The end of the year has arrived and with it mixed feelings about saying good-bye and looking forward to summer.  It has been a difficult year in some ways.  We have dealt with the death of two fathers and a few seriously ill parents.  The good that has arisen from these situations is the kindness that I have witnessed from both the parents and the children.  Children are amazingly perceptive and willing to help each other out when they know someone is going through a difficult time in their life.  They need guidance on how best to be helpful, but once guided they do a tremendous job of being supportive to each other. 

This support does not only show itself at times of crisis, but it can be seen on a daily basis in our classrooms and hallways.  I saw many signs of this support as I attended the end-of-year plays that most classes produced.  Once again, children helped each other out when a line was forgotten or a prop left behind, and not once did I hear any ridicule or teasing.  These plays were a beautiful way to end the year, forming an ever stronger community among the children.  

The MPA community is definitely what fulfills me at Mounds Park Academy.  The parents that gather together in the hallways sharing stories and ideas, the parents who spend hours volunteering around the school, and the parents who are willing to reach out to new families so they too can become a part of the community.  This community includes the teachers who put such thought into everything they do with the children.  I am awestruck at their wealth of information and their expertise in their field.  I am always learning and growing myself, and that is what makes my job so stimulating.  Finally, there are the children.  The friendships they make, the things they understand and accept about each other, and the bits of wisdom that they are willing to impart to me each day certainly keep life interesting. 

Thank you for sharing your children with us and for being a strong part of our community.  You are appreciated.

Some of you have asked about summer classes and if it is too late to register.  It is never too late to register, but you should call or stop into the south entrance reception office first to see if the class you are interested in is full or if it has been canceled.  If it is still open, you are welcome to join us.  If you decide you want to use the Panther Camp during the summer but you have not registered, please call ahead to see if your child can come.  It depends on the staffing and activities for that day.  If tickets have been purchased for a field trip or if the staffing is at the maximum, you may not be able to bring your child at the last minute.  If everything does work out, Panther Camp staff will be happy to accommodate you. 

Below is a link for summer reading.  Thanks to Nancy Lage for supplying the lists.  One of the most important things for your child over the summer is to make sure they are reading.  Setting aside a quiet time each day to do some reading is not only good for your child’s skills but also good for the heart.  Seeing an adult enjoy reading speaks volumes to a child, so try to find some time for you to read also.  http://library.moundsparkacademy.org/kidsearch.shtml

Report cards and class lists will be mailed around June 21st.  

Have an enjoyable summer.  I hope to see you on occasion at MPA over the summer.

Nansee Greeley

Lower School Director