OCTOBER 2024 Newsletter
_____________________________________
UPCOMING EVENTS
October 14-31:
Cast your votes for our MVM scarecrow by October 15. Simply scan the QR code at entry and follow the prompts. One of Southern Utah’s most popular fall events, the Scarecrow Walk & Haunted Canyon attracts residents of all ages. The slot canyon will be decorated with a Halloween theme to entertain you during this spooky season.
October 15:
Half Day - Dismissal at 12:00 Lunch will be served, Set your alarms now!
October 16-18:
Fall Break!
October 30:
MVM will be hosting a Trunk or Treat Halloween Eve on October 30th from 5-7pm. Come dressed up and get some candy! Family & Friends Welcome!
October 31:
Halloween Day the students can dress-up during school.
Costumes must not include masks or facepaint, weapons, or weapon-lookalikes. Thank you!
Early Out / Half day - Dismissal at 12:00 Lunch served
9 MONTHS OF SMILES - SWITCHPOINT
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Throughout October, we will be focusing on, Switchpoint for our “Nine Months of Smiles.” The mission of Switchpoint is to empower those in need by addressing the underlying cause of poverty; providing a comprehensive plan, and supporting their journey to self-sufficiency and that every individual embodies their worth and value with self-esteem, hope and abilities restored, thriving in affordable housing. We will be receiving donations and we want to see which class will donate the most!
Needs for Donation:
About Switchpoint:
In 2013, St. George City was seeking a solution for the growing homeless population that often comes with community growth. The current shelter had been utilized to its full extent and was tired, run down and didn’t provide opportunities for anything but a night by night band aid to those who were experiencing homelessness.
An ambitious new vision of an all-in-one resource center for the homeless and others in dire financial straights, Switchpoint, offers case management and a full array of services to try and get struggling individuals and families back on their feet, back to work and back into a home.
Switchpoint Community Resource Center takes a variety of resources available throughout the community and coordinates between different entities to offer more comprehensive help to the homeless and those struggling with poverty. With help from community partners, including charities like United Way Dixie, the Dove Center, and the Salvation Army, as well as governmental agencies such as the Department of Workforce Services, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and Washington County School District, we can proudly say that as a community we are able to be the switch point in someone’s life.
Switchpoint Community Resource Center
At the heart of Switchpoint Community Resource Center, where, at any given time, about 80 individuals, families and veterans are turning their lives around, receiving the community help they need all while getting love and acceptance to help them overcome their past. While searching for a place to call home, they live in a caring environment designed to build up and assist them on their journey to self-sufficiency.
Switchpoint Community Resource Center provides many opportunities for clients to volunteer in their community as well as develop job skills through their on-site emergency food pantry, nearby thrift store and doggy daycare, Bed ‘n’ Biscuits. Switchpoint believes that clients need to earn what they receive. Through volunteering at the shelter, food pantry, thrift store or Bed ‘n’ Biscuits, clients earn Switchbucks that they can accumulate during their stay and redeem for necessary items, such as dress clothes for interviews, basic hygiene items or tokens for use of the on-site laundry facilities.
In 2020 we expanded our services to Tooele and Salt Lake City to address the growing needs there. We are partnering to create deeply affordable housing, building communities that serve the underserved and the most vulnerable.
Beyond food and shelter Switchpoint Community Resource Center is a stepping stone to independence for individuals experiencing homelessness. A switch point is a mechanism on a train track that with a little bit of a turn sends the train in a completely different direction. Switchpoint offers tools to get life back on track for those who need it most.
September 2024 Newsletter
_________________________________________________________________________________________
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
Your children have made such a wonderful first impression. They have been welcoming and brimming with enthusiasm. I feel compelled to make our school great.
As many of you know we are busy with many new programs and initiatives that will benefit your children.
We also have some upcoming events to save on your calendar. On Friday, October 11th, from 9-12 we will have our first Celebration of Learning.
This will include our student’s “Publicly Presented Content” of the learning that has occurred during their first Project Based Unit which is focused on Utah’s history. You won’t want to miss it.
Finally, MVM will be hosting a Trunk or Treat Halloween on October 31st from 4-6pm. More information to come.
In Gratitude,
Brian Clyne, Director
9 MONTHS OF SMILES - RSQ - ANIMAL RESCUE TEAM
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Throughout September, second grade will spearhead a school-wide project focused on animal rescue and welfare. Our goal is to educate our fellow students about the importance of caring for animals and to raise awareness of the wonderful work being done by RSQ. We ask that our school help to donate items or volunteer for this organization! Thank you!
RSQ is to be a voice for the voiceless, bettering the lives of animals in Utah’s rural communities. RSQ is run solely on volunteers and donations with no paid staff. Started in 2017, we rescue animals from underserved areas with few resources for stray and unwanted animals, provide pet food for families in need, and offer low cost or free spay/neuter services when possible. We have also done fundraising to improve the living conditions at the Hildale city impound with insulated dog houses for unclaimed animals during their mandatory stray hold time.
We specialize in taking on extreme medical cases, giving animals a chance when in other situations they would often be euthanized. Many animals that we rescue have serious medical needs, whether it’s from injury, old age, or other conditions. We have seen amazing outcomes when these animals are given a chance.
Every year, we rescue around 500 animals and that number is continuing to climb. And that’s not just dogs and cats! If you come for a visit, you may find pig friends, rabbits, or even ducks! Most of our animals are at our adoption center, but many are in foster as well.
We are always looking for donations, but there are so many ways to help! Volunteers care for the animals at the rescue center, and in foster homes. We look for opportunities to bring animals to events bringing community exposure to our mission. Every Saturday, we hold a volunteer run yard sale to generate funds for animal care. Dog and cat food donations, fresh fruits and veggies for the pigs, towels, blankets, sheets, toys, litter and cleaning supplies are among are biggest needs.
We appreciate this opportunity to bring light to our cause, and collect supplies for our animals in need. If you have any questions, our contact information is available at www.rsqutah.org.
STUDENT AMBASSADORS
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Student Ambassador Program- This program is responsible for fostering school spirit, encouraging student involvement in school activities, and serve as liaisons between the school and the local and global communities. It is led by students in grades 4-7 who choose to join a particular Ambassador group in which they may be interested.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Reminder for Dress Code / Standard :
MVM requires all students to wear MVM school shirts daily as part of the dress code / standard. The outer most layer, while inside the building, will be the MVM branded shirts / sweatshirts. No alterations may be made to the shirts / sweatshirts.
Closed-toed shoes that cover the whole foot will also be required daily. Boots can not be worn when using our Elevated Activities Room. Please avoid having them wear boots. Socks are recommended for all closed toed footwear.
Parents will be called if their children are not wearing MVM tops or outerwear for inside use. Please label your child’s clothing. Lost items will be difficult to identify.
Thank you
Updated Dismissal Procedures:
To enhance safety, security, and organizational efficiency, the school will be locking the front doors during dismissal times. Please note the following schedule:
Monday through Thursday: 2:50 PM to 3:20 PM
Friday: 1:50 PM to 2:20 PM
If you need to pick up your child early, please visit the office before these times.
Please be advised that our office staff will be unable to answer phone calls or respond to texts or emails during those times. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
To ensure a smooth pickup process, please use the appropriate channels:
Drive Line: Follow the designated drive line procedure.
Walker Form: Complete and submit the walker form in advance.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Save the Date
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Sep 12 - Begin Hearing Screening Starts
Sep 19 - Vision Screenings Start
Sep
27 - No School - Teacher Prep
Oct 03 - Picture Day
Oct 11 - 9am-12pm
Celebration of Learning
Oct 15 - Early Out Dismissal Lunch Served
Oct 30 - 4-6pm Trunk or Treat - PTVO
Dear Parents,
We are very excited with what promises to be an extraordinary 2024-2025 school year. Final improvements and “touch-ups” in and around the school will be completed over the next couple of weeks. Our teachers and staff are looking forward to seeing you all.
On Wednesday, August, 7th from 9:00-11:00 am is our Warm Welcome event for families in Grades 1 through 7, Open House style.
The Warm Welcome gives you and your child time to visit the classroom and meet the teacher, drop off supplies, meet our enrichment teachers, and enjoy some ice cream. Please know that much time and thought goes into your child’s class assignment and that we consider it final. The first day of school is Thursday, August 8th.
The following week we will host our Back-to-School-Nights. The Back-To-School-Nights are intended to give you a chance to get to know your child’s teacher and for him/her to relate information about curriculum, communication, and general expectations he/she has for the upcoming school year. It also gives the administrative team a chance to introduce ourselves and give you our vision for the upcoming year. The Back-to-School-Nights will be held on the following dates and will begin promptly at 5:00 pm in the Multipurpose Room. You will then follow your child’s teacher to their individual classrooms. The event should end by approximately 6:00 pm. Mark your calendars.
• Wednesday, August 14th – Back to School Night – 1st through 3rd grade
• Thursday, August 15th – Back to School Night – 4th through 7th grade
In the coming months, I look forward to meeting you and your children. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have.
In addition, I will be offering a series of informal meetings called “Spill the Beans” throughout the year to parents. These will be held in the morning beginning at 8:15 am and the afternoon at 3:15 pm. Coffee and treats will be provided. Our first “Spill the Beans” will tentatively be held on August 27th at 8:15 am. Stay tuned for updates on this event.
Sincerely,
Brian Clyne
bclyne@mvmutah.org
Dear MVM Parents,
We at Mountain View believe that Student Leadership and Service is a crucial part of the educational experience for children. We are now laying the groundwork to put forth a program that will give our students more opportunities to be leaders and to participate in programs that will positively impact our campus, community, and planet.
The programs will manifest themselves in three forms:
Students, parents, and teachers will all be an integral part of creating a community that engages, energizes, and enriches everyone involved.
In addition, we will begin our day with a “Morning Meeting”. 1st-7th grade students will gather in the multipurpose room each morning from 8-8:15. This will be predominantly led by our students.
More information, including sign-ups, will happen during the first two weeks of school.
If you have suggestions for us regarding non-profit organizations or other programs please let us know.
In Gratitude,
Brian Clyne
bclyne@mvmutah.org
Dear MVM Current and Future Families,
In this letter I would like to introduce our co-curricular programs planned for the upcoming school year. Co-curricular programs are sometimes referred as specials or enrichment classes. Beginning this school year they will be called enrichment classes, as they exist to enrich our core subject areas and to enrich the social/emotional state of our school. Building a schedule that includes these enrichment opportunities for your children helps us demonstrate that we care about the “whole”child. A big shout out to teachers for taking on new things. What great role models they are.
Peace Place (6th and 7th grade)
We are excited to introduce a new skill development class at MVM called Peace Place. Peace Place stands for Play, Explore, Appreciate, Create, and Enjoy. This program is designed with the aim of creating an enriching environment where children can grow and thrive.
The activities are designed to encourage curiosity, problem-solving, decision-making skills, and to foster critical thinking abilities essential for lifelong learning.
Hands-on experiences promote practical skills such as cooperation, communication, and responsibility, preparing them for real-world challenges. Cooperative group exercises and role-playing scenarios will cultivate a sense of community among the students, teaching them the value of collaboration and empathy. Taught by Trish Poole.
Art (K-7)
The purpose of Art is to inspire all students to reach their fullest potential by trying hard things and to allow all students to be creative thinkers. Students will also explore the many genres of art and meet many of Art’s Masters to learn about their fascinating lives and artistic impact. Artists will come to life before their eyes as students use multiple strategies to produce creative art projects. Taught by Trish Poole.
Music (1st-5th)
Music enables students to learn about themselves, other people, and humanity in general. Students will be regularly engaged in singing, playing instruments, moving to music, and creating music. Listening to, analyzing, and evaluating music will also be introduced. We plan to have music performances throughout the school year. Taught by Rachel Peterson.
Physical Education (K-7)
The physical education program is responsible for helping students learn the value of activity for health, recreation, social interaction, and more. PE classes teach children skills that they will use throughout their entire lives. Our physical education program will also promote that physical fitness is fun. Finally, our physical education program will always develop, teamwork, sportsmanship and cooperation. Taught by Donald Glover.
Library (K-5)
Our main goals for our Library are to help students find books they're interested in and to encourage students to reach outside of their comfort zone. Students should hear what good reading sounds like by listening to skilled readers reading out loud. Literacy development, including exposure to new word and grammar and expanding their phonological awareness is also stressed. Collaborating with faculty on cross curricular projects is also a focus. Taught by Rachel Peterson.
Leadership (4th-5th)
Leadership and Service are a crucial part of the educational experience for children. This enrichment class will discuss and demonstrate the traits and qualities of a leader and different leadership styles. Students will demonstrate their skills through lots of activities and opportunities to be leaders and serve. Taught by Donald Glover.
Makerspace/Engineering Design (K-7)
A makerspace is an area where users can use tools and equipment to design, build, and create all sorts of different things. Projects range from prototyping product designs with 3D printers, to programming robots, to creating art out of recycled items. Makerspace can be described as a collision of art, technology, learning, and collaboration. The curriculum for the Makerspace program is designed to introduce students to the concepts of engineering through a series of activities. Students will learn the basic mechanics of engineering through hands-on testing and revising their designs using elements of the Engineering Design Process. The school has recently received a grant to help with the purchase of materials needed for this course. Taught by Ivan Amargo.
In Gratitude,
Brian Clyne
bclyne@mvmutah.org
Dear Family and Friends of MVM,
As your new Director, I have many goals for our community that is Mountain View. First and foremost, to be accessible and transparent. I will be in my office or around the school most of the Summer and urge you to stop by or send me an email with any questions you may have. As you wait for the next school year to arrive, please check our website frequently for informational letters that I will post regarding the progress we are making during the summer. These letters will focus on changes or enhancements to our program. This letter is focused on curriculum and curriculum delivery. In other words, what we will teach, and how we will teach it.
Montessori is more than just a curriculum and a curriculum delivery system. It requires a considerable amount of training to become certified and to do it well. Knowing this, we must combine what we already have with a curriculum that brings with it the values of Montessori and be effectively taught by our teachers and staff who do not have this extensive training.
Project-Based Learning is a student-centered curriculum that will complement our Montessori roots. It is the vehicle by which our students will learn 21st Century Skills. It involves students moving from the passenger seat to the driver’s seat. It begins with a driving question that is content-driven. For example, “How does our school impact the environment?”
As students pursue the answer to this question the teacher encourages voice and choice, engages students in in-depth inquiry, incorporates revision and reflection, and celebrates by having it publicly presented. Often this is a celebration in which the students present their completed project to parents, peers, representatives of the community or other interested parties. It is a celebration of what the students have gained in terms of knowledge and skills—and pride.
MVM has already demonstrated a version of this with the Multicultural Market in October.
I strongly believe that the vision we all want for our students can be effectively taught and learned using both of these approaches. After all, look at all the things they have in common.
Montessori and Project Based both focus in on Hands-on activities, independent thinkers, developing the whole child, nurturing natural curiosity and creativity, and the love of learning and collaboration.
Project Based and Montessori learning outcomes include students with better problem-solving skills, keen social-emotional intelligence, self-confidence, and are adaptable and independent learners.
I have experience in Project Based Learning as a teacher, trainer, and as an administrator and will mentor our teachers through the process.
This Fall we will also be introducing a new ELA curriculum. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s, Into Reading. HMH Into Reading uses the latest in literacy research to help ensure our students learn to read and write with confidence. Robust assessment data give teachers the information they need to differentiate reading instruction and better monitor student progress. I also believe the curriculum allows teachers to enhance small-group reading instruction and to support students as they work independently.
In Gratitude,
Brian Clyne
bclyne@mvmutah.org
Mountain View Montessori (MVM) is a K-7 charter school in Washington City, Utah.
Our primary focus is making a free Montessori Education available to as many children in Washington County as possible.
at Mountain View Montessori we desire to:
The Founding Board of MVM started as the shared interests of parents whose children attended the private Dayspring Montessori Educational Center (DMEC) and as a passion to support the Montessori approach and place a high value on choice and affordability in education. Based on the successes seen in their children attending DMEC, the goal of the members of the Founding Board was to extend these opportunities to greater numbers by making an authentic Montessori-based education more widely available in the larger community.
Following thoughtful consideration, it was determined that the charter school model is the ideal choice to accomplish this goal.
The learning environment of MVM is based on the Montessori philosophy because of its emphasis on the development of the whole child.
Maria Montessori recognized that children have an innate desire to learn and, given the proper environment, will thrive intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically. This “prepared environment,” as Dr. Montessori termed it, includes not only the classroom with its materials and authentically trained teachers, but also a social setting and atmosphere where children can reach their fullest potential.
MVM is open to all eligible students, and proudly adopts an educational approach that specifically addresses the community’s diversity to ensure that, truly, no child will be left behind.
At MVM, our vision is to awaken within each child his or her unique potential that will enable them to make a valuable contribution to society.
November 25-29
December 22-January 3