It is hard to believe that we are already in the third week of school. The children have adapted to their routine quite well and are looking less exhausted all the time. Make sure to check your child’s folder daily as it starts the wonderful routine for daily assignments and responsibility. 

We had our first lower school parent meeting, and there were over 30 people who attended. If you are able to come it is a great way to become a part of the community. Thanks to Mary Jo Thrane for organizing the meeting. I did give a presentation on discipline procedures at MPA, and I will summarize it at a later date in one of the weekly eCommunications. 

Friday the 15^th is an exciting day for the children. It is the day before Homecoming which includes a homecoming assembly and spirit day dress. That means that instead of wearing a uniform they can wear any top that has MPA on it, or they can wear blue and white (as they are our school colors). They should still wear their navy pants, shorts or skirts. NO JEANS. Thank you for helping them make good choices in their dress.

Speaking of dress, the MPA school uniform does not include a plain navy jumper. A few children have worn them by mistake so others may think they are okay, but we only wear the plaid jumper. As the weather gets chillier the children can either wear the navy MPA fleece or a sweater. They cannot wear the MPA sweatshirts as part of their uniform. Please help make sure your child is in uniform dress as it is embarrassing to them when I have to speak to them about their attire. 

Saturday is Homecoming at MPA. You should have received detailed materials about it - but the games start at 9:00, the fun run for pre-K through 6^th is at 10:00 (with registration at 9:45), the 3-4 choir sings at 12:25 for the volleyball game, and there will be food and games from 11-2:00 in the alumni booth. Please come and join us for the fun. 

Picture day is Thursday the 21^st. Children do wear their uniforms for the pictures. Both individual and group pictures are taken. You will receive more information on that soon. 

Final magazine order turn-in date is also the 21^st. Thanks to Shari Sebastian for heading up this great fundraiser, and thanks to all of you who contributed. It is the biggest fundraiser of the year. 

To round the 21^st off, we have the new parent dinner at 6:00 in the gallery. A great time to meet parents of students in your child’s grade and to be introduced to people you will interact with for many years. 

You will get your appointment for conferences next week. Please be punctual and also cognizant of the person who comes after you. Everyone’s conference time is important to them, so if we stay on schedule everyone is pleased. 

The last day to order your Twins’ tickets is Friday the 15^th. I think it may be a sell-out, so it should be fun for all. Wear any MPA garb that you may have in case we are on TV! 

We hope for continued dry weather during recess. 

Nansee Greeley
Lower School Director