I’ve heard that the moment before being struck by lightning, one can feel the coming surge of electricity as the electrons build up just before the strike. That’s what it’s like here in the hallways at MPA these final days before the start of school – crackling with the electricity of expectation. Each day brings more returning staff, students and parents to the campus. The sense of anticipation for all things new - for the year to get started and get under way – is infectious.

The most tangible newness is to be found in the facilities. I passed by a meeting one afternoon of the girls' volleyball team gathered together in the new student commons in the upper school. It was a perfect fit and the fulfillment of a dream I’ve had since we first conceived of that space, alive finally with students. One parent called to report that her daughter returned from school bubbling with excitement about the new spaces. Teachers are busy “nesting” in their new environs, preparing for next week’s arrival of new and returning students and families at Back-To-School-Nights. Our new chef staff, under the direction of the SAGE Corporation, is preparing the kitchen and cafeteria for a new era in food service.

We are also facing a new challenge this year. Our enrollment projections for the start of school are running about 3% below our original expectations. We are not alone. I have in front of me an article from a national publication for schools like ours titled, “Independent School Enrollments Decline for the First Time in a Decade.” The article cites a 4% drop nationwide and much of this can be traced to demographics. As we approach the start of school, the administrative team and I are working hard to manage to a slightly smaller revenue base. We’ve made some adjustments to the expense line, including some staff reductions, though none of those reductions are in the teaching staff.

Even so, we’ll welcome to campus over 90 new students this year, and it is a stellar new group. They will join almost 600 returning students whom I know we can count on to welcome newcomers by “modeling intellectual ambition, global responsibility and the joy of learning.”

The 2006-07 school year is one of transformation as we celebrate our 25th and move into a facility that finally matches the quality of the programs our superb faculty have been generating since 1982. I invite you to help us continue to grow by spreading the good word about MPA from the highest mountaintop or, better yet, across the backyard fence.

See you at Back-To-School-Night when the lightning really strikes!

Mike Downs

For those interested in reading about the China Trip, here are three suggested short pieces from among the nearly 30 entries posted from and about China: Tap-Dancing and the Purple Bamboo, 12 Girls Band, and Happy Birthday! To access the entire China blog, click here.