All School Archives

Dream, Play, Share: Homecoming 2019 is Fast Approaching!

September 10, 2019

Homecoming weekend 2019 is quickly coming up on September 27-28, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you! Join fellow MPA alums on Homecoming weekend to reconnect with friends, family, and faculty. Celebrate milestone reunions and participate in special, alumni-only activities. Welcome home, alumni, and we hope to see you soon! RSVP today for any of these events >

RENOVATION TOUR
11 AM • Lansing Lobby
Enjoy a meet and greet and tour of campus with Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school. Come see the newly renovated commons, cafeteria, + kitchen, and get a sneak peek of the library! No RSVP needed. Read More

A Message From Mike Velin ’06, Alumni Association Chair

September 10, 2019

by Mike Velin ’06, MPA Alumni Association Board Chair

As I write to you, I’m cherishing my own fond memories of Mr. Meacock and I’m sure many of you still remember your time in his classroom. It is in the spirit of those early MPA founding teachers and leaders that the MPA Alumni Association Board is kicking off a busy year of activities and opportunities for alumni to engage with current students, former classmates, and events on campus.

We have much to be grateful for from our MPA educational experience. It means so much to me to be able to stay engaged with MPA and to give back to current students. I’d like to encourage you to consider getting involved in a way that is meaningful for you. One way that will make a big impact is by joining this year’s cohort of MPA mentors for current seniors. We are in need of more volunteers to ensure every senior has a mentor. Help us to have another successful year of the mentorship program. Read More

Remembering Mr. Meacock

September 10, 2019

It is with great sadness that we share some very sad news from our MPA family. Mr. Richard Meacock, retired Upper School faculty and founding faculty member, has passed away after a long illness.

Mr. Meacock was a beloved faculty member at MPA since the school opened in 1982 and he will be greatly missed. His legacy will live on within these walls as we will forever be an inclusive, welcoming community because of his work. He impacted thousands of students, both academically and personally. Our alumni think clearer, love deeper, and laugh more for knowing him. Those gifts he gave will never be lost. Read More

Helping New International Students Feel At Home

September 9, 2019

As the rest of us were squeezing the last bits of summer out of August, the new MPA international students were already hard at work. Ten days before the rest of us walked through the doors of MPA, our new students arrived from four different countries to get settled into their host families’ homes, to get acclimated to their new school, and to have some fun with their new classmates.

While taking math placement exams, discussing plagiarism, and figuring out their locker combos, there was time to build community, too. Several returning international students and domestic MPA students volunteered their time to pile into a 15-passenger van that took everyone off-campus for a bit. Between school supply shopping, bowling, and sharing meals together, the students exchanged stories, answered questions, talked candidly, and shared laughter. By the time the first day of school came around, our new international students felt comfortable with the school and, more importantly, comfortable walking through its doors on day one. Their courage is admirable, and their daily victories, small and large, are awe-inspiring.

Get Your Spirit Wear In Time For Homecoming!

September 5, 2019

The theme of Homecoming 2019 is Dream. Play. Share., and spirit wear is one great way to “dream” up a custom design, “play,” with the possibilities, and “share” your Panther Pride! Receive 15% off purchases of $75 or more through September 30 with code SEPT19 at MPA’s online spirit store! Even our littlest Panther cubs can join in on the Homecoming fun and school spirit–our online store is now selling infant and toddler gear! Start shopping here.

We can’t wait to see you in MPA colors and to Dream, Play, and Share with you at all of the wonderful 2019 Homecoming events. Click here for the full agenda and activity details.

Important Safety Reminders From MPA

September 5, 2019

It is MPA’s responsibility to provide the safest campus environment possible for you and your children—this is our number one priority. We’d like to share some important traffic safety reminders. Please share this information with all of the drivers in your home, in addition to others who may provide transportation for you. Thank you very much in advance for your cooperation and understanding.

Distracted Driving
Parents and students are asked to refrain from using cell phones (hands free or otherwise) while driving on campus, especially when children are present. This helps us all to be aware of the children moving around us and keep the traffic flow steady and uncongested.

Please Slow Down
Keep your speed at or below 10 MPH, depending upon the time of day and the area of campus. This is particularly important near crosswalks. Read More

Lower and Middle School Curriculum Night

September 5, 2019

Lower and Middle School Curriculum Night is on Tuesday, September 10, from 6-8 PM. This is a night for parents to come to school to meet all of their child’s teachers and learn about the school year ahead. Teachers will share key components of the curriculum, the progression of grade level skills, classroom expectations, and outline developmentally responsive aspirations for students socially, emotionally, and academically.

Teachers will also offer tips on parent-teacher communication, homework support, and organization techniques to help parents best guide their student through the school year. Read More

Make And Create With MPA Fiber Friends

September 5, 2019

Fiber Friends is starting up again on Friday, September 6! This group of knitters, crocheters, and textile gurus is open to all parents, alums, grandparents, students, staff, and faculty. Beginners are always welcome! Bring in a project you are working on or if you are new to the group, we will provide you with supplies, guidance, and a smile to get started. Fiber Friends meets every Friday in the AnnMarie Thomas Makerspace from 11-12:30.

Contact Ms. Koen, Makerspace coordinator, with any questions.

Congratulations To Coach Biever!

August 29, 2019

Congratulations to MPA Boys Tennis Coach Bryan Biever! Coach Biever has been voted as the Class A Coach of the Year! The award will be given at a banquet in October.

Last spring, the MPA Boys Tennis Team won the State Championship and Parker Law ’19 finished as the 2019 MSHSL State Class A Singles Champion.

The MPA boys tennis program provides an opportunity for Panthers to learn a life-long sport, represent their school and community, and expand essential character skills through the game of tennis. MPA coaches strive to develop tennis players of all ability levels, improving their tennis skills and knowledge. An honor well deserved, Coach!

Try Something New On The MPA Sailing Team

August 29, 2019

from Stevie Olk ’21, MPA Sailing Team Captain

Fall sports have begun! Of course, you have all the normal sports to choose from, but here at MPA students in grades 7-12 also have something different—sailing. Did you know that we have been one of the top teams in the state recently? Did you know that we race locally, regionally, and nationally? Did you know that sailing is a co-ed sport?

If you are looking for a sport that has life-long potential and is tons of fun, come join the MPA Sailing Team. You do not have to know how to sail—we will teach you everything you need to know to be part of our team. Read More