Weekender

A Newsletter from the Youth Initiative High School Waldorf Initiative

Viroqua, Wisconsin, USA     Friday May 11, 2007     Editor: Conrad Rehbach

  
 

Children smile and mothers are treated well and in style at the YIHS Mother’s Day Brunch (Photo: YIHS archives)

 

Mother's Day Brunch, May 13, 2007. Mark your calendars for a delicious Mother's Day treat by Lars Bergan and YIHS students. This year, limited seating from 10AM–12PM, and we won't run out of food! 3rd floor, Landmark Center, Viroqua, Wisconsin. Make your reservations now for the Mother's Day brunch at the Youth Initiative High School! This year we are changing from buffet style to sit-down service. Brunch starts at 10:00, and our All Organic menu is: Nettle & Morel Quiche, Crepes, Rappe de Marvandelle, Sausage, Fruit Salad, Coffee, Orange Juice.  Cost: $10/person; $35/family

 

All School Meeting! Please come and vote and celebrate! If you can’t attend the meeting, send your absentee ballot to the school by Thursday the 17th. Make sure your name is on the outside of the envelope or we won’t be able to include your ballot. Once more, assignments for the potluck dinner are as follows: Freshman families bring Salads;  Sophomores bring Entrees;  Juniors bring either Bread & Spreads or Chips & Dips;  Seniors bring Desserts. Make enough for 8 to 10 people.  Families with more than one student bring food items according to your youngest student's class. Everyone bring your own dishes and utensils please! Beverages will be provided.

 

Quilt raffle tickets! Please sign up for a two-hour shift to sell tickets at the Co-op on Friday and Saturday afternoons in May (contact Sally, 637-7511, 627-1961). It's fun! Tickets are also available to Wisconsin residents on-line at our website (www.yihs.net ), and, for a limited time, at Organic Valley Headquarters.

 

IMPORTANT SERVICE WEEK INFO. On Monday May 14, the whole student body will be going to Norskedalen for a variety of projects. Please dress for outdoor work -- that means

  1. Long pants
  2. Closed toe sturdy shoes
  3. Work gloves.
  4. Jacket or hoody - the valley is very cool in the mornings

You may bring shorts and sandals along if the weather is warm and you are assigned to a task which would be appropriate for them. Please wear clothes that you do not mind getting dirty or getting paint on. Please bring your snack and lunch as we will not be returning to Viroqua for lunch. Please bring a water bottle - water will be available. Bring long handled loppers or cutters if you have some. We will finalize the rest of the schedule for the week on Monday. If you have any questions please e-mail Dawn

 

Senior Project Presentation Evening changed to Monday, May 21, 7 PM

 

Tartuffe. The end-of-year play is well underway! We could use adult help in the costume department and would love to hear from parents with time and sewing skills! Please contact K O’Brien (kobness@yahoo.com)

 

Thank you!! Thank you Sandra Schmidt for donating ad space on the collar of the 2007 bike jersey, soon to be available at Bluedog Cycles. We’ll let you know when they’re in! Thank you PRWS Library! Librarians Janie and Anne are giving us an excellent collection of art books recently donated to their library. Look for these soon in our library.

 

College Acceptance Update. Congratulations to Nate Baumgardner on his acceptance to the American University in Bulgaria.

 

Print Room Project. If you like to weld and have access to scrap metal, the print room has need of your skills! Pete would like to add three more presses to the one we already have. These are fairly simple, low-tech affairs and would greatly improve the efficiency of our print-making class. Contact Pete or Liz for more details.

 

What’s for lunch at PRWS??? Mon, 5/14: Pizza; Tues, 5/15: Tostadas w/Spanish Rice; Wed, 5/16: Soup & Bread; Thur, 5/17: Mac & Cheese

 

Salsa Dance Class! Come swing your hips! Bring your true love! Youth Initiative High School is offering a salsa dance class! This will be a three-week course taught by YIHS students Kyla Tully and Troy Marshall, experienced salsa dancers, freshly returned from Guatemala! This class will be held on three consecutive Tuesday evenings, May 8th, 15th, and 22nd from 6:45 to 8:00 p.m. in room 305 of the Youth Initiative High School. Cost is $7/person per class, $12/couple per class. Attendance to all three classes is not required but strongly recommended! We will accept reservations for one, two or all three classes. Please call YIHS at 637-6445 and ask for Kyla, Troy or Anna. We will be hosting Grupo Candela, a Latino band from Madison, in early June, and the proceeds from this class will go toward funding the band. We hope to see you there! All ages welcome!

 

Dear 11th grade Parents, Graduation is fast approaching and despite all the other overwhelming obligations that pile up at this time of year your help is needed together with the Junior class students to help with Graduation . For several years YIHS has been working to establish a major role for Junior students and their parents in orchestrating the graduation for the class above. Of course Class of 08 families will be grateful for this next year if we jump in and take it on to the best of our availability this year and help establish the lower class’s role in this event. Students seem eager and somewhat organized but need parent involvement especially with logistical and organizational skills so the event can be a graceful culmination to the Class of 07’s years at YIHS. Please call me or email if you can take up overseeing or be involved in one of the following areas: Set up- Most needed area right now! Set up for the event on the morning of June 3, beginning at 11 am. We need two people at 10am who will help Dan Calacino and Mike Knapp (could be two students) to set up tent and one person to help take the tent down and load it on Monday. There will also be outside set up for the ceremony and inside set up for the reception a few adults are needed. Help will be needed rearranging seating between the ceremony and reception. All Junior students will be helping with set up with Talia coordinating. Transporting students and things out to the Reserve is another area of help needed for set up. Extra chairs will be delivered and collected by the Party Barn- we won’t need to do that. Decoration- Flowers have been donated and vases organized, students have agreed to locate and purchase other needed items. Also begins at 11 am June 13, @ Kickapoo Reserve. There is a small budget for this.Ita (coordinator), Kyla, Madeline, Ben, Vaughan will need one adult to work with in planning and decorating.  Food- Senior parents are organizing the food preparation amongst themselves, school families and local guests. Junior class is asked to bring desserts. Seniors will organize a large graduation cake. Theresa Carey has offered to organize parents for food set up, receiving, coffee making, drink preparation, serving, overseeing, replenishing, cleaning up food area... She will need a lot of help.   Gabriel, Troy, Alek and Terra are student team. We will need at least one parent coordinator for each area and others to assist. There will be regular updates on Graduation Planning in the Weekender. Clean Up is being delegated to another class. Thanks in advance for anyone who can make themselves available. It will be a relief for Senior parents planning to know who will take what up. Please contact me ASAP. Sincerely, Carole Hanlein treeline@mwt.net 634-4221

 

Dear YIHS Community: At the request of the YIHS Administrative Group, the Student Body and I have collaborated to create a formal YIHS Camping Trip Policy.  The following document has been approved by the YIHS Student Body and I find their amendments to my original proposal to be reasonable.  I am requesting that all school Parents review this draft policy and send me feedback during the next two weeks, after which it will be presented to the Administrative Group for formal consideration.  The students have also appointed a five member coordinating committee to work with me in planning next fall's camping trip, which will take place at Devil's Lake State Park, August 27-31.  Thank you to the Student Body for your prompt and professional work on this subject.   —Jacob Hundt (Herr Campmeister)

 

Proposed YIHS Camping Trip Policy:  Version 2.0

Approved by YIHS Student Body: May 10, 2007

Historical Background

The Youth Initiative tradition of going on the all-school camping and rock climbing trip at the beginning of the school year was established in the third year of Youth Initiative's life, in 1998. The school was growing quickly and many of the founding students had already graduated, leaving behind a struggling school culture. The first trip, led by experienced rock climbing instructor Bill Humphrey, was designed to help create a strong cooperative within the school body. Over the years, this trip has grown to include the assistance of various alumni.

 

Goals

The goals of the annual camping and rock climbing trip are;

1. To initiate new students into the student body and school culture.

2. To build trust and a cooperative spirit among the three participating bodies of the school (students, faculty, and parents)

3. To introduce, review, and discuss the founding documents and philosophy of the school.

4. To discuss the goals and issues for the upcoming school year.

5. To have fun!

 

Groundrules;

1. The Camping Trip is considered to be the very beginning of the academic school year, and therefore all normal school policies apply. Students must be fully enrolled in the school in order to attend the camping trip, and those enrolled in the school are expected to take part in the week long camping trip. Students may be excused from the trip with parental permission.

2. Activities and meetings will be planned by the faculty trip coordinator in collaboration with the student trip coordinator(s).

3. All visitors/guests need to receive permission from the faculty trip coordinator. All students who wish to leave the campsite for adventures beyond the trip's agenda must have parental permission as well.

4. All participants are expected to contribute to providing, preparing, and cleaning up after meals and for the cleaning and organization of the campsite to keep the site animal-proof.

5. Drinking, smoking, drugs, and other violations of the park policies, school rules, and the law are prohibited. This includes the YIHS transportation policies. Students will be sent home and disciplinary action will be taken should any action of this sort occur.

6. Alumni are invited to participate in the camping trip during designated alumni day(s). Extended visits are permitted should they have a specific role in organizing the camping trip or rock climbing.

7. Students must keep voices at a whisper within the campground at midnight, with a 2 am tent curfew.

8. All participants need to treat one another with respect.

 

Agriculture students should come prepared for working outside.  Shoes are recommended in case there are fields with thistles, nettles, stray pitchforks and other prickly things.  Sunscreen and water are also a must! If a person prefers to wear gardening gloves, s/he should bring them.  All students will be expected to get their hands in the soil.  I'll talk to Jane and get details about the camping trip.  Thanks~Vicki

 

Viroqua Anthroposophy Group Evening. Friday, May 25 at 729 S. Washington, Viroqua 6 p.m. Potluck 7 p.m. Showing of 50-minute DVD: "Bio-Dynamic Gardening: A How-To Guide" 8 p.m. Discussion led by Brian Wickert Free of charge. All are warmly welcome to come to any or all of this event. Please RSVP Sheila Andersen at 637-3546 or sheila@leadingedgereview.com.

 

YIHS enrollment/re-enrollment for 2007/2008 update. Grade 12 (9): Aue, Vaughan/Kilkeary, Terra/Marshall, Troy/Pitsch, Madeleine/Rasikas, Alek/Rehbach, Ita/Tully, Kyla/Wickert, Zach/Winningham, Talia. Grade 11 (11): Caldwell, Ben/Gilgenbach, Nicholas/Grams, Beau/Hundt, Henry/Lantro, Ashontae/Lewicki, Jamie/Martin, Ian/Pitsch, Eva/Pollard, Eva/Romary, Forest/Whited-Ford, Caleb. Grade 10 (10): Diaz, Katie/Erickson, Sirsha/Hemingway, Freya/Hodges, Liberty/McNall, Randy/ Park, Thea/ Ribbens, Lucas/ Smith, Rebecca/Tully, Ian/Wickert, Ethan. Grade 09 (4): Caldwell, Sam/Lantro, Joshua/Pollard, William/Wainscott, Merla. Note: All enrollment/re-enrollment is conditional upon the following: (1) tuition/pledge for 2006/2007 has been paid in full by June 30, 2007. (2) supplies fees have been paid by August 01, 2007. (3) if applicable, the tuition/pledge for 2007/2008 has been approved by a member of the finance committee via a pledge meeting. (4) student has fulfilled the academic requirements and student service hours for 2006/2007

 

CHRYSALIS SUMMER PUPPET CAMP. June 18-22, 2007 ~ Ages 5 and older are welcome to join us in preparing for a summer solstice/St. John celebration at the end of the week. We will make puppets and learn how to put various types of shows together, culminating in our final celebration. The 1/2 day program, from 8:30 - 12:30, will include games and snacks. Bring your own lunches. $100 for the week plus a supplies fee or donation of supplies. Should be full of learning and FUN! Register with Marjorie Rehbach (by phone ~ 608-637-3913) or 308 S Lincoln Ave, Viroqua WI or Chrysalis ~ Registration deadline: May 25, 2007 (4:34 PM)

 

CHRYSALIS CHILD CARE IS TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR NEXT SCHOOL YEAR (starting September 2007) ~ Ages 1-6 are welcome to join us for 1, 2 or 3 days of multi-age kindergarten experience in a Waldorf inspired atmosphere in my home. We meet Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and follow the PRWS school calendar for the year. 8:30 - 3:30 with extended hours for after care possible. Please call Marjorie Rehbach for more information ~ 608-637-3913 Registration deadline: May 25, 2007 (4:37 PM) Marjorie Rehbach, 308 S Lincoln Ave, Viroqua WI 54665 Chrysalis Childcare

 

Miss Sarah’s Kinderhaus and Garden.  Thank you all for your generous outpouring of interest and support in my new endeavor to open a licensed family daycare. Miss Sarah’s Kinderhaus and Garden will open this summer, starting on July 9th for 2 to 7 year olds, 8:30 - 3:30 p.m.  Number of days per week to be determined based on interest and need.  Openings for the school year filling up fast.  Please call Sarah Kamin at 637-6826.

 

Harvesting and Cooking with Wild Foods. Saturday May 12 , 10 am -12 pm at my home in DeSoto. $12. Please call for directions and registration. This will be the last class of this school year. We will gather again in the fall with more cooking classes.  --Anne-Marie Fryer

 

Puppetry Training with Suzanne Down. Juniper Tree School of Story and Puppetry Arts. New 3 Part Summer Series. Certificate Training in Puppet Theater. Starting this summer June 25 – July 5 in Viroqua, Wisconsin – our first Midwest location. The Juniper Tree 3-part summer certificate training in puppet theater will begin a NEW Midwest training June 25-July 5. The part one focus is on Pedagogical Puppetry.  The 3 part training consists of 10 days intensive course work for 3 summers.  The three focus areas are: pedagogical (early childhood focus plus a look at grades and high school), artistic (fairy tale, archetype, and marionette focus), and therapeutic puppetry (specific therapeutic indications for all puppet types, plus rod puppet work and color and light ‘shadow’ puppetry.  Project work and puppet practice during the year deepens the training.  Each participant designs their own project to enhance their work/life situation.  This training is open to beginners and experienced puppeteers who have a serious interest in the healing aspects of puppet theater and storytelling.  For information package contact: Suzanne Down, Director of Juniper Tree. Taking applications now - numbers will be limited. 1 888 688-7333.  suzanne@junipertreepuppets.com or www.junipertreepuppets.com 

 

Head, Heart and Hands—Summer Intensive. This one week (June 18—22, 2007) summer intensive is for Waldorf grade teachers and parents/individuals interested in deepening their educational skills and for soul renewal. Through the course of the week everyone will have varied opportunities to experience the Waldorf curriculum through the arts and crafts. We will explore the incarnating process of the child as reflected through various arts and crafts in the class teacher years and try to develop a sense for the gesture of each school year through different artistic media. We will be working with: clay and beeswax (modeling), wool (felting, and animal making), wood (carving, toy making), metal (copper), glass (mosaic making). In addition a variety of artistic and study courses will provide soul renewal to the educator. These courses include movement, painting, circle work, and studies concerning the St. John mystery in our time. The workshop will cumulate with a Community St. John’s festival on Friday June 22. Info/registration: 608-637-3913 or www.sophiainstitute.us

 

Online Foundation Studies in Anthroposophy and the Arts. Accepting enrollment now. The Foundation Studies in Anthroposophy and the Arts Online Independent Studies are scheduled on an individual basis typically over the period of 1—3 years. Students will be able to fulfill the requirements at their own pace. Foundation Studies include a variety of artistic courses, independent studies and study courses. Students learn about the different arts, and about the influence of Anthroposophy that has enriched, and transformed traditional art forms, and created new ones, like Eurythmy. Students will need to practice the arts, learn new skills, or deepen their understanding of the arts. Besides Eurythmy, courses in music, speech, painting, drawing, handwork, modeling, and spatial dynamics or others qualify for the independent studies/art courses. The study courses include in-depth study of the basic works of Anthroposophy, and offer the student the opportunity to explore the philosophical and psychological basis of the world-view of Anthroposophy and of Waldorf Education. Students will be challenged to critically examine the concepts and issues addressed in this world-view, which offers a modern path of knowledge and self-transformation. Check out details at OnlineFSC

 

Three Rivers Waldorf School - Spring Fair. Saturday, May 12  (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.) at 901 Caledonia Street on La Crosse’s North side. Live music, Maypole dancing, crafts, puppet parade, live sheep and baby animals.

 

 

YIHS Calendar

Every Tuesday 12:20 PM Administration Group Meeting

Sunday May 13 10:00 AM—12:00 PM Mother’s Day Brunch

May 14—18 Service Week—All day service projects in the community and at YIHS

Thursday May 17 6:00 PM All School Potluck; 7:00 PM All School Annual Meeting

Monday May 21 7:00 PM Senior Projects Presentations

Monday May 28 Memorial Day — NO SCHOOL

YIHS Spring Play Performances/Thursday May 31/Friday June 01/Saturday June 02

Sunday June 03 3:00 PM YIHS Graduation Ceremony at Kickapoo Reserve (La Farge, Wisconsin)

Friday June 15 Last day of school at www.tisol.cz

 

YIHS Needs List

Seats for 15 passenger shuttle bus

Flat panel LCD computer monitors

Laptop computers

Video projectors

Overhead projector

Curtains or shades for all rooms

Beautification of an area of your choice at school

Cleaning services

Couches and Easy Chairs in good and sturdy condition

Letter size heavy duty 4 drawer filing cabinet

Computers in working condition

Installation of a faucet in a bathroom

Someone to type up/proof read handwritten essays for the next newsletter

 

 

 

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