September 20, 2018
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
I am showing my age and asking you to perhaps share yours. Growing up in the 70s, that phrase is very familiar to me. I heard it an inordinately, embarrassing number of times, sprawled on the living room floor, watching reruns of the “Beverly Hillbillies” television show. It is not proper English for a number of reasons and it may well be a stereotype of the South, but I think it conveys a family-like warmth and means, “We all belong here.”
“We All Belong Here” is the message of homecoming at MPA and the reason we celebrate all next week, culminating in a day-long celebration on Saturday, September 29. At many schools, homecoming pertains only to older students, athletes, and alumni. At MPA, homecoming is an inclusive, community-wide celebration. Throughout the week, and on Saturday, students of all ages will take part in the festivities. Parents, grandparents, and all family members are invited to join in the fun. It is for all of us. Read More
There is only one more week until Homecoming, and the joy begins at the starting line of the Homecoming Fun Run on Saturday, September 29! The MPA Cross Country team is hosting a 200M run at 8:30 AM. It’s the perfect opportunity for our younger students to participate in the festivities and run with the Panthers! Immediately following the 200M Fun Run, we are hosting a 2-mile race that is open to the entire community. All run participants will receive a limited edition aluminum MPA water bottle, energizing snacks, and plenty of water!
Parents are all too familiar with navigating the stress of everyday life. From getting children ready for the day and out the door in the morning, to helping with homework at night and everything in between, there is a lot to manage. As a parent, it can be easy to forget that even the youngest people in our lives can become overwhelmed and stressed. In our fast-paced world, learning to cope with challenging situations is just as important as learning how to read and write. Research has shown that mindfulness programs can help students of all ages learn to deal with everyday stress. More schools across the country are integrating mindfulness into their curricula to teach students to be present and better able to identify how they’re feeling in order to manage their stress.
MPA Talks is an annual, meaningful, and fascinating event that is completely unique to MPA. Featuring presentations by some of our community’s most intriguing members on inspiring and relevant topics, everyone is invited to come, listen, ask questions, and leave with new lengths of knowledge. Held in the fall and in the evening this year, dinner will be provided.
The best part of the MPA experience is our staff and faculty! Let’s thank them!
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
Come meet your Grade Reps, the PA Board and other parents! The MPA Parents Association Meet & Greet is Friday, September 7, at 8 AM in the Gallery. Light breakfast will be served while you learn about the 2018-19 Parents Association events and initiatives and how to get involved. Ask questions, share your ideas, and help us grow our community-building at MPA! We would love to see you!
Save and share the date for Lower and Middle School Grandparents and Special Friends Day with your grandparents and special friends! The cherished MPA event will be held the morning of Wednesday, October 17, prior to an early dismissal at 11:30 AM for grades PreK-11. Information was sent home via Lower School folders and Middle School advisories with how to tell us the names of the grandparents and special friends whom we should invite. Please ask them to save the date prior to their invitation arriving in the mail!