I love this time of year around our campus! Not only because of the cooler temperatures but also because there is something special happening almost weekly.

• 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 even includes a special space-themed snack.

• This week and next, school pictures are being taken for our yearbook. I always look forward to seeing the students in their “picture outfits” and seeing the siblings on campus come together for their family photos.

• Friday, October 9, MSA is encouraging everyone to participate in a “Pink-Out” for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This ties in with one of our “Four Pillars of MSA” - a commitment to service.

• The following week we will have an abbreviated Fall Break. In the past, this has been a great time for family travel, but this year we are recommending “stay-cations.” :)

• Upon our return, we will be having Fall Fling Week with designated spirit dress-up days, special autumn-related crafts, and STEAM activities. More details to come from your child’s teacher, so stay tuned!

• Then we will close out the month with Primary Book Character Day and Lower Elementary Biography Day on October 30 to celebrate our love for books and reading!

Whew, what a month it will be! These are the ways that we build community even during a time of social distancing. These are the traditions that we carry on even if we have to make some adjustments. We look forward to the fun, the service, and the learning! #MSATogether

So that you can be making plans for those MSA Spirit dress-up days, here is the schedule:

• Monday, Oct. 19 - Pajama Day

• Tuesday, Oct. 20 - Inside out Day

• Wednesday, Oct. 21 - Superhero Day

• Thursday, Oct. 22 - Sports Team Day

• Friday, Oct. 23 - Blue & White Day (MSA colors)

Warmest Autumn Regards,

Dr. Hill

***Flu vaccine

Flu season is right around the corner. In order to prevent the spread of flu within our MSA community, we ask that you speak to your healthcare provider and discuss if you or your child are candidates for the flu vaccine. Amid Covid, many healthcare providers are offering drive thru flu clinics. Contact your provider for more information.

Currently, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC recommends the flu vaccine for pediatric patients who are age eligible and no contraindications are present. You should get a flu vaccine before the flu begins spreading in your community. As a reminder, it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body, so make plans to get vaccinated early in fall, before flu season begins. CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October. Getting vaccinated later, however, can still be beneficial and vaccination should continue to be offered throughout flu season, even into January or later.

For additional updates and information on Influenza and Covid-19, please refer to the links below:

Influenza: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm

Coronavirus: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html

Who should get the flu vaccine: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/flu-vaccine-good.html#.W6wffM_ictU.email

With wishes of health and peace,

Susanna Merriman, RN