PARENT QUESTION OR CONCERN? Often a parent wonders what is the process to follow when they might have a question or a concern regarding their child. The Mountain Oak School Board of Directors has adopted the following policy regarding this issue and when a parent has a concern the following steps are in order:
Step One:
*State & discuss the concern with the teacher. *Develop & propose a strategy to remedy the concern.
*Teacher and Parent(s) write down the date and time of the meeting.
Step Two:
*Check for satisfactory progress. Meet again to discuss the progress.
*Write down the date and time of the meeting, stating what progress has been made.
If the outcome is satisfactory no further action is needed.
Step Three:
*If satisfactory progress has not occurred meet with parent, teacher (child if appropriate), and Education Director: Develop a written plan of action to remedy the concern.
Step Four:
*Education Director follows up to check for progress from the parent and teacher.
If progress is satisfactory stop the process.
Step Five:
*Education Director, superintendent, and teacher develop a specific prescription to assist the teacher in their professional behavior. Specific plan includes required behavior improvements and a time line of no longer than four weeks. The plan also gives examples of how the administrator will support and coach the teacher in the required change in behavior.
If satisfactory progress is achieved in the view of administration the process stops.
Step Six:
Disciplinary action will be taken that may include up to dismissal or non-renewal of the teacher's contract.

HAPPENINGS

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

Feb., 16th there is a Board Meeting, if you are interested in attending, check the office for the meeting time.

Next week, Monday, Feb., 20th there is NO SCHOOL on Presidents Day.

TAX CREDIT HELP!

Please take part in this worthy program to help your school financially this year!
Online Credit Form (277Kb PDF)

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To wonder at beauty,
Stand guard over truth,
Look up to the noble,
Resolve on the good:
This leadeth us truly,
To purpose in living,
To right in our doing,
To peace in our feeling,
To light in our thinking;
And teaches us trust,
In the working of Creation,
In all that there is,
In the width of the world,
In the depths of the soul.

- Rudolf Steiner

SCHOOL NEWS

The Signs of Healthy Classrooms
By Jan Wakefield

During the course of this school year, I have been graced with the opportunity to substitute or help in several Mountain Oak classrooms. As a substitute, I have the opportunity to glimpse a cross-section of a classroom, seeing all the layers and parts at a glance. What I have seen in these classrooms has been wonderfully astounding, and I wish to commend the teachers for bringing forth their own strengths, whereby creating healthy learning environments for the children they teach.
The majority of my substituting hours have been spent in Ms. Sharon’s seventh and eighth grade classroom. I am always excited to work with Sharon’s well-behaved and individually unique students. Sharon has carried her class so well that when I enter the room, I stand before children who are intelligent and well-rounded learners. I see Sharon as a steadfast guide for magnificently developing teenagers, who are encouraged to discover and polish the unique qualities within themselves that will enable each to embark on the journey to adulthood with a strong connection to self and humanity.
In Jeffrey Holmes’ sixth grade classroom, I also found well behaved students before me. Jeffrey’s class was polite, helpful, and deeply understanding of one another. What was most apparent was the genuine sense of calm the children exhibited. Jeffrey’s compassion is clearly reflected in the minds, hearts, and actions of his students. I have repeatedly witnessed the sixth graders helping each other with the softness, wisdom, and understanding of exceptional young adults. Jeffrey’s class is managed so well on a regular basis that they seemed able to conduct class, in his absence, without a substitute! This is truly a characteristic of a healthy class.
Recently, Katie Fransen invited me to participate in a special activity in the fifth grade classroom. It was delightful to see jubilant children who were openly curious about India. Katie’s students listened intently to the information presented and politely asked thoughtful questions. They were eager to try the Indian food and posed no complaints about its unusual appearance. The fifth graders were respectful of their teacher, of myself as their guest, and mostly of one another. Katie’s love of learning extends to her students who also show a deep love of learning and heartfelt sense of wonder about new knowledge. Katie’s students are as enchanting as she is.
Healthy classrooms are ones where the children are well behaved and joyfully learning; where they are growing up and taking responsibility for their unique destinies; and where they honor others with respect and understanding. The classrooms I have substituted in at MOS are healthy, vibrant, and full of life. I am honored to work with such fine colleagues and grateful to have such wonderful teachers for our children.

Community Spirit at Mountain Oak School

Okay...so outdoor work isn't your thing but you have a great landscape eye or an artistic flare or maybe a few great ideas you can contribute in our continuous efforts for beautifying and improving our school grounds...write them down and share them with us. Lets all continue making the necessary improvements around our school in any way you can!

The purchases of the new trees and plants, (and there are more to come) were made possible by...yes, you guessed it, the 30/30 members!

Success Formula ~ If you don't have the time give money,
if you don't have the money give time! If you are giving both then the students at Mountain Oak are sure to benefit greatly!!!

4th Grade News

All 4th grade families, please remember to return your cellos the office as soon as possible.
-Thank you, Beni

Aftercare Director Position Open