February 26, 2026
from Mark Segal, Upper School director
As we move into the final stretch before spring break, I want to thank our students, families, and faculty for the focus, care, and commitment that define our Upper School community. With just over a week (187 hours to be exact) remaining until break, there is still meaningful academic work underway. There are projects to complete, assessments to prepare for, and responsibilities that require students to remain fully engaged. This time of year can feel demanding as our workload continues to feel as though there is no end to it, but it is also an opportunity to reinforce the habits of perseverance and organization that will serve our MPA upper school students well beyond the classroom.
Maintaining strong routines and high standards right up to the start of spring break matters. The learning that happens in these final days before a pause is not superfluous—it is an essential part of our curriculum and our shared commitment to excellence. We ask students to continue arriving at school prepared, managing their deadlines and assignments thoughtfully, and supporting one another as classmates, peers, and friends. Doing our best work, even with a two-week break just days away, is a skill that translates directly to college, careers, and adulthood. The American Psychological Association shares, “educational research shows that students who sustain their engagement through the end of a term perform better on cumulative assessments, and maintaining this academic momentum into spring break improves motivation when we return. At the same time, cognitive science tells us that planned breaks enhance memory consolidation and reduce mental fatigue. Rest, especially sleep and time away from screens, is linked to lower stress and stronger emotional resilience in adolescents.”
At the same time, spring break offers an important and well-earned opportunity for rest. We encourage students to use this time intentionally to recharge both physically and mentally. Whether that means spending time outdoors, reconnecting with family and friends, or simply slowing down and stepping away from our technological devices and the daily academic demands, allows students to return to school on March 23 refreshed and better prepared for the “push” to the end of the school year.
When we come back from spring break, we will be entering the final chapter of the school year with fewer than three months remaining. This period of the academic calendar brings its own momentum and milestones (final exams, end-of-year activities, and all things surrounding graduation). By staying focused now and embracing rest during spring break, our students position themselves for a strong and successful finish to the school year.
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.
- For those planning ahead, please find below the final exam schedule for quarter 3 classes:
- Tuesday, March 31: World Language Final Exams, During World Language Class Time
- Wednesday, April 1: World Language Final Exams, During World Language Class Time
- Thursday, April 2: Science Final Exam, 8:45-10:15 AM
- Thursday, April 2: English Final Exam, 12-1:30 PM
- Friday, April 3: Math Final Exam, 8:45-10:15 AM
- Friday, April 3: Social Studies Final Exam, 12-1:30 PMThere are no Upper School classes scheduled on April 2 and April 3, and students do not need to be on campus except for when they have a final exam scheduled.
- 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:
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- 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.
Let’s make this a night to remember.
Mark Your Calendars
- Friday, February 27: G3-12 SnoDaze Assembly, 2:20-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center
- Friday, February 27: US Students Community Event, 3:15-5:15 PM
- Friday, February 27: PA Family Trivia Night, 6-8 PM, Family Commons, Register >
- Wednesday, March 4: Black History Month Celebration, 4-6 PM, Family Commons, Nicholson Center, & US Commons
- Monday, March 9-Friday, March 20: No Classes, Spring Break
