From the Principal
You have likely seen the news that Governor Polis ordered that on-site learning at Colorado schools be cancelled through April 17th (see below), and this includes Mountain Song. We now plan on returning to school on April 20th. Thank you for your patience as we navigate what Mountain Song learning will look like until we can be together again at school.  

We know that videos, resources, and activities do not replace the actual presence of our teachers -- Waldorf education is primarily interactional. Yet, our children are learning a powerful lesson through the adults in their lives. We are all doing something that has never been done before - trying to stay connected while staying apart. They know we are doing this to keep people safe and healthy. They are watching us not quite know how to do this, and then figure it out, step by step, making missteps and correcting, with courage, perseverance, grace, and faith in moving forward. This is powerful.  

You are the source of grounding for your children. We encourage you to implement a regular daily schedule for your children that includes chores, learning, quiet, creative, and active times, as well as continuing any suggested work that has been sent to you. I have provided a link below that may help in thinking about guiding our children at home and keeping yourself centered, as well. We know that most of you are juggling work demands now while guiding your children -- please take care of yourself, too. We also hope this is a time when you connect with them through story-telling, books, wonder, projects, investigations, work, play, and inspiring conversations. Remember that nature is still open, and she’s waiting for us to participate in Spring’s resurgence!  

Next week is our scheduled Spring Break. When it ends, on March 30, teachers will be planning and reaching out about remote learning. Please be patient as teachers upend all their Waldorf training and learn how to do this remotely. They miss your children so much and are absolutely dedicated to them.

Thank you again for your support and patience. John Lennon’s voice keeps ringing through my ears: “Nobody told me there’d be days like these. Strange days, indeed!”  

With well wishes,

Dr. Teresa Woods
Dear Mountain Song Families and Community,
 
Wednesday, Governor Jared Polis signed an executive order suspending in-person learning in public and private schools across the state until April 17 th  in order to protect the health and safety of Coloradans. You can read more about this announcement at this link .
 
In compliance with the Governor’s order, Mountain Song will now be closed until April 17 th .  The school building will not be open during this time. We are preparing alternative learning opportunities to start March 30, after our scheduled Spring Break. Please watch for further announcements.
 
While we know this news was not unexpected, it nonetheless requires everyone in our community to rearrange our lives for an even longer period of time, and we understand how stressful this is. We are all in this together, and we are thankful for the innovative ways that can still connect us while we are keeping our social distance. Be sure to be reaching out to your support networks. 
 
Please also check our MSCS COVID-19 webpage with information on food distributions and other resources you may need. 
 
There are also ways we can help those in need. The Governor’s Office has launched a website called Help Colorado Now for those who can volunteer or contribute to help at-risk individuals across our state get through the COVID-19 crisis. 
 
Please stay safe and help our community stay safe by maintaining our social distance. Do get outdoors if you can, and do what you can to keep you and your family healthy.
 
With well wishes,
The Executive Leadership Team
Supporting Kids During the Coronavirus Crisis
One of my favorite sources of wisdom from experts, the Child Mind Institute , provides guidelines in the article linked below about supporting our kids during this time. I encourage you to read what they say about:

  • Keeping routines in place
  • Being creative about new activities -- and exercise
  • Managing our own anxiety
  • Limiting our consumption of news
  • Staying in touch virtually
  • Making plans
  • Keeping it positive
  • Keeping kids in the loop, but keeping it simple
  • Checking in with little kids
  • Sometimes the path of least resistance is the right path
  • Accepting and asking for help

CDE Announces Pause on 2019-2020 State Assessments
Due to state-wide school closures, the Colorado Department of Education announced that 2019-2020 assessments, including the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS), will be paused for the remainder of the school year. This means that, if school resumes as scheduled on April 20th, then our students in grades 3-8 will not be tested for CMAS. This decision will allow our teachers the time and ability to deliver continued instruction for the rest of the year without further stress and disruption in education for our students. We will keep you updated with information regarding the MAP and DIBELs testing for the remainder of the year. 

Mrs. Sarah D. Kreger 
Director of School Performance

Hand Washing
As concerns are raised about the spread of the novel coronavirus, we have all been reminded that effective hand washing and sanitizing commonly used surfaces are the best defenses against COVID-19 as well as the common cold and influenza viruses.  

At Mountain Song, our custodial crew is spending extra time to sanitize desks, door knobs, handrails, and other commonly used surfaces. They are now using a special disinfectant that is effective on these viruses.  

The links below are helpful in reminding us of effective hand washing practices. Please help your child in developing and maintaining them, as we will do at school. In addition, please help them learn to cough and sneeze into their elbows.

Announcing Mountain Song Agricultural Arts 
Summer Garden Camp!
We are excited to announce our new Mountain Song Agricultural Arts Summer Garden Camp, which will be held every other week beginning June 29! Camp will run Monday-Friday from 8am to 12pm. The cost for each week of camp will be $125 if registering before April 1 and $150 afterwards. (A $25 per day option is available for rising 1st graders only.) Scholarship opportunities are available to middle school students who would like to be junior counselors. More information regarding financial scholarships for families in need will be available mid-March. Payment can be made by check, cash, or on our website via Paypal . Contact Mr. Adam at awright@mountainsongschool.com with any questions. 

Dates are as follows:

Rising 1st: June 29 - July 3
Rising 2nd - 3rd: July 13 - July 17
Rising 4th - 6th: July 27 - 31
Rising 7th - 9th: August 10 -14

Mr. Adam Wright
Waldorf Education - 100 Years
Learn to Change the World
This year is the 100th anniversary of the start of the first Waldorf school in Stuttgart, Germany. In 1919, Rudolf Steiner lit a spark in education that would inspire thousands of schools from early childhood to high school across the world. To learn more, view the video below.
Support for Mountain Song
As a public charter school, Mountain Song Community School is proud to provide quality Waldorf education at no cost.  Yet the funds we receive as a charter school are less than what a typical Colorado public school receives.

At the same time, we are responsible for additional expenses, such as our facilities and maintenance costs.  The expenses associated with the building lease, instructional and learning materials, staffing, special programs, and field trips continue to increase each year. In order to provide the valuable programming that makes Waldorf education exceptional, we rely on community donations to reach our annual fundraising goals. Please consider signing up for a small monthly recurring contribution today.
Free Food Distribution
Pikes Peak United Way / Care & Share
See the information below for upcoming free food distributions sponsored by the Pikes Peak United Way and Care & Share, whose vision is a hunger-free Southern Colorado.
Songbird Contributions
Article or announcement contributions must be submitted to Dr. Woods by Tuesday at 5 p.m. for inclusion in each week’s Songbird newsletter, typically distributed on Fridays. ( twoods@mountainsongschool.com )
Mountain Song School Calendar
Mark your calendar with these important Mountain Song Community School dates.

Mountain Song Community School | 2904 West Kiowa St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904