Dear MSA Families,

As we approach the end of the first quarter, I want to share how much I have enjoyed becoming part of the Mountain Sunrise Academy community. I am grateful for the warmth and support I have experienced from our students, families, teachers, and staff.

Our Mission and Academic Excellence

Our staff remains focused on MSA’s mission: educating the whole child through Waldorf principles, educational artistry, experiential learning, and academic excellence.

Whole-child education means supporting each child academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and artistically. Academic performance is an essential part of that commitment. Our teachers are working diligently to strengthen instruction, examine student data, communicate more clearly with families, and provide students with the support they need to grow.

Our goal is not to move away from our Waldorf-inspired identity. Instead, we will continue strengthening the academic foundation within it. Storytelling, rhythm, movement, music, art, imagination, meaningful relationships, developmentally appropriate instruction, and learning in nature will remain important parts of the MSA experience. We believe these principles can—and should—work alongside strong, explicit instruction and high academic expectations.

Families may review MSA’s publicly reported academic results through the Utah School Report Card.

Understanding Utah Senate Bill 241

Utah’s new early literacy law, Senate Bill 241, increases the statewide emphasis on early reading achievement, particularly in kindergarten through third grade.

For MSA, this includes a greater focus on

• Evidence-based and explicit reading instruction

• Benchmark assessments and regular progress monitoring

• Early identification of students who need additional reading support

• Targeted reading interventions based on each student’s needs

• Clear and timely communication with parents

• Professional learning and instructional coaching for teachers

Parents will receive additional information explaining how these requirements apply to their child, including assessment results, available supports, and ways families can help strengthen reading skills at home.

Celebrating Our Community

We have already enjoyed many meaningful experiences this quarter. Our students have brought learning to life through classroom plays, including The Lorax, and through our Michaelmas traditions and performance. Friday Forest Days continue to provide students with opportunities to connect with nature, build relationships, explore, and learn beyond the classroom.

These experiences reflect the creativity, imagination, community, and connection at the heart of Waldorf education. Thank you to our teachers, staff members, volunteers, and families who make these opportunities possible.

Welcoming New Teachers

We are pleased to welcome two new teachers to the MSA community. Sarah Boone will take over one of our first-grade classes, and Rachel Hafen will take over one of our third-grade classes following fall break.

Both teachers bring excitement and a strong commitment to supporting the whole child. We look forward to the relationships they will build with their students, families, and colleagues.

Fall Break and the Importance of Attendance

With fall break approaching, I hope our students and families have an opportunity to rest, reconnect, and enjoy time together.

As we return and begin the second quarter, please remember the importance of regular and on-time attendance. Arriving at school on time allows students to begin the day with their classmates, participate fully in the classroom rhythm, and receive the complete instruction planned by their teachers.

Consistent attendance also helps teachers accurately understand each student’s progress, identify individual needs, and provide timely support. When students frequently arrive late or miss school, they may lose important instruction and the continuity that supports both academic learning and classroom relationships. Every school day—and every minute of instruction—matters.

Thank you for continuing to support our teachers and staff. A great deal of meaningful work is happening throughout MSA, and we appreciate the dedication of our families in supporting their children’s learning and growth both at home and at school.

Sincerely,

Patrick Freeman

Executive Director

Mountain Sunrise Academy