Upcoming Dates to Remember
December 20 - January 4
Winter Break – All Students
January 5
Grades 1- 8 Return
2nd Semester Begins
January 5 - 7
No School for Kindergarten
January 4
MSCS Board of Directors Meeting 6:00pm
January 10
Kindergarten Returns
School Accountability Meeting 6:00pm
January 17
MLK Day - No School
January 18
MSCS Board of Directors Meeting
|
|
Wishing everyone a safe and happy New Year as we ring in 2022! We look forward to seeing you back as we embark on another semester of learning, growing, and caring together at our beautiful Mountain Song Community School.
"On New Year's Eve it is always fitting to remember how past and future are linked together in life and in the existence of the world, how past and future are linked in the whole life of the Cosmos of which man is a part, how past and future are linked in every fraction of that life with which our own individual existence is connected, is interwoven through all that we were able to do and to think during the past year, and through all that we are able to plan for the coming year." ~ Rudolf Steiner (founder of Waldorf Schools), 1919
|
|
Enrollment for 2022 - 2023 School Year |
If you intend on having your child return to Mountain Song next year, please complete this form by January 31, 2022 to save their spot!
If you are undecided about whether your child will be returning to Mountain Song, please indicate that on this form as well and discuss any questions or concerns you may have with Sarah Kreger, Director of School Performance, or your child's teacher.
All new families interested in enrolling their child(ren), or If you would like to enroll other siblings at Mountain Song next year, you must complete an Intent to Enroll form for them.
If you intend on withdrawing your child from our school, please be sure to fill out a Notice of Withdrawal form at the front office.
|
|
Parent Information Sessions |
Interested in learning more about the only tuition-free Waldorf-inspired school in Southern Colorado? During our Parent Information Sessions, we’ll explain the Waldorf approach to learning, insight into our enriching curriculum, and how Mountain Song Community School nurtures the body, mind and heart of every student.
When? January 13th, 20th, and 27th, & February 3rd at 6pm
Where? In person at Mountain Song Community School (2904 West Kiowa St.)
|
|
We are carefully monitoring the rapid spread of the COVID omicron variant in our community and any impacts it may have on our return to school (we hope none!).
As you likely know, our public health agencies are issuing new requirements in light of recent developments. The CDC recently provided updates that include shorter isolation and quarantine times combined with mask-wearing. We expect similar updates from the state and county agencies in the coming days.
Last fall, we indicated that we would follow D-11’s practices, and at that time those were based on transmission number thresholds. The MSCS Board has since instructed school leadership to follow public health guidance and requirements.
Based on the current situation, we will be continuing our mask mandate until numbers improve. Our goal is to keep our children and staff in school, where learning can continue in-person.
We hope to see as rapid a decrease in this omicron spread as its rise has been, and there is evidence that this may be the case. Those who are vaccinated, and especially boosted, seem to have less serious symptoms. We join you in hoping this latest wave is short-lived. Thank you for your understanding.
|
|
Importance of Warmth for Children |
Although we have been experiencing much warmer temperatures than usual, the colder months are setting in as we move into the New Year! Our Waldorf perspective emphasizes the importance of keeping children warm while they enjoy the outdoors and learn from nature.
As you send your children to school, please be mindful of their clothing. We play outside in all weather unless it is below 15 degrees or dangerous weather conditions are present. It is important to make sure your children are comfortable with weather appropriate clothing that also protects them from the elements!
Warmth in our clothing includes dressing in layers (cotton, wool, silks). Please consider the weather when sending your children to school: a warm jacket, hats, gloves/mittens, snow/rain pants and snow/rain boots for cold and wet days. Be sure to check our Lost and Found for any missing clothing!
Enjoy the following articles to learn more on the importance of warmth in Waldorf education:
|
|
We are nearly 80% of the way to the ambitious $20,000 goal we set for the Indy Give! Campaign, which has been extended to January 3rd!
As you make your year-end contributions to the non-profits near and dear to your heart, we hope you’ll donate to our beloved school!
|
|
Agricultural Arts Volunteers Needed! |
We are still in need of garden volunteers to help out during the New Year’s weekend and through the rest of winter break! Duties include feeding and caring for the animals.
Mr. Adam Wright
Agricultural Arts Coordinator and Teacher
|
|
In the spirit of kindness, compassion and generosity, a student expressed, “I wish we could do some fundraiser to help the homeless here." This inspired a fundraiser to support youth experiencing homelessness here in Colorado Springs with the support of Ag Arts Teacher, Mr. Matt Thomas.
Now through January 10th, we are collecting both financial and in-kind donations to help The Place, a non-profit organization here in Colorado Springs working with youth experiencing homelessness. All donations can be delivered to Dr. Aguilar's room, or given to Ag Arts teacher, Mr. Matt Thomas.
|
|
We are sad to say goodbye to Ms. Madalynne Pritchard as she brought such joy to the children in the Linden 2nd Grade class. She stepped whole-heartedly into embodying the Waldorf approach to nurturing conscious evolution in mind, body and heart. We will miss you very much, Ms. Pritchard! Thank you for the deep impact you made on students and staff! |
|
Ms. Erin Copeland started with us as a paraprofessional last year as she worked on her Special Education degree. She chose to do her student teaching internship at Mountain Song in our Special Education department this fall. As her student teaching term has come to a close, she has accepted a position as Special Education Teacher at Cheyenne Middle School. We will miss her incredible spirit of light around our school, however we are excited for the lives she will touch in her future endeavors. Congratulations Ms. Copeland!
|
|
We hope everyone has found time to slow down and soak in the magical presence of the holiday season. As we continue to move into the New Year, here are some reminders to support returning to familiar and healthy routines.
From the Child Mind Institute:
Simplicity Parenting is another source of trusted information for families from Mountain Song friend, counselor, and researcher, Kim John Payne.
|
|
With the holidays upon us, we understand that this is not always an easy time for all families. The Helping Hands El Paso County offers a wonderful community resource guide of support, managed by Pikes Peak Library District.
If your family is experiencing any housing or financial emergencies, we at Mountain Song are here to connect you with resources to support you and your family.
|
|
Please refer to our website and/or pick up an application at the front office.
|
|
2021-2022 Calendar and Schedule |
|
Please find the 2021-2022 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
