Upper School Division News March 26, 2026

March 26, 2026

A student and faculty member playing a gamefrom Mark Segal, Upper School director

As we approach the end of quarter three on Friday, April 3, final exams provide an important opportunity for students to pause, reflect, and demonstrate the learning they have built throughout the term. By using a process called retrieval practice, research in cognitive science consistently shows that revisiting and recalling previously learned material strengthens long‑term understanding. University of Minnesota Center for Educational Innovation studies on cumulative assessments have found that larger assessments, those that ask students to connect ideas across a unit or course, “support deeper learning and longer retention compared to studying information only once or for short‑term recall.” In this way, final exams significantly improve long-term knowledge retention and information that students will rely on in future courses.

While the words “final exam” can sound intimidating, MPA Upper School exams are designed to function much like larger unit assessments, rather than high‑pressure, “make‑or‑break” and “all or nothing” tests. Educational research in Springer Nature Link emphasizes that, “when exams are aligned with what students have already practiced through classwork, discussions, and prior assessments, they serve as a meaningful extension of learning instead of a surprise or stand‑alone event.” In our upper school courses, teachers prioritize clear expectations, review opportunities, and familiar question formats so that students can approach exams with confidence and preparation.

Final exams also play an important role in helping students synthesize ideas and see connections across a full quarter (nine weeks) of learning. This process mirrors how learning works in the real world, building on prior knowledge, applying skills in new contexts, and thinking across topics. Rather than emphasizing memorization, our exams focus on reasoning, problem‑solving, and demonstrating understanding in ways that align with the course and students’ academic goals.

Below is the quarter three final exam schedule that will take place at the end of next week. Please note that World Language exams will take place during regular class times, while other exams occur in designated testing blocks. On Thursday (April 2) and Friday (April 3), regular Upper School classes will NOT meet. Should your students not have an exam scheduled, they are not required to be on campus.

  • 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 PM

Ms. Schwalen has already been in touch with the families of students with assessment accommodations. If you feel that you should have been communicated with, but were accidentally missed, please reach out to her directly at lschwalen@moundsparkacademy.org.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting students as they finish the quarter strongly with focus and confidence.

I look forward to seeing you on campus soon.

Important Information

  1. As we look ahead to a year when Mounds Park Academy will participate in the ISACS accreditation process and soon after begin shaping our next set of strategic initiatives, it is important that we gather meaningful feedback from all members of our Upper School community. Our current “quarter on/quarter off” schedule has been in place for several years, and this moment of institutional reflection provides an ideal opportunity to evaluate its effectiveness and consider potential improvements.Your perspective is essential. The MPA Schedule Survey is an opportunity for you to share both your observations and your family’s experiences with the current schedule structure. Your insights will help us better understand its impact and inform decisions that support student learning, balance, and well‑being.

    Please take a few minutes to complete this survey by Friday, March 27.

    Thank you in advance for your thoughtful participation and for your partnership in strengthening the Upper School experience at MPA.

  2. 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.
  3. Join us for the 2026 MPA Spring Auction: Rooted In Purpose, on Friday, April 17, at the Lowlands in St. Paul! We will 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.

Let’s make this a night to remember. 

Mark Your Calendars

  • Friday, March 27: US Baseball Parent Meeting, 5:30-6:30 PM, Family Commons
  • Tuesday, March 31: US World Language Finals
  • Wednesday, April 1: US World Language Finals
  • Thursday, April 2: US Science Finals
  • Thursday, April 2: US Boys Basketball Banquet, 5:30-7:30 PM, Family Commons
  • Friday, April 3: End of Quarter 3
  • Friday, April 3: US Math Finals
  • Friday, April 3: US Social Studies Finals
  • Wednesday, April 8: Cultural Celebration Day, 3:15-5:30 PM, Family Commons
  • Friday, April 10: Senior Speeches, 8-9:15 AM, Nicholson Center
  • Monday, April 13: No Classes, Professional Development
  • Tuesday, April 14: US G10 College Counseling Info Night, 6:30-8 PM, Recital Hall
  • Wednesday, April 15: ISACS Parent Series – Happier Parenting: Evidence-Based Strategies for Improving Parent Happiness, 6:30-7:30 PM, Virtual, Register >
  • Thursday, April 16: Book Club With the Head of School, 6-7:15 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library, RSVP >
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