From the Dean
Dear Parents,
From the Dean’s Office, welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! Many of you already know me as a history teacher here at MPH for the last 10 years. I have also been the History Department Chair, I am currently the MUN coordinator and coach, and I am a proud MPH parent. This year, I have taken on a new role as Dean of Middle School and Upper School Students.
Above all, the primary role as Dean is that of guardian of school culture. In that regard, all aspects of my job serve to promote school values and cultivate a healthy, supportive environment in which students can thrive.
Traditionally, the role of Dean is often associated with discipline; however, it encompasses much more. While upholding school rules is a key responsibility, the Dean’s Office also plays a vital role in ensuring the safety, attendance, and overall student experience. In this capacity, the partnership between parents and the Dean is crucial.
Our disciplinary approach at Manlius Pebble Hill is one rooted in restorative principles. True learning and personal growth often emerge from moments of challenge or conflict when approached with wisdom and care. Our disciplinary approach is driven by holding students accountable to foster deeper understanding, stronger relationships, and the development of essential life skills (here is more information on restorative practice). It is through this lens that we seek to cultivate a community where every member feels valued, heard, and empowered to live out our core values of authenticity, respect, curiosity, kindness, and agency.
You may receive communications from me or the Assistant Head of Middle and Upper Schools, Pat Bentley Hoke, regarding these aspects of your child’s school life. Please understand that such outreach is not indicative of a problem with your child; rather, it reflects your child’s ongoing growth, learning, and navigation of the school's social environment—an entirely normal part of their development. I look forward to working together to support your child’s social and emotional growth. Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns about these areas.
You can help grow a positive school culture by talking to your children about the importance of community and community rules. Additionally, you can reinforce the school values at home and alert us if you have any concerns or questions about your child’s experiences at school. As they say, it takes a village!
Sincerely,
Sarah Chhablani
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September 15-21, 2024
MONDAY - DAY 2
4:00 p.m. | Girls Varsity Tennis v. CBA
4:30 p.m. | Girls Modified Soccer v. Fabius-Pompey (away)
4:30 p.m. | Boys Varsity Soccer v. Mater Dei (away)
TUESDAY - DAY 3
School Picture Day
4:30 p.m. | Girls Varsity Soccer v. Pulaski (away)
4:30 p.m. | Boys Modified Soccer v. Tully
WEDNESDAY - DAY 4
4:30 p.m. | Girls Modified Soccer v. Bishop Grimes
7:00 p.m. | Boys Varsity Soccer v. Bishop Ludden (away)
THURSDAY - DAY 5
9:30 a.m. | College Rep: Binghamton University
1:30 p.m. | College Rep: SUNY College of Technology at Canton
1:30 p.m. | College Rep: Union College
4:30 p.m. | Boys Modified Soccer v. Faith Heritage
4:30 p.m. | Girls Varsity Soccer v. APW
FRIDAY - DAY 6
Grade 5 Field Trip - Camp Talooli
8:30 a.m. | PreK Program Morning in the CEL
9:30 a.m. | College Rep: Fairfield University
11:30 a.m. | College Rep: University of Rochester
4:30 p.m. | Girls Modified Soccer v. Solvay (away)
4:30 p.m. | Girls Varsity Tennis v. Pulaski (away)
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.
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Grade 9 Field Trip - Permission Slips Due Friday, Sept. 20
The ninth-grade class trip is scheduled for September 25 – 27, 2024. The class will spend two nights together at the Bryn Mawr Mountain Retreat and Conference Center in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Ninth grade advisors have planned a wonderful retreat that will focus on team building and leadership skills.
Please complete and sign the attached forms and return to Juhee LaHaye by Friday, September 20. You can send in the signed permission slips with your student, or you can scan and email the forms back.
Thank you!
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Picture Day
Picture Day is Tuesday, September 17. Reminders and ordering details will be provided in the coming weeks. For more information, visit bjkphotos.com
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MPH Peer Tutoring
- Are you an Upper School student?
- Do you enjoy helping your peers and younger classmates?
- Is there a subject that you feel like you could be helpful in?
- Do you want to assist in a classroom?
Become a Peer Tutor this year! For questions, please see Ms. Gruenewald (McNeil 5) or Mr. Snyder (McNeil 4).
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After School Clubs - Fall 2024
Chess Club for Grades 1-8
Dates: Wednesdays, October 2-30
Time: 3:15-4:15 p.m.
Cost: $85
Jr. Trojans Basketball Clinic for Grades 4-6
Dates: Tuesdays, September 17-October 22
Time: 3:15-4:15 p.m.
Fee: $90
Miori Martial Arts for Grades K-5
Dates: Thursdays, October 10-November 7
Time: 3:15-4:00 p.m.
Fee: $85
Soccer Shots for Grades K-2
Dates: Tuesdays, September 17-November 5
Time: 3:15-4:00 p.m.
Fee: $125
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Rookly Chess League (Online)
September 23-December 9
Mondays, 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Fee: $49/student
The Rookly Chess League is available to students in schools for grades 6-12 and opens the door for all students to participate in scholastic chess. The matches are through Rookly’s online platform, featuring integrated video and a live leaderboard. Join 100-plus schools across the country.
In interested or for more information, please email Rebecca Rhody @ rrhody@mphschool.org.
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MPH Online Store Closes Sunday!
The online store is open through Sunday, September 15. Don't miss out on purchasing your MPH apparel. Click the image below to browse items.
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Join MPH for our annual Family Fun Day on Sunday, September 22. Bring a friend and have a ball! Be sure to sport your MPH apparel. | |
Wegmans will be on campus Tuesday, September 24, from noon until 5 p.m. to administer flu vaccines to students and staff. Students 15 y/o and under must have a parent present, or be available by phone, to give verbal consent to the pharmacist. COVID vaccines are available for people OVER 18 ONLY. All consents must be picked up from the Health Office. Please email Nurse Christine with questions, or to arrange for delivery home with your student. ccivello@mphschool.org.
You must register online for a time slot and submit consent form in person. Thank you!
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Join the Varsity boys and girls soccer teams as they host Lower School for the first MPH Junior Trojan Play Day!
Lower School students will learn different drills from varsity players to expand on their soccer skills and participate in a short, mixed-grade level scrimmage.
Open to all Kindergarten - 5th Grade students. Students will be broken into two groups, K-2 and 3-5, to complete drills and scrimmages. Sneakers are necessary. Cleats and shin guards are welcome if students already own them but are not necessary. Please wear your favorite soccer team jersey! Parents are invited to bring their lawn chairs and sit on the Upper Field to watch and cheer on students.
For additional details and to register, click the link below.
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Join the MPH Booster Club!
The MPH Booster Club is an independent parent group dedicated to volunteering, raising money, and contributing funds to enhance the athletic experience of MPH student-athletes to provide support beyond the School’s athletic program budget.
Whether your child participates in MPH Varsity, JV, or Modified sports, all middle and upper school parents are members of the MPH Booster Club! Parents run the concession stand at soccer, basketball, and volleyball home games, donate as sponsors (see our banners in the gym!), take photographs at events, and provide logistical support to teams.
There are many ways that Booster Club members show support throughout the year to benefit every student athlete, coach, & team. Contact Sarah Reckess (Owen '26, Anya '28) at sarahcumbiereckess@gmail.com to volunteer, and stay tuned for our upcoming parent interest meeting.
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Join us on Friday, September 27, and Saturday, September 28, for MPH Homecoming! Stay tuned for details of this fun-filled weekend of sports, food, and school spirit next week! | |
Save the Date: Grandparents + Special Friends Day | |
MPH Lower School students in Grades K-5 are welcome to invite a grandparent or special guest to visit campus on Friday, September 27, in the afternoon. Limit two guests per student.
Students and their guest(s) will enjoy games and refreshments. Two sessions:
1:00-2:00 p.m. 3rd-5th Grade Guests
2:00-3:00 p.m. Kindergarten - 2nd Grade Guests
An afternoon of games, special treats, and spending time with loved ones! Families are encouraged to stick around for after-school Homecoming Weekend festivities.
Stay tuned for a link to register.
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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.
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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.
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Each year, MPH hosts its annual spring gala to support students, faculty, staff, programs, and facilities at the school. This year's gala is scheduled for Friday, April 25, and we can utilize the help of our talented and creative volunteers. If you're interested in participating in the planning of this year's event, please sign up below. Monthly meetings will kick off in October. Thank you! | |
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 six 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 on Saturday, October 5, beginning at 5 p.m. To request a complimentary pair of tickets, please email Katie Rey at krey@mphschool.org by October 3.
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Upcoming Parents' Association Events | |
MPH: Please Share Our Open House Dates | |
The MPH Office of Admissions will be offering two fall open house events on Saturday, September 28, and Thursday, October 10. Please consider sharing this information with your networks. You can reshare the event pages on Facebook here and here, or by saving this image and reposting to your profile. Thank you for helping us reach potential MPH families. | | | | |