Upper School Division News May 21, 2026

May 21, 2026

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

One might think that after three decades in education, saying goodbye at the end of each school year would become easier. In truth, it has not. Each year is shaped by relationships. Built on trust, shared experiences, and daily moments that matter. Those connections make May both joyful and bittersweet.

As the year draws to a close, I often find myself reflecting on the opening lines of The Doors’ 1967 song “The End”—“This is the end, beautiful friend…” Originally written by Jim Morrison as a farewell following a relational breakup, the song evolved into something much broader, a meditation on transition, closure, and even the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Morrison himself later reflected that it began as “a simple goodbye song,” but could also be understood as “a goodbye to a kind of childhood.”

That broader meaning resonates deeply with me, and I imagine in many schools. This time of year is not simply about endings—it is about transformation. It is about honoring what has been, while also recognizing what is becoming.

In classrooms across MPA, teachers intentionally create the conditions for students to grow into their next chapter. Research consistently reinforces what we see every day within our hallways and classrooms, that strong student-teacher relationships are foundational to student engagement and success. In fact, a study published in the June 2024 “Frontiers in Psychology” shows that “when students perceive their instructors as supportive, they are more likely to stay motivated, participate actively, and persist through challenges.” Similarly, research in educational psychology highlights that positive student-teacher relationships are directly associated with improved academic engagement and well-being.

These findings affirm something that is both simple and profound. MPA students are ready for what comes next because they have been known, supported, and challenged by adults who care deeply about them.

The Class of 2026 exemplifies this truth. They have contributed meaningfully to our community, supported one another, and demonstrated resilience, creativity, and leadership. As they prepare to leave campus, they do so with pride in who they are and confidence in who they are becoming.

We look forward to celebrating them together in the coming days:

Friday, May 22: Senior Walk & Upper School Awards Assembly, starting at 1 PM.
Saturday, May 30: Class of 2026 Commencement Ceremony, starting at 6 PM.

At the same time, 9th-11th-grade students are preparing to demonstrate their learning through quarter 4 final exams. These assessments are both a reflection of their hard work and an opportunity to bring closure to the academic year.

The schedule of exams is:

Thursday, May 28: World Language Finals (held during world language classes)
Friday, May 29: World Language Finals (held during world language classes)
Monday, June 1: English Finals, 8:45-10:15 AM
Monday, June 1: Science Finals, 12-1:30 PM
Tuesday, June 2: Social Studies Finals, 8:45-10:15 AM
Tuesday, June 2: Math Finals, 12-1:30 PM

Please note that students are only required to be on campus during their scheduled exams on June 1 and 2. No regular Upper School classes will be held on these days.

As we approach these final days of the 2025-26 school year, I encourage all of us to pause and take it in. Celebrate the growth. Acknowledge the relationships. Appreciate the ways this year has shaped us. Endings, after all, are rarely just endings. They are often quiet beginnings.

As this is my final Panther Post submission of the year, I wish your family a summer filled with rest, renewal, and meaningful connection. Thank you for the partnership, trust, and shared commitment that define our community. I look forward to seeing you on campus soon.

Important Information

A reminder for Class of 2027 families: Mounds Park Academy has a long-standing tradition that juniors participate in the annual graduation ceremony by serving as an Honor Guard for the graduating class. The junior class leads the graduation procession into and the graduation recession out of the Nicholson Center, adding a nice element of formality to the event. Next year, when you graduate, the Class of 2028 will do the same for you. For the graduation ceremony to run smoothly, members of the junior class will attend the graduation rehearsal on Friday, May 29, during the school day. For commencement on Saturday, May 30, members of the junior class should plan to be in the Upper School Commons by 5:15 PM. Please let Mark Segal know if your student has a conflict and will be unable to participate.
The MPA Difference Is Meant to Be Shared: The most meaningful way new families discover Mounds Park Academy is through you. When you share your experience—whether with friends, neighbors, or colleagues—you offer an authentic glimpse into what makes this community so special. As a small gesture of thanks, MPA offers a referral program for current families. When a new student applies based on your recommendation, you’ll receive a $250 tuition credit for the following year. If that student is accepted and enrolls, you’ll receive an additional $250 credit. There is no limit to the number of referrals, and credits can add up quickly. One family last year received more than $2,000 in tuition credits! If someone in your circle is exploring schools, we would be grateful for the introduction. You can connect them directly with our team at admission@moundsparkacademy.org or 651-748-5577—we will take it from there. Space remains in select grades! Thank you for being such a powerful part of how our community remains strong.
If your student will be absent, late, or needs to be excused early from school, please contact the Upper School assistant, Chanda Williams, at 651-748-5544 or cwilliams@moundsparkacademy.org.

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, May 22: PreK-12 MPA Spirit Wear Day
Friday, May 22: AP Spanish Make-Up Exam, 8 AM-12 PM, PCR
Friday, May 22: US Senior Class Meeting, 8:30-10 AM, Recital Hall
Friday, May 22: US Senior Performances, 10-11:15 AM, Recital Hall
Friday, May 22: Spring Alumni Panel, 11:30 AM-12:30 PM, Recital Hall
Friday, May 22: US Senior Walk, 1-1:45 PM, MPA Campus (Door 1 to Door 4)
Friday, May 22: US Award Ceremony, 1:45-3 PM, Nicholson Center
Monday, May 25: No Classes, Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 26: Volunteer Breakfast, 8:30-9:30 AM, Family Commons
Tuesday, May 26: LS/US Band/Orchestra G4 Concert, 10:30-11:20 AM, Panther Center
Tuesday, May 26: US Senior Service-Con, 1-4 PM, McKeown Track
Tuesday, May 26: US Boys Tennis Banquet, 6-7 PM, Family Commons
Wednesday, May 27: US Madrigal Singer Auditions, 3-6 PM, Recital Hall; Choir Room
Wednesday, May 27: Class of 2026 Senior Dinner, 6:30-8 PM, Off Campus
Thursday, May 28: US World Language Finals During World Language Classes
Thursday, May 28: 3-4:30 PM, US Speech Showcase, Recital Hall
Friday, May 29: US World Language Finals During World Language Classes
Friday, May 29: Madrigals and Concert Choir Rehearsal 10:40-11:15 AM, Nicholson Center
Friday, May 29: US Mandatory Commencement Rehearsal, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM, Nicholson Center
Saturday, May 30: Class of 2026 arrival by 4:15 PM, Upper School Commons
Saturday, May 30: Door Opens for Commencement Seating, 5 PM
Saturday, May 30: Commencement, 6-7:30 PM, Nicholson Center (Reception to Follow)
Monday, June 1: US English Finals, 8:45-10:15 AM
Monday, June 1: US Science Finals, 12-1:30 PM
Monday, June 1: 4:30-6 PM, US Track Banquet, Family Commons
Monday, June 1: 5:30-6:45 PM, US Girls Softball, Gallery & Peacock Teaching Kitchen
Tuesday, June 2: MS/US End of Quarter 4
Tuesday, June 2: US Social Studies Finals, 8:45-10:15 AM
Tuesday, June 2: US Math Finals, 12-1:30 PM
Wednesday, June 3: Last Day of School/Early Release, No Afterschool Panther Club/Den, No Afterschool PreK Panther
Wednesday, June 3: Yearbook Assembly, 8:15-9:15 AM, Nicholson Center
Wednesday, June 3: Early Release, 10:15-10:30 AM
Wednesday, June 3: US End of Year Party, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, Smash Park (Roseville), RSVP >