November 14th, 2024

Recently at Singing Cedars

On Halloween, the older students had great fun performing for the Rose and Lavender classes and gave them a little treat they had crafted for them.

Upcoming Events

Annual Giving Campaign
November thru Winter Faire

Affordable tuition, maintenance of classrooms/facilities, and professional development for teachers all depend on the generosity of donors within and without our school community.

This year, we ask that every enrolled family, every board member, and every faculty member give. The contribution of each family or individual makes an impact on our school -  no matter the size, every gift is received in gratitude.

Beyond a monetary donation, there are numerous ways you can participate in this year’s campaign. More details below in "How to Get Involved!"

Lantern Walk
November 15th, 5:30pm

Many Waldorf schools host a Lantern Walk in November around Martinmas, the feast day for St. Martin of Tours (November 11). St. Martin, the patron saint of beggars and outcasts, was known for his unassuming nature and ability to bring light and warmth to the impoverished. As a general, Martin was known for riding last behind his men to ensure that all were safe before he dismounted in any situation. Martin was a light for all who knew him.

As the days grow short and darkness begins to dominate, the Annual Lantern Walk is a gentle reminder for each of us to find our inner light, nurture it, follow the practices of Martin of Tours, and help that light to shine brighter than ever!

Spiral Garden
December 8th, 10:30am - 3:00pm

This evening festival of lights brings our focus toward mid-winter, and the turning of the year. Each child receives an unlit candle, and journeys toward the center of the indoor evergreen spiral to light their flame; lit candles are placed along the path, to light the way for others. 

Winter Faire
December 14th, 10:30am - 3:00pm

Winterfaire raises essential funds for our school, and brings the community together in joyful celebration. Winter Faire is an opportunity to open our community to the great public and share the beauty of Waldorf. It is an opportunity to come together as friends and as families, outside of school, but within our campus, in a nurturing way. It is an opportunity to celebrate the gray, cold days of Iowa winter and find good in the fluffy clouds above.

Get Involved!

Each year, families commit to participating in key ways to support the school in their Participation and Financial Commitment Contract. Here are some ways that you can meet your commitment goals!

Each Family's Commitments

1. Active Parent/Guardian participation
2. Fundraise $250 per student in your family
3. Participate in both the annual Winter Faire and May Faire
4. Volunteer/serve a minimum of 15 hours per parent
5. Participate in the Annual Giving Campaign and other fundraising activities

Ways to Serve!

Pedagogy Perspectives

Throughout the year, we aim to provide more unique insights into and applications of Waldorf education to develop a deeper understanding among our community of parents. 

Have something that you always wondered about or want to share something special that you have learned about Waldorf?  Email Ashley at ashleyg@singingcedars.com to have your topic featured in an upcoming newsletter. 

Did you know?

Between the ages of 7 and 14, children are in a unique developmental phase where they benefit most from learning through respectful guidance. According to Rudolf Steiner, during these formative years, it's best for children to undertake actions out of admiration for trusted adults, rather than forming their own judgments too early. By providing a benevolent and loving authority with firm boundaries during this time, we cultivate a sense of self-respect within the child. Subsequently, children build a strong foundation for equality and mutual respect in adulthood. This focus on authority in childhood is essential, as it not only shapes personal character but also supports the development of a fair and just society in the future. In Steiner’s view, this society is impossible without establishing a loving authority in childhood.  

Source (German): Rudolf Steiner – GA 296 – Die Erziehungsfrage als soziale Frage – Dornach, August 9, 1919 (page 19)

Coming Soon...

Parent Association Meeting
Date and Time TBD

Join our classroom parents in attending the first Parent Association meeting!

The Singing Cedars Parent Association is being formed to serve as the voice of our parents within the community. Association members are also the key contributors of our school and will work closely with the Development Director to help with ideas, feedback, and coordination for fundraising.


Contact Ashley by email ashleyg@singingcedars.com for more info!