Last Thursday was a magical night.  I thoroughly enjoyed watching children practice being docents as they led their families through the myriad of art pieces.  It was amazing to hear them explain how they created each piece and what they liked about a peer’s art work. I especially loved the grandparents who were in total awe of each and every item. The children were wonderful during the music program. The exceptional planning by the music teachers allowed for plenty of movement when it was needed, but the children were great when they were on the risers.  It was such a nice mixture of beautiful music, exhibiting great skills and just plain fun.  It is always one of the highlights of the year, and people wonder why our students are so comfortable in front of a large group?  It starts from the very beginning at MPA.  

If your child enjoys the fine arts, there are plenty of options for them this summer at MPA.   “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” for Pre-K and K students will explore the world of bears through literature, art and music so your children can combine all of the fine arts with this class.  If they want to draw and paint on the computer, check out “Computer Kid’s Corner” which is for this same age group.  “Jewelry Making for Kids” (Grades K-2) will offer age-appropriate jewelry-making for the younger set.  

Children who are a bit older can join “Adventures in Art and Literature” (Grades 2-3) combining art projects with exciting literature pieces.  They may also be interested in “Jewelry Making:  Basic Beading” (Grades 3-6) or “Pop-Up Poetry” (Grades 3-4 or 5-6) combining the intriguing skill of paper folding pop-ups with the writing of poetry to end up with their own beautiful poetry pop-up book.  If they would rather do the paper folding without the poetry writing, they might want to try their hand at “Origami” (Grades 4-7).  Origami was such a big hit last year we had to add a second class!  Finally, Panther Camp is offering an entire week of crafts and art projects June 18th-22nd. 

For the musically inclined or perhaps those who could use a boost in music, there is a myriad of choices starting with “Music of the Seashore” (Pre-K and K), “Music and Movement from Germany” (Grades 1-2), “Sing, Say, Move and Play Your Way Through Stories” (Grades 2-4), “Percussion Instruments and Drum Circle” (Grades 3-4), “Recorder Ensemble” (Grades 5-6), as well as a variety of “Hip Hop and Jazz” classes that are offered for a variety of grades.  

If theater is your child’s gig, I would suggest “Reader’s Theater” (Grades 2-4) or “Panther Productions” which is offered August 6th-10th.  This is an en entire week of theater through Panther Camp, but Stepping Stones Theater is sending a professional to MPA to work with the children on their production.  

As I finish writing about all of the alternatives, I realize once again how rich the environment at MPA has become both during the school year and in the summer.  

On the 24th of April, there is an informational coffee at 9:00 a.m.  If you have a friend or neighbor who might be interested in finding out more about MPA’s Lower School, please bring them to the coffee.  It is a relaxed way to find out about the school and to see it in action.