| Artwork of the Week 
Senior Chase Watson's painting Life Chase has been creating in the MSA studio for the last four years! She will be missed. This particular piece was sold at the Art Exhibit this past weekend.
A Note of Thanks  Thank you to ... Tim and Leigh Ayres!
Thank you so much for the continued support of our garden project. We would not be anywhere near where we are at with such an undertaking if it wasn't for your consistent and loving support of our cause. THANK YOU!!! Michael Griffeth, PreUpper Teacher
Feature Teacher
Meet Martha Muir! 
Martha came to us from another private school where she taught high school Chemistry and Botany for a number of years and public high school prior to that. She has been at MSA for over 9 years, she teaches Physical Science, Honors Physical Science and ACE in the PreUpper School. She feels that, "Science is too important, too relevant in our everyday lives, and too much fun to stay confined to a textbook. Yes, you have to study it to master it but equally important, you have to DO it." She loves "the family feeling that unites us all with a common goal" here at MSA. Martha's love for science spills into her spare time where she is involved with various amateur radio activities. She is the Youth Coordinator for the Georgia Section of the American Radio Relay League and part of the Education Committee of the North Fulton Amateur Radio League. She is anxiously awaiting a delivery from Amazon of two books to read, "Rust: The Longest War" and the new David McCullough book on the Wright Brothers. Her favorite food is Spicy Chick-fil-a sandwiches and she visits her mother on a daily basis in her nursing home. I asked Martha to share an interesting fact that we might not know about her, she said that she "performed a stand-up act at the inaugural Just For Laughs Comedy Festival many years ago." Thank you for sharing and for what you do every day Martha!
Lower School is all a Buzzzz ...
Lower School students had a fun experience this week going down to PreUpper School to see a presentation from Michael Adams (top) about our apiary and the bees that we have. Did you know that we have over half a million bees here in our apiary on campus? The  students learned many things about how honey is made and the different roles that the bees have. They were able to see bees in a hive, feel beeswax, and look at a bee close up in a microscope. We do bottle and sell the "Bee Stang" honey. Students were able to try some on Thursday. Another special treat was MG, Michael Griffeth in PreUpper (bottom), he shared the Coral Lab with the students. The students loved seeing the different fish and coral that we have. The bees, the fish, and coral are maintained by the 7th and 8th grade students. Something to look forward to when they go down to PreUpper!
Can YOU Help? 
Mill Springs PVA needs two or three more parents to join Cathy Abram and Leslie Gersack with the weekly Chick-Fil-A, and it can continue to be a successful fundraiser for MSA ... but it takes hands to make it happen. We currently need volunteers to rotate weeks with Cathy and Leslie to meet the CFA delivery and set up the distribution for each school. We also need a volunteer for PreUpper and Upper/CommArts who can coordinate volunteers to distribute Chick-Fil-A and sell snacks during lunch times on Mondays. Your help means we can keep this important fundraiser for the PVA. Please contact Cathy Abram at 770-712-1117 or abramfamily@comcast.net for more information or to see how your time can make a difference.
Earth Day Celebration 
On Friday, April 24th, the Middle School celebrated Earth Day with an entertaining array of activities. The activities were organized by student Hailey Lober as part of her Level L project! All of the students explored the MSA campus through a nature hike along the creek and toured an art show. As part of the art show, students wrote reflections and shared their thoughts with their peers. The best reflections are sprinkled throughout the MSA Weekly News. The fifth grade students had an opportunity to use recycled bottle caps in a group art project while the 6th graders had the opportunity to visit the Coral Lab in the PreUpper building to learn how the Coral Reefs are important to the oceans and to the earth system. Also, students collected cardboard rolls for reuse as bedding/toys at the Atlanta Humane Society. Groups of homerooms competed in a Lights Out campaign in an effort to reduce the use of fossil fuels by turning off lights in the classrooms, too!
Effective July 2, 2014, all children born on or after January 1, 2002, who are entering 7th grade, and new entrants* to Georgia schools in grades 8-12 will be required to have Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis) and Meningococcal Conjugate vaccines before entering school for the 2015-2016 school year. Visit your family physician to get these vaccines now. *New entrants include anyone that is entering Georgia schools for the first time or is returning to a Georgia school after being gone for more than 12 months or one school year.
Tell Us about Tellus!  In celebration of all things science, Communication Arts students ventured out to Tellus Museum where they took part in a gem and mineral workshop. Students conducted lab tests to identify different minerals, panned for gems, and viewed the night sky in Tellus' amazing planetarium. "I didn't find any gold!" exclaimed Sean Brinkley, in an ironic twist for our Irish Mustang. Students also classified rocks into the three major categories, discussed the rock cycle, and learned the particulars of plate tectonics. The students also toured the museum's impressive collection, including a two ton amethyst and a gilded mailbox covered in precious gems, "This museum rocks!" and Sophomore Ross Morella, with a stone face. Our students also went into the chemical lab and learned about various reactions important in science and chemical engineering. "What happens if I mix these together? Just kidding." joked David Flamini. Pictured front to back: Hunter Robinson, Andi Smith, Griffin Rudd panning for gems.
We Can All Make a Difference 
Have you ever imagined what it would be like to never see your parents because they have to work more jobs or hours to provide for you? Have you thought about what it would be like to live without the things that we take for granted? Do you ever think about what it would be like to go to a different school and not have the necessary school supplies because your family and school can't afford them? Well Columbia Middle School has to go through all of these things because the school district and families do not have a lot of money. My name is Avery Terpstra and I am currently in the 6th grade. I have decided to get a jump on my Level L Project for the coming school year by collecting school supplies for the students of Columbia Middle School. READ MORE
Middle Visited Upper Science  Ashley Dugger liked seeing the student-made pendulums because they make a wave. She wonders how much the "machine" weighs! Alex Yager liked the cool Rube Goldberg project because of the way the students set up their project with the dominoes bumping car which ran down the track to hit the other car that popped the balloon! Alex wonders how long it took to build their project! Lilliana Coco liked looking through the holographic glasses because you saw the colors of the rainbow. With the pendulum, you saw more weights than were actually there.
We'd Love to Shoot You an Email
Class of 2015 now that you are going to be Alumni soon, I have included you in this email. However, I have sent it to your MSA email address. If you would like to continue to receive the MSA Weekly News after you graduate, please send me a more permanent email address and I will continue to include you. You can email that information to me HERE. The newsletter will allow you to keep up with your friends and favorite teachers here at MSA. We would love to send you the Weekly News. Send me your email TODAY!
Science Week in Physics 
Physics students have been busy brainstorming their ideas to build the Rube Goldberg contraption using variety of physics concepts for their final project. Amidst this exciting work, the classes did not miss having an amazing week celebrating the Earth Day and the International year of Light. Students loved learning and pondering about the history and the reasons to celebrate Earth Day. They did variety of activities like dissecting the cow eye (pictured) to know the importance of different parts of eye and how the eye is able to refract light and produce a focused image that can stimulate neural responses and enable the ability to see. Then they were excited to learn about the inside of remote control and how it works. Students took apart the “Direct TV” remote control and a couple commented- “Wow, you press a key and it gets translated into infrared light signals that are received by the TV? READ MORE
The Domino's Fundraiser Mill Springs Academy Presents - "The Domino's Fundraiser!"  HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS:
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Turn in order forms and money on Monday, May 4, 2015 -
Cash accepted or make checks payable to: Mill Springs Academy -
Please call HOTLINE with any questions: 866-252-6103 / Your Event ID is: 15565 -
Fundraiser is only for two weeks -
The card sells for $10.00 -
Use card as any times as you can until Thursday, December 31, 2015 -
All students received an order form on Monday, April 20, 2015 -
Extra forms are located in the administration building
Reflecting on Earth Day Art (1/5)  Guest Journalist - Lilliana Coco, 5th
I chose the first picture (the sardine run - Eastern Cape, South Africa) because I went to the beach for spring break. My mom and I always see the dolphins when they rise up, and we always take pictures of the dolphins. We always remember the time that we get together as a family for Earth Day.
Art Exhibit Recap 
WOW! The art show was awesome last weekend. Thanks to all of those who attended. Cynthia Buckley and Caity Findlay won $25 BLICK gift cards in the art supply raffle! Also, this Saturday, May 2nd, there is a fun and easy wax resist painting project at BLICK (in Roswell) from 1:00-3:00 pm. Chase Watson and Anna Walczak sold gorgeous art work at the event! The following guests won a SHLAPPING FISH in the raffle to give away our awesome fish props: - Destiny
- Tiffany Anderson
- Chase Buckley
- Page Buckley
- Emmett Rose
- Gil Benton
- Valerie Fambrough
- Natalie Yager
- Caity Findlay
Congratulations!
Sleepover @ Aquarium (1/3) Guest Journalist - Sam Henslee, 6th Grader  The L/R trip to the Georgia Aquarium was great! We saw so many cool animals. Sleeping in the tunnel was so much fun, especially, seeing the whale sharks and manta rays swimming above you. The activities were fun -- learning about how long trash stays in the ocean and the parts of animals. I loved the trip and it made being an R so much sweeter. I hope I can do it again soon. (Picture taken by Sam Henslee, Middle School)
Upcoming Fine Arts Showcase
 Come to the FINE ARTS SHOWCASE Thursday, May 7th at 7pm for a night of drama, fun, and laughter! Students in the Middle School drama class will be presenting monologues from classic musicals and scenes from Peter Pan. Senior Andrew Walker will sing for his last showcase, presenting his two vocal pieces that he won SECOND PLACE in the STATE for in the GISA Literary Festival. Nicole Thomas will present her literary festival drama piece as well. Of course, it wouldn’t be a complete showcase without the tradition of a rousing interactive performance by MSA’s Improvisational Theatre Class! Admission is free. Hope to see you all there!
The Buzz on Honeybees 
To complement their introduction to the MSA Apiary, on Thursday, author and performer Cathy Kaemmerlen visited Lower School with "The Buzz on Honeybees." Students learned about the different types of bees and how hard they work to maintain their colony We had a lot of fun learning and laughing with her! Students also got to taste our delicious honey made right here on the MSA campus. Thank you to all who helped spotlight these awesome insects, our Lower School students learned a lot! Pictured: Ella Parsons, Charlotte Christerson, Zach Burns and Luisa Gorgoll helping keep the bear away from the honey!
It's Open House Time Wednesday, May 13 9:00am Student Activity Center  Did you know that Word of Mouth is by far the largest way families find their way to a Public Open House at Mill Springs Academy? So if you know someone with a child that might benefit from attending MSA, please invite them to our Open House or better yet bring them. If you haven’t attended one, an Open House provides potential parents with an overview of the school, a Fine Arts presentation, a parent perspective and a student perspective, a tour of the school and a chance to speak with the principal. It’s a great opportunity for them to get a feel for what we are all about.
THANK YOU for sharing MSA!
Reflecting on Earth Day Art (2/5) 
Guest Journalist - Sam Henslee, 6th
I liked the lanterns (Lantern Festival - Chiang Mai, Thailand) because the lanterns are a great example of culture, and how diverse the world is. The picture is different from the other pictures because it shows culture and beauty. I would want to know why they launch the lanterns on a full moon in November.
Botanical Gardens Hand-on  As part of “Experience Science Week,” the 7th grade PreUpper class had the opportunity to travel to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens for some hands-on learning related to Michael Adams’ plant unit in his Life Science classes. The students participated in a scavenger hunt that involved finding everything from aerial roots to medicinal plants. Prior to departure, students and faculty enjoyed a pleasant picnic lunch in Atlanta’s beautiful Piedmont Park. It was a wonderfully-enriching experience!
Strength and Conditioning  Springtime Strength & Conditioning participants, George Klein, Collins Losson, Reid Cohen and Mac McCullough have been working hard and reaching their goals. Each has gained muscular strength, increased cardiovascular capacity and improved flexibility. Strength Coach John Hanrahan will be providing free Summer training tips with simple routines at home on the site PrivateTraining.com
Science Week in Forensics 
Students in forensics class enjoyed learning about anthropology. They were excited to learn of the possibility to reconstruct a biological profile of the person including whether they are male or female, their age at death, ancestry, and living height based on a specific features observed on their bones. They learned the different parts and also compared the skulls and pelvis to identify if it is a male or female, Asian or Caucasian skull. It was a great learning experience for Science Week.
Middle Visits Coral Lab 
During Science Week on Campus, the Middle School students, along with its faculty, had the opportunity to tour the Coral Lab facilities in the PreUpper School. MG, the program's director, gave a hands-on tour of the lab's various habitats and marine creatures, as well as a presentation on coral characteristics, oceanographic awareness, ocean acidification, and climate change. The students then were able to participate in a hands-on coral encounter, along with getting to view a feeding session for several coral and fish species. It was a wonderfully fun learning experience for all those involved ... the ocean is awesome!
Thank You Patrick!  THANK YOU to Patrick Rose for keeping this crazy month running smoothly for EVERYONE. Theatre Performances, Band Concert, Art Show, 6th Grade Banquet, Sports Banquets, Open House, Graduation, Honors Day ... Patrick makes ALL of it happen and look good!!
Reflecting on Earth Day Art (3/5) 
Guest Journalist - Ashley Dugger, 5th
The reason why I chose number 1 (the sardine run - Eastern Cape, South Africa) is because I imagine swimming with the dolphins and the other animals.
Lower School Luau!!  Aloha! The Lower School had an awesome, fun-filled time at our Luau Fab Friday! The kids got to hula hoop, do the limbo, blow bubbles, and enjoy a tropical icy snack. Of course, we also enjoyed hanging around on the playground and just playing with our buddies -- all while listening to fun island music. What a great time! (Pictured: Ethan Easterling doing the limbo)
Sleepover @ Aquarium (2/3) Guest Journalist - Hailey Lober, 5th Grader  The Trip to the Aquarium was fascinating. My favorite part was sleeping in the tunnel!!!!!!! Going behind the scenes was cool, too. The whale sharks were so big when you saw them up close. I also loved the jellyfish. I learned cool facts and some funny ones. I hope we can go back. (Picture taken by Sam Henslee, Middle School)
Math/Science Day @ Six Flags  On Friday, April 24th, PreUpper 8th graders participated in the Physics Day activities that are part of Six Flags Over Georgia's Math/Science Days. Students used what they learned in Martha's Physical Science classes to take data about various rides in the park to determine the speed of several of the roller coasters, determine the heights of the Acrophobia tower, and calculate the maximum capacity for riders for a given ride for the day. Students completed an 18-page packet of questions about the rides as they walked around the park accompanied by PreUpper teachers Will Turner, Josh Hersko, Michael Adams, Victoria Fairley, and Martha Muir. They had the option to ride the rides, of course. They used their time in line to record the data they would need to make calculations once they completed their turn on the ride.
Some students claimed that this was the best day they've ever had at school. Many students stated that they fully saw the connection between what they had studied in the classroom and what they experienced in the park. I think everyone would agree it was a great way to wind up Experience Science Week.
Reflecting on Earth Day Art (4/5) 
Guest Journalist - Ryan Super, 5th The vibrant reds of the beautiful lanterns (Lantern Festival - Chiang Mai, Thailand) make me feel elated. The blackness of the night makes the glow of the lanterns seem brighter and more colorful. All of the children with smiles on their faces brings a warmth to me. The sky is almost unable to be seen because of all the lanterns illuminating the sky. It is a spectacular sight.
Law Day 
The Upper School celebrated the 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta with the visit of Aaron Chausmer from the North Fulton Bar Association. He addressed the student body with information of how the signing of the Magna Carta has influenced the United States Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and many of the laws that are enforced on a daily basis. (Pictured: Brad Smallwood, Greg Bodeep, Mr. Chausmer, Carolina Ayerbe)
Sleepover @ Aquarium (3/3) Guest Journalist - Ben Shlanta, 6th Grader  The Level L/R trip to the Georgia Aquarium was amazing! We got to tour the whole aquarium including the behind the scenes section where we stood atop the huge whale shark tank. Our tour guide, Andy, took us through the aquarium and taught us more about the animals we saw. My favorite part was watching the Asian Small Clawed River Otters. They got to play around a bit while we watched. (Picture taken by Sam Henslee, Middle School)
Senior Receives Award 
Senior Levi Smith was awarded the "Levi Smith Institute of Scenic Development" award for all his time and effort in theatre for the last 6 years! The award will be mounted in the tool room in the theater. Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us, Levi! From the Fine Arts Department
Reflecting on Earth Day Art (5/5) 
Guest Journalist - Max Weiss, 6th I would want to go there (The Dolomites - South Tyrol, Italy) because I love the majestic mountains and the sunshine grass. It is different because no other picture has yellow in it, except the lantern picture. It has white clouds in the background. I like places with open spaces, and it has the most of it. My favorite part about this picture is the heaven-ish cloud. It make me feel like I am in heaven.
Poetry Slam  Lower School students participated in a poetry reading this week in honor of the final week of National Poetry Month. During their "poetry slam," they were given poems to read dramatically for their class on the "Big Stage". They also ventured to one of our outdoor classrooms to share their stories. On Thursday, students also participated in Poem in Your Pocket Day, where they carried poems around to share with their peers. From funny to inspiring, they learned the power of the written word in its many forms. Thanks for a great National Poetry Month! P.S. Don't wash the Poem in Your Pocket! Pictured: Zachary Schneiderman on stage.
Spread the Word  We want to spread the word - by that I mean the MSA Weekly News! If there is someone in your extended family that might be interested in receiving the Weekly News, I would love to add them to the distribution list. Grandparents love to see their grandchild "in the News". Or maybe Aunt Jane wants to know what her niece does at school. It could be a conversation starter for them. Possibly someone has a vested interest in MSA? If you send me their name and email address I will be glad to add them to the distribution list. Let's spread the word!
Bookshare
 As you may know, Mill Springs Academy uses a resource called Bookshare (www.bookshare.org) to get accessible digital books and reading tools for school. This service is free through an award from the Office of Special Education Programs, US Department of Education. Members can also use Bookshare at home for free, getting access to hundreds of thousands of titles and free reading tools to assist with homework or independent pleasure reading.
This year we are enabling individual student memberships to Bookshare for all students. As virtually all our students are minors, parents are required to apply online or via mail and accept provisions of the membership. If you want to sign your child up for their own Bookshare account email Claire Christerson, cchristerson@millsprings.org, and she will send you an individualized form with activation ID for your student. For other questions, contact Paul Barkley, 770.360.1336 or pbarkley@millsprings.org. Do it now so you are ready for Summer Reading. ;)
Community Cares & Concerns
Please keep the following from our Community in your thoughts and prayers. Unemployed Families Please email me at any time with individuals you would like to include on our list as their needs arise. For privacy, I will only list names and claim ignorance if you ask me for details.
Quote of the Week 
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved. --Helen Keller | 
Well here we are and it is May! How did that happen? We are still looking forward to some nice WARM weather and it seems as if the rain will stop for a little bit. But regardless of the weather, we have had some awesome activities this week. We started the week off with the Tee-Off for Technology golf tournament, I hope you were able to take advantage of that - the weather was beautiful that day. Tuesday we held a fire drill - this is only a drill. Thursday was the 19th anniversary of the fire on the Brandon Mill campus. Then there have been trips all over the place, including a trip to Chattanooga, a rafting trip, a trip to Medieval Times, and a group who are representing MSA at the STATE Track & Field event. We celebrated National Poetry Month with 
