Birthdays conjure up such wonderful memories in most of us so we try to make sure that every child at MPA is noticed during their birthday month.  It all starts with the birthday bulletin boards created by volunteer parents.  The first day of each month the children squeal with delight as they find their own name or their friend’s name on the birthday bulletin board.  This month it is not easy to find everyone as they are disguised in Halloween costumes!  Last month their name was written in Chinese.  You just never know what theme our creative parents will come up with. 

Then at the end of the month, each child is able to come into the Lower School Office and choose their own book.  It is my birthday gift to them.  The following day, they come and find their book and their place at the birthday table.  All the children who have birthdays that month sit together at the birthday table, regardless of their age, and for dessert they are able to make their own ice cream sundae.  This is all topped off with the entire Lower School singing a birthday song to them at the end of lunch.  It really does seem to make each of them feel special. 

On the other hand, birthdays can be a time of sadness if you are the one who is left out.  Please make sure your child either invites all the children in their class of the same gender or they send invitations in the mail.  Talk to them about being discreet if they are not inviting everyone to their party.  If they are the child being left out then acknowledge their feelings and try to find an alternate activity for them to do on that day.  Children need to be taught not to use the expression, “I’m not going to invite you to my party” as it is extremely hurtful.  That is why everyone is included on the bulletin board and at the birthday table. 

I am serving on an ISACS (Independent School Association for the Central States) evaluation team in Cincinnati, Ohio from October 7th-10th.  ISACS is our accrediting association and each member goes through an accreditation process every seven years.  The first year is devoted to a self-study.  For the second year, a team from across the central states comes in and spends three days in the school to evaluate if you are doing what it is you have stated in your self-study.  It is an intriguing process and I often feel I gain as much as I give in those three days.  I always seem to come back with new ideas.

Next week is an extremely busy week: 

Tuesday, October 9th, nationally acclaimed speaker Rick Lavoie will speak to the faculty after school on how to motivate students and then will speak to you, the parents, in the evening at 7:00 p.m. on raising children in the 21st century.  He is supposed to be a riveting speaker with a lot of practical ideas.  If you wish to bring your children, please let the Lower School Office know and we will provide child care.  Please bring a friend or neighbor if you wish. 

Thursday, October 11th, is Kindergarten Family Night.  All kindergarten families are invited to a potluck dinner followed by parent discussion with Lisa Woodruff.  Children will be working with the peer counselors after dinner.  It is a wonderful opportunity to get to know your children’s families.  Please make sure to RSVP. 

Friday, October 12th, we have two events:  In the morning, we have a Lower School PA Meeting at 8:30 a.m. in the gallery; and in the evening is the Cultural Fair from 5:00-8:00 p.m. with lots of activities and food for the whole family.

Grandparents and Special Friends Day is October 17th from 9:00-11:00 a.m.  It is a chance for your children to share their school with their grandparents or a special friend.  Visitors will get to see the Lower School sing and then will have a chance to attend two of your children’s classes.

MPA sure knows how to keep you busy and keep you connected.