by Renee Owen | Feb 16, 2013 | Director's Blog, News
Rainbow Mountain Children’s School has grown slowly and steadily since 2007, my first year as director. However, I have never seen anything like what we have been experiencing over the last few months. We have about three times the inquiries and tours of any previous year. We have at least six times the number of new applicants than we normally have this time of year. Happily, our strategic plan had already identified a desire to grow by another 40% to 50%, in order to reach an enrollment number that will best serve the children, the community, and provide economic efficiency for Rainbow. (We need to construct another building to accommodate those numbers, but that is another chapter.) Until a new building is a reality, we have limited space. Sheila Mraz, the admissions director, and myself are scrambling to determine where each classroom will be located next year in order to best accommodate everyone who needs a spot, while continuing to enhance the quality and creativity of the program. If you have a sibling of a current student who is going to attend next year, please don’t delay in getting your application in. It would be heart-breaking to turn any members of current families away. As for new families, if you know anyone who is considering Rainbow, but has not yet toured or applied, please encourage them to do so as soon as possible. We anticipate several classes being full as of March 5, although we will try to open up new spots, if possible. Thank you everyone for your faith and support in our special school. Your synergy is making this happen, and it’s very exciting.
by Renee Owen | Feb 11, 2013 | Director's Blog
City Councilman, Gordon Smith, centered with the fifth/sixth grade class this morning. After lighting the candle and opening with three breaths, the seven directions, and greeting one another with namaste, each child reflected on what they love about Asheville (as they are beginning a “local” unit). Reflections ranged from pristine water to great food and beautiful mountains. The candle was blown out for “home.”
by Renee Owen | Feb 9, 2013 | Director's Blog
The highlight of my week is leading fourth grade centering every Friday. Nine and ten year olds are teetering between the imaginal realms of childhood and the rational existence the grown-up world has created. My goal is to savor that imaginal realm as much as possible so they will still be able to access it after crossing the threshold into adulthood.
I want them to remember how to fly. We are exploring the element of AIR, so we became as light as air and went on a visualized journey hovering over the classroom, Rainbow Mountain, Asheville, and Earth. Do you remember being able to fly in your dreams as a child?
by Renee Owen | Feb 7, 2013 | Director's Blog
Why do human beings have a desire to change their consciousness? This is one of the questions explored in our middle school substance prevention class today. Drugs are one method of changing consciousness, but they come with significant risks. Natural methods of changing consciousness, such as meditation and exercise, have enduring benefits. I am glad we are giving our children tools for having a rich inner life without craving external, material methods of changing consciousness. Adults who are interested in this conversation might find Dr. Andrew Weil’s book, “The Natural Mind” interesting.
by Renee Owen | Feb 6, 2013 | Director's Blog
Yesterday I returned from a trip back to my hometown of “Lake Wobegone” in Minnesota. Besides visiting my folks, I saw Garrison Keillor perform Prairie Home Companion live. After spending four days in zero degree weather, Asheville felt like the tropics. The truest warmth was felt when I stepped back on campus at Rainbow — warmth of heart. I love this place, and I love all of you. There is no place like home.
by Renee Owen | Jan 23, 2013 | Director's Blog
Teachers’ new role is to help children feel a part of nature. Here is how one Rainbow Mountain teacher does it: http://theclassroomnaturalist.wordpress.com/2012/09/11/all-i-see-is-part-of-me/
