November 16, 2017
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
Being a parent today is hard work. Like you, I worry a lot about the world my children are growing up in. Uncertainty about the political and social climate of our country and world, increasing access and use of social media and use of screens by our children, fears about bullying and sexual harassment, violence in our schools, churches, and communities, and a rise of anxiety and depression among young people, are just a few examples of my greatest worries.
Parenting is tough. I am frequently unsure of the line between being engaged and supportive and being overbearing. Studies have found that an overbearing or anxious parenting style can induce anxiety and risk-aversion in kids. Knowing that only makes me more uncertain!
MPA is by no means perfect, but as a parent, I take great comfort knowing that my daughter is experiencing her adolescence in a safe, nurturing and caring community. The values of our family are reflected in the values of MPA. The Middle School character education program, together with social emotional learning, bring comfort to me and reinforce values we teach at home.
I know Ari is receiving very rigorous and challenging academics. However, more importantly, she is supported by incredibly caring teachers who have come to know her well and are committed to ensuring she is not only prepared for college, but for life. There is abundant research that supports small class size as a key factor for academic achievement. Fewer students in a class translates into more time spent on instruction and a constructive classroom climate.
But buried deep in that research is the fact that students do well when they know their teacher believes in them. Young people become confident when they are confident that an adult has confidence in them. In the reverse, L.M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan, tells us, “The moment where you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever being able to do it.”
Throughout today, you have no doubt received multiple messages from MPA and other non-profits urging you to make a gift. In determining philanthropic priorities, you may ask, why give to MPA? Why give philanthropically when you are already paying tuition? That is a very fair question. From one perspective, an MPA education is transactional. Families pay tuition and in return, expect to receive an excellent education. I would venture to say that our relationship is more than a simple business transaction though, it is transformative. An MPA education is transformational.
I give out of gratitude, in thanksgiving for the transformational experience my daughter, and your children, are receiving. I give because parenting is tough and I need and appreciate all the help I can get. I give as a manifestation of hope.
As Thanksgiving approaches, we naturally contemplate the goodness in our lives. Such reflection takes us outside of ourselves to acknowledge the experiences, events and people in our lives that bring us joy. In this season of thanks, please know that you and your family are in my thoughts. Your children, and my amazing colleagues, bring great joy into my life. I feel an incredible sense of gratitude to be of service to this wonderful community. Happy Thanksgiving!
