January 26, 2023
from Ann Jurewicz, Lower School director
Lower/Middle School Conferences and End Of Trimester Two
We are looking forward to welcoming Lower School families beginning next week for important conversations on student learning progress. Teachers will share Fastbridge results at conferences and Fastbridge reports will be provided with trimester two progress reports on Monday, February 27. Teachers will be sharing in-depth information with parents at conferences in lieu of comments on the trimester progress reports. Trimester two ends February 16, followed by a teacher professional development day on February 17 prior to the President’s Weekend.
Parent Chat—Mastery Learning, Wednesday, February 8, 8:10-9 AM
This is a gentle reminder there will be a session on mastery learning and standards-based grading and reporting for Lower School students. The purpose of mastery learning is to reduce a focus on grades as a measure of student aptitude, and instead, find the areas for growth to target so that students can become their very best.
Valentine’s Day Party with the Support of the PA , February 14
The Lower School is looking forward to creating class parties in the Lansing Sport Center in collaboration with the Parents’ Association. Please watch for an invitation to sign up to participate in these joyous activities at grade level for your child(ren).
Middle School Matters: A Community Book Study! 4th Grade Families—You’re invited!
Middle School is a time of rapid changes, new experiences, and sometimes, perplexing encounters in a new world in which we (parents!) did not grow up! In partnership with Ms. Cooper, our school counselor, and Ms. Meras, our new Middle School Dean, I will be hosting a community book study this spring. We will do a shared reading of “Middle School Matters: The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond—and How Parents Can Help” by Phyllis L. Fagell.
We will meet four times, in alignment with the four sections of the text, via ZOOM, to discuss, share, wonder, worry, ponder, and problem-solve alongside teachers, experts, and other community members the mystery and magnificence of the middle school years. We invite you to have dinner with your family, put your feet up, pour a drink of something you enjoy, and meet us online, the following dates at 7:30 PM, from the comfort of your living room!
- Wednesday, February 22, 2023 (Values and Integrity)
- Thursday, March 23, 2023 (Social Skills)
- Wednesday, April 19, 2023 (Learning)
- Thursday, May 18, 2023 (Empowerment and Resilience)
We will have guest speakers and experts for each of the four sections of the text and will share our own personal journey in raising spirited, well-balanced, resilient, kind, and good humans.
You can purchase the book in any format of your choosing, and in whatever way you’d like. Here are a few options:
Or you can check it out at your local library!
You can also just drop in for a listen, join the conversation, and build community. I am hoping with a later evening gathering time, and the flexibility of ZOOM, that we’ll have the opportunity to connect and grow our community in a way that makes space for the various family and scheduling demands we all juggle.
Meeting ID: 332 737 0417
Password: MSMatters!
Warmly, Ann Jurewicz
Important Dates and Upcoming Events
- January 25-27: Used Uniform Sale at MPA
- February 2-3, 9: LS/MS Conferences
- February 14: LS Valentine’s Day Party
- February 16: LS Trimester 2 Ends
- February 17: Teacher Professional Development, No Classes
- February 20: Presidents’ Day, No Classes
- February 21-24: SnoDaze Week—MPA Pairing Assembly on Friday, February 24
- March 6-17: MPA Spring Break
- March 20: Classes Resume
