August 29, 2012
What a great start to the 2012-2013 school year! A highlight for me was watching eight lower school students participate in the all school assembly titled, “Marshmallow Challenge”. I was impressed by their creativity, confidence, and positive effort. This is a testament to what we do here at MPA and what you do at home each and every day.
Yes, celebrations and assemblies are great community builders and create a positive school atmosphere. This is important because research tells us school ambience can actually make or break a school program. What we must also understand is that the day to day expectations actually create the conditions necessary for successful celebrations and a positive school atmosphere.
When I visited the Kindergarten students on Wednesday morning, they were getting ready to write in their journals. When I stopped in to read a story to a first grade classroom, they were discussing similarities and differences between frogs and turtles. On Tuesday, I watched our second grade students learn computer skills with our Technology Coordinator. Walking into a third grade class, I found them returning from the library and beginning a lesson on writing. And, on the first day of school, I witnessed a MPA fourth grade student showing a new to MPA fourth grade student how to open his locker.
These experience are not as big or exciting as the celebrations and assemblies, but they create a culture of learning, respect, and excitement about learning and MPA that carries over to these events. As you take time to visit with your child about the school day, note both the variety and the consistency in the conversation. The MPA Lower School teachers are excited about the year and look forward to each and every one of those learning opportunities. Please feel free to share any great conversations about your child’s day with their teacher. Many times, those stories are the highlight of their day.
Sincerely,
Tony Reimers
PreK-8 Director
Mounds Park Academy
