The Rose Ceremony happens during the first week of the new school year, it is a tradition that dates back to the very first Waldorf School. This ceremony happens twice a year. The first, is at the beginning of the school year, when the oldest students (8th grade), present a rose to the youngest students (1st grade). The student body, faculty, and parent body gather to watch the 8th grader walk the incoming 1st grader to the front of the audience and present them with a rose. This induction inspires awe in the 1st grader, and reminds the 8th grader of how far they have come on their journey. The second ceremony happens at the close of the school year. In this Rose Ceremony,the graduating 8th graders are presented with a rose.

The Hootenanny is our annual Fall event to welcome new and returning families into the school year. This is an informal gathering, to commune and connect with other families enrolled in the school. There is always a band that plays, and attendees are welcome to bring food.

Michaelmas celebrates inner strength and courage. The festivities include a play telling the story of St. Michael and a small feast after the play. Dragons are a central theme of Michaelmas because St. Michael, who represents courage, is traditionally pictured subduing a dragon. The primary idea behind the festival of Michaelmas is to get children to face their own challenges – their internal and external dragons.

A Waldorf tradition the meaning of which is completely internalized by all who participate. This event is open to the school community as well as anyone else who would like to attend.

The lovely celebration of Martinmas recognizes St. Martin who gave the protection of his own cloak to the poor man of Amiens. When we make a paper lantern, we, too, may feel that we are giving protection to our own little “flame”, so that we may carry it safely through the dark world. It may only be a small and fragile light- but every light brings relief to the darkness.

The school is transformed for a holiday party that includes wares by local crafters, children’s crafts, puppet shows, holiday music and good food. This event is open to the school community as well as anyone else who would like to attend.

The story of St. Lucia is about a young woman that uses her status in life to give back to those in need. This act of generosity is brought forth by the second grade class. In the reenactment, the oldest second grade girl is invited to wear a crown of candles to be St. Lucia. Second grade parents bake saffron rolls for all faculty, students, and administration. The second graders then hand out the rolls, as they travel from classroom to classroom lit by candle light, singing the St. Lucia song. This ceremony reminds every one of us to enjoy the generosity of the winter season, as well as to be the light in the dark.

Come celebrate spring with games, songs, music, a picnic and, of course, the Maypole Dance. This event is open to the school community as well as anyone else who would like to attend.