{"id":24685,"date":"2023-12-14T09:13:04","date_gmt":"2023-12-14T15:13:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.moundsparkacademy.org\/news\/?p=24685"},"modified":"2023-12-15T12:44:00","modified_gmt":"2023-12-15T18:44:00","slug":"upper-school-division-news-december-14-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.moundsparkacademy.org\/news\/2023\/12\/14\/upper-school-division-news-december-14-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"Upper School Division News December 14, 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-24682 alignright img-responsive\" src=\"https:\/\/nclhx5yj.tinifycdn.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/USInStory.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"400\" height=\"267\" \/>from Mark Segal, Upper School director<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Mark Your Calendars<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"11\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Tuesday, December 19: Class of 2028 Parent Coffee, 6:30-7:30 PM, PCR<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"12\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Wednesday, December 20: MPA Caroling, 7:30-8 AM, Family Commons<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"13\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Thursday, December 21-Tuesday, January 2: No Classes, Winter Break<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:279,&quot;469777462&quot;:[0,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"14\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Wednesday, January 3: Classes Resume<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:279,&quot;469777462&quot;:[0,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"15\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Friday, January 5: Alumni <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Meet &amp; Greet with Class of 2024, 8-9:15 AM, Family Commons<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:279,&quot;469777462&quot;:[0,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"16\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Tuesday, January 9: Grade 11 Parent College Counseling Night, 6:30-7:30 PM, Recital Hall<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:279,&quot;469777462&quot;:[0,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"16\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Wednesday, January 10: US ACT Prep Class, 5:30-8:30 PM, Room 181<\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"17\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Friday, January 12: Class of 2028 Parent Coffee, 8-9 AM, PCR<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"17\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Friday, January 12: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Room 150-151<\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"18\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Monday, January 15: No Classes, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:279,&quot;469777462&quot;:[0,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"18\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Friday, January 19: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Room 150-151<\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"19\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Friday, January 19: End of Quarter 2\/First Semester<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:279,&quot;469777462&quot;:[0,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"20\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Monday, January 22: No Classes, Grading Day<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:279,&quot;469777462&quot;:[0,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"21\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Tuesday, January 23: Quarter 3\/Second Semester Begins<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:279,&quot;469777462&quot;:[0,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"21\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Wednesday, January 24: US ACTP Prep Class, 5:30-8:30 PM, Room 181<\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"22\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Thursday, January 25: Admission Preview <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:279,&quot;469777462&quot;:[0,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"22\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Friday, January 26: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Room 150-151<\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"23\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Friday, January 26: Parents Association Family Trivia Night, 6-9 PM, Family Commons<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"23\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Friday, January 26:\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"none\">Winter Show\u2014The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, 7-8:30 PM, Black Box Theatre<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:279,&quot;469777462&quot;:[0,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"23\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Saturday, January 27:\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"none\">Winter Show\u2014The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, 7-8:30 PM, Black Box Theatre<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:279,&quot;469777462&quot;:[0,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"23\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Sunday, January 28:\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"none\">Winter Show\u2014The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, 2-3:30 PM, Black Box Theatre<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:279,&quot;469777462&quot;:[0,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"none\">Friday, February 2<\/span>: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Room 150-151<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:279,&quot;469777462&quot;:[0,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"24\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Friday, February 2: Winter Show\u2014The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, 7-8:30 PM, Black Box Theatre<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:279,&quot;469777462&quot;:[0,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"25\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Saturday, February 3: Winter Show\u2014The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, 7-8:30 PM, Black Box Theatre<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:279,&quot;469777462&quot;:[0,720],&quot;469777927&quot;:[0,0],&quot;469777928&quot;:[1,1]}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A couple of years ago was the first time that I heard the term \u201ccuddle puddle.\u201d It was used to (positively) describe the mass of humanity gathered at our monthly Monday Morning Meetings, where students gather closely together to learn about the happenings in the upper school. According to <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/medium.com\">medium.com<\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, a cuddle puddle is a \u201cfairly new term ubiquitous for non-sexual, touchy friendly happenings.\u201d As the upper school director, I see the students huddled together as a way for students to foster a supportive and nurturing environment from which a strong sense of community is built. Building community happens frequently at MPA, yet last week, several opportunities stood out.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Last Wednesday was one of those \u201cspecial days\u201d at MPA, where the energy felt throughout the building was palpable. It started with serving nearly 2,000 homemade pancakes at the annual MPA Founders\u2019 Day Pancake Breakfast. Hundreds of community members enjoyed each other\u2019s company and delicious pancakes in the Family and Upper School Commons. Dining tables consisted of long-term and new MPA community members connecting over a simple meal. PreK-12 grade students celebrated the Parent\u2019s Association sponsored MPA Book Fair that afternoon by holding our first pairing assembly of the year. Seeing students from the three divisions paired together, reading stories, and interacting with one another was tremendous. A genuine enthusiasm and connection between students transcended their age gap. On Friday, six members of the Class of 2024 gave their Senior Performances. A graduation requirement, these speeches are where members of the senior class speak to their peers and invited guests and share how they have grown into young adults while at the same time thanking those who have helped them along the way. The students who spoke were vulnerable with the audience yet knew that they were in a safe space where they would be accepted for who they are and the stories they shared. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Psychology Today shares, \u201cA positive school community not only enhances the overall student experience, but also equips students with essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and empathy, setting a foundation for their future success and well-rounded development.\u201d These are characteristics that all schools strive to provide for their students. The events and gatherings of last week are just those that are top of mind from which MPA students get a strong sense of community and belonging. \u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Although I can\u2019t promise that there will be a space for you in the upper school <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Monday Morning Meeting cuddle puddle, I do<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> look forward to seeing you on campus soon. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Mark<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Important Information<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1)\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"35\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:1,&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0,46],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1)&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">If your student will be absent, late, or needs to be excused early from school<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">, <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">please reach out to the upper school office via <\/span><a href=\"mailto:cwilliams@moundsparkacademy.org\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">cwilliams@moundsparkacademy.org<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1)\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"35\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335551671&quot;:1,&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0,46],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1)&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\">Class of 2028 parents are invited to attend one of the two coffees for rising ninth-grade parents to learn more about the Upper School at MPA, ask questions, and share the excitement of this next important step in students\u2019 educational journey. Please mark\u00a0your\u00a0calendar for<span data-contrast=\"none\">Tuesday, December 19, 6:30-7:30 PM and\/or <span data-contrast=\"none\">Friday, January 12, 8-9 AM. No RSVP is required, and coffee, tea, and light refreshments will be provided at each gathering. We will meet in the Porter Conference Room (PCR) within the Head of School suite.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>from Mark Segal, Upper School director Mark Your Calendars\u00a0 Tuesday, December 19: Class of 2028 Parent Coffee, 6:30-7:30 PM, PCR Wednesday, December 20: MPA Caroling, 7:30-8 AM, Family Commons Thursday, December 21-Tuesday, January 2: No Classes, Winter Break\u00a0 Wednesday, January 3: Classes Resume\u00a0 Friday, January 5: Alumni Meet &amp; Greet with Class of 2024, 8-9:15 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":24675,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,28,24,13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-24685","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-school","category-current-families","category-featured-posts","category-upper-school"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.moundsparkacademy.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24685","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.moundsparkacademy.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.moundsparkacademy.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.moundsparkacademy.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.moundsparkacademy.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24685"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.moundsparkacademy.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24685\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24732,"href":"https:\/\/www.moundsparkacademy.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24685\/revisions\/24732"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.moundsparkacademy.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24675"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.moundsparkacademy.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24685"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.moundsparkacademy.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24685"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.moundsparkacademy.org\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24685"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}