Class 2/3 Farm Trip Fundraiser

Class 2/3 Farm Trip

The 3rd Grade Farm Trip is traditional in most Waldorf Schools.  Third graders study the food, shelter, and clothing of many cultures throughout history and this experience
is designed to enhance that curriculum. 

It is also a rite-of-passage for 9-year old children, as they enter into a developmental stage in which they have a newfound sense of self-awareness.  This week-long trip may be their first extended absence from home, but within the safety and support of their class and familiar teachers, a sense of budding independence is fostered.

Elderberry Syrup Kits for Sale

You know when you go to the health food store to buy your elderberry syrup and you end up spending $20 for a small bottle? You think to yourself "I wish I could have a whole quart of elderberry syrup for just $15..." Well guess what, now that dream can be a reality! Class 2/3 are selling elderberry syrup kits which make a big batch and will keep you and your family healthy all winter long. Added bonus- all the proceeds will go to the class 2/3 farm trip fundraiser. Please help support these kids on their big farm trip adventure, an experience they will never forget. 

In case you are wondering what elderberry syrup is for? Elderberries have been a folk remedy for centuries and used for its antioxidant activity, to lower cholesterol, to improve vision, to boost the immune system, to improve heart health and for coughs, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections and tonsillitis. It's a wonderful way to prevent illnesses when taken daily as well.

Snack Pouches, Quilt Raffle & CD's for Sale too...

There are other ways to support the class 2/3 farm trip fundraiser- look in the lobby for snack pouches made by the talented Dina O'Neil and fun CD's for kids. We are also raffling three beautiful handmade quilts- check them out in the lobby at school.  They might look lovely in your home, or be an excellent Christmas gift. Tickets are $5 each, or three for $10. 

Waldorf Sponsoring Children for the Holidays

This is a busy time of year. We're all making lists and thinking about how to make the Holidays a special time for our children, full of memories. Recently, the Outreach committee has been speaking with the Department for Children and Families, wondering what our community can do to help children who have to be taken from their homes and families.

We have been hearing stories of children who are moved from house to house, spending their days at the DCF offices, waiting and wondering where their next bed will be. For many children in the Foster Care program, the Holidays are not exciting and magical. One thing we can do to help is sponsor a few children for Christmas.

Families at the Waldorf school are each donating a gift for a child or a teenager (teenagers seldom get sponsored because people prefer buying gifts for young kids). Toys, clothes, mittens, hats, are being collected.

We plan to do more projects partnering with DCF going forward. We are hearing that children sit all day at the DCF office in Hyannis with nothing to do. DCF suggested we could put together six toy baskets full of activities for kids to play with while they are waiting in the office all day. After the holidays we will start collecting items for these baskets. Children in our school will have the opportunity to make some of the items- they can knit stuffed animals in handwork class, and the morning glories can sew little gnomes. We will be delivering the gifts after December 15th. Contact Emily Holmgren for more information and, thank you.

A Season of Festivals: St. Nicholas Day

St Nicholas Day is celebrated on the anniversary of his death, December 6.

Who was St. Nicholas?

He was born in the village of Patara, in an area now part of the southern coast of Turkey, to wealthy parents in the 3rd century.  His parents raised him to think of others instead of himself.  When they died tragically while Nicholas was still young, he used his inheritance to assist the needy, the sick and the suffering.  He was known for his generosity and his love of children.  Children at the Waldorf School are told stories of his selfless deeds, which include saving sailors at sea and giving dowries to poor maidens so they could marry.

The story is told how he would toss bags of gold into a house through a window at night, so as not to be seen, with the gold often landing in the family’s shoes.  This led to the tradition of St. Nicholas leaving treats in shoes left out at night on the eve of St. Nicholas Day.

St. Nicholas visits the Waldorf School of Cape Cod sometime during the night of December 5, and always finds shoes left out, awaiting small trinkets and treasures. 

Next week: A Season of Festivals continues, as Class 2 celebrates St. Lucia day at school.