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May 20, 2026

FROM THE DESK OF NANCY FLEURY

As summer approaches, I want to pause and express my deepest gratitude to the incredible faculty and staff who make our Lower School the special place it is. Day in and day out, they show up with purpose, warmth, and genuine dedication to every child in their care. Their creativity, patience, and investment in each student's growth inspire me every single day. Whether they're crafting a lesson that sparks a child's curiosity, quietly steadying a student through a difficult moment, or celebrating a hard-won breakthrough, they pour themselves fully into this work, and it shows. Because of them, our classrooms are places where children feel seen, supported, and truly excited to learn! As I close this chapter, I am so grateful for the privilege of working alongside such an exceptional group of educators. (See photos from the Gratitude Chapel during which students presented teachers with a sunflower as a token of appreciation for their positivity, optimism, and love.)


To our families: thank you for the trust you placed in us each and every day, and for the partnership that has made all of this possible. It has been one of the greatest joys of my life to share in the raising of your children.


Nancy

UPCOMING EVENTS

Thursday, May 21

  • Fourth grade field trip to Adventure Park, USA, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.


Friday, May 22

  • Fourth grade to lay flags at the Garrison Veterans Cemetery, 8:40 a.m.
  • Birthday Friday to celebrate the birthdays in May and over the summer


Monday, May 25

  • School closed in observance of Memorial Day


Tuesday, May 26

  • Fourth grade kickball event, 10:00 a.m.
  • Aquapalooza (details below), casual dress

Wednesday, May 27

  • School closed in observance of Eid al-Adha


Thursday, May 28

  • Last full day of classes
  • Last day for AfterCare
  • Report cards sent


Friday, May 29

  • Lower School Closing Ceremony, PK–4, 10:00 a.m., noon dismissal (details below)
LOWER SCHOOL GOOGLE CALENDAR
2025-2026 ALL SCHOOL CALENDAR
LUNCH MENU (choose Lower School)

EAGLES IN THE KNOW

Aquapalooza — Splashy Summer Fun: Tuesday, May 26

Tuesday, May 26, will be an exciting day of Lower School fun! In the morning, our fourth graders will play kickball against faculty members, and the younger grades will cheer on their favorite players. Then, to celebrate the many accomplishments of the school year, all students PK–4 will head to the campus hills for some slip-sliding fun with Aquapalooza. Students are also invited to enjoy a frosty after-lunch treat from Kona Ice, thanks to the Lower School Parent Association (LSPA). 


We're crossing our fingers for nice weather — with the school year wrapping up, there is no rain date. Parents are welcome to stop by if it fits their schedule.

Helpful Aquapalooza Reminders:

  • Students should come to school in casual dress that facilitates an easy change into swimsuits and be ready for fun with sprinklers and slides.
  • Please be sure to send in towels, water shoes, and water bottles clearly labeled with their names.
  • It is also recommended that you apply sunscreen before school.

Afternoon Schedule:

  • PK: 12:15–12:45 p.m. (Chapel Hill)
  • K and Pre-First: 12:45–1:15 p.m. (Chapel Hill)
  • First Grade: 1:15–1:45 p.m. (Chapel Hill)
  • Second Grade: 2:00–2:30 p.m. (Chapel Hill)
  • Third Grade: 1:30–2:00 p.m. (Keelty Hill)
  • Fourth Grade: 2:00–2:30 p.m. (Keelty Hill)

Lower School Closing Ceremony: Friday, May 29

During the Lower School Closing Ceremony on Friday, May 29 we will celebrate the completion of the school year with all our students. The Closing Ceremony will take place at Childs Memorial Terrace from 10:00–11:15 a.m., and the fourth graders will be “center stage” as they get ready to “graduate” from the Lower School and move across campus to the Middle School. For those who cannot attend in person, the ceremony will be livestreamed here. See all the details here.


Class Pictures Available Now for Purchase

Class pictures are now available for purchase. Homeroom teachers will provide the order link. If you have questions, contact the Lower School office or Irvin Simon directly at 410-654-0300.


Please Pardon Our Appearance. Elderkin Refresh Coming This Summer

As we prepare for the refresh of Elderkin Hall, you may have noticed our hallways and classrooms looking more "put away" than usual as we get organized for construction, which will kick off on Friday, May 29, after the Lower School Closing Ceremony. In the meantime, rest assured, teaching and learning will remain strong through our last day. We appreciate your understanding as we gear up for this exciting project!


2026-2027 Virtual Parent-Teacher Conference Update and Calendar Enhancements

As noted in Parent News, to create greater consistency across the school calendar, all three divisions will now hold virtual parent-teacher conferences on the same dates during both the fall and spring conference periods. See the 2026–2027 School Calendar. As part of this shift, we are also exploring a new date for Grandfriends Day. More broadly, we are thoughtfully reviewing the spring 2027 calendar and the many parent-facing events that take place to ensure we create meaningful opportunities for connection and engagement while remaining mindful of the overall school calendar and the realities of busy family schedules. A more detailed update regarding spring 2027 events will be shared in the summer mailing, which includes class lists and the full Lower School calendar of events.


Volunteer in the Lower School Next Year!

As we look ahead to the 2026-2027 school year, we are building our wonderful community of parent volunteers—an essential part of what makes our School such a special place to learn and grow. There are so many ways to be part of the magic of Lower School, whether you have an afternoon to share or would love to be a regular presence, and there is a role for you. Complete this Lower School Volunteer Interest Form, and a member of the MPA team will follow up and help find the best fit for your schedule and preferences. 

COUNSELING CORNER

Summertime: Balancing Productivity and Rest

by Lower School Counselor Dan Wagner, Psy.D.


It’s almost summer break! While children and families often look forward to the school-free summer months, time away from the classroom can lead to the "summer slide," or the regression of academic and social skills. When kids are not engaged in scholastic and peer-involved activities, they can sometimes forget what they learned the previous year. However, while participating in academic activities and social commitments during the summer is a good thing, the summer break must offer moments of intentional pause and rest. This healthy balance between work and play, between structure and free time, can help kids to feel refreshed and ready for a new school year at the end of the summer. See these tips for balancing the need for academics and peer interactions, and to help your child avoid the summer slide.


Have a happy, safe, and healthy summer break!
 

McDonogh | 8600 McDonogh Road | Owings Mills, MD 21117 US

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