
November 2014
By rachel Blakeman, PwS Parent
The Wreath Sale is Here!
Winter is coming and the PWS annual Wreath Sale is underway! Seasonal wreaths, swags, and garlands are available to order. They are handcrafted by an Oregon family-owned and operated nursery using a beautiful and aromatic blend of noble fir, incense cedar and blue-berried juniper. This year’s sale is hosted by PWS 4th and 6th Grades. A portion of each sale will support class trips and activities.
Orders may be made online now through November 12, and will be delivered to PWS for pick up on Thursday, December 4. UPS delivery is also available -- Oregon greenery makes a great seasonal gift for out-of-town family and friends! Paper order forms are
hear tbeat / PORTLAND WALDORF SCHOOL
page 10
November 2014
By daVe renzema, Parent cOuncil cO-chair
Parent Council Announces the New Scrip “Choice” Program
There have been some exciting changes to Scrip this year! Parent Council is now coordinating the Scrip program and we are happy to announce some significant program enhancements for the 2014-2015 school year.
The biggest change is all about choice. You can now choose how 50% of the free money you earn by using Scrip is spent by directing your earnings to one of the following funds:• 8th Grade/Senior Trip (class funds)• TuitionAssistance• MusicProgram• SportsProgram(BoosterClub)• LibraryOperations
The remaining 50% will go back to Parent Council’s Fund, which will allow us to sponsor community enrichment events and other PWS community related projects.
Using Scrip to purchase your everyday items is all about free money for PWS. Many of the stores and websites from which we buy our groceries, gas, clothing, and just about everything else are willing to give our school a percentage (1%-20%) of every purchase for free!
Think about how much money you spend monthly at grocery stores like New Seasons, Fred Meyer, Whole Foods, Albertson’s, Safeway etc… These stores are willing to give PWS 5% of those purchases for free! Think about the money you spend annually at Amazon.com or on home improvement items, clothing, general merchandise, movie theaters, and restaurants at hundreds of major vendors. These stores/vendors are willing to give PWS from 3% to 20% of your purchases for free!
How much free money could we collectively earn for PWS?
If 200 families spent a very modest $200 per month using Scrip (most of us spend at least that much on groceries), we would earn $24,000 for our school….for free. You are already going to spend that money, all you have to do is spend it using Scrip.
If you are interested in purchasing Scrip or learning more about Scrip and how to sign up for the program, please visit a Scrip volunteer at the following dates/times/locations:• EveryFriday(ScripFriday)atdropoffin the front lobby, then in the Spring Creek Store until noon.• BeforeeveryParentCouncilMeetingat6pm (first Monday of each month)• AtHandmadefortheHolidays/HolidayMarket on November 22.• Orbyappointment!ContactDaveRenzema (phone and email below) to schedule a time that works for you.
Enter to win! Everyone who signs up and starts using Scrip before 12/15 will be entered to win a $100 New Seasons Scrip Card. The drawing will take place on Thursday 12/18.
Questions? Please call Dave Renzema at 503-380-3773 or email [email protected].
This month, our gratitude goes out to the volunteer fairies who have offered their time and energy in response to last month’s request! Many thanks to Annie Lighthart (Lost & Found Fairy), Jennifer Holle (Flower Fairy), and Ali & Michael Givens (Kitchen Fairies). If you see them around, please take a moment to say thank you!
Know someone else who has gone above and beyond?
Send suggestions for our Gratitude Corner to Grace at [email protected].
Gratitude Corner
hear tbeat / PORTLAND WALDORF SCHOOL
page 11
october 2014
Sweets & Shakespeare
These performances grow out of the students’ study of Hamlet. Perhaps the most performed and most admired of William Shakespeare’s many plays, Hamlet marks the end of the Middle Ages and the emergence of modern consciousness. We study Hamlet in the 11th Grade not only to learn about Shakespeare’s language and the Elizabethan theater, but also to become familiar with one of the first depictions of the modern individual, the self whose thoughts and feelings are a world of their own, separate from the world outside the self. With Hamlet, the authentic self becomes the single, independent guide to thought and action. Thus the study of Hamlet offers our students a mirror to their own emergence as free, independent, reflective individuals. The students have brought a great deal of enthusiasm to their study of Hamlet and to the learning of their lines and scenes. They are eager to bring what they have learned to the community through their dramatic interpretations.
Christopher Zinn, HS Humanities Teacher
Drumming for ParentsDave Owen (PWS Parent) is offering a parent drumming class! This percussion ensemble will include drums, cymbals, melodics (bells, xylophone, marimba) and various percussion instruments to produce sound together in a small group of 6-8 people. Some focus will be placed on drumming technique and reading music. No experience necessary, just a willingness to work together and a desire to make music! Let Dave know you are interested - email [email protected]. Once a group is formed, drumming will begin on Wednesdays, 6:30-8pm.
In order to support Charles Forster we are looking for items for the silent auction and for a variety of savory and sweet light fare to be made for our event. If you are inclined to make something for the silent auction or a dish to share please contact Tara Schwoebel at [email protected]. We are looking forward to sharing an evening of fun, friendship, and music together.
AN EVENING WITH AND FOR
Charles Forster
Music by “2 Fleas and a Fluke”, PWS Community Choir/
Sing Portland, mystery guests and a silent auction all
to support Charles Forster’s healing.
Tabor Space5441 SE Belmont St.
November 22, 2014 6-9 pm
To support this event contact Tara at
hear tbeat / PORTLAND WALDORF SCHOOL
page 12
For her senior project, Alma is researching the social stigmas and science surrounding midwifery and home birth. The documentary “Microbirth” explores scientific research linking the way that babies are born to their health later in life.
Four years ago my midwife, Agnes Gereb, was imprisoned in Hungary. This started multiple movements raising awareness around the world about how mothers need to have the freedom to choose how and where their children are born. There have been problems with the justice of home birth and midwives for centuries now but now there is a whole new movement happening.
A group has made a documentary about freedom for birth after Agnes Gereb was imprisoned. They are trying to raise awareness about how important home birth is. The documentary shows through the lens of a microscope the science of what intervention in birth does to the baby’s health.
I think that it is very important that women have a choice of how and where they birth their children and that they and the community as a whole are well informed. This is the reason I am doing my senior research paper on why midwives are prosecuted so much and why there is so much controversy around home birth. Connected to my research, I am going to help the freedom for birth movement and premier their documentary MicroBirth with help from my class. Please come learn about the fascinating work these researchers did on this very important topic and support our class!
November 6, @7pm clINtoN street theater $10/tIcket
By alma Baker, claSS Of 2015
Midwives & “Microbirth”
hear tbeat / PORTLAND WALDORF SCHOOL
page 13
moNday tuesday WedNesday thursday FrIday sat/suN10/31
Halloween
Adult Eurythmy 8:45AM
Community Choir8:45-10:15AM
Social Renewal Study Group 10AM
Simplicity Parenting Class 10AM-12PM
Autumn Assembly11AM
11/1
11/2
Daylight Savings Ends
11/3
Annual Support Campaign Kick-Off
Parent Council Meeting 6:30-9PM
11/4
Alumni Eurythmy 6:30PM
Adult Blacksmithing6-9PM
11/5
High School Open House 6:30-8:30PM
11/6
Circus Class 1:30-3PM
Sweets & Shakespeare 7PM
“Microbirth” Film Screening 7PM
Adult Basketball7:30-10:30PM
11/7
Adult Eurythmy 8:45AM
Community Choir8:45-10:15AM
Social Renewal Study Group 10AM
Martinmas Pageant (Grades 1-3) 4PM
11/8
Early Childhood Open House
10-11:15AM
11/9
11/10
No School (Inservice)
11/11
No School (Veteran’s Day)
Alumni Eurythmy 6:30PM
Adult Blacksmithing6-9PM
11/12
9th Grade Applicants Interview Night 4-9PM
11/13
Walk Through the Grades 9-10:30AM
Circus Class 1:30-3PM
Adult Basketball7:30-10:30PM
11/14
Adult Eurythmy 8:45AM
Community Choir8:45-10:15AM
Social Renewal Study Group 10AM
11/15
11/16
11/17 11/18
Alumni Eurythmy 6:30PM
Adult Blacksmithing6-9PM
11/19 11/20
Circus Class 1:30-3PM
Adult Basketball7:30-10:30PM
11/21
Grandparents & Special Friends Day
Adult Eurythmy 8:45AM
Community Choir8:45-10:15AM
Social Renewal Study Group 10AM
11/22
Handmade for the Holidays&Holiday Market
10AM-4PM
11/23
11/24
No School (Parent/Teacher Conferences)
Board Meeting 6-8PM
12/1 Parent Council Meeting
6:30-9PM
11/25
No School (Parent/Teacher Conferences)
Alumni Eurythmy 6:30PM
Adult Blacksmithing6-9PM
11/26
No School (Thanksgiving)
11/27
No School (Thanksgiving)
Adult Basketball7:30-10:30PM
11/28
No School (Thanksgiving)
11/29
11/30
november
Please remember that schedules change! For the most current information please visit www.portlandwaldorf.org/calendar
october 2014
