Cards laid out on the floor with pictures and the Spanish word underneath them

Arts and Enrichments

At MCS, we believe in fostering well-rounded individuals who excel not only academically but also creatively and physically. Our Arts and Enrichment programs are designed to inspire, educate, and empower students to explore their passions and talents beyond the traditional classroom setting.
 
In addition, we offer an array of afterschool enrichment programs. More information can be found on the Extended Care page.
Art Program
 
At MCS, we are dedicated to educating the whole child, and art plays a pivotal role in this holistic approach. We view art as indispensable to children's development, enabling them to tell their own stories and create their visions. Through art classes, students cultivate self-esteem, confidence, and adaptability in problem-solving—skills that transcend the confines of the classroom and permeate every aspect of their lives.
 
Curriculum Focus: Our curriculum is designed to develop essential artistic skills and concepts, including line, texture, shape, and color. As students progress throughout their MCS journey, they delve into art appreciation, exploring more complicated and abstract styles and techniques.
 
Creative Environment: In our spacious art studio, students are encouraged to express themselves freely. There is ample room to paint on easels, spread out big pictures to draw, choose work from the many shelves, or read art books on the rug in the library area. With access to a kiln and a range of tools, older students have the opportunity to bring their unique visions to life in our peaceful ceramics studio.
 
Materials and Exploration: From drawing pencils to oil pastels, watercolors to printing inks, students have access to a wide range of materials for artistic exploration. Through experimentation and risk-taking, students discover the joy of creative discovery.
 
Artistic Confidence: Students are able to experiment and take risks, fostering curiosity and discovery. They explore a diverse range of artists and artworks, nurturing an appreciation for varied artistic expressions. Through problem-solving and self-expression, students develop confidence in their artistic abilities, learning to trust their individual creative vision.
 
Primary students sitting at a table and dipping their paint brushes into several different cups filled with watercolors Student sitting at a long table and creating collages from old magazines Students choosing pieces to create their nature mandalas A student working on a large art piece that is on paper and spread across several tables A student sculpting clay
Spanish Program
 
Our Spanish program is a blend of cultural exploration and linguistic discovery, aimed at nurturing students' proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in Spanish. As students advance through the program, their engagement with the Spanish language and culture intensifies, expanding upon their foundational knowledge and skills.
 
Toddler
Spanish is first introduced in the Toddler environment with brief weekly lessons. Through songs, games, and activities, toddlers begin to grasp basic vocabulary, setting the stage for further language development.
 
Primary
Spanish lessons cover vocabulary units like colors and classroom objects. Each session includes active participation in songs and activities, transitioning into vocabulary presentation using the Montessori 3-period lesson structure: Naming/Introduction, Recognizing/Identification, and Remembering/Cognition. . Lessons blend Montessori principles with storytelling to actively involve students in their learning journey. Cultural insights are woven into every lesson, fostering an appreciation for Spanish-speaking communities worldwide.
 
Lower Elementary
Students focus on building vocabulary and understanding common expressions. Listening and speaking skills take precedence during lessons, with materials and activities available for continued practice throughout the week. Engaging activities like "mystery bag"—where the students are asked to blindly choose from various tasks, including mimicking an action or answering a question—encourage participation. Lessons often conclude with a farewell and Spanish reading session. Additionally, scheduled visits from Spanish-speaking guests enrich students' understanding of Hispanic heritage, complemented by short videos for enhanced cultural exposure.

Upper Elementary
In this stage, children are grouped by their Spanish proficiency, not strictly by grade. Following the Montessori philosophy, students in the more advanced levels will help others with their learning and comprehension. Emphasis is on reading, writing, grammar, and oral skills, enriched by interactive games, songs, and cultural projects. This immersive experience broadens their understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures and traditions, connecting them to the global community.

Adolescent
During the two-year cycle, students continue to develop their beginning to intermediate Spanish skills in alignment with the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages’ 5 goal areas: Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities. Our curriculum seamlessly integrates grammar, reading, writing, vocabulary, and cultural studies, fostering fluency through multi-modal lessons. 
 
The program offers three distinct activities: reading, grammar, and cultural exploration. Students select their preferred activity and submit their work at week's end. In the reading segment, students delve into stories via books or videos, honing their reading, scanning, and writing skills. In grammar sessions, they receive in-class guidance to complete workbook exercises, clarifying concepts as needed. In the cultural component, students explore topics of interest, researching and presenting lessons to peers, fostering both verbal and written communication skills.
 
Upon completion, students are well-equipped to pursue Spanish II in high school, reflecting our commitment to comprehensive language education.
 
Our Spanish teacher teaching to a Primary class with a Spanish book and baskets in her hands Our Spanish teacher singing and playing the guitar in front of a class Students sitting together at a table working on Spanish worksheets A student working at a desk writing on a Spanish workbook sheet A student working on Spanish with yellow cutout squares with pieces of Spanish words on them
Music Program
 
Our music program integrates music as a cultural, historical, and social medium for communication. It serves as a medium for movement, scientific exploration, mathematical understanding, and fostering connections. Beyond theory, music embraces and encourages community both within MCS and beyond its borders.
 
Primary
Students receive music instruction in their classrooms from teachers. Additionally, elders (kindergartners) participate in music classes held in the dedicated music room. The fundamental purpose of music study for the elders is to engage them in the music that is present all around them. This is achieved through activities focused on rhythm, pitch matching, and movement. Music classes include group dances, singing games, and the exploration of various instruments such as non-pitched percussion and Orff instruments like glockenspiels, metallophones, and xylophones. Students also begin to learn basic music symbols including note values, rests, and tempo.

Lower Elementary
The primary objective of music class is to enhance student's understanding of music while immersing them in its diverse forms. Similar to the Primary level, classes involve both stationary and active participation through singing, group dances, and rhythm games. Students frequently use both non-pitched percussion instruments and Orff instruments like glockenspiels, metallophones, and xylophones. Basic music symbols such as note values and rests are introduced as part of their learning process.
 
Upper Elementary
Students have access to general music classes and can choose from a variety of elective options including chorus, music, and dance. In previous years, students have delved into units on North Carolina roots music, Broadway musicals, classical compositions, and jazz. Each student is guided to develop the skills, techniques, and theoretical knowledge necessary to express themselves through singing or playing an instrument, fostering a deeper appreciation for the music that surrounds them.
 
Adolescent Community
The music program is a vital component of students' educational journey. Through performances and trips, they showcase their musical prowess and explore the historical significance of music, from African American roots to the Civil Rights movement.
 
During the instrumental learning process, students engage with various theoretical concepts. Each lesson and musical assignment prompts students to showcase their comprehension of time signatures, note and rest values, measures, dynamics, tempo, and repeat signs.
 
The music program extends beyond the classroom, intertwining with other areas of study, including humanities and literature. By embracing music as a window into culture and history, students forge meaningful connections, fostering introspection and understanding.
 
Our music teacher reading a book to a class outside with drums positioned in front of her Our music teacher singing and playing the banjo for one of our Toddler classes A student showing off the sheet music that he was practicing writing Students standing around our music teacher who is sitting at a piano Our music teacher playing the drums for a Primary class
Physical Education Program
 
At MCS, we prioritize the health and well-being of our students through our comprehensive Physical Education (PE) program. From our youngest learners to our 8th-grade students, our PE curriculum is designed to provide knowledge, skills, and motivation for a lifetime of health, exercise, and physical activity.
 
Foundations of Physical Development
Beginning in Primary, children embark on a journey of meeting development milestones, expanding the scope of their physical surroundings. Through cooperative games, children enhance coordination and teamwork, fostering the development of balance, hand-eye coordination, tactile awareness, directionality, and agility.
 
Sporting Units and Skill Enhancement
By second grade, children are introduced to various sporting units such as volleyball, basketball, or soccer, each lasting about a month to foster a solid understanding and familiarity with the sport. Emphasizing teamwork, children gradually enhance their gameplay ability and skill level as they progress.
 
Embracing Movement and Dance
Dance is an integral part of our PE curriculum, offering students opportunities to enhance strength, coordination, and rhythmic abilities. By the time students reach Upper Elementary, they can perform an impressive array of dances, contributing to their overall physical literacy.
 
A Spectrum of Activities
In addition to traditional sports, students participate in gymnastics, relay activities, and parachute games, promoting motor skills and teamwork.
 
Our campus boasts a well-maintained sports field, track, outdoor volleyball court, and basketball courts. Additionally, we provide two tetherball sets and a ping pong table for student use after school hours.
 
Upper Elementary and Adolescent students have physical education twice a week for one hour, Lower Elementary students have class once a week for an hour, and elders (kindergartners) attend class once a week for 45 minutes.
 
Community Events and Celebrations
Throughout the year, students engage in events like the Mini Olympics and Elementary Field Day, celebrating teamwork and camaraderie. Our MCS Mileage Club encourages students to stay active, fostering a sense of accomplishment and well-being.
 
Promoting Active Living
Our PE classes emphasize values like cooperation, fair play, and respect, nurturing not just physical skills but also social and emotional growth. Our goal is to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and attitude necessary to embrace active living as a way of life.
 
Students playing bowling in the gym with bouncing balls Students outside on the sports field playing with a giant soccer ball while our PE teacher looks on Students under the giant rainbow parachute Our PE teacher playing soccer with students out on the sports field Our PE teacher playing basketball with students
Health Program
 
At MCS, our commitment to educating the whole child is at the heart of everything we do.
 
Early Years: Cultivating Independence
From the earliest years, students learn the importance of caring for their bodies and maintaining health through practical life activities. As they progress into their elder year, they actively engage in our Physical Education (P.E.) program, laying the groundwork for lifelong fitness.
 
Holistic Wellness Education
Beyond physical education, our curriculum delves into healthy living principles. Students receive comprehensive lessons on healthy eating, personal safety, self-care, and effective communication, fostering a well-rounded understanding of wellness.
 
Empowering Adolescents
In fifth grade, students embark on a transformative journey with a comprehensive sexuality education program. Led by trained professionals, this program provides honest, accurate information about sexuality.  It dismantles stereotypes and assumptions, builds self-acceptance and self-esteem, fosters healthy relationships, improves decision-making, and has the potential to save lives. 
 
Continued Education in Seventh Grade
The sexuality program extends into seventh grade, promoting values of caring, compassion, respect, and justice in sexuality education. It addresses the complex attitudes and feelings that adolescents have about themselves and the world, empowering them to make informed decisions.