Loose Threads: Issue #2
Where the pieces come together.
Welcome!
Welcome to the second edition of Loose Threads, the Foundation for Petaluma Public Waldorf newsletter.
Think of it as our way of stitching the community together — sharing what’s happening behind the scenes, how your donations turn into real impact for kids and teachers, and where you can jump in to keep the rhythm of our school strong.
Have you heard about Handwork?!
If you’ve been hearing excited chatter about knitting needles, crochet hooks, and sewing needles... you're not alone. Handwork at VVPWS is in full swing, and the joy is real.
This fall, students have been learning to knit, sew, crochet, and felt -- and for many, these are brand-new skills. The room hums with focus as little fingers work yarn and thread into something beautiful and useful. The best part? The pride on their faces as their creations take shape.
In Waldorf education, handwork nurtures the head, heart, and hands all at once, building focus and problem-solving, fostering care and beauty, and giving children the quiet pleasure of creating something with their own two hands. Because of our donors, every child gets to experience the joy of handwork… and the character-building fun of untangling yarn and learning how to fix dropped stitches. 😆
Photos of VVPWS 2nd grade
Jog-A-Thon in Name, Move-a-Thon in Spirit
The Jog-A-Thon is a day filled with laughter, movement, and community spirit. And while the big event isn’t until October 24th, the energy is already building as families set up their pledge pages and start gathering support.
We making steady progress toward our overall fundraising goal, and every pledge brings us closer to fully funding art supplies, field trips, movement classes, and all the good stuff that makes Waldorf education at VVPWS shine.
If you haven’t set up your child’s page yet, it only takes two minutes. Click the link below to set it up, and then share it with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and that one neighbor who always asks about your kids anyway. Together, we’ll get all the way there!
Festival of Courage
In Waldorf schools around the world, the Festival of Courage (often marked with a dragon pageant) is celebrated at the turning of the season. As the days grow shorter and the light begins to fade, children are invited to recognize the courage within them: the strength to face challenges, overcome fears, and meet the world with hope.
At VVPWS, the Foundation helps fund and support festivals like this. These shared celebrations root children in rhythm, beauty, and meaning. They strengthen the threads of our community, connect the curriculum to the seasons, and create moments of inspiration that last well beyond a single morning.
This year, the day began with a Community Academy gathering, where Waldorf Mentor Rick Betz offered a thoughtful talk and led an artistic activity to help parents and caregivers explore the deeper meaning of the Festival of Courage in our own lives.
Later, after the dragon was vanquished on the field, the Foundation was grateful to host families in the multipurpose room for hot apple cider, donut holes, and songs led by our VVPWS music teacher Sonntag.
Simple, joyful moments like these remind us that courage is not only for children. It is also in the ways we come together as adults to nourish and strengthen the fabric of our school. Sometimes courage looks like facing a dragon... and sometimes it looks like painting or singing together under the fluorescent lights of the multipurpose room. ;)
That's a Wrap!
That’s the latest from your Foundation team. We help stitch together the funds, the plans, and the people so that Waldorf education can stay strong and soulful for every child, every class, and every teacher.
Thanks for showing up, in all of the incredible ways you do: knit-bombing the front gates, sharing your Jog-a-Thon pledge page with family & friends, getting in your volunteer paperwork, or just reading these updates. It all matters! Y'all... we are doing it!!!
With gratitude and in partnership,
Robert, Gwynne, Jerusha, Amanda, Andy C, Andy H, Justin, Sophia, & Lizzy
Members of The Foundation for Petaluma Public Waldorf
Save the Dates
Auction Planning Meeting: Thursday, Oct. 9 @ 7PM in the VVPWS Multipurpose Room (hybrid in-person/Zoom)
Parents’ Night Out (Family Guild): Saturday, October 11, 6-9PM @ Grand Central (because adults need playdates too!)
Coffee Connections: Nov. 7, Dec. 5 (main entrance lawn at drop-off)
Foundation Meetings: Oct. 20, Nov. 17, Dec. 15 @ 6PM (hybrid in-person/Zoom)
Jog-A-Thon: Friday, Oct. 24 on the VVPWS Campus. It’s going to be a day full of movement, cheering, and community spirit.
Photo & Artwork Credits
Geometric drawings by Eleanor Russinko, 7th Grade
Photos by Ms. Nicole (2nd Grade), Brianna Wolf, Gwynne Johnson, Kelly Brickman, and Lizzy Russinko
