MLC's August 2026 Newsletter ✨

June and July have been an incredible start to summer at Big Mystic and Little Mystic! We wrapped up another wonderful school year with an exciting Water Day filled with water slides, water balloons, outdoor games, and lots of laughter before welcoming students into our Summer Program.

Our summer has been packed with engaging activities including arts and crafts, STEM projects, sports, outdoor games, team-building challenges, and creative enrichment clubs. A favorite this summer has been Erich's Minecraft Club, where students built their computer and design skills while working together on exciting Minecraft challenges.

Students have also enjoyed unforgettable field trips and outdoor adventures. Some of the highlights included visits to Canobie Lake Park, George's Island, Connor's Farm, Hampton Beach, and partnering with the Mystic River Watershed Association to learn about local insects and pollinators. Students also had the opportunity to go sailing, participate in our Summer League and Community Unity Basketball Game, and enjoy several fun beach days with their friends.

Creativity has been shining all summer long! Students made beautiful pressed flower bookmarks, designed wooden magnets, completed a variety of hands-on art projects, and worked together to create the MLC Kids Garden sign. They loved visiting the garden throughout the summer to watch vegetables grow and even pick fresh produce.

As we head into the final weeks of our Summer Program, we're excited for even more adventures, including upcoming field trips to Salem and Long Sands Beach. We are so proud of the friendships our students have built, the new experiences they've embraced, and the memories they've created. Thank you to all of our families for making this such a fun and successful summer—we can't wait to finish the season with even more smiles, laughter, and unforgettable moments!

Staff Recognition – Steph

Steph has been doing an amazing job as our Site Coordinator! She continues to support the program, staff, and students with dedication, positivity, and teamwork. Steph helps create a welcoming environment where kids feel supported and excited to participate. We appreciate all of her hard work, leadership, and the care she brings to Mystic Learning Center every day. We are lucky to have Steph as part of our team and look forward to all the great things ahead!

Kid Recognition – Ashley

Ashley has had a wonderful first summer with us at Mystic Learning Center! She quickly became part of our program community by joining activities, making new friends, and bringing a positive attitude each day. Ashley has shown creativity, kindness, and excitement while participating in summer activities. We are so happy to have her with us and excited to see her continue to grow!

New month, new fun activities!Every day of the week, we create exciting activities and experiences based on our summer themes:

Pool Days – Monday & Tuesday

Start the week with some fun in the sun! Students will enjoy pool days filled with swimming, games, and opportunities to stay active while cooling off during the summer heat.

Field Trip Wednesdays

Wednesdays are all about adventure! Students will explore new places, try new experiences, and make special memories during our exciting summer field trips.

Beach Thursdays

Thursdays are for beach fun! Students will enjoy time outdoors, playing games, exploring, and relaxing by the water with friends.

On-Site Fridays

Fridays are filled with fun right here at the program! Students will participate in creative activities, games, crafts, cooking projects, and other exciting on-site experiences to end the week.

New month, new fun activities!Every day of the week, we create exciting activities and experiences based on our summer themes:

Pool Days – Monday & Tuesday

Start the week with some fun in the sun! Students will enjoy pool days filled with swimming, games, and opportunities to stay active while cooling off during the summer heat.

Field Trip Wednesdays

Wednesdays are all about adventure! Students will explore new places, try new experiences, and make special memories during our exciting summer field trips.

Beach Thursdays

Thursdays are for beach fun! Students will enjoy time outdoors, playing games, exploring, and relaxing by the water with friends.

On-Site Fridays

Fridays are filled with fun right here at the program! Students will participate in creative activities, games, crafts, cooking projects, and other exciting on-site experiences to end the week.

August Fruit Spotlight: Watermelon

Watermelon is the perfect fruit for August! It's cool, sweet, juicy, and a great way to stay refreshed during hot summer days.

Watermelon is full of water to help keep you hydrated while you're running, playing, and enjoying summer adventures. It's also packed with vitamins A and C, which help keep your body healthy and your smile bright! Enjoy watermelon fresh, freeze it into a cool treat, or add it to a colorful fruit salad.

Bright, refreshing, and bursting with summer flavor—watermelon makes August extra fun! ✨

Fun Ways to Enjoy!

• Eat it fresh
• Freeze it into watermelon pops
• Mix it into a fruit salad
• Blend it into a refreshing smoothie

Watermelon Superpowers!

• Helps keep you hydrated
• Full of vitamins A & C
• Supports a healthy body
• A sweet and refreshing snack

Our Parent Meeting

Our Parent Meeting will be held on Monday, August 17, from 6:00–7:00 PM as a Virtual Parent Board Meeting.

Due to the upcoming picnic, the Monday, August 24 Advisory Board Meeting is canceled. However, parents who help with the picnic will receive credit toward the FEF Meeting.

Thank you for your support and participation!

August Movie Picks 🎬

Finding Dory
Animated/Adventure | Ages 5+
Streaming on: Disney+

The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Animated/Adventure | Ages 6+
Streaming on: Peacock / Prime Video

Sing 2
Animated/Musical | Ages 6+
Streaming on: Netflix / Prime Video

These family-friendly movies are perfect for enjoying the last days of summer! Whether you're relaxing after a fun day outside or having a cozy movie night with family and friends, grab some popcorn, get comfortable, and enjoy a summer movie adventure! 🍿

This summer, Mystic Learning Center was excited to create a brand-new garden space for our students to enjoy! This project was made possible through the hard work, teamwork, and dedication of our amazing staff, community partners, and kids.A special thank you goes to all of our staff members who helped bring this garden to life. From preparing the area and completing the groundwork to organizing, planting, and adding the finishing touches, your time and effort helped create a beautiful outdoor space for our children.

We are also grateful to SHA for their support and partnership in helping make this new garden possible. Their involvement helped us build a space where kids can explore, learn, and connect with nature throughout the summer and beyond.Our students helped make the garden their own by decorating signs, adding creative touches, and bringing their ideas and excitement to the project. Their artwork and contributions made the garden feel welcoming and special.

Thank you to everyone who helped create our new Mystic Learning Center garden. We are so proud of what we built together and can’t wait to see it grow! 🌱✨

As of January, MLC and MELC have openings for school-age children (youth ages 5 in kindergarten through 13). Give us a call (617-623-0110) or send an email (info@mysticlearningcenter.org) if you have any questions or are interested in enrolling your child(ren).

We're licensed by Massachusetts to provide child care for youth between the ages of 2.9 -13 years old. Youth with special needs can attend up to age 16. Click the link below for more info.

** At the moment we aren't accepting children under 5 due to not having a Lead Preschool teacher.

The Human Service Division of the City of Somerville Department of Health and Human Services is now available to take online referrals for services through a new online contact form. Referrals may be completed by individuals directly seeking services, parents or guardians, service providers, or community partners.

The services provided are available at no cost to Somerville residents of all ages and include:

• Supportive counseling for individuals and families
• Briefcase management
• Service coordination for individuals and families
• Information and Referral to services
• Including mental health services, utility and benefits assistance, workforce development, housing support, youth services, financial literacy, legal assistance, survivor services, literacy, and language development, public health services, substance misuse services for youth.

• School consultation, support, and advocacy