High School

Teaching ‘Science With Humanity’

A new senior honors science course asks students to consider Bioethics as they learn new technology

By Lisa Catterall
Eighth Grade and High School Science Instructor

Last year, I was in the middle of taking a small group of seniors though the College Board AP Biology curriculum. One day, our Biotechnology unit turned into a discussion of Monsanto’s lawsuit against a canola farmer in Canada. The farmer used his own heirloom seeds, but pollen from the farm next-door containing Monsanto’s patented round-up-ready genetic technology blew into his field. Monsanto lawyers successfully put him out of business, claiming he stole their technology.

Ramayana 2013 Cast List

CASTING REFLECTIONS:

Congratulations to all for completing the audition process. You’ve done your part; hopefully you can acknowledge your growth and successes within the process. Now comes the next step: casting of the play. Casting is challenging for both performers and directors. For some, this will not be a big issue, while others may experience disappointment. The key is finding a way to move forward positively. Most have heard the statement before – every role is pivotally important – and while a bit of a cliché, it is proven true.

Enhancing Academic Excellence Through Performing Arts

By Supriya McDonald, Head of Lower School

Academic Excellence is one of the three main pillars of our School, together with Positive Character Development and Creative Self-Expression . Academic achievement is one of the five core values of an MMS education. These words are found in the mission statements of most schools, and also heard in political speeches during election season. But what does academic achievement and excellence look like at MMS? How do we demonstrate it and how do we measure it?

Global, Creative and Entrepreneurial: Scholar and Author Dr. Yong Zhao to Speak in Aptos

Dr. Yong Zhao, an internationally known scholar, author and speaker, will be the featured presenter at an upcoming public lecture in Aptos. Dr. Zhao, author of more than 100 articles and 20 books, including Catching Up or Leading the Way ; American Education in the Age of Globalization and World Class Learners: Educating Creative and Entrepreneurial Students will be addressing an audience of parents, educators and others interested in the topic of education trends and innovations.

Multimedia Artist Engages Students with ‘Sensory’ Art Workshop

“Try to hold still,” urges a sophomore girl sitting across from a classmate, as she carefully wipes a Vaseline ribbon along her friend’s hairline, framing her face with a shiny outline. Next, she begins placing wet, pre-cut strips of a material resembling cloth bandages or mummy wrappings inside the shiny perimeter, across her friend’s forehead and around her eyes, nose and mouth.

Lyrical Songs and Depth of Script: ‘Fiddler on the Roof,’ January 25-27

Mount Madonna School invites you to its high school production of Fiddler on the Roof , January 25-27 at the Hawks’ Nest Theater. Evening performances are planned for Friday and Saturday, January 25 and 26 at 7:00pm; and a matinee show on Sunday, January 27 at 2:00pm. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students under 18; all seats are reserved. To purchase tickets, call (408) 847-2717.