Kicking off the new school year, Mountain View Academy, the latest school to open in the Colorado Springs community, began in-person learning with a focus on instilling a Moral Focus curriculum in their students’ learning. The first day welcomed 89 students with backpacks on their shoulders, ready to learn, with more students learning virtually at home.
Ahead of welcoming students into the school, teachers from each grade level created videos introducing themselves and highlighting their role at the school. The specials teachers came into the year swinging, by individually introduced themselves and their subject matter while flying high on the swings on the playground. The fifth-grade team also joined in on the recess fun, climbing on the jungle-gym and sliding down slides while sending their greetings to their incoming students.
“Our dedicated staff understands that families throughout Colorado Springs may join our school community from across the country, and we welcome every student with open arms,” said Amanda Ortiz-Torres, principal at Mountain View Academy.
This week, the school began in-person instruction in a traditional classroom environment. Mountain View Academy, part of National Heritage Academies’ (NHA) network of schools across the country, supplied a Chromebook to every student to ensure a seamless switch from various learning scenarios to avoid interruptions to teaching and learning as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Throughout the year, Mountain View will join in NHA’s commitment to teaching students academics, while also featuring Moral Focus virtues, aimed at developing character. Students will study nine virtues, including wisdom, self-control, gratitude, and integrity, to name a few.
“Mountain View follows a rigorous curriculum to set up all students for success,” said Ortiz-Torres. “Our teachers emphasize personalized learning, where they work with students individually to ensure their learning aligns with state standards and our in-class teaching methods.”
School leaders throughout NHA’s network of schools agree that teaching the Moral Focus virtues is just as important as any academic lesson that takes place within their schools’ walls. Ensuring that students know how to do the right thing and treat others with respect and kindness will be a true measure of success at Mountain View.
Mountain View’s staff also recognize that families are a vital piece in instilling Moral Focus virtues in their children. The school staff looks forward to welcoming parents to the school community to share the ways teachers are introducing and teaching virtues, so parents can help support these efforts at home.
“I am excited to open Mountain View Academy. As a new school we have built a positive community from the ground up,” said Ortiz-Torres. “Our staff is amazing, with highly qualified teachers. We are excited to build a community-based school in Colorado Springs.”
Watch Fox 21's Loving Living Local talk with Principal Ortiz-Torres!