Hello everyone,

I need to put together a schedule of our FF volunteers. It would be great for the volunteers to be knowledgeable about the school. If you have adult family members that would like to volunteer, please sign them up. I need to get the list of our volunteers and the schedule done soon.

 If you have already committed to leading a workshop, please see the schedule below and you will receive a free pass for the day(s) of your workshop. You need to bring your own materials for the workshop, but are welcome to use supplies that we have at school (except for art supplies in the marked cabinets in the downstairs classroom). You will be responsible for setting up and taking down your workshop, but another volunteer can help if you need it. A volunteer will also help with the workshop if there are lots of kids there. If you would like to get in for other days or are not leading a workshop and want to get a free pass, here are the options:

Full pass=sign up for 3 shifts at FF, and one shift to pick blueberries the week before
Day pass=sign up for a shift on the day that you want to attend

Shifts are 4 hours. We will be running the BMS/CU information and vendor booth, as well as offering support to Uriel in the overall management of the CU--helping out where needed. You can have kids with you during your shift, as long as you are able to primarily tend to the needs of the booth and the CU. On Saturday we'll be helping kids to dress up and get ready for the parade, which is at 6pm. So if you're at the festival and are not scheduled during that time but would be willing to help out, we'll need extra hands (or you could take one of the seven shifts available to help with the parade!).

Katie will be coordinating the blueberry picking shifts.
We need a fun, big, durable  and re-usable sign for the dress-up tent. If you'd like to make one in exchange for a day pass, please let me know.

Please reply to all with the shift(s) that you would like to have.

Blueberry shifts (need 8 or more)

All students who are attending--and any parents who want to join us--will be helping to clean the school, fix playground equipment, and get ready for our Open House the next day, on May 1st.

Also, any community members that would like to participate in this service project, Join Us!

To whom it may concern:

It is with a great deal of pleasure that I write to describe my experience of the changes Blue Mountain School has made this year. With the addition of a full time director, an active Board of Directors, and a newly defined educational model, I feel that the school now has an infrastructure which holds the energy and intentions that its members give to it. What a welcome change!!!!

I have been a part of the BMS community since I moved to Floyd in 1999, as a parent, a music teacher, and an occasional committee and parent council member. In the past, I was frustrated by the loosely defined community, full of good intentions, but lacking continuity, consistency, and clear communication amongst its parts. Parents spent hours and hours making decisions together in council meetings, but the process was excruciatingly inefficient, and there was always more to decide than there was time to handle. Over time, I became reluctant to give my time and efforts to the school because I saw that my investments didn't stick. My best efforts would get undone by the next committee meeting or the next well meaning person to come along, since there was no record or institutional memory to hold things in place. As music teacher, I felt terribly conflicted, because I wanted to serve these children and families to whom I felt so connected , but I felt I was undermining myself by serving them through the school, where the pay was literally just enough to cover my gas to get to class. In the end, I chose to raise my own money through donated gifts to bring my Early Childhood Music Program of Floyd to BMS, so I could feel my work was compensated at a rate I could respect.

Now I can say that I am continually amazed at how profoundly the school's functioning has been affected by the new structure, and how much my own experience has changed. This year, I have chosen to be on staff as music teacher (for fair compensation!), and have progressively asked to be MORE involved in other aspects of the school because I feel so inspired by the changes. The values that the school is offering are evident in every classroom every day, and feel so right to me that I am often brought to tears. Shelly Emmett's understanding of child psychology, and her humanistic approach to discipline and learning, allows us to look at each child at the deepest level, where i believe we all deserve to be seen. When a child is difficult to be around the response is not to punish the behavior out of them, but to ask what essential emotional need is not getting met at school or at home. Teachers regularly meet together to discuss dynamics in the classrooms, and to ask what is at the heart of their students. The process can be difficult, when it is supposed that dynamics within the family are a factor, but because parents are valued too, their emotional needs are held with the same importance. Looking for the heart of the need can lead to solutions that offer immense relief for all involved. If every child could be so lucky, we would all have a fair chance to live joyful and peaceful lives as adults. I believe this is truly how we can change society, and I envision BMS becoming a community center with such a focus.

The specific values that I hold so dear have a place here in a way they never have before. Through the Contemplative Model, children are being taught to look for stillness and peace inside themselves, which becomes a resource for their own health, and a quality of spiritual connection they learn to value. Being mindful helps them to understand the need for boundaries, and the kind of environment that is peaceful for everyone. The children also learn "peace practices" for expressing their own needs to each other in Compassionate Communications classes, where they learn the words for their own feelings and how to offer these words with respect. The school is becoming a community that has room for authenticity at a young age, and which values the responsibility that arises from our connectedness, as well. I am invited to teach the students songs which address all these topics. Fall Equinox and Winter Solsticecelebrations have given us the occasions to sing them together as a school, which has felt GREAT to me.

Likewise, the Progressive Model of education has been a solace to my teacher's heart. Unlike tradition methods of drilling facts into children's heads, it encourages teachers to open to their students as curious generators of their own learning, capable of creating questions that lead to discoveries. In our society, classrooms wherein teachers invite their students to retain a sense of ownership of their own processes of insight and discovery are rare, because adults have to give up the notion that they hold all the answers. At BMS, teachers are asked to practice and model a different kind or power: not the power to control but to facilitate. They are asked to believe that the best of a person can emerge when they are seen and listened to, and when they are asked to see and listen to each other. These are ideas that we have to stretch ourselves to learn and practice, and with Shelly's help, we staff members are encouraged to do so with each other. We are transforming our own consciousness as we attempt to offer new models of thinking and relating to our students. It feels truly revolutionary to me, and it is the kind of intentional growing I have always dreamed of doing in my community. To be doing it for not just ourselves, but for our future world feels deeply right to me.

I am brought to tears again just reflecting on how much it means to me that Blue Mountain School has evolved to this point. All that I want for the children in my community is being created here. I feel blessed to be a part of it, and hope that you will do all you can to encourage its growth. I feel inspired to continue to do all I can, too. It finally feels like a container worthy of my dreams.

Sincerely,
Kari Thomas Kovick

Parent of Maggie, and teacher at BMS

We've had a bumper crop of snow this year, and they've had even more at Winterplace (http://www.winterplace.com), where there's currently a base of 40 to 80 inches, with more snow expected for each of the next four days.

So it's a great opportunity to head up the hill one more time and make the most out of what we've been given. Which is what we're doing on Friday, March 12.

Winterplace is a great family resort with plenty of options that can include the kids. Here they are:

Ski hire (up to 12 hours), lift ticket & 90-minute lesson: $35
Snowboard hire (up to 12 hours), lift ticket & 90-minute lesson: $50
Own equipment, lift ticket (up to 12 hours): $35
Snowtubing (up to 9 hours): $35
Snowtubing (1pm to 5pm or 5pm to 10pm): $25
Two hours of snowtubing plus ski hire or own equipment lift ticket: $50
Two hours of snowtubing plus snowboard hire & lift ticket: $65

The reason these prices are so good is because we're going as a school group on a weekday. You'd be very lucky to find prices like these anywhere else.

January's ski trip was a lot of fun, and there's an extra 20 inches of snow on the ground now than when we booked that one. If you'd like to come, please bring your check to the school, and complete the registration form (which is attached) by Wednesday, March 10.

Dear Blue Mountain School families,

As you may know, it takes more that just tuition to cover all of the costs of running a school like ours. For many private schools, income from tuition only accounts for about 50% to 75% of the school's operating budget. Blue Mountain School exceeds this standard by keeping a close eye on costs; this year, tuition income accounts for about 85% of our operating budget.

With an eye to the future, the Board of Directors of Blue Mountain School is working on establishing an Annual Fund that will help our school grow and thrive year after year, and will cover the difference between our operating costs and our income from tuition. We will be offering more information on this fund and its development in the coming months.

In the meantime, we are planning several fundraisers throughout the spring and summer. First of these is our Valentine Mailer, which will be sent to the extended families of our students. This mailer gives them a handmade valentine and a letter encouraging a contribution to the school. 

The Valentine Mailer will be going out in the next few weeks.  If you have friends or family that may be interested in donating to the school, please email the addresses to me or Sarah McCarthy, or give them to me directly this week. We will also need help stuffing envelopes--if you are interested in participating, please let me or Sarah know.

Thank you,

Shelly

General admission tickets on the day of the show are $10.

This year, the folks at the Republic of Floyd have decided to have a Mardi Gras Costume Ball at The Sun Music Hall on Saturday, February 20th, in the hope that the Floyd community will come together to celebrate this international occasion. They have generously offered to donated the proceeds of this event to Blue Mountain School.

Floyd FunkStars

Featuring a “super group” of some of the area’s most revered musicians, a host of special guests, dancing, a heavy appetizer menu by Natasha Shishkevish, an auction, a belly dance performance and more.

Pre-Party

The costume ball will be the climax of a week of festivities, commencing with a series of parties around the county the week prior to the event. A number of local luminaries are hosting these parties, and anyone is welcome to host their own.
It is at the “pre-ball” parties that it is hoped another part of Mardi Gras tradition will come into full swing, and that is the preparation of the King and Queen of Mardi Gras.

King and Queen

The Mardi Gras Costume Ball at The Sun is a fundraiser for Blue Mountain School, so in the keeping with the inherently corrupt nature of Mardi Gras everywhere, the crowning of the King and Queen will be entirely dependent on how much the candidate has ‘bribed’ (donated) the organizers for the privilege. The reason the parties are such an important part of this process is that there is no stipulation that all the money needs to come from the potential King or Queen: anyone who wants to support their campaign is also welcome to contribute towards it.

If you would like to participate in creating Floyd’s first royalty, you are welcome to make your contribution personally (between 9am and 3pm Monday to Thursday), or mail your check to Blue Mountain School at 470 Christiansburg Pike N.E., Floyd, VA 24091.  Be sure to stipulate whose campaign you are contributing to, and include a return address for the school to send you a receipt.

Auction Items

Two prints of original artwork by Lora Leigh Giessler valued at $50 each.
1 Nights stay at Oak Haven Lodge in king room with Whirl Pool Tub.  - $75
1 hour personal Training session with Ilima Ursomarso  -  $ 50
Personal Computer Tune-up, virus removal, software updates by Chris Angeliri  -  $85
Sheep skin pelt   -   $100
Deer skin pelt -  $75
Original Mardi Gras artwork by Emily Williamson  - $250
Dogtown Pizza Party for 50   $725
3'x4' Marble slab   -   $200
Static Website by Entryway  $3500
Pottery Necklace by Sarah McCarthy  - $40
One Month Nada (Indian Music) Yoga Classes with Jagadisha Rotella  -  $25
Decorative hand blown glass Wall Sconce by Tim Burke   -  $250 
2 hand blown glass vases by Tim Burke -   $75 each 

Last year we restarted a Blue Mountain School tradition of going on a ski trip, and we are happy to announce we're doing it again this year very soon: Friday, January 15th, to be exact.

With a base of between 20" and 60", there is no better time to go.

The venue is our closest ski resort - Winterplace (www.winterplace.com) - which is just a couple of hours away. It's a great family resort with plenty of options that can include the kids. So without further ado, here are your options:

Ski hire (up to 12 hours), lift ticket & 90-minute lesson: $35
Snowboard hire (up to 12 hours), lift ticket & 90-minute lesson: $50
Own equipment, lift ticket (up to 12 hours): $35
Snowtubing (up to 9 hours): $35
Snowtubing (1pm to 5pm or 5pm to 10pm): $25
Two hours of snowtubing plus ski hire or own equipment lift ticket: $50
Two hours of snowtubing plus snowboard hire & lift ticket: $65

The reason these prices are so good is because we're going as a school group on a weekday. You won't find prices like these anywhere else.

Last year's event was a lot of fun for all involved, and we expect nothing less this year. If you'd like to come, please be sure to let us know, and pay Shelly in advance at the school.

December 12th and December 19th 10 am to 5pm

December 5th and December 12th from 10am to 5pm, the school will be offering free childcare for parents and community members who wish to shop at local stores and restaurants.

Business owners are donating a portion of their profits to the school in return for this service and our advertising to school parents, staff, and the wider community.

These are the businesses that are participating:

• The Bell Gallery (www.bellgalleryandgarden.com)
• Blue Ridge Restaurant
• The Blackwater Loft (www.notebooksandtheloft.com/Black_Water_Loft.html)
• The Country Store (www.floydcountrystore.com)
• Farmer's Supply
• Green's Garage
• The Harvest Moon (harvestmoonfoods.com/harvestmoon.htm)
• The Law Offices of Jonathan Rodgers (www.jonathanrogers.net)
• Medina Baskets and Nomad Clothing (www.moroccanbaskets.com)
• Notebooks (http://www.notebooksandtheloft.com/Notebook.html)
• one eleven gallery
• Sarah McCarthy Pottery and Jewelry (in the Jacksonville Center) (www.sarahmccarthypottery.com)
• Subway
• The Treasured Toy
• Wildfire Pots (wildfirepots.com)

We would like to see this fundraiser grow into a tradition that helps local businesses and our school in the coming years, so please consider participating this year!

AND BE SURE TO TELL THEM YOU CAME AS PART OF THIS FUNDRAISER!

Dear Blue Mountain School families~

As we enter the time of year for gratitude and reflection, I want to share with you the appreciation that the teachers and I have for all of you and your wonderful children. Now that we are looking toward the fourth month of school and the students and staff are feeling comfortable with each other, we are happy to continue to share lots of laughter and joy (these kids really love to learn!) while also working on resolving conflicts in a peaceful way. We know that by sending your children to our school, you are trusting us to do all that we can to help their time at school be safe, fun, and stimulating. Thank you for being willing to share your kids with us!

Here are some updates about happenings at school in the next few weeks, followed by some reminders about the school.

Local Gifts Fundraiser

December 6th and December 12th from 10am to 5pm, the school will be offering free childcare for parents and community members who wish to shop at local stores and restaurants. Business owners are donating a portion of their profits to the school in return for this service and our advertising to school parents, staff, and the wider community. We already have a number of locations involved, with more to come. These include:

• Medina Baskets and Nomad Clothing
• Sarah McCarthy Pottery and Jewelry (in the Jacksonville Center)
• The Treasured Toy
• The Blue Ridge Restaurant
• The Harvest Moon
• Notebooks
• The Blackwater Loft

We would like to see this fundraiser grow into a tradition that helps local businesses and our school in the coming years, so please consider participating this year!

Holiday Parade

December 6th at 3pm is the annual holiday parade in Floyd. Our students will be working this week on their float, which will have an environmental theme. All of the students (and all of you!) are invited to join us in the parade. Next week a sign-up sheet will be posted near the daily sign-in sheets in each classroom.

The Nutcracker

On December 10th, the entire school will travel to Blacksburg to watch a special 45-minute performance of the Nutcracker by the Blacksburg Ballet. We will need a few extra chaperones for this event, so if you are interested in helping out, please email me or let me know in person. The cost per person is a suggested $2 donation, collected in the envelope posted near the daily sign-in sheets for each classroom.

Winter Celebration

Thursday, December 17th is our school’s Winter Celebration and the last day of school before winter break. The celebration will take place from 11am to 1pm, and will include a potluck and performance. More information about this event will come soon.

The Compassionate Classroom

A few weeks ago, our staff had a workshop with Kristen Reynolds, who facilitates Compassionate Communication workshops based on Non-Violent Communication. We will be using some of these concepts at school, along with a book titled the Compassionate Classroom, in the days and weeks ahead. Also, several parents have an interest in a regular opportunity to study and practice mindfulness in parenting and using non-violent communication in parenting. This group will be forming in the next few weeks and will start meeting in January, with more information to come soon.


Best wishes for a peaceful holiday season~

Shelly

Hello Blue Mountain School Families~

We are finishing up the seventh week of school this week, and it has been such fun to be a regular part of your children's lives this Fall. On regular school days and on special days like our Harvest Celebration, our Go Green! electricity-free day, and at our Family Retreat, the teachers and I continue to be encouraged by the thoughtfulness, willingness to learn, and imaginativeness that your children bring to our school community. We each really appreciate the opportunity to grow and learn alongside these kids.

I'd like to again extend an invitation to anyone who is able to participate in our Monday morning and Thursday afternoon Circles. Mondays at 9am have been our 'getting to know you' circles and music teacher Kari Kovick has been leading us in learning some new songs as a group. Thursdays at 2:50pm are our Gratitude Circle, where we talk about things that we enjoyed or appreciated during the week and also practice 'thankful songs'. These circles are an important part of our school, in which we are practicing listening, reflecting, speaking, and sharing with each other.

As we look to the next month, there are several events that I would like to bring your attention to.

First, on Saturday, October 24th, Blue Mountain School will have a booth at the SplitRail Eco-Fair, which is taking place from 10am to 6pm in downtown Floyd near the new Farmer's Market area, across from the Country Store. In our booth will be some fun children's activities, so stop by and say hello or let me know if you'd like to help out for an hour or two.

On Tuesday, October 27th, Amy and Kari's Early Childhood class will be taking a field trip to Sinkland Farms. Please return permission slips by this Thursday, October 22nd so that we can plan for carpooling and supervision of the children.

On Thursday, October 29th from 11am to 1pm will be our Halloween Celebration. This will include some activities for the children, as well as a parade and 'scary foods' potluck (If you wish; regular food is welcome, too! As always, please keep refined sugars to a minimum). For all school celebrations, we welcome families to attend the celebration whose children do not typically attend school that day.

Pumpkins will be available to purchase for $2/each, if your child is interested in painting one here at school during the celebration.  We'll have extras available for siblings.

Since Thursdays are our yoga days, students should attend school in their normal clothes and plan to put on their costumes at 10:45am (please plan to arrive at 10:45am if your child will need your help with his or her costume).

After the celebration, school ends at 1pm for an afternoon staff development workshop.

On Monday, November 2nd we will have our first parent information meeting. This will take place from 4pm to 6pm at the school, followed by a potluck for those who wish to participate. Parents will meet in the Upper Elementary building, and there will be optional childcare for kids in the main building. Please plan to contribute $2/child for childcare if your children are present. In this meeting, we will share in a discussion about the values, practices, and learning process at Blue Mountain School. We would be happy to hear any of your questions, reflections, or concerns at that time.

On Thursday, November 5th, we will have a Teacher Work Day, during which Parent Conferences will take place. Students will not attend school on that day. Please sign up for conferences on the sign-up sheet in the office next week (near parent mailboxes).

On Monday, November 9th, we will have our election for the 2010-2011 Blue Mountain School Board of Directors. Please see the letters in your mailboxes regarding the nomination and election process.

Finally, on Tuesday, November 24th we will have our Thankful Celebration.  More information about that event will come in the next few weeks. This will be a full school day, and we would like to incorporate a service learning opportunity into the schedule for that day. If you have ideas about people, places, or things that would benefit from some attention from our families, please let me know.