January 2023

Happy New Year!
Welcome back to school and to the new year! I hope everyone had fun with family and friends, and didn’t have too many travel woes despite the cold and crazy weather.  

If you’re like most people, January is a great time to set new goals or resolutions. The problem is that most of them fizzle out by mid-February. Despite the odds, I’d like to share one of my goals for the year: I'd like to have one new experience every quarter for myself, and one with my family. This doesn’t have to be anything crazy or extravagant, but encourages me to go do something I would not normally do if I didn’t go seek it out. For example, having a picnic in the backyard, signing up for a fun run, taking a new class, or visiting a new place.

Shameless plug: for you, it might be participating in one of the walks, book clubs, game night, or the camping event put on by the Parent Association. Whatever it may be, I encourage you to explore and build upon your life experiences and give yourself the opportunity to appreciate things outside of your normal routine. You might discover a new passion that brings you joy.

And if there’s something you’re really good at and want to share with or teach others, let the PA know and we’ll see if we can help showcase it at a future event together. 
 
Warmly, 
Jessica Lin
President, MCH Parent Association

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Positive Discipline in the MCH Community
You may have noticed that 'Positive Discipline' (PD) is often referenced in the MCH community as a model for connecting with children in both education and parenting. But, what is Positive Discipline?

Join us at an upcoming discussion as we ponder and practice the work of PD. We'll discuss how this model inspires educators in the classroom and caregivers in the home, as well as opportunities for inclusivity and expansion.  

This gathering brings together our community including caregivers, Parent Association volunteers, and Administration members. We look forward to learning in person with you!   

We'll be gathering Thursday, February 9th from 6:30-8:30 pm near MCH. Additional location details will be provided to those who RSVP. Please RSVP HERE.    
 
NOTE: This event is for adults only.  Childcare will NOT be provided.

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Upcoming Book Clubs
Join us on Zoom in 2023 for a variety of book club reads! All are welcome, and while reading the book is encouraged, it is certainly not required. Come and meet MCH parents, engage in conversation, and have some casual fun.  
 
January
To kick off the new year, we are reading The Mysterious Benedict Society (#1) by Trenton Lee Stewart. We chose this creative book as a delightful read over the holidays, perhaps one that can be read aloud and enjoyed by caregivers and children alike (book age recommendation is 9+). Learn more about the story and author HERE (also a great listen if you don’t have time to read the book). This story has been made into a TV series, as well!  Join us on Zoom January 19th at 7:30 pm to chat about this clever and quirky book! See you there!  

Summary:
"Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?" When this peculiar ad appears in the newspaper, dozens of children enroll to take a series of mysterious, mind-bending tests. (And you, dear reader, can test your wits right alongside them.) But in the end just four very special children will succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and resourceful children could complete. To accomplish it they will have to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules. As our heroes face physical and mental trials beyond their wildest imaginations, they have no choice but to turn to each other for support. But with their newfound friendship at stake, will they be able to pass the most important test of all? 

February
In February, we'll be discussing Between Us: How Cultures Create Emotions by Batja Mesquita. Brilliantly synthesizing original psychological studies and stories from people across time and geography, Between Us skillfully argues that acknowledging differences in emotions allows us to find common ground, humanizing and humbling us all for the better. Preview the topic in this excerpt that highlights the authors’ craft and groundbreaking insights. Mark your calendar and join us on Zoom, February 28th at 7:30 pm.

March
In March we'll be reading Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships by Nina Totenberg. Check out this article to whet your appetite for reading the book! Date and time TBD.
 

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