The first week of school went amazingly well, thanks to all of the parents and teachers who prepared the children for the big change. Fourth graders actually have their locker combinations down nicely and Pre-K know exactly where to head first thing in the morning.  

The afternoon Panther Club is also in swing. Kirsten (Crawford) Mulraney, who has headed the program for the last several years, is presently on maternity leave. Georgia will take over for her and Yamini Kimmerle, a social studies teacher at MPA, will move into Georgia’s place. Thanks to Kirsten for coming in the first week of school to make this transition a smooth one. 

Last Friday we took the fourth graders to Lake Elmo Park Reserve, where we worked on team work through group games and went through the first stage of conflict management training. We had a beautiful day and a wonderful group to work with. I will be announcing all of the fourth graders at lunch on Wednesday and presenting them with their certificate of completion.  Then they will start on the playground in pairs helping students work through minor conflicts.

This Friday the fourth graders will attend a workshop in our gallery put on by SOS. This is an interactive theater group who will use anti-bullying curriculum. 

Don’t forget our first lower school parent meeting Friday the 8th, from 8:30-9:45 in the gallery. We will be introducing you to a number of employees who are important to you and your children, and I will then be explaining the discipline process in the lower school. 

Have you ordered your Twins tickets yet? Our 3-4 choir will be singing at the game on the 29^th of September, and I am sure it will be a record crowd. If you haven’t ordered your tickets or have misplaced the form, please call the lower school office and we will get you another form. Tickets must be ordered by the 15^th of September so that you can sit with the rest of MPA and cheer the Twins on to victory. 

Our first conferences in lower school will be held the week of September 25^th. This is a time to share with your child’s teacher and set goals for the year. You will be getting more information soon. 

Nansee Greeley
Lower School Director