December 1, 2022
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rom Ann Jurewicz, Lower School director
The winter weather has set in, and it is an absolute joy to have the students sledding on the hills at recess. Please remember to send your child(ren) to school with snow pants, hats, mittens, and scarves, and consider keeping an extra set on hand in their lockers for any kind of weather. Minnesota is known as a state of “weather whiplash,” where temperatures can rise or plummet in ranges of 40 degrees or more in 24 hours. Also, as we enter the month when many “festivals of lights” are celebrated, we hope to educate about and honor the many spirited traditions. Speaking of traditions, we have the annual MPA Book Festival happening next week, and thank the parent association and librarian Nancy Lage for their collaboration and planning efforts.
ISACS Parent Education Series–JOIN US TONIGHT!
Parents and families, we hope you will join other independent school parents for one of several evening sessions led by an exceptional and highly regarded team of experts to help you support your children in all areas of their development. We look forward to learning right along with you! The next upcoming webinar is:
Gift of Failure
Thursday, December 1, 2022
Jessica Lahey, Educator & Author
From ISACS: Modern parenting has become defined by an unprecedented level of overprotectiveness. We all know parents who rush to school to deliver forgotten assignments, challenge teachers on disappointing report cards, mastermind their children’s friendships or interfere on the playing field. According to bestselling author, Jessica Lahey, “overparenting” has the potential to both ruin children’s confidence and undermine their education. By letting go and allowing children to learn how to solve problems on their own, we give them the tools to grow up to be self-reliant, confident, and successful adults. That’s the Gift of Failure. Jessica reminds us that teachers, and others who work with children, also teach responsibility, organization, manners, restraint, and foresight—important life skills that shape stronger futures. Lahey champions failure as a crucial element of long-term success while providing indispensable advice to parents for handling homework, report cards, social dynamics, competitive sports, and more. All are invited. The recording of this webinar will be available until January 31, 2023.
Registration is free, but pre-registration is required! Please register here to attend from the comfort of your home!
Middle School Transition Conversations–Please join us!
Dr. Jenn Milam, Middle School director, is offering two additional meetings to learn more about Middle School at MPA, to ask questions, and share in the excitement of this next important phase in your students’ educational journey. Please mark your calendar for Thursday, December 8, 3:30 PM, and/or Tuesday, December 13, 8:15 AM. We will have coffee and hot tea and some light refreshments available. No need to RSVP; just join us if you are able!
You’re invited to share your wonders, worries, and wishes by responding to this form. Additionally, if there are specific questions or topics you’d like to be addressed, you can contact Dr. Jenn Milam, directly by email at jmilam@moundsparkacademy.org.
IMPORTANT DATES AND UPCOMING EVENTS
- December 2: Second Grade Anansi Performance, 2 PM
- December 5-9: MPA Book Festival
- December 7: Founders’ Day Pancake Breakfast, 7-8 AM, Family Commons–PAJAMA DAY!
- December 19-January 2: WINTER BREAK! NO CLASSES!
- January 3: MPA Classes Resume, 8 AM
