January 15, 2026
from James Ewer, Lower School director
There are times in life when the world feels louder than usual. When things beyond our control create stress, questions, and uncertainty. The last stretch of time has held a few of those moments for some in our community.
Through it all, we will keep showing up with love for children and appreciation for one another.
In moments like this, I am asking our community to choose love on purpose.
To lead with patience.
To assume good intent.
To notice one another.
And, we will keep doing the work of school.
We will keep students safe.
We will keep learning strong, joyful, and challenging.
We will be MPA.
Moment of Joy
Today, our kindergarteners took time to wish Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. a happy birthday. He would have been 97 years old today.
Then they shared the “gifts” they would offer him.
Their words were pure.
They were thoughtful.
They were full of love.
I’m grateful for who our children are becoming.
“What Would We Give Dr. King for a Birthday Present?”
- Peace
- Friendliness and mindfulness
- I think peace
- Love and to fight with your words
- Quiet
- Love, don’t use your fist
- Love
- Joy, kind, mindful moments
- Thoughtful, um, kind and helpful
- Be kind to people
- Friends
- Friendship, boycott, and stand up for people
- Um, peace.
- Give him things that he needs
- 10,000 hugs
Growing Minds. Real Reflections.
Our fourth graders are also doing meaningful work right now as they move through their Civil Rights unit. They are asking big questions. They are noticing patterns. They are wrestling with what is fair, what is just, and what it means to stand up for others.
As always, we are intentional about making these explorations developmentally appropriate. We center care. We keep it grounded. We make space for curiosity without placing adult-sized weight on children’s shoulders.
“During the Civil Rights Movement, some people participated in civil disobedience because things were not equitable. The protesting today is an example of civil disobedience.” Fourth graders have embarked on a unit exploring the events of the Civil Rights Movement. Students are aptly making connections between the events of the past and the events of today. What they have articulated to us is the recognition that they are not powerless; they have voices, they are strong, and they can make a difference.
Our Shared Responsibility
We are responsible for building the world we want to see.
We do that through the choices we make each day.
How we treat people.
How we repair harm.
How we include.
How we stay brave and kind at the same time.
Thank you for being the kind of community that helps children live into our mission, not just learn about it.
Just like so many of those little kindergarteners said…
Peace and love,
Mr. Ewer
Invite A Friend To Experience MPA! | PreK-12 MPA Preview: January 22, 5-7 PM
MPA Previews are signature PreK-12 events designed to introduce families to the faculty, staff, and students who make MPA the exceptional learning community that it is. Visitors will have the opportunity to take a student-led tour, visit the Information Fair, enjoy a light meal, and participate in experiences led by the expert teachers you know and love. They will leave with a much better understanding of the MPA way. The most important way new families come to MPA is through someone they know and trust, and we’d be so grateful if you invited someone today! And feel free to join them! RSVP here!
Mark Your Calendars
- Friday, January 16: LS End of Semester 1
- Friday, January 16: LS Family Forum, 8:15-9:45 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
- Sunday, January 18: MPA Family Open Gym, 1-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center, Register >
- Monday, January 19: No Classes, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Panther Club/Den & PreK Panther Closed
- Tuesday, January 20: No Classes, Grading Day & Professional Development, Panther Club/Den & PreK Panther Closed
- Wednesday, January 21: LS MLK and Black History Month Kick-Off Assembly, 2-2:45 PM, Nicholson Center
- Thursday, January 22: LS/MS Navigating the Transition from Lower to Middle School, 8-9 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
- Sunday, January 25: MPA Family Open Gym, 1-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center, Register >
- Wednesday, January 28: LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-9 AM, Recital Hall
- Wednesday, February 4: LS/MS Navigating the Transition from Lower to Middle School, 2:15-3:15 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
- Thursday, February 5: No Afterschool PreK Panther
- Thursday, February 5: LS Used Uniform Sale, 3:30-8 PM, Atrium
- Thursday, February 5: LS/MS Evening Conferences, 3:30-8 PM
