September 12, 2019
Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of MPA families and supporters, Together, We Dream: The Campaign For MPA is making a big impact in our new commons, cafeteria, and kitchen and will very soon in our brand new library. Construction is progressing on schedule and we hope to unveil some sneak peeks soon of this beautiful new space.
On Tuesday, Conan Young, the construction supervisor who has overseen our projects with A&P Construction, got out his measuring tape during Ms. Lage’s reading circle to make sure there will be plenty of space for classes to circle up and hear a great book in the new Lower School library area. There will be many special features including flexible seating, quiet study spaces, collaborative areas, and a beautiful fireside seating area for students and groups to gather. Ms. Lage, MPA’s librarian shares, “The new space is being designed with many of the crucial 21st century skills in mind–critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration–that will enable students to co-create new knowledge, not simply be passive consumers of existing information.” Read More
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
The number of children with food allergies continues to rise. This fact and the desire to best serve and protect our students with food allergies, prompted MPA to make a commitment to becoming an Allergy Aware School. Please join us for the MPA Parent Food Allergy Aware Training on Monday, September 23, from 6:30-7:30 PM in the Recital Hall.
As the rest of us were squeezing the last bits of summer out of August, the new MPA international students were already hard at work. Ten days before the rest of us walked through the doors of MPA, our new students arrived from four different countries to get settled into their host families’ homes, to get acclimated to their new school, and to have some fun with their new classmates.
The theme of Homecoming 2019 is Dream. Play. Share., and spirit wear is one great way to “dream” up a custom design, “play,” with the possibilities, and “share” your Panther Pride! Receive 15% off purchases of $75 or more through September 30 with code SEPT19 at 
It is MPA’s responsibility to provide the safest campus environment possible for you and your children—this is our number one priority. We’d like to share some important traffic safety reminders. Please share this information with all of the drivers in your home, in addition to others who may provide transportation for you. Thank you very much in advance for your cooperation and understanding.
Lower and Middle School Curriculum Night is on Tuesday, September 10, from 6-8 PM. This is a night for parents to come to school to meet all of their child’s teachers and learn about the school year ahead. Teachers will share key components of the curriculum, the progression of grade level skills, classroom expectations, and outline developmentally responsive aspirations for students socially, emotionally, and academically.
Fiber Friends is starting up again on Friday, September 6! This group of knitters, crocheters, and textile gurus is open to all parents, alums, grandparents, students, staff, and faculty. Beginners are always welcome! Bring in a project you are working on or if you are new to the group, we will provide you with supplies, guidance, and a smile to get started. Fiber Friends meets every Friday in the AnnMarie Thomas Makerspace from 11-12:30.
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
Schools are busy places. Filled with energy, excitement, and activity, the dynamic ecosystem of a school creates a natural space for interaction among students, faculty, and families. But simply being together in the same place, at the same time, doesn’t automatically foster an environment where students feel interconnected, welcomed, and known. Creating community is an active, deliberate process. It’s a core accountability for academic institutions, and an essential element of MPA’s DNA—it’s built into who were are and what we do, with a support system that fuels academic success and facilitates a lifetime of wellbeing for students.