February 12, 2026
from Mark Segal, Upper School director
Thinking back to 1995, my first year as an educator, I had a colleague who referred to February as “the longest short month of the year.” At the time, I didn’t really know what he meant as I made my way through the winter months wide-eyed and with great naivety. Now in my 30th year of teaching and working in schools, I fully understand what they meant. While the calendar tells us we are close to spring, the reality for many of us is that winter has dragged on as we continue to manage the shorter days, cold weather, and fewer natural breaks in our routine. All of this can make February feel very heavy. At the same time, the expectations set by teachers continue as students’ focus, motivation, and energy may be running low.
February is also the time when teenagers typically experience increased stress and emotional fatigue. Research from the American Psychological Association (APA) shows that teenagers consistently report that schoolwork is one of the greatest sources of stress and that during February, there is little opportunity to pause or reset. The APA and the National Institute of Mental Health explain that reduced daylight and prolonged winter conditions can affect mood, energy levels, sleep, and concentration. This is sometimes referred to as the “winter blues,” and in some cases, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The winter months are often identified as the most challenging months, and this, coupled with teenagers balancing academic demands, social pressures, and developmental changes, creates an “interesting” confluence of life events.
The most important message to these feelings is that they are typical…and temporary. Experiencing stress, low motivation, and fatigue in February does not mean that students are falling behind. It means they are human. At MPA, we work to support students through consistent routines, genuine and authentic relationships, and access to caring adults who stand ready with a pat on the back, a high-five, or a listening ear. Thankfully, we offer the same support to parents as well.
Together, as we work our way through the challenge of the “longest short month,” we can help our students move forward with resilience as brighter days (figuratively and literally) and spring draw closer.
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.
- The MPA Muslim Student Association (MSA) and families have the honor of hosting a Ramadan Iftar Celebration. The MSA warmly invites all members of the Mounds Park Academy community—students, families, alumni, faculty, and staff—to come together in the spirit of unity and reflection. The Iftar will be held on Thursday, February 26, 5-8 PM in the Family Commons. The celebration will include a variety of Halal authentic dishes, drinks, guest speakers, and opportunities for reflection and connection. All are welcome to join in this celebration and support the community as it comes together to share in the joy and meaning of Ramadan. To ensure there is enough food and drink, we ask that people RSVP for the celebration here.
- Join the upcoming Students & Screens discussion, “Behind the Screens: Teens Talk Tech, AI, and Digital Life” on Tuesday, February 24, from 1:45-3 PM in the Recital Hall! In this session, a panel of MPA Upper School students will share candid insights into how social media and generative AI tools shape their daily lives—both in school and beyond. Click here to RSVP!
- Join us for the 2026 MPA Spring Auction: Rooted In Purpose, on Friday, April 17, at the Lowlands in St. Paul! Join us as we gather in celebration of the people and purpose that make Mounds Park Academy such a special community, while raising critical support for our students, staffulty, and programs. Sponsorships and tickets are available NOW! Family Sponsorships can be purchased here, Business Sponsorships can be bought here, and tickets can be bought here. (Ticket prices increase to $125 after March 15.)
Help Make the Evening Unforgettable
We are seeking exciting contributions to elevate the event, including:
-
- MPA Exclusive Silent Auction items
- Live Auction Experiences
- Spirits and Wine Donations
- Curated Gifts and Experiences
Your support helps create a joyful, meaningful evening while making a lasting impact on MPA. Visit the event website or contact Ashley Goetzke, director of development and community engagement, at agoetzke@moundsparkacademy.org to learn more or get involved.
Mark Your Calendars
- Friday, February 13: No Classes, Professional Development
- Friday, February 13: US G10 Deep Portage Trip
- Monday, February 16: No Classes, Presidents’ Day
- Tuesday, February 17: US Nordic Ski Team Banquet, 4:30-7 PM, Family Commons
- Wednesday, February 18: Celebration of Lunar New Year, 3:30-6 PM, Family Commons
- Thursday, February 19: US Class of 2029 Parent Meeting, 6-7 PM, Recital Hall
- Thursday, February 19: US Band & Orchestra Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center
- Friday, February 20: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Deadline
- Friday, February 20: US Senior Speeches, 8-9:15 AM, Nicholson Center
- Monday, February 23-Friday, February 27: SnoDaze Week
- Monday, February 23: Fireside Chat with the Head of School, 4-5 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
- Tuesday, February 24: Students & Screens, 1:45-3 PM, Recital Hall, RSVP >
- Wednesday, February 25: MPA PA US Quarterly Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, PCR
- Wednesday, February 25: US Vocal Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center
- Thursday, February 26: Iftar Dinner, 3:30-7 PM, Family Commons
- Friday, February 27: SnoDaze Assembly, 2:20-3, Lansing Sports Center
- Friday, February 27: US Students Community Event
- Friday, February 27: PA Family Trivia Night, 6-8 PM, Family Commons, Register >
- Wednesday, March 4: US BSU Black History Month Celebration, 4-6 PM
