Written by Leigh Ann Clifton
Monday, 24 May 2010
“Haven’t you always wanted to help save the planet?” asked 5th grader Nathan Vince. Vince’s comment came following a class beach cleanup in Santa Cruz last fall. The fifth grade had already selected coastal cleanup and the problem of marine debris as a focus of study… but had no idea that their efforts would launch them into the national spotlight!
India Abroad, 7/2/2010, “California school showcases Ramayana, 32 years and counting,” by Shalini Kathuria Narang. Read more: http://www.indiaabroad-digital.com/indiaabroad/20100702?pg=58#pg58
Silicon India, 7/1/2010, “Ramayana Comes to U.S. at Mount Madonna School.” Read more: http://www.siliconindia.com/shownews/Ramayana_in_Mount_Madona_School-nid-69266.html
Audiences already familiar with Mount Madonna School’s unique and professional production of “Ramayana” don’t need any additional incentive to follow the show to San Jose; the music, costumes, and special effects – not to mention the 200+ young actors – keep loyal fans returning year after year.
Mount Madonna School has been a proud member of the Green Schools Program for several years. As a Green/Waste Free School, we are constantly looking for ways to reduce the amount of trash we generate as a school and instead reuse and recycle many of the items we use on campus every day. (Did you know that Santa Cruz County generates more than one million pounds of trash everyday?)
Sahana Lakka (SL) is the mother of three Mount Madonna School students who have performed in the Ramayana for many years – since preschool! Sahana and her family have strong ties with India and visit their family there each year.
By Jasbir Nijor
The play is about to start, and the only thing I can think about is why the costume lady tied my bells so tight. They’re cutting off the circulation in my ankles, but the feeling of pride and honor in being one of the lucky few to wear these bells outweighs the pain.
MMS received another six year term of accreditation, which began June 2010, from both CAIS and WASC! Member schools are reviewed every six years (or more frequently, if they receive shorter reaccreditation terms after review).
The official Self-Study document is available for viewing in the office. In the early part of the summer, we revised our Action Plan, based on the Visiting Team’s commendations and recommendations. The Action Plan involves three strategic areas: Finance, Community and Governance, as well as a few specific Program improvements.
Four enthusiastic teachers have joined ranks at Mount Madonna School (MMS) this year. Amy Neff, Cassia Laffin, Colin Cole, and Jennifer Leach, will be working in an array of capacities: to teach 1st and 2nd grades, social studies, algebra and Spanish.
