Loose Threads: Issue #4
Where the pieces come together.
Hello again!
Welcome to this week’s Loose Threads, our way of stitching the community together with small stories, bright photos, and the reminder that we’re all part of this beautiful, humming organism called Valley Vista Public Waldorf. We have gotten lots of feedback that you are enjoying the newsletter. Please continue to reach out with comments, ideas, and suggestions!
What’s Delighting Us
Have you seen the new playground mural? Painted by one of our own Valley Vista Public Waldorf parents, it’s a swirl of color, shape, and joy; a daily reminder that creativity truly lives on our campus walls.
Moving with Intention: Spacial Dynamics at Valley Vista Public Waldorf
This issue kicks off a new four-part series exploring one of the most unique and joy-filled parts of our Waldorf curriculum: Spacial Dynamics.
At Valley Vista Public Waldorf, movement is more than exercise or Phys Ed, it’s a way of learning. Through Spacial Dynamics, students explore how their bodies move through space and in relationship with others. Through rhythm, coordination, and play, they develop balance, focus, cooperation, and a deep sense of confidence in themselves and their place in the world.
Over the coming months, we’ll take you inside these classes, led by our wonderful teacher Ms. Reier. From the circle games and beanbag rhythms of the early grades to the unicycles, juggling, and discus throws of the upper grades, you’ll see how movement supports not only physical strength but also social-emotional growth, teamwork, and learning.
It’s one of the many ways your support for the Foundation helps keep Waldorf education vibrant, dynamic, and whole.
In our next issue: Balance and Belonging: how our youngest students find rhythm, coordination, and connection through movement.
4th Graders Find Balance on One Wheel
7th Graders Practice Throwing Discus
Time, Patience, Practice: Handwork at Valley Vista Public Waldorf
In Waldorf education, handwork is more than “look what I made.” It’s an essential part of how children learn and grow. It reaches students on a physical, emotional and creative level, developing head, heart, and hands together.
When students knit, sew, crochet, or felt, they’re strengthening fine motor skills, spatial awareness, focus, and perseverance. The rhythmic, repetitive motion of stitching supports brain development in ways that directly connect to reading, writing, and math.
Beyond the physical and cognitive benefits, handwork cultivates patience, creativity, and a quiet confidence that comes from making something real and beautiful with your own two hands. Current research shows a critical link between creating something with your hands and emotional well being.
In a world of screens and speed, handwork offers something deeply human: time, care, and the satisfaction of seeing effort made visible. The results are lovely of course, but the process itself is what really makes a huge impact.
Students have the opportunity to be artistic and expressive, and often give what they make to loved ones. One of the most special aspects of handwork is witnessing a student’s pride and sense of accomplishment when they finish a project. It is a concrete manifestation of their patience, perseverance, self reliance and creativity!
Are you one of the many families whose child has come home from school asking for weekend knitting supplies? Or offering to teach *you* how to knit too? Comment below and tell us your story! We want to hear the impact of handwork has on your children and your family, beyond the classroom.
Stay tuned for an upcoming Loose Threads series that will take you inside our Handwork Curriculum with our beloved teacher Ms. Gayla, exploring what each grade is learning and why these skills are so foundational to Waldorf education.
Shop Local, Support Our School
Did you know you can raise money for Valley Vista Public Waldorf just by grocery shopping?
If you shop at Oliver’s Market or Petaluma Market, signing up for GiveX Community Rewards (formerly known as eScrip) turns your everyday purchases into direct support for our school, at no extra cost to you.
Here’s how to help while you shop:
Go to www.escrip.com (use the button below)
Click “Sign Up” or “Renew.”
Choose Foundation for Petaluma Public Waldorf as your organization.
Add your Oliver’s or Petaluma Market card number
That’s it! Every time you grab apples, artichokes, or after-school snacks, input your number and a portion comes right back to our students. Feel free to share with family and friends; anyone who signs up for GiveX/Escrip can choose to support our school.
Small swipes, big impact!
Let us know if you need support with this, we are happy to help you set it up.
Parent Hack of the Month: What To Do With All That Finger Knitting
If finger-knitting snakes are taking over the back seat of your car or your dining room table, fear not! Turn them into a wall hanging! Tie them to a branch, piece of driftwood, or dowel for an instant, child-made art installation, and keep adding to it as you collect more (and more, and more).
Bonus: it looks intentional, and beautiful – not like a yarn explosion.
Auction Project Kick-Off: Calling All Creative Spirits!
Every class at Valley Vista will create a collaborative art piece for our spring auction, a long-standing Waldorf tradition that weaves together creativity, community, and curriculum. From woven tapestries to geometric drawing collages, these projects raise critical funds for our school while showcase the beauty of your children’s work, reflecting the heart of each class.
To bring these projects to life, we’re looking for one or two parent coordinators per class; caring, organized, enthusiastic folks who love helping kids create something beautiful. You don’t have to be an artist (truly!); you just have to enjoy working alongside your class teacher and community.
Interested? Email Lizzy Russinko at russinkofamily@gmail.com or connect with your Class Coordinator to learn more. It’s one of the most rewarding (and fun!) ways to be part of the school’s creative heartbeat.
Auction Planning: Join the Glow
The 2025 Auction planning team is up and running, and we’d love a few more bright sparks to join the mix! Whether you’re a design lover, spreadsheet wizard, or just enjoy throwing a good party, there’s a place for you on the team.
Our next meeting will include updates from each committee, a little creative dreaming, and a few key decisions (like choosing the final event name). We’ll also be working on sponsorship leads, event communications, securing the band, caterer, invitations, and more!
If you’re curious about getting involved, reach out to vvpwauction@gmail.com to get plugged into the fun. Because when we all show up, our community doesn’t just shine… it glows. 😉
Volunteer Spotlight: Andy Crichton
Whether it’s waking at 0500 hrs to set the Jog-a-Thon course, or picking up coffee at 0700 hrs for the Foundation’s Coffee Connection, Andy runs on early mornings and military time with unwavering calmness, kindness, and grace. Always there to offer support and lend a hand, if Andy says he’ll do something you can bank that it’ll be done with integrity and follow-through. Off of campus, Andy dedicates his time to youth Judo, Scouts, and Sea Scouts, giving of himself to create opportunities for adolescents to foster resilience and independence. Thank you, Andy, for sharing your gifts with VVPWS and FPPW!
Coffee Connection: Friday, November 7
Join us after drop-off for coffee (and tea 😉) and conversation. These mornings are where friendships spark, ideas bubble, and sometimes we even remember to drink our coffee while it’s hot. Bring your mug (or grab a to go cup from our stash), your curiosity, and your ideas. Foundation members will be there to share what’s brewing behind the scenes.
In Case You Missed Tuesday's Announcement: We Did It!
You ran. You cheered. You rallied pledges from friends, family, and neighbors. And together, you blew past our $50,000 goal, raising $52,511 for Valley Vista Public Waldorf!
Every class crossed the finish line with heart, laughter, and some muddy sneakers. Each student brought home a bright Jog-A-Thon sticker to celebrate their effort and remind them that every step counts. The joy in the photos from the day is palpable.
Now it’s time for the sweetest part: the thank yous! Encourage your runner to send a quick note, text, or even a short video shout-out (“Thank you!!!”) to everyone who cheered them on with a donation. Handwritten notes are especially charming, because who doesn’t love to receive snail mail written by a child?!
Until Next Time...
Every stitch, from a coffee chat to a stickered runner to a yarn-wrapped wall hanging, adds to the tapestry of Valley Vista Public Waldorf. Thank you for showing up in all the ways you do, with heart, humor, and a deep care for this community we’re weaving together. The Foundation, made up of parent volunteers just like you, is grateful to be able to support the incredible work of our teachers, staff, parent community, and our leader, Mrs. McFee.
We’ll see you at the Halloween Parade, and again as we gather to honor Día de los Muertos – moments that remind us how joy, remembrance, and community keep this place alive and connected.
With gratitude and in partnership,
Robert, Gwynne, Jerusha, Amanda, Andy C, Andy H, Justin, & Lizzy
Members of The Foundation for Petaluma Public Waldorf
PS - Questions? Comments? Ideas? Happy stories? Chocolate? Comment on this post or email us at giving@petalumapublicwaldorf.org!
Photo & Artwork Credits
Photos by Andrea Reier, Lizzy Russinko, Gwynne Johnson, and various parent volunteers, teachers, and staff
