A Message from Jim Foley, Head of School
Dear MPH,
Happy Friday, and what a week it was!
Today’s Winter Carnival was a perfect embodiment of our spirit, and I was grateful for both snow and sunshine setting the stage for a day of laughter, competition, and camaraderie. But I’ve been reminded all Spirit Week long – in the boisterous middle school cheering section at the dodgeball tournament, or the curiosity and wonder of my Valentine’s Day in the PreK, and during Upper School Head Mr. Montas’ thoughtful assembly reflection on the meaning of Black History Month – of the deep wellsprings of creativity and joy that define our MPH culture and community.
So I wish you all a restful and rejuvenating Winter Break. Carry that MPH spirit with you - maybe even let the world know on #MPHTravels! And let’s keep writing the next great MPH chapter, together.
With gratitude,
Jim
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"Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive, and Dodge."
The week before February break can feel like a game of dodgeball - survive and advance. So why not actually play dodgeball? To see action from this week's matchups plus MPH highlights from the past week, click the link below.
Note: a full recap of Winter Carnival will be included in the March 1 Snapshot.
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Moving-Up Night Information
Thursday, February 29 - Grades 5 and 8
- Moving-Up Night for students in grade 5 (entering grade 6 in the fall) will be held Thursday, February 29, at 6:00 p.m. in the library. This event is for parents only.
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Moving-Up Night for students in grade 8 (entering grade 9 in the fall) will be held Thursday, February 29, at 7:00 p.m. in the theater. This event is open for students and families. Eighth grade families and students may also attend Moving-Up Night for 9th to 11th graders to visit with department chairs and have their curriculum questions answered.
Wednesday, March 6 - Grades 6 and 7
- Middle School Moving-Up Night for students in grades 6 and 7 (entering grades 7 and 8 in the fall) will be held Wednesday, March 6, at 6:30 p.m. in the library. This event is for parents only.
Thursday, March 7 - Grades 9, 10, and 11
- Moving-Up Night for students in grades 9-11 will be held Thursday, March 7, at 6:30 p.m. in the gym. This event is open for students and families. Parents and students will have the opportunity to visit with department chairs and have their curriculum questions answered.
Thursday, March 14, and Friday, March 15 - LS, MS, and US Parent Teacher Conferences
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LS, MS and US Parent Teacher Conferences will take place on March 14 and March 15. Information about signing up for conferences via Pick-A-Time, online scheduler, will be forthcoming. There is no school for LS students on March 14 and March 15. There is no school for MS and US students on March 15. Any question regarding parent teacher conferences can be directed to Juhee LaHaye at jlahaye@mphschool.org.
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From the Parents' Association
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Hello MPH families,
The Parents’ Association has some dates for upcoming we would like to share with the community.
Every year we host a luncheon for all employees on an in-service day. This year we are returning to the much-loved potluck, where families provide dishes to be shared. You can sign up here to bring a dish. Sign up here. We also ask for donations of gift cards valued at $25 or less that we share with all employees. After the break, there will be a collection box at reception where you can leave any gift cards. We will collect through March 1st. If you would like, you can Venmo Maria Besaw @Maria-Besaw, making a note “MPH employee gift card” and we will purchase the gift cards for you.
TUBING - Monday, March 4
Tubing at Four Seasons, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Fingers crossed we’ll have some snow! The cost is $10 per person sledding, cash or check at the door. We will have hot chocolate and s’mores to cap off the evening! Please note, this is not a drop-off event. Parents/guardians must stay with LS and MS students. Sign up here.
MOVING-UP NIGHTS
The Parents’ Association, along with the Division Heads for the Middle School and Upper School, Matt Spear and Fred Montas, invite you to join us for a parent social prior to each Moving-Up Night. You can connect with other parents and take the opportunity to speak with our Admissions team about any questions you might have about re-enrollment.
Thursday, February 29
- 5:30-6:00 p.m. Grade 5 parent social in the library
- 6:30-7:00 p.m. Grade 8 parent social in the Coville Theater
Wednesday, March 6
- 6:00-6:30 p.m. Grades 6 and 7 parent social in the library
Thursday, March 7
- 6:00-6:30 p.m. Grades 9, 10, and 11 parent social in The Phoenix.
PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION MEETING - Wednesday, March 13
8:15-9:15 a.m., Farmhouse Conference Room
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at teehee_esq@hotmail.com or text me at 315-254-5687.
Thank you for your time!
Theresa Heath
MPH Parents’ Association President
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Additional Save the Dates + Calendar
Families can also view their child's calendars in Blackbaud. Check out the how-to document here.
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Order by Feb. 16 and Save $5
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We are excited to launch the 2023-2024 Yearbook production process, inviting all MPH families to consider placing an order now and by doing so taking advantage of the pricing structure outlined below:
· Order by February 16, 2024 – $75.00
· Order by March 1, 2024 – $80.00
The process for preordering your 2023-2024 MPH yearbook is easy. Please use this link - Jostens.com and select Order a Yearbook. From there, select “Find My School Store,” and enter Manlius Pebble Hill School in the search bar. Select MPH from the drop-down menu and choose “Order Yearbook.”
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SAT Prep Course Available Online
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Winter/Spring 2024 - Begins March 3
The SAT Preparation course offers 24 hours of scheduled verbal and math instruction, focusing on strategies and problem solving on how to best manage time while taking the new all-digital exam.
"Our course has a certain intensity that mirrors the actual test; it all points at good practice!" - Ms. Metzgar, Math Instructor
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NEW DATE: MPH Family Day at Stone Quarry Art Park
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Please re-register if you plan to attend this new event date. Thank you!
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Register for Community Programs
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February Vacation Program for Grades PreK-5
Space available
Dates: February 20-23
Time: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (extended hours available)
After School Art Club for Grades K-5
Dates: Mondays, March 11-April 8
Time: 3:15-4:15 p.m.
After School Chess Club for Grades 1-5
Dates: Wednesdays, March 13-April 17
Time: 3:15-4:15 p.m.
Basketball Clinic for Grades 1-6
Dates: Saturdays, March 2-April 13
Little Dribblers, 10:00-10:45 a.m. (1-3)
Jr. Trojans, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (4-6)
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Blood Drive on February 27
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On Tuesday February 27, MPHMUN will be hosting a blood drive for the MPH community. We encourage all who are 16 and over and meet the requirements to donate blood and help to alleviate the national blood shortage. Now is the time to give with your whole heart! Without more blood & platelet donors, patient care could be at risk. The Red Cross will thank you for your help with a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email If you donate at the MPHMUN blood drive on February 27. To sign up for a slot go to www.redcrossblood.org and use the drive code MPHMUN. We appreciate your help in filling the national blood shortage.
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This year’s A Night to Remember Spring Gala celebrates Manlius Pebble Hill School and our community. Plans are underway for a fabulous celebration on Friday, May 17, at the Palladian Hall at the Treasury – Downtown Syracuse. This year’s chairs are MPH parents Phillip Rubenstein and Dr. Cami Riley, P’28. Proceeds from this event will directly support technology in the classrooms. Here's a glimpse of last year's gala.
If you’d like to get involved in this wonderful celebration, here are a few ways you can support the event:
- Become a Gala Ambassador/Table Coordinator by encouraging participation and awareness about the gala, helping with seating charts and gathering items for the class baskets.
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Donate a live/silent auction item. Gift cards, getaways, experiences, concert tickets, and more are always appreciated! Auction items are due by April 5th.
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Purchase an ad in the event program or sponsor the Spring Gala. To place an ad in the event program or participate as a sponsor, see our Gala sponsorship packet.
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Attend the event. Tickets to the celebration will go on sale March 1st. Visit our site for updates.
If you’d like to become a sponsor, donate an item or experience, or get involved in planning the event, please contact Karen Belgrader.
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Parent Participation Update
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Our goal this year is to achieve the highest participation rate ever to the MPH Annual Fund. Currently our Board of Trustees, Administration, and Parents’ Association Leadership are all in at 100%. This year, we are asking our current MPH families to achieve a goal of 91%. Each week, an update of our progress is provided in the weekly Snapshot newsletter and an outdoor fundraising thermometer located at the campus entrance shows our progress.
Following last week's Pizza Party Challenge, 11 classes have already reached 50% or more in family participation with the MPH Annual Fund. Thank you for your support!
There's still time to make a gift. You can donate any time online, or by emailing Karen Belgrader at kbelgrader@mphschool.org. Thank you.
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