Middle School

Searching the Sand: Students Assist Researchers with Crab Count

On a recent sunny morning at Santa Cruz’s Natural Bridges State Beach, some 30 visitors to the beach were Mount Madonna School (MMS) students and parents taking part in LiMPETS (Long-term Monitoring Program and Experiential Training for Students), an environmental monitoring and education program that encourages participation by ‘citizen scientists.’

“I want the kids to see that they can do ‘real’ science,” says James “PD” Rohan, MMS middle school math and science teacher, “that they can contribute useful data and have fun doing it.” The event represented Mount Madonna’s third year participating in this long-term monitoring study (now in its tenth year). 

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Community Service / Volunteer Hours Requirement for MS & HS Students

Mount Madonna School has always valued community service, both in concept and practice. MMS was built, literally and figuratively, by volunteers. Service is a component of Positive Character Development and Creative Self’expression.

Middle and high school students volunteer, both during school hours and after school, in ways that are meaningful to them.

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Technology Update at Middle and High Campus

We’re excited to announce that we now have wireless access in some locations at the Upper Campus! 

We’re still experimenting with how best to utilize this new tool and how to easily and reliably allow students to use their own devices to do school work while on campus.  We also have a new laptop cart with 20 machines that can be used if a student doesn’t have their own device they want to bring to use. 

We encourage families to talk with their children if they bring any electronic devices to school about how to keep them safe and secure.  We do have lockers available to all students who would like one.

Questions? Please contact Dr. Nicole Tervalon, IT Director, at nicole.tervalon_AT_mountmadonna.org or 408-847-2717 x293.

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MMS Students Watch Last Flight of Space Shuttle Endeavour

The shuttle Endeavour, on its way to its new home at a Los Angeles science museum, flew over the Monterey Bay atop a 747 jumbo jet in the morning on Friday, September 21. MMS students came out of their classrooms to catch a glimpse of the shuttle, which was carried at very low-altitude. In fact, students on campus on the mountain actually looked down on the shuttle as it passed along the fog layer over the bay.

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Automated Messaging System

Emergency Power Announce Test:

Wed, Nov 18, the school will be testing our Power Announce system. Expect to receive a test message at your email, phone and text (if you have designated texting). There is no need to respond to the message or alert liaisons.

This is our procedure for letting everyone know when School Closure happens or emergencies. We call school for the following reasons:

  • Roads are closed
  • No electricity at MMS Lower Campus
  • Emergency services have designated hazardous road conditions and it is deemed dangerous for students and buses to drive to MMS 

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Transportation Procedures

Communication of Change in Transportation:
If you are changing your child’s transportation arrangements, please call our school office the day of the change and inform the receptionist or you can email . They, in turn, with notify the teacher and write a note for the bus monitor, so all are aware of the change.

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