February 9, 2017
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
I am incredibly fortunate to be a member of the Mounds Park Academy community, both as a leader and as a parent. Each day, I have the privilege of working with an exceptional group of teachers and staff who care deeply about MPA’s students. Each day, I interact with hundreds of incredible young people who give me so much hope for the future of our country and world. I am fueled by that hope, even in the midst of uncertainty, and sometimes, despair.
This morning, hope came in the form of seven of our students. As they delivered their senior speeches, I was moved to tears on more than one occasion. Their reflections on their growth as individuals and the impact that MPA has had on their lives was inspiring. One student spoke of her love for science that resulted in her being teased and isolated at another school. At MPA, she discovered she could embrace her passion and find respect from her peers. I am confident the world will be a better place by what she will do with her life.
Why am I so invested in MPA? Because without a doubt, MPA provides the environment that cultivates dreamers and doers. It challenges students to apply their understanding of themselves and the world in order to to stir the human spirit, stand for justice, and find meaning in their lives as active, compassionate citizens.
Our school is guided by our mission, vision, and values. Our future as a school is driven by a five-year strategic plan called Momentum 2020. It is the result of a year-long process that engaged hundreds of community members in a dynamic process. Adopted by the Board of Trustees in 2015, the plan is built upon three overarching priorities:
- Empower Students to Live, Learn and Thrive in the 21st Century Globalized Society
- Inspire and Affirm our Exceptional Faculty and Staff
- Enhance Institutional Capacity to Ensure MPA’s Future
Each priority builds upon one another: we exist for our students, we succeed through our exceptional faculty and staff, and we flourish through financial sustainability and vitality. Please click here for a visual report on our progress to date on the strategic plan.
As Head of School, I am responsible for creating a budget and exercising wise fiscal judgement to meet the priorities of the strategic plan. As I look to the 2017–18 school year, four areas of emphasis are planned:
- Additional and enhanced personal counseling and guidance services to ensure the health, wellness and wholeness of each student. (Priority One)
- Inspiring innovation and creativity through staffing our new Makerspace and developing the accompanying educational program that will provide students (and families) the environment, guidance, support, and 21st century tools and technology to further hone problem-solving and critical thinking skills. (Priority One)
- Continued investment in our exceptional faculty and staff through salary, benefits, and professional development. (Priority Two)
- Further strengthening our financial vitality and sustainability. (Priority Three)
Tomorrow you will receive information from me regarding re-enrollment for the 2017–18 school year. I am deeply grateful that you have entrusted your child to MPA and that you will continue to do so in the years to come. It is an honor to partner with you as we invest in the future of not only our children, but our world.
