February 28, 2019
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
It’s true. I am a voracious reader. Throughout my life, I have loved books and can think of few greater pleasures than a good one. Reading fueled my imagination and took me to places I could have never visited. Getting lost in a book and losing track of time is pure joy. For these reasons and many more, the MPA Book Festival, produced by our incredible Parents Association, is one of my favorite MPA traditions. The Book Festival began in April 2000. It was started by the collaborative efforts of parents of alumni Elaine Johnson and Karla Myers, and the library staff. It was also the year MPA librarian Nancy Lage brought in Mary Grand Pre, the illustrator of the American version of “Harry Potter.” Part celebration and part fundraiser for the library, the Book Festival symbolizes so much of what is special about our community.
When I was a child, the library was my favorite place. In the small town I grew up in, the library was an old “mansion” in the center of town. It was warm and comforting, a bit mysterious, and had a wonderful smell. It was my happy place. In college, my use of a library changed dramatically. It served more of a social purpose than an academic one. One of my first experiences of social justice advocacy was participating in a sit in at the college library over its unjust policy banning soft drinks. (Ah, youthful ignorance.) During my graduate work, I practically lived in the library. Buried amidst the stacks, I once more found my happy place. Read More
This Friday, March 1, is our third Free Food For Thought Friday! For those that are unfamiliar with what this is, it is an opportunity for parents and students who normally don’t take hot lunch to try MPA’s lunch program for free. This Friday, along with the regular menu, there will be a calzone bar with homemade calzones!
Do your children like the outdoors? Are your children passionate about letters and the alphabet? If so, they should join PreK teacher Ms. LaChapelle this summer for two enrichment classes June 17-21!
Last week, Justice Alan Page visited the kindergarten classroom where he read his newest book, “Grandpa Alan’s Sugar Shack,” to the kindergarten and third grade classes.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Maker Fest a success! This past Saturday, February 23, alumni, parents, students, and other members of the community came out to be Makers at the second annual Maker Fest. The woodworking group the North Star Scrollers had a woodworking station set up, as well as Jess Blue’s table where she helped attendees sew their own cloth bags. Knitting and crocheting stations, Lego spinning tops, and handmade wire dinosaurs were also among the many tables that people enjoyed visiting.
First grade teacher
By Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
Summer is fast approaching, and we are excited to announce our 2019 Enrichment Classes, Panther Camp, and additional summer offerings! The variety of opportunities will help motivate and nurture your child’s curiosity and learning, while having lots of fun in the process!
Friday, February 22 and Friday, March 1 are two more Free Food For Thought Fridays! These are opportunities for both students and parents to try MPA’s lunch program, in partnership with SAGE Dining.
Maker Fest 2019 is this weekend! On Saturday, February 23 from 1-3 PM, See our community’s hard work come to life in the AnnMarie Thomas Makerspace. Anyone is welcome to attend as a spectator, and no RSVP is necessary! Students, parents, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni, faculty, staff, and more will be showcasing a variety of skills, crafts, inventions, and activities.