August 29, 2024
from Paul Errickson, Middle School director
Mark Your Calendars
- Monday, September 2: No Classes, Labor Day
- Tuesday, September 3: Alumni Current Parent Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, Gallery
- Friday, September 6: School Photos, 7:30 AM-12 PM, Indoor Track
- Friday, September 6: Ice Cream Social, 3-4 PM, South Lawn
- Monday, September 9: MS Show Auditions, 3:15-5:15 PM, Black Box
- Tuesday, September 10: MS Show Auditions, 3:15-5:15 PM, Black Box
- Wednesday, September 11: MS Show Callbacks, 3:15-5:15 PM, Black Box
- Thursday, September 12: MS/US International Program Back to School Social, 3:30-5 PM, Benz Courtyard
- Sunday, September 15: Admission & Indexed Tuition Applications Open
- Monday, September 16: MS Grade 7/8 MAP Testing
- Monday, September 16: MS Grade 6 Eagle Bluff Trip
- Tuesday, September 17: MS Grade 7/8 MAP Testing
- Tuesday, September 17: MS Grade 6 Eagle Bluff Trip
- Wednesday, September 18: MS Grade 7/8 MAP Testing
- Wednesday, September 18: MS Grade 5 Osprey Wild Overnight Trip
- Wednesday, September 18: MS Grade 6 Eagle Bluff Trip
- Thursday, September 19: MS Grade 7/8 MAP Testing
- Thursday, September 19: MS Grade 5 Osprey Wild Overnight Trip
- Friday, September 20: MS Grade 7/8 MAP Testing
- Friday, September 20: MS Grade 5 Osprey Wild Overnight Trip
- Friday, September 20: MS Quarterly Coffee, 8-9 AM, TBD
One of my duties that I grew to love during COVID times at my previous school was greeting students at our front door to ensure that they had completed their COVID app and were “OK for School.” Watching Middle School students enter a school is just so joyous and slightly comical. They carry a lot into our schools with backpacks filled with books, gym bags filled with sports equipment, bodies filled with energy, hearts filled with emotion, and minds filled with curiosity, joy, and a sense of belonging. While they don’t always have their shoes tied, appropriate outerwear for the weather, or even all that they need for the day (don’t forget that instrument!), they always appreciate a “good morning” and a smile, and even a fist-bump or hi-five. This week, I have genuinely been excited to work our door 4 entrance and get to greet and dismiss most of our Middle School students. I have also appreciated all the waves and the patience from you, their chauffeurs, as you shuttle them to school and navigate the exit maze created by our construction traffic plan.
Welcome to the Division News section of Panther Post. Here, every other week, I will share new information, important dates, and upcoming items that require your attention. This is a rich resource designed to help you and your student(s) plan for upcoming events and stay abreast of all the exciting events and activities we have planned for Middle School parents and students.
Overnight Class Trips—Coming Soon!
Overnight trips are an exceptional way for us to get to know your child(ren) and for your child(ren) to get to know their teachers outside of the classroom. We look to build relationships, self-regulation, and independence skills all while having fun together. These are hallmarks of an MPA Middle School experience, and we’re excited to share these moments with your children!
Our trips for fifth, sixth, and eighth grade will be here before we know it! You received a handout in your Back To School folder with details and packing lists. You have also received some further information via email from Ms. Meras. Please read and discuss this information with your student(s) and let us know if you have any questions.
Curriculum Night 2024
We are excited to welcome all families to campus on Thursday, September 12, 6-8 PM, for Curriculum Night. This is a night for new and returning parents and guardians to come to school to meet their child’s teachers and learn about the school year ahead. Teachers will share key components of the curriculum, the progression of grade level skills, classroom expectations, and outline developmentally responsive aspirations for students socially, emotionally, and academically. They will also offer tips on parent-teacher communication, homework support, and organization techniques to help parents best guide their students through the school year. Teachers will not have time or availability to conference with individual parents, but we do have conferences coming up in October.
When you arrive, you’ll be given a schedule of sessions offered, and a list of teachers and their room numbers. You’ll be able to select the sessions you attend and prioritize based on interest and need for your student and family. We are excited to share with you what we do and what we’ll be learning together this year!
Afterschool Program in the Panther Den
NOTE: Students PreK-8 are not allowed to be unsupervised after school for any reason. A Middle School student cannot attend a friend’s game/match without parental supervision, hang out with older friends in the North lobby, or wait for you in a vestibule (even for just a few minutes). If your family is unable to pick-up by 3:10 PM, your student will be required to sign-in to Panther Den and should be picked-up from there. Thank you in advance for your support in reinforcing the importance of this critically important safety and security issue. The well-being of your young people is our top priority, and shared expectations play a critical role in ensuring their safety and security. All students attending extended day programming, including for study time, will be billed through TADS for their daily attendance. The cost of supervision/care after 3:10 PM is $13.50/day.
Back Packs and Cell Phones
In Middle School, students are not allowed to carry their backpacks during the day but can visit their lockers as often as needed. Additionally, as a reminder, cell phone policy in Middle School is “off-and-away” from 7:45 AM-3 PM. Please help to reinforce these practices!
