October 30, 2025
from Mark Segal, Upper School director
As we draw to the end of the first academic quarter, it is important for students (and their families) to reflect on their achievements and challenges experienced during the first quarter of the 2025-26 school year. Looking ahead to the second quarter of the school year presents an opportunity for students to celebrate their first quarter successes while at the same time identifying areas of challenge they can improve upon during their subsequent quarters, starting with the second quarter.
Education expert and champion of progressive education John Dewey shared that, “we do not learn from experience…we learn from reflecting on experience.” Taking time to assess what has been learned can lead to greater motivation moving forward. Transitioning into the next quarter requires a mindset reset. Students should consider what strategies worked well for them and which may need a little more attention or “adjustment.” They can (and should) spend time evaluating their study habits, seeking and using additional resources, and establishing goals for the upcoming quarter. Carol Dweck, a psychologist known for her work on mindset, shares, “The view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you lead your life.” Embracing a growth mindset can empower students to look ahead to the new quarter with renewed energy.
As students reflect on their first quarter, it is important to engage with peers, teachers, parents, and administrators. Collaborative discussions can provide new perspectives and valuable insights that can help in setting realistic goals for the upcoming quarter. Building a strong support network fosters an environment where students can thrive personally and academically. As students (and their families) prepare for the second quarter, it is important to remember that growth often comes from the challenges we face and the support we give (or receive) from one another.
Wrapping up the first quarter on a positive note is crucial for students’ overall development. By reflecting on past experiences, resetting goals, and relying on the supportive MPA community, students can pave the way for them to experience success during the second quarter.
I look forward to seeing you on campus soon.
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.
- 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! - Upper School quarter two conferences will take place in-person, on campus, on Thursday, December 4, from 3:30-8 PM, and Friday, December 5, from 8 AM-5 PM. As a reminder, Upper School students participate in their conferences and are required to attend. Please check athletic and activity schedules to ensure you are taking into account any potential scheduling conflicts. Information about registering for these conferences will be sent in the coming weeks, but we want to make sure that these dates are on your calendar.
Mark Your Calendars
- Friday, October 31: End of Quarter 1
- Friday, October 31: MPA PA Halloween Costume Drive, Atrium
- Friday, October 31: PA Halloween Book Sale, 7:30 AM-3:30 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
- Monday, November 3: No Classes, Grading Day
- Tuesday, November 4: US Cross Country Banquet, Family Commons
- Wednesday, November 5: US Volleyball Banquet, 5-6 PM, Family Commons
- Friday, November 7: MPA PA College Counseling Staff Appreciation, 8 AM-3 PM, College Counseling Office
- Friday, November 7: Senior Speeches, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
- Monday, November 10: US Nordic Parent meeting, 4:30-5:30 PM, Recital Hall
- Tuesday, November 11: US Girls Tennis Banquet, 7-8:30 PM, Family Commons
- Thursday, November 13: US Vocal Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center
- Sunday, November 16-Saturday, November 22: Fall Campaign, Learn More >
- Tuesday, November 18: Coffee & Connections with Head of School, 8-9 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
- Thursday, November 20: Give to the Max Day
- Thursday, November 20: Give to the Max Day Lip Sync Assembly, 2:20-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center
