If your child is interested in joining Chess Club for the second half of the year, simply call the Lower School Office and let Betty Nordling know.  She will make sure each child gets added to the list.  There is no fee for this activity.

Speaking of after school activities, Mad Science will begin a new eight-week session on January 24th.  You should have received a registration form in your child’s folder.  There is a fee for this class, and you must register ahead of time.  If you need a new form, just contact the office and we will send another one home with your child.  Mad Science meets on Thursdays after school until 4:20 p.m.

We have some important events coming up in January:

• Grades 2 through 4 are involved in standardized testing during this week and next so make sure your children get a lot of sleep and have a good breakfast each day.
• This Friday, January 11th, we have our Lower School Parent Meeting at 2:30 p.m.  We thought we would try a meeting at pick-up time instead of the traditional morning so let us know if you like this alternative.  Our psychologist, Lisa Woodruff, will be presenting on the topic of self-esteem at this meeting in the Large Conference Room (located on the second floor above the north entrance).
• Are your children growing out of their uniforms?  Would you like a bargain on clothes for the spring?  Come to our Mid-winter Used Uniform Sale with its new hours that make it convenient for everyone:  Tuesday, January 15th from 2:00-5:00 p.m. and Wednesday, January 16th from 8:00-10:00 a.m. and 2:00-5:00 p.m.

• Thursday, January 17th, we host our Kindergarten Information Night at 6:30 p.m.  If you are interested in Kindergarten for next year, come to meet the teachers and to sign up early for your child’s play visit and one-on-one assessment.  If you have a friend or neighbor who might be interested, please invite them to the event or bring them yourself.   We would love to have a full Kindergarten next year and with 17 in Pre-K it shouldn’t be difficult, but spreading the word about MPA is always the best advertising available. 
• Thursday, January 24th, we host our Pre-K Information Night at 6:30 p.m.  Our Pre-K has become very popular so if you or anyone you know is interested, make sure to attend the information evening and get that application in as soon as possible.  

• On the other end of the spectrum, if you have a 4th grader you will want to attend the Fifth Grade Information Night with your child on January 24th at 5:30 p.m.  You may want to stay for the Middle School Band Concert that same evening to give your child a flavor of what lies ahead.  

Nansee Greeley

Lower School Director