At this time of year, many people get caught up with present buying and special events and forget about the actual gift of giving.  The students at MPA definitely do not fit into this category.  In fact, they are one of the most generous groups of students I have seen.  As soon as the cold descended upon us, the Upper School students thought of Hayden Heights School on White bear Avenue.  The Upper School students have a real connection to this school and have helped to support it for several years.  They started a coat drive and when their storage room was full to overflowing, they delivered the outerwear to Hayden Heights so their students could be warm on their walk to school.  Not to be outdone, the Middle School then began their own drive.  This included coats, hats, mittens and boots and, in true Middle School fashion, it was turned into a contest.  The fifth graders brought in the most clothing, winning the contest.  We, in Lower School, take full credit for their achievement as they were just in Lower School last year – weren’t they?

In Lower School, we keep the projects lower keyed, but the children are still very much involved in giving to others.  The second graders provided for two families who were in need of help in order to celebrate the holidays.  They bought and wrapped new gifts for each member of their family and watched as the gifts were delivered by a parent volunteer.  The fourth graders chose this month to do their birthday boxes.  They were so generous with their gifts that we had to make extra boxes in order to fit everything into them.  These boxes were delivered to children living in shelters so that they could celebrate their birthday even if they were not in their home.  One year, we received the nicest note from a recipient of one of these boxes.  The mother told us that she was not going to tell her child that it was his birthday because she had nothing to give him and no way to celebrate.  She cried as together they baked the cake and frosted it from the mix and frosting that were in the box.  Then she smiled as she watched him enjoy not only the cake but also the gifts that were so lovingly picked by another child.  You generally never hear from people again after you send off the boxes, but it is a real treat when you hear how grateful people are to receive these things.

The Kindergartners were all set to visit the assisted living home last week where they would share their enthusiasm over decorating gingerbread cookies, but unfortunately too many people at the home were ill this year so it had to be cancelled.  From past years, I can only say that this giving of oneself is always appreciated.  The elderly love working with the children and you can always pick out the retired teachers amongst them.  It was just last year that I overheard one of the people telling a child, “Oh yes Dear, I do like your cookie.  I believe I have never seen a cookie that was able to hold so much frosting.”

It is easy for me to realize how grateful I am to be working at MPA and to be able to witness such generous families and giving teachers and students.  Hopefully the two weeks you have with your children will find all of you healthy and happy to be together.

Future Dates:

• Don’t forget to register if you plan on using Panther Club during break.  We always want to make sure we have ordered the right number of supplies for projects and that we have staffed appropriately.  Please help us plan by registering early.
• School is back in session January 7th.  That 8:30 a.m. start is not always easy to get back into, but we will look forward to seeing everyone bright and early.
• Second, third and fourth graders will be doing Standardized Testing between January 9th and 18th so make sure your children are well rested and have a good breakfast.  There really is nothing else you can do to help them prepare for these tests.
• Our Kindergarten Information Night is January 14th at 6:30 p.m.  Whether you have had a child in Kindergarten at MPA in the past or if you are considering it for the first time, this evening is a great way to find out about our Kindergarten and what may have changed since your last child was enrolled.  It is also an evening to hear from the Kindergarten teachers as there are no children present and plenty of time to answer questions.  I hope many of you will attend and consider bringing a neighbor or friend.  We all know what a great school MPA is for our children and how devoted our Kindergarten teachers are, so let’s spread the word.
• Used Uniform Sale in the Kreischer Gym is held 2:00-5:00 p.m. on January 15th and 8:00-10:00 a.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m. on January 16th.  We are expanding the time to two days during pick up and drop off to give everyone a chance to get to the sale.  It is perfect timing as so many children have suddenly shot up during the year.
• Our next Duty-Free Lunch is January 18th.  I think you know how valuable your help is on these days.  Let’s hope we have a balmy day on the 18th.
• On January 24th we will hold the information evening for Pre-K.  I am convinced we have one of the best Pre-K programs in the Twin Cities.  Lorraine Anderson’s masters degree in early childhood education, coupled with her numerous years of experience and her wonderful assistant, insures that everything she does in the classroom is child-centered, developmentally appropriate, and part of a larger plan.  What better way to prepare your child for Kindergarten at MPA?  Again, spread the word, bring a neighbor or friend, and help make the evening a huge success. 

Nansee Greeley

Lower School Director