October 2014 - Mountain Phoenix Community School

MPCS
THE
PHOENIX
FLYER
ISSUE 9 :: OCTOBER 2014
Whole to the Parts
As the leaves change color and the
cooler weather makes us crave hot chocolate
(see “8th Grade Fundraisers” on p. 8), we
find ourselves slowing down, appreciating the
shorter days, and settling into a comfortable
rhythm for the school year. As our pace
softens, we are able to create more space in
our minds, let in new ideas, and revisit those
that inspire us the most.
Moving from the whole to the parts, the
heart of this edition of The Phoenix Flyer first
takes a fresh look at MPCS using the MPCS
Relational Star (p. 9). Maggie Payne, our
Assistant Director of Education, introduces us
to this new tool that illustrates how the
Governing Council, the Parent Council, the
Faculty Council, the Administration, and the
Responsive Leadership Initiative interact and
relate to the enrollment process, Waldorf
methods, stewardship, executive
accountability, and school culture. Then, this
edition zooms in and revisits an integral part
of our school’s culture — community life (p.
10). In her article, Brigitte Baehre reminds us
of the blessings, inspiration, and grounding
that come from the rhythm of giving and
receiving that defines our community life.
Throughout the school year, we’ll
continue to explore topics that move from the
whole to the parts, both fresh and familiar.
Save the Dates
October 8 & 15
“Waldorf 101” &
“Waldorf 102”
In This Issue
Letter From Karen Bailey
Upcoming Events
Parent Enrichment
Field Trips
Harvest Festival
Stewardship Day
Fundraising at MPCS
MPCS Relational Star
Community Life Whether you are new to MPCS or
Staff Highlight
have been here since the
Faculty Highlight
beginning, we warmly encourage
you to attend these two very
special parent enrichment events
Media Mindfulness
Sixth Grade News
hosted by our faculty. Come learn
Sagres Daily about the rich history of Waldorf
Eighth Grade News
Education and take a journey
through the grades.
Classified Ads
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Letter From the Interim Director of Education!
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Dear Mountain Phoenix Families,
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What is the purpose of our school?
!
One could say that the answer is obvious since we are a school, the purpose is to teach
children, or perhaps the purpose is for the children to learn. We could also say that teaching
and learning are mutually dependent, forming a necessary polarity where one brings the
other’s potential to expression.
!
As a teacher, I have found that the children’s hunger to learn calls forth my best teaching
capacities. Perhaps teaching from my highest and best potential also calls forth the children’s
desire to learn! This is an example of a living cycle that can bring something authentically new into the world. I would like to
think this is at least one purpose for our school, one reason we are here, to bring forth everyone’s potential for teaching and
learning, so we can all create new capacities, not just in the 450 children who are students at Mountain Phoenix, but in the more
than 1,000 adults who are also part of our school community. We would then be creating a learning community which opens up
new possibilities for the future, both individually for the children as well as new possibilities for us to grow and develop as adults.
Perhaps new social skills and community forms will be created as we value and develop the unique qualities of our charter
school inspired by Waldorf education.
!
A learning community is a group of people who share common values or beliefs, and who are actively engaged in learning
together from each other. The children teach me things every day. For example, in the first six weeks of school they taught me
that my day goes better if I get hugs in the morning. They taught me that humor and warmth bring us closer together and can
heal misunderstandings. I have learned that everyone wants to be seen and heard for who they are, not for what I expect or
want them to be for me, like a “good student” or “responsible coworker.”
!
There are four key factors that define a sense of community: membership, influence, fulfillment of individual needs, and shared
events and emotional connections. In every interaction I have, I hope that I can participate in developing a stronger, more
vibrant, learning community at Mountain Phoenix. I invite you to think about these areas of community building, both for your
children and also for yourself. What does it mean for each of us to feel connected to the vision and mission of MPCS? What
does it mean to have appropriate influence on the decisions and direction of the school? How can we meet the needs of the
children? What shared events and emotional connections are most meaningful and will bring out the highest and best in our
learning community?
!
We have wonderful opportunities for developing community every month. The Harvest Festival is one of my favorite events of
the year, with the Michaelmas school play, the puppet show, and, of course, the food! October will bring us some wonderful
learning experiences with Douglas Gerwin’s talk on October 3 for the whole community. The faculty will be presenting Waldorf
101 and Waldorf 102 on October 8 and 15. Then, the Foundations Studies program begins October 24 and 25 and will meet at
our school once a month through May this year and again for eight months next year. At this point we have twenty people
signed up for the Wheat Ridge Cluster, which you can find out more about at: http://www.mountainphoenix.org/
foundationstudies/.
!
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Warmly,
Karen Bailey
Interim Director of Education
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Community Screening of
Race to Nowhere
The Dark Side of America’s
Achievement Culture
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!!
Panel discussion will follow. !
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Wednesday, October 29!
6:30 p.m. in the Great Hall!
!
Limited seating available. Reserve your ticket now at:
http://www.racetonowhere.com/state-screenings/CO
Hearing and Vision Screening
hearing and vision testing on October 14 and
We encourage those scheduled for testing to
A daily celebration of life at MPCS, our
Facebook page is full of heart and alive
with updates. Enjoy a window into the
classroom and activities happening on
campus, regular updates and reminders,
and resources on Waldorf education. Join
the growing online community here:
be at school on these dates.
http://tiny.cc/a3gxmx
!
•kindergarten
•grades 1, 2, 3, 5, 7
•special education
•those new to the school
New After School Enrichment Activities
!
Drawing Club
Drawing Club is an opportunity for students interested in developing their drawing skills to practice a
variety of drawing styles. Students do not need to be advanced drawers to join, they just need an
interest in art and a desire to improve their skills. Students will keep their sketchbooks and quality
drawing pencils at the end of the 8 weeks.
Instructor: Karen Smith, MPCS art teacher
When: September 30 - November 18 (Tuesdays from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m.)
Where: art room
Fee: $35
Ages: 5th - 8th grade
Sign-up: In Office
Questions: Email Mrs. Smith at [email protected]
!
Cross-Country Running
Students will train indoors, outdoors on a circular track, and occasionally off campus. Students will
never run unaccompanied by an adult. The students will compete against each other at MPCS races
and will compete at a 5k later in the year. Students need to bring a water bottle, running shorts, and
running shoes. If your child has an inhaler, please bring it.
Coach: Justino Perez, MPCS orchestra teacher
When: Wednesdays from 3:40 to 4:30 p.m.
Ages: All MPCS and Home School students are welcome to attend
Location: Meet outside Orchestra Room
Age: 4th-8th grade
Sign-up: Contact Mr. Perez at [email protected] or (707) 499-7558
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Parent Enrichment Talk with Douglas
Gerwin - Friday, October 3 from
6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the Great Hall
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School Tour - Saturday, October 4
at10:00 a.m. in the Community
Room (PreK and K rooms included).
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Parent Council Meeting Wednesday, October 8 at 3:45
p.m. in the Community Room. Child
care provided.
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Waldorf 101 - Wednesday,
October 8 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in
the Great Hall
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Group Picture Days - October 8 & 9
from 8:40 to 11:00 a.m.
The following students are scheduled for
15:
Upcoming Events
For more information on after school activities, see http://www.mountainphoenix.org/?p=4324
Hearing and Vision Screening October 14 & 15
Finance Committee Meeting Wednesday, October 15 from 4:30
to 6:30 p.m.
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Waldorf 102 - Wednesday, October
15 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the
Great Hall
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Rollerskating Party - Friday, October
17 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Skate
City, Arvada
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No School - Monday, October 20
Governing Council Meeting Wednesday, October 22 at 6:30
p.m. in the Community Room
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Foundations Program - starting
Friday, October 24
Picture Re-Take Day - Tuesday,
October 28 from 9:00 a.m. to noon
Screening of Race to Nowhere Wednesday, October 29 at 6:30
p.m. in the Great Hall
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Rollerskating Costume Party - Friday,
October 31 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
at Skate City, Arvada
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Lantern Walk - Friday, November 14
Holiday Bazaar - Friday, November
21
Parent Enrichment Talks
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“Scythe and Compass: Tools for Teenagers on the Path of Moral
Development” with Douglas Gerwin
Friday, October 3 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the Great Hall
Children learn by example — up to a point. Initially they develop by
taking in and acting out what is around them. But eventually learning
must arise from within if it is to be truly healthy. Moral behavior is no
exception. In early years it can be inculcated from without, but
ultimately a moral deed, freely chosen, can arise only from within. In
this lecture, Douglas Gerwin will outline how a child’s powers of imagination, if fully
exercised in the lower school, give rise in the high school teenager to those crucial
abilities of weighing, assessing, and arriving at truth.
“Waldorf 101” with MPCS Faculty
Wednesday, October 8 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the Great Hall
Waldorf 101 will be an introduction to the rich history of Waldorf Education.
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“Waldorf 102” with MPCS Faculty
Wednesday, October 15 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the Great Hall
Waldorf 102 will take you on a journey through the grades.
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Waldorf 101 and 102 are highly recommended for all parents, especially those who are
new to MPCS. Donations to support professional development for our teachers will be
accepted at the door.
Council Updates!
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School Advisory Council Update
We are looking for 2-3 statistically-minded
parents to join the School Advisory Council
(SAC). The SAC is a committee appointed by the
Governing Council to review and revise the
Unified Improvement Plan (UIP) for MPCS and
advise administration based on SAC findings.
The UIP is a required "living" document that uses
data and research to help advise administrators
on how to evaluate and improve academic
achievement of the students at MPCS. SAC is
chaired by a member of the GC and reports to
the GC and the Jefferson County School District
on issues related to the UIP, academic
achievement, and qualitative and quantitative
assessments of academic and developmental
growth of MPCS students. SAC meetings are
currently twice per month from 8:00 to 9:00
a.m. at the school. If you would like to join or
learn more about SAC, please contact committee
chair,
Nathan
Ballenger
at
[email protected] or 970.739.6236.
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Governing Council Update
The Governing Council (GC) appointed
Elizabeth Titus from the parent body to serve a
1-year term to fulfill Tammy Reike’s seat that was
vacated last spring. This is Elizabeth’s second
year at Mountain Phoenix and she has a
prekindergarten child in the Buttercup classroom.
She brings legal expertise to the board and will
Foundation Studies in
Anthroposophy and the
Arts!
!
This program of studies is an
invitation to learn more about
R u d o l f S t e i n e r a n d Wa l d o r f
education, and to participate in
research in all fields of human
knowledge. Please join us for this
special course, which is a starting
point for future work as parents,
Waldorf teachers, and community
members.
!
A Certificate in Foundation Studies
in Anthroposophy and the Arts is
granted upon completion of Year I
and Year II. This includes 128 hours
in total.
!
For more information, contact Karen
Bailey at
[email protected]
or 865.223.4499 or see
http://www.mountainphoenix.org/
foundationstudies/
begin her term immediately. The GC also voted
to form an ad hoc committee to explore and
clarify the hiring process for the position of
Director of Education for the 2016-17 school
year. The GC will provide more information on
the process as it becomes available.
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Parent Council Update
This sc hool year the Mountain Phoenix
Foundation is taking a stronger role in
philanthropic works, and many of the fundraisers
that have been held in Parent Council will now
be through the Foundation. We have members
of the PC moving to the Foundation to
a c c o m m o d a t e t h i s c h a n g e . R i c h Pe t e r s
(Treasurer) and Carla Mead (Auction Committee
Chair) will be using their talents to strengthen the
Foundation’s Board for this important work for
the school. With these changes, the Parent
Council has one board member vacancy. We
have appointed current members in to the titled
positions of the board, but we still need a
treasurer. A qualified candidate for this position
should possess knowledge of bookkeeping and/
o r t h e a b i l i t y t o o r g a n i z e a n d c re a t e
spreadsheets showing spending and various
revenues. To qualify to be a board member, you
need to have children at the school, attend three
Parent Council meetings, and be a strategic
member of a MPCS committee. If you are
interested in joining the Parent Council Board,
please send a letter of intent to
[email protected].
The new Parent Handwork Group will
meet every Friday from 8:30 to 9:30
a.m. in the Community Room. BYOP
(bring your own project). With the
exception of babies in arms, the group
is adults only. This group will provide a
great chance to meet new people at the
school, possibly learn a new craft, and
take time every week to
CREATE! Questions? Email Kara at
[email protected].
Weekly Emails
Every family should be receiving
the Weekly Reporter, a weekly
email from the school with news
and updates. If you are not,
please email Sandra at
[email protected].
Field Trips
The Chaco Experience -­‐ Mr. Erwin’s 7th Grade Class !
We just spent a challenging week camping in the high desert of Chaco Canyon in New Mexico. Our trip included sun saluta>ons at daybreak on the mesa, hidden passages up rocky cliffs, finding thousand-­‐year-­‐old pot shards near ancient ruins, and night skies filled with the Milky Way, shoo>ng stars, and the rising and seDng of the Big Dipper around Polaris. !
Through all of this adventure we witnessed our students grow as individuals and as a group. Watch for a further student report on this trip in next month’s Flyer. — Rob Erwin
Driver Verification
Don't wait until the last minute to find out whether you
are authorized to drive other students on a field trip. It
takes only a few minutes to make a copy of your
current Colorado driver's license and your current car
insurance information. Please stop by the office to get
verified.
Jungle Survivor Experience -­‐ Ms. Riccio’s 5th Grade Class !
ANer comple>ng their botany block, Ms. Riccio’s students journeyed to the Denver Botanic Gardens to go on an educa>onal adventure. There, they were transported to a tropical island where they were “stranded” for five days un>l their rescuers arrived. Using their vast knowledge of botany, they had to find plants that provided food, water, and shelter. The students kept journals documen>ng their >me on the island, learned to use a compass, and learned about some of the island’s animals. Harvest Festival
What a glorious day! — The Michaelmas pageant, magical marionettes, sunshine,
the sound of marbles hitting glass as butter was being made, the sweet and spicy
smell of apple cider, and countless other delights for the senses. A quintessential
collaboration between our parents, students, faculty, and staff, Harvest Festival
was a truly shining example of our rich community life. A very special thank you to
Amy Pardue, Gail Laurence, Megan Aikman, Christa Valdez, Heather Ward, Laura
Childers and all of the other volunteers, faculty, staff, and families who came
together to make this an extraordinary event.
Photos by Maia Larkin
Stewardship - A Way
of Life
A lot of sweat equity was imparted on
Stewardship Day with impressive efforts
by all who volunteered with us on that
day! The preschool play areas were
restocked with lots of fresh sand, and
one of the iron fences was painted. All
of the mulch around the front parking
was relocated and then covered with
rock, a Herculean task. A couple of
doors and most of the trim were painted
at the Cottages; in the back parking area the
arrows and fire zone were also repainted. We
are very grateful to all who came out, we know
how much you care since you gave all you could
during those hours. Any others who have energy
to spare but could not make it on Saturday: We
still have some tasks undone, like painting a deck,
which we will help arrange, if you let us know. Thanks again to all involved. - Dirk Angevine
Photos by Maia Larkin
Year Round
Fall
Winter
Spring
Oct - June
Oct 1
Dec & Jan
April
Goal
Goal
Goal
Goal
For
For
For
For
Annual Give
2012 we raised $37K
2013 we raised $70K
2014 our goal is $150K
Preschool playground and
implementing the Master Plan
Fun Run
Capital Campaign
2012 we raised $21K
2013 we raised $18K
2014 our goal is $20K
Faculty development and
classroom funds
2014 our goal is TBD
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Why fundraise in a public school? As a charter school, we have fewer resources than
neighborhood schools; however, we do more with what we have. We continue to provide an array of
music and the arts unlike most public schools. In fact, they are exceptionally important to our school.
We believe children prosper when their curriculum is varied and includes movement and artistic
activities. Unlike your neighborhood school, we must pay for our own facilities; pay our mortgage, as
well as repairs and maintenance (total is approximately $615K per year). PPR (Per Pupil Revenues)
received from the District will be approximately $6482 this year for full time students in grades one
through eight. For Kindergarten and Home School students, we receive half that amount. Our official
count is validated by the end of the first semester although we are funded quarterly based on lower
projections of our student population. Once the count is official, we will have funding accurately
adjusted. Budgeting in this regard is challenging. We try to keep our ratios of students to teachers
lower than neighborhood schools, yet this increases salary costs, as do all of the support staff
involved who are not iterant or shared, as some district schools do. Salaries account for about 65%
of our budget, facilities about another 20%, which leaves only 15% of our budget for all other
expenses. This is pretty typical for most charter schools, yet our materials are more expensive than
most schools, and the richness of all we offer comes at a higher price.
In order to continually improve and offer an authentic Waldorf curriculum with other high
quality instruction, we need additional sources of income. Supporting the school’s fundraising efforts
is an investment in our children and community, which will provide a very high return on the amount
contributed. This is especially true when comparing our program to an independent or private
school's program. We understand that many families have limited resources, but any giving will have
a local impact. All generosity is greatly appreciated and will enable us to accomplish projects such
as completing the middle school.
8th Grade Fundraisers by Aly Ansbacher, 8th Grade Student
After School Snack Stand
One of the things we will be doing to raise
money is having two after school “snack
stands.” In the colder months, we will be selling
hot chocolate for $1 and popcorn for $1 in
front of Faddick Hall on Mondays and near
pick up in the back (fourth to eighth grade
area) on Wednesdays, starting the week of
September 29.
To be announced
Parent Council Fundraisers
by Dirk Angevine, Director of Operations!
!
2013 we raised $26K
2014 we raised $25K
2015 our goal is $35K
Completing the second floor
of the middle school
Fundraising at MPCS!
This year eighth grade will be fundraising for
our end of the of the year trip.
Auction
Parents Night Out
Another thing we are doing is “Parents Night
Out.” This is a system that will provide you with
a date night or even a night alone. We will be
providing snacks and entertainment for three
hours for children of all ages. We will charge
$15 for the first child and then $10 for each
additional child. This will take place on the first
Friday of every month starting in November. Be
sure to send us an email at
[email protected] to sign up or
ask questions.
Our Grocery Card program is a nocost way for families to support MPCS
while you shop! Currently, we have
par tnerships with King Soopers,
Safeway, and Vitamin Cottage who
give MPCS 5% of each dollar spent.
Cards can be purchased in the main
office.
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!
The Scrips Program is also a great way
to raise money for MPCS by buying
gift cards for stores that you frequent.
The amount we receive ranges from
3% to 15%. This fundraiser has the
potential to raise 20K or more for our
school. To sign up, visit
shopwithscrip.com and register. Our
school's enrollment code is
E4A3E95F34319. Orders will be
available for pickup in the office on
the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month.
Thank you to Judy Cahoone
MPCS and The MPCS Foundation
would like to extend a sincere, heart-felt
thank you to Judy Cahoone for serving
on the Foundation as Treasurer, as well
as serving as a member of the Finance
Committee, for the past 3 years.
Her dedication and attention to
detail were beyond measure.
As a grandparent of a student at
MPCS, she was a model of commitment
and caring to our community. Thank you,
Judy. What is the MPCS Relational Star? by Maggie Payne, Assistant Director of Education
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The MPCS Relational Star is an organizational tool, similar to an Organizational Chart, which conveys information through images. It was
developed out of a need to better understand MPCS as a community of individual stakeholder groups and how they relate to one another. Currently,
the school as a whole is managing many transitions. The reorganization of the role of the principal into two positions has led to all new leadership and
staffing changes amid ongoing efforts to strengthen and update the school’s governance processes. Our work with this tool has provided insight into
the underlying relationships at MPCS. It prompts us to recognize and value our individual roles, and inspires us to understand how to leverage our
collaborative efforts to build and sustain the health of the school as a whole, so that we may best serve our students. !
!
The first part of using this tool is to identify the domain of authority held by each stakeholder group and how these different “parts” function to
support the “whole,” which is student learning and community life. The five stakeholder groups we have identified, along with their primary roles, are: !
✴ Parent Council — Supports programs, teachers, and the mission of Mountain Phoenix Community School. Parent Council will perform this role
through creating opportunities for volunteerism and providing parent enrichment while supporting the culture of MPCS through committees. !
✴ Faculty Council – Facilitates the development of an integrated educational program inspired by Waldorf Education. Teachers offer their pedagogical
expertise to inform school development, policy making, and community life. !
✴ Administration –
Directors work
collaboratively to
promote the school’s
mission and vision,
and they are directly
accountable to the
Governing Council.
Service leadership
supports healthy
relationships and
provides a positive
school and
professional culture
that enhances
community life.
Administration works
with all stakeholder
groups to design
healthy systems to
ensure legal
compliance,
personal and
community safety,
and the efficient
operation and
implementation of
the educational
program. !
✴ Responsive
Leadership
Initiative – An ad
hoc administrative
committee
assembled as
needed to respond
to an immediate
educational,
operational, or
programmatic need
by collaboratively
involving necessary
stakeholders.!
✴ Governing Council
– Hires school
Directors, provides
high level oversight,
and acts as stewards
on behalf of the school, its mission, and vision. !
!
The second part of using this tool involves considering the collaborative relationships that are possible and how these efforts sustain the life of the
school. For example, Parent Council and Faculty Council collaborate to create school festivals. This relationship is so essential because seasonal
festivals are the hallmark of our school culture - they are where the pedagogy meets community life. They gather us together as a community to
celebrate our collective efforts on behalf of our families and students.!
!
This chart is therefore a map of the healthy relationships that we are trying to create at Mountain Phoenix. By developing processes that both
differentiate functions and integrate our community around a shared vision of the educational benefits we want for our children, we can provide a model
for a Waldorf Inspired School of Excellence (WISE).
Community Life at Mountain Phoenix by Brigitte Baehre!
!
Our school is blessed. This is true in countless ways, but from where I stand it is the community — the kids, the parents, and the staff — that
comprise this blessing. To live each school day surrounded by people who hold the best intentions for our kids, who regard educating them as a
personal passion, is not only refreshing, but truly inspiring. They uphold a standard for us parents that encourage us to strive to do our best for
our kids. In turn, we bring our children to them and are just as passionate about creating a supportive and nourishing environment for our
teachers, which ultimately feeds the children. In this way, together we create a healthy culture of gratitude, cooperation, efficiency, and
productivity as a result of an outpouring of healthy community life. There is both opportunity and expectation for us all to find our niche, to
participate and appreciate each aspect of our school community.
As Steiner teaches, moving from the whole to the parts, each greater good occurs from the works of smaller groups down to the individual.
This is true in our school community as you can see from the festival life that celebrates the seasons as well as each other. It trickles down to the
individual community member who is baking with love, or laboring with gusto, or sewing with intent concentration for someone other than
themself. It is ultimately this giving from which we can then receive. And when we can then receive, it is met with that much more gratitude, and
the impulse expands outward. This beautiful rhythm of giving and receiving is what makes our community life shine so brightly and flow so
strongly.
Festivals and Pedagogical Events — The festivals are an opportunity for celebration, a chance to revel in the joy of the season; be it in
reverence or jubilation, to bring gifts of food, or quiet presence, but always brought with gratitude, joy, and goodness. Participation is important
in creating and volunteering, as well as appreciating what others have created for you. The major Festivals at MPCS at this time are the Harvest
Festival and May Faire, Holiday Bazaar, and the Spiral of Light. For the younger children, Pre-k through 2nd Grade, there is also the Lantern
Walk.
Stewardship and Teacher Support — These aspects of community life are a giving impulse, to do for others in a way that generates grace
within yourself. Giving freely of your time and talents for the sake of the school upholds a goodness and generosity which fosters a gentle pride
and the camaraderie of service. These include things like Campus Stewardship Days, February Conference, and Grandparents Day.
Committees — Perhaps your talent doesn’t include sewing or sawing, cooking, or car line monitoring. Perhaps your talents are in policy, or
politics, fundraising or grant writing, master planning…or? The opportunities are endless as we need a vast array of talents to support our
school, not only internally to our own community, but also to the people who are unfamiliar with our school. We need people who can see long
term and big picture as well as the awe and wonder inspiring our children.
Classroom Help — Classroom help offers a glimpse into the everyday life of the children at school. Often this is a bittersweet proposition as
many parents love and appreciate the beauty and depth of the curriculum and the reverence in which the teacher brings it. However, many
leave wishing they had the opportunity themselves to grow and learn in such an environment. By offering help in the classroom, the parents
themselves glean bits of the education that many wish they had for themselves.
This quote sums it up nicely, “A healthy social life is found only when in the mirror of each soul the community finds its reflection, and when
in the whole community, the virtue of each one is living” - Rudolf Steiner.
!
Staff Highlight: Brigitte Baehre, Community Relations and Enrollment Coordinator!
What brought you to MPCS?
What brought me here initially was my love of Waldorf education. My two older children attended a private Waldorf
school, but I didn’t have a school for my younger kids. I homeschooled them for kindergarten and was planning on
homeschooling them using a Waldorf curriculum when a charter school inspired by Waldorf education magically appeared.
I actually found out about Mountain Phoenix by accident. A friend of mine called and said, “I saw your post on the
highlands mommies about the new Waldorf school.” It wasn’t me; it was actually one of my friends! That’s when I learned
about MPCS. I went to the first open house and listened. I then came to the second open house and at that point I knew I
wanted to enroll my kids. Having worked at the Denver Waldorf school, I stood in line and talked to the principal at the third
open house and told her she needed to hire me. She did!
!
What is your role at MPCS?
My job initially was to make the school “go.” I created all the application forms and general framework that allows the
school to function. I built checklists of documents that were needed and then created them. I registered kids. I got trained as a
clinic aide person. I did enrollment, tours, and marketing. It was just me, a business manager, and the Principal in the beginning.
Last year, my focus shifted to clinic and enrollment. This year as the Community Relations and Enrollment Coordinator, my job is to educate and inform the
community about Waldorf education, act as a liaison between the volunteers and the administration and faculty, do the school tours, attend enrollment fairs, assist
in organizing parent enrichment evenings, and help coordinate festivals. My favorite aspect of my job is the community — It’s the parents and the administration
working together to provide a healthy, caring community for our children.
!
What is your favorite event at MPCS?
My favorite festival is the Spiral of Light. It’s simple, beautiful, and quiet. It rekindles the light in your hear to spread outwards.
!
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to travel. You can often find me and my kids German dancing on the weekends, which we’ve been doing together for four years. I also enjoy baking and
reading.
Staff Highlight!
!
Gavin Harrill, School Counselor!
What was your journey to becoming a therapist?
The short answer to this question would be that my parents divorced when I was four years
old. Clearly, it impacted me profoundly to the point that I decided to help others who might be experiencing
a separation or divorce, albeit an unconscious choice as a teenager back when I decided to become a
marriage and family therapist. My areas of expertise are in child and adolescent counseling, in parenting
education, and in relationships; for example, in marriage and "uncoupling" — using the politically-correct
term these days! These attributes make me most prepared to assist your child with any issues s/he may be
experiencing, which may be impacting her or his performance at school.
!
What is your approach as a therapist?
I attended the Adler School of Professional Psychology in downtown Chicago, my hometown. The
Adlerian approach is one that recognizes people as individuals having a purpose in life; is most optimistic
when observing and interpreting people's actions; and is one that believes behavior is goal-oriented. In other
words, the student has a goal in mind that she or he wants to attain when interacting with adults, whether that goal be conscious or unconscious.
Interestingly, Alderian Psychology and its understanding of human behavior is most akin to the Waldorf approach. First, both
systems recognize that every human being — every student — is multi-faceted, containing a body, a mind, a heart, and a soul. Second, both
philosophies highlight that children go through developmental stages into adulthood, and it is in each stage that different learnings, different
awarenesses, and different skills are fostered and perfected. Another similarity is that both encourage the student to develop a sense of
independence, and yet to understand and appreciate their place in our world, which in turn, allows them the freedom to choose their path as an
adult. These are the main common themes, and yet there certainly are more that can be found when comparing the writings of Alfred Adler and
Rudolf Steiner. I could definitely talk for hours on end about these two.
And it's putting these amazingly accurate perceptions into practice that really gets my juices flowing: Discovering ways to gently yet
effectively assimilate these wonderful and amazing philosophies into everyday skills which whole-heartedly encourage the development of a very
well-rounded, conscientious, and socially productive teenager, who is ready to take his or her first steps into high school, on to becoming a welladjusted, young adult able to constructively contribute to our society.
!
What brought you to MPCS? I'm proud to say my daughter attends MPCS. At year #4, we are still a school basically in its infancy. As we continue to progress and assess
exactly how to make this the best school we possibly can, the new administration recognized we — as all schools -- can greatly benefit from a
school counselor who can be more present on campus throughout the day. I am grateful and honored to have been asked to come aboard...and
intend to offer your students and our community the best insight and practical tools that I know to help make their school experience as rewarding
and fulfilling as possible!
!
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy exercising (biking, running, and lifting weights), frisbee golf, meditating, cooking, and spending time with my family. I try to stay as balanced as I can, but with life dishing us all sorts of unexpected “pleasures," that's much easier said than done! I've recently
stepped into expanding the variety of meals I make at home, which has been a real treat: Nurturing this side of myself that not only enjoys
cooking more but finding it easier to listen to my intuition when creating new dishes; for example, when sizing how much curry (or some other
ingredient) to add! My latest recipes I'm tweaking are homemade chai tea (be sure to add the fresh vanilla bean), and homemade hummus!!
Services Offered:
• Conflict resolution
• ICAP introduction to students
and their families (Individual
Career & Academic Plan)
• Student counseling
• General student support
services
!
Contact Gavin at:
[email protected] or
720.722.3687
!!
To learn what challenges need to be addressed,
the first conversation will be between Gavin,
Karen Bailey (the Director of Education), the
student’s guardians, and the student’s teacher.
Next, Karen and Gavin will develop a plan to
approach, address, and resolve the issue. This
plan will then be reviewed with the guardians and
teacher before Gavin and the student meet.
Faculty Highlight!
Joy Wegs, Preschool Teacher in the Sweet Peas Classroom
!
What was your journey to becoming a preschool teacher?
I am certain of one thing about becoming a preschool teacher: this journey has been a meandering journey.
I will give you the short of how I became a Waldorf Preschool Teacher. In Grand Junction, along with a
handful of other dedicated families, I started a small private Waldorf School called River Canyon. This was a
slow process that formerly started with consistent and intense book studies when Aizik was just shy of a year
old. The Waldorf School on the Roaring Fork became our mentor school, and together with the help of many
loving and experienced hearts, we opened as a co-op. After one year we lost an AMAZING teacher (that
same angel that told me about MPCS in a text), and I, the Board President at the time, was the only one with
a Director's License. I had to teach, or we were going to be unable to open the doors. So a very amazing
dad and I co-taught under very intense and precise mentoring! It was unbelievable! I became a LifeWays
Graduate and continued to further my education realizing that this was my home away from home. !
What do you most enjoy about teaching the little ones?
Oh boy, this is a difficult question to answer. Maybe the fact that each child is an open book, so trusting and
so filled with pure enthusiasm. Every day is a celebration when surrounded by young children. They fill my
soul — each and every one of them. !
How did you come to Waldorf?
While Aizik was still in my belly, 11 short years ago (gulp), my husband and I began to panic (literally) about school for our sweet one.
My stepbrother went to Denver Waldorf from Kindergarten through Fifth grade and came to public middle school with me in 6th grade. I
remember him walking around the halls of that crowded school with more confidence and a sense of himself than any other child there. This
was enough to plant the seed for River Canyon School in Grand Junction. !
What brought you to MPCS?
River Canyon School in Grand Junction
decided collaboratively to stay as a mixedaged kindergarten, and since Aizik was going
into first grade, we figured this was our
chance to finally move back to Denver and
be near family. I had a job lined up at
Boulder Waldorf Kindergarten, and Aizik was
enrolled at Shephard Valley Waldorf School.
We thought we had all of our ducks in a row
until we literally were unable to find
anywhere near either school to live. I was not
about to compromise having my boys in the
car for up to 50 minutes each way to school.
I couldn't do it. A sweet angel of a friend sent
me a random text message that read, "You
should look into a charter school called
Mountain Phoenix? Maybe?" I researched it,
called from Grand Junction, talked to Brigitte,
and Aizik filled the LAST FIRST GRADE SPOT!
Brigitte drilled me in her loving way with all
sorts of questions, and then said, “Are you
looking for a job?" The rest is pretty much
history! I was hired 10 days before school
started our first year. My classroom was
without walls, a sink, a toilet, or a floor, but I had a fishy, a huge heart, and five boxes of my boys’ toys to fill the space! !
What do you like to do when you're not teaching?
Well, my favorite past time is YOGA! I teach yoga, I practice yoga, I love YOGA! Of course, I spend time with my family too! We attend
LOTS of sports events, we love Little Man, we hike, we sometimes even watch a movie and enjoy a good pizza! Life is sweet, life is simple, just
as we like it. If you want to know more about my yoga adventures, you can follow me on Facebook @ Joy Wegs Yoga - Community Page or
Instagram @yogawithjoyjoy.
!
Media Mindfulness by Kendell Court, MPCS Parent!
!
When my daughter started Kindergarten at Mountain Phoenix two years ago, I will never forget the discussion we had on Parent Night.
The speaker was talking about television and how it disrupts the imagination. As an example, she used the movie Mary Poppins. For all of us
parents who had seen the movie, we had witnessed the carousel horses come off the track for the fox hunt, the curious handbag that could hold
unbelievable items, and the mysterious nanny who would use magic to help clean a room or travel around through the air with her umbrella.
For someone who has never seen the movie, their imagination would draw a much different picture of what is seen on a screen. Each person
would develop their own sense of who Mary Poppins is and what she looks like. The story their
own mind would make up would be different for each person. When we see it on screen, it takes
away from the magic of the imagination and puts the story into a tiny box where all the characters
and adventures are laid out for you, leaving nothing for the imagination.
Screen time has been scientifically proven to negatively affect children socially, emotionally,
and cognitively. It has been linked to obesity, increased aggression, desensitization to violence,
male and female stereotyping, susceptibility to commercialism and materialism, shortened attention
spans, and a warped sense of reality in children. Teachers will often notice differences between
children who are exposed to media compared to those who have limited exposure or who have
not been exposed at all. The children who have been exposed to media are often seen acting out
what they have seen on the screen and imitating sounds through play. Oftentimes, they possess a
shortened attention span, which makes it harder for them to listen and pay attention to their
teacher.
Waldorf education largely relies on the ability of children to listen to, observe, and absorb
what their teacher is saying and doing and to respond to artistic stimuli. Waldorf schools strongly recommend that parents either eliminate or
limit media in their children’s lives so they can excel in school and develop strong critical thinking abilities. There are a variety of recommended
alternatives to media that not only will help your child to expand their abilities but also strengthen their relationships within their family, friends,
and community. Instead of turning on the TV, try these fun alternatives!
!
Read books together.
Explore nature: Take walks, hike, bike.
Play games! Make a family game night tradition.
Grow a garden.
Volunteer at local organizations, such as food banks, animal shelters or community centers.
Cultivate a hobby together.
Collect or make things together.
Take a class together, such as pottery, yoga, dance or martial arts.
Explore a farmers market or local farm: Pick out items to make a meal together
See a local play.
Host a community potluck.
Take a trip to the library to check out books.
Tell stories to each other or play story games, taking turns adding to a story together.
Visit a museum or art gallery.
Build and create things together with blocks, legos or sticks and branches to make a fort.
Set up a tent in the backyard and have a campout.
Take the same walk everyday and take note of everyday changes along with seasonal changes.
Pack a picnic and head to a park.
Let your child pick a recipe out of a cookbook and let them help make it.
A huge thank you to…
GRATITUDE !!
Suzy Kumley and Sonja Pierce for helping in the main office in the morning.
♥
We give thanks to all of the
talented and giving volunteers
who make up the heart of our
community.
Daddy Glen Arednt for sewing us classroom aprons and to Mama Lori Gray for buying,
cutting, and preparing the materials!!
!
!
!
!
Daddy Brian LaReau for installing all new baseboard trim throughout our classroom.
Daddy Robert Murphy who so graciously provides us with flowers EVERY Monday
morning!
Maia Chavez Larkin for revitalizing the MPCS Facebook Page.
Marnie Michels for being our on-call graphic designer.
Sixth Grade News
by Abby Breeser and Olivia Macleod 6th grade Mr. Anander
Electives!
Main Lesson!
Our sixth grade class is new to middle
!
school. We just finished a Geometry
Some of our electives are
Main Lesson Block. Now we’re studying
chamber music, frisbee
Ancient Rome. Since we studied Ancient
golf, songwriting, origami,
Greece last year, it’s interesting to learn
recorder, and music for the
about the differences in their cultures.
soul.
We are doing Roman marching as well.
!
We are learning how to keep time, and
My name is Olivia and
how to use our staves.
I take songwriting with
Señora Cahoone. We
do lyric/melody writing
with the teacher and
without the teacher.
It’s really fun and challenging.
!
My name is Abby and
I take chamber
ensemble with Mr.
Perez. We are
working
on
challenging pieces of
music, and with such a small group
Classroom Economy!
Our class started a new system called Classroom
Examples of Classroom Economy
!
Economy. It’s like an adult world Fines
for middle schoolers. In this
Break Classroom Rule — $20
we can learn these pieces in three
weeks maximum.
!
!
My name is Gabby
system, our “money” comes from Turn in assignment in wrong format — $50
and I’m in frisbee golf
m o n o p o l y g a m e . W i t h t h i s Failure to turn in assignment — $50
money, which we earn from our
!
jobs, we pay rent for our desk
Bonuses
and locker. If you don’t have
Get a complement from another teacher —
enough money to pay rent, you $200
have to take out a loan from the
bank. Some of the jobs are
bankers, police officers, class
manager, and class custodians.
Get a perfect spelling score — $50
!
with Mr. Erwin. I like
the idea of being
active in an elective.
We get to run around
and choose what we want to hit with
a frisbee. It’s downright awesome to
have fun and be active in frisbee
golf.
Sagres Daily
Mr. Mason’s seventh grade class is no longer just a
classroom. It’s Sagres, Portugal. This year in order to study in
a fun way, our class is now a Portugese ship building
company. When you visit us, feel free to explore our forest,
look at our brand new ship designs, or come into our wood
shop. Students here are encouraged to work hard each week
by being paid guineas for each assignment they complete.
We can then use these to buy things we want. Come by on
Donut Thursday! In Sagres, Prince Henry (Mr. Mason) cares
about each one of us, and Portugal is a place where
Photos taken by Aidan Wesley and Malena Toups
everyone can learn. — Eden Weatherall, 7th Grade
Cape Bojador Explored !
Breaking News! We’ve sailed around the elusive Cape Bojador! Our own
hand-picked sailer, Gil Eannes, sailed past the raging currents that have
consumed so many boats in past voyages. After he sailed past the currents
he sailed south underneath Cape Bojador towards land. He returned to
Sagres and told of this exciting news. With the recent exploration
development, we will be able to travel farther than ever and expand our
maps further than before! The exotic resources we could gather in this new
land will be extraordinary. This news will change future exploration
forever! — Sagres Daily Staff Writer
Editorial Staff for the
Sagres Daily:
Ian Cuypers
Eden Weatherall
Aidan Wesley
Malena Toups
To pick up a copy of the Sagres
Daily, visit the Main Office.
The Newest Boats!
New boat designs are in queue after finding new lands. Our boats
are new and improved in design. Every one of PHN Industries’
finest engineers are working hard at the new Carvel Model. They
are thinner so they can make it through smaller passageways and
shallow waters. The new models have a triangle sail to catch the
wind for easy sailing. With these boats we can make father than
Cape Bojador. — Sagres Daily Staff Writer
Eighth Grade News
Thursday Night Fever
By the time the dance was over, I think
everyone was sick with Thursday night
fever. Other than the awesome disco
dancing, there was food, apple smashing,
and perfect music to set the mood. The
amazing costumes, the great food, and the
disco music made this dance a huge hit!
- Sasha Pettus, 8th grade
Photos by Heather Lee
CLASSIFIED Ads
While we cannot provide endorsements, we do ask you to think of our community first.
If you have an ad, please email an all-text ad to [email protected].
All ads are free but donations are appreciated. Deadline for submission is the last day of each month.
Services
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!
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!
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!
Individualized tutoring in reading for
children in grades 2-5, after school sessions.
Contact Kelly at [email protected]
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!
WINTER IS FOR PLANNING. While the
world slumbers during cold days, its time to
start planning for Spring and Summer Bar-BQues. Julie JorDan is a Landscape Architect
and can help you design your dream
environment. Making spaces for kids,
gardens, bar-b-ques, and hot tubs is not
always as easy, especially in small spaces. I
work with you to make sure everything you
want is there, without breaking your bank
or back. My first visit and consultation is
free. Call me at 720-233-7733 or email at
[email protected].
!
Wave Neurofeedback, LLC, provides
Neurofeedback therapy, qEEG brain
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of treatment. If you are looking for
something with quantifiable results that will
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Call Bridget, a MPCS parent, for a free
consultation at 303-949-6379, wavenf.com.
!
RENEW REJUVENATE REFRESH wit h
Mountain Sun Body and Birth. Autumn is
here and so are MSBB Fall Specials!
Celebrate the change of seasons with epic
savings, just for YOU and your family. Save
$40 when you —
Purchase a 2-pack of 60 minute massages
for only $120 (reg $160) OR Purchase a 2pack of 90 minute massages for only $180
(reg $220). Offer Expires Nov. 25, 2015.
SCHEDULE NOW with Sancken Burgess ,
MPCS Mama, LMT, CLD, PS. Schedule by
calling 303.803.3416 or online at:
www.mountainsunbodyandbirth.com. You
can also download a free app to schedule
directly from your phone.
!
For Sale
Reduce your toxic load! L.C. of Acirema
offers all natural, herbal, spa, baby, body,
and facial skincare products. Check out the
products and much more info here:
www.etsy.com/shop/lcofacirema.
If you
would like product conveniently shipped
directly to your door (USPS), order through
the listed Etsy site. If you would like to pick
up (pick up is located about 4 blocks
outside Old Town Ar vada), save on
shipping, AND get 20% off when you order
$40 or more, email Lori, parent at MPCS, at
[email protected] or call
303.898.3597 for complete details on this
deal.
!
Colder temperatures mean beautiful fall
leaves, harvest time, and unfortunately
colds/flu. DoTerra has a complete line of
immune support essential oils from drops or
beadlets to laundry, hand soap, and all
purpose cleaners. There is also help for
allergies! Check out the website:
www.mydoterra.com/karencumsille. If you
are interested in learning more or would
like information on obtaining wholesale
prices just let me know! — Karen Cumsille
720-261-0180
!
Pre-made or Custom made Waldorf-inspired
crayon pouches for Stockmar block and
stick crayons. Your choice of an 8- or 16crayon pouch depending upon your needs.
Also, they can be for just block or for just
stick, or for both all in one. Materials on
hand are felt and fabric (two-sided
pouches) or you can bring me the material
your child would prefer. $15-25 depending
on style and customization. 100% money
back guarantee. Contact Teresa Aziam at
303-260-9542 or by email at
[email protected] for any questions.
!
We have a small chicken coop along with
metal feeding and watering containers we'd
like to sell. All of it for $150 even. You can
call or text Michelle at 303-921-8564.
Pictures provided upon request. !
Fresh Organic Elderberr y Syrup for
Purchase only $25 for a 16 oz jar.
Elderberry syrup has been used as a
remedy for preventing and recovering from
the flu, colds, excessive mucus, and sore
throats, and contains large amounts of
antioxidants, potassium, beta carotene,
calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin C.
Elderberry does not simply stimulate the
immune system; instead, it modulates the
immune system to more appropriately
respond to environs and circumstance.
Ingredients: Organic Elderberries, Local
Raw Honey, Filtered Water, Ginger,
Cinnamon & Cloves. Produced in small
batches, with love by Jamie Winter;
[email protected] or
720-425-1345.
!
!