The Black Bear Review

KMS
2 days ago
13 min read

Updated: 17 hours ago

As November settles in and the air turns crisp, excitement is buzzing across the KMS community with the winter season just around the corner. The campus has been full of energy, with athletes training at home and abroad, students diving into their studies, and everyone gearing up for the winter months ahead. Amid all the motion, we have also paused to celebrate some of our favorite fall traditions, from the KMS Golf Tournament to Community Weekend, moments that remind us what makes this community so special. Take a read and enjoy some of the highlights and happenings from this vibrant fall season.

Community Weekend

The 2025 KMS Community Weekend kicked off with our 37th Annual Golf Tournament—a record-breaking event, selling out in two weeks and raising over $36,000! The day was filled with fun and camaraderie, featuring a Student Council bake sale, putting and long drive competitions, and the always-popular air cannon. A heartfelt thank-you to all the family, friends, and supporters of KMS who made this year’s tournament such a success!

Our academic open house and annual athletic season kick-off meetings, provided a wonderful opportunity for families to connect and learn more about our student-centered and inquiry-based approach to youth development. Families explored student academic work, met with teachers and coaches, and learned more about the way in which we support each student's personal success. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this day special!

During Community Weekend, families were greeted with a warm family social at Charity’s generously sponsored by the Malloy Family P'31. Thank you, Malloy Family!

A big turnout for the KSC/KMS Development Program hike to the peak followed by lunch and Open House at KMS.

Learning and Leading

Community, Connection, and Belonging

Our advisory program is off and running as we wrap up the first academic quarter of the year. With advisory groups aligned with athletic teams, every student has a small, dedicated group of faculty advisors providing personalized guidance, regular check-ins, and support, both on campus and on the road.

In Quarter 1, the themes of Community, Connection, and Belonging, have been at the heart of our most recent work during our weekly advisory blocks. Some highlights include:

Setting Goals: Students reflected on academic, athletic, and personal goals for the year ahead.
Living Our Values: Advisories explored how our RILER values (Respect, Integrity, Leadership, Excellence, Responsibility) guide everyday choices.
Building SEL Skills: Through Second Step activities, students strengthened self-awareness, empathy, and healthy relationships, discussing topics like social media and finding connections beyond sport.
School Spirit & Collaboration: Students participated in our yearly Student Council debate as well as our first House Team competition of the year. Congratulations to Skye Team for mastering the noodle battle challenge! We also went to see a Dartmouth Hockey game and celebrated the season with some gourd and pumpkin decorating.
Advisor Support: Advisors connected individually and in teams to mentor, guide, and check in on student progress, making sure every student, even when traveling, feels supported.

We’re proud of our students’ engagement this Quarter and can’t wait to carry this momentum into Quarter 2, where the advising focus will shift to Confidence and Capability!

- Courtney O'Keefe, Advisory Coordinator

2025/26 First Academic Standout - Ella Strong

Please join us in congratulating Senior Ella Strong as KMS’ first Academic Standout of the 2025–2026 school year! KMS’ Academic Standout recognition, presented by our teaching faculty, honors students who demonstrate exceptional commitment and drive toward excellence both in the classroom and during distance learning.

Link to Ella's full write-up

KMS Upperclassmen Take the PSAT at Killington Ski Club

On October 1, KMS upperclassmen traveled to Killington Ski Club to take the PSAT, a standardized assessment that provides valuable practice for the SAT and serves as a qualifier for the National Merit Scholarship Program. We extend our sincere thanks to Chuck and the Killington Ski Club for generously hosting and supporting our students.

Academic Standout - Gavin S.

Gavin was recognized for his curiosity, creativity, and thoughtful classroom participation across multiple subjects. His teachers describe him as a dedicated, inquisitive learner whose enthusiasm for knowledge elevates class discussions and inspires his peers. Whether in history, English, or the arts, Gavin consistently demonstrates excellence, humility, and a genuine love of learning, qualities that make him a true standout in the KMS community.

Link to Gavin's full write-up

Introducing the 2025–2026 KMS Student Council!

President: Toren G.

VP: Eden K.

General Assembly: Sarah H., Logan H., Victoria J., Ruby K., Nic P., Audrey W., William Y.

Faculty Advisors: Ian G., Courtney H., Chandra A.

The KMS Student Council kicked off the year with a bake sale during the annual golf tournament which was a huge success thanks to the amazing support from our entire school community. We want to give a special thank you to the local businesses who donated food: Sun Up Bakery, Killington Market, and Ana’s Empanadas. We also couldn’t have done it without the students who baked, the parents who donated, and the volunteers who helped us run the booth and create such a fun, welcoming environment for the golfers. It was awesome to see everyone come together, to both enjoy some sweets, and also to support student-led projects that make KMS even better.

We are excited to share that the bake sale raised $730! The Student Council has already started planning how to put those funds to good use. Our current ideas include purchasing a blender, updating the laundry room, renting a food truck for lunch one day, and even giving the Moguls mini-golf course a refresh for students and future fundraising events. Another project we are really looking forward to is the creation of an Athletic Recognition Bulletin Board, a space dedicated to highlighting our students’ athletic achievements, milestones, and all the hard work that makes KMS athletes stand out.

We are really proud of how the year has started and cannot wait to see what more we can accomplish together as a council and as a school.

— Toren Gleiman, Student Council President

Four KMS Students Recognized as Campus Captains

Killington Mountain School is proud to share that four of our students have been selected by The Hidden Opponent as Campus Captains!

The Hidden Opponent is a nonprofit mental health advocacy group that focuses on student-athletes. The Hidden Opponent Program is built around the idea that athletes often face a "hidden opponent" in the form of mental health struggles that are not as visible as physical injuries, but which can be just as impactful.

Asa, Eden, Gavin, and Victoria will work to further the Hidden Opponent's mission of increasing mental health awareness among student-athletes on high school and college campuses, starting right here at KMS!

Black Bear Community Award: Toren G., Spencer C., Charlotte P., Audrey W.

Please join the KMS community in celebrating the first Black Bear Community Awards of the year, recognizing individuals who go above and beyond to strengthen and uplift our school community.

Our first honoree, Senior Toren G., a Downhill Mountain Biker from Ludlow, VT, was commended for his academic excellence, respectful engagement, and outstanding leadership as Student Council President, where he has demonstrated vision, organization, and dedication to collaboration.

We also recognize Audrey W., Spencer C., and Charlotte P. for their volunteer work at the Vermont Fairy Tale Festival, where they represented KMS with enthusiasm, kindness, and community spirit. Each of these students exemplifies the values of commitment, leadership, and service that define KMS. Congratulations to all our award recipients!

Academic Standout - Sitota L.

Please join the KMS faculty in congratulating Sitota L. for her recognition as Academic Standout! Sitota, a 10th-grade Downhill Mountain Biking athlete from Barnet, VT, is recognized for her thoughtful class contributions, proactive communication, and dedication to academic excellence. Her teachers describe her as a driven, engaged learner who consistently seeks feedback, takes initiative, and elevates discussions with insight and curiosity. Sitota’s positivity, balance, and commitment make her a true role model within the KMS community.

Link to Sitota's Full Write-up

Student Voices: Sensory Free-Write

Grade 8 English teacher Dr. Mara Taylor asked students to spend 20 minutes outside observing their surrounding environment and engage in a free-write describing what their senses experienced. Check out what Harrison S. had to say!

"I see many flowers, plants, trees, and greenery all around me. Leaves in shades of brown and red cover the ground. I notice bees and caterpillars crawling around me. There is turf, rails, and rocks around me.

I hear bees buzzing and birds chirping around me, like the woodpecker that sounds like it's right next to me. The leaves crunch under my feet as I walk. I also hear the sound of cars passing by. The plants move in the wind, and the gravel under my feet crunches like crackers as I walk.

I smell the fresh air mixed with the sweet smell of pine trees, flowers, and wood. There’s also a cold breeze carrying a smell of gasoline from the nearby traffic.

I feel the cool breeze on my skin and the warm sun on my face. As I sit on an old wooden shack by the rail hill, I can feel its rough texture. As I walk, I feel the flaky leaves under my feet and small stones moving under me. I also feel sticky spider webs on my skin as I walk through the trees."

Student Songwriting Showcase

After weeks of creativity, collaboration, and careful coordination, our students have completed an exciting songwriting project in teacher Lloyd Plourd's English class that blends musical expression with figurative devices. Each student composed an original song using Suno, an AI music writing platform, incorporating literary devices such as metaphors, similes, and idioms to bring their lyrics to life.

We’re so proud of our students’ imagination, effort, and artistry. Take a listen here.

Hands-On Learning Adventures in Survival and Physics Classes

Our students have been embracing hands-on learning in both Survival class and Physics!!

In Survival class, students have been mastering the art of building simple shelters using paracord, tarps, and materials found in nature. This essential skill not only provides protection against the elements but also encourages creativity and teamwork. As they work together, they gain a deeper understanding of their environment and develop practical skills that will serve them well in the future.

Meanwhile, our Physics students took to the skies with an exciting experiment involving water and air propelled bottle rockets. This experiment allowed students to explore Newton's Laws of Motion, aerodynamics, and the scientific method, all while having a blast!

Inside Athletics

KMS Students and Alumni Selected for the 2025/26 US Ski & Snowboard Team

We are proud to share that three KMS student-athletes and recent alumni have been named to three different 2025–2026 U.S. Ski & Snowboard National Teams!

Jess Perlmutter (Snowboard), Ella Andrews (Freeski), and Spencer Wood (Para Alpine) have each earned their place among the nation’s top competitors, a testament to their years of commitment, perseverance, and passion for their sports. Their hard work and drive continue to inspire current students and remind us of what is possible through focus and determination.

Please join us in congratulating Jess, Ella, and Spencer on this remarkable achievement. We are so proud of you and cannot wait to cheer you on in the season ahead!

Killington Mountain School's own Pavel Stastny Inducted into the VARA Hall of Fame

On Saturday, November 1st, VARA held its annual awards reception, where Pavel Stastny was inducted into the 2025 VARA Hall of Fame.

Pavel has spent over three decades coaching in Vermont, becoming a key figure in alpine racing.

He joined Killington Mountain School in 2012, significantly contributing to our alpine program as the Alpine Program Director, Head Men's Coach, and Head PG Coach.

His influence extends beyond our campus, with experience coaching on the World Cup Circuit and Olympic Teams for Canada and the Czech Republic. This global perspective has shaped the KMS program, emphasizing high performance, technical excellence, and comprehensive athlete development.

Pavel’s dedication to his athletes is exceptional. He strives for excellence while genuinely caring for each individual’s growth and well-being. His mentorship has guided athletes to collegiate, national, and Olympic competitions, leaving an immeasurable impact on our community.

KMS is proud to have such an outstanding coach, mentor, and role model. Pavel’s passion for ski racing and commitment to athlete development continue to inspire generations of Vermont ski racers, making this honor truly well-deserved.

U18 Alpine Athlete Liam McKenna representing KMS on the 2026 Vermont Area Racing Association (VARA) Team

Liam joins eleven top alpine athletes from across Vermont based on impressive results from last season.

Congratulations to Liam and all the other team members!

KMS Freestyle Athletes Train on a Volcano in Chile

KMS Freestyle athletes had an excellent on-snow training camp on an active volcano in Corralco, Chile dialing in their jump and skiing for the season ahead. The soft snow provided ideal conditions for athletes to focus on jumping technique and speed through the bumps. In addition to productive training sessions, the group explored a nearby waterfall formed during the volcano’s last eruption.

The team has their sights set on their next opportunity on snow in Apex, BC in early December.

Alpine Trains in Saas Fee, Switzerland

Our U16 and U18 alpine athletes returned to snow in September in Saas Fee, Switzerland, for a two-week training project focused on intensive preparation for the upcoming season. The camp emphasized technical skiing, physical conditioning, and individual development. Athletes were thrilled to be back on skis and to continue building momentum towards the upcoming November camp at Alpincenter Hamburg-Wittenburg in Germany and the Hintertux Glacier in Austria.

KMS Alpine Joins VTSU Castleton Exercise Science for VO2 Max Testing

KMS U18 alpine athletes visited Vermont State University at Castleton to collaborate with the Exercise Science Department for VO₂ max testing. VO₂ max, a key indicator of aerobic capacity, measuring how efficiently an athlete utilizes oxygen during high-intensity exercise. For alpine racers, a strong VO₂ max contributes to improved endurance on long courses, quicker recovery between runs, and sustained power and focus through every turn. KMS extends sincere thanks to Dr. Carlstrom and the Exercise Science students for their time, expertise, and support throughout this valuable training experience.

BOOST Program Camp at Big Snow American Dream

U10–U14 athletes athletes recently enjoyed a productive and energizing few days on snow at Big Snow American Dream in New Jersey. The indoor training sessions offered valuable early-season mileage, allowing athletes to refine fundamentals, check equipment, and reconnect with teammates and coaches. With excellent snow conditions, focused instruction, and high spirits all around, the day marked a strong and exciting start to the winter season. Our academy U14s and U12s will be heading to Hintertux in November, our BOOST Elite Academy Program kicks off at home on December 1, and the KSC/KMS Development Program begins on December 6. Temps are dropping and it is time to go fast!

Year-Round Rail Garden on Campus

Our Freeski and Snowboard coaches had been hard at work throughout late summer and into the school year installing a new dry slope rail setup on campus. This exciting addition provides athletes with the opportunity to train year-round, regardless of weather conditions, an invaluable advantage as they continue to develop their skills and consistency. The setup has already become a favorite among athletes, who have been making the most of it with productive and fun rail sessions right here at KMS.

Freeski and Snowboard Kick-Off the Season in Austria

The KMS Freeski and Snowboard teams recently returned from two productive weeks of preseason training in Hintertux, Austria, where they kicked off preparations for a busy winter of slopestyle competition.

Despite a mix of weather conditions, the teams made the most of every session and logged some serious quality time on snow while taking advantage of world-class facilities, including the Banger Park airbag center.

Amid long days on the slopes, athletes balanced their studies with KMS teacher Ian G. while enjoying thrilling hikes through the Alps, refreshing ice baths in glacial rivers, mountain carting, and exploring the charming city of Innsbruck. The trip offered not only incredible training, but also a rich cultural experience that brought the group closer together and set a strong tone for the season ahead.

KMS Gravity Team Takes on the Fox U.S. Open at Killington

The KMS Downhill Mountain Bike Team competed at the FOX US Open at Killington from September 26–28, racing under peak fall foliage and crisp autumn skies. Despite soft terrain following heavy rain, athletes stayed focused and raced hard throughout the weekend. Saturday’s races brought strong performances and high energy, capped off by an ice cream social and the crowd-favorite Best Whip competition, where KMS riders Ty D. and Austin T. wowed spectators with their skill and style. The weekend concluded with the A, B, and C Finals on Sunday, where KMS athletes demonstrated grit, talent, and resilience against some of the top riders in the country.

KMS Gravity Team Wraps Up Season with Strong ESC Overall Results

The KMS Downhill Mountain Bike Team has wrapped up an incredible season marked by impressive results and significant individual progression. Our athletes have demonstrated dedication, resilience, and growth throughout the fall, representing KMS with both skill and sportsmanship at every event.

In the ESC 2025 Overall Standings, the Gravity Team once again showcased depth and determination across all categories. In the Pro Men’s division, Ty D. secured an impressive 3rd overall, followed by Carson M. in 8th and Corny C. in 23rd. On the women’s side, Sarah H. finished 5th and Sitota L. 8th in the Pro Women’s standings. Sitota L. also earned a 4th place overall in Expert Women, despite moving up to the Pro class midway through the season, a testament to her consistency and drive. In the U16 Expert category, Robert C. finished 2nd overall, with Gavin S. in 7th and Will Y. in 13th. Toren G. claimed 8th in U18 Expert, Jackson V. finished 24th in U14, and Austin T. wrapped up the year 5th overall in U16 Amateur.

As the season concludes, the Gravity Team will take a well-deserved break for recovery before shifting gears into off season training, and set their sights on their destination winter training trip.

Coaches' Corner

KMS Coaches Participate in Sports Psychology Professional Development Session

KMS welcomed Dr. Sarah Cook for a professional development session focused on sports psychology and the athlete experience. Dr. Cook, who holds a doctorate in Sports Psychology and a master’s degree in Athletic Training, serves on the faculty at Vermont State University – Castleton, where she teaches in both the Athletic Training and Sports Psychology programs.

Her session explored the psychology of injury and rehabilitation through the lens of neuroscience and mental health, offering insights into the emotional journey of injured athletes as well as the effects on those who witness injuries firsthand. Dr. Cook also shared valuable strategies for coaches and mentors supporting athletes through recovery. KMS coaches left the session with a renewed perspective on athlete wellness and a deeper understanding of the mental side of sport.

KMS Coaches Take Part in Team Cohesion Workshop with Kris Cofiell

On Thursday, October 2, KMS welcomed Kris Cofiell to lead a professional development workshop focused on key elements of team cohesion, including strategies for team building and understanding coaching trends across male and female youth athletes.

Kris brings nearly 30 years of coaching experience in women’s field hockey and lacrosse and holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Springfield College. Known for her engaging and interactive approach, Kris shared practical tools and ideas designed to help coaches strengthen team dynamics and apply new strategies immediately within their programs.

Her workshop provided valuable insights into fostering unity, communication, and positive culture within teams bringing core values that align closely with the KMS coaching philosophy.

Deck The Rails

Join Killington Resort and KMS for the inaugural Deck the Rails a festive rail jam event for all ages on Saturday December 20th. Enjoy the holiday spirit and compete for a share of the $10,000 purse awarded to the Open Class winners. For Registration and more information check out the event here: KEvents