Upper School Division News September 18, 2025

September 18, 2025

Upper School students working on a lab in chemistry.from Mark Segal, Upper School director

In today’s world, whether on the sidelines of a game, in the carpool line, or online via email or text, it can feel easier to share frustrations with a friend than to address the concern directly with the person involved. Yet one of the most valuable lessons we can model for our children is the importance of speaking to someone rather than about them. Direct, respectful communication not only strengthens relationships but also builds the foundation of trust, collaboration, accountability, and a sought-after partnership in our school community.

Research consistently shows the power of this practice. A study in the “Journal of Social and Personal Relationships” found that indirect communication, such as gossip or side conversations, often intensifies conflict instead of resolving it. Popular psychologist Dr. Brené Brown shares, “Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.” This is a practice that we at MPA are working on as we realize that speaking openly, even when uncomfortable, shows respect and creates space for genuine understanding.

This lesson is especially important for upper school students, who are still developing the social and emotional skills they will carry into adulthood. A study in the “Journal of Adolescent Development” found that teenagers who practice direct communication with peers and adults demonstrate higher emotional intelligence and better conflict resolution skills. When students see adults model this behavior, they are more likely to approach challenges with courage, compassion, and problem-solving rather than avoidance or blame.

For parents, this means demonstrating the behavior we want our children to practice. Addressing a concern directly with teachers, coaches, or administrators, rather than with others who are not involved in the situation, frames the conversation with honesty and respect and sets the tone. Starting with questions, assuming positive intent, and sharing how a situation feels can transform a potential conflict into an opportunity for growth. We need to remember that direct communication, while sometimes challenging, is the foundation of healthy relationships and trusting communities.

We know that choosing to speak to someone rather than about them helps build the kind of community we all want for our children. Doing this grounds us in trust, respect, and authenticity. By committing to this practice ourselves, as parents and guardians, and encouraging our teenagers to do the same, we model behaviors that will extend far beyond our children’s Upper School years.

I look forward to seeing you on campus soon.

Important Information

  1. If your student will be absent, late, or needs to be excused early from school, please contact the Upper School assistant, Chanda Williams, at cwilliams@moundsparkacademy.org.
  2.  MPA Homecoming is scheduled for the week of September 22-27. There will be “wacky” dress-up days, an all-school Homecoming assembly (Friday afternoon), a special free BBQ for Upper School students on Friday, various athletic contests on Saturday, and the annual on-campus Homecoming Dance Saturday night. Please don’t miss the opportunity to participate in the wonderful festivities. More information can be found here.
  3. All school fall conferences are right around the corner. They will take place 3:30-8 PM on Thursday, October 9, and from 8 AM-5 PM on Friday, October 10. More information will be shared toward the end of the month regarding signing up for conferences, but for those new to the community, Upper School students participate in their conferences and are required to attend.

Mark Your Calendars

  • Friday, September 19: US Senior Retreat, 8 AM-4:30 PM
  • Friday, September 19: US Senior Retreat Dinner, 4:30-6 PM, Family Commons
  • Sunday, September 21: MPA at the Twins, 1:10-3:30 PM, Target Field
  • Monday, September 22-Saturday, September 27: Homecoming Week
  • Thursday, September 25: PA Rainbow Club Meeting, 12-1 PM, Panther Center
  • Thursday, September 25: ISACS Parent Series – School Skills: Setting Kids Up for Success, 6:30-7:30 PM, Virtual
  • Friday, September 26: MPA Spirit Day
  • Friday, September 26: US Senior Speeches, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
  • Friday, September 26: G3-G12 Homecoming Assembly, 2:20-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center
  • Friday, September 26: US Student Homecoming BBQ, 5-8 PM, Courtyard
  • Friday, September 26: Hall of Fame Dinner, 6-8 PM, Family Commons
  • Saturday, September 27: Homecoming Activities
  • Sunday, September 28: US National Portfolio Day, 1-5 PM, Minneapolis College of Art & Design
  • Monday, September 29: US Robotics Team Information Meeting, 6-8 PM, Family Commons
  • Wednesday, October 1: School Photo Retake Day & Senior Sillies, 7:30-10:30 AM, McKeown Track
  • Wednesday, October 1: MPA PA US Quarterly Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, PCR
  • Thursday, October 2: No Classes, Yom Kippur
  • Friday, October 3: US Senior Speeches, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
  • Sunday, October 5: US G12/12 TCP Fair, Breck School
  • Tuesday, October 7: MN NACAC College Fair, 5-7 PM, Minneapolis Convention Center
  • Wednesday, October 8: US Cum Laude Program, 7:30-8 AM, Recital Hall
  • Wednesday, October 8: US PSAT Testing, 8 AM-12:30 PM
  • Thursday, October 9: All School Evening Conferences, 3:30-8 PM
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