The Mountain Vista Voice
(Parent Newsletter) September 2026
Principal's Post
Ram Fam,
What an incredible first month back at Mountain Vista Community School! Our students have brought energy, excitement, and pride into our building, and we are already seeing our theme, “Success Is a Journey,” come to life. Our first House Assembly was a hit, and students are already earning House points and rewards while building connection, belonging, and Ram pride!
As we continue the journey, we encourage every student to find a way to get involved—whether through athletics, clubs and activities, or the arts. Some of the most meaningful school experiences happen when students discover a new interest, take a risk, build relationships, and find a place where they belong.
Families are an important part of this journey, too! We invite you to join us for Walkthrough Wednesdays, participate in our Parent Advisory Committee, or volunteer through our VIP (Very Important Parent) organization. Your voice, presence, and partnership make our school stronger.
Stay connected! Please make sure you have access to ClassDojo, our primary two-way communication system for families and staff. If you have not received your invitation or need help getting connected, please reach out to ClassDojo support so you don't miss important updates and opportunities by emailing hello@classdojo.com
The first month has been an incredible and we're just getting started! We look forward to keeping this momentum going throughout the school year as our students learn, grow, connect, and discover just how far their journey can take them.
Rise Up, Rams!
With gratitude and excitement,
Dr. Nicole Paxton
Principal
First Days of School
- Sept. 1-5 Eye Love Care
- Sept. 4 Janet Valez Day Wear Purple and Tie Dye
- Sept. 8 Snack Shack Opens in the Cafeteria for MS
- Sept. 15 Influeced Presentation for MS
- Sept. 16 C/S Utilities Guest Speakers with Ms. Avant
- Sept. 17 Fire Factor Awareness Presentatin for K, 2, 4, and 6
- Sept. 18 RAMS Reps
- Sept. 26 CAMLE Conference at MVCS
- Sept. 28 Hispanic Heritage Spirit Week
- Oct. 1 Bubba's 33 Family Night
- Oct. 2 Rocket Day for 5th Grade
Student Attendance Reporting Link
We’ve made reporting your student’s absence a simple process. Feel free to call our main line at 719-527-3400 or use the link to report an absence. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsbwK84eCHa_Xof8TYvPmuvHq2AnavEDHly08b57lmfQkihA/viewform
Student Voice
RAMS Reps!
Our first Rams Reps meeting will focused on the theme “Starting Strong!” Student representatives in grades 3–8 shared what has helped them feel welcomed and successful during the first weeks of school, as well as what has felt confusing or challenging. We will meet with this group of students throughout the entire first semester and they will serve as Ambassadors for ideas and changes they would like to see schoolwide. ❤️💙
Our goal is to identify opportunities to strengthen the start-of-school experience for every Ram. Student voice matters, and their feedback will help us continue creating a school where students feel welcomed, connected, supported, and ready to succeed!
Parent Advisory Committee
We're excited to continue our Parent Advisory Committee after a successful year of collaboration and positive impact on our school community! We will meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 3:00 PM.
Last year some of the work including revamping our Brotherhood program, updating maps and videos for our pick up and drop off lanes, adding a Halloween Parade, ensuring our staff gets trained by the nurse on various topics.
This year parents shared that they would like to focus on communication with transportation, supporting teachers, parent appreciation, volunteering opportunities, fundraising and more!
The committee brings parents/guardians and our administrative team together to share ideas, feedback, and insights that help shape decisions at Mountain Vista. Your voice truly makes a difference.
Can't attend in person? We'll offer a virtual option or share meeting notes so you can stay informed.
We look forward to partnering with you this year!
If you're interested in joining or would like to learn more, please reach out to Dr. Paxton at npaxton@hsd2.org. We look forward to partnering with you!
Very Important Parents (VIPs)
Our VIPs program is all about building a stronger connection between MVCS families, staff, and students. VIPs will have opportunities to support school events, share ideas, volunteer, and help make Mountain Vista an even better place for our Rams!
📅 First Meeting: September 9, 2026
🕒 Time: 3:00 PM
📍 Location: Mr. James’ Office
Walk Through Wednesday
👀 Go Behind the Scenes at Mountain Vista! 🐏
Thank you to the parents who joined us for the first Walkthrough Wednesday! We were able to visit several classrooms and give parents a behind the scenes look at the student experience!
On the first Wednesday of each month, a small group of parents will have the opportunity to:
🏫 Visit classrooms in action
💬 Engage in conversations about school culture
🤝 Learn more about community involvement
✨ Get a firsthand look at teaching and learning at Mountain Vista
Space is limited each month to keep the experience personal and interactive.
📋 Check out the flyer and sign up today—we'd love to have you join us!
Class Dojo
Stay Connected This Year!
This year, all K–8 classrooms at Mountain Vista Community School will be using ClassDojo as our primary two-way communication tool between families and school staff.
You should have received two emails from Harrison School District 2 with instructions on how to create and connect your ClassDojo account. If you haven't had a chance to set it up yet, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible so you don't miss important updates.
Through ClassDojo, you'll receive classroom news, school announcements, reminders, photos of learning, and have an easy way to communicate directly with your child's teacher. We are excited to use this platform to strengthen our partnership with families and keep everyone informed throughout the school year.
If you need assistance setting up your account, please don't hesitate to contact hello@classdojo.com — we're happy to help!
Athletics and Activities
🏐🏃♂️🏈 Rams Athletics Are Underway!
Volleyball, Cross Country, and Football have officially started! Be sure to check ClassDojo, Facebook, and our MVCS Athletics page for the latest game days, times, and athletic updates.
Come out, show your Rams pride, and cheer on our athletes! Let’s Go, Rams!
Athletic Registration System – Bound
We are excited to announce that Mountain Vista Community School will be using Bound, our new online athletic registration platform, for the 2026–2027 school year.
Here is the BOUND Registration Link: https://www.gobound.com/co/schools/mtnvistacs
What Is Required to Participate?
To be eligible to participate in athletics, students must complete the online Bound Athletic Registration before the first day of their sports season.
Registration includes:
✅ A current sports physical that clears your student to participate
✅ Parent/Guardian Permission to Participate
✅ Emergency Contact and Insurance Information
✅ Agreement to the Athlete & Parent Handbook
Please Note: All required forms must be completed and submitted through Bound before the start of your student's athletic season. Students will not be eligible to participate until all requirements have been met.
Need Assistance?
If you have any questions or need help with the registration process, please contact:
Leroy James - ljames@hsd2.org
BOUND English Registration Information - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GPQTGdDjOv-LFF_f7b8xjSFIFWgs33s2/view
BOUND Spanish Registration Information - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VID3iL6RFucZf6aRG4atn6pbDGGE2yNo/view
Go Rams!
Discover the Fun Beyond the Classroom at MVCS!
Here are the clubs currently in session at MVCS:
- Drama Club - Ms. Hughes
- Tech Theater - Ms. Highfield
- RC Club - Mr. Valdez
- Dyslexia Club - Ms. Calhoun
- Folklórico Club - Ms. Vedoy and Ms. Sifuentes
- Tobacco Awareness Club - Ms. Mabida
- Lego Club - Ms. Valoroso
- Yearbook Club - Ms. Bala
- RPG Club - Mr. Samayoa - (K-8)
- Talent Show Club - Ms. Hughes (K-8)
Students of the Month
August Students of the Month!
We are proud to celebrate our August Students of the Month, recognized for demonstrating one of our RAMS values: RESPECT!
These outstanding Rams received:
A free meal from Raising Cane’s
A special goodie bag
Their picture displayed in our front office
Recognition on our school announcements and social media
Kindergarten Noah Vazquez.
1st Grade Anella Soto
2nd Grade Joshua Ruvalcaba Ranuelos
3rd Grade Felomina Mabida
4th Grade Londyn Cruz Mobley
5th Grade Charlye Thompson-Freeman
6th Grade Zoey Holifield
7th Grade Jack Montoya
8th Grade Soraya Kalala Kumbi
Congratulations to our students for showing what it means to be Respectful each and every day! Keep leading the RAMS way!
#MVCSRams #StudentsOfTheMonth #Respect #RAMSValues #StudentRecognition #SuccessIsAJourney #RamsLeadTheWay
RAMS Reach New Heights of Generosity
💙 Our Ram Fam Continues to Feel the Love! ❤️🐏
We are incredibly grateful for the families, community members, businesses, and organizations who have already stepped up to help us celebrate our amazing MVCS staff! From meals and treats to tickets and special experiences, every donation gives us another opportunity to recognize the people who pour so much into our students each day.
A huge RAM-sized thank you to everyone who has supported our staff so far:
⚽ Lynnnea Standley — Switchbacks Merchandise
🎭 Elyce Gronseth — Ent Center for the Arts Tickets
🎶 Debby Brunette — Colorado Springs Philharmonic Tickets
🎟️ Dave Namesnik — Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts Tickets
🚀 Anne McGrath — Space Foundation Family Tickets
⛪🥯 Springs Community Church — Bagels for Breakfast
🍩 Krispy Kreme — 4 Dozen Donuts
❤️🐏 The Hayes Family — Lanyards for Staff
🍔 Bubba’s 33 — Free Meal Vouchers for Students
🥤 Raising Cane’s — Free Meal Vouchers for Students
🐔 Chick-fil-A — Free Meal Vouchers for Students
🛋️ The Dunnigan Family — Helping Stock the Staff Lounge
🚂 Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway — Free Tickets
🍔 Red Robin — Free Meal Vouchers for Students
These donations help us surprise, recognize, and celebrate our staff throughout the year and remind them that their work is valued far beyond the walls of our school. Thank you for investing in our Ram Fam and helping our herd climb higher! 💙❤️🐏
🌟 Know a business, organization, community member, or family who would like to support staff appreciation at MVCS? We’d love to connect!
Have Questions or Want to Stay Connected?
We’re always happy to hear from our MVCS families! Whether you have a question, suggestion, or just want to stay in the loop, here’s how you can reach us:
🌐 Website: https://mvcs.hsd2.org/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mvcsrams/
📞 Office/Attendance: 719-527-3400
📞 Registrar: 719-527-3407
📞 Nurse: 719-527-3410
🏫 Visit Us: 2550 Dorset Drive / Colorado Springs, CO 80910
Thanks for being a part of the Mountain Vista Community School family!
Dr. Nicole Paxton, Principal
📧 Email: npaxton@hsd2.org
Mr. Aaron Vandewarker, Elementary School Assistant Principal
📧 Email: avandewarker@hsd2.org
Mr. LeRoy James, Middle School Assistant Principal
📧 Email: ljames@hsd2.org
Ms. Emily Davis, Elementary School Counselor
📧 Email: edavis@hsd2.org
Mr. Ron Keels, Middle School Counselor
📧 Email: rkeels@hsd2.org