Festival of Strength and Courage
On Friday, September 24, our school will celebrate the Festival
of Strength and Courage. This annual autumn dragon festival celebrates
the decline of the light, the increasing forces of the darkness
and the need for each person to find the courage and inner strength
to encounter the darkness.
The ancient story of St. George fighting the dragon and rescuing
the princess is often used as a ‘leit motif’ behind
the festival. Conquering fear, developing the strength and courage
to face whatever is our ‘dragon’ is the theme for
this festival.
For the children of our school this festival is celebrated through
story, song, speech, games, a dragon pageant and a feast! Each
class walks down to the park, we gather in a large circle and
the pageant begins. The third graders make a dragon, which is
in the middle of the circle, the second graders are the knights
in shinning armor. Each class sings or recites to the dragon and
slowly the dragon’s ways are changed. The Second Graders
finally come and help the dragon complete it’s transformation.
Each class (first through six-seven) will sponsor a game or activity.
The children will each make a belt of courage and as each game
is played, receive a “badge” to place upon their belt.
At the conclusion of the games, a feast of autumn foods is served.
We hold this festival at Granite Creek Park. You are invited
to attend as you are able, with costume and courageous spirit!
Each group of class parents will be actively involved in running
their classes’ game, helping with the feast tables, and
previously helping make the badges for the children.
Our festival meeting was held on this past Friday morning, September
3rd, after the Tea Garden in conjunction with the parent coordinators
meeting. If you want to learn more about how you can participate
in this year’s event contact your class coordinator parent(s)
soon.
Ms. Sharon McFeely, Middle School Faculty
The following is a nomination letter of our Board President,
Tracie Himes for the “Yavapai County Joy of Giving Campaign”
Many of you may not know just what kind of undertaking Tracie
took on this past year and entire summer. The judges will be making
a decision of their choice nominations in mid-October, hold the
light around our nominee or if you have connections start pulling
some strings! Just kidding people!!! We know regardless of outcome
who our winner is. After you read the following and if you are
so moved, take the time and show your gratitude: take Tracie out
for a meal, send her flowers, bake a sweet treat, write her a
note, give her a hug or simply shake her hand.
Reasons for Nomination: In recognition of her strong determination
and courage, innovative vision, inspiring leadership, hard work
and unwavering faith, the Mountain Oak School Community is pleased
to nominate parent/volunteer Tracie Himes for the Joy of Giving
Philanthropy Award. As rare as it is to earn a gold medal, so
too is it to witness the unceasing devotion of an extraordinary
individual serving her organization. We will show you how Tracie
utilized those qualities to play a pivotal role in the continued
growth and development of one of the most unique and free educational
opportunities for children in Yavapai County. An education that
honors the protection of childhood and provides an arts-based
curriculum that educates and enriches the whole child, traditionally
available only in a private, tuition based school.
Tracie began her journey at the Mountain Oak Community as a parent,
then a board member and on to Board President. Before taking her
role as a board officer three years ago, Tracie demonstrated her
quiet brand of courage and conviction when faced with the Board
of Directors decision to discontinue the after school program.
She pleaded successfully and took financial responsibility for
the continuation of a program that serves many families by providing
a caring and safe place for those children who needed extended
hours. The program is now state certified and many parents express
their appreciation each year. As president, Tracie was faced with
the growing pains of a young school: exhausted federal funds,
lack of growth in enrollment, teacher shortages and a troubled
administration.
At this crucial time the school required a leader who could demonstrate
innovative solutions to current challenges and the implementation
of them. Expansion was the solution, but neither funds nor adequate
student enrollment were in sight. Many doubted the feasibility
of such a move. Faith was Tracie's only companion as she moved
ahead with plans to develop a middle school and add a second kindergarten
class. For over a year, Tracie planned and developed the expansion
project. The present facility required additional space. Tracie
personally labored all summer, day after day, breaking down walls,
building new ones and overseeing every aspect and detail of the
facility's new expansion. In addition, Tracie acquired buildings
adjacent to the present facility, oversaw major construction,
painted walls, donated construction supplies and secured licensing
and fire code compliance.
Even in the midst of this incredible undertaking, Tracie remained
true to her character: approachable, gracious, kind and patient
(well, maybe only 99% of the time). The end result for the children
of Yavapai County is a beautiful middle school and second kindergarten.
We now have an experienced Educational Director/Principal to steer
and strengthen all aspects of the educational process, a full
faculty of state certified teachers, and increased enrollment
by 65% for the 2004-2005 school year. In an effort to serve even
more of Yavapai Counties Children, Tracie's current focus is the
acquisition of a larger site and the development of additional
resources.
Her extraordinary commitment to youth continues on a personal
level. She and her husband parent foster children as well as two
of their own and are building a transitional group home for young
adults. Please give close attention to this nominee, for we are
extremely proud to nominate "big hearted" Tracie Himes.
Through her heroic efforts and selfless commitment, she has secured
the continuation of an enriching arts-based education for the
benefit of all the children in Yavapai County, regardless of their
parents' income bracket. She has left an everlasting impression
on those who bear witness to her unforgettable volunteering spirit.
Vision and Hearing Screening
A vision and hearing screening is required by law to take place
for certain grade levels every school year. These screenings are
to help eliminate any possible reason that the child is having
difficulty. The hearing screening took place September 1st, 2nd,
and 3rd. If a child did not pass the screening a second screening
is scheduled 4-6 weeks later. At that time if a child still did
not pass a second screening is scheduled 4-6 weeks later. At that
time if a child still did not pass a referral will go home informing
you. The vision screening is scheduled for this week September
14th –17th. If the child does not pass any parts of the
vision screening a note will come home with your child informing
you of such results. If you have any questions please call Mary
Sue Bourland in the office.
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