Halloween is one of my favorite holidays because it has to do with imagination and creativity. I love to see what costumes the children have chosen to wear and see their faces as they admire other’s costumes. The parade itself is such a great interaction between all ages. The children are certainly proud as they walk down the hall and hear the cheers and greetings from the older students and parents. A huge thank you goes out to all of the parents who helped with decorations and parties because it makes Halloween that much more festive. It’s the day after that is often difficult to deal with. The children are tired, the sugar has worn off and it is often a day of tears and grumpiness, but we are used to it and deal with it quite well. 

Don’t miss the Best of MPA November 3 at the Town and Country Club. Besides bidding on some hot deals, it is a nice way to meet other parents and enjoy an evening away from home. 

November 4th from 1-3:30 is our first open house. Even in this age of electronics the best advertisement for MPA is word of mouth. Please come to the open house and bring a neighbor, friend or relative. We would love to see you there.  

Thursday, November 9th, is a special evening for parents of third graders. Third grade is a time of great change in children both socially and emotionally so the psychologists, third grade teachers and myself have put together an evening of learning and discussion for third grade parents. It is another opportunity for parents to interact with each other and to get suggestions and ideas from a myriad of people. Please make sure to RSVP so that we can make sure to have things set up appropriately.

Please mark your calendars for our upcoming Middle School play. Dandelion is a fantasy based on Darwin's theory of evolution. This production in no way challenges new or old theories, but is simply a wonderful romp that considers what came first, the chicken or the egg? It is especially suitable for K-4 audiences and for those who want to see our 6th-8th grade thespians in action. These shows always sell out, so call for reservations now by phoning the school and asking for the ticket line (x. 494).

Our next Lower School parent meeting is not until January twelfth but I want to make sure you are aware of the change in time and format. That morning there is a coffee for new parents in the gallery from 8-9. The admission office hosts this event and invites other parents to come to welcome the new parents. So we put our head together and we would love if any Lower School parents would come to the coffee in the gallery between 8 and 9, and then at 9:00 we will actually start our Lower School meeting in room 113. The French and Spanish teachers will be at the meeting to do a model lesson and explain their programs to us. Mark it on your calendar!

We are off to a good start for the month of November. 

Nansee Greeley
Lower School Director