Volunteers
My mom was a teacher, so growing up, I learned that when it came to school, always say yes to donations, and always say yes to volunteers. Let the question of what to do with the donation or person answer itself…
Ask the Girl
My son is four. He’s known for a lot of things—his boundless energy, his enthusiasm for life and the people he loves, his adventurous spirit and the way he wakes up ready to attack the day with gusto. But self-control? Yeah, he’s not known for that. Impulse-control? Not his strong suit. A gentle, tentative, approach to life? Not my kid…
Transylvania Vocational Services and Mountain Sun Students Team Up with Books
Transylvania Vocational Services (TVS) and Mountain Sun Community School have teamed up to create a Reading Buddy program that allows first through third graders (Acorns) to connect with TVS clients through reading and storytelling…
Celebration
‘Tis the season for traditions. Those look very different for everyone. Even with all our difference, we can all feel comfort and connection knowing those around us can all find joy in this cold, dark season. As our Thanksgiving gatherings pass and we get closer to the shortest day of the year we look forward to more reasons to be with friends, family and take time to enjoy good food with them…
Peaceful Conflict Resolution Workshop
Recently, parents of students at Mountain Sun Community School participated in a peaceful conflict resolution workshop. Parents acted out scenarios and were given guidance from three MSCS teachers on how to handle conflict peacefully…
Celebration of Life
Birthdays are special for children and adults alike. I have fond memories of birthday celebrations at home with friends and families. I remember eating homemade cake and bobbing for apples on one particular birthday…
Parent and Teacher Conferences
It is finally that time of year! This time of year offers an opportunity for the Owl class to take a deep breath and realize that the school year is in full swing and to relax into it. For the teachers, it is also a time to trust that there are still plenty more hours and days for all of the teaching that feels so vital and crucial to happen…
The Capacity to be Kind
I believe that everyone has the capacity to be kind. When working with some of my toughest students in wilderness therapy, this belief may have been momentarily challenged, but in the end I was amazed at how often, when given the chance, individuals will choose to be kind…
Raising Monarchs
As a teacher, sometimes you feel a calling in your inner core towards something you must do in the classroom. This summer, I began dreaming about Monarchs. While I dream about students quite often, I’m referring to actual Monarch butterflies. Ever since we named the Monarch class in 2009, I’ve collected Monarch paraphernalia, mostly as gifts from students or parents or friends…
Circle Time
Here at Mountain Sun Community School, we like to make circles. This shape is inclusive and lets you see those around you. We are a community made up of all kinds of people with different experiences and ideas. These circles are used to give everyone the chance to hear others and to be heard by others…