October 9, 2025
from Mark Segal, Upper School director
Parent/student/teacher conferences represent a cornerstone of effective educational partnerships, serving as a vital bridge between home and school. As Dr. Joyce Epstein, Director of the Center on School, Family, and Community Partnerships at Johns Hopkins University, notes, “When parents and teachers work together as partners, students are more likely to be successful in school (and in life). Parent-teacher conferences provide structured opportunities for this essential collaboration.”
At MPA, these conferences offer families a meaningful opportunity to gain insight into their student’s academic journey, social development, and overall school experience. Teachers share firsthand observations about engagement, growth, and classroom dynamics; insights that go beyond what can be seen in grades alone. Dr. Karen Mapp of the Harvard Graduate School of Education reminds us that “Strong family-school partnerships are not optional add-ons, but rather fundamental components of effective schools.” Conferences provide the space for the kind of dialogue that strengthens these partnerships and advances shared educational goals.
Parent/student/teacher conferences allow for rich, two-way conversations about academic progress, areas for growth, and strategies for success. Parents gain a deeper understanding of their child’s strengths and vulnerabilities, while teachers benefit from learning more about each student’s experiences and aspirations beyond the classroom. This exchange of perspectives builds a comprehensive support system that ensures home and school are aligned in promoting both academic and social success.
Just as importantly, conferences affirm the open communication and mutual trust that define our community. When students see their parents and teachers engaged together, they understand that their education matters deeply and that they are supported by a caring and collaborative network of adults. This partnership nurtures motivation, engagement, and a shared sense of purpose.
I am excited to welcome parents and students to campus tonight and tomorrow for conferences, and I look forward to working together in support of our students.
Important Information
- 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.
- Student & Screen: Navigating The Dark Side Of The Internet | On Tuesday, October 21, from 1:45-3 PM, in the Recital Hall, we are honored to welcome back MPA parent and internationally renowned criminologist, bestselling author, and thought leader on violence prevention, Dr. James Densley, to speak to parents and community members. From gaming and meme culture to social media and online communities, screens shape how young people see themselves and the world. These spaces can foster creativity and connection, but they can also normalize harmful behavior and, in some cases, create pathways toward violence. This session will help parents understand the risks, recognize warning signs, and learn practical ways to support safe and healthy screen use at home. Please RSVP here!
- MPA’s First Grade and the Upper School Student Council are joining together to host this year’s MPA Blood Drive, a joint community service project, on Thursday, October 23, 12-6 PM in the MPA Gallery. Please sign up here.
- Do you know a family who would love MPA as much as you do? Invite them to experience our community firsthand at our upcoming admissions events on Saturday, November 9!
Taste Of Ninth Grade: November 9, 11 AM-12:15 PM | This event includes lunch and the opportunity to learn more about MPA’s ninth-grade program. Students will engage in a hands-on, collaborative activity while parents participate in a Q&A about life in MPA’s Upper School, college counseling, and more. When this event concludes, students and families will then join the PreK-12 Preview event. Families can RSVP here! PreK-12 MPA Preview: November 9, 12:30-2 PM | MPA Previews are signature PreK-12 events designed to introduce families to the faculty, students, and families who make MPA the exceptional learning community that it is. Visitors will hear from a variety of perspectives, be engaged in conversation with academic leaders, participate in experiences led by expert teachers, and leave with a much better understanding of the MPA way. Families can RSVP here!
Mark Your Calendars
- Friday, October 10: No Classes, All School Conferences
- Friday, October 10: All School Conferences, 8 AM-5 PM
- Monday, October 13: No Classes, Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- Monday, October 13: US G12 SAT Test, 8 AM-12 PM, PCR
- Tuesday, October 14: US G12 ACT Test, 8 AM-12 PM, PCR
- Wednesday, October 15: US G9 Retreat, 8 AM-3 PM
- Wednesday, October 15: US G10/11 Practice ACT Tests (Pre-ACT, Mock ACT), 8 AM-12 PM
- Thursday, October 16-Friday, October 17: No Classes, Fall Break
- Thursday, October 23: LS/US Blood Drive, 12-6 PM, Gallery
- Friday, October 24: Charting the Future: 100 Days with Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, 6-7:30 PM
- Saturday, October 25: US Boys Soccer Banquet, 11 AM-1 PM
- Tuesday, October 28: ISACS Parent Series – How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Impacted Everything + What We Can Do About It, Virtual >
- Thursday, October 30: US Instrumental Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center
