WALDORF EDUCATORS

Well known magazine publications like the Utne Reader, Atlantic Monthly and Mothering Magazine have produced wonderful articles regarding Waldorf Education, as well as themes around early childhood, the curriculum, the value of the arts, parenting and the importance of home rhythms, to name but a few. One arena that none of these above mentioned media publications actually speaks enough about is the incredible demand for Waldorf trained educators. I'd like to offer a few insights.

Many parents may know that in North America there are more than a couple of hundred Waldorf schools. These particular schools are also referred to as 'Independent Waldorf Schools' which, among other things, means they are tuition based. Tuitions can range from $5,000 a year to as much as $14,000 per year depending on region and location. In addition to these tuition paying Waldorf Schools, there are public Waldorf Methods charter schools, like MOCS, which are open and free to the public. Indeed, this is the model we all like! At the same time, the Waldorf charter schools and the Waldorf Independent Schools search for the same personnel and that is trained and experienced teachers. The demand for Waldorf educators is extremely high, yet the supply of teachers is low. In North America alone there are, on average, over 400 openings and positions available each year. At the same time, there might be only 50-60 graduates each year from teacher training programs. As you can see, the competition is great.

The good news for us is there is currently a regional Waldorf Teacher Training program right here in Arizona. The Arizona Red Rock Teacher Education Center, also known as ARRTEC, is going to be operating out of Prescott and the Mountain Oak Charter School this year. Beginning with a month long summer intensive, June 14-July 9, 2004, ARRTEC students are always interested in HOUSING accommodations. Accommodations can range from renting a room in someone's home to leasing an entire home for that month. The Teacher Training Program also operates several intensive 4-day weekends (October & February) during the year. ARRTEC's housing co-coordinator is DeeAnn Morgan and attached to this week's edition of the TUESDAY is a housing form. If you or any parent you may be aware of us is interested in providing housing, please take the time to fill out the attached form and pass it along to DeeAnn. One never knows, but future teachers for the MOCS and its Waldorf Methods program could be walking right through our doors!

- Merrill Badger, Principal

Happening This Week:

Wednesday Early Bird 30/30 club.

Friday morning is our Tea Garden, join us for refreshments and socializing. 30/30 club drawing for $100.00.

Next week is Aims testing Grades 3 -6. Get plenty of sleep & eat healthy breakfasts.

Next Tuesday, April 20th is Parent University 6:30—8:00 pm

CPR/First Aid Training
at MOCS!

What: 2 year certification for CPR & First Aid

When: Wednesday, May 5th

Time: 1pm to 6pm

Where: Classroom TBA

Cost: $25.00

How: Call Beni 541-7700 to sign up!

 

SCHOOL NEWS

Kindergarten News

Everyone at MOCS is looking forward to creating a second kindergarten for the 2004-2005 school year. We have big plans and many children already enrolled for these classes. The kindergarten teachers have met and are planning and preparing for the opening day in August! We will be needing the whole MOCS community to help support the kindergartens by gathering the items needed to furnish the new room. In the next several Tuesday newsletters, there will be a new segment of the “Kindergarten Needs List” with the main sigh-up list being posted in the office at the school. Please check the list over to see if there might be any household item or any item you could build or donate to the kindergarten, then sign your name on the main list for that item. Because of remodeling planned for this summer, your items for donation will need to be stored at your home or someone else’s home...and if you are someone who can store items for others, please contact Beni in the office. The items needed will include most of everything you may have seen in the kindergarten such as: kitchen items, dishes, shelving, tables, chairs, stumps, play stands, cloths, silks, dolls and toys, sewing supplies, cubbies, rocking chair, standing lamps, aprons, place mats etc…

MY APOLOGIES

Not realizing the wonderful passionate tradition amongst parents of MOCS for the May Day Celebration being held on a Saturday weekend, I routed the May Day festival to Friday, April 30th with the thought that all of the children would be able to partake. Also in the back of my mind was the next day 'Open House' marketing of the Kindergarten program. I understand now, and rightfully so, quite a few parents are upset with me. I take full responsibility for the "faux pas" and am happy to meet with any and all parents so that, together, we can build an imaginative picture of how festival life is best built up in a school community for the benefit of all children, families and the community at large. Once again, my sincere apologies for not being as sensitive to the history and tradition of this particular festival at MOCS.

-- Merill Badger

Tell Me About Your Stuff???

Fundraising is wanting to know, just how much "stuff " the Mountain Oak Families have to contribute to a possible rummage sale next month?? Excluding clothes ~Please. This Treasure sale will by all means be like last years grand event. However, it will serve two goals; extra funds to our school and it draws attention (publicity) our way!!

See Laura G about donations.
(541-7815)

Lending Library

Glad to see that many of you have been enjoying the wonderful resources in our lending library. Please take a look to see if you have any un-returned items. Our library is thinned out.

"The Music Man"
is coming to town,
to the Elk's Theater, the Last weekend in April & First weekend in May.

Tickets available:
1st Wednesday in April (half-day)
During Friday Tea Garden &
in the Office anytime.

Tickets are $5 and MOCS gets a dollar for every ticket sold!
For more info call Susan 776-8885

End of the School Year

The last day of school is Wednesday, June 2nd. Please let us know if you are interested in having a Day Camp for Thursday and Friday June 3rd and 4th. Please take a look at the following opportunities for this summer at MOCS. For further questions please call Laura Gardella at 541-7815.

Earth Day Celebration April 24

Volunteering is Love in action

Mountain Oak will have an information table set up, as well as a
craft activity for children.
We are looking for volunteers to put in a hour or two to help with the craft, pass out info., and set up and break down. Call now to reserve your opportunity to serve!
Laura 541-7815

Felting Workshop At
Mountain Oak Charter School

To register, phone Sharon at 776-8014
The cost for the workshop is $65.00