December 16, 2021
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rom Renee Wright, Lower School Director
Holiday Greetings
There is no time more fitting than the holidays to say thank you for your partnership in educating your child/children. I reflect gratefully on what an amazing Lower School we have at MPA all because of our wonderful students and families. Thanks for all you do at home to support your child’s educational journey as you communicate with teachers, guide your child through homework tasks, and contribute your time and resources to help our Lower School thrive and grow. On behalf of our entire Lower School faculty and staff, I wish you a warm and happy holiday season and a new year filled with much happiness, joy, and peace.
Winter Break (December 20-January 2)
Winter Break is a time to have some fun as a family! Spend time together baking cookies, reading a favorite holiday book, or getting cozy by the fireplace. Encourage your child to play outside in the snow and get some fresh air too! I always remind Lower School students to make time for independent reading during breaks. Keeping reading and writing skills strong is essential. Having your child write thank you notes to family members is a great way to practice writing skills as we go into the new year!
Coming Soon: The Great Kindness Challenge
The Great Kindness Challenge is presented by Kids of Peace, a global nonprofit organization. The Great Kindness Challenge was cofounded in 2006 in an effort to make our world a better place. It has grown into an interconnected network of young peacebuilders world-wide. At the heart of the program is the belief that “kindness is strength.” Students are asked to do random acts of kindness and track them during the week of January 24. By repeatedly practicing random acts of kindness, we will develop the habit of being kind and the outcome will be a more peaceful world. Lower School will work together to prove that KINDNESS matters. Students will be bringing home information about The Great Kindness Challenge and a challenge checklist in mid-January.
LOOKING AHEAD
- January 17: No Classes – MLK Day
- January 18: No Classes – Professional Development Day for Teachers
- January 24-28: The Great Kindness Challenge in Lower School
- February 3: Conferences 3:30-8 PM
- February 4: No Classes – Conferences 8 AM-4 PM
- February 10: Conferences – 3:30-8 PM
- February 18: No Classes – Professional Development Day for Teachers
- February 21: No Classes – Presidents’ Day
