All School

March 27, 2025

from Mark Segal, Upper School director 

Mark Your Calendars

• Monday, March 31: No Classes, Eid al-Fitr
• Tuesday, April 1: US World Language Finals
• Tuesday, April 1: Coffee & Conversation With The Heads, 7:45-8:45 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
• Wednesday, April 2: US World Language Finals
• Wednesday, April 2: US Boys Basketball Banquet, 5:30-8:30 PM, Family Commons
• Thursday, April 3: US Science Finals, 8:45-10:15 AM
• Thursday, April 3: US English Finals, 12-1:30 PM
• Friday, April 4: End of Quarter 3
• Friday, April 4: US Math Finals, 8:45-10:15 AM
• Friday, April 4: US Social Studies Finals, 12-1:30 PM
• Saturday, April 5: ACT Test Date
• Monday, April 7: MS/US Students & Screens Parent Meeting, 1:45-3 PM, Recital Hall
• Wednesday, April 9: PA Cultural Celebration Day, 3-6 PM, Family Commons
• Thursday, April 10: Senior Service Project: Empty Bowls, 4:30-6:30 PM, Family Commons & Peacock Family Teaching Kitchen
• Thursday, April 10: HeadSpace: Personalized Pathways Through Universal Design For Learning, 7-8 PM, Virtual Meeting
• Monday, April 14: No Classes, Professional Development
• Wednesday, April 16: US G10 College Counseling Parent Night, 6:30-7:30 PM, Recital Hall

What do you get when you have 27 MPA community members traveling together on a Spring Break trip to Morocco and Spain? This is the question that went through my mind as I boarded the Delta airliner on Saturday, March 8.

The diverse group of travelers, comprised of 9-12 grade students, parents, and faculty chaperones, embarked on a remarkable educational and social expedition through the enchanting cities of North Africa and Southern Spain. Beginning our journey in Morocco, we explored the historic streets of Casablanca, wandered through the ancient medina of Fes, and discovered the coastal charm of Tangier. Our journey continued north as we crossed the Strait of Gibraltar, bridging the cultures (and continents) to immerse ourselves in the rich history of the captivating Spanish cities of Grenada, Seville, Cordoba, and Madrid. Read More

February 27, 2025

from Mark Segal, Upper School director 

Mark Your Calendars

• Friday, February 28: SnoDaze Week
• Friday, February 28: G3-G12 SnoDaze Assembly, 2:20-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center
• Friday, February 28: US SnoDaze Student Body Event, 3:15-5 PM, Lansing Sports Center
• Tuesday, March 4: MS/US Girls Basketball Banquet, 5:30-7 PM, Family Commons
• Monday, March 10-Friday, March 21: No Classes, Spring Break

Research consistently demonstrates that fostering a strong sense of community within a high school setting is beneficial for students social-emotional development, academic achievement, and overall well-being. According to a study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology, “schools with robust community-building programs report a noticeable (32%) increase in student engagement and academic performance (28%).” These findings show that students in schools with strong community programs demonstrated increased empathy and more positive attitudes toward their education.

The development of meaningful relationships within the school community creates a foundation of trust that extends beyond the classroom walls. When students from different grade levels interact through structured (or unstructured) activities, mentorship programs, and shared experiences, they develop valuable social skills and meaningful connections. Recently, MPA held its annual Reading Pairing Assembly, where Upper School students were assigned to spend time and build relationships with younger students. The buzz throughout the halls of the building was infectious as students of different grade levels read each other books, played games, or worked to create Mad Lib stories. These interactions helped to break down the traditional barriers between grade levels, allowing the older students to serve as role models and show leadership while giving the younger students a sense of belonging. Read More