October 30, 2025
from James Ewer, Lower School director
As October comes to a close, we enter a season that calls us to slow down, notice, and give thanks. This is the time of year when students begin to settle into routines and friendships deepen. It’s also a perfect moment to pause and help our children reflect on the people and experiences that fill their lives with meaning.
Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you.” It’s about recognizing how others contribute to our joy and growth. When families take time to name moments of kindness—big or small—it helps children understand empathy at a deeper level. They begin to see the world not only through their own eyes but through the experiences of others.
Try weaving gratitude into your family rhythm. At dinner or bedtime, ask your child:
- Who made your day better today, and how?
- What’s one thing you’re grateful for that you didn’t notice yesterday?
- When did you make someone else’s day better?
- What did you learn about yourself through something that didn’t go as planned?
These moments of reflection help our children grow in compassion, humility, and joy. Gratitude grounds us. It reminds us that even in a busy world, connection is what matters most.
Peace and Love,
Mr. James
SEL in the Classrooms
Lower School students will take part in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons every other week. These lessons will help students build skills in self-awareness, empathy, communication, and problem-solving. In addition, we’ll be offering small groups and lunch bunch opportunities to further support students’ social growth and connection within our school community.
Intervention in the Lower School
We’ve officially launched our academic intervention groups! These small groups were created based on FastBridge data and teacher observations to help meet students where they are and strengthen key skills in reading and/or math. Things are off to a great start! Interventions will run for the next six weeks, after which we’ll review student growth and adjust supports as needed.
The Power of Reflection
Reflection is a daily gift you can give your little one. It builds language for feelings. It helps strengthen focus and our decision-making. It teaches accountability. It deepens trust between you and your child. Ten focused minutes can change the tone of an evening. Put the phone away or the tablet. Sit close. Ask one or two specific questions. Listen more than you speak. Thank them for sharing. And above all, keep it consistent.
How to truly make it land:
- Pick a regular time. After pickup. After dinner. Before bed.
- Ask one or two questions. This isn’t a quiz.
- Reflect back on what you heard. Name the feeling and the action.
- Share one small moment from your own day. There’s power in modeling.
- End with a simple next step for tomorrow.
Use these powerful prompts:
- What moment made you feel most proud today, and what did you do to create it?
- When did something feel hard, and what did you try before asking for help?
- Who did you spend the most time with, and how did that choice shape your day?
- When did you show kindness, courage, or responsibility? What did that look like?
- If you could redo one moment, what would you try differently and why?
- What gave you the most JOY today?
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 31: End of Quarter 1
- Friday, October 31: MPA PA Halloween Costume Drive, Atrium
- Friday, October 31: PA Halloween Book Sale, 7:30 AM-3:30 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
- Friday, October 31: MPA PA LS Grade Level Halloween Parties, 8:30 AM-2:30 PM, Lansing Sports Center
- Friday, October 31: LS Halloween Parade, 2:30-3 PM
- Monday, November 3: No Classes, Grading Day
- Wednesday, November 12: LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-9 AM, Family Commons
- Friday, November 14: LS Family Forum, 8-9:45 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
- Sunday, November 16-Saturday, November 22: Fall Campaign, Learn More >
- Tuesday, November 18: Coffee & Connections with Head of School, 8-9 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
- Thursday, November 20: Give to the Max Day
- Thursday, November 20: Give to the Max Day Lip Sync Assembly, 2:20-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center
