Hawk Life

Paths to the Future: Career Forum Inspires Students

“Education can take many forms,” commented guest panelist and physical chemist Tycho Speaker, during Mount Madonna School’s 3rd annual Career Forum last week. “What’s important is to find your passion, and work as hard as you have to toward realizing it. Then the education will come on its own, whether that takes the form of a degree or just life experience.”

Raising Funds and Awareness: It’s a Walk in the Park to Support Local Nonprofits

For nonprofit organizations, determining how to creatively and successfully meet annual fundraising goals can be difficult and time-consuming – and frequently not a lot of fun. With the dual intent of putting the “fun” back in “fundraising” and bringing together other local nonprofit organizations – including, educational, environmental, and youth-focused groups – Mount Madonna School (MMS) is again hosting its annual community walk-a-thon and celebration –a family event intended to make fundraising as easy as a walk in the park!

All nonprofit organizations are invited to participate in the 6th annual Summit for the Planet Walk-a-thon on April 28. Mount Madonna will coordinate the event and do most all the work, while participating groups are invited to organize a team of walkers to walk for their organization, and their walkers, in turn, are urged to gather pledges of support.

California’s Natural Resources Secretary Visits MMS

Recently  the junior and senior classes at Mount Madonna School had the opportunity to interview John Laird, California’s Secretary for Natural Resources. Each year as part of their Values in World Thought course, students engage in conversations with individuals working for change, and through these dialogues the students come to better understand their world, country, community and selves.

Building Robots and Skills: Local Teacher Participates in Math and Science Training

Sitting near containers filled with assorted plastic K’Nex and Lego Mindstorm pieces, two seventh grade girls laugh as they put the finishing touches on their robot creation, and joke about what to name it. Nearby, other students concentrate on working with the program software and syncing it to correctly control their robot.

Giving A Hoot: Students Rally to Protect Burrowing Owl

What: Presentation and DVD screening on the Western Burrowing Owl, subject of Mount Madonna School’s 5th Grade Class current environmental project.

When: Wednesday, January 18, 6:30pm – 8:30pm. Reservation requested; contact Kathy Fieberling at (831) 345-1226 or

Changes and Challenges: Middle School ‘Voices’ Onstage

“Okay, let’s be honest. We’re in middle school, so we’re not adults and we’re not little kids either. By term, we’re somewhere in between. That can be annoying.”

“I’m in no hurry to grow up. Seeing adults all stressed out is no big temptation to join your team. I’m fine to skateboard around…play video games, hang out with friends, and stay out of trouble.”

Cornhusk Dolls and Baked Treats: Third Grade Enrichment

The large metallic mixing bowl on the table gleams, reflecting the arms and faces of the children around it. These children are third graders at Mount Madonna School, and with their hands covered in flour, they laugh and talk while mixing together dough for apple scones. The scones will later be baked and enjoyed by the students as part of their holiday celebration. Once the dough is finished and hands are washed clean, the children move on to making dolls.