Upcoming Dates to Remember |
February 9
Parent Council Health & Wellness/Hospitality Committee 4pm
February 10
Parent Council Festivals Committee Meeting 4pm
February 15
President’s Day -- NO SCHOOL
February 16-19
Teacher Work and Training Days -- NO SCHOOL
February 16
MSCS Board Meeting 6pm
February 18
Parent Council Meeting 4pm
February 22
School Resumes
February 23
MSCS Board Future’s Committee Meeting 3:30pm
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This week, many Mountain Song students looked skyward and earthward, tracing the shadows cast by the sun. They especially observed these natural phenomena on February 2nd, Groundhog Day and Candlemas, which marks the half-way point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox.
As children observe nature during these seasonal nodal points, they develop a profound connection to the world around them, orienting themselves in time, space, and place. It is one of the reasons we celebrate seasonal festivals throughout the year.
Mountain Song helps children and adults alike develop a sense of place, a sense of time and the turning of seasons. This is a beautiful grounding in ourselves and our relation to the world. A sense of home.
We are getting excited about the quiet momentum growing again for finding a new home for Mountain Song, after being somewhat paused during COVID. Please mark your calendars for our February 16th Board Meeting via Zoom, when a report will be shared in preparation for our campaign for a new home. We will remain in our current building for the 2021-22 school year, with the prospect of a new home after that. Stay tuned for further updates.
Blessings,
❤
Dr. Teresa Woods
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Student Transition to Remote Learning Policy |
In-person learning resumed for grades K-4 on January 25th. At that time, we asked families to choose either the In-Person or the Remote learning option for their children. We allowed switching options in the first week. Please be reminded that from this point forward, the following apply:
- All students must stay in either In-Person Learning or Remote Learning.
- Any switch from one environment to the other requires approval from the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) as it may impact staffing.
In addition, if your child is sick or develops COVID symptoms for more than one day, we will also allow a switch to Remote Learning as long as the front office is notified by 3:30 p.m. the previous day. Before requesting this switch, please consider whether your child truly needs to rest rather than participate online if illness is evident.
Thank you for your support!
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MAP Assessments Grades 3-8 |
Mountain Song administers the NWEA MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) Growth assessments three times a year in grades 3 through 8 in accordance with our charter and public school mandate to track student growth. We are nearing completion of our mid-year assessments.
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Grades 3-4
Final assessment day: Today, February 5.
Make-up days: February 8 - 10.
Students need to bring their computers into school. Class teachers will inform families of class testing dates and times.
Testing is not timed. Students can take the time they need to complete assessments. Make-up days will allow students to continue any unfinished assessments.
Thank you for your support of our efforts to track student academic growth. For more information about our Assessment Policies, click here.
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Inclement Weather and School Closures |
With our recent winter weather experiences, we want to inform you as to how we make inclement weather decisions, and specific adjustments this year.
While Mountain Song is not a District 11 school, it does reside in School District 11. We generally observe D11’s closure and delayed start schedule for inclement weather during our school calendar days that coincide with D-11, with the following exceptions.
- For days that Mountain Song is in session and D-11 is not, the decision will be made by the School’s Executive Leadership Team.
- This year, we also have a Remote Learning option, and we may call a Remote Learning Day instead of a snow day in order to limit the number of days we might need to add to the calendar if too many school cancellation days occur. Our decision about Remote Learning may not coincide with D-11’s decision. Since the state requires more instruction time for middle school students than for elementary students, we may make different decisions for each level.
We notify families through our automated notification system, post notices on our website and social media, and alert local news stations.
We also recognize that weather in our region may vary widely, and that we have many families residing outside of the D-11 area. We encourage families to make wise decisions about coming to school based on safety. Such absences will be excused.
The Executive Leadership Team
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President’s Day February 15th
NO SCHOOL
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School will not be in session on Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 15th.
Teacher Work and Training Days February 16-19th
NO SCHOOL
School will not be in session February 16-19 for Teacher Work and Training Days.
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Please join us in welcoming precious Constance “Connie” Kendall Dolce to the world! Mom and baby are well, as is our dear 8th grade teacher and new father, Mr. Dolce! |
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Congratulations Ms. Grimmett! |
Congratulations to Ms. Jennifer Grimmett who recently completed Waldorf training through the Gradalis Certification Program with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. Located in Denver, Gradalis Teacher Education provides high-quality teacher training for independent and public Waldorf schools. Ms. Grimmett attended the Gradalis graduation virtually on January 23rd. She states, “I am extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to complete this training. It has enriched my life and my teaching in profound ways.”
Many warm congratulations to Ms. Grimmett!
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Enrollment Lottery for the
2021-2022 School Year
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The deadline to submit enrollment forms for students new to Mountain Song was January 31, 2021 to qualify for the Enrollment Lottery. The lottery will occur on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 4:30pm. If your child is selected in the lottery, you will be notified and given a short time to confirm. Enrollment packets will be sent to you from our Director of School Performance after confirmation in February. If the deadline was missed, we will still accept Intent to Enroll forms following the lottery. Please contact Sarah Kreger with questions at skreger@mountainsongschool.com.
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Mountain Song participated in the School Choice Parade Event last weekend, sponsored by National School Choice Week.
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Virtual Parent Information Session Recording Available! |
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Thank you to all who supported Mountain Song during the 2021 Annual Appeal! A total of $4,486 was raised in support of the school from one-time gifts and monthly recurring gifts! Over $16,000 in donations were given to Mountain Song in 2020, and those who are giving monthly recurring gifts are honored with a special Waldorf star in the school.
If you missed the opportunity to give during the Annual Appeal, it is not too late. Giving a gift or signing up for a monthly recurring gift is simple on Mountain Song Community School's secure online giving page.
Thank you!
Mountain Song Community School Development Committee
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Parent Council Meeting Dates |
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Do you long to know more about Waldorf festivals? Maybe you love to craft and want to help find a safe way to celebrate each festival this year. Would you like to help create online, interactive festivals?
Please join:
Festivals Committee
Meets 2nd Wednesday each month at 4pm
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Do you care for the physical and emotional health of our community? Would you enjoy supporting our Waldorf community by involvement with Mountain Song’s media policy, food program, and dress code?
Please join:
Health and Wellness/Hospitality Committee
Meets 2nd Tuesday each month at 4pm
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Are you a natural communicator and enjoy coordinating? Parent Council seeks a Chair to host monthly meetings, help coordinate committees, act as a liaison between staff and parent council, and communicate with the Board Liaison.
Please join:
Parent Council
Meets 3rd Thursday each month at 4pm
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All Parent Council committees seek volunteers. Remember, involvement on the Parent Council committee satisfies volunteer requirements for Mountain Song! Please reach out to Cambria at pcchair@mountainsongschool.com if you are interested.
The school's Board of Directors also has committees that are seeking volunteers. Please reach out to them at board@mountainsongschool.com for more information.
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Packet Pick-Up is no longer happening at the gymnasium door.
Materials for Remote students are available at the Main School Entrance for pick-up on Thursdays and Fridays from 12pm to 4pm.
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Please park on the street (not in the school parking lot) and walk to the Main Entrance doors.
- Ring the bell and let the staff member know you are here for Packet Pick-Up.
- The staff member will take the name of your child(ren) and classroom while you wait.
- Your student(s) supplies will be delivered to you at the front door.
Teachers will communicate directly with you about any supplies available for pick-up weekly.
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Innovation Learning for Families |
Innovation Learning is offering an after school program for K-4 in-person students. If you are interested in joining Innovation Learning, please click below for information about how to register. They will also be available for the K-4 remote learning days on Fridays for those families who need the program.
CCCAP is accepted. CCCAP is the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) that provides child care assistance to families who are working, searching for employment, or are in training, and families who are enrolled in the Colorado Works program. View the Family Income Guidelines for CCCAP eligibility.
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Substitute Teacher Position(s) |
Mountain Song is looking for a few good substitute teachers. Ideal candidates will be available and able to teach either in-person and/or on-line. Previous classroom teaching experience is important. A Bachelor's degree is desired, but someone with an Associate’s degree and classroom experience could qualify. Pay is $125 per day.
Contact our Director of Operations, Dan Kurschner at dkurschner@mountainsongschool.com or call 719-203-6364.
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Winter chores continue in the garden. We now have weekend slots available until the end of February. We need volunteers to help us keep our animals fed. We have 2 bunnies, 4 chickens, and many fish that require our warmth and attention.
This is a wonderful way for you and your family to safely engage with our school garden. If you haven't volunteered in the garden before, please contact Mr. Adam at awright@mountainsongschool.com so he can arrange a time for you to be trained.
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Support Mountain Song While Shopping |
There are many simple ways to raise funds for Mountain Song Community School through our routine shopping (groceries, holidays, gift cards, etc.).
- Shopping at King Soopers for food or how about Amazon for that special something
- Buying any gift cards for others this year?
Mountain Song can earn funds through participation in fundraising programs with just a little effort on our part.
Please take time to sign up and support Mountain Song!
Parent Council Fundraising Committee
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An Evening with Dr. Temple Grandin February 11th |
Join “An Evening with Dr. Temple Grandin” on February 11th for a FREE Virtual Event. Dr. Grandin will share a video of a recent presentation discussing her book, Calling All Minds, followed by a Q and A session.
Dr. Temple Grandin is a well known spokesperson for people with autism and her lifelong work with animal behavior. Dr. Grandin has been with Colorado State University (CSU) for over 25 years. Determined to understand her own autistic mind, her expertise significantly contributes to the world of autism as she shares her knowledge and aids in the treatment of individuals with the condition.
Register now to reserve your spot!
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Great Backyard Bird Count
February 12-15, 2021
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The Great Backyard Bird Count is an inter-organizational effort between the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society, and Birds Canada. For four days, join the world by watching, counting, and reporting as many birds as you can find in your backyard, schoolyard, or favorite place.
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Looking for ways to stretch your grocery dollars or learn about healthier menu options?
Cooking Matters is offering free Cooking Matters at Home online classes! Participants receive a FREE $10 gift card to the grocery store and a FREE workbook! This program is geared toward families in need, but anyone can participate in the classes and decline the gift card if it is not needed.
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If you are struggling to make ends meet, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help you put food on the table. Even if you are also receiving assistance from food pantries and soup kitchens, you may still apply for SNAP.
Colorado Springs: (719) 434-5723
Pueblo (719) 418-4305
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Get Social with Mountain Song |
Please take a moment to follow, tag, and support our Instagram account @mountainsongschool! Encourage friends, family and community members to do the same!
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Article or announcement contributions must be submitted to Ms. Sŏnia Cruz by Tuesday at 5 p.m. for inclusion in each week’s Songbird newsletter, typically distributed on Fridays. (scruz@mountainsongschool.com)
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Mountain Song School Calendar |
Mark your calendar with these important Mountain Song Community School dates.
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Mountain Song Community School | 2904 West Kiowa St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904 |
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Looking for past issues of the Songbird or to sign up new recipients click here.
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