November 9, 2023
from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director
Mark Your Calendars!
Thursday, November 16: Give to the Max Day, Lip Sync Competition, 2:20 PM
Friday, November 17: Bring-A-Friend to MPA Day
Saturday, November 18: Puss ‘n Boots play
Wednesday, November 22-Friday November 24: Thanksgiving Holiday Break
Monday, November 27: Classes resume
Monday, December 4: Lower School reports sent home
Monday, December 4-Friday, December 8: MPA Book Festival
Wednesday, December 6: Founder’s Day Community Breakfast
First, a huge THANK YOU to the Lower School PA and all the parent volunteers who helped make our Halloween celebration a success! This was my first Halloween parade at MPA and it was so heartwarming to see so many parents, students and Middle and Upper School friends across the school joining in the festivities with our Lower School learners. This event showcased the MPA sense of community and focus on belonging so beautifully.
Another reminder that fall is ending, and we can feel the start of winter approaching quickly. Some of our learners are still coming to school without warm gear. As temperatures and weather conditions fluctuate during the school day, please remember to send your child to school with gloves, a hat and a warm jacket daily. Along with cooler temperatures and time change, we have seen an increase in the number of students arriving after the start time. Please ensure that your child is on campus and ready to learn by 8 AM at the latest every day, as our morning routines are incredibly important for helping students feel seen and ready for a fun day of learning. Please read on for more updates!
Pokémon Club and Guidelines
Many children, especially those in grades 1-4, have shown a significant interest in Pokemon and the cards associated with the game. Some students are bringing their cards to school and are playing with them on the playground. This has led to both excitement as well as some small conflicts. As a Lower School, we aim to balance the children’s contemporary culture and interests with guidelines for expected behaviors. Our school counselor Ms. Jeanne, and our technology teacher, Mr. Moran, will be offering two Pokémon Clubs in the Lower School starting next week. One club will be for first and second grade students, the other for third and fourth grade Pokémon enthusiasts. The clubs will meet once a week at recess time.
The following rules regarding Pokémon cards will help us create an opportunity for students who enjoy collecting and playing with these creative cards, to share them responsibly.
- Pokémon cards will only be allowed at school on club days.
- Pokémon club members must drop their cards off at the lower school office in the morning on their club meeting day, and Ms. Jeanne will bring them to the club meeting space at recess time.
- No Pokémon cards are allowed in classrooms, on the playground, in desks or in pockets. Teachers will confiscate any cards found in these areas and will turn them in to the Lower School office where parents can collect them.
We want to celebrate all the positives that this hobby can bring, such as practice reading, imagination inspiration, understanding evolution, and learning about trade value. We hope having Pokémon clubs will cut down on the distraction these cards can create, and the hard feelings that have happened with unfair trading and even missing cards. We will have a club sign up at school soon! Thank you for helping your child understand and follow the Pokémon Club Rules!
CHAMP Assembly on November 15
Our next CHAMP assembly has been re-scheduled for Wednesday, November 15. Children should wear their class color t-shirts. The class colors are:
- PreK: orange
- kindergarten: yellow
- Grade 1: red
- Grade 2: blue
- Grade 3: purple
- Grade 4: green
