April 12
CMAS Assessment Days- NO SCHOOL for 6-8 - Normal School for K-5
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 18
Battle of the Books (5th Grade)
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.
May 8
Parent Circle Meeting 6:30 p.m.
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Dearest Mountain Song Community,
As many of our students are nearing the end (or about to begin) their CMAS testing, I wanted to take a moment to share how our teachers and staff took a beautiful moment of pause. During our staff meeting on Thursday, we didn’t discuss the tests, or all of the logistics that go alongside these measures. Instead, we sang about springtime and we painted.
In the calm, the vibrant hues of creativity filled the room, reminding us of the profound value of balanced education that encompasses not only academic excellence but also the cultivation of the heart and soul.
It is moments like these that truly embody the spirit of Mountain Song Community School, where we celebrate the uniqueness and individuality of each child while fostering a sense of community and belonging.
As partners in your child's education journey, we invite you to take your own pause. Pour a cup of tea, dust off your old sketchbook, and take a breath. You may even want to find some inspiration in our wet-on-wet watercolor staff video trainings. Together, let us continue to support and nurture the growth of our children in mind, body, and spirit.
Thank you for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your precious children.
Warmly,
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Teresa M. Woods, Ph.D.
Executive Director
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CMAS Testing
April 10-12: Grades 3-5 (NO SCHOOL for 6-8)
April 17-19: Grades 6-8 (NO SCHOOL for K-5)
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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.
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3rd Grade Shelter Projects |
Click on the picture above or here for video
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Every year, the 3rd graders at Mountain Song Community School dive into their ‘Shelter Projects' with enthusiasm and creativity. These young minds explore various architectural styles and construction methods as they design and build miniature shelters. From cozy cabins to imaginative treehouses, each project reflects the students' unique perspectives and budding skills.
But these projects are more than just hands-on learning experiences. They matter because they foster a deep connection to the natural world and instill a sense of stewardship for the environment. Through designing and building shelters, students learn about sustainability, resourcefulness, and the importance of creating spaces that nurture both people and the planet.
These projects encourage collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, preparing students for the challenges they'll face in the future. By engaging in practical, meaningful work, the 3rd graders at Mountain Song not only deepen their understanding of architecture but also cultivate a sense of empowerment and accomplishment that will stay with them for years to come.
Click on the photo above to hear about one student's experience and keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram in the coming days to see other MSCS Shelter Projects.
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May Faire Silent Auction
DONATIONS NEEDED
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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.
Join us every Tuesday at 3:30 in the school garden (weather permitting) to help us make this a May Faire to remember. All are welcome! Children must be supervised by their grown-up.
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The Middle School's Black and White Ball was a huge success! Our 6th, 7th and 8th graders dressed up in their fanciest outfits and danced the night away last Saturday in the gym, with Mr. Adam serving as our DJ! Students loved singing along to a multitude of Taylor Swift songs (duh!) and requesting party hits like “Y.M.C.A.” and “Macarena.”
Thank you to all the faculty, staff, and parents who helped decorate our gym, purchase food, and collect prizes from local businesses that were raffled off throughout the night. We especially want to give gratitude to our dedicated fundraising chair, EmmaLee Slimski, for making this possible! Together, we raised almost $400 for the 8th grade trip to celebrate their upcoming graduation.
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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!
Join us for the next PC meeting on Wednesday, May 8th at 6:30 on ZOOM.
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Parent Information Nights & Tours |
Middle School Agricultural Arts Class |
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!
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
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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!
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Millibo Art Theatre
Summer Camps & Upcoming Shows
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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).
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Summer Farm Camp with Ms. Banach |
Join our beloved sixth grader teacher, Ms. Ieeda Banach, for summer camp at The Four Winds Farm! |
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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 every Tuesday at 3:30 in the garden to make this a May Faire to remember
VOLUNTEER IN THE GARDEN
MAKE A DONATION
JOIN A COMMITTEE
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2023-2024 Calendars and Schedule |
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Please find the 2023-2024 school calendars and daily schedule for grades 1-8 at the links below.
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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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