The Cheering Section

We've had a busy few weeks here at MPH and may not adequately convey all the incredible things our community has been up to... but we'll give it a try! From class trips to Homecoming, family outings in Syracuse to celebrations in our own backyard (or Lower Field), we think MPH has a lot to be excited about. So, let's hear it! Please click the image or link below to celebrate these accomplishments with us and be sure to give our students and staff kudos when you see them.

For more highlights from the past two weeks, visit our Exposure page.

VIEW THE SNAPSHOT GALLERY + WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS

Important Update for Families

Dear Parents,

Next week, we will be conducting a mandatory lockdown drill as required by the State of New York. These drills are part of a broader effort to ensure that, in the event of an emergency where safety is best ensured behind secured doors, our students and staff are well-prepared. In compliance with New York State guidelines, the exact date and time of the drill will remain unannounced. Over the course of the year, a total of four such drills are mandated by the state.

During the drill, teachers will guide students into their classrooms, secure the doors, and announce “lockdown” in the hallways. Students are expected to remain silent. To signal the conclusion of the exercise, the school’s phone and text alert systems will be utilized. It is important to note that in an actual emergency, emergency services personnel would be responsible for unlocking doors.

These drills are vital in helping us refine our School Safety Plans. We have a dedicated safety committee that regularly reviews and updates our procedures to ensure we are creating the safest environment possible for both students and staff.

In the Middle and Upper Schools, advisors will engage or have already engaged in discussions with their classes regarding the upcoming Safety Drills. These conversations will be age-appropriate and focused on reassurance, ensuring that students understand the purpose and procedures of the drill.

In the Lower School, teachers will explain the concept of safety drills by emphasizing that just as we practice leaving the building for fire drills, we also practice staying inside for safety drills. The emphasis is on general safety, without references to specific threats. For this reason, the term “Safety Drill” will be used, and no loud alarms will sound, unlike during fire drills. Instead, an announcement will be made through the school’s phone system.

As both parents and educators, we recognize the emotional weight of knowing that lockdown drills are now an essential part of emergency preparedness in all schools. Our aim is to balance the need for safety with providing developmentally appropriate information that fosters a sense of security and care within our school community. Below are some resources for you to use should you have any concerns. Of course, please reach out to me or the Division Heads with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Sarah Chhablani

Dean of Students

October 6-12, 2024

MONDAY - DAY 7

9:30 a.m. | College Rep: Syracuse University

11:30 a.m. | College Rep: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

1:30 p.m. | College Rep: SUNY College of Technology at Delhi

4:30 p.m. | Boys Modified Soccer v. Fabius-Pompey (away)

6:30 p.m. | Girls Varsity Soccer v. Bishop Ludden (away)

TUESDAY - DAY 8

8:15 a.m. | Gala Committee Meeting - Farmhouse

9:30 a.m. | College Rep: Nazareth University

11:30 a.m. | College Rep: Gettysburg University

1:30 p.m. | College Rep: SUNY at Purchase College

4:30 p.m. | Boys Varsity Soccer v. Tully

WEDNESDAY - DAY 1

8:00 a.m. | New Family Breakfast

9:30 a.m. | College Rep: SUNY Brockport

1:30 p.m. | College Rep: Stony Brook University

4:30 p.m. | Boys Modified Soccer v. Lyncourt

6:00 p.m. | Girls Varsity Soccer v. OCS/LaFayette (away)

THURSDAY - DAY 2

9:30 a.m. | College Rep: Lafayette College

12:00 p.m. | Admissions Open House

1:30 p.m. | College Rep: Hamilton College

4:30 p.m. | Boys Varsity Soccer v. Fabius-Pompey

6:00 p.m. | MS and US Program Night

FRIDAY - DAY 3

9:30 a.m. | College Rep: University of Maine

4:00 p.m. | Modified and Varsity Cross Country at Chittenango

SATURDAY

PSAT Exam

Additional Save the Dates + Calendar

MPH 2024-2025 Calendar

For a printable version, visit the MPH Calendar site.

Families can also view their child's calendars in Blackbaud. View how-to document here.

Grade 7 Permission Slip Reminder

Grade 7 Class Trip is scheduled for Friday, October 11, 2024, to Cornell’s Hoffman Challenge Course. The program includes a host of low-ropes and high-ropes team building elements that foster problem-solving skills and collaboration. Students will depart from MPH by bus and school van at 8:15 a.m. and return by 3:00 p.m. Please sign and have your child return the permission slips to Mrs. LaHaye in the Division Office by Tuesday, October 8. We look forward to the opportunity to spend time and forge bonds with the students.

Save the Date:

Abolition Freedom Walk

Saturday, October 5, 2024

10:00 a.m.

The MPH Community is invited to the 3rd Annual Abolition Freedom Walk in Canastota. Last year, MPH had a wonderful showing from students and families led by Rafael Jennings '24 and his father, Otis. The goal of the event is, "to celebrate unity in Central New York and shine a light on a largely unrecognized, pivotal moment in the history of the abolitionist movement. We seek broad participation to make this dramatic local history a source of pride and inspiration for freedom-loving people everywhere."

Student registration is free, and the fee is $40 for adults. Families need to provide transportation and supervision. Please let Ms. Bentley Hoke know if you plan to register. To sign up for this event and for event details, visit the Abolition Freedom Walk site here. Please also see the attached flyer for information and waiver.

Parents of newly enrolled students are invited to a welcome breakfast on Wednesday, October 9. To RSVP to this event, click the button below.

RSVP to this Event

MPH: Please Share Open House Date

The MPH Office of Admissions will be offering a fall open house event on Thursday, October 10. Please consider sharing this information with your networks. You can reshare the event pages on Facebook here, or by saving this image and reposting to your profile. Thank you for helping us reach potential MPH families.

Save the Date:

Middle and Upper School Program Night

Thursday, October 10

6:00 p.m.

Library Learning Commons

Middle and Upper School Families, we are looking forward to seeing you at Program Night scheduled for Thursday, October 10, starting at 6:00 p.m. in the library. This event will give parents an opportunity to visit classrooms, meet your child’s teachers, and hear about the learning that takes place each day at MPH.

Starting off the evening will be a welcome from the Division Heads (Fred Montas, Jr., Head of Middle and Upper Schools and Pat Bentley Hoke, Assistant Head of Middle and Upper Schools) followed by 10-minute presentations in each of your child’s classes, blocks 1–8 in that order.

For convenience and ease, two copies of each student’s schedule will be available for you in the Phoenix Student Center for pick up. Thursday’s Program Night is intended for parents only. We do not have a coverage program for younger siblings that evening.

Please reach out to Juhee LaHaye (Assistant to Division Heads) at jlahaye@mphschool.org if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you all at Program Night!

Photography Fundraiser

Thanks to the generosity of current parent, Kim Wolfe, MPH will receive a donation each time a photography session is booked. Visit kimwolfephotography.com to learn more.

Make a gift

MPH Together: Help Us Reach 100% Participation

As we dive into another school year, we're excited to launch our Annual Fund campaign - our top donor priority that provides critical funding to our school's operating budget. This year, we're going for gold with a goal of 100% community participation in our campaign! We hope you'll consider a donation today - your early gift allows us to better plan for the year ahead. Families who make a gift of $100 or more to the Annual Fund will receive a special MPH canvas bag in recognition of our appreciation! Click here to donate today or reach out to our Associate Director for Annual Giving, Madison Ruffo, by email or phone at 315-446-2452 ext. 142 for questions.

Free Tickets to Jowonio Speedway Event

MPH is a proud sponsor of Jowonio School's event, Jowonio Speedway, an evening featuring a Mario Kart competition as well as adult tricycle and scooter races. As part of the sponsorship, MPH has three additional pairs of tickets to give to members of our community. Children as young as 8 years of age can attend and participate with a guardian, and on-site babysitting is available. Last year, MPH students won the Mario Kart competition! Prizes, food, music, and fun are in store.

The event takes place tomorrow, Saturday, October 5, beginning at 5 p.m. To request complimentary pair tickets, please email Katie Rey at krey@mphschool.org by today, October 4.

Upcoming Parents' Association Events

In the Community

Award Opportunity for the Class of 2025