August 29, 2019
Schools are busy places. Filled with energy, excitement, and activity, the dynamic ecosystem of a school creates a natural space for interaction among students, faculty, and families. But simply being together in the same place, at the same time, doesn’t automatically foster an environment where students feel interconnected, welcomed, and known. Creating community is an active, deliberate process. It’s a core accountability for academic institutions, and an essential element of MPA’s DNA—it’s built into who were are and what we do, with a support system that fuels academic success and facilitates a lifetime of wellbeing for students.
“As a parent and a member of the administrative team, I can speak to my own personal experience about the impact of MPA’s community,” shares Jennifer Rogers-Petitt, director of development and community engagement. “I started in my role, and my children started as MPA students, in mid-October of last year. It was definitely a big change, with my then second and seventh grader having already begun the academic year at other schools. But from the start, what they experienced in their classrooms, with their peers and from their teachers helped them feel they could make this transition, and my children never looked back. As a mom, that meant everything and put my mind at ease. And as development director, it’s so inspiring to see how in this community everyone chips in—not just through philanthropy, but also in the time and talents they share with our school.” Read More
Come by for a sweet treat and great company! The MPA Ice Cream Social is on Thursday, September 5, from 3-4 PM at the Lower School Atrium. This annual community gathering is hosted by MPA’s admission and administrative teams, who serve ice cream sundaes to smiling faces. All families are welcome to come. We hope to see you there to celebrate our community and a great start to the new school year!
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
A warm welcome from the MPA Parents Association! It was a pleasure to catch up with friends and meet new families at the Parents Association First Day of School Coffee.
MPA Parent Nametags were distributed at Back To School Night via folders of the youngest child in each family. Please wear this nametag when you visit campus and remember to sign in so we know if you are present in case of an emergency.
Welcome home, Panthers! We are looking forward to seeing new families at New Family Orientation and returning families at Back To School Night to begin a fantastic school year! Grab your school supplies and head to campus on Monday, August 26, for an all-school assembly, time with your teachers, and a special ribbon-cutting ceremony for our new commons, cafeteria, and kitchen! 
Making The Transition Back To School 
Building Character and Academic Success
Meet Cherie Honan, who will be our executive assistant to the head of school. Ms. Honan comes to MPA with more than 20 years of high level executive administrative experience in the legal and banking fields. She has excellent skills in project management, is organized and detailed, and communicates warmly and articulately. In her role at MPA, she will help best serve MPA families, faculty, and staff in a way that is responsive and helpful. She also has an extremely caring and joyful disposition.