January 30, 2025
from Mark Segal, Upper School director
Mark Your Calendars
- Friday, January 31: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Agreements Sent
- Friday, January 31: US Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
- Friday, January 31: US Winter Show “Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of Baskerville,” 7-9 PM, Black Box, tickets >
- Saturday, February 1: US Winter Show “Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of Baskerville,” 7-9 PM, Black Box, tickets >
- Tuesday, February 4: Speech Tournament, 3-10 PM, MPA Campus
- Wednesday, February 5: US G10 Retreat, Deep Portage Retreat Center
- Thursday, February 6: US G10 Retreat, Deep Portage Retreat Center
- Friday, February 7: US Classes Meet
- Friday, February 7: US G10 Retreat, Deep Portage Retreat Center
- Monday, February 10: MS/US Students & Screens Community Discussion, 1:45-3 PM, Recital Hall
- Wednesday, February 12: All School Pairing Assembly
- Thursday, February 13: US Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
- Friday, February 14: No Classes, Professional Development
- Saturday, February 15: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Deadline
- Monday, February 17: No Classes, Presidents’ Day
- Tuesday, February 18: US Nordic Ski Banquet, 4:30-6:30 PM, Family Commons
- Wednesday, February 19: US Band & Orchestra Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center
In today’s rapidly evolving world, young adults who identify as members of Generation Z (Gen Z), those 13-28 years old, stand at a unique crossroads of societal change. Recent research from the Pew Research Center indicates that Gen Z students face challenges and opportunities in their educational journey. As digital natives, those who have grown up in a “connected” world (technologically speaking) bring distinctive perspectives and needs to school communities. Even though they are frequently found using their technological devices (computers, tablets, cell phones, video games, etc.), they crave authentic interpersonal connections and seek why they need to learn what is being taught.
According to a 2023 study published in the Journal of Higher Education, Gen Z students demonstrate stronger engagement when they understand the practical applications of their coursework. This aligns with this generation’s logical approach to education. They want to know why some concepts “matter” and how they connect with the real world. The Harvard Educational Review says that this “purpose-driven learning approach” leads to stronger retention and application of knowledge. Gen Z learners value information taught to them and seek genuine and authentic ways in which that information applies to them in their pursuit of finding the right “fit” for college and a future profession. The International Journal of Educational Research states, “when educators share relevant personal information and create opportunities for meaningful dialogue in class, student engagement increases by up to 40 percent.” Building relationships and connections between students, teachers, and the taught curriculum leads to genuine interactions and honest discussions.