Wisteria Wings-- The Perfect Handmade Holiday Gift

Silk Wings Display at the Rose Garden Holiday Pop-Up Sale



Available from November 25 thru December 22, 2011 (while supplies last) are the imaginative accessory that everyone has been talking about.  Hand dyed, pure silk "wings" with elastic shoulder straps and vintage ribbon tab detail.  Available in two sizes Toddler and 4-7yr. old.  We also have wings for your child's favorite doll playmate.  Proceeds to benefit the Wisteria School.

Doll Wings



We Get Around-- Our Visit to the St. Paul's Steiner School, London, United Kingdom

In October a member of our development team visited London and had an opportunity to check out the St. Paul's Steiner School.  They have done some amazing work to restore this historic church and give it new life as a Steiner School.  Check out some of the pictures.

 

Entrance to the Courtyard

Main gathering area and Eurythmy Space

Main Office and after school space

Autumn Fest at Misty Morn'

The sun was as high as our spirits on this bright and sunny day at Misty Morn' for our first annual Autumn Fest.  Here are a few of the pictures

On the Hayride

Feeding the Horses

"I'm giving my pumpkin a smile"

Autumn Fest at Misty Morn'

Although Wisteria's city campus remains a surprise we invite you to our rural campus for a sneak peek of the beautiful natural surroundings that await the students of Wisteria School at our first ever Autumn Fest.

DATE:

Sunday
October 30th 2011

TIME:

2pm - 6pm

DONATION:

Adults: $20

Children: $5 (17yrs and under) 

LOCATION:

Wisteria School at Misty Morn'

(Directions will be sent to attendees via email once a paid registration is received)

There will be plenty of fun for the family as well as wholesome food fare, pumpkin carving, hayrides, tours of the horse stable, and opportunities to pet the animals. 

Visit www.wisteriaschool.org and click on the "Register for Autumn Fest" button on the Home Page.

As always, your donations are tax deductible (the Western New York Minority Media Professionals is our tax-exempt administrator).

Join Us This Weekend at the Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts KidsFest area

Saturday, August 27th

 10am-6pm

Sunday, August 28th

 10am-5pm

We will be sharing a tent with our friends from Aurora Waldorf School in the KidsFest area at the Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts.

Slow and patient is our theme.  The Majestic Snail is our mascot.  While our dominant culture glorifies all things fast, Kidsfest is putting slow on the pedestal.  What is valuable about slow?  It feels calm, not frenetic. 

So parents sit back on a comfy bale of hay while the tots socialize with felted snales in a mini snail paradise.

Wisteria at the Elmwood-Bidwell Farmers Market

Wisteria Week continues...

On July 30, 2011 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, The Wisteria Charter School Initiative will have a table set-up at the  Elmwood-Bidwell Farmer's Market. 
In addition to answering questions and distributing literature regarding our Waldorf- inspired educational endeavor, we will present Re:Store! ...vintage treasure place.  The treasure game where everyones a winner.

Spin the Wisteria Wind Mill and pick a prize from our treasure trove of fabulous stuff with a creative edge.

The WNY Minority Media Professionals serves as our 501(c) pass-through organization making every donation tax deductible.  Please stop by and say hello!

Wisteria at the Farmers Market on Grider

http://video.buffalonews.com/player/index.php?id=1487

On July 29, 2011 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, The Wisteria Charter School Initiative will have a table set-up at the Farmer's Market on Bidwell. 
In addition to answering questions and distributing literature regarding our Waldorf- inspired educational endeavor, we will present Re:Store! ...vintage treasure place.  The treasure game where everyones a winner.

Spin the Wisteria Wind Mill and pick a prize from our treasure trove of fabulous stuff with a creative edge.

The WNY Minority Media Professionals serves as our 501(c) pass-through organization making every donation tax deductible.  Please stop by and say hello!

Wisteria Week Is Coming-- July 23 thru July 30, 2011

Independence Day is not the only thing we are celebrating

We hope to see you at

The First Annual

Wisteria Week Celebration 

July 23rd thru the 30th.

A gust of Wisteria wind has blown in some pretty exciting events for the month of July that children, parents, educators, and creative minds will enjoy. 

Mark Your Calendars:

July 29th   Farmers Market at Grider 10AM - 3PM
July 30th   Elmwood-Bidwell Farmers Market 8AM - 1PM



Wisteria Educational Seminar and Conference Postponed

The Great Cloth Diaper Change is Saturday

Love cloth diapers?  Interested in making the Guinness Book of World Records?  Well you're in luck.  Our good friend Mary Jo, owner of Baby Bongos has done a fantastic job arranging a gathering of youngsters and parents to participate in the Great Cloth Diaper Change 2011.  This is sure to be a lot of fun and there's a gift bag for participants who attend.  Wisteria has made arrangements to be there and have included a small party favor in the "goodie bag."  For more information visit the link below.

http://www.babybongos.com/the-great-cloth-diaper-change

Event Host:                      BabyBongos.com

Location Host:                Rolly Pollies, East Amherst Location

Date:                               April 23, 2011 / Earth Day Weekend

Time:                               11am-1:15pm

Drum Roll Please!

The Winner of the Amazing Handworks Basket is

Beth

Contact us at info@wisteriacharterschool.org to claim your prize.

Thank you to everyone who participated.

Win This Amazing Handworks Basket!

You could be the winner of this sumptuous Handworks Knitting Basket simply become a "Follower" on the Wisteria Wind Blog by clicking the "Follow" link to the right of the screen.  Anyone registered as a "Public Follower" will be entered into the drawing.  The winner will be announced on the Wisteria Wind Blog and arrangements will be made (with the winner) for prize pick up. 

Must become a "Follower" by 5PM, Monday April 18, 2011 

Prize Includes:

Luxury Knitting Book

Quality Bamboo Needles

Natural Yarn Skeins in Soft Muted Colors

Lovely Lace Embellishing Trim

Sturdy Storage Basket

Gateways Conference 2011 at the Toronto Waldorf School

The Founding Team hopes to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to learn more about Waldorf educational methods so we are pleased to promote the 17th Annual Gateways Conference, held at the Toronto Waldorf School, featuring:

Love`s other name: Discipline

This is a great opportunity for individuals looking to join the skilled team of instructors at Wisteria Charter School in gaining valuable training in Waldorf methods prior to the start of the 2012 school year.

Conference Fee (includes lunch)
$110 by April 2; $125 after April 2
$180 per couple by April 2; $200 after April 2
Note: Couple = same household

Pre-Conference Contact

Dianne Goldsmith

(905) 881-6137 ext.751

The training sessions are reasonably priced and are only a hop, skip and jump away!  Visit the link below for more details.

http://www.torontowaldorfschool.com/Gateways2011/registration/index.php

Meet Louis Zanghi

Question:  What do the annual Nickel City Chef competition and Wisteria Charter School have in common?
Answer:  Chef Louis Zanghi

That's right, executive chef Louis Zanghi  of The Delaware Restaurant has joined the Wisteria Charter School team.  In addition to working at The Delware, Chef Zanghi will be preparing a menu sure to be a feast for the senses as he incorporates homegrown organic ingredients into meals the students are sure to enjoy.  If you would like to see Chef Zanghi in action then check out the Nickel City Chef competition live! 
 
Sunday, April 10th
Nickel City Chef Adam Goetz of Sample
vs
Challenging Chef Louis Zanghi of The Delaware
Featuring judges Alan Bedenko, Chef Steven Gedra & Regina Schrambling
NickelCityChef.com

On the Fast Track to the Finish Line

Just in case you hadn't already heard, Wisteria Charter School submitted a Full Application to NYSED where it will be under review during the month of April.  It's a lengthy document with a great deal of detail, so we're all hopping with joy knowing that the school is one step (or bunny hop) away from the finish line. Wanna help the Wisteria Charter School Initiative?  Here are a couple of quick and easy ways that you can join the Wisteria movement:

• Fill Out A Survey
• Sign Our Petition
• Become a Follower on the Wisteria Wind Blog

 

Support Wisteria...Sign Our Petition

John Hancock signed, and now it's your turn.  Wisteria Charter School Initiative needs your help.  We must show NYSED just how much the City of Buffalo wants a first class Waldorf-inspired charter school.

It's easy just click the link below and then click the Sign Our Petition button on the bottom, left side of the screen:

Petition Link

We've Packed Our Things and Moved Them To A New Website

Things have been progressing so nicely that it seems like a really good time to lose the temporary website and replace it with a permanent one. Visit http://www.wisteriacharterschool.org/ to get even more insight into all that's special about the Wisteria Charter School Initiative.

Wisteria Interview on Think Twice Internet Radio

Last Night I did an interview on Bits Bites and Buzz Radio Show.  I've posted the audio here.  Please take a listen.
http://www.thinktwiceradio.com/celeste-lawson/celeste-lawson.html

3/15/11 The Hopeful Wonders of the Wisteria Charter School Project
A conversation with Wisteria Charter School which plans to bring this innovative, holistic and humanistic educational program to children in the City of Buffalo. Wisteria is a proposed charter school that will be tuition free and will meet learning standards as prescribed by the New York State Education Department.

Wisteria to be Interviewed on "The Capitol Pressroom" with Susan Arbetter

We are ecstatic to announce that Wisteria Charter School Initative was contacted by National Public Radio to conduct a live radio interview with famed talk show host Susan Arbetter.

The producers were intrigued by reports that a Waldorf inspired educational program is an option in NYSED's charter approval process.

Details are still being finalized but we know that the show will be airing from 11:45AM to noon early next week so visit the Blog for updates.

Recap--FUNd for All

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.

The afternoon was a success because of our attendees, volunteers,  and of course our donors:

• Buffalo Museum of Science
• Buffalo Niagara Convention and Visitor's Bureau
• Gruvology Jazz
• Torn Space Theatre
• The Dozens Kit Club
• Mr. and Mrs. Charles Colston Jr.

Great Food...Check.

Fabulous Auction Prizes... Check.

Smooth Music...Check.

Mimosas and Supporters... Double Check.

The Big Event-- WISTERIA'S "FUNd FOR ALL" Fundraiser

The Market Arcade Building

Enjoy an afternoon of silent auctions, food and live entertainment while supporting the Wisteria Charter School Initiative.  Our first official fundraiser will be held this Saturday at the beautiful and historic Market Arcade Gallery.  As an added treat we will be continuously showing the documentary "Waldorf Education for All"  in the Star Theatre (right next door to the gallery).  Your donation is tax deductible.  Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Saturday, March 12, 2011

11AM to 2PM

Market Arcade Center 617 Main Street, Buffalo

Donation $20.00

(email us at: info@wisteriacharterschool.org for more information)



The Star Theatre



One Step Closer to Our Goal--Wisteria's Prospectus Was Accepted By NYSED

Jack isn't the only one climbing.  Wisteria has just taken one more step (and it's a big one) toward becoming an official charter school.  On Monday, the New York State Education Department notified us that the Prospectus submitted by Wisteria was accepted, giving us permission to continue on in the Application Process.  This is no small feat.  Out of 80 potential charter school prospectus documents presented to NYSED, only 37 were given the nod to proceed.

Let's shout together now...ONWARD!

Every Now and Then You Have to Say Thanks.

Letting the community know that Wisteria hopes to make Buffalo its home is no simple task.  Yet our friends from the Western New York Minority Media Professionals make it look so easy.  They continue to donate a tremendous amount of time and resources to getting the word out about Wisteria.  So from the Founders of Wisteria to the Board of the WNYMMP we say...

THANK YOU!

You Have to See it in Action

We showed this video during the first phase of public meetings held citywide.  The images and "testimonials" highlight the richness of a Waldorf curriculum in an urban environment.  Although Wisteria plans to use Waldorf methods to meet State education requirements, parents and students can expect a school experience much like the one (demonstrated above) at the Brooklyn Waldorf.

A Clear Mission / A New Logo

Wisteria believes in the power of community.  In that vein, we took some time to refine our mission after hearing some really amazing input during our introductory outreach efforts.  During this time we also developed this amazing logo thanks to artist Edreys Wajed.  Edreys is featured in this month's very upscale Traffic Magazine.



Wisteria Charter School cultivates socially conscious, critical thinkers by addressing students’ intellectual, emotional and physical needs.  Utilizing an arts-integrated Waldorf-Methods approach, students are fully prepared to meet the challenges of a multicultural and ever-changing society.

Meaningful- knowledgeable, sound decision-making

Responsive- timely, mindful, purposeful action

Inclusive- Expansive, in-depth, universal

The Prospectus Is In! Let The Road Trip Begin

Whoa, we can hardly believe that things are moving so fast (in a good way).  The momentum that Wisteria is picking up keeps the Founding Group energized AND expanding.  The Wisteria's initial phase of community outreach wrapped up with the submission of a Prospectus to the State!  To celebrate we feel that it is always important to recap and review the successes we've experienced "On the Road to Chartered Territory."

• The Buffalo News ran two stories about Wisteria --One on the Front Page of the City and Region Section and the other in the School Zone Blog
• Buffalo Rising had a write-up about the school
• We held four fantastic meetings at public libraries and on the campus of the Univ. at Bflo.
• We were on two radio talk shows: Living Now and Kirkland's Korner
• We were on the Community Billboards websites of Channel 7 and YNN
• We conducted a survey that was available on our Website, Blog, at each of the public meetings and at the Better Schools, Better Neighborhoods Headquarters
• We introduced ourselves and made our intentions known at the January 26th Buffalo Board of Ed Meeting
• We met with a host of Civic Leaders and Elected Officials 

However, we are not done...a matter of fact we are just getting started.  Phase 2 community outreach starts today.  Please subscribe to the Wisteria Wind Blog for continuous updates and events. 

Back on the Air Again

On Tuesday January 25, 2011 tune into WUFO 1080 AM at noon because we'll be speaking with the always enlightening, sometimes controversial Ted Kirkland on his radio show "Kirkland's Korner".  Call in and tell us what you think, ask questions and be heard.  You can listen online with live streaming audio on WUFO's website.

On the Airways-- Living Now Radio Interview Tomorrow Jan. 17, 2010

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, several of our founders will be taking Wisteria's message to the airways.  Our mission is to discuss Wisteria and the goal of integrating Waldorf methods into an educational program here in Buffalo, NY. 

As a founding committee, we conciously work broaden our outreach activies in an effort to introduce this progressive educational philosophy to as many communities as possible.  We are confident that every meeting and interview brings us closer to creating a diverse and culturally inclusive school.  The Living Now Radio Show airs Monday's at 9AM on WUFO AM 1080 and L. Nathan Hare is our host.



Listen Live with online streaming shows at:

http://www.wufoam.com/onair/talk_shows.php

Please Complete the Public Survey

WCS Public Input Survey is now available. Please follow our blog link to the right labeled "Public Input Survey" to take our short questionnaire. Thanks so much!

Public Meeting Schedule for the Month of January

We are breaking bread and want to share it with you. 

 So Please Join Us!

For an informational session about the city’s most exciting charter school proposal that utilizes

 Waldorf Methods

Public Meeting Dates:

Westside Meeting

Niagara Branch Library  (280 Porter Ave.)

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

5:30-6:30 PM

Eastside Meeting

Merriweather Library (1324 Jefferson Ave.)

Thursday, January 13, 2011
5:30-6:30 PM

North Meeting

UB’s Allen Hall (Main Street, South Campus)

Friday, January 14, 2011

5:30-6:30PM

Elmwood Village Meeting

Crane Branch Library (633 Elmwood Avenue)

Saturday, January 15, 2011 

4-5:30PM

Remember...Refreshments will be Served :)