Tuesday News - October 19, 2010

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All submissions for the Tuesday News should be sent to publicrelations@merriconeag.org by Friday at 3:00 pm.

From the Development Office

- Grandparents & Friends Day

Open Rehearsal for Grandparents & Friends Day

Wednesday, October 20, 8:30 am, Community Hall:

Because we have limited space on Friday, we are offering this opportunity for parents to

see the class offerings for Grandparents & Friends Day. We hope you will plan to attend!

Grandparents and Friends Day, Friday, October 22: This Friday is the day that we welcome an older generation to our school. We are delighted to have already heard from many grandparents and friends who plan to be with us on this special occasion.

A gentle reminder to parents: space is tight for this event as we have to seat all of our guests as well as our students (250 in grades 1 – 12) and teachers (40). If your child’s grandparent needs any special accommodations (including having you at their side) please just give one of us a call so we can plan accordingly. We want to do whatever is needed to make all our guests comfortable. But please understand that we cannot welcome all parents to attend this event—there is simply not enough space - and that is why we are offering the open rehearsal listed on Wednesday morning (see above).

The schedule goes like this: Coffee and pastries will be served from 10:00 to 10:30, followed by a program that includes presentations by the 2^nd through 12^th grades. At the end of the program at noon the grandparents are invited to visit the classrooms. Grandparents of high school students will be invited to drive over to Pineland to see the classrooms there.

Early Childhood and First Grade families please take note: We have heard from a number of grandparents whose grandchildren are in early childhood or first grade. We are very happy that they are coming, but so that they aren’t disappointed, please remind them that early childhood and first grade students are not a part of the assembly presentations. The grandparents will be invited to visit the first grade and early childhood classrooms at the end of the assembly.

Last notes: We could use a few more parent volunteers on Friday – to usher and help with name tags and refreshments; call me if you’re interested in volunteering. Also, please know that each year there are many students who don’t have a guest in attendance so please don’t be concerned that your child will feel left out if they don’t have a guest. And, one last reminder: for this day students are asked to wear assembly attire, i.e., “best dress.”  

Lynne Espy, Development Coordinator, 865-3900 Ext. 116, developmentcoordinator@merriconeag.org

Fall Fair and Open House Updates

Fair: Saturday, November 6, 10 am - 3 pm /

 Craft Preview Sale for Adults:

Friday, November 5, 6 - 9 pm

Help us Advertise the Fall Fair: If you live on a well-traveled road or street and would

be willing to display a yard sign advertising our Fall Fair & Open House, please contact Deeda, x 105, publicrelations@merriconeag.org. We would like to have them back after the Fair to recycle. We also have posters - just let us know where you are putting them so we won't duplicate our efforts!

Fall Fair Staffing:  Coordinators should have their events staffed by the end of the day on Friday, October 22nd. At that time, please send your lists to Pat Sanford at pbsanford@gmail.com.

Squirrels are still busy: We need volunteers to help supply the Squirrel's Attic with goods for the Fall Fair (small, natural/handmade items that are sold for $1.00 or less) and work one-hour shifts on November 6th.  Please see the sign-up sheets and basket for donated craft items in the ECC.  Questions: contact Aly Fullagar, Maleah Webb, or Sarah Currie (846-7818).  Thank you!

Don't Forget to Recycle Those Old Pocket People Presents: Please deliver any appropriate pocket people presents from previous years (that your child can stand to part with) to the boxes in either office. If you have new trinkets of natural materials you'd like to donate, we'd like those too.

The Falling Leaves Cafe needs the Whole School Community: We are calling on your inner chef or baker to lend a hand in the creation of both savory and sweet delectables to be sold in individual servings at the Fall Fair.  Dig deep into your recipe index and share to the benefit and appreciation of us all!  Please contact Carina Wishman Freedner at 725-7507 or epicurious.crow@gmail.com.  Thank you so very much for your time!  

From the Board

The Board of Directors of Merriconeag Waldorf School is actively exploring ways in which to both grow and diversify our enrollment. We are therefore conducting an anonymous survey in an effort to better understand the demographics of the Merriconeag community. We are hopeful that all families will participate. The greater the participation, the clearer our understanding will be of our constituency. The information compiled will be used in our ongoing review of admissions and tuition policies. We are exploring ways in which both to grow and diversify our enrollment.

     The survey takes less than 60 seconds to complete. You can fill out the survey on-line at:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YD9ZMYF or we will have paper copies available in the office.  Just fill it out and drop it in the box marked "Questionnaire - Snapshot of the Merriconeag community." Please only submit one survey per family. We are hoping to have surveys back from every family at the school by this Friday, October 22.

If you have any questions, please contact: Michael Stefanakos at 917.279.4646. Thanks for your help and participation.

School Community Updates

Fourth Grade News: As part of their local geography block, the 4th grade, Ms Fox, and several guests canoed Mill Stream into the Harraseeket recently during a morning main lesson.

 

Canoeing Mill Stream was pretty fun
We went through the culvert and around we spun.
An eagle was watching us high in the sky,

As we bounced of the banks with a draw and a pry.
By Pettingill Farm we were happy to rest
Then the wind in Harraseeket gave us a test.
With strong strokes we paddled against wind and tide
But could't reach Porter's no matter how hard we tried
The big rock at the beach was the best place to land
but went he got out we didn't find sand.
With mud on our feet and some on our faces
We wondered about all those old boat building places.

Wednesday Pizza is Back: The 8th grade will be coordinating pizza this year. Session 1 is a total of 10 weeks beginning November 3rd. and ending January 26th. Sign up for pizza will be for the entire session only. Pizza choices will be cheese, pepperoni, and pesto and the cost will be $2.00 per slice. The total cost of one slice of pizza per week during session one will be $20.00. As in prior years, students in grades 4-8 and faculty will have the chance to participate during session 1. Students will have the option to omit or skip a pizza day in the case of a known or anticipated absence (i.e.Dr.’s appt. or vacation). Please provide the date(s) of known absences. Adjustments or refunds cannot be made for unanticipated or last minute absences.

     To order pizza for Session 1, please complete an order form and return it with cash or check (made payable to MWS) to the basket outside the 8th grade classroom no later than Wednesday, October 27th at 8:20 am. Questions? Contact Mary Martin 865-0689.

Click here for a printable pizza order form.

PIZZA ORDER FORM SESSION I: Nov.3 through January 26 (10 weeks)

Order forms and cash or check must be received by Wednesday, Oct. 27, 8:20 AM

Placed in an envelope and left in the basket outside the 8th grade classroom.

  (Only chance to order this session)

Cost per slice: $2.00 X 10 weeks =$20.00 (unless student orders more than 1 slice/wk. or has a conflict

one of the weeks. If so, please complete explanation below*)

  Number of Slices                              Amount Enclosed

Cheese     ______

Pepperoni______                           Cash    $ ______

Pesto       ______                             Check  $______

Name_________________________________Grade_________Faculty_________

*No pizza on Wed (date)_________________, I will not be at school. (deduct applicable amt.)

 

 

 

Portland Ovations Circus Arts Master class with world-renowned Circus Artist Jamie Adkins: Friday, November 12, 2010, 6:00–7:30 pm, MWS Community Hall, $15 per person. Class limited to 20 students (Ages 10 and up). An alumnus of the famed Pickle Family Circus, Cirque Eloize and a featured soloist with Cirque du Soleil, Jamie Adkins’ clowning and acrobatic pedigree is unparalleled. Jamie will come to Merriconeag to give a limited number of intermediate and advanced circus arts students the chance to increase their skills with a focus on character and narrative development. For more information and to register, contact Trace Salter at 207.756.9212, smirkus.freeport@yahoo.com

Circus INcognitus:  Saturday, November 13, 2010,1 pm & 3 pm, South Portland Auditorium at SPHS, South Portland, Maine, $10/person for general admission seating. Buy tickets. Appropriate for all ages.

Children and adults alike will revel in his unforgettable one-man comedy, Circus INcognitus, which brings to life the story of a man who has something to say, but can’t quite get it out. Whether precariously balancing upon a slack wire or deftly maneuvering a jaw full of ping-pong balls, Jamie Adkins leads audiences on a thrilling, humorous and ultimately inspiring adventure about having the courage to try new ideas, pushing them to their limits, and not giving up when all goes wrong. Jamie Adkins Circus Incognitus Show. Infinitesimal acts of imperceptible genius. — The New York Times. Submitted by Trace Salter

Don't Forget to Sign up for Parent Teacher Conferences: Parent Teacher conferences are next week on Thursday and Friday, the 28^th and 29^th of October.  Please note there will be no school on those days.  Sign-up sheets for grade school conferences are posted in the office. Sign up sheets for early childhood are posted near the classroom doors. Sign up for high school is on line.

Directory Correction: On the back cover of the new Parent Handbook and Community Directory, Deeda Burgess is listed as having Christine Sloan's email address. Please note that Deeda's correct email address is publicrelations@merriconeag.org.

 

Athletic News - Sports Updates

High School Cross Country

The boys and girls cross country teams both ran heroically in cold and wet conditions on Friday against NYA, Waynflete and Greely. The girls won their race and the boys finished a close third. Jack Pierce (16:54) and Zoe Chace-Donahue (20:45) both came in second overall. Everyone ran very well and continues to improve.

    This Saturday, October 23rd the teams participate in the Regional Championships at Twin Brook in Cumberland. This race determines which teams will go to the State Championships the following weekend in Belfast. Merriconeag boys race at 11:10 am and the girls at 11:45. All regional teams in Class A, B & C will be participating in races so it promises to be an exciting event to attend. We'd love it if you'd come out and cheer with us! Link for a complete race schedule.

 

In the News

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