Upcoming Dates to Remember |
March 14
Daylight Savings Time Starts
(Clocks Spring Forward)
March 15
MSCS School Accountability Committee 6pm
March 18
Parent Council Meeting 4pm
March 19
Half-Day Kindergarten
March 20
Parent Council Festivals Classes
March 22-26
Spring Break
March 23
Futures Committee 3:30pm
March 29
Grades 5-8 Begin “Remote Mondays” for In-Person Schedule
Grades K-4 Resume In-Person
March 30
Grades 5-8 Return to In-Person
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In my three years in Colorado Springs, I’m realizing that the snow here tends to come in the spring. Is this correct? The spring times here are certainly exciting!
Along with weathering a snow storm this weekend, we will also be changing our clocks to shift to Daylight Savings Time. While the evening light will be most welcome, the adjustments in our circadian rhythm can be hard, especially for children. Please see the article below with suggestions to ease this shift.
We have one more week before Spring Break. Please be careful if you intend to travel to prevent the spread of COVID. Our state leaders have raised concerns for schools in light of possible Spring Break travel. I’ve been watching the slow decline in community spread numbers. A continued decline in these numbers can only mean good news for everyone in terms of easing restrictions. Thank you for being mindful of continuing to practice safety measures.
Finally, St. Patrick’s Day is next Wednesday, and you will see below our Irish Blessing video gift to you. I will also share here a Gaelic Blessing that I learned in my Waldorf training over 30 years ago and that continues to nourish my soul.
Deep peace of the running wave to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you.
Deep peace of the infinite peace to you.
Have a wonderful weekend, stay safe, and enjoy the snow.
Blessings,
❤
Dr. Teresa Woods
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An Irish Blessing
May Troubles Be Less and Blessings Be More
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Our gift to you:
We’ve begun our staff meetings over the last few weeks in song, with an Irish Blessing that we want to share with our beloved community...
“May troubles be less and blessings be more and nothing but happiness come to your door. May you have love wherever you go; your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow. May winds be at your back and sun be overhead. May friends be at your side wherever you are led.”
Here at Mountain Song over the last few weeks, we collectively feel our troubles lessen and our blessings grow exponentially, and we have your children, your families and each other to thank.
Sláinte
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Health Symptoms Spring Update:
Pre-screening and At-School
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As our county COVID-19 community spread numbers decrease, our school nurse, Kimberly Nowland, R.N., is working closely with the state and county public health departments to revise our guidelines regarding students who show health symptoms either before coming to school or at school.
We now have more latitude in determining whether a child must remain at home (or be sent home from school) when showing minor symptoms, as well as when they may return to school after experiencing major symptoms.
These changes are now reflected in the morning pre-screening survey. Thank you for completing this by 7:30 a.m. each day your child comes to school.
Click here to see the updated MSCS Health Guidelines provided to all of our MSCS Teachers & Staff.
The two critical forms that our Health room staff members use for guidance on when to send students home are 1) How Sick Is Too Sick, and 2) The Return to Learn R2 COVID Guidance Tool. Based on this guidance, all students are screened on a case by case basis along with additional guidance from our School Nurse and Executive Leadership Team.
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Parent Council Classes March 20th |
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Parent Council Festivals Committee is hosting two small-group in-person classes on Saturday, March 20th! |
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Seed Starting Class 10am
We will discuss seed starting (inside and direct sow) and necessary supplies. Family group size can be up to 3 people per table. Children are welcome to join the class! We ask that all participants wear a mask for the duration of class. Masks provided if needed. Social distancing guidelines apply.
Where: Outside at school (weather permitting), otherwise in school gym
When: Saturday, March 20, 10:00am
Supply Cost: $10
Class Limit: 20 people
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Stuffed Bunny Class 1pm
We will make a felt stuffed bunny with a pom pom tail, using a pattern to sew the body, stuff it and make a pom pom tail. This is a great class for children. We ask that all participants wear a mask for the duration of class. Masks provided if needed. Social distancing guidelines apply.
Where: Outside at School (weather permitting), otherwise in school gym
When: Saturday, March 20, 1:00pm
Supply Cost: $10
Class Limit: 20 people
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Adjusting to Daylight Saving Time Spring Forward |
This weekend, we will set our clocks forward one hour for the benefit of having more daylight in the evening. We should prepare for this bi-annual disruption of our circadian rhythm and sleep schedules. We know how such a disruption can affect us as adults! Please consider its profound effect on children.
How can we help our children adjust to the loss of an hour of sleep as we “spring forward?” Experts tell us we can help adjust their bedtimes in smaller increments over several days while keeping their bedtime routines consistent and predictable.
This is a time when we can also become more aware of general sleep care: making sure children get exercise during the day, no screen time at least 2 hours before bedtime, maintaining dark during sleep and letting light in when it’s time to wake up, and healthy eating habits.
Please help your children get the sleep they need over the weekend to adjust to the time change and be ready for school on Monday morning!
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Get Social with Mountain Song |
Best Post of the Week:
Here’s a glimpse into a Mountain Song second grade classroom as our students work with the times tables. Integrating art makes the times tables memorable and meaningful.
Please encourage friends, family and community members to explore Mountain Song on social media!
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Innovation Learning After School Program for Families |
Innovation Learning is offering an after school program for K-8 in-person students beginning March 29th. If you are interested in joining Innovation Learning, please click here for information about how to register.
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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Drop-Off and Pick-Up Routine |
We are asking that families continue to follow this new routine for drop off only for the month of March. Please drop off students on the eastside of the school (29th Street). Here's how you can help:
1. Give yourself extra time!
2. Plan to drop off on 29th Street (between W. Kiowa and W. Bijou) - no need to park.
3. Travel north to south on 29th Street from Platte Ave or Uintah Street heading toward Colorado Avenue to drop students off. (See linked map)
4. Do not attempt to drive either in front of the school or behind the school from 7:50 to 8:30. If you need to come into the school please wait until the drop off is over.
5. Pick up students in designated areas by class/teacher.
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New Packet Pick-Up Days and Times |
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Materials for Remote students are now available at the Main School Entrance for pick-up Monday through Friday 8:30am to 3:30pm.
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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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The mission of the Parent Council is to facilitate parent involvement and to support teachers in preserving the vision of the school. Please support Mountain Song by joining one of these Parent Council committees.
Festivals Committee
Meets 2nd Wednesday each month at 4pm
Health and Wellness/Hospitality Committee
Meets 2nd Tuesday each month at 4pm
Parent Council
Meets 3rd Thursday each month at 4pm
All Parent Council committees seek volunteers. Remember, involvement in Parent Council committees satisfies volunteer requirements for Mountain Song! Please reach out to Cambria at pcchair@mountainsongschool.com if you are interested.
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Garden Experts Share Wisdom |
We know of two (2) amazing opportunities this Saturday for our community to learn more about how to get their hands into the dirt and garden!
The “Garden Godfather” Larry Stebbins offers a FREE Q&A Session
This free event is being sponsored by the Harvest Center in Woodland Park. Larry will have an open Q&A time focused on vegetables, herbs, small fruits, etc., applicable to elevations in Colorado Springs (elevation 6,000 ft) up to Woodland Park (elevation 8500+ ft). Up to 300 people can join the Zoom meeting (first come first served).
Where: via Zoom!
When: Saturday, March 13, 2021 9:00am-10:30am
Learn How to Garden on a Budget!
Check out the March 13th Zoom Event by the Horticultural Arts Society! They are kicking off their first event of 2021 with Vegetable Gardening on a Budget. Join from the comfort of your own home and glean wisdom from experienced gardeners for a nominal fee.
Click here for more information and the RSVP.
Where: via Zoom!
When: Saturday, March 13, 2021 10:00am-11:00am (roughly)
HAS Members: Free Non-Members: $10
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Calling All Songwriters:
Youth Songwriting Contest
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Rocky Mountain Highway is proud to announce its inaugural Steve Harris Songwriter of the Year Contest open to anyone 18 years of age and younger. Mountain Song musicians are especially encouraged to enter and join this community event!
There are two categories, one for ages 13-18 with the chance to win $500.00, and one for 12 year olds and younger with the chance to win $250.00. Deadline for submissions is March 31st!
The winner from each category will have the opportunity to perform their song on the stage at this year's MeadowGrass Music Festival, Memorial Day Weekend. There is a $10.00 entry fee per submission. No one will be turned away, so please contact Executive Director Nicole Nicoletta to request a fee waiver.
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Farm Volunteers Needed in March! |
Winter chores continue in the garden. We have March slots available for volunteers in the garden - including Spring Break! We need volunteers to help us keep our animals fed and their habitats clean and tidy. We have 2 bunnies, 4 chickens, and many fish that require our warmth and attention. In addition, we have some seedlings that need watering in the greenhouse.
This is a wonderful way for you and your family to 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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Road Construction Near School |
Please allow extra commute time to ensure students’ timely arrival to (and pick-up from) school. Road construction near the school may interfere with normal commute times. There are active Cone Zones on W. Colorado Ave. and N. 30th St. from W Fontanero St. to W. Colorado Ave., impacting access to school. Estimated completion date is April 12, 2021.
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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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