Earth Day 2020

There are ways to bring back balance to our Earth.  The measurable and photographic evidence during this time of pandemic and global slowdown is undeniable.  As humans slow their pace, decreasing harmful emissions and having less negative impact on the world’s resources, we are seeing positive changes. These changes give promise to the power and ability of the Earth to blossom and heal in a remarkably short period of time. Already, strong reductions in emissions are being observed worldwide, waters are clearing, and satellite images from NASA are showing drastic decreases in air pollution.

Through as many actions possible, let’s choose to build on this reboot. Plant a tree. Plant a seed. Plant a thought. Let’s make every day Earth Day.

In This Together

During this time of COVID-19, our staff continues to work diligently on our ‘Learning from Home’ initiative. It has been truly heartwarming to receive so many positive comments and such supportive emails from our families over the past few weeks.  I know I speak for all the staff when I say a heartfelt, “Thank You!” It is wonderful to be part of such a supportive community. Here are just a few of the comments we have received. Please keep them coming, as they are a lifeline! 

“ZOOM time for the toddler class was so fun this morning, what a great way to start the day seeing friends – learning about the frogs – catching up on each child sharing something – singing – thank you for hosting, very much looking forward to tomorrow!”

“I know we will get through this TOGETHER! I am so grateful to have you as a part of our family, and don’t know what we would do without you. We appreciate and love everything you do <3 Big hugs!”

“I would also like to take a moment to thank you for how you have handled this crazy year. Thank you! It’s been crazy! You and the Mountainside staff have been great, and we are very thankful and impressed how well you’ve balanced keeping our kids educated and safe.”

“To say we miss MMS would be a huge understatement. I really want to bold that and change the color to add more emphasis, but I am restraining myself.’

“We so miss Mountainside and everyone there.” 

“I just want to say thank you for taking the time to compose this genuine, thoughtful message to all of us. We are so grateful for the time and energy that you – and the whole staff at Mountainside – are putting into crafting at-home learning resources, not to mention the personalized support you have offered.”

“We’ve been really thankful for Mountainside the past couple weeks.  Alice has been amazing at conducting lessons over Zoom and giving additional daily personalized work and feedback.”

“We really appreciate all that you, and the Mountainside staff, has been doing to maintain as much of a state of normalcy during this overly trying time. Miss Alice has been incredible!”

“We have been reflecting on how much more challenging this would be without the support of our dear school and community.  Mountainside has kept our girls feeling a great deal more secure amidst the uncertainty. And you all have made the task of picking up the work of the classroom at home much less daunting for us parents.”

“We are feeling extra grateful and appreciative these days.” 

Community Service

Our Adolescent students were busy last week volunteering at the Fauquier Food Bank and with Friends of Rectortown. At the Food Bank, they cleaned, organized, stocked shelves, and took out trash. They learned that the Food Bank provides for 1,000 families each month. With Friends of Rectortown, the students helped pack weekend food bags for 27 local elementary students in need. Our students are thankful to both of these organizations for their efforts.  They’re also thankful for the opportunities to learn about their local community and to become involved so that they may make a tangible difference through their service to others.