Lower School Division News December 4, 2025

December 4, 2025

A Lower School student a teacher work together to make a pie.from James Ewer, Lower School director 

As we head into our upcoming break, I want to pause and simply say thank you. Thank you for trusting me with your little ones. Thank you for the countless ways you show up, ask thoughtful questions, and partner with us. We are deeply grateful to have your family in this community.

A long break is a gift. I hope you use it to take care of yourselves and come back feeling blessed, grounded, and ready for the months ahead. A few simple ideas:

  • Protect some true “off” time. Choose a day or an afternoon when you do not schedule anything extra. Just be together. This will be my focus.
  • Read for fun. Let your child see you reading something you enjoy and invite them to curl up with a book next to you, maybe with your favorite snack. We do apples and peanut butter!
  • Get outside every day. Even a short walk or time at a park can reset everyone’s energy. Yes, even when it’s cold!
  • Talk about feelings. Ask your child what they are proud of so far this year and what feels hard. Listen more than you respond. The question I love is… “What gave you the most joy today?”
  • Plan one thing you are excited about when we return. Naming it now can help children shift back to school with more ease. I haven’t decided on mine yet, but I will.

Thank you for sharing your little ones with us. I am honored to be in this work with you.

Peace and love,

Mr. Ewer

Bundle Up, We’ve Got Recess To Do

Yes, we will be going outside. 😊

Recess is not extra. Kids need fresh air, space to move, and a chance to be loud so they can come back in ready to learn. Cold weather will not stop us. It just means we dress smarter.

To help your child enjoy being outside (not just stand there freezing), please send:

  • Warm Winter Coat
  • Hat
  • Mittens Or Gloves
  • Snow Pants
  • Boots
  • Layers They Can Add Or Peel Off

If you are able, label everything with your child’s name. Our lost and found already has big dreams for the season. No need to help it grow.

When kids are dressed for the weather, they can run, climb, build, and play. Then they walk back into the classroom warmer, calmer, and ready to go.

Thanks for teaming up with us so your kids can be comfortable, safe, and fully present at school.

Keep Reading Fun All Break Long

A long break can feel daunting, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity to keep reading fun and relaxed at home. Here are some easy, engaging activities to enjoy with your child (and the whole family) over winter break:

  1. Family Reading Bingo: Create a bingo card and fill it with ideas like reading under a fort, reading to a stuffed animal, or reading with a flashlight.
  2. Family Book Club: Choose a short book or a chapter for everyone to read, and then have your child lead the discussion about the book and answer questions.
  3. Storytelling Snowball Fight: Write stories on small pieces of paper (e.g., “A penguin who hates the cold…”), crumple them into “snowballs” and have everyone pick one to create a quick, silly story.
  4. Family Reader’s Theater: Choose a book or a passage and turn the book into a play with roles for everyone.
  5. Hot Chocolate Cafe: Set up a “cozy cafe” at home. Make hot chocolate, get comfy, and read a book.
  6. Winter Break Reading Passport: Create a “passport” with 5-10 reading challenges (read in a new place, read a new genre, read something non-fiction, read with a family member who lives far away (FaceTime!), read to a pet, etc.)

These activities can help make reading fun and low-stress, while also creating special moments with the family!

Balance The Break. Protect The Joy.

Break is a wonderful time for children to recharge, but it can also bring shifts in routines. Maintaining some consistent routines, healthy sleep cycles, balanced eating habits, and a little structure during the day can make a big difference in helping kids feel grounded.

A balanced break can make all the difference. While technology has its place, keeping screen time in check helps children stay present and better regulated. Encourage plenty of movement, outdoor time, and opportunities to play with friends or enjoy simple playdates. It’s also helpful to avoid over-scheduling—too many activities can quickly lead to overstimulation. A healthy mix of rest, play, and unstructured downtime often creates the most enjoyable and restorative break.

Winter break also brings extra time together, and those longer days are perfect for simple, meaningful conversations. Here are a few fun and easy conversation starters you can use at home:

  1. “What is one thing you hope to do over break that will make you smile?”
  2. “What is something small you’re grateful for today?”
  3. “If you could plan a dream winter day, what would it include?”
  4. “What is a new skill or activity that you would like to try this week?”
  5. “Who is someone you’d like to show kindness to over break?”

Other resources that are a fun, engaging way to connect:

We wish all our families a joyful, restful, and safe holiday season. Thank you for sharing your wonderful students with us—we look forward to welcoming them back in the new year!

Mark Your Calendars

  • Friday, December 5-Friday, December 12: MPA Book Festival, 8 AM-4 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library, Details >
  • Tuesday, December 9: MPA PA Parent Gift Making Event, 6:30-8:30 PM, Makerspace, RSVP >
  • Wednesday, December 10: MPA PA Book Festival Family Event, 3-4 PM, Family Commons and Martin Lenz Harrison Library, RSVP >
  • Thursday, December 11: LS Hour of Code Assembly, 1-1:40 PM, Recital Hall
  • Friday, December 12: Founders’ Day Pancake Breakfast, 7-8 AM, Family Commons
  • Tuesday, December 16: Students & Screens, 1:45-3 PM, Recital Hall, RSVP >
  • Wednesday, December 17: LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-9 AM, Recital Hall
  • Thursday, December 18: Book Club with the Head of School, 6-7 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library, RSVP >
  • Friday, December 19: Caroling with the Madrigal Singers with Faculty, Staff, and Alumni, 7:30-8 AM, Family Commons
  • Friday, December 19: A Soldier’s Sacrifice – A Special Alumni & Faculty Presentation, 8:15-9 AM, Recital Hall, RSVP >
  • Friday, December 19: LS Family Forum, 8:15-9:45 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
  • Monday, December 22-Friday, January 2: No Classes, Winter Break
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