RMCS Special Program Features
Rainbow Mountain's educational approach addresses the needs of the whole child—mind, body and spirit. The curriculum weaves multiple intelligences theory, essential learning skills and the five domains into a rich tapestry that incorporates mythic archetypes and inspires curiosity. In addition to these cornerstones, other features that make Rainbow Mountain unique include:
Daily Centering
Daily centering practice is a part of every Rainbow Mountain classroom. This is a special time where children are encouraged to find their center, their source of personal power and wisdom, before undertaking the lessons and explorations of the day. Moral and character education is a part of most centering, and it is here that children begin to understand their role in community. When graduates are asked what they miss most about their Rainbow experience, many place centering high on their list.
Service Learning/Community Service
Service learning helps students improve academically and develop personal skills through service projects that meet community needs. By playing a significant role in designing, planning, and implementing their community service projects, students develop practical skills, self esteem and a sense of civic responsibility.
Classes work with nonprofit organizations such as a local food bank, the Honduran Relief Project, Rescue Mission, and geriatric day care. This past year, the entire school participated in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Children made and donated items, parents drove supplies to devastated areas, families provided temporary lodging, and several classrooms welcomed relocated students.
Multicultural and Earth-Based Celebrations
At Rainbow Mountain, celebrations are treasured as times to deepen our bonds of community, to explore the magic and mystery of other cultures, and to awaken to our connection with the Earth, her creatures and seasonal rhythms. Celebrations encourage our children to express their natural creativity. Annual events include Halloween and El Dia de los Muertos, Winter Solstice and winter holidays, Lunar New Year, Valentine's Day, Earth Day, Spring Carnival and May Day. Additional celebrations may be honored that reflect students' interests and backgrounds.
Field Trips
Field trips are an integral part of the curriculum at RMCS because they expose students to many new experiences and environments. Outdoor learning opportunities are common, and children enjoy exploring our mountainous and urban habitat.
Almost without exception, RMCS students make an excellent impression wherever they go. We usually receive feedback on their exemplary behavior and the intelligence of their questions. We are often asked if Rainbow Mountain is a "school for gifted children."
Positive Approach to Discipline
In the classroom and throughout the school, we employ the principles of Positive Discipline developed by Jane Nelson, Ed.D. This approach draws from the exceptional theories of Alfred Adler and Rudolf Driekurs, who believed that all people, even children, should be treated with dignity and respect.
Positive Discipline teaches important social and life skills in a manner that is respectful to both adults and children. According to this approach, a misbehaving child is a discouraged child; encouragement is used as the basic motivator rather than blame or shame. Positive Discipline builds genuine self-esteem and empowers children by teaching self-control and responsibility.
Counselor-in-Training Program
Counselors-in-training (CITs) are Omega students who work with preschoolers in the RMCS summer session. In this optional program, interested middle schoolers can develop skills working with younger children while earning some spending money at the same time.
CITs assist preschool teachers by organizing and cleaning up around the classroom, reading stories, and helping the children solve problems. But the biggest benefit may result from the special combination of ages that often encourages friendships throughout the school year.
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