Reuse, Recycle and Compost: First Grade Students Learn About Raising Worms and Papermaking

This week, Mount Madonna School (MMS) first grade students visited the Waste Education Department at the City of Santa Cruz Resource Recovery Facility, where they learned about papermaking, composting and broader waste-reduction efforts.

This learning-filled field trip is part of first grade’s environmental curriculum.

“It’s my goal that this unit of study, combined with a deepening appreciation for our native animals and the redwood forest ecosystem, will motivate students to take actions that help to take care of the Earth and reduce their impact on it,” commented teacher Cassia Laffin. “They are learning that we all need to be more mindful of not wasting the Earth’s resources, become more conscious of how our food is packaged and make sustainable choices, and learn ways to reduce, reuse, recycle, rot and refuse – at home, at school and in our communities.”

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Contact: Leigh Ann Clifton, director of marketing & communications,

Nestled among the redwoods on 380 acres, Mount Madonna School (MMS) is a diverse learning community dedicated to creative, intellectual, and ethical growth. MMS supports its students in becoming caring, self-aware, discerning and articulate individuals; and believes a fulfilling life includes personal accomplishments, meaningful relationships and service to society. The program, accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), emphasizes academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Located on Summit Road between Gilroy and Watsonville. Founded in 1979.

 

Class of ’24 Senior Spotlight: Ona Musoll-Buendia

Name, city of residence:

Ona Musoll-Buendia, San Jose

Grade you started at Mount Madonna School:

Seventh

What inspires you?

My mother inspires me. She does what she loves and works hard at it, never giving up when things are hard.

What is your favorite subject in school, and why? 

My favorite subject in school is science because I love to learn about how the world works.

If you had the power to change one thing in the world, what would it be? 

If I had the power to change one thing in the world, it would be to stop greenhouse gases from going into the atmosphere.

If you could go anywhere, where would you go, and why would you choose that

I would go to Italy, because I love Italian food and the architecture there is amazing as well.

Name one big challenge in your life right now:        

One big challenge in my life right now is feeling ready to leave for college. I struggle with change and going to college is going to be by far the biggest change in my life as of right now.

What is your dream job and why?

I don’t really have a dream job yet; I want to take college as an opportunity to explore different things and hopefully find something that I love that I want to do for the rest of my life.

What are your three favorite things? 

My favorite things include pasta, sheep, my dog Yuna and sleep.

Favorite book: 

My favorite book is “Between Shades of Gray” by Ruta Sepetys, because it brought up a lot of emotions for me and not many books make me cry like that one did.

What do you want to do after high school? 

I want to go to college and get a good education, exploring as many things that I can and find what I love.

Something that you are proud of – and why:

I am proud of how much I have grown over years I have been a student at Mount Madonna.

Something that makes you smile:

Something that makes me smile is coming home after a long school day and greeting my dog Yuna!

A favorite Mount Madonna School (MMS) memory:

My favorite MMS memory is when my class was in Washington, D.C. and we were sitting in the hostel together playing cards, singing and playing music.

Top three most played songs on your favorite playlist: 

“Where The River Flows” by The Scorpions, “My Tears Ricochet” by Taylor Swift and “Carry on Wayward Son” by Kansas\

Class of ’24 Senior Spotlight: Peter S.

Name, city of residence:

Peter S., Gilroy

Grade you started at Mount Madonna School:

Ninth grade

What inspires you?

My parents

What is your favorite subject in school, and why? 

Chemistry, because I find it really interesting and fun to do

If you had the power to change one thing in the world, what would it be? 

That no one, in any way, could get an illness

If you could go anywhere, where would you go, and why would you choose that

I would go to Iceland, because I would love to see the northern lights.

Name one big challenge in your life right now:        

Being busy

What is your dream job and why?

Being an athlete in some capacity, because you get to play sports for a living

What are your three favorite things? 

Family, friends and video games

Favorite book: 

I like the “Amulet” series by Kazu Kibuishi, because it’s like mini movies as graphic novels.

What do you want to do after high school? 

I would like to study computer science or chemistry.

Something that you are proud of – and why:

I’m proud of my parents because they have always supported me in what I do.

Something that makes you smile:

Family and friends

A favorite Mount Madonna School (MMS) memory:

Our volleyball games, because we always support each other during them, have a lot of fun and crack many jokes.

Top three most played songs on your favorite playlist: 

“When I Am King” by Great Big Sea, as well as songs from Dua Lipa and Green Day

Featured Video: Drishtikon 2024 – Learning Journey to India Overview

An overview video of Mount Madonna School seniors’ 2024 learning journey to India, the Drishtikon Project (“Perspectives”). View the blog for writings, photos, and videos. Part of the Values in World Thought Program.

Filmed and edited by Devin Kumar (http://www.devinkumar.com)

High School Athletic News: Track and Field Success Continues!

Track and Field, 4.12.24: The Hawks had an awesome meet on April 11 at Aptos High School.

“I am super proud to see you all out there continuing to work hard and improve your scores,” commented Coach Sara Sobkoviak. “Great job everyone!”

Here are the meet results and a few highlights:

  • Ona Musoll-Buendia took first in Triple and second in Long Jump!
  • Kenzie Culbertson took second in both 800m and 1600m, while also setting a personal record and school record (again)in both events!
  • Kiko Horne took fourth in 200m and fifth in 100m!
On April 13, some Hawk athletes will compete in the inaugural Meet of Champions at Aptos High School, which will feature all the schools in Santa Cruz County. This will be a fun meet to participate in and watch! Field events begin at 9:00am. GO HAWKS!

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Track and Field, 3.28.24: The Hawks competed in a Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League meet at Harbor High School on March 28; congratulations athletes on another successful meet! Click here for the results. Following are a few first-place highlights from Coach Sara Sobkoviak:

  • Kenzie Culbertson placed first in the 400m (1:03.64) and 800m (2.29.71) women’s varsity with MMS record-breaking times! 
  • Kiko Horne placed first in the 200m (28.89) for women’s varsity! 
  • Our girls varsity 4x100m took first place and broke the school record yesterday with a time of 54.25!! The team consists of Beatrice Miller, Lagi Hunnicutt, Emma Monclus and Kiko Horne!
  • Ona Musoll-Buendia placed fist in the long jump (15’10.5) and triple jump (31’9.75)!
  • Theo Esposito placed first in 110m hurdles (25.31)!
  • Emma Monclus placed first in discus (61’3)!
  • Mordecai Coleman placed first in triple jump (28’4.25) and has set the school record! 
“I am Super proud of all of you,” said Coach Sara. “Make sure you do what you can during the spring break to take care of yourselves and keep that momentum for the season going!”

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Boys Volleyball, 4.2.24: The Pajaronian, Mount Madonna School’s Nikowa D’Costa-Hemp led the Hawks boys’ volleyball team with 20 kills, seven aces and 18 digs in a five-set victory 3-2 over Scotts Valley in Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League play March 26. Fellow teammate Nash Wilson tallied eight kills, and Solomon Coleman had four aces and 37 assists. With the win, Mount Madonna (4-14) improved to 2-3 in league play.

3.28.24: Santa Cruz Sentinel, Nikowa D’Costa-Hemp had 20 kills, 7 aces, 18 digs, while passing 2.51, in the Hawks’ five-set SCCAL win Tuesday. Nash Wilson tallied eight kills and Solomon Coleman had four aces and 37 assists for Mt Madonna (4-14, 2-3)

 

Cross Country, 11.25.23: Congratulations to ninth grader Kenzie Culbertson, who finished 90th out of 200 runners in her division at the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State Cross Country race, despite an ankle injury that made the race challenging for her.

“Kenzie was grateful that she was able to experience running at such a large event with the best runners in the state,” said Nicole Silva Culbertson, Kenzie’s mother. “Kenzie entered the race without having run for the last three weeks, except for the CCS [Central Coast Section] race, due to being sick before CCS and then spraining her ankle on her first training run after CCS. She was able to experience what the course and competition is like at that level and is motivated to work hard to make it back there next year healthy and in shape.”

Aptos Times, “Locals Shine at CX championship.”

The Pajaronian, “Locals set to compete at CIF state finals”

Girls Volleyball, 11.15.23: The Pajaronian, “All-SCCAL girls volleyball”: Congratulations to sophomore Eden Fisher, who was named to the honorary All-Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League (SCCAL) girls volleyball Second Team, and seniors Cy Harris and Emma Monclus, who were recognized as Honorable Mentions.

“The girls volleyball team played the whole season with focus, heart and dedication,” commented PK McDonald (’04), Mount Madonna School girls varsity volleyball coach and high school athletic director. “The whole team came together and competed as a team, supporting each other and making great progress over the course of the season. It is awesome that Eden, Cy and Emma received honors for their accomplishments over the course of the year, and is a testament to their hard work.

“Everyone who watched them compete could see how much this season meant to them and it was an honor to be a part of it,” he continued. “Cy, Emma and Eden consistently played at a level comparable to the top players in the league and I’m very happy that they are being recognized. It is important to keep in mind that any individual recognition is a product of success from the entire team, and I’m proud of how each of our student athletes performed over the course of the year.”

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Cross Country, 11.13.23: Congratulations to ninth grader Kenzie Culbertson, who finished in eighth out of 69 runners in the Division V (DV) Central Coast Section (CCS) cross country championships with a time of 20:03.4! The meet was held November 11 at the Crystal Springs course in Belmont. Culbertson’s finish qualifies her to participate in the state cross country championships later this month.

“Saturday was my first time getting to run at Crystal Springs, and going into the race, I was a little more nervous than usual,” said Culberston. “I had been really sick and in bed for the previous four days and the meet was the first time I had run all week! Crystal Springs was a really challenging course, especially when running with 68 girls all around me. The course was dusty and exposed, with no shade. I was really low energy when I started running and once I made it out of the scramble of girls, I stayed in the top group, holding on to the race leaders. Even though I wasn’t fully healthy, it was exciting to pull it off and finish in eighth place; the race was tough, but a challenge to remember!

To see the DV race results, click here

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State Cross Country race will be held on Saturday, November 25 at Woodward Park in Clovis. Culbertson will compete in the DV race at 9:30am.

Read about the CCC championship meet in the Santa Cruz Sentinel

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Cross Country, 11.7.23: Mount Madonna School ninth grader Kenzie Culbertson placed fourth at the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League (SCCAL) championships, and will be competing in the Central Coast Section (CCS) championship meet. Her race will be at Crystal Springs Cross Country Course in Belmont at 12:55pm on November 11. If she qualifies at CCS, she will be running in the State Championship! Photo by Shmuel Thaler, Santa Cruz Sentinel.

 

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Cross Country, 10.5.23: The Hawks hosted a meet on the Mount Madonna School campus, and welcomed athletes from Harbor High School and Santa Cruz High School. Kenzie Culbertson finished second in the girls’ race, while classmate Kiko Horne, competing for the first time, finished 10th. Hans Hagge finished 14th out of 34 runners. Many families turned out to watch and cheer on the athletes. Go Hawks!

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Girls Volleyball, 9.22.23: The Pajaronian “Mariners remain determined during rebuilding year | SCCAL girls volleyball – APTOS, MT. MADONNA SET TO BE BATTLE-TESTED IN CHALLENGING LEAGUE,” by Gordon Kass.

Mt. Madonna School coach PK McDonald is rebuilding his defense after losses due to graduation. Libero Anya Gonzales leads the back row and Lagi Hunnicutt takes those passes and sets a strong offense.

When that duo clicks, the Hawks can unleash a strong hitting corps featuring Eden Fisher, Cy Harris and Emma Monclus. Mt. Madonna has had competitive losses against the middle tier of the league. They are 2-8 overall, 1-3 in the SCCAL.

Girls Volleyball, 9.7.23: Santa Cruz Sentinel, “Santa Cruz, Mount Madonna both have senior heavy squads and high hopes,” by Jim Seimas.

Class of ’24 Senior Spotlight: Bella Sol Padilla

Name, city of residence:

Bella Sol Padilla, Gilroy

Grade you started at Mount Madonna School:

I began at Mount Madonna as a sophomore.

What inspires you?

Creativity and ambition inspire me.

What is your favorite subject in school, and why? 

My favorite subject in school is Science with Humanity because it’s interesting to try to understand science and health practices from an ethical standpoint.

If you had the power to change one thing in the world, what would it be? 

If I had the power to change one thing in the world it would be that I would get rid of all the hate in the world. I think that the root of our global issues is that we don’t listen and understand each other. I believe this could be solved if we all loved more.

If you could go anywhere, where would you go, and why would you choose that

If I could go to one place in the world, I would go to back to India to visit the kids at Sri Ram Ashram.

Name one big challenge in your life right now:        

One big challenge in my life right now is making college decisions

What is your dream job and why?

My dream job is to become a therapist, because I want to help people to understand their emotions and themselves better.

What are your three favorite things? 

Friends, family and reading a good book

Favorite book: 

My favorite book is “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding, because it’s a fascinating book about survival and society.

What do you want to do after high school? 

I want to go to a four-year college and get my degree.

Something that you are proud of – and why:

I am proud of classmates for getting into their dream schools.

Something that makes you smile:

Seeing my gymnastics teammates

A favorite Mount Madonna School (MMS) memory:

My first “Ramayana!” with Josie, because her and I were close friends and being in the “Ramayana!” with her was so much fun.

Top three most played songs on your favorite playlist: 

“Anything,” by Adrianne Lenker, “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield and “She’s Electric” by Oasis

Class of ’24 Senior Spotlight: Beatrice Miller

Name, city of residence:

Beatrice Miller, San Juan Bautista

Grade you started at Mount Madonna School:

Eighth grade

What inspires you?

The many powerful, driven, and creative women in my life! My mother, Jameelah Johnson, Sara Sobkoviak, I can’t think of just one person, but there’s a whole team of support and love I get from the role models around me.

What is your favorite subject in school, and why? 

When I was in ninth grade I discovered I loved learning about the world and its systems. My English teacher created an exhilarating curriculum that covered different cultures and their religions, and we read so many books ranging from “The Epic of Gilgamesh” to the “Odyssey.” He taught us how our world is deeply connected even though humans live separated lives. It showed me there was a lot I didn’t know. Now as a senior, taking Values 12: Self and Society, I am once again involved in what I am most passionate about. I am so happy I had the opportunity to travel to India, and to get involved in discussions about ethics and morality. These subjects drive me to understand our world more, especially culture and religion, which is something that so often divides us.

If you had the power to change one thing in the world, what would it be? 

Currently, I would call for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel – Hamas war. It’s devastating to know innocent lives are being lost, and so much destruction is happening every day. I would ask for the same in Ukraine and Russia, in the Congo, in Haiti. I believe war is futile and I hate how we often result to annihilation. There is no right answer, but I wish it didn’t involve hate and anger.

If you could go anywhere, where would you go, and why would you choose that

I would go to Haiti and spend time with my family. I have never been to Haiti, nor is it currently possible, so I hope one day I can.

Name one big challenge in your life right now:        

Nothing too big every day I have little challenges, but in the grand scheme of things I am okay. I’ve always been very flexible, so I realize I need to let things go more often than I should hold on.

What is your dream job and why?

President. Someone mentioned it to me once, as a joke. It stuck.

What are your three favorite things? 

My family, my boyfriend and the ability to travel

Favorite book: 

“Binti” by Nnedi Okorafor. It’s a unique story I was able to relate to.

What do you want to do after high school? 

I want to go to college, get my degree and graduate. I’d like to do something impactful with my education and travel if I can.

Something that you are proud of – and why:

I am proud of my perseverance, my drive to succeed and make others happy. These are my favorite skills because I can use them in everything I do. Self-care is very important to me, but beyond that being kind to other people is equally as essential.

Something that makes you smile:

Seeing art, my close family and friends

A favorite Mount Madonna School (MMS) memory:

Driving up to school this year. I have never appreciated the drive to school as much as I do currently, since I drive myself now. I’m very grateful for the nature and scenery I am surrounded by – when it’s raining and the trees gets green, or in summer when the wind is warm. Even the view from the road is magical.

Top three most played songs on your favorite playlist: 

“Girl” by Beck, “MUST BE” by Lou Phelps and “Monks” by Frank Ocean

Class of ’24 Senior Spotlight: Cy Harris

Name, city of residence:

Cy Harris, Watsonville

Grade you started at Mount Madonna School:

11

What inspires you?

Many things inspire me. My family and friends are the main things.

What is your favorite subject in school, and why? 

My favorite subject in school is Science with Humanities because we get to learn about real world things, that I feel I can apply to my every-day life, and it’s also a fun class.

If you had the power to change one thing in the world, what would it be? 

I would want everyone to be willing to listen to others and hear their opinions before deciding who or what is right or wrong.

If you could go anywhere, where would you go, and why would you choose that

I would go back to Greece, because it’s my favorite place in the world that I’ve found so far.

Name one big challenge in your life right now:        

Getting into colleges

What is your dream job and why?

Becoming a teacher, because I want to help and be with kids.

What are your three favorite things? 

My three favorite things are food, including desserts, my friends and family and my hometown.

Favorite book: 

“Educated” by Tara Westover because despite the hard story it’s incredibly inspiring and I learned a lot from it.

What do you want to do after high school? 

I want to attend the University of California, Santa Cruz, and get my teaching credential.

Something that you are proud of – and why:

I am proud of my ability to work through difficult things.

Something that makes you smile:

My little sister

A favorite Mount Madonna School (MMS) memory:

My favorite MMS memory is being in the “Ramayana!” in 2023, and the feeling of really being a part of the community.

Top three most played songs on your favorite playlist: 

“Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions” by Taylor Swift, “Shake the Frost (Live)” by Tyler Childers and “Midnight Rain” by Taylor Swift