Lower School

May 7, 2026

From James Ewer, Lower School director

We are close. And close is worth pausing on.

Before the last days blur into carpools and summer plans, I want to invite you into a moment of genuine reflection. Not because the year is over. Because it is not. These final weeks still belong to your child. They still belong to us.

Reflect on who your child was in September.

Think about the first morning drop-off. The nervousness, the energy, the version of your child who walked through that door, not yet knowing what this year would ask of them. Now look at them. Something shifted. Ask them tonight at dinner: What is one thing you learned this year that surprised you? Not the answer they give quickly. The real one. The one that takes a second. That conversation is worth more than you know.

The end of a school year is a transition, not a finish line.

Transitions require intention. In our Lower School, we are spending these final weeks making sure every child feels seen, celebrated, and prepared for what comes next. All of your children are moving to new grade levels. Some are leaving our Lower School division for Middle School. All of them are carrying something forward. Our job, together, is to make sure that something is worth carrying. Read More

April 23, 2026

from Julia Ross, Lower School learning specialist 

It is hard to believe that the end of the year is quickly approaching! As we get closer to the final FastBridge assessment of the school year, which begins on May 11, we’re excited for students to have the opportunity to show how much they’ve grown over the course of the school year.

At school, homeroom teachers will be talking with students about how this assessment is a chance to show what they know, reflect on their growth, and put forth their best effort. We remind students to take their time, not to overthink, and to trust all the learning they’ve done this year.

Continuing this conversation at home can be incredibly helpful. As it gets closer, encouraging your student to simply try their best and feel confident in their progress can make a big difference in how they approach taking the test. It is also important, as always, to make sure they get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast on testing days to help them feel focused and ready to try their best!

We are so proud of the growth our students have made and look forward to celebrating all they’ve learned. Please reach out to me, Julia Ross, Lower School learning specialist, with any questions!

from Dana Distad, Lower School counselor

As we reach the end of another school year, it’s hard not to pause and reflect just how much growth has taken place—not only academically, but socially and emotionally. Our students have spent the year learning how to name their feelings, navigate friendships, repair when things feel hard, and advocate for what they need. These are skills that don’t always show up on report cards, but they are the foundation for everything else. Read More

April 9, 2026

from James Ewer, Lower School director

At MPA, we want our students to grow not only as learners but also as thoughtful, empathetic, and courageous human beings. That kind of growth asks something of adults, too. It asks us to keep reflecting, keep learning, and keep widening the stories, voices, and perspectives we center in our community.

During Women’s History Month, our Lower School faculty and staff engaged in reflection around the lives, lessons, and legacies of women who have shaped history and continue to shape the world around us. What emerged from that reflection was powerful. It reminded us that this work is not about celebrating one month and moving on. It is about continuing to build a school community where children learn to see themselves, value others, and understand their role in creating a more just and compassionate world.

Several important ideas stayed with us.

Leadership is not one thing. Sometimes it is bold and public. Sometimes it is quiet, steady, and rooted in deep listening, courage, and integrity.

Representation matters deeply. When children see people from different backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences leading, creating, advocating, and making change, it broadens their sense of what is possible. Read More

March 26, 2026

from James Ewer, Lower School director

The final stretch. full of growth, joy, and reflection.

Welcome back from spring break. I hope your family found moments of rest, joy, and renewal. As we step back into the rhythm of school, I find myself deeply grateful for this Lower School community. Every day, we are reminded that schools are at their best when children feel seen, valued, affirmed, and loved for exactly who they are. Thank you for trusting us with your littles, partnering with us in their growth, and helping make this community one rooted in care, belonging, and possibility.

As we move into this final stretch of the school year, families may naturally begin thinking about progress, growth, and what still lies ahead. This is an important time to pause and notice not only what children know, but who they are becoming. You may be wondering where your child has grown in confidence, independence, resilience, or responsibility. You may also be noticing areas where they still need support, practice, and encouragement. That is exactly right for this point in the year. The months ahead are not simply about wrapping things up. They are about helping children stay engaged, finish strong, and recognize that growth is often built one small step at a time.

One of the most meaningful things families can do during this season is create space for simple reflection at home. This does not need to feel formal or heavy. A few thoughtful questions during dinner, on the drive home, or at bedtime can help children make sense of their year and see their own growth more clearly. You might ask: What is something you are proud of from this school year? What is something that used to feel hard but feels easier now? When did you show kindness, courage, or leadership? What is one thing you still hope to accomplish before the year ends? Questions like these help children build confidence, self-awareness, and gratitude. They remind our littles that learning is not only about what happens on paper, but also about how we grow as people and how we care for others along the way. Read More