Upcoming Dates to Remember |
Feb. 2 - MSCS Board Meeting 6pm
Feb. 9 - Parent Council Health & Wellness/Hospitality Committee 4pm
Feb. 10 - Parent Council Festivals Committee Meeting 4pm
Feb. 15 - President’s Day -- NO SCHOOL
Feb. 16-19 - Teacher Work and Training Days -- NO SCHOOL
Feb. 16 - MSCS Board Meeting 6pm
Feb. 18 - Parent Council Meeting 4pm
Feb. 22 - School Resumes
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What a joy to have K-4 students filling our classrooms again as we opened our doors to in-person learning again in these grades! We appreciate your patience as we work out the bugs of our screening and attendance protocols. Please see the news below for reminders and updates. We are happy to be able to offer both remote learning and in-person for K-4. Remember that if you wish to switch modes after this week, please contact one of us on the ELT for a solution, as it may impact staffing.
This week has also been Colorado School Choice Week, and Mountain Song is increasingly recognized in our community as an excellent option for families to choose. Enrollment forms are due this weekend in preparation for our lottery on February 9th. See information below.
I couldn’t be more proud of our school and staff for knowing that the secret to a true education is awakening a sense of wonder that lasts a lifetime. Please share our gem of a school with your friends and family who may be interested in joining the song.
Blessings,
❤
Dr. Teresa Woods
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Making the News for School Choice |
Mountain Song was highlighted in local news stories this week as an outstanding charter school option during School Choice Week.
On Wednesday, KOAA News5 interviewed staff and parents about choosing Mountain Song Community School. Reporter Mayo Davison visited the school in the early morning on Wednesday, and anchor Elizabeth Watts co-hosted the evening news live from the Mountain Song Ag Arts Garden during the 4 p.m. show, and from a Kindergarten classroom during the 5 & 6 p.m. shows. Check the story out here: Mountain Song Community School teachers, parents excited for School Choice Week (koaa.com).
The Public Schools of Choice law in Colorado allows residents to enroll students in schools and districts of choice. Click here for more information (PDF). Encourage your family and friends to choose Mountain Song Community School!
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Mountain Song - An Outstanding School of Choice |
Do you know of families that might be interested in our beautiful Mountain Song Community School? If so, please forward our new flyer to them! Enrollment information can be found here at this link. Enrollment forms are due January 31st to be entered into the lottery. For more information, contact Sarah Kreger: skreger@mountainsongschool.com.
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Confirmation of Continued Enrollment
for 2021-22 School Year
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Current Mountain Song families must complete and submit a Confirmation of Continued Enrollment form for their students by January 31st.
We are providing an electronic version of the Confirmation of Continued Enrollment form. Please click here or visit our website at www.mountainsongschool.com/enrollment to fill in the Google Form and submit it electronically by January 31st.
Every year we survey our families about whether or not they intend on bringing their children back to Mountain Song the following school year. We use this information to determine our enrollment projections. Because this information is so valuable, we ask all our families to fill in these forms, even if their children will not return to Mountain Song next fall. If you intend to re-enroll your student(s) in Mountain Song next year, this form is essential to ensure placement.
If you have other children you are interested in enrolling for the first time at Mountain Song next school year, please fill in the SY21/22 Intent to Enroll form by clicking here or visiting our website at www.mountainsongschool.com/enrollment.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Sarah Kreger at skreger@mountainsongschool.com.
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Accepting Intent to Enroll Forms for the 2021-2022 School Year |
Families interested in enrolling their children in Kindergarten through Grade 8 classes or our Homeschool Enrichment Program must submit a SY21-22 Intent to Enroll form by January 31, 2021 to place their child(ren) in the Enrollment Lottery. The Intent to Enroll forms are also available at the front office . The lottery will occur on Tuesday, February 9, 2021. If your child is selected in the lottery, enrollment packets will be sent to you from our Director of School Performance after confirmation in February. Please contact Sarah Kreger with questions at skreger@mountainsongschool.com.
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In-Person Learning K-4 Continues |
Children in grades K-4 filled our hallways again this week, bringing joy and enthusiasm for learning! In-person learning details for K-4 are below.
Families may change their choice for in-person learning or full remote-learning through the end of January. If you would like to switch after that, please contact the Executive Leadership Team, as it may impact staffing. We can work together for the best solution. Innovation Learning will be available on Fridays for those families who need the program.
Below are details about the Return to School plan for K-4.
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Safety measures at school continue to be in place, and include:
- Face-coverings
- Daily health pre-screenings
- Frequent handwashing
- Maintaining cohorts
- Enhanced cleaning
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MAP Assessments Grades 3-8 |
Mountain Song administers the NWEA MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) Growth assessments three times a year in grades 3 through 8 in accordance with our charter and public school mandate to track student growth. Please be sure children are well rested and have consumed a healthy breakfast for testing days. The purpose of these assessments is to track student growth throughout the school year.
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Grades 5-8
Students in Grades 5-8 completed assessments remotely this week. If students need to complete their assessments, Make-up Days in Math and/or Reading occur TODAY, Friday, January 29th, 12-4pm.
Grades 3-4
Students in grades 3-4 need to bring in their computers to work on assessments in person at school, beginning Monday, February 1st through Friday, February 5th.
Make-up days for Grades 3-4 will be February 8th - February 10th. Class teachers will inform families of their class testing dates and times.
Testing is not timed. Students can take the time they need to complete assessments. Make-up days will allow students to continue any unfinished assessments.
Thank you for your support of our efforts to track student academic growth. For more information about our Assessment Policies, click here.
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Welcome Ms. Jessica Knedler |
We are delighted to announce Jessica Knedler joining our staff as a Teacher / Long-Term Substitute.
Jessica graduated from Concordia University-Nebraska with a degree in Elementary Education and an emphasis in Language Arts. She completed part of her student teaching in Lincoln, NE and the other part in Orange, CA. Jessica was a member of her college women’s soccer team, and she values an active lifestyle, spending time outdoors and enjoying sports of all varieties. Jessica has a passion for helping others, interacting with students and their families, and she strives to create an inclusive learning atmosphere. She enjoys forming relationships and preparing students to be informed, responsible citizens.
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Jessica Knedler to Mountain Song as a Teacher / Long-Term Substitute!
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Welcome Mr. Anthony Perry |
We are excited to announce Anthony Perry joining our staff as a Paraprofessional.
Anthony earned an M.S. degree in Health, Human Performance and Recreation from Pittsburg State University. He is an Assistant High School Track & Field Coach, and has worked as a Personal Trainer and Basketball Coach in prior years. Anthony enjoys hiking and spending time with his dogs, as well as watching and playing sports. Anthony most recently worked with students through Innovation Learning at Mountain Song. He is intrigued with Mountain Song’s experiential learning and hands-on approach to education.
Please join us in welcoming Mr. Anthony Perry to Mountain Song as a Paraprofessional!
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Morning Health Pre-Screening |
We are required to screen all staff and students entering the building for COVID symptoms each day.
Please complete an online form each day before 7:30 a.m. for each child planning to come to school in the In-Person Learning option.
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Here is the link: https://tinyurl.com/mscshealth
- You should receive a notice each morning by email and/or text with the link again as a reminder.
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If you do not receive a notice, click the link above, or go to our website www.mountainsongschool.com and click on the yellow box, labeled “Student Daily Health Pre-Screening Form”.
- Please complete this no later than 7:30 a.m.
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A video with instructions to complete the Pre-Screening form is found on our Return to School page.
If you do not submit a form by 7:30 a.m., you must accompany your child(ren) onto school grounds to meet a Mountain Song staff health screener. Symptom screening, including temperature check, will be conducted at that point.
Students who have one or more symptoms on the list will be required to stay or return home.
Thank you for your cooperation.
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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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Road Construction Near School |
Please allot 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., W. Pikes Peak Ave., and N. 30th St.
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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 here 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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An Evening with Dr. Temple Grandin February 11th |
Join “An Evening with Dr. Temple Grandin” on February 11th for a FREE Virtual Event. Dr. Grandin will share a video of a recent presentation discussing her book, Calling All Minds, followed by a Q and A session.
Dr. Temple Grandin is a well known spokesperson for people with autism and her lifelong work with animal behavior. Dr. Grandin has been with Colorado State University (CSU) for over 25 years. Determined to understand her own autistic mind, her expertise significantly contributes to the world of autism as she shares her knowledge and aids in the treatment of individuals with the condition.
Register now to reserve your spot!
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Great Backyard Bird Count
February 12-15, 2021
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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. Click here for job description.
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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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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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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