Once again, we welcome the annual MPA Book Festival to the Middle School.  For those of you new to this, the MPA library and parents coordinate reading-related activities centered around a theme; in this case "A Winter Wonderland."  We kick off the festivities with an all-school reading/pairing assembly Friday the 22nd, and then follow it up the next week with a series of in-school activities, including a Middle School Book Café and a new and used book sale.  It all culminates in the Book Festival Family Night from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 29.

The Middle School Book Café has evolved and grown over the years, and it is now a true highlight of the winter for kids in grades 5-8.  Parents descend on the Kreischer Gym and decorate it beyond the wildest imaginings--this year's theme is "Under the Ice."   When we enter, we will feel as if we are under both of the polar ice sheets (complete with penguins, polar bears, glaciers and global climate change!).  Students will all visit during at least one English class and advisory during the week, and they are welcome to hang out during recess and lunch if they wish.

The Café will once again feature books for sale to Middle School students; new titles have been selected by the Red Balloon Book Store, and used books (donated by MPA families) will be available as well.  There will also be goodies such as hot chocolate, cookies and donuts for a nominal fee, so you might want to think of sending your child with a little "pocket money" for the week.  Any profits go to support the MPA Library.

On Friday, February 29th there will be a Middle School pizza party from 3:10 - 5:00 p.m., followed by the Book Festival Family Night.  The Middle School Book Café will be open that evening until 6:30 p.m. if you are interested in seeing the underside of polar ice caps.

-Bob Cooke

Middle School Director