{"id":30096,"date":"2026-04-23T12:04:46","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T17:04:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.moundsparkacademy.org\/news\/?p=30096"},"modified":"2026-04-23T12:07:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T17:07:25","slug":"lower-school-division-news-april-23-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.moundsparkacademy.org\/news\/2026\/04\/23\/lower-school-division-news-april-23-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Lower School Division News April 23, 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Afrom Julia Ross, Lower School learning specialist\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is hard to believe that the end of the year is quickly approaching! As we get closer to the final FastBridge assessment of the school year, which begins on May 11<\/strong>, we\u2019re excited for students to have the opportunity to show how much they\u2019ve grown over the course of the school year.<\/p>\n

At school, homeroom teachers will be talking with students about how this assessment is a chance to show what they know, reflect on their growth, and put forth their best effort<\/strong>. We remind students to take their time, not to overthink, and to trust all the learning they\u2019ve done this year.<\/p>\n

Continuing this conversation at home can be incredibly helpful. As it gets closer, encouraging your student to simply try their best and feel confident in their progress can make a big difference in how they approach taking the test. It is also important, as always, to make sure they get a good night\u2019s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast on testing days<\/strong> to help them feel focused and ready to try their best!<\/p>\n

We are so proud of the growth our students have made and look forward to celebrating all they\u2019ve learned. Please reach out to me,\u00a0Julia Ross, Lower School learning specialist, with any questions!<\/p>\n

from Dana Distad, Lower School counselor<\/strong><\/p>\n

As we reach the end of another school year, it\u2019s hard not to pause and reflect just how much growth has taken place\u2014not only academically, but socially and emotionally. Our students have spent the year learning how to name their feelings, navigate friendships, repair when things feel hard, and advocate for what they need. These are skills that don\u2019t always show up on report cards, but they are the foundation for everything else.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve seen students take brave steps\u2014using their voices, showing empathy, trying again after setbacks, and learning that their feelings matter. Growth in this area isn\u2019t always linear, but it is meaningful, and it is lasting.<\/p>\n

As we move into a new season, both literally and figuratively, there is so much to carry forward. Encouraging children to continue checking in with themselves, trusting their inner voice, and practicing kindness\u2014toward themselves and others\u2014will help sustain the progress they\u2019ve made. Change can bring excitement, uncertainty, and everything in between, but our students are leaving this year with tools to navigate it.<\/p>\n

From James Ewer, Lower School director<\/strong><\/p>\n

Spring has a way of testing all of us. Bedtimes drift. Energy shifts. The weather gets nice, and suddenly everyone is ready for summer. But this stretch of the year still matters a great deal. A strong finish is often built on simple things: sleep, movement, and showing up every day. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 9-11 hours of sleep for children ages 6-13, and the CDC shares that regular physical activity supports brain health, learning, and overall wellness. We also know attendance matters. Missing too much school can have a real impact on student success. As we move through these final weeks, now is a great time to hold tight to the routines that help children thrive.<\/p>\n

Peace and love,<\/p>\n

Mr. Ewer<\/p>\n

Mark Your Calendars<\/strong><\/p>\n