"

“Let the children be free; encourage them; let them run outside when it is raining; let them remove their shoes when they find a puddle of water; and, when the grass of the meadows is damp with dew, let them run on it and trample it with their bare feet; let them rest peacefully when a tree invites them to sleep beneath it's shade; let them shout and laugh when the sun wakes them in the morning as it wakes every living creature that divides its day between waking and sleeping.”

-The Discovery of the Child

• • Mar. 26 Staff In-Service Day- Half day: Dismissal at 11:45am
  • Apr. 2 FC Meeting 3:15 in Brook Trout classroom
  • Apr. 4 Family Friday #2 Book Swap and Bake Sale (1:45-3:00).... NO ASP
  • Apr. 12 Campus Clean Up (9am-1pm)
  • Apr. 16 Staff Meeting- No ASP
  • Apr. 25 Student Led Conferences- No School
  • Apr. 28 – May 2 Spring Recess – No School
  • May Testing Begins- Testing Breakfast
  • May 5 Teacher Appreciation Week
  • May 21 Staff Meeting- No ASP
  • May 23 Staff In-Service Day- Half day: Dismissal at 11:45am
  • May 26 Memorial Day – No School
  • May 30 Popsicle Hike in Fort Creek - Please come welcome some of our new families, enjoy a popsicle and hike the Pink Trail together!
  • June 4 FC Meeting 3:15 in Brook Trout classroom and Virtual

  • June 13* 8th Grade Graduation, Last day of school and Ice Cream

    Social and Art Walk (Snow Days pending)

  • June 16-17 Teacher Days-Closing (Snow Days pending)

• Packing a full set of extra clothes for your student(s) as we enter the wet and muddy Spring season (including shoes) is recommended.
• Layers of clothing make the most sense right now. But, we are still in snow pants and boots. Sneakers on ice are not safe.
• Daily tick checks are SO important, those critters will definitely be out and active soon.
• Tick ID and Info from Jamie https://web.uri.edu/tickencounter/fieldguide/ticks-by-species/?fbclid=IwAR0APs_oX_It-JckyoQs06dP8M7dQAZGZ4B_t1hyrKjLk84ZUGYlzkABHm8
• Consider bug nets for your students to wear over their heads after we return from Spring Break- the black flies are fierce on campus in May.
• Bug spray/sun screen -MVCS will not apply for your student. There are lots of all natural products out there if you're worried about chemicals.
• Please make sure WATER BOTTLES are filled to start the day.

Spring is in the air, which means Family Friday is coming soon! Friday, April 4! Here are the details:

WHAT: CLASSROOM VISITS Join us for all kinds of planned activities. Please check in with the teacher before leaving the classroom.

BOOK SWAP Drop off books at Lower El starting on Monday, March 17. You can leave them in the outdoor shelter. Collecting board books to YA! (You may need ice spikes to get to the shelter!)

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY Can you help set up or clean up? Please let us know! Thank you!

BAKE SALE Fort Creek. This "by donation" Bake Sale supports Teacher Appreciation. If you would like to provide a baked good, or help out please reach

FREE REFRESHMENTS Fort Creek. Have coffee/tea/cider and chat with other families. BYO mug!

WHEN: Friday, April 4, 1:45pm-3pm

PLEASE PARK IN THE UPPER EL PARKING LOT. It may still be slippery in the woods, so don't forget your ice spikes! Plan to leave by 3pm, so that our neighbors at Granite Forged Fitness can use the lot.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

1) If you are attending FF, please let your child’s teacher know when you are leaving the classroom and make sure your child has cleaned up their work and gathered all of their belongings.

2) Once you leave the classroom, you are responsible for your child(ren). To keep everyone safe, school rules and playground boundaries still apply.

3) If your child normally attends ASP, but will NOT be attending on Family Friday, please let Brendan know BEFORE Friday.

Looking forward to seeing many of you there!

Yours,

Family Committee

MVCSfamilycommittee@gmail.com

Here is the link to find out more! https://www.smore.com/n/6bka7

What do I do at a Student Led Conference? How can I best support my child? Check this out! https://tiie.w3.uvm.edu/blog/the-parents-role-in-a-student-led-conference/

We are offering a few fun arts and crafts after school Clubs on a few Thursdays. These clubs are free and this is how it will work:

Thursdays 3:30-4:30

FREE (ASP students will not be charged for that hour)

Open to everyone (not just ASP)

ASP students are priority and will have a chance to sign up first

We will then open it up to the community and make a Wait List for the remaining interested students. It will be first come first serve.

Family Committee will send out the permission, contact and food allergy paperwork to all participating families. Please return to the Burrow asap.

That Day

Club students will attend ASP for snack

From snack, Club students will join the volunteer for the activity and stay in their care and responsibility until 4:30

NOTE: We are keeping the ratio 10:1. An ASP staff member will join when possible.

Location: Brook Trout classroom (tentatively and will depend on club)

Students will be picked up at 4:30 at UE/MS building. Students remaining after 4:45 will join ASP until 5:00.

This Thursday, March 27, we are making Spring Rabbits. Here is the Thursday Club sign up link if you are interested! https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1XZ5kVhMBMRApby2UD-UiRC-Dowq-yNrTk5q15AYciZE/edit?usp=sharing

We would love to keep this program going! More volunteers needed! Interested? Please reach out to Family Committee. mvcsfamilycommittee@gmail.com THANK YOU!!!

Happy Crafting and Huzza for new Clubs!

Merrill, Jenn, Sarah and Brendan

Looking for a way to contribute to this amazing place? Head to our website and scroll down the page. Click on DONATE NOW. https://www.mountainvillagecharterschool.org/

Your one time/monthly donation will go towards general operations which pays for things like Montessori materials, sand/salt stations around campus, field work adventures or additional programming like PE!

THANK YOU!!!!! THANK YOU!!!! THANK YOU!!!!

The next FC Meeting will be Wednesday, April 2 right after school in the Brook Trout classroom. Everyone is welcome! You are welcome to attend virtually as well.

Meeting agenda coming soon!

We ask each family to contribute 40 hours each year. As we begin our fundraising and grant writing efforts to raise money for our new school, we need to start tracking our volunteer hours for matching fund opportunities. Our Volunteer Tracking doc for the 2024-2025 school year will be sent out soon!

Campus Clean Up and Pizza Lunch

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Yj2sj0604dAYcPY8ag6UWZ9SNmDZuSWBY2b6NJFzzAo/edit?tab=t.0

Best,

FC

MVCSfamilycommittee@gmail.com

• If the orange cones are out blocking the bottom of the driveway that means… Please do not drive up.
• Drop Off: Students will be dropped off at the turn around and then hike up. We always have someone at the midway mark up the hill to help out if needed.
• Pick Up: Students will walk down to the cones with their class and be excused from there.
• Please always pull into the turn around area and drive counterclockwise. Pulling all the way up (to the mailbox) is helpful and keeps us from waiting in line on the street. Thank you!

Dear MV Community,

This is to let you know that MVCS will have a puppy on the premises on and off throughout the remainder of the year starting in April. By that time, he will be 4 months old. He is a Golden Retreiver. and he is the brother (different litter) of Toolie! Welcome Rudy!

Rudy will always be crated and/or on a leash in a confined space in one of the offices. There will be signs posted on the doors alerting all visitors that there is a puppy in the space. Feel free to knock if you are feeling unsure or nervous. You may also see the pup out and about on a potty break or two. We wanted to notify you as per our MVCS pet policy.

Yours,

Alfie, Merrill, and Angela

Looking for a way to contribute your 40 volunteer hours at MV?

The Governance committee needs you! Governance is about writing, re-writing and updating MVCS handbooks, policies and procedures. We meet one time a month and then work collaboratively online. Please reach out to Delaney at delaneyc@mountainvillagecharterschool.org if you want to know more.

You are always welcome to attend Board meetings in person or virtually! The next meeting is 4/8/2025 happening at 5:30 in the Brook Trout classroom and virtually. Here is the Zoom link.

Please know that I am always available to chat or to answer any questions you have. Just send me an email and we will set up a time.

-Merrill

OUR MISSION To engage students in experiences that integrate natural environments with a Montessori-inspired curriculum, igniting achievement in academic, social-emotional and physical development.

"We shall walk together on this path of life, for all things are part of the universe

and are connected with each other to form one whole unity."

-Dr. Maria Montessori

• • Mar. 12 FC Meeting 3:15 in Brook Trout classroom
  • Mar. 19 Staff Meeting- No ASP
  • Mar. 21 Family Friday #2 Book Swap and Bake Sale (1:45-3:00)
  • Mar. 26 Staff In-Service Day- Half day: Dismissal at 11:45am
  • Apr. 2 FC Meeting 3:15 in Brook Trout classroom
  • Apr. 12 Campus Clean Up (9am-1pm)
  • Apr. 16 Staff Meeting- No ASP
  • Apr. 25 Student Led Conferences - No School
  • Apr. 28 – May 2 Spring Recess – No School
  • May Testing Begins- Testing Breakfast
  • May 5 Teacher Appreciation Week
  • May 21 Staff Meeting- No ASP
  • May 23 Staff In-Service Day- Half day: Dismissal at 11:45am
  • May 26 Memorial Day – No School
  • May 30 Popsicle Hike in Fort Creek - Welcome New Families
  • June 4 FC Meeting 3:15 in Brook Trout classroom

  • June 13* 8th Grade Graduation, Last day of school and Ice Cream

    Social and Art Walk* (Snow Days pending)

  • June 16-17 Teacher Days-Closing (Snow Days pending)

• If the orange cones are out blocking the bottom of the driveway that means… Please do not drive up.
• Drop Off: Students will be dropped off at the turn around and then hike up. We always have someone at the midway mark up the hill to help out if needed.
• Pick Up: Students will walk down to the cones with their class and be excused from there.
• Please always pull into the turn around area and drive counterclockwise. Pulling all the way up (to the mailbox) is helpful and keeps us from waiting in line on the street. Thank you!

Please reach out if you have any questions. Thank you!

• Packing a full set of extra clothes for your student(s) as we enter the wet and muddy Spring season (including shoes) is recommended.
• Layers of clothing make the most sense right now.
• WATER BOTTLES filled to start the day. Its gonna get hot sooner than later! Please remember to label all gear and water bottles!
• Check in with your kiddos about lunch...Do they need more? etc.

We are offering a few fun arts and crafts after school Clubs on a few Thursdays. These clubs are free and this is how it will work:

Thursdays 3:30-4:30

FREE (ASP students will not be charged for that hour)

Open to everyone (not just ASP)

ASP students are priority and will have a chance to sign up first

We will then open it up to the community and make a Wait List for the remaining interested students. It will be first come first serve.

Family Committee will send out the permission, contact and food allergy paperwork to all participating families. Please return to the Burrow asap.

That Day

Club students will attend ASP for snack

From snack, Club students will join the volunteer for the activity and stay in their care and responsibility until 4:30

NOTE: We are keeping the ratio 10:1. An ASP staff member will join when possible.

Location: Brook Trout classroom (tentatively and will depend on club)

Students will be picked up at 4:30 at UE/MS building. Students remaining after 4:45 will join ASP until 5:00.

Here are the Thursdays we have…..so far.

3/13 - Needle felting with Jen Foley

3/20 - Sew a chicken with Julie Lewis (Cassie and Julia's grammy)

3/27 - Making Spring Rabbits with Janice Dennis (Jada and Julian’s Grandma)

Here is the Thursday Club sign up link if you are interested! https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1XZ5kVhMBMRApby2UD-UiRC-Dowq-yNrTk5q15AYciZE/edit?usp=sharing

Please reach out to Family Committee with any questions! mvcsfamilycommittee@gmail.com

We would love to keep this program going! More volunteers needed! Interested? Please reach out to Family Committee. mvcsfamilycommittee@gmail.com THANK YOU!!!

Happy Crafting and Huzza for new Clubs!

Merrill, Jenn, Sarah and Brendan

The next FC Meeting will be Wednesday, March 12 right after school in Upper El. Everyone is welcome! You are welcome to attend virtually as well.

Meeting agenda

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SOfy_zqv1NNofOkWDiQf5RifVuHjt0h9bKQxcfGvNC4/edit?usp=drivesdk

Family Friday 3/21

Book swap donation collection starts Monday 3/17 at Lower El outdoor shelter

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EFVDtx1erSUtzDxswOsRmH5P6OY-Ybf5vxQyRKole8w/edit?usp=drivesdk

Campus Clean Up

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Yj2sj0604dAYcPY8ag6UWZ9SNmDZuSWBY2b6NJFzzAo/edit?tab=t.0

Just as a reminder, we ask each family to contribute 40 hours each year. Join us and plan out how you might want to volunteer for the remainder this year.

In the meantime, here are some ways to get involved:

• Are you handy? Enjoy fixing things? Delaney is looking to start a Facilities Committee that can help with light maintenance around both schools. Interested? Please reach out to delaneyc@mountainvillagecharterschool.org

And lastly,...

The student directory is here in case you missed it last time!

Please make sure to look it over for any errors and let Jen Foley or Sarah Noel know if you have changed your mind and no longer wish to have your info on it.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VQ2OuYGOlzftYNinkNyO3yX0hF8FdaykdrIcr-CD_OA/edit?usp=drivesdk

Best,

FC

MVCSfamilycommittee@gmail.com

Spring is in the air, which means Family Friday is coming soon! Friday, March 21! Here are the details:

WHAT: CLASSROOM VISITS Join us for all kinds of planned activities. Please check in with the teacher before leaving the classroom.

BOOK SWAP Drop off books at Lower El starting on Monday, March 17. You can leave them in the outdoor shelter. Collecting board books to YA! (You may need ice spikes to get to the shelter!)

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY Can you help set up or clean up? Please let us know! Thank you!

BAKE SALE Fort Creek. This "by donation" Bake Sale supports Teacher Appreciation. If you would like to provide a baked good, or help out please reach

FREE REFRESHMENTS Fort Creek. Have coffee/tea/cider and chat with other families. BYO mug!

WHEN: Friday, March 21, 1:45pm-3pm

PLEASE PARK IN THE UPPER EL PARKING LOT. It may still be slippery in the woods, so don't forget your ice spikes! Plan to leave by 3pm, so that our neighbors at Granite Forged Fitness can use the lot.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

1) If you are attending FF, please let your child’s teacher know when you are leaving the classroom and make sure your child has cleaned up their work and gathered all of their belongings.

2) Once you leave the classroom, you are responsible for your child(ren). To keep everyone safe, school rules and playground boundaries still apply.

3) If your child normally attends ASP, but will NOT be attending on Family Friday, please let Brendan know BEFORE Friday.

Looking forward to seeing many of you there!

Yours,

Family Committee

MVCSfamilycommittee@gmail.com

• Tutor.com offers 24/7 online tutoring, essay drop-off and test prep services for all New Hampshire students in grades 4-12, as well as adult education learners at no cost.

We are currently fully and fabulously staffed! Whoot!

You can find the February and March Head of School Report attached below. Let me know if you have any questions!

Looking for a way to contribute your 40 volunteer hours at MV? The Governance committee needs you! Governance is about writing, re-writing and updating MVCS handbooks, policies and procedures. Please reach out to Delaney at delaneyc@mountainvillagecharterschool.org if you want to know more.

You are always welcome to attend Board meetings in person or virtually! The next meeting is 4/8/2025 happening at 5:30 in the Brook Trout classroom. Here is the Zoom link.

Please know that I am always available to chat or to answer any questions you have. Just send me an email and we will set up a time.

-Merrill

OUR MISSION To engage students in experiences that integrate natural environments with a Montessori-inspired curriculum, igniting achievement in academic, social-emotional and physical development.

"Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve....You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

At 2:00 Delaney and Matt were using a Salamander to add some heat. 4:00- Water returned! We will continue to do our very best to keep it flowing.

• Winter Program... Thursdays January 16, 23, 30 and February 6
• Jan. 15 Staff Meeting- No ASP
• Jan. 20 MLK Day- No School
• Jan. 20 FC Ice skating event 10:00-11:45 (This is MLK Day. School is closed.)
• Jan. 29 Staff In-Service Day-Half day- Dismissal at 11:45. No ASP.
• Jan. 31 Re-enrollment forms are due
• Feb 5 FC Meeting 3:15 in Purple Hall at UE/MS or virtual
• Feb 15 SLA Winterfest 12-3 FREE!
• Feb 19 Staff Meeting- No ASP
• Feb 20 MVCS Exhibition (evening LE 5-5:45, UE/MS 6-6:45)- Yes ASP (3-5)
• Feb. 24–28 Winter Recess – No School

Thank you for making our Solstice celebration full of light and fun!

Exhibitions are a way for students to make their learning relevant and visible by celebrating their knowledge, skills, and experience with a larger audience. Exhibitions are different from a Family Friday event in that students stand with their presentation/work the whole time (45 mins) and share their learning in a variety of creative ways with everyone who stops by. Students are not just sharing with their own family. This wider audience builds community in a completely different way.

MVCS friends, families, and alumni are welcome to join us for an evening of fun and learning! Our Exhibition will be happening on Thursday, February 20.

Times (You are welcome to attend both sessions!)

Lower El 5:00-5:45

Upper El 6:00-6:45

A Few Resources

• The Power of Student Exhibitions https://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/the-power-of-student-exhibitions

• Exhibition and School Culture (1:41) https://hthunboxed.org/videos/exhibitions-school-culture/

• Nominations are now open for the 2026 New Hampshire Teacher of the Year Program. Anyone may nominate an outstanding teacher by Feb. 5. Candidates should demonstrate leadership and be exceptionally dedicated and knowledgeable. The Teacher of the Year will serve as a leader and ambassador for all of the outstanding teachers devoted to the highest level of student learning.

Dear Families,

This is to let you know that MVCS Upper El/MS campus will have a puppy on the premises off and on in the afternoons throughout the remainder of the year. His name is Seger and he is a Golden retriever, Austrailian Shepard mix. He is the 4 month old beloved pet of Steve and Angela.

Seger will always be on a leash with Steve or Angela. There will be signs posted on the doors to the Burrow and the Brook Trout classroom alerting all visitors that there is a puppy in the space. You may also see Seger out and about on a potty break or two. We wanted to notify you as per our MVCS pet policy.

Yours,

Alfie, Merrill, Steve and Angela

The next FC Meeting will be Wednesday, Feb 5th right after school in Upper El. Everyone is welcome! You are welcome to attend virtually as well.

Just as a reminder, we ask each family to contribute 50 hours each year. Join us and plan out how you might want to volunteer for the remainder this year.

In the meantime, here are some ways to get involved:

• Are you handy? Enjoy fixing things? Delaney is looking to start a Facilities Committee that can help with light maintenance around both schools. Interested? Please reach out to delaneyc@mountainvillagecharterschool.org

• The Regatta is back this spring on Saturday May 3rd! The Board is looking for volunteers to help make this event a great time and to help it run smoothly. If you are interested in helping out, here is the sign up

  Regatta Race Day Volunteer Needs

And lastly,...

Getting together with school friends just got a little easier! The student directory is finally ready!

Please make sure to look it over for any errors and let Jen Foley or Sarah Noel know if you have changed your mind and no longer wish to have your info on it.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VQ2OuYGOlzftYNinkNyO3yX0hF8FdaykdrIcr-CD_OA/edit?usp=drivesdk

Best,

FC

MVCSfamilycommittee@gmail.com

• Tutor.com offers 24/7 online tutoring, essay drop-off and test prep services for all New Hampshire students in grades 4-12, as well as adult education learners at no cost.

It is enrollment season. For returning students, your re-enrollment form(s) is/are due Friday, January 31. The form was emailed to you on 1/6 and I have included it here. The pic below is for new interested families. Please help spread the word! Thanks!

We are currently looking for 2 para professionals. And, we are always trying to maintain a robust sub pool. Please reach out to Merrill if you are interested or if you know someone that might be. Thanks!

Every January, National School Choice Week (NSCW) shines a positive spotlight on the K-12 education options available for children and families, including public charter schools! To celebrate our amazing school, we are collecting words and images about why you love Mountain Village here on this Padlet! All you have to do is click the link and follow the directions!

https://padlet.com/mdegraff17/national-school-choice-week-2025-sr2p4afrsggyzns3

Enjoy reading all of the posts! Give a heart if you wish.

You can find the December Head of School Report attached below. Let me know if you have any questions!

Looking for a way to contribute your 50 volunteer hours at MV? The Governance committee needs you! Governance is about writing, re-writing and updating MVCS handbooks, policies and procedures. Please reach out to Kate at katelaucks@mountainvillagecharterschool.org if you want to know more.

You are always welcome to attend Board meetings in person or virtually! The next meeting is 1/14/2025 happening at 5:30 in the Brook Trout classroom. Here is the Zoom link.

Please know that I am always available to chat or to answer any questions you have. Just send me an email and we will set up a time.

-Merrill

OUR MISSION To engage students in experiences that integrate natural environments with a Montessori-inspired curriculum, igniting achievement in academic, social-emotional and physical development.

“The essential thing is to arouse such an interest that it engages the child’s whole personality”

-Maria Montessori

• Nov. 20 Staff Meeting- No ASP
• Nov. 24 FC Lantern Making Event 9-2 in Upper El (Plymouth Holiday Parade Prep)
• Nov. 25 Sign up for Conferences on December 13
• Nov. 27 Half Day-Dismissal at 11:45am
• Nov. 28– Nov. 29 Thanksgiving Recess- No School
  
• Dec. 7 Plymouth Hometown Holiday Parade (5:00) and Festival of Trees
• Dec. 12 Progress Reports will go home
• Dec. 13 Parent– Parent Teacher Conferences- No School
  
• Dec. 18 Staff Meeting-No ASP
• Dec. 19 Solstice Celebration 5:00-6:30, Location TBD...No ASP

We have been reflecting quite a bit with the Plymouth police and fire departments this week. They have shared again and again that our entire community did an amazing job handling this extremely challenging and scary moment. They are grateful.

We really want to learn from this experience and adjust our Emergency Operations Plans appropriately. One of the changes they are encouraging us to make as we move forward is about locking our exterior doors at all times (even when we are not in the building-recess, lunch, drop off and dismissal). They are asking for more trail signage and we are looking into a new emergency communications app. More to come!

We will also be gathering feedback from the MV community. A survey will be coming out from the BoT soon.

I want to tell/remind everyone about how we notify families regarding weather related delays and cancellations. In a nutshell, first we post on WMUR (Typically if SAU 48 has a snow day, so will we!), then we utilize a One Call system and lastly we post on the FB Family Page. We will be running a test for Dial My Calls soon.

Remember, if you want to join the FB closed group, search for Mountain Village Charter Families and ask to join. One of our administrators will get you all set up.

Bring on the snow!

• Please remember to check in at the office upon arrival if arriving late. Thanks!
• Please check the Lost and Found near you! All remaining gear after Wednesday, November 27 will be donated.
• And lastly, please check in regularly with your student(s) about snacks and lunch. Are they happy with their choices? Do they have enough?

We are fully staffed at ASP! Please reach out to Brendan brendan@mountainvillagecharterschool.org if you are interested! Be sure to include what days you are wanting.

The next FC Mtg will be Wed 1/08/2025 right after school in the Brook Trout classroom. Everyone is welcome! You are welcome to attend virtually as well. Just as a reminder, we ask each family to contribute 50 hours each year. Join us and start planning out how you might want to volunteer this year.

In the meantime, here are some festive and fun ways to get involved!

• Save the date Sun 11/24- we will be making lanterns for the Plymouth Hometown Holiday Parade. Come and make your lantern anytime between 9:00-2:00 in the Upper El/Middle School classrooms.
• 12/7 Plymouth Holiday Parade 5:00

Family Committee now has its own email! If you would like to get in contact with Jen Foley or Sarah Noel about Family Committee things, you can now email MVCSfamilycommittee@gmail.com

The cold has arrived! It is time to gather up your layers and cold weather gear. Here is what you will need:

Insulated boots, winter coat, waterproof mittens or gloves, scarf/neck cover, hat, snow pants, wool/fleece socks. Taking the time to thoroughly dry these items each night will help immensely in the morning.

Right now, students also need to have…

• A full change of clothes that's appropriate for the colder weather- long sleeves, socks, pants
• A full change of outer gear in case they get wet
• This could look like a pair of pants, rain pants, and rain jacket or some type of water resistant layer.

Please do not rely on our spare gear as your child's back-up.

You can find the November Head of School Report attached below. Let me know if you have any questions!

Looking for a way to contribute your 50 volunteer hours at MV? The Governance committee needs you! Governance is about writing, re-writing and updating MVCS handbooks, policies and procedures. Please reach out to Kate at katelaucks@mountainvillagecharterschool.org if you want to know more.

You are always welcome to attend Board meetings in person or virtually! The next meeting is 12/17/2024 happening at 5:30 in the Brook Trout classroom. Here is the Zoom link.

Please know that I am always available to chat or to answer any questions you have. Just send me an email and we will set up a time.

-Merrill

OUR MISSION To engage students in experiences that integrate natural environments with a Montessori-inspired curriculum, igniting achievement in academic, social-emotional and physical development.

“The essential thing is to arouse such an interest that it engages the child’s whole personality”

-Maria Montessori

• October 2 Family Committee Meeting in the Brook Trout classroom
• October 3 SMILE!!!! Picture Day
• October 10 Make Up Picture Day
• October 11 Goal Setting Conferences
• October 14 NO SCHOOL- Indigenous People's Day
• October 16 Staff Meeting- No ASP
• October 18 Winter Gear Swap, Family Friday and Family Committee Bake Sale 1:45-3:00pm
• October 23 Half Day, 11:45 pick up for Professional Development... No ASP
• October 31 All School Halloween Festival (More details to come!)
• November 2 FC Halloween Festival in Fort Creek 1:00-3:00

Drop off- 7:45-8:15: Lower Elementary—Please use the lopp at the bottom of the driveway if your student needs extra time to get ready. Thanks!

Pick up- 2:45-3:00pm: Please remember that on days that we do not have ASP, the line is a little longer.

Paperwork for Admin must be submitted in an envelope. Checks need to be attached to paper accompanying it. A new lock box system is coming for MVCS instead of handing to a person at drop off/pick up.

Emailing about an early pick up? Please know.... same day notification is best.

LE email teacher, Merrill and Angela

UE email teacher, Alfie and Angela

Students will wait in the office closest to them (Train Car and the Burrow)

Reminder-If you are getting a hot drink or breakfast on the go. Please finish drink and breakfast before getting out of the car. You are welcome to pull over either at the bottom of the hill at Lower El or in the parking lot at Upper El.

Winter is coming. Please check temps for school in Plymouth before heading out. Shorts are great for a warm toasty car but not great for Fort Creek. Please have kiddos bring layers for the cool cool mornings and the summer like afternoons. PLEASE LABEL ALL GEAR.

Please check in with your student(s) about snacks and lunch. Are they happy with their choices? Do they have enough? We are noticing that some students are still hungry after lunch and may be needing a little more.

We are fully staffed at ASP! Please reach out to Brendan brendan@mountainvillagecharterschool.org if you are interested! Be sure to include what days you are wanting.

The next FC Mtg will be Wed 10/2 right after school in the Brook Trout classroom. Everyone is welcome!

• We ask each family to contribute 50 hours each year. Join us and start planning out how you might want to volunteer this year.

MVCS hosts 2 Family Fridays a year. Family Fridays are an opportunity for families to visit their children's classrooms, inside and out, and to get to know other MVCS families. Upon arriving, you will first head to your child(ren)'s indoor classroom(s) where you will meet your child and they will tour you through their work spaces. After this visit, please "check out" with your child(ren)'s teacher to let them know you are leaving. Please make your way to Fort Creek (your child will show you the way!) to share some cider and coffee with other families and to visit the Family Committee's Bake Sale.

All parking for Family Friday should happen in the Upper Elementary parking lot (the lot we share with Granite Forged Fitness), where you can walk through Fort Creek to Lower El (if your child is an Eaglet or Sapling). Follow the signs! We share the parking lot with Granite Forged Fitness and they have posted parking spaces for their members; their Friday class begins promptly at 3:00pm. Thanks!

Please remember that if you come to FF, you are responsible for your child(ren), so please make sure they follow school rules regarding behavior and property boundaries. Also, afterschool program starts at 3pm- please keep your child with you at that time, so the school knows who is going to the afterschool program.

The cold is creeping in! It is time to think about layers and cold weather gear.

Right now, students need to have…

• A full change of clothes that's appropriate for the colder weather- long sleeves, socks, pants
• A full change of outer gear in case they get wet
• This could look like a pair of pants, rain pants, and rain jacket or some type of water resistant layer.

Gathering Up Your Winter Gear? Here is what you will need:

Insulated boots, winter coat, waterproof mittens or gloves, scarf/neck cover, hat, snow pants, wool/fleece socks. Taking the time to thoroughly dry these items each night will help immensely in the morning.

Please do not rely on our spare gear as your child's back-up.

“Hey Ya!”

Music classes are getting into full swing! We are very excited to be starting the music classes and have been very happy with the response of our students.

Our overarching themes across the ages is the idea of active listening! We want our students to not just hear music but to be able to think about and reflect on what they are hearing! As the year goes on this will continue to be a focus in our classes.

Lower Elementary: Saplings and Eaglets learned that there is music and sound in the natural world! We went out into the woods and had a musical jam session using just items we found in nature! There were stick drums, pinecone violins, rock cymbals, and leaf and dirt maracas! The creativity of the students was on full display!

We continued the exploration of musical instruments by building shakers and learning about different hand percussion instruments!

Upper Elementary: Loons and Black Bears also got to explore the natural sounds of the world around them by having their own outdoor jam session! We have seen several students continue to experiment with sounds in nature during recess over the last couple of weeks.

We are starting to learn the basic components of music - this week with Boomwhackers! Students are experimenting with rhythm, pitch, melody, and harmony. From this starting point we will jump into different types of instruments, music from different cultures and time periods, and even experiment with some music composition!

Middle School: The Brook Trout are in the planning stages for some amazing musical projects! In addition to building on musical concepts from Lower Elementary - we are also integrating more music technology and media into the curriculum; to start off the year we are studying the power of music in movies and television in preparation for the Brook Trout to film/edit/produce their own lip sync videos, short documentaries, and to compose, record and produce their own music.

We will also be doing cultural deep dives into music month-to-month, watching and discussing musicals, and incorporating active listening to a variety of music into our weekly curriculum.

If you have any questions or suggestions about music please feel free to email Brendan and Michael during school hours! Thank you!

“Bye, Bye, Bye”

Here is the September Head of School Report. Let me know if you have any questions!

You are always welcome to attend Board meetings in person or virtually! The next meeting is 10/15/2024 happening at 5:30 in the Brook Trout classroom. Here is the Zoom link.

Please know that I am always available to chat or to answer any questions you have. Just send me an email and we will set up a time.

-Merrill

OUR MISSION To engage students in experiences that integrate natural environments with a Montessori-inspired curriculum, igniting achievement in academic, social-emotional and physical development.

Good afternoon MV,

What a beautiful day here on campus, it definitely feels like fall. It has been a great week. We have been exploring our classroom spaces inside and out, reconnecting with friends and making new ones, figuring out new routines and thinking a lot about what it means to be part of a learning community. We are off to a great start.

Here are a few things to know!

• Aug. 30 Labor Day Weekend Begins- No School
• Sept. 2 No School
• Sept. 3 After School Program (ASP) Begins
• Sept. 4 FC Meeting 3:15 @ Lower El Picnic Tables
• Sept. 7 Plymouth Town-wide Yard Sale (FC Fundraiser)
• Sept. 12 MVCS Open House (evening), LE 5-5:45, UE/MS 6-6:45 (Parents and Caregivers only)
• Sept. 18 Staff Meeting- No ASP
• Sept. 21 SLA Paddle 1-4 (FC event)
• Sept. 27 Staff In-Service Day- Half day Dismissal at 11:45am- NO ASP

Drop off- 7:45-8:15, we expect every student to be on campus and ready to start the day by 8:15

Lower Elementary— For the start of the year, the admin team will meet families halfway down the driveway, or for those who are returning families, at the usual afternoon pick up place until everyone gets used to pausing and waiting for space at the top of the driveway. The location will be marked with an orange cone. We will send you up the driveway where someone will greet your student as they exit the car and point them in the right direction. Teachers will be out to greet everyone. Adults, please do not exit your car during drop off and please try to arrange for your student to exit the right side of the car. There is a space to pull into at the bottom of the driveway if you want to get out for a goodbye hug before you get in line.

Upper Elementary— Admin will meet families at the back of the parking lot in a space marked with a cone. Students will exit the car, on the right side if possible, and teachers will be available to lead them in the right direction as they enter Fort Creek. Adults, please do not exit your car during drop off. Feel free to pull over in front of the school for a goodbye hug before you get in line.

Pick up- 2:45-3:00pm:

Lower Elementary -- Admin will meet families halfway down the driveway, or for those who are returning families, at the usual afternoon pick up place. The location will be marked with a cone. We will radio to the teachers waiting at the top, send cars up three at a time and a teacher will escort your child to the car. Please do not park and get out, this is a rolling pick up. It would be very helpful for us if families made a sign with their students' names and put it on their visor, so that we can easily identify you and your vehicle. We'll get to know cars and faces soon- promise!

Upper Elementary – A group of teachers will meet cars at the back of the parking lot in a space marked with a cone. We will radio to teachers in Fort Creek, who will send the students out to the waiting cars. Please do not park and get out, this is a rolling pick up. It would be very helpful for us if families made a sign with their students' names and put it on their visor, so that we can easily identify you and your vehicle. We'll get to know cars and faces soon- promise!

Thank you to everyone who came to help out the Saturday clean up! It was fun to be together and the school looks amazing. We are all super grateful.

First FC Mtg of the year will be Wed 9/4 right after school in the Lower El picnic table area. Everyone is welcome!

• We ask each family to contribute 50 hours each year. Join us and start planning out how you might want to volunteer this year.

Here are the sign up sheets for volunteering at the yard sale and the Squam Lake Paddle sign up!

Town Wide Yard Sale Sat 9/7

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pHZvvxAFxXhv3wO1JqOK86vVD68E7apU-UE0cbAV5Zk/edit?usp=drivesdk

Squam Lake Association Paddle Sat 9/21 from 1-4

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1T0WLUM6n76sZFQj2moqAyWTk9rDuldNL2_FbjfNIL6k/edit?usp=drivesdk

Oakie Order Info

We will be sending out an email with information on how to order on Monday 9/9 and will take orders through 9/15. Check out Oaki.com to prepare for your order.

For this annual event, MVCS runs a community yard sale at the Plymouth home of Alfie, our amazing administrator. You can help in TWO ways:

1. Donate some high quality items to the yard sale! An attempt will be made to donate anything remaining, so please only donate High Quality Items that we have a good chance of selling.

We will NOT accept adult clothes, VHS tapes, or cassette tapes.

Hot sale items- everything in at least ‘very good condition’: children’s clothes and footwear, furniture, baby items, pretend play toys, sports equipment (not old or dated), pet items, newer kitchen equipment, newer electronic equipment.

FYI- the Family Committee will be hosting a Winter Gear Swap in October for our families. Please hold on to any gently used boots, coats, hats, snow pants, etc. for our swap, so that families can “fill in the gaps” for their kids’ winter apparel.

Items for the yard sale can be dropped off at Alfie's house (9 Maple Street, Plymouth), beginning Wednesday, September 6th through Friday the 8th, between the hours of 5pm-7pm. DO NOT leave items in her driveway.

Or...There will be a trailer in the Upper El parking lot beginning Tuesday, September 3rd for donation drop off.

2. Volunteer at the yard sale

Meet new people and work some of your volunteer hours! We need people to help set up, sell, and clean up. Please see the sign up sheet below.

In the past, the children of volunteers have run a small bake sale / lemonade stand in concert with the yard sale. If you have a child who would be interested in participating in this, please sign them up along with you. FC will be happy to solicit donations for the bake sale if we have enough student volunteers.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pHZvvxAFxXhv3wO1JqOK86vVD68E7apU-UE0cbAV5Zk/edit?usp=drivesdk

Be sure to reach out if there are any questions,

Family Committee Team

Jenn and Sarah

We still have a few openings. Please spread the word! I am looking for the following...

• Lower El Assistant
• Upper El Assistant
• 2 ASP Staff (3:00-5:00 any day of the week M-F or all week)
• 10 Subs ($15.00 hourly rate, as needed)

If you are interested or know someone who might be, please please please reach out to Merrill at merrill@mountainvillagecharterschool.org. This is a fantastic place to work!

Gretchen is looking for smocks and aprons for UE/MS art. There is a box in the Burrow if you have one to donate! Thank you!

Here is Pauline's Amazon Wish List for Lower El Art if you would like to contribute.

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1BE6RJNRU8Z0P?ref_=wl_share

Thank you!!!!!!

Thank you for your time and we look forward to hearing from you,
Brendan and Michael

*Meet your Music Teachers:
Brendan Adams:
Brendan comes from a musical family and found his passion for music from a very young age. His main instrument is Saxophone which he has played since 5th Grade. Brendan has played in a variety of ensembles including community concert bands, jazz big bands, pit bands for musical theater and marching bands. His favorite genres of music include rock, jazz/funk, and musical theater. Brendan also dabbles in music arranging, creating arrangements for small instrumental groups and medleys of popular songs.

Michael has been a musician since a young age, beginning his musical journey on piano, and ultimately majoring in percussion and pedagogy, and music therapy at Plymouth State. He brings a hybrid musical experience ranging from high school jazz band to numerous band/solo projects. A wildly diverse musical taste; he enjoys Taylor Swift as much as Dragonforce. In his free time he enjoys busking and arranging. Favorite musical pass time; Car Karaoke belting out KPOP/boy band hits.

Our beautiful and unique school pictures are scheduled with, MVCS Assistant, and photographer Jim Napier for the morning of Thursday, October 3rd with a makeup/ rain date of Thursday, October 10th. Students will be photographed in our outdoor classrooms and everyone will receive a complimentary class picture.

Please print and complete the order form attached below, or ask us to give you a hard copy, and return it and your payment in full, to the office by Monday September 23rd.

Let us know if you have any questions!

We currently have a great Animals on Campus policy but last year we took this even further and now have a Therapy Dog policy. My pup Tulip (aka Toolie) is slowly heading in this direction. She has.....

• passed her puppy training course at White Mountain Pet College
• passed her 2 Foundations classes at White Mountain Pet College
• has her shots up to date
• and is in excellent health

This summer, she has learned how to come from a great distance, to "stay with me" when passing folks in a store or on a walk, and to have "loose leash communication" while on a walk. She is now 56 pounds of pure love!

Toolie will be on campus occasionally through the year on Thursdays or Fridays. She will be in an office space and on a leash at all times. Signs will be posted on office doors as always. We will take walks through campus to visit everyone and there will be a schedule for interested students to have a little supervised time with her.

In November, she will take the "Good Citizen's" test to see if she is eligible for the therapy dog training! I will keep you posted!

Hi MVCS,

Our indoor spider plants are having "babies" galore right now (pic below). There are about 15 of them. Would this interest any of you?

Once I cut off the babies, you'd simply "hang" them in glasses of water or small vases to root. Which is cool for kids to watch the root growth progress. Then, once they have roots then can be planted in small pots with drainage rocks and soil. They're super low maintenance from there and maybe by spring will have "babies" of their own!

Let me know if you are interested and I can send them in. Thanks!

Allie Stoddard (a family in the Eaglets)

a.q.stoddard@gmail.com

Here is the August Head of School Report. Let me know if you have any questions!

You are always welcome to attend Board meetings in person or virtually! The next meeting is 9/17/2024 happening at 5:30 in the Brook Trout classroom. Here is the Zoom link.

Please know that I am always available to chat or to answer any questions you have. Just send me an email and we will set up a time.

-Merrill

OUR MISSION To engage students in experiences that integrate natural environments with a Montessori-inspired curriculum, igniting achievement in academic, social-emotional and physical development.