February 13, 2025
from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director
Mark Your Calendars
- Friday, February 14: No Classes, Professional Development
- Friday, February 14: Panther Club and PreK Closed
- Saturday, February 15: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Deadline
- Monday, February 17: No Classes, President’s Day
- Monday, February 17: Panther Club and PreK Closed
- Wednesday, February 19: LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-8:45 AM, Family Commons
- Monday, February 24-Friday, February 28: SnoDaze Week
- Thursday, February 27: Remember the Time: A Black History Month Showcase, 4:30-6:30 PM, Family Commons
- Wednesday, March 5: LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-8:45 AM, Family Commons
- Thursday, March 6: LS Art Show Opening, 5:30-6 PM, Gallery; Rossbach Art Walk; Family
- Commons; US Commons
- Thursday, March 6: LS Music Program, 6-7 PM, Nicholson Center
We are in the thick of winter, and the energy in the Lower School is still riding high! I trust that you have had the chance to read the recent announcement of my departure from MPA at the end of the year. Please know that this decision is more of a pull toward family and next steps rather than a push away from our wonderful school. I am sad to say goodbye and grateful to have had the honor of being part of our community for the past two years.
SnoDaze Week: Pajama Day on February 24
The Lower School students are invited to celebrate SnoDaze Week with the Middle and Upper Schools the week of February 24-28. All students in PreK-Grade 4 are invited to wear their pajamas to school on Monday, February 24. The students in third and fourth grade are also invited to the SnoDaze assembly on the afternoon of Friday, February 28.
Pokémon Club Returns on February 25
Attention Lower School students and families interested in joining Pokémon Club! The club will start again the week of February 25 and run until the last week of May. New this year, there will be a weekly rotation where first and second-grade students will meet for one week, and then third and fourth-grade students will meet the following week. The club will meet during Lower School recess time on Tuesdays (11:40 AM-12:05 PM.) Please look out for future communication from Mr. Moran posted on Schoology soon!
Express Yourself Friday: February 28
It has been fabulous to see our students express their passions, interests, and amazing personalities on the last Friday of each month! Our next Express Yourself Friday will take place on February 28.
Birthday Bag Project Coming Soon: February 24-28
The second grade team is excited to be spearheading this activity as an opportunity to work together and demonstrate inclusivity for children in our larger community. By acting with integrity and taking responsibility for making a difference, we show how powerful it is when we come together as a team!
Each year, Lower School students participate in various community service projects; one long-standing project at MPA is the Birthday Bag project. This activity provides birthday essentials for children in less fortunate circumstances to help them celebrate their special day. In the last several years, our gifts have benefitted Emma’s Place, a residence in our Maplewood neighborhood that helps women and children “to get healthy and get ahead.” To help make this even more meaningful, we encourage students to earn their contribution by doing extra chores at home. Through these efforts, we hope to help students realize that even one person can make an enormous difference.
From February 24-28, we are inviting Lower School students to join us by bringing in spare change to contribute to the purchase of the items for the boxes. Each day, the second graders will collect and count this change. Students are asked to bring:
- Pennies on Monday, February 24
- Nickels on Tuesday, February 25
- Dimes on Wednesday, February 26
- Quarters on Thursday, February 27
- Dollars on Friday, February 28
Last year’s generous donations allowed us to assemble 50 gift boxes/bags. Each box costs approximately $20, giving us a grand total of $1,000! Our goal is to obtain a similar amount this year. In addition to change, we are happy to accept donations of cake mixes, frosting, candles, and books. All items can be turned into your child’s homeroom on or before March 3. Lower School students will be decorating a birthday bag and/or a birthday card with their beautiful drawings and well wishes. Families at Emma’s Place will use these to help them pack their gifts. We will also be providing cake mix, frosting, and candles in bulk for families to take and enjoy. Please contact Mrs. Scalia or Ms. Fisher with any questions or ideas!
Thank You: Valentine’s Day Celebrations
A huge thank you to our parent volunteers who led beautiful Valentine’s Day celebrations for our students on February 13. Without your help and enthusiasm, such fabulous events would not be possible!
Don’t Miss the Event of the Year: The Gala of Gratitude!
Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the 2025 MPA Spring Auction: Gala of Gratitude! Join us as we honor Dr. Hudson and celebrate his incredible legacy while raising critical support for our students, teachers, and community. Sponsorships are available now! Secure yours today to be featured on the community invitation and enjoy exclusive perks like early access to auction bidding and the return of the beloved Sponsorship Pre-Party.
Make This Event Unforgettable! We’re seeking exciting contributions to:
- Gifts of Gratitude (Previously known as “Mystery Boxes”)
- MPA Exclusive Silent Auction
- Wine Toss
- Live Auction
Your support ensures this night will be one to remember while making a lasting impact on MPA!
This can’t-miss event will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel. Check out the website to get an exclusive deal on a hotel for the evening.
Together, let’s make this a celebration of gratitude, community, and support like no other. Visit the event website or contact Ashley Goetzke, director of development and community engagement, at agoetzke@moundsparkacademy.org for details and to get involved. Let’s make this a night to remember!
