January 2020 E-News
~ Celebrating 100 Years of Education Worldwide ~
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A Note from the Faculty Chair
Dear Community,
On Friday, January 17th, the faculty and staff had the good fortune to work with Kim John Payne on the topic of Unity, Differences & Acceptance. Founder of The Center for Social Sustainability, Kim John Payne has spent much of his life dedicated to research and education in the realm of easing social difficulties. You may know his name because our very own Stephanie Cleary teaches classes he developed: Simplicity Parenting and Discipline and Guidance based on the Soul of Discipline. I encourage you to explore his website to learn more. Socialsustain.com
Within the theme of the day, Kim led our employees through an exploration of how we as educators, in a time when individualism is growing and starting at an earlier age, create a unified view of the adult world, one where we have commonly agreed upon social forms. This is essential for the healthy education of a child but can be challenging to achieve. We explored the importance of establishing a firm foundation of family and classroom values before peer influence gets a foothold. We also looked at the difference between being authoritarian and authoritative. He inspired us to take up further study on the inner life of the teacher as a way to more profoundly meet today’s students.
One simple gem, Kim called E.R.I.C, is one that could be helpful for any who makes mistakes! Every mistake is to be Expected, Respected, Inspected and Corrected. This is a clever way to remind us that we all make mistakes, to value them as learning opportunities, to explore why we error and then do what is necessary to correct it and move on. This approach helps lessen perfectionism and is truly a path to life-long learning, which is one central aim of Waldorf education.
Kim will return to the WSGC in May to continue this work with us. We will also host a parent evening so you can have your own first-hand experience of his wisdom, humility, and humor.
On another professional development note, on February 26th from 4:00 pm to 5:30, we will host singing instructor, Christiaan Boele. Parents are welcome to join the faculty and staff in the High School Student Room for this musical workshop. There is no fee for this workshop. Hope to see you there.
Announcements
A Tribute to
George V. Rose
The Rose Family and The Waldorf School of Garden City invite you to share in a celebration of Mr. Rose’s life through song and reflection.
Sunday, April 5th
The Waldorf School of Garden City
225 Cambridge Avenue,
Garden City, New York 11530
2:00pm
Golf Classic & Dinner Reception
You are invited to support the School’s Golf Classic & Dinner Reception, to be held on Thursday, June 18, 2020, at the Garden City Country Club in Garden City, New York. The proceeds from this event will primarily benefit the renovation of the gymnasium and renaming to Paul LeSueur Hall, Capital Initiatives, and Scholarship Funds at the School.
The naming of the gym in honor of Paul LeSueur will be a constant reminder for all who enter of all that he did as a wonderful and dedicated member of the Waldorf community. He was inspirational to each individual he met, both students and staff alike. I can only hope that each person who enters the gym and sees his name will try their best to emulate what he stood for and remember what he gave to Waldorf in his time as our Athletics Director. While he will be very missed, we know that his presence will be felt for years to come as he has impacted and influenced the lives of so many both on and off the field.
– Gordon Purdie
Former Athletic Director of The Waldorf School of Garden City
Paul LeSueur, husband, father, grandfather, friend, mentor, athlete and coach, left us on June 10, 2019, after a sudden illness. Paul was larger than life. As our former Athletic Director, Boys Varsity Soccer and Girls Varsity Basketball coach and much-beloved member of the Waldorf school community, Paul LeSueur Hall will serve as a tribute to the life, legacy, and love that Paul LeSueur gave to every student and athlete he encountered. Your support will enable students, families, and extended community to utilize a fully reimagined space for sports, assemblies, performances, and community gatherings.
The Classic will also recognize individuals in our community for their service, dedication, and achievements.
This year’s honorees are:
Hans R. Brechbühl Service Award: James J. Sugrue, P’11
Outstanding Alumni Award: Scott A. Williams ’85
Click Here to purchase tickets, sponsorships and journal ads.
To purchase tickets, sponsorships or journal ads, please sign in using your existing OneCause or by creating a new one if you are a first time user. Questions? Please contact Samantha D’Aleo at daleos@waldorfgarden.org or 516-742-3434 ext. 313.
Now is the Time to Re-Enroll for the 2020 – 2021 School Year
The February 15th deadline for 2020-2021 student re-enrollment contracts is fast approaching! Please remember, if you expect to apply for tuition assistance, your contract and deposit must be received by the February 14th deadline. To complete the re-enrollment process, please log into your My BackPack account now and submit your child(ren)’s contract if you have not already done so.
Please also note that families with rising first-grade students will not receive their re-enrollment agreements until March 2nd and are exempt from the February 14th deadline for these students.
CLICK HERE to sign in!
Sophomore Play – Arabian Nights
Please join the 10th-grade class for the performance of Arabian Nights. Arabian Nights is a lovable and comedic play that portrays the blossoming of love and the sadness of loss. The story starts with a king named Shahryar who, after finding his wife in the arms of another, loses faith in love and trust in all women. That is until he meets Sheherazade, a clever young woman who is betrothed to him. Through a series of stories, she teaches him to love again. Our play will remind you that you can find love where you least expect it.
The class’s first two performances were rousing successes. Join them for their final show tomorrow, Saturday, February 1st at 7:30 pm. This event is free but donations are appreciated to support the class fund. Hope to see you there! This show is approprate for grades 4 and up.
CONFERENCE: Staying Sane While Swimming in a Sea of Screens
The Franz E. Winkler Center Conference this year addresses the challenges of a world filled with screens and how this affects family life and our children. How do we find balance in our lives? The speaker is Dr. Lowell Monke, an author and teacher who has written and taught extensively on technology and its impact. The conference takes place on Saturday, March 14th from 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM. Registration is at 8:30 followed by the keynote address at 9:00. Workshops and a fine luncheon will follow. We hope that parents, teachers, and friends of the school will choose to attend and call this event to the attention of others. Advance registration will start in February through EVENTBRITE.
During the Conference this year, Jeannette Resnick will be on hand to sign copies of her new book, Voyage in Song and Story (illustrated by Don Resnick). Copies can be purchased from the Waldorf School Magic Closet or on Amazon at this link.
The Waldorf School of Garden City Proudly Presents: TUCK EVERLASTING
Friday, March 20th at 7:30 pm
Saturday, March 21st at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm.
What would you do if you had all eternity?
Eleven-year-old Winnie Foster yearns for a life of adventure beyond her white picket fence, but not until she becomes unexpectedly entwined with the Tuck Family does she get more than she could have imagined. When Winnie learns of the magic behind the Tuck’s unending youth, she must fight to protect their secret from those who would do anything for a chance at eternal life. As her adventure unfolds, Winnie faces an extraordinary choice: return to her life, or continue with the Tucks on their infinite journey.
Based on best-selling children’s classic by Natalie Babbitt and adapted for the stage by Claudia Shear and Tim Federle, Tuck Everlasting features a soaring score from Chris Miller and Nathan Tysen.
Appropriate for all audiences. Tickets will be on sale soon.
Shop & Support Waldorf
Until February 29th, receive 20% off any order of $80 or more on the Waldorf BSN Sideline store by entering the code FEB20. A variety of merchandise for students, teams, alumni and current families is now available to show your #WaldorfPride.
School News
Alumni Basketball Games & Community Three-Point Contest 2020
Earlier this month, Waldorf community members of all ages gathered for our annual Alumni Basketball Games and Community Three-Point Contest. The day was filled with alumni bonding and fun competition to support a worthy cause.
Waldorf Watch: MLK Day of Service 2020
On Thursday, January 16th, the students and faculty of The Waldorf School of Garden City came together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The entire student body took part in various service projects, both on and off the Garden City campus, that promoted the spirit of love and camaraderie.
Long Island Nets Visit The Waldorf School of Garden City
As part of their community service and outreach initiatives, two Long Island Nets players, Devin Cannady and CJ Massinberg visited the Waldorf School on Tuesday, January 21st to talk to the Waldorf athletic teams and make a donation to the school in partnership with Costello’s Ace Hardware, Home & Garden Stores.
Camp Glen Brook
There is still time to join us at Camp Glen Brook for Winter Camp February 17 – 22. Enroll Now!
*Special Summer Camp WSGC Offer – Save $200.*
We are extending our $200 Early Bird Summer Camp Discount until 02/24 for WSGC families who sign up for Winter Camp.
Use Promo Code: Winter2Summer.
Please contact us if you have questions: Office@glenbrook.org or 603-876-3342.
What’s Happening in Athletics?
Winter basketball season is far from over for our various basketball teams. Our Varsity Girls team has one final game this Monday, February 3rd as they host OSNA at 4:30 pm. A successful victory there will qualify the team for the playoffs, so be sure to come out and show your support. Meanwhile, our Varsity Boys have already qualified for the Metro Division Championship Final that will be held on Tuesday, February 11th at The Kew Forest School.
Our varsity teams also have the annual Kimberton Waldorf School Basketball tournament to look forward to, taking place next weekend from February 7th-11th.
Our 7/8th grade teams have an exciting week ahead as they have been invited to participate in a Basketball Play Day on Feb 6th. The girls’ team will be traveling to Buckley to compete in a tournament with The Holy Child School, The Trinity Lutheran School, The Buckley School, The Kew Forest School, and Portledge. The boys team will be traveling to The Greenvale School to compete against LuHi, The Trinity School, The Greenvale School, and The Buckley.
Best of luck to all of our teams, Go Waldorf!
Alumni
Celebrating a Reunion This Year?
Calling our graduating classes ending in ‘0s and ‘5s! Have you started making your plans for your big reunion this year? We’re here to help! Whether you plan on celebrating in the Fall during Alumni Weekend or are looking to schedule something on your own time, keep us posted. We’d love to help in any way possible. Please contact Samantha D’Aleo at daleos@waldorfgarden.org for assistance.
Alumni Notes:
Irin Carmon ’01
Irin Carmon ’01 and co-author Shana Kzizhnik’s book, Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, has been adapted into a museum exhibition. It opened at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles last year and has been at the National Museum of American Jewish History. Read more by visiting https://www.inquirer.com/arts/ruth-bader-ginsburg-notorious-rbg-museum-exhibit-philadelphia-20191004.html. The exhibit will come to the New-York Historical Society in September 2020. On December 19, the two had the privilege of giving Justice Ginsburg a tour of the exhibition, and to toast her onstage and at dinner as she was inducted into the Only in America gallery hall of fame.
Jovawn McNeil ’19
At George Washington University, Jovawn McNeil ’19 serves as the first-year representative for College Democrats which is a national organization with chapters throughout the country. GW’s chapter, in particular, is the largest chapter in the country with over 200 members. Jovawn’s role in the organization is primarily focused on attending executive board meetings and selecting and running his own first-year committee. Jovawn’s committee focuses on creating different events that benefit the student body including internship workshops with speakers who work on Capitol Hill, a diversity dinner, documentary presentations, participation/ training for lobbying events, canvassing, and community service. Keep up the great work, Jovawn!
Tamara Ruppart ’96
Tamara Ruppart ’96 will be directing a play called NET OF WORTH by Carlyn Flynn at the Massman Theater, USC School of Dramatic Arts. The play will open on April 19, 2020, as part of the New Works Festival Year 2. For more information visit https://dramaticarts.usc.edu/new-works-festival-year-2-2020/. Best of luck, Tamara!
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In Memoriam: Andrew John Lyke
Andrew John Lyke (Andy), spouse of Karen Gode Lyke ’61 died December 19, 2019, five months after diagnosis with brain tumors. Born in Philadelphia, PA, on December 22, 1942, he grew up on Long Island, New York. His career led him to live all over the United States. He and his wife Karen retired in 2009 to the Toledo area to live close to one daughter (Sara), and be able to afford to visit his two other adult children on the West Coast (Celia in Portland OR; Dan in Petaluma CA). After graduation from Cornell University (BS and Master of Electrical Engineering), and later an MBA from Emory U, Andy had a wide-ranging career that encompassed ‘gathering intelligence’ with the US Army in Germany, then such diverse areas as locomotives, household appliances, ceramic computer parts, large scale power transformers & circuit breakers.
Known for his quick wit and dry humor, he leaves his wife Karen to whom he was married for ‘‘twelve wonderful years; out of 53 that’s not so bad’’, three children, and four grandchildren.
A gathering to remember Andy will be held on Saturday, February 1st, from 2-5 pm at Maumee Valley Unitarian-Universalist Congregation, 20189 N Dixie Highway (Route 25) just north of Bowling Green. A memorial service will start at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, gifts to perpetuate Andy’s acts of goodness and deeds of kindness can be made to Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity https://www.mvhabitat.org
News from AWSNA
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SAVE THESE DATES
Sophomore Play
Saturday. February 1st at 7:30 pm
Early Childhood Closed for Conferences
Monday, February 3rd
8th Grade Square Dance Fundraiser
Friday, February 7th
Kimberton Basketball Tournament
Friday, February 7th – Sunday, February 9th
Winter Assembly – Noon Dismissal
Friday, February 14th
Re-Enrollment Contracts Due
Friday, February 14th
Winter Break – SCHOOL CLOSED
Monday, February 17th – Friday, February 21st
Winter Camp at Glen Brook
Monday, February 17th – Friday, February 21st
Classes Resume
Monday, February 24th
HS Winter Formal
Friday, February 28th
HS Model UN Conference
Wednesday, March 4th – Saturday, March 7th
Parent Association Meeting
Friday, March 6th at 7:00 pm
SCHOOL CLOSED – Parent-Teacher Conferences for Grades 1-12 and Professional Development Day for EC Faculty
Monday, March 9th
5th Grade Play
Thursday, March 12th
Textbook Forms Due to the Bookstore
Friday, March 13th
Winkler Center Conference
Saturday, March 14th from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
4th Grade Play
Thursday, March 19th
High School Musical – Tuck Everlasting
Friday, March 20th at 7:30 pm
Saturday, March 21st at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm.
Don’t Forget you can Shop and Support The Waldorf School of Garden City with the following organizations!
