………..and just what were those fourth graders doing on Friday at Lake Elmo Park?  They were learning how to be conflict managers.  This included learning how to make “I statements” instead of “you statements,” how to be an active listener, the steps involved in leading children through a conflict, the fact that conflict can be good if it is handled correctly, and finally practicing their new skills in a number of situations.  All of these tasks were mingled with many group activities; group juggling, group lap sit, lunch in the park, playing at the playground, and even wading in the manmade lake.  What a day!

Each of the fourth grades will have one-third of the year to be conflict managers on the playground.  Prior to their third of the year, they receive more training during the school day to give them the confidence and skills they need to be successful.  They never deal with anything physical and there is always an adult close at hand.  As the year continues, they become quite skilled at helping younger children work through their conflicts.  This process empowers not only the fourth graders but it empowers all of the children as they realize that they are capable of talking through many of their conflicts without resorting to yelling, name-calling or physical contact.  We have found it to be very successful in years past, and the children are eagerly awaiting their actual work on the playground again this year.

Today we had the kick-off assembly for the Magazine Drive.  It is the biggest fund raiser of the year so please make sure that you renew any subscriptions you already have and consider ordering another magazine.  The children love the prizes and the school benefits from all the proceeds.

September 14th is MPA Night at the Metrodome so don your MPA spirit wear and come hear the 3-4 choir sing the national anthem and to sit in section 100 with many other MPA families.  That day will also be a spirit day at school.  Students may wear anything that says “Mounds Park Academy” or “MPA” on it to school on September 14th.  If you are a new family, your children may wear the shirts that were sent to them when they enrolled.  Others may have shirts from the soccer, basketball or Panther Camps.  Spirit wear is also available at the Spirit Store off of the cafeteria.  Children should still wear their school skirt, skort, pants or shorts as I believe Ms. Espeland does not want the choir in jeans at the game.

September 15th is Homecoming at MPA.  There will be a Fun Run for the Lower School at 10:00 a.m.  Get here at least by 9:45 a.m. to register and pick up your number in the Lansing Center Lobby and then head out to the track for the races.  If it rains, the races are held on the indoor track.  After the races, stay and watch tennis, volleyball or soccer and then have a hamburger or hot dog made on the grill.  It is another community builder and a wonderful way to let the children get together with new-found friends.

Picture Day is September 20th.  Yes, we do wear our uniforms for the pictures.

I am thoroughly enjoying getting to know your children and reuniting with those I have not seen over the summer.

Ms. Greeley

Lower School Director