Seasons Greetings
Belong, Community Belong, Community

Seasons Greetings

I sip my bright green spinach smoothie while waiting for my cinnamon oatmeal muffins to cool. A normal Saturday morning in the Carlson household. As the end of the year quickly approaches I find myself, like many people, thinking about loved ones, both friends and family. It is a time for reflection and giving. I am not a gifter, though there are times I wish I were. I need to give with time, service, and kind words…

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September 2019 Class Updates

September 2019 Class Updates

Many of the early days in the Owl and Otter classes are about getting those school routines down pat. Consistent repetition of routine has allowed the classes to have their first full morning work periods, staying busy all the way up to 11:00 on some days! Grace and courtesy is the ever-present thread throughout the primary classes, as the students are reminded to ensure that all actions (and words) are coming from a place of kindness…

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Choice
Inspire Inspire

Choice

Often we think that being a role model to children is showing a spectacular example of how a human is successful, confident, and driven. I disagree. In fact, the best instructors that I ever worked with in wilderness therapy were the ones who were outspoken about their mistakes and making amends…

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April 2019 Classroom Updates

April 2019 Classroom Updates

The Owls and Otters are deep into their studies of Thailand. The children have taken an imaginary flight to Thailand and are learning about the culture, art, food, and climate. Carol and Virginia Watkins (Sebastian's grandmother and mom) visited to talk about their trip to Thailand and shared stories, pictures, and souvenirs…

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Busy
Inspire, Otters Inspire, Otters

Busy

I am busy, and I’ll bet you are too. I know that I’m busy because the running to-do list on my phone tells me so. Also, I know from the calendar on my refrigerator, the post-it note that lives beside my bed and the constant ding of Google notifications that comes from my phone…

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Homesick
Community Community

Homesick

Homesick. The first thought that pops in my head is the traditional meaning. When I was young I often stayed over at a good friend’s house. My best friend lived for 35 minutes from my house. This of course seemed like an eternity and for our parents was a logistical commitment…

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Holiday Celebrations
Community Community

Holiday Celebrations

This time of year we recognize the many holidays that are celebrated in our country and around the world. While there are cultural sensitivities around saying, “Merry Christmas,” or “Happy Holidays,” children are open to learning about different holiday traditions. In addition, they are proud of the traditions in their own families and excited to share those with others…

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Habits
Belong, Community Belong, Community

Habits

During the Thanksgiving break I took some time to rethink actions I have taken, conversations I have had with others and myself, and reminded myself I can only control my actions, not others’. This was all helped by the reintroduction of running into my routine…

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Mountain Sun Announces the Natural Play Project
Belong, Community, News Belong, Community, News

Mountain Sun Announces the Natural Play Project

As part of the “Get Set” Early Childhood Initiative, Mountain Sun Community School has partnered with local organizations and is launching the Natural Play Project. Funded in large part by the United Way, MSCS is developing and enhancing its outdoor learning environment in order to provide a space for natural play programs for the diverse families and children of Transylvania County…

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October 2018 Class Updates
Newsletter Newsletter

October 2018 Class Updates

For the International Day of Peace, all of the students made white paper flowers and performed songs of peace for special guests attending Elders Day. The students served snacks and drinks. The Elders were then able to view the classrooms in action…

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Boundaries in the Outdoors
Belong, Explore Belong, Explore

Boundaries in the Outdoors

One of the places that the children play is an open area of grass, with some large beautiful boulders, and an old hemlock tree. There are boundaries that the children learn and respect. They understand how they are helpers in that they do not venture into the well-manicured flower beds…

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National Childhood Cancer Awareness
Belong, Community Belong, Community

National Childhood Cancer Awareness

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness month...not a pretty topic what-so-ever. Yet it is one that is dear to my heart as a parent of a child who has been bravely fighting brain cancer for the past four years. My son Holmes was diagnosed right after he turned five years old, and ever since we were thrown onto this journey, we have been advocating for more awareness and more funds to help find better treatments and cures…

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