On Windy Hill

A Fine Day for Tapping Trees ...

The ratio is 40 gallons of sap per 1 gallon of maple syrup--and so the third graders had their work cut out for them this afternoon, hand-drilling maple trees they'd marked in the fall (when the leaves were still visible!), hammering spiles (spouts), and connecting buckets and tubing. The students were kind enough to share some of the science involved--that the south-facing side of the tree gets the most sun (warmth), and is therefore the best place to tap; also, the trees are not harmed in the tapping process. They're used to it, as evidenced by some local woodpeckers' attempts higher up the trunk (they're looking for bugs, not quite as tasty on pancakes). After a few weeks, the buckets should hold enough sap to boil down. No doubt the sweetest maple syrup is the one you make yourself!  

 

Lantern Walk Weekend

The Early Childhood Classes and Grades 1 and 2 enjoyed their annual Lantern Walks this weekend. The walks were followed by songs, stories, warm cider and tasty baked potatoes!

Scenes from Our May Fair

In reviewing the past few (very busy) weeks here at WSP, we came across even more great images of our fantastic community. We share them with you in the next few posts, as we put together some glimpses of our summer so far ... camp! Enjoy!

3rd Graders Collect Sugar Maple Sap at WSP

Last week, our new gardening teacher and assistant, Shawn Greenbaum and Suzanne Ives Cunningham, helped our third graders collect sap to boil down into maple syrup.  



Everyone enjoyed a pleasant day outdoors, experiencing nature "waking up" after a long winter!

And here is the sap in our school freezer, waiting to be made into a delicious pancake topping!

When Saint Nicholas Came to WSP

From Rose Kindergarten teacher Sarina Cirianni-Jones:

 “The children have been hearing of a man named Nicholas who once lived on the Earth. He dedicated much of his life to helping others. One day he heard that far in the West there was a big town and all the people of that town had to suffer hunger. He asked of his servants who loved him to bring the fruits of their gardens and the fruits of their fields to still the hunger of the people of the town.

In class the children have sewn little felt slippers in preparation for the journey St. Nicholas still continues to take today.

On Tuesday morning the children were surprised to find their slippers were filled with clementines, golden acorns, and little honey cakes.

This is a tradition the children look forward to year after year.”

St. Nicholas Day is traditionally celebrated December 6.

 

First Grade Apple Picking and Cider Making

On October 3, 2010, the first grade enjoyed a picnic in the garden and then went off to Terhune Orchard for some apple picking. The following week, the children pressed the apples to make cider!

Celebrating Michaelmas

Every year in the autumn during harvest season, The Waldorf School of Princeton celebrates Michaelmas with its students. In the Celtic tradition, Michael represents the unconquered hero, fighting against evil and the powers of darkness. He is a model for valor and courage. We celebrate with an array of harvest fruits and "dragon bread," physical challenges for the children, and the telling of legends and myths.

Michaelmas began with a grade school assembly of singing, poetry, and an inspiring story of a knight whose shield shone brightly when he remained steadfast to his duties even though he was given an undesirable task. Later, students in mixed age groups harvested flowers and vegetables, spread helpful ground eggshells to the compost, and weeded at Mrs. Phinney's farm next door. The goats and chickens enjoyed the fresh greens from the weeded patches. The day closed with fifth and sixth graders throwing javelins and flu flu arrows to fend off the tenacious dragon. In the end, it was Michael who strode forth on his trusty steed to drive the dreaded dragon away.