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Upper School Division News February 22, 2024

February 22, 2024

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

Thursday, February 22: Head of School Search Parent/Guardian Listening Session, 7 PM, see email for link
Thursday, February 22: Upper School Band and Orchestra Concert, 7:30-8:30 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, February 23: Head of School Search Parent/Guardian Listening Session, 8:15-9 AM, Gallery
Friday, February 23: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Room 150-151
Saturday, February 24: Head of School Search Parent/Guardian Listening Session, 10-10:45 AM, see email for link
Sunday, February 25: US SAT Mini Prep Class, 10 AM-1:30 PM, Room 181
February 26-March 1: SnoDaze Spirit Week
Wednesday, February 28: Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
Thursday, February 29: Upper School Vocal Concert, 7:30-8:30 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, March 1: SnoDaze Assembly, 2:20-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center
Saturday, March 2: US SnoDaze Dance, 8-11 PM, US Commons
Monday, March 11-Sunday, March 24: No Classes, Spring Break
Monday, March 25: Classes Resume at 8 AM
Tuesday, April 2: World Language Final Exams During Scheduled Class Time
Wednesday, April 3: World Language Final Exams During Scheduled Class Time
Thursday, April 4: Science Final Exams, 8:45-10:15 AM
Thursday, April 4: English Final Exams, 12-1:30 PM
Friday, April 5: Math Final Exams, 8:45-10:15 AM
Friday, April 5: Social Studies Final Exams, 12-1:30 PM
Friday, April 5: End of Quarter 3
Monday, April 8: Quarter 4 Begins
Wednesday, April 10: No Classes, Professional Development Day
Thursday, April 11: Parents Association Culture Day, 3-6 PM, Family Commons
Saturday, April 13: National ACT Test Date, 8 AM-1 PM, Lansing Sport Center
Thursday, April 18: Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Nicholson Center
Friday, April 19: MPA Spring Auction, 6:30-11 PM, Dellwood Golf Club

Important Information

If your student will be absent, late, or needs to be excused early from school, please reach out to the Upper School office via cwilliams@moundsparkacademy.org.
We are entering Upper School winter concert season this week. The Upper School Band and Orchestra Concert is scheduled for this Thursday, February 22, at 7:30 PM. Then, the Upper School Choral Concert is scheduled for next Thursday, February 29. The students look forward to sharing their love of music and their hard work with you during these concerts.
Be on the lookout for information about the 2024 MPA Spring Auction, Together We Can Move Mountains, scheduled for Friday, April 19 at Dellwood Golf Club. This is your chance to attend a night of fun, inspiration, and community building while supporting MPA with fellow parents, alumni, and friends.

In high school, experiential field trips play a pivotal role in enhancing the educational journey of students. They are offered invaluable real-world experiences that go beyond the four walls of traditional classroom learning. According to a study published in the International Journal of Environmental and Science Education, “students who participate in field trips show significantly higher achievement in (science) subjects compared to their peers who do not have the same opportunities.” This can be attributed to the real-life learning experiences that field trips provide. Read More

A Sacred Space Inside: The Power of Positive Affirmations

February 22, 2024

from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director

Editor’s Note: Periodically, you will find a guest Head’s Message here from members of the administrative team. We hope you will enjoy reading their thoughts and reflections about life at MPA.

I recently came across, on Instagram of all places, a video clip from an episode of Oprah’s “Super Soul Sunday” featuring the great Dr. Maya Angelou. Dr. Angelou, a female Black American poet and civil rights activist, has inspired millions through her writings and teachings. In this conversation, Dr. Angelou recalled advice she gave to her son when he was growing up:

“He said, ‘I don’t have any friends. How can I get some friends?’ I told him two things. First, in order to get a friend, you must be a friend. And second, there is a place in you that you must keep inviolate. You must keep it pristine, clean, so that nobody has the right to curse you or treat you badly. Say no, when it’s no … Because that place must remain clean, clear.”

As the message sank in and I sat there on my couch, in my pajamas on a Saturday morning, this teaching reminded me of the words of my grandfather. Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, my abuelo was a commanding figure in our family. I used to love sitting around the big mahogany table at the tail end of family dinners when the grownups would start drinking coffee and the cousins scattered off to play—this is when the juicy family drama would come out! Sometimes, the grownups would reminisce about the old days, and I often heard renditions of my mother’s great escape from South Bend, Indiana in the late 1950s. At that time, my grandfather returned from serving in the US Navy during the Korean War and was attending Notre Dame University as an engineering student. My mother and uncle were young children in elementary school, and my grandmother worked as a seamstress. One day, they came home and found that slur words for Hispanic people had been painted on the side of their bungalow house. Fearing worse was to come, my grandmother packed up my uncle and mother and escaped on the first train out of South Bend, leaving my grandfather to finish his engineering degree alone. It was years before the family was properly reunited. Read More

The Joys And Challenges Of A PreK-12 Schedule

February 15, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

I am deeply touched by the outpouring of kind sentiments I’ve received since announcing my intention to retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year. This decision was incredibly difficult, as I have found immense joy in serving as the head of school at MPA and feel privileged to lead such a remarkable community. Each day, I eagerly anticipate coming to school, recognizing the rare fortune of a job that is both professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling.

As I look toward the future, I have full confidence in the board of trustees and the search committee to find an exceptional successor. Rest assured, my commitment and passion for MPA remain unwavering, and I am dedicated to giving my all over the next 16 months.

Looking ahead to the 2024-25 school year, I am excited to share some exciting changes coming to the Middle and Upper Schools. Throughout this year, the academic administration has carefully reviewed feedback on the curriculum and academic schedule from students, parents, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to continuous improvement is guided by our school’s mission and values, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of our students.

Developing a master schedule and academic calendar that caters to students from PreK through 12 is indeed challenging. I often liken my role as head of school to managing a wonderfully messy family with three different schools, each with its own unique students, teachers, and parents—all under one roof. We are one school united by our mission, yet each division approaches the daily schedule with a focus on our students’ academic, social-emotional, and mental well-being. A committee of teachers and administrators, supported by our exceptional new registrar, Renae Wantock, has refined the master schedule to be even more responsive to our students’ needs.

Upper School
In the Upper School next year, we will offer an impressive 50 elective classes, with 29 available to ninth graders, 13 more in the tenth grade, four more in the eleventh grade, and four more in the twelfth grade. This breadth of choice is rare and reflects our commitment to providing an enriching academic experience. Read More

Congratulations MPA Skiers!

February 8, 2024

Three members of the MPA Alpine Ski Team earned All-Conference Awards for their efforts at the IMAC Alpine Conference Championship Meet at Buck Hill. Congratulations to Sidney Lundeen ’27, Henry Schwartz ’25, and Jaclyn L. ’29.

Two members of the MPA Alpine Ski Team earned Honorable Mention All-Conference Awards for their efforts at the IMAC Alpine Conference Championship Meet at Buck Hill. Congratulations to Myah Hoeschen ’27 and Jacob Wyant ’27.

Two members of the MPA Alpine Ski Team qualified for State at the Section 4A Alpine Ski Meet. Congratulations to Jaclyn L. ’29 and Vittorio Bloyer ’24. They will be participating at the State Alpine Meet at Giants Ridge in Biwabik, MN on February 13. Read More

Generation AI And The Future of Education

February 8, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

In recent months, I have initiated HeadSpace, inviting MPA parents to join me in addressing how best to ensure that MPA prepares students to “live, learn, and thrive in our increasingly complex and globalized society,” a priority outlined in our strategic plan for 2024ward. A startling statistic I recently encountered suggests that 70% of the jobs in 2030 have yet to be created, underscoring the urgent need for transformative changes in education.

On Tuesday evening, several parents and I engaged in a profound discussion regarding Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) and its potential to revolutionize education. GAI represents a unique subset of AI distinguished by its ability to produce new, high-quality content efficiently across various modalities. Unlike traditional AI systems, which primarily focus on analysis and prediction, GAI possesses the capacity for creative synthesis, generating original content such as audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. Powered by advanced algorithms, GAI models can learn from existing data to create realistic and novel outputs that emulate human creativity and ingenuity. This capacity for generative creativity holds profound implications for fields such as art, design, storytelling, and content creation, offering limitless opportunities for innovation and expression in the digital age.

Reflecting on how MPA can equip students to thrive in today’s increasingly complex society, I came across a Facebook post from our Alumni Association featuring Sofie Netteberg, an MPA Class of 2016 graduate. Sofie is currently enrolled in the MIT Leaders for Global Operations (LGO) program, where students earn both an MBA from Sloan and an MS from MIT’s School of Engineering with a focus on computer science and operations. A graduate of Williams College with majors in statistics and global studies, Sofie describes herself as a, “Life-long nerd who will use technology to ensure the health and happiness of future generations.” Read More

MPA Students Experience Music Clinic At University Of Wisconsin

February 8, 2024

Three exceptional MPA students had the opportunity to attend a prestigious orchestra clinic at the University of Wisconsin-Madison this week. Julia Anderson ’27, Oslo Norcross ’27, and Lucy Mayer ’27 attended intensive rehearsals, guided by university faculty, and all of their hard work culminated in a live concert performance.

“Our MPA musicians are so dedicated to music making and I love that they were able to experience this event,” said Hannah Lawson, MPA’s director of orchestras. “As their director, I want to give my students as many performance opportunities as possible and I’m so proud that they accepted the challenge and can carry this experience with them forever.” Read More

Upper School Division News February 8, 2024

February 8, 2024

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

Wednesday-Friday, February 7-9: Grade 10 Deep Portage Trip
Friday, February 9: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20-12 PM, Room 150-151
Thursday, February 15: Re-enrollment Deadline
Friday, February 16: No Classes, Professional Development
Monday, February 19: No Classes, Presidents’ Day
Monday, February 19: US SAT Mini Prep Class, 5-8:30 PM, Room 181
Wednesday, February 21: Upper School Parent Quarterly Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, PCR
Thursday, February 22: Upper School Band Concert, 7:30-8:30 PM, Nicholson Center
Wednesday, February 28: Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
Thursday, February 29: Upper School Vocal Concert, 7:30-8:30 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, March 1: SnoDaze Assembly, 2:20-3 PM
Friday, March 1: Upper School SnoDaze Event (TBD), afterschool

Important Information
If your student will be absent, late, or needs to be excused early from school, please reach out to the Upper School office via cwilliams@moundsparkacademy.org.

REMINDER: even though there are no Lower or Middle School classes on February 9 due to their conferences, the Upper School will hold classes as usual.

Sharing your story is not just an act of self-expression, it is a powerful tool for personal connection and growth. When you “open up” about your personal, lived experiences, you invite others to participate in your stories and share your authentic self with them. One of the MPA graduation requirements is for all members of the senior class to give a Senior Performance. Most seniors speak to their peers in the Recital Hall, yet some choose to share their story with all members of the Upper School community in the Nicholson Center. The Senior Performances are often speeches that speak to individual growth and reflection, but at times are actual performances where original pieces of music or monologues are performed. Read More

Middle School Division News February 8, 2024

February 8, 2024

from Dr. Jenn Milam, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, February 9: No LS/MS Classes, Conferences
Wednesday, February 14: Middle School Parent Quarterly Coffee, 8:15-9:30 AM, Library
Wednesday, February 14: MS Grades 7/8 BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, Panther Center
Thursday, February 15: Re-enrollment Deadline
Thursday, February 15: LS/MS Evening Conferences, 3:30-8 PM
Friday, February 16: No Classes, Professional Development, Panther Club Closed
Monday, February 19: No Classes, Presidents’ Day
Monday, February 26: SnoDaze Spirit Week Begins
Friday, March 1: SnoDaze Assembly, 2:20-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center
Monday, March 4-Friday, March 8: i-Term 2024

This may be the first year since joining the MPA family in 2018, that the groundhog predicted an early spring! While we miss the sledding hill at recess, we are grateful to not be bundling up every day to be outside and maybe, just maybe, our spring sports will have a smooth start to their seasons.

As we approach conferences this week, I hope you’re also taking the time to connect with your Middle School students about how their year is going, what is working well for them, and where adjustments may need to be made to see great success. An important part of growing up is coming to a better understanding of how you learn and what you need to be successful. It was in Middle School when I realized that I needed clear checklists, absolute silence to fully comprehend what I was reading and studying and that not having a plan caused me an immeasurable amount of anxiety and caused me to procrastinate and avoid. Identifying hurdles and needs like these for your Middle School student helps them to manage their learning and their emotions and learn to ask for what they need. I encourage you, the next time you’re in the car, running errands, or sharing time on the sofa at home, ask your Middle Schooler about how they learn, what tips and tricks they’re learning, and where they’re finding success. If they’re not sure, guide them—help them see that learning is work, takes intentionality, and doesn’t just “happen.” The best part is that they get to decide how it happens! Read More

Lower School Division News February 8, 2024

February 8, 2024

from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, February 9: No LS/MS Classes, Conferences
Friday, February 9-Thursday, February 15: LS Uniform Sale, 8 AM-3 PM, Atrium
Monday, February 12: PreK to Kindergarten Transition Parent Coffee, 8:15-9:15 AM
Wednesday, February 14: LS Valentine’s Day Party, 8:30-2:20 PM, Lansing Sports Center, Allergy Aware Guidelines
Thursday, February 15: Re-enrollment Deadline
Thursday, February 15: LS/MS Evening Conferences, 3:30-8 PM
Friday, February 16: No Classes, Professional Development, Panther Club Closed
Monday, February 19: No Classes, Presidents’ Day
Tuesday, February 20: LS Parent Quarterly Coffee, 1:15-2:45 PM, Gallery
Friday, February 23: LS Grade 4 Battle of the Books, 8:45-10 AM, Library
Wednesday, February 28: LS Grades 3/4 Orchestra Hall Field Trip, 9-11:30 AM
Wednesday, February 21: CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-9 AM
Friday, March 1: LS Grade 3 Battle of the Books
Friday, March 1: SnoDaze Assembly, 2:20-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center

It looks like an early spring is on its way, and there is a palpable hint of warmth in the air. After living in Beijing, China for several years with my family, I will always treasure these special days in late January and early February, when many cultures around the world celebrate the Lunar New Year. In Beijing, that meant gorgeous red lanterns, lively music, sparkling fireworks, and stuffed red envelopes. As we head into the year of the dragon, please read on for more updates:

CHAMP News
At our CHAMP assembly on January 31, the children were introduced to our Lower School “Rainbow Voices.” With this new shared expectation, students are learning about four different voice volume levels and practicing them where appropriate. This whole-Lower School guideline is part of our initiative to continually refer to common understandings across the children’s day, reducing confusion and increasing personal agency and a deeper sense of belonging. Our next CHAMP assembly is scheduled for Wednesday, February 21. We will be focusing on the CHAMP attribute of “courageous” with a special focus on Black History Month. Please be sure to send your child to school on February 21 wearing their CHAMP colors! Read More

We Need Your Help!

February 8, 2024

We need your help! The 2024 MPA Spring Auction: Together We Can Move Mountains is our biggest fundraising event of the year, raising over $200,000 in support of students and teachers. One of the best ways we raise funds is through the silent and live auction. It is a wonderful chance for you to help with this year’s event and support every student at MPA. No item is too big or small! If you don’t see your idea on our wish list, it may still be an excellent fit for our event, and we encourage you to contact us to discuss more.

Tickets and sponsorships are now on sale!

For questions or more information, please contact giving@moundsparkacademy.org or Jennifer Rogers-Petitt, director of development and community engagement, at 651-748-5532.

We want to ensure this community-building event is accessible to everyone. If the ticket prices are a barrier for you to attend, please contact us today for reduced pricing based on your need.