MPA Now Fall 2017

This past summer and fall have been seasons of unrest and uncertainty as a result of highly charged political discourse and social conflict. Conflicting ideas, and sometimes unhealthy debate, about global warming, income inequality, war, terrorism, and immigration have left many with a sense of helplessness, frustration, and mistrust. Now, more than ever, our world needs actively engaged, educated, and empowered citizens who are committed to improving our world.

It is timely, then, that this edition of MPA Now focuses on our school's long-standing belief that inspiring right makers means challenging students to recognize and act upon the power they have for making positive change. It is inspiring our students to be agents and leaders with a sense of urgency.

From MPA's very beginning, this has been a school of dreamers and doers, freethinkers, and right makers. Bob Kreischer, Sandy Kreischer Smith, and the late Joan Munzner, dreamt of a school that would be student-centered and balanced between the arts, athletics, and academics. However, unlike many dreamers, they did something about it. Their dreams awakened the dreams of others and inspired them to take action.

That dream, and the school it inspired, was founded with a unique belief in what students could "do" with their education. In many ways, it was ahead of its time with the idea that hands-on, experiential learning extends outward into the community and that students can develop their skills by serving their community. That belief, still alive today, teaches students the impact one can have on the life of another. Though not with the same words, the founding dream and vision of MPA clearly align with MPA's new tagline, Dream Big. Do Right.

To inspire right makers, teachers marry critical thinking and deep content knowledge, foster an appreciation of multiple perspectives, and link learning to real-world problems. Teachers at MPA strive to incorporate ways of teaching and learning that develop students' 21st century competencies—collaboration, global awareness, and critical thinking—while equipping students to give, serve, and take action to better our world.

The articles and profiles in this edition represent MPA's fundamental belief that students must be challenged to apply their understanding to stir the human spirit, stand for justice, and shake the world.

Mounds Park Academy Now, more than ever.

Dr. Bill Hudson
Head of School