February 4, 2021
by Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school
On Sunday, we hosted a rather large number of prospective families for a virtual MPA Preview. During a panel discussion, I was asked by moderator Nate Bander, “How do you see the mission statement of MPA playing out every day?”
Truthfully, it was a difficult question to answer because I see the mission in action each day in a multitude of ways. Most of you know that I stand at the south entrance of the school every day to greet students as they enter the building. Admittedly, it is the best part of my day and I often joke that my day goes downhill from there. The joyfulness of students as they enter the building is infectious. They are excited about the day ahead, to connect with their classmates, and see their teachers. At most schools, students are excited to exit the school, for their day to be over.
After my door duty is over, I make the trek to my office at the other end of the building and I see the mission come to life in so many ways:
- As I pass by the Makerspace, I may see a Lower School class joyfully problem-solving using manipulatives.
- Crossing through the new Family Commons, I might encounter a Middle School science class sprawled across the space excitedly engaged in testing the laws of motion with wind-up cars they built.
- I may stop in my tracks along the way to take in the beauty of new art gracing our hallways and stand in awe of the accomplishments of our students.
- Sometimes I pause outside the band or orchestra rooms to take in and feel the beautiful music and close my eyes, wishing I had that opportunity when I was young.
- I may have to watch where I am walking in the Upper School Commons to avoid interrupting a world history class that is sitting in a circle on the floor in the midst of an intense discussion of Jim Crow laws.
- As I finally approach my office, I often hear peals of laughter coming from the Lansing Sports Center of children engaging in some creative, crazy named activity dreamed up to teach important lessons about wellbeing and teamwork. Read More
Get all of your Panther gear for the upcoming spring athletics season at the next Spirit Store flash sale! This Valentine’s Day-themed sale will start on Friday, February 5 and end on Saturday, February 6 at 11:59 PM EST.
Sign up here for spring sports!
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
Save the date! The 2021 Spring Auction: The Best Is Yet To Come is going virtual! The MPA volunteer planning committee is pleased to share sponsorship packages are now available with amazing perks, at-home meal kits, and great ways to get involved and give back to the school you love. Save the date for April 16 and visit 
Save the date for Thursday, February 11 at 7 PM, for a Community Education Event: A Check In On Suicide Awareness And Prevention. Families and students in grades 7-12 are invited to virtually attend a mental health education event facilitated by MPA staff and leading school psychology professionals. The conversation will be hosted by Upper School Director of Guidance, Randy Comfort, and Middle and Upper School Counselor, Ashley Cooper, along with a team of school psychologists from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Important topics of mental health will be addressed by MPA parent and professor, Dr. Todd Savage, along with professors Dr. Scott Woitaszewski, and Dr. Anne Zaslofsky. With COVID-19, school stress, and other life challenges, it can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between what is normal and something more serious. During this session, attendees will receive up-to-date information about depression and suicide, discuss how to support someone who may be struggling with their mental health, explore supports available at MPA, and engage in a Q&A session.
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by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School