As I write this e-communication, I reflect back on the first day of school.  I stand at the door on that morning to greet as many families as I can.  The sea of faces enter the building with a variety of expressions, from pure elation to quiet resolve to sheer fright.  An hour later, as I visit each classroom, I observe calmness and smiles.  It is amazing to me how comfortable our teachers are able to make the children feel in the span of a mere hour.  By the end of the day, though many of us look exhausted, everyone I ask tells me what a great first day they had.  Many add how fun it is to be back in school again.  I know from experience that this feeling will wax and wane as the year moves on, especially when children are feeling tired or during changes that are happening at home or with friends.  For now, I will grab onto the energy that fills the classrooms and hallways and enjoy the enthusiasm of both the children and teachers at this time of year.

I sent home a paper copy of the uniform policy to remind you of what clothing you should be purchasing for the children.  In most cases, you are able to return or exchange things this early in the year.  I know it can be confusing because the Middle School has a different uniform than ours, but we will work together to keep our uniform consistent.  Remember that our shirts must be collared, plain and light blue, yellow or white.  Dark blue and gold are not acceptable.

Tomorrow we take the fourth graders off campus for the entire day to teach them how to be conflict managers.  This is an exciting day for them and they take their job very seriously once they begin working in pairs on the playground helping the younger students learn how to solve their own conflicts.

On September 14^th we have our annual MPA night at the Metrodome.  Our 3-4 choir sings the national anthem, one of our fathers will throw the first pitch, and the Weimer family will lead the crowd for the seventh inning stretch. We all sit together in section 100 and proudly wear MPA spirit wear (anything that says Mounds Park Academy on it).  It has turned into a festive occasion and is a wonderful time to meet other families and your children’s classmates. You need to order your tickets by Friday, August 31st.  I hope to see all of you there.

There are no classes on Labor Day and Panther Club is not available, so enjoy a day with your family.