The 7th graders have returned from our tour of Washington, D.C., tired but happy.  Although the weather forced us to cancel our visit to Gettysburg, we did manage to tour the U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, White House, two Smithsonian Air and Space museums, the Natural History Museum, Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, Ford's Theater, the National Cathedral, and go to the Kennedy Center for a show.  And, of course, we saw MANY monuments and memorials!  Students (and adult chaperones) had a great time, and this was a great way for students to “live” the history that they learn about in classes, as well as see the democratic roots for our government.  None of it would have been possible without the leadership of Marina Dale (ace Middle School social studies teacher), and support from teacher and parent chaperones, as well as financial support from one of our MPA families.  Thank you to all!  

Next week, the 8th grade students will be taking the EXPLORE standardized test, an exam produced by ACT (of college entrance exam fame).  This will be the first time that many of these students have taken a single-sitting standardized test, as prior to that we break up testing up over many days.  For more information about the EXPLORE test, please see their website at http://www.act.org/explore/.  If you have an 8th grade student living with you, please be sure they come to school Monday morning, April 23rd, rested and fed.  

For those of you looking for a little fine art in your future, the spring musical Crazy for You will be performed on the evenings of Friday, April 27th and the afternoon and evening of Saturday, April 28th.  These performances are invariably high quality and great fun, and the show is appropriate for all ages.  I hope to see you all there!