December 11, 2025
from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school
As we approach winter break, our school days feel especially full of both celebration and meaningful learning. This time of year is filled with performances, competitions, culminating academic projects, and the excitement of new seasons for athletics and clubs. Students, faculty, and staff are working hard to finish strong before winter break, while many families navigate an active calendar of events and begin planning for the weeks ahead. Amid this energy, I find it equally important to pause and reflect on the ways our community continues to learn, grow, and support one another.
Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking at the inaugural Community-Wide Parents Association Meeting. With parents, caregivers, faculty, and staff from all three divisions gathered, the meeting was a beautiful reminder of the strength of our community. It also provided an opportunity to recognize the Parents Association board, their incredible efforts, and the many volunteers whose time and care have brought so many joyful moments to life since the start of the school year.
In my “Charting the Future” talk earlier this fall, I spoke about our shared commitment to uplifting all three A’s: academics, arts, and athletics, and to strengthening communication and alignment across our curriculum and programs. The Parents Association Meeting offered a meaningful space to further clarify the purpose of the Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning, which focuses on:
- Professional Development: Elevating teaching excellence
- Community Education: Engaging families and caregivers in learning
- Classroom Furniture and Design: Creating dynamic learning environments
- Tools for Kids: Expanding and enhancing learning opportunities
- Instructional Coaching: Supporting student success across divisions
Over the past year and a half, our community has shown a commitment to ensuring the Center enhances the academic experience for every learner, student, and adult alike. Our teachers have participated in professional development in Universal Design for Learning, are implementing MPA’s nine competencies for future-ready learners, and are engaging in thoughtful curriculum review through the ISACS re-accreditation self-study.
In the past three weeks, we surveyed faculty, staff, Middle and Upper School students, and all parents and caregivers. We received 548 responses, offering valuable insight into how our community hopes to grow, what support families and educators seek, and how we can strengthen connections between curriculum, teaching, and the broader school experience.
As we look toward the next phase of the center’s development, our work will focus on several exciting opportunities:
- Exploring our current facilities to identify a dedicated physical space for the Center.
- Continuing professional learning to align and articulate MPA’s curricular pathway across all three divisions.
- Ensuring our program remains rigorous and purposeful, with supports that help every student access and thrive within our curriculum.
- Creating opportunities for adults—parents, caregivers, faculty, and staff—to learn and grow together as a community.
Thank you for your partnership and your trust. It is a privilege to walk alongside you in supporting the growth and well-being of our students. I look forward to the months ahead and to the meaningful work we will continue to accomplish—together.
