November 18, 2024
As I see my two-year-old daughter Rory bounce to music (usually to Taylor Swift or Pitbull, to be honest…) in our living room, I’m transported back to MPA’s band room, where Ms. Goucher and Ms. Wantock challenged us to stretch beyond our comfort zones with both the technical music selection and the style of play. Those years of playing taught me more than just musical notes—they instilled a deep appreciation for the joy of creative expression and the rewards of patient practice. Now, as a parent, I find myself drawing on these lessons, encouraging my daughter to explore, create, and persist even when things don’t come easily. It’s because of generous giving during the fall campaign (as well as donations year-round) that students from around the school are able to try, tinker, and hone their skills with a number of musical instruments not available at many schools around the country.
Beyond the arts, my time with educators like Ms. Murr and Mr. Vergin shaped my approach to raising a compassionate human being. Their dedication to fostering empathy and understanding across socioeconomic differences continues to influence how my wife and I guide my daughter. Whether we’re sharing toys at the playground or meeting new neighbors, I hear echoes of their teachings about compassion, kindness, and inclusivity. It is to that end that my wife and I specifically contributed to continue the momentum of the Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning. As someone who struggled to learn via traditional experiences, particularly in later Middle School and early high school, this mission resonates and, I believe, will enhance the educational journey of many of MPA’s best and brightest.
MPA’s nurturing environment showed me that education extends far beyond textbooks and test scores. As a consultant supporting the federal government (and coach at a gym on the side), the ability to learn about, excite, and build relationships with people from around the world keeps me motivated and open-minded to a variety of perspectives and opinions. I believe the ability to listen, understand, and engage with viewpoints other than your own is critical in today’s society, regardless of your focus area(s).
Today, I’m grateful for the foundation laid during my years at Mounds Park Academy. The school’s commitment to developing well-rounded, thoughtful individuals shapes not only my life and parenting philosophy but also my hopes for my daughter’s future—that she too will grow up to be curious, kind, and eager to make a positive difference in the world. I hope you and your families feel equally as appreciative of MPA’s philosophy and help support continued and impactful initiatives across the school. Please join me in igniting dreams, one gift at a time!
One of the most frequent questions asked of our admission staff when families are first exploring our school is, “Tell me about homework” or “How much homework do students have at Mounds Park Academy?” MPA’s philosophy is that homework should always affirm and confirm what students have learned in the classroom. In other words, homework assignments should be about practice. When homework is designed this way, it leads to students taking responsibility for their assignments because they understand how to approach it. Our end goal is that students will find motivation within themselves to succeed. We also work to teach our students balance. We want them to be able to focus on their academic achievements, but also be in the musical, or play soccer, or participate in debate. It is important that students can handle the responsibility of homework without them drowning in it. Rigor at MPA is not the amount of homework you have or the number of hours you spend studying. Rigor at MPA is a deep and meaningful inquiry.
Save The Dates! Below is a preview of exciting opportunities for families to build community at MPA this winter. Don’t miss your chance to volunteer, donate, and/or show up for the fun!
from Mark Segal, Upper School director 
from Paul Errickson, Middle School director
from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director 
from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school
The school day PreK-12 MPA Preview is Friday, December 13, 8:30-10 AM! With community members as your hosts, you’ll visit classrooms to see students and teachers in action and end the morning with an opportunity to ask any specific questions you may have. If you will be bringing a child, please do let us know!
This message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the November 8 issue of Inside MPA. 
MPA Middle School French teachers Evelyn Johnson, Jessica Blue, and Liz DesLauriers were searching for a possible project to bring out a collaborative effort by their students.