May 3, 2018
by Erica Brewinski ’96, Middle School Director
Editor’s Note: On the first Thursday of each month, you will now find a guest blog post here from one of MPA’s division directors. We hope you will enjoy reading their stories and reflections about life at MPA!
“You can change the world.” When I think back on my education at MPA, these are the words that always come to mind. Maureen Conway, retired Upper School history teacher, repeated them to her students so many times that no one could doubt that we had the ability to shape the future for the betterment of the world around us. After graduating from MPA, I put these words into action by creating a new program in which Brown University students were paired with developmentally disabled adults in the Providence community so that the latter could learn and practice important life skills. While the rest of my college friends volunteered in pre-standing programs or, more likely, didn’t bother with service at all, I felt both empowered and compelled to take action to address a need that I knew would make a difference. MPA provided me with the skills, courage, creativity, and perseverance necessary to create something from scratch, including programming, budgeting, advertising, locating and working with a large number of community partners, and more in a place where I could no longer rely on family and friends for help. It also guided me to choose a career in education, since I could think of no better way to make a difference than by guiding the next generation.
Join us as we celebrate “Screen-Free Week” with MPA Lower School Family Science Night! This hands-on and extremely fun event is sponsored by the MPA Panther Club program, and is on Tuesday, May 1 from 6:30-7:30 PM in the Kreischer gym and cafeteria. Students must be accompanied by an adult to attend the evening full activities! Plus, you do not want to miss the “Magic of Science” presentation with Mr. Purdy!
Our next upcoming admission event is Lunch at MPA on Tuesday, May 15, starting at 11:30 AM! Invite a friend, neighbor, colleague, or anyone you know who shares your educational values. We can’t wait to meet them!
Mary Beggin, a beloved Lower School teacher at Mounds Park Academy, has decided to retire at the end of this school year. While she may not come to our campus next year, her legacy will live on through the many students she has taught throughout the past 45 years, 20 of which were spent at MPA.
As you rush to get ready for the Middle School Parent Meetings and Vocal Concert, the MPA Parents Association wants want to take one thing off your plate: dinner! On Thursday, May 3 from 4:45-5:45 PM, the PA invites you for fresh and delicious soup or salad and sandwiches prepared by Sage. The cost is $6 per person, in cash or check made out to the MPA PA, to be paid ahead of time via the Lower or Middle School offices, or pay the afternoon of the dinner. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!
Many Lower and Middle School family and parent events are coming up this spring!
We are excited to announce this year’s Spring Auction Fund A Need! Through our community’s generous support, we will significantly enhance the spaces where our students play and rejuvenate, PreK-12. Our goal is to raise $75,000.
Wednesday’s Lower School CHAMP assembly included a warm reading of “The Hugging Tree” by Mr. Wilson, time to brainstorm ideas about resilience as a division, and a complete surprise unveiling of the newest Peace Garden additions! Upper School student Connor McFarland engraved stumps from tees found fallen with every CHAMP trait to enhance the MPA Peace Garden. Bela Larsen and Jaeden McFarland will be putting the finishing touches on them just in time for spring weather!
Join us as we celebrate “Screen-Free Week” with MPA Lower School Family Science Night! This hands-on and extremely fun event is sponsored by the MPA Panther Club program, and is on Tuesday, May 1 from 6:30-7:30 PM in the Kreischer gym and cafeteria. Students must be accompanied by an adult to attend the evening full activities! Plus, you do not want to miss the “Magic of Science” presentation with Mr. Purdy!