October 9, 2025
from James Ewer, Lower School director
We’re fully in the swing of things now, and it’s wonderful to see our routines firmly in place. Your littles are continuing to grow, explore, and bring their incredible energy to every corner of our school.
This week, we’re celebrating conferences—a special time for teachers to share just how much they love and appreciate your children. It’s a moment to reflect on their progress, highlight their strengths, and set intentions for continued growth. We invite you to come with questions and an open heart, ready to strengthen the partnership of communication that makes our community so strong.
As always, what guides us is at the heart of everything we do: peace in how we learn and live together, and love in how we show up for one another every single day. Your children are thriving because of this foundation, and conferences are one more way we celebrate that growth and connection together.
Peace and Love,
Mr. Ewer
Let’s Make 8 AM Our New Favorite Time
We all know mornings can be a lot—missing shoes, half-eaten oatmeal (I know that’s what my mom made me eat), and that one backpack that disappears right when it’s time to leave. We get it! But, as a community, we want to rally around something really important: being at school and ready to learn by 8 AM.
Our day officially begins at 8 AM, and those first 30 minutes are golden. Between 8-8:30 AM, teachers are working intentionally with students on targeted skills and meaningful routines that set the tone for the entire day. When students stroll in late, they miss those valuable minutes of connection, practice, and momentum that help them shine.
So, in support of my amazing teachers—and to give every student the best possible start—please do everything you can to arrive before 8 AM. Let’s make “on time” our new community superpower.
Thank you for all the morning hustle, teamwork, and love you pour into getting your kids here. Together, we can make those early minutes matter!
Rainbow Club
MPA’s Rainbow Club met recently, bringing together parents from across the school, along with faculty and staff. Our conversation centered on what it means to advocate in ways that invite curiosity and connection, even when perspectives differ. We reflected on how broadening our circle of belonging and embracing intersectionality deepens our understanding of one another and strengthens our shared community.
The work of the Rainbow Club is rooted in MPA’s enduring compassion and commitment to ensuring that LGBTQ+ students, families, and colleagues feel seen, safe, and celebrated. When we create spaces of true inclusion, we make our community stronger, kinder, and more whole—for everyone.
As we continue to grow together, let’s keep finding ways to value and affirm all members of our community. Every voice, every story, and every identity enriches who we are.
Literacy Plug
Reading aloud to your child does much more than help them learn to read— it builds language development, strengthens comprehension, expands vocabulary, and builds background knowledge. Just as important, it creates a predictable, quiet moment to bond with your child. Shared reading opens the door for meaningful conversations, helping children explore emotions, ideas, and different perspectives, all while connecting with you. This article highlights these benefits and offers ideas that you can put into practice at home.
CHAMP Assembly
We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Champ Assembly on Wednesday, October 22, from 8:15-8:45 AM. This is one of our favorite times to come together as a community—lifting our voices in the school song, taking a mindful moment, diving into a literacy adventure, and reflecting on Friendship, our current theme. We’ll also introduce our brand-new CHAMP theme and maybe even throw in a little “Minute To Win It” fun!
We’d love to see your faces in the audience, cheering on our Lower School students—especially our amazing fourth-grade emcees who will be leading the way.
Student & Screen: Navigating The Dark Side Of The Internet
On Tuesday, October 21, from 1:45-3 PM, in the Recital Hall, we are honored to welcome back MPA parent and internationally renowned criminologist, bestselling author, and thought leader on violence prevention, Dr. James Densley, to speak to parents and community members. From gaming and meme culture to social media and online communities, screens shape how young people see themselves and the world. These spaces can foster creativity and connection, but they can also normalize harmful behavior and, in some cases, create pathways toward violence. This session will help parents understand the risks, recognize warning signs, and learn practical ways to support safe and healthy screen use at home. Please RSVP here!
MPA Blood Drive
MPA’s First Grade and the Upper School Student Council are joining together to host this year’s MPA Blood Drive, a joint community service project, on Thursday, October 23, 12-6 PM in the MPA Gallery. Please sign up here.
Taste of Ninth Grade + PreK-12 MPA Preview
Do you know a family who would love MPA as much as you do? Invite them to experience our community firsthand at our upcoming admissions events on Saturday, November 9!
- Taste Of Ninth Grade: November 9, 11 AM-12:15 PM | This event includes lunch and the opportunity to learn more about MPA’s ninth-grade program. Students will engage in a hands-on, collaborative activity while parents participate in a Q&A about life in MPA’s Upper School, college counseling, and more. When this event concludes, students and families will then join the PreK-12 Preview event. Families can RSVP here!
- PreK-12 MPA Preview: November 9, 12:30-2 PM | MPA Previews are signature PreK-12 events designed to introduce families to the faculty, students, and families who make MPA the exceptional learning community that it is. Visitors will hear from a variety of perspectives, be engaged in conversation with academic leaders, participate in experiences led by expert teachers, and leave with a much better understanding of the MPA way. Families can RSVP here!
Mark Your Calendars
- Friday, October 10: No Classes, All School Conferences
- Friday, October 10: PreK Panther Closed
- Friday, October 10: All School Conferences, 8 AM-5 PM
- Monday, October 13: No Classes, Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- Wednesday, October 15: LS Grandparents and Special Friends Day, 8:15-11 AM
- Wednesday, October 15: LS/MS GK-5 Grandparents and Special Friends Day Performance, 11-11:30 AM, Nicholson Center
- Thursday, October 16-Friday, October 17: No Classes, Fall Break
- Wednesday, October 22: LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-9 AM, Family Commons
- Wednesday, October 22: LS Parent Volunteer Lunch, 12:10-12:40 PM
- Thursday, October 23: LS/US Blood Drive, 12-6 PM, Gallery
- Friday, October 24: LS Family Forum, 8:15-9:45 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
- Friday, October 24: Charting the Future: 100 Days with Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, 6-7:30 PM
- Tuesday, October 28: ISACS Parent Series – How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Impacted Everything + What We Can Do About It, Virtual >
