Upcoming Dates to Remember |
February 15 - 19
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 Futures Committee Meeting 3:30pm
March 14
Daylight Savings Time Starts
March 19
Half-Day Kindergarten
March 22-26
Spring Break
March 29
Grades 5-8 Return to In-Person
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Love and hearts have been this week’s theme as classes celebrate their friendships and kindnesses to each other for Valentine's Day. It is a welcome theme as we wend our way toward spring.
The French word for heart, cœur, is closely related to the English word, courage, a quality that this challenging year has certainly cultivated in us. When we support our friends from our hearts, we encourage them. When we feel disheartened, we are discouraged. When we face difficulties with hope, we take heart. When we express kindness, we have a heart. When we speak our truth, we speak from the heart.
Valentine’s Day is undoubtedly about those we love. It is also about our own hearts, taking heart, having heart, speaking from the heart, encouraging each other, and facing our challenges with courage. These qualities can always be found at the heart of a healthy community.
Wishing you a lovely Valentine’s Day.
❤
Dr. Teresa Woods
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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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Enrollment Lottery Complete
2021-22 School Year
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The Enrollment Lottery for students new to Mountain Song Community School occurred on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 4:30pm. Families offered a spot have been notified and have (5) days to confirm enrollment for next school year. Enrollment packets are on their way to confirmed families. If any family missed the enrollment deadline for the lottery, we will continue to accept Intent to Enroll forms for the 2021-22 School Year. Students will be added to grade-specific waitlists in the order received. Please contact Sarah Kreger with any enrollment questions at skreger@mountainsongschool.com.
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Last week the Executive Leadership Team shared the plan to bring grades 5-8 back to In-Person Learning for four days per week (Tues - Fri) starting March 29. The full letter can be found here.
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We are very aware of the stress that Remote Learning places on families. To ease this stress, we are offering an in-person supervised day program for students in grades 5-8 while they continue in Remote Learning, led by Ms. Jessica Knedler, a licensed teacher on staff, here at Mountain Song. If you would like to participate in this in-person option until March 29th, please contact Dan Kurschner, dkurschner@mountainsongschool.com for more information.
We also know some families will prefer to stay in Remote Learning after Spring Break, and we will create staffing assignments to accommodate. Class Teachers in grades 5-8 will schedule a February class parent meeting to talk with you in more detail.
Safety measures at school will continue to be in place, and include:
- Face-coverings
- Daily health pre-screenings
- Frequent handwashing
- Maintaining cohorts
- Enhanced cleaning
The Executive Leadership Team
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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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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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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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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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No School? No Plans? Try 5 Trails! |
If you are looking for something to do next week while teachers train and school is out, try a handful of outdoor hikes with your family right here in Colorado Springs where the beauty of Colorado is abundant. Uncover Colorado describes 5 Dazzling Hikes by Colorado Springs that encourage exploration of the Springs. If you’re looking to venture a bit farther, check out the Uncover Colorado website here!
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Great Backyard Bird Count
February 12-15, 2021 (This Weekend!)
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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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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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SPRING 2021 Donated CSA Shares for Families in Need |
Ahavah Community Initiative donates up to 30 free CSA memberships of local farm-fresh food to families in need. If you need assistance, or know someone who does, please apply to this wonderful program! Applications for Spring 2021 are now available. Donated share recipients remain anonymous. The Spring Season runs for 12 weeks in April - June, with the first share pick up being in April.
Application deadline is March 1st. Applicants will be notified no later than March 15th.
Click the application link below.
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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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