The art of the mask

The end of the academic year at MMWA concluded with some incredible projects. Because we get to teach one-on-one and are given a great amount of flexibility in designing our curricula/schedules, we have the advantage of creativity and freedom with our students. Plainly put, if we get the work done than we get to have fun. Our students can help push the studies in directions based on their own interests, so it's extremely rewarding as a teacher to have such involvement with our students. We really get to know them and do our best to tailor the studies to their learning styles, ideas, strengths, etc. Spanish teacher Christine Colangeli recently put this theory into practice with her Spanish 2 and 3 students. As they were are extremely artistic and love creative projects, they made clay masks based on ancient Inca motifs. Here are some photographs of the beautiful masks. Que bueno!

Alita (L) and Sloane (R) with their masks.

Cochran's

Here are a few shots from the Cochran's race last week. Due to almost all of the students being gone for the race, it was incredibly quiet around MMWA. Meanwhile, they got to enjoy a beautiful day on the slopes. Senior Jordan Leach took these photos and I hope you enjoy. These photos remind me to get outside, do what I love, laugh with my friends, and soak up the sunshine when it finally comes out in Vermont. Life is good.

Snow Forts 2011

Talk about dedication.
A handful of students spent last weekend building a spectacular snow fort. They planned, plotted, shoveled, dug, hauled, and built bricks.
Big snow banks = big snow forts.

As you will see, these are seriously awesome! Note the craftsmanship and the "throne" at the top of the mound for the king of the MMWA winter kingdom.

Even though signs of spring and warm weather are welcome around here, we're all sad to see the snow forts melt away.

Tie-Dye Night

The boarding students recently got to put some pizazz into plain old white t-shirts. For MMWA tie-dye night, they experimented with various bright colors and patterns. The result? Some wild and colorful t-shirts being worn around school these days. Here are a few pics for your viewing pleasure, taken by dorm parent Colleen Pruss.

Seniors

Have I mentioned lately how much we love our seniors?
They are AMAZING!
They helped Shelly stuff, label, and seal up their graduation invitations. Here they are, being their happy awesome helper selves:

And here they are just being, well, happy:

By the way, the graduation is going to be on April 1, 6 pm at the Stowe Community Church. RSVP to MMWA (802-253-7209) and there is $5 per person donation for dinner.

Learning Happens Here

When MMWA students are not skiing or snowboarding, they are in English class:

Or baking bread for a health and nutrition class with Shelly:

Or holding a mock trial for a criminal justice class with Beth:

  

Above all, they are learning to balance rich academic experiences with outstanding athletic achievements. I could not be more impressed and proud of our students.

Just another weekend at the Dream House

We had another fantastic weekend at the HGTV Dream House and the tours continue to sell out. No doubt, this is an absolutely incredible opportunity for MMWA! Thanks to our phenomenal volunteers of parents, staff, alumni, and friends, we are close to completing three months of fundraising tours. There are only six days left to tour the house--see www.stowe.com/hgtv for details on how to purchase tickets. And remember, if you want to volunteer in the house you get to see it up close for free! Email Cassie for information if you are interested in helping out the last couple weekends.

Finally I remembered to bring my camera and take some pics of the tours in action. Enjoy!

Jody and Deb welcome guests at the Spruce Camp check-in desk.

Jody walking the group up.

Navigating the snowbanks and heading inside.

Marsha and Lisa show the group around upstairs.

Katarina chatting with a couple downstairs.

Yayyy!!! The Dream House is lots of fun!