January 2025

"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.

We lost water at Lower El yesterday at 8:30. For a little background....this happened last year and we took every step to make sure it would not happen again. We have insulated and heat wrapped, hay baled and have left our faucets drippy at all times. We even had Rowel's come out in September to see if there was any more we could do. After having frozen pipes again this December, despite all of our efforts, we added a lightbulb for warmth. It is definitely warm down there. But, apparently, not warm enough to handle yesterday's deep freeze.

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.

Ski NH is offering its 4th and 5th grade passports for $59, which allow students to receive one lift ticket to each of Ski NH’s 30 ski areas.

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

Please help make sure your student(s) is/are arriving dressed for the day's weather. We currently have lots of students coming in crocs, sweatshirts, jeans and leggings. Please see the image below to guide your support. And lastly, Kid Yak Tracks/ micro spikes are defintiely a great idea right now. It is pretty slick out there. Thank you!

• 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.

We have also been invited to join the Children's Scholarship Fund, New Hampshire and the National School Choice Awareness Foundation for a school fair in Concord on February 1, 2025 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm! This event is free, family-friendly, features fun entertainment, and will showcase different school and education options including public schools, private schools, and more. Families will get the chance to meet educators and ask questions to help make the best and most informed choice for your family.

Learn more and RSVP to save a spot!

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.