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Staff In-Service Day

January 2, 2024

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Date:: January 2, 2024

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The first buds on our playground’s Redbud tree a

The first buds on our playground’s Redbud tree are not just a sign of spring’s arrival; each vibrant purple bloom is also a beautiful reminder of our dear SWS alum, Eli. 🌸

Eli began his SWS journey in Mrs. Curtis’ Kindergarten class and entered first grade in 2002. In 2004, he was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma. Although his battle with cancer often kept him away from school, he remained a beloved member of his class through his graduation in 2010.

Heartbreakingly, Eli passed away at the age of 16. In his memory, Eli’s parents donated two trees to the school, which now stand proudly on our playground, offering shade and climbing limbs for all of our students. Each year, the stunning Redbud tree comes into bloom just around Eli’s birthday, April 11. As those buds begin to open, it feels as though Eli is saying hello, joining his friends in joyful play once again. 🌈💚

ChemoWarrior, the Eli Sidler Foundation, will hold its second annual Wings of Hope Gala to raise funds for Ewing Sarcoma research. To learn more, visit www.chemowarrior.org.

#waldorf #chemowarrior #lancasterpa

Parent Guild meetings at SWS are not only an impor

Parent Guild meetings at SWS are not only an important time for planning and coordinating all of the wonderful events at our school; they are also a time for community, connection, and creativity. 🧶🎨

This week, SWS parent Kathryn Pearce led the group in crafting a sweet stitched gnome to take home. Practicing Waldorf handwork not only gives parents a glimpse into their children’s school day, it also gives parents the opportunity to calm the mind, focus on the body, and exercise their creativity.

Thank you to all of our Parent Guild members for continually showing up and supporting our school!⭐️👏🏾

Join us at our next Parent Guild Meeting on Sunday, May 18 at 10 AM. All are welcome 🍄💚

#waldorf #waldorfeducation #waldorfhandwork

SWS joined Lancaster’s Race Against Racism and w

SWS joined Lancaster’s Race Against Racism and we could not be more proud of our runners! 🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏽🏃🏾‍♂️

Living your values is daily practice at SWS, both inside and outside of our school building. SWS is the largest school group in Lancaster to participate in this race - that is how SWS shows up for our community!💚

We are moved to see our students and families embodying the values of inclusivity, diversity, and equality by showing up and giving their all in the Race Against Racism.

Great job everyone! 👏🏽🌟

#raceagainstracismlancaster #waldorf #lancasterpa

Happy Earth Day🌷🌱🌈 Here at our school by

Happy Earth Day🌷🌱🌈

Here at our school by the river, learning doesn’t just take place behind a desk - Mother Nature is an important part of our education experience. 🌳🌧️🍄

We are grateful to our Earth for all it provides and for the majestic Susquehanna River, where our students splash, play, and learn every day. We honor the land we’re on, once home to the Susquehannock people, and strive to be thoughtful stewards of this sacred place.

Today, in celebration of Earth Day, we’re sharing a sweet morning song—one we sing with our children to greet the world with love and gratitude:

🎶
Good morning, dear Earth. 🌍
Good morning, dear Sun. ☀️
Good morning, dear stones, 🪨
And flowers, every one. 🌸
Good morning, dear creatures, 🐇
And birds in the trees. 🦉
Good morning to you and good morning to me. 👋
🎶

How are you celebrating Earth day?

#earthday #waldorf #waldorfeducation

While Waldorf schools are not art schools, art is

While Waldorf schools are not art schools, art is an essential thread woven through every subject—deepening understanding, sparking curiosity, and supporting a truly holistic approach to learning. 🎨🖌️

Here, our 7th graders share their beautiful work from their recent block on Africa. 🌍

As part of their studies, students created their own main lesson books, carefully hand-drawing maps of the continent and illustrating key geographical features. Of course, they could have simply read from a textbook or examined a printed map. 🗺️ But through the act of drawing—shaping coastlines, shading mountain ranges, and placing landmarks with care—they engaged with the material in a far more meaningful way.

They didn’t just learn about Africa—they experienced it: its vibrant colors, its rich textures, its diversity. In doing so, they developed not only a deeper understanding of geography, but also an appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the world around them.

Joy, curiosity, and creativity infused every lesson. And really—what could be better than that? 📚

#waldorf #waldorfeducation #lancasterpa

In Waldorf Education, handwork is more than just a

In Waldorf Education, handwork is more than just arts and crafts—it’s an essential part of whole-child development. 🧶

Rooted in the belief that learning happens through doing, handwork uniquely integrates the head, heart, and hands, nurturing cognitive growth, emotional balance, and practical skill. Each activity is thoughtfully introduced at a developmentally appropriate time, meeting children where they are and guiding them forward in both ability and confidence.

In Grade 1, every child learns to knit—a foundational skill that does far more than create something tangible. Knitting supports:

🪢 Fine motor development and hand-eye coordination
🪢 Memory and focus
🪢 Lateralization of the brain, helping both hemispheres work together
🪢 Literacy readiness through rhythmic movement and pattern recognition
🪢 Math skills through counting, sequencing, and spatial awareness
🪢 A sense of accomplishment, patience, and perseverance

Unlike many educational models, Waldorf sees handwork as a vital academic and developmental tool—not just a creative outlet. These practical, meaningful skills help build resilience, self-reliance, and a lifelong appreciation for beauty, usefulness, and craft.

Handwork is a gift our students carry with them for life. ✨
What’s your favorite form of handwork?

#waldorf #waldorfeducation #knitting

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