• Last Friday, Primary had its annual Planet Pajama Party. You will see from the photos below that it is an evening of fun solar system-related activities and it even includes a special space-themed snack.

• This Friday, we marked the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness month with a PINK OUT on campus. Because everyone was not here to join in, we will be having an “Encore Pink Out” on Friday, Oct. 22 on our “Do a Kind Deed Day”. This ties in with one of our “Four Pillars of MSA” - a commitment to service. We look forward to flying our pink pennants to honor and remember those special persons in our lives who have fought this battle. Please turn in your pink pennants by Monday, Oct. 18. Teachers will be sending those home for you to personalize.

• School pictures for our yearbook were scheduled to be taken next week. Due to the quarantining of our I/T and Primary programs, several programs’ picture days have been rescheduled. Please note all of the picture schedule changes below.

• Fall Break is scheduled for Oct. 13 - 15. Extended Care is usually offered to I/T and Primary during this time. Because these programs will just be returning from quarantine on Oct. 12, we will add these three days back into the calendar for our I/T and PR families. An email with more information will be going out soon to I/T and Primary families. (Fall Break will remain on the calendar as planned for LE - HS.)

• In the last week of October, we will be having Fall Fling Week with designated “Eagle Spirit” dress-up days. So that you can plan ahead for those “Eagle Spirit” dress-up days, here is the schedule:

• Monday, Oct. 25 - Pajama Day

• Tuesday, Oct. 26 - Around the World Day

• Wednesday, Oct. 27 - Career Day

• Thursday, Oct. 28 - Dynamic Duos Day

• Friday, Oct. 29 - Character Day (This includes Primary Book Character Day and Lower Elementary Biography Day)

We look forward to the fun, the service, and the learning! #MSAtogether

Warmest Autumn Regards,

Dr. Dana Hill

October 4 - Montessori Monday - wear Montessori-themed attire

October 5 - ACT testing in High School

October 7 - Elementary (LE/UE) fall portraits

October 8 - Upper School (MS/HS) fall portraits

October 13-15 - Fall Break - care available for ALL IT-PR students

October 19 - Primary fall portraits

October 22 - Do a Kind Deed Day

October 22 - Encore PINK OUT day - wear pink for Breast Cancer Awareness month

October 25-29 - Spirit Week - details below

October 26 - PSAT/NMSQT testing for 10th-11th grades

Fall Portrait Schedule

Fall portraits will start next week and will continue after we return from Fall Break. The current date for each level is listed below:

• Thursday, Oct. 7 - Lower and Upper Elementary
• Friday, Oct. 8 - Middle/High School

• Tuesday, Oct. 19 - Primary
• Wednesday, Oct. 20 - Infant/Toddler

Students may bring a change of clothes to change into after their portraits are taken in the morning of their photo date.

Montessori Mondays

Kick off the week showing your Montessori spirit by wearing Montessori-themed attire each Monday!

Spirit Week Schedule

• Monday, Oct. 25 - Pajama Day (The most comfortable school day ever!)
• Tuesday, Oct. 26 - Around the World Day (This includes dressing in clothing that celebrates other cultures around the world!)
• Wednesday, Oct. 27 - Career Day (This includes dressing for the job you hope to have or to celebrate essential community workers.)
• Thursday, Oct. 28 - Dynamic Duos Day (This may include duos like Han Solo and Princess Leia, Peanut Butter and Jelly, or dressing as twins.)
• Friday, Oct. 29 - Character Day (This includes Primary Book Character Day and Lower Elementary Biography Day.)

MSA Covid Testing Update:

MSA Covid testing has been well-received and Covid-19 Saliva PCR testing continues for all MSA Employees and Upper Elementary, Middle School, and High School students on Monday and Friday mornings. I am happy to announce that effective Friday, October 8, Covid Saliva Testing will be open to Lower Elementary children. More information will be emailed to the LE families separately with additional information and instructions on the registration process.

***Please note that occasionally, the testing dates may alter for a variety of reasons. Any change to the schedule will be announced prior to the testing date, if possible.

Have a safe and healthy weekend.

With healthy regards,

Susanna Merriman, RN