April 6
Middle School Dance
April 8
Partial Solar Eclipse
April 9
May Faire Planning Meeting 3:30
April 10
Homeschool Parent Information Night 6 p.m.
Parent Circle Meeting 6:30 p.m.
April 10-12
CMAS Assessment Days- NO SCHOOL for 6-8 - Normal School for K-5
April 12
Homeschool Resource Fair at Library 21C 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
April 17-19
CMAS Assessment Days- NO SCHOOL for K-5 - Normal School for 6-8
April 20
Parent Circle Community Picnic 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
April 23
Middle School Parent Information Night 6 p.m.
April 25
Pentathlon (5th Grade)
May 4
May Faire
May 7
School Tour 4 p.m.
|
|
Dearest Mountain Song Community,
We had a wonderful first week back after Spring Break, and our students are delighting in this warm weather!
Naturally, our school is abuzz with excitement for the partial solar eclipse on Monday. Our students will have the opportunity to witness this incredible celestial event firsthand.
In preparation for this rare event, we have purchased approved solar glasses for any students and staff who wish to view the eclipse.
However, we also want to emphasize the importance of discussing eclipse safety with your child at home. Please remind them not to look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. Additionally, it's crucial for them to follow the instructions given by their teachers during the viewing.
If you have any questions or concerns about the eclipse viewing event, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher. We want to ensure that all of our students have a safe and enjoyable experience while learning about this natural phenomenon.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to sharing this exciting event with our students.
Warmly,
|
|
Teresa M. Woods, Ph.D.
Executive Director
|
|
CMAS Testing
April 10-12: Grades 3-5 (NO SCHOOL for 6-8)
April 17-19: Grades 6-8 (NO SCHOOL for K-5)
|
As we approach the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) testing period, I wanted to take a moment to share with you the importance of these assessments within our Waldorf-inspired educational philosophy at Mountain Song Community School. While standardized testing may seem at odds with the holistic, experiential approach of Waldorf education, CMAS testing serves as a valuable tool for several reasons:
Accountability and Assessment: CMAS testing provides a standardized means of assessing student performance and academic growth, ensuring that our students are meeting academic benchmarks and standards set by the state of Colorado. It also holds the school accountable for helping students succeed.
Identifying Strengths and Areas for Growth: These assessments help us identify both individual and collective strengths within our student body, as well as areas where additional support or enrichment may be needed.
Preparation for Future Academic Endeavors: CMAS testing provides valuable experience in standardized testing formats, helping to build confidence and familiarity with assessment processes that they may encounter in the future.
Data-Informed Decision Making: The insights gained from CMAS testing results enable us to make informed decisions about curriculum development, instructional strategies, and resource allocation, allowing us to continuously improve our educational program.
It is important to note that while CMAS testing provides valuable information, it is just one piece of the larger puzzle of education at Mountain Song Community School. We remain deeply committed to our Waldorf-inspired principles, emphasizing creativity, critical thinking, and a deep connection to the natural world in all aspects of learning.
As partners in your child's education, we encourage you to support them during this testing period by ensuring they are well-rested, nourished, and feeling confident in their abilities. Always remember, “Not everything that is measured matters and not everything that matters can be measured.”
If you have any questions or concerns about CMAS testing or our approach to assessment at Mountain Song Community School, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can also read our Assessment Policy, linked here. We value your partnership and are grateful for your ongoing support as we work together to nurture the growth and development of each and every student.
|
|
Our Hawthorn 5th grade trailblazers have outdone themselves with their National Parks projects. They’ve journeyed through America’s most treasured landscapes without leaving the classroom! Each project is a deep dive into the wonders of a different national park, from the astonishing biodiversity of Congaree to the massive sandstone cliffs of Zion. They worked so hard on these and we’re so proud of them! |
|
Thank you all for supporting our students at our Spring Concert on the Friday before Springs Break! Our students truly shone on stage, captivating the audience with their talent and passion for music. It was heartwarming to see our school community come together to support our young musicians. Thank you to everyone who attended. We’d like to extend our gratitude to Ms. Kirstine Joyce Lijuaco who is en route to her new position at the Cambridge Steiner School in the United Kingdom. Thank you also to all our dedicated teachers and staff who worked behind the scenes to make the concert a success!
|
|
May Faire Silent Auction
DONATIONS NEEDED
|
May Faire is fast approaching and we hope you will help us make it a success! We’re looking for donations for our silent auction, which raises much needed funds for our beloved school! Interested in donating? You can do so HERE!
Please keep an eye out for emails from your child’s teacher regarding other ways you can support this lovely event.
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, April 9th at 3:30 for our next May Faire planning meeting in the school garden (weather permitting)! All are welcome! Children must be supervised by their grown-up.
|
|
Middle School Dance
TOMORROW, APRIL 6TH
|
We invite all MSCS 6th-8th graders to come together for a school dance on Saturday, April 6th! Admission is $10 (free for qualifying students), which includes a snack and a raffle ticket. All proceeds go towards the 8th grade class trip! Please note this is exclusively for Mountain Song Middle School students. |
|
The Positive Parenting, Thriving Kids Project |
We hope you will take advantage of this incredible, free resource, the Positive Parenting, Thriving Kids Project. It’s a series of 20 free videos that feature more than 150 caregivers, kids, and experts talking about some of the most pressing, confusing, and challenging questions that parents face.
This week, we hope you’ll watch these videos, “Family & Community Stress,” which will help you tackle topics such as navigating difficult topics such as racism, community violence, and more.
|
|
Parent Circle BBQ & Updates |
Parent Circle’s Community Picnic/BBQ is rescheduled for Saturday, April 20th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Thorndale Park! We look forward to seeing you there!
In the meantime, please join us for the next meeting on Wednesday, April 10th at 6:30 on ZOOM. We’ll discuss and organize the Spirit Wear art competition and the community BBQ picnic. You can also learn about and create opportunities for parents to be involved in the many areas that make our waldorf-inspired community thrive!
|
|
Family Engagement Committee
April 8th 6-7:30 p.m.
|
Join us for our upcoming Family Engagement Committee meeting on April 8th from 6-7:30 p.m. This committee informs, encourages and provides opportunities for parent and community members to be involved in the planning and evaluation of the school’s instructional program and quality improvement processes.
Meeting ID: 880 8825 6355
Passcode: 106801
|
|
Parent Information Nights & Tours |
As our school year begins to wind down, we’re eager to welcome our new families to Mountain Song. We hope you’ll help spread the word! If you know anyone interested in our programs, we still have several opportunities to learn more!
Homeschool Parent Information Night
April 10th at 6 p.m.
at Mountain Song Community School
PPLD’s Annual Homeschool Resource Fair (Mountain School will have a booth!)
April 12th, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
at Library 21C
Middle School Parent Information Night
April 23rd at 6 p.m.
at Mountain Song Community School
Last School Tour of the Year
Tuesday, May 7th at 4:00 p.m
|
|
Join the Mountain Song Team |
Ready to make a difference in the lives of students and families in our community? We're on the lookout for passionate individuals to join our team here at Mountain Song! If you share our commitment to fostering creativity, imagination, and a love of learning, we want to hear from you! We're currently seeking talented individuals to fill a variety of positions, including:
- Executive Director
- Music Teacher
- Classroom Teacher
- Kindergarten Teacher
- Special Education Teacher
- School Counselor
- Building Custodian
If you're ready to embark on an exciting new chapter in your career, we invite you to explore our current job openings and submit your application HERE. Together, let's continue to create a nurturing and inspiring learning environment for our students!
|
|
2024-25 School Year Calendar Approved |
The MSCS Board recently approved next year’s 2024-2025 School Calendar. Mountain Song will shift to a quarter-system next year, rather than the semester system we have previously had. This will allow more timely report cards and feedback for families.
Change in School Day Times
Please note that the length of the school days become slightly longer next year, to accommodate the quarter system, among other reasons. School will still start at 8:15 a.m. for all grades.
Dismissal time for elementary and middle school students will change in the 2024-25 school year.
-
Kindergarten dismissal will remain unchanged at 3 p.m.
-
Elementary (1-5) students will be picked up at 3:15 p.m.
-
Middle School (6-8) dismissal will shift to 3:30 p.m.
We are excited to add 15 more minutes of instructional time for most of our students, allowing a 7th period for things like the arts, middle school electives, and plays.
|
|
Millibo Art Theatre
Summer Camps & Upcoming Shows
|
Join Our friends at the Millibo Art Theatre for their upcoming show, Magnet Man and the Irresistible Burger, where science meets superheroes in this hilarious play developed by District 11 5th graders and performed by professionals with Theatre Across Borders.
April 13th ONLY at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Families are encouraged to call the Box Office to enjoy the Family Four Pack discount of $44 per foursome (not available online).
|
|
Summer Farm Camp with Ms. Banach |
Join our beloved sixth grader teacher, Ms. Ieeda Banach, for summer camp at The Four Winds Farm! |
|
One of the most impactful ways you can support our school is to help ensure we have a student in every available seat next school year. Please spread the word about Mountain Song with your friends and neighbors. Feel free to grab a flyer or brochure from the office to leave at your local library or favorite coffee shop.
DONATE TO THE MAY FAIRE SILENT AUCTION
VOLUNTEER AT MAY FAIRE
Join us April 9th at 3:30 for our next May Faire planning meeting!
VOLUNTEER IN THE GARDEN
MAKE A DONATION
JOIN A COMMITTEE
|
|
2023-2024 Calendars and Schedule |
|
Please find the 2023-2024 school calendars and daily schedule for grades 1-8 at the links below.
|
|
Mountain Song Community School | 2904 West Kiowa St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904 |
|
Looking for past issues of the Songbird or to sign up new recipients click here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
