AIMS, short for Arizona's Instrument to Measure Standards is a test that measures students against state bench marks for reading, writing and math. This year's juniors, the Class of 2006, are the state's first high school students who must pass the high-stakes test before they can graduate. In spring 2004, teachers gave the test to students in third, fifth, and eighth grades, and high school sophomores.

Mountain Oak School third and fifth graders also took this test. Our second through sixth graders also partook in the Stanford Nine tests. As a reminder to parents, AIMS is a test that measures how well Arizona students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade level by the state of Arizona. The Stanford Nine measures student performance relative to a national average. The results for MOS, overall, continue to meet and exceed Arizona State Standards as well as National Standards.

Grade 3 AIMS math results were 33% while the state average was 64%. Grade 3 AIMS reading scores were 75% while the state average was 72%. Grade 3 AIMS writing came in at 73% and the state average was 81%. Lest parents have any concerns here, MOS has always viewed the first three years as forming the foundations in these particular skills areas as Waldorf education takes the time to let the children awaken to these experiences rather than force learning. Once in place, we know from fourth grade and on, students will measure themselves very well with whatever comes their way. The next set of tables bears this out in graphic detail.

Continuing with Grade 5 AIMS math, MOS averaged 58% while the state average was 40%. MOS Grade 5 reading came in at 83% and the state average was 63%. The writing results for MOS registered 83% while the state average was 62%. Stanford Nine results have our MOS students consistently exceeding the national average in all skills categories of reading, writing and math. Any parent can view these results by going to the following web site: GreatSchools.com and listing our school.

There is always room for improvement and MOS will not rest on any laurels. The faculty and staff is committed and dedicated this year to helping all students improve their basic skills. Our aim is not merely for the sake of students only taking tests, but more importantly for a lifetime of employing these skills in service to themselves and for the benefit of others. My colleagues and I thank all the parents of Mountain Oak School for choosing to send their child(ren) to participate in this Waldorf-Methods curriculum and experience.

- Merrill Badger, Principal

Happening This Week:

Wed., Sept. 8th- 1st grade parent meeting 6:00 to 7:30 pm.

Fri., Sept. 10th join our tea garden from 7:45 to 8:30 am.

Next Mon., Sept. 13th Board meeting at 5:30 pm.

Next Tues., Sept. 14th Parent University 7:00 to 8:30 pm “Childhood Illnesses & Vaccinations” with Dr. Robert Zieve guest speaker. This adult education forum is open to all parents and friends.

CPR and First Aid Classes

SCHOOL NEWS

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

BOARD NEWS

A regular meeting of the Mountain Oak School Board was held on Monday, August 30th, at 5:30 pm, with members of the public in attendance. The following topics were discussed:

Enrollment is currently at 151, with ongoing active enrollment interests. Class breakdown:KG total—33; 1st grade—21; 2nd grade—22; 3rd grade—16; 4th grade—16; 5th grade—19; 6th/7th grade—24.

Attendance is the best fundraiser! In past years MOS has lost as much as $10,000 in state revenues due to student absences. At $3.00 per student per day, it adds up fast! * Plan your vacations around the school's scheduled time off/breaks.

After many years of excellent service on the Board and Coordinating Council, Dianne Jacobson stepped down from her position as Secretary due to family needs and time constraints. The Board wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to Dianne. Her presence will be missed!

Considerations for new Board members were addressed.

Discussions concerning after-school tutoring took place and are continuing with the faculty.

Discussions concerning possible new sites for MOS took place, as well as exploring options for financing.

The next Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 13, at 5:30 pm.

DeeAnn Morgan-Holt
Vice President
Mountain Oak School Board

Picture Retakes...

will happen at MOS on Monday morning September 27th.
So, if you didn't get a package and you want one now is your chance- Talk to Beni.

Want a fun Job?

After Care Director and Teachers wanted to join our After Care staff. Please contact Diane at 541-9580 to learn more about joining our team, caring for our children after school and the hours and compensation we provide.

OTHER NOTES:

Come to the office to connect your grocery shopping to MOS Fundraising:

• Safeway- Bring your Safeway card or sign up for one in the office.


• Albertsons- Bring in your Albertsons card.


• New Frontiers- Bring the debit/credit card you use when shopping at New Frontiers.

PICK-UP TIME

For a smoother and quicker pick-up, please remind your child, that while they are waiting for your arrival in their designated area with their teacher, "to be looking for you" when spotted they may start their departure at that time to the gate.
Thank you!!

PS. Please pull all they way up in the drive thru lane to make room for other vehicles to fit in.

Pizza Lunch Fundraiser
A big thank you to all MOCS families for making our first pizza sale
fundraiser a huge success! A special thank you for the enthusiastic support by the parents of 1st grader Harrison (and Craig 4th) for ensuring the success by paying for all of the pizza!! Thank you MOCS Community, our first grade is off to a great start!

Tea Garden Fundraiser
This weeks contributors---Diane Murphy, Kim Martin, Carol Kennedy, Laura g, Lucy Sperryings, Alita Manzanedo, Carolyn Startzell. We can never have too much baked goods, so if that wild hair for baking begins to creep up come Thursday or Friday morning feel free to bake and share with our delicious Tea Garden.

CSA Opportunity

The Prescott College Community Supported Agriculture (PCCSA) program is about to begin for the year. The program supports local organic farmers and makes available fresh organic produce on a weekly basis. If you want to support a program that is ecologically sustainable, stop by the Mountain Oak office to pick up an information brochure and a shareholder enrollment form. Questions can also be addressed to Mark Riegner, 2nd and 5th grade parent.