Thank You Swim Parents

 We would like to thank ALL the parent volunteers who were involved with the timing and recording at the AAC Championship swim meet on Saturday. We absolutely could not have won our second consecutive Championship without all of your help. GO MUSTANGS!!

--Coaches Josh and MG

Musician of the Week

Transition Night for Parents

Party Animals!

Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience - WLP

After a rather adventurous start (during an uncharacteristic ice storm resulting in a canceled flight), Upper school departs for their winter learning destination of Green Turtle Cay (GTC), Bahamas on January 8. The population of GTC is 500 - there are very few cars on the island leaving chaperones to drive golf carts over rough terrain! Also, in addition to observing (and often feeding) a veritable smorgasbord of marine life including starfish, sand dollars, conch, stingrays, and blacktip sharks, the Level L's and R's were also able to interact with the students and teachers of Amy Roberts Primary School, Lincoln Jones, a sustainable fisherman as well as No Name Cay's wild pigs. Students diligently worked together making films and journaling about their experiences.

We returned on January 14, a little tanner, a little wiser, and very much leaving a bit of our hearts in Green Turtle Cay forever. A huge thank you to Connor and Joe Bollinger who helped to plan and execute every aspect of the trip, as well as opening their home to MSA.

-- Shilpee Kathuria, Upper School Instructor

Public Open House

Wednesday, February 8

9:00 - 11:00am

Student Activity Center

If you know someone that might benefit from attending MSA, please invite them to an Open House or better yet bring them! In case you haven't attended an Open House, it provides prospective parents with an overview of the school, a wonderful Fine Arts presentation, at least one parent and one student perspective, a tour of the school and an opportunity to speak with the principal. It's a great opportunity for them to get a feel for what we are all about. Word of mouth is by far the biggest way families find their way to Mill Springs and we know that you sometimes have the chance to be "Mill Springs on the Street", we thank you for sharing MSA!

AAC Champions

Board Games - WLP

Erin Muehlhausen and Taniah Jones hosted a board games Winter Learning Program this year. Students taught one another how to play their favorite games, and everyone learned how to play some completely new games they can  share with their friends and family. Critical thinking skills were put to the test during some intense chess and Scrabble games, and students had laughs with games such as Apples to Apples and Headbands. When asked about his experience during the program, Corey Pratt enthusiastically responded, "It was so fun because I got to play games with my friends!" Pictured are Emily Kane and Corey Pratt playing chess together.

PreUpper Joins the Circus - WLP

A great time was had by one and all at the Circus Arts Institute. The students learned how to juggle with scarves and balls, walk the tight wire, balancing boards, and perform acts on the trapeze and hanging scarves. We were so impressed how each of the students was able to catch on so quickly and move on to advanced forms of the students. Thank yo Ms. Carrie for showing us the "ropes". Pictured is Braden Schiltz and an instructor from CAI.

Conference Schedule

Your student will NOT have school on the following conference days. Your principal will schedule your specific conference. Buses run on their normal AM/PM schedule for those students that are here.

• Lower/Middle Schools - February 9 and 10
  
• PreUpper/CommArts/Upper Schools - February 17 and 24
  

Again, your student does NOT have school on their conference days.

Going to Art School

 On Wednesday, Brenda and Janet met with students in grades 8-12 who are interested in going to art school after MSA. We celebrated the acceptances of SCAD students Michael Antonucci, Alexis Herrington, and Rachel Fisher for the fall of 2017. Rachel will be at the Savannah Campus! They shared tips for the younger artists and gave suggestions for their paths ahead. Pictured standing: Rachel. Sitting: Michael and Alexis.

Learning about Latin America

In World Geography class students are learning about the physical features, history, and culture of Latin America. This week students focused their learning on Mexico, Mexico City, and the ancient Aztec Civilization. Students learned that art and murals are an important part of Mexican culture and were able to create their own murals. Bella Chapman (left) created a mural with the Aztec ruler Montezuma and Nicholas Robson (right) created an Aztec mask.

--LaToyia Armstead, Middle School Instructor

Parent Workshop

No matter what grade your student is in, you may have questions about college? Come join Counselors Susan Day and Brandi Smallwood for this informal gathering as we discuss frequently asked questions such as:

• How does college counseling work here at MSA?
• Where do MSA students typically go to college?
• What can I do to help my student?

Wednesday, February 15

8:30 - 9:30am

Upper School Great Room

Winter Hiking - WLP

Faculty members, Michael Smith, Astrid Cortez, and Judy Norris, led Upper students on four hikes around metro Atlanta.  A long-standing tradition, Winter Hiking 2017 immersed the students into the "wilds" of North Georgia and Roswell.  The hikes varied in difficulty, and the addition of ice made hiking up Kennesaw Mountain really fun!  On Wednesday, we hiked Pine Mountain Trail near Lake Allatoona.  This four-and-a-half-mile trail rewarded the hikers with views of Lake Allatoona, Kennesaw Mountain, and Stone Mountain.  Along the way, the students discovered a very cool tree. Hikers finished out the week with a hike up Blood Mountain on Thursday and Vickery Creek on Friday.  Pictured are Connor Gluth and Trevor Parkey near the summit of Pine Mountain in that cool tree.

Presidents' Day

Monday, February 20

SCHOOL is CLOSED

in honor of

Presidents' Day

Fine Arts Spirit Wear

MSA Fine Arts sweatshirts and t-shirts are on sale now! Please CLICK HERE to order yours!

Sweatshirts are uniform approved and can be worn anytime!

T-shirts are to be worn in your home community and during special events on campus.

Questions? jford@millsprings.org

My Opinion on the Presidential Inauguration

Guest Journalist - Luke McCoin, PreUpper, 7th Grade

It was cool to see US history made. I think that what Mr. Donald Trump said in his speech was awesome. I liked all the funny comments Mrs. Courtney said to the class.

Things I learned while watching the Inauguration:

• I learned that Mr. Donald is the 45th president.
• Also that Hillary did not want to be there.
• I learned how many kids Mr. Donald Trump has in his family.
• I think that watching my first inauguration is something that I will remember.

That is what I learned while watching the Inauguration.

Time to Turn in Box Tops!

Turn in Box Tops by Friday February 24th for our winter submission and drawing. Place in a zipped bag or envelope with your students name & grade on the bag to be eligible for the drawing. Drop in the collection containers in each school or office.  Labels for Education, Tyson A+ labels and My Coke Caps/codes should be turned in now too.

Winter drawing winners will be announced in March.

EACH School will have a winner that can choose a $10 Gift Card from Barnes & Noble, Dick's, Target or Toys R Us.