Lower & Middle Division Student Life

Junk2Funk
An annual tradition, Junk 2 Funk involves more than fifty students working under the direction of art teacher Sally Russell ’83 to turn garbage into madcap glamour—sourcing, designing, and modeling “fashionable” clothing and accessories made entirely of recycled materials like plastic bags, newspapers, bottle caps, paper bags, yogurt containers, chips bags, and any other “trash” they can get their hands on. The project culminates in a high-energy fashion show-style catwalk before a cheering audience.

Halloween Parade
Traditionally held the Friday before Halloween, students, faculty, staff, and families are encouraged to dress up to attend a joyful celebration that includes:

• a musical parade through the neighborhood
• games, music, and performances
• an afternoon carnival on campus

In the spring of 2020, with the help of project manager Nathan C. ’25, grade 7 students and English teacher Amy Spencer asked Pirate families to donate non-perishable food items to an initiative called the Seaside Food Pantry Project. In the time since, with the full support of our community—and additional support from Amy’s fellow parishioners at Carmel Presbyterian Church—students have worked with MPUSD sixth grade teacher, Martha Henry, to regularly stock the pantry, over time providing several tons of food to our neighbors in Seaside.

The After-School Program—included in each student’s tuition—provides structured, fun opportunities to gain new skills and pursue interests in the arts, STEM, and fitness. Students develop teamwork, cooperation, coordination, and cognitive skills within a workshop setting, while enjoying the company of friends and teachers.

Students in grades 6, 7, and 8 participate in daily mixed-age advisory groups, while students in grade 5 are in their own grade-specific advisory groups. Advisory groups serve as a means by which teachers can provide additional supportive coaching for middle division students as they move from childhood to young adulthood.