February 22, 2012
Consider this: every MPA fourth grader for the last 18 years has gone through the conflict managers training featured in the video below. This means that ALL of the current 5th through 12th graders that went through fourth grade at MPA have not only been through the training but have served as conflict managers on the playground throughout their fourth grade year. Consider the culture of a school where, as a result of this one program, a high percentage of current students have had this training and experience. Consider how it permeates the day-to-day engagement between students. (And consider the impact MPA graduates from the first ten years of the program are having in their communities!)
One of the most common reasons independent school parents give for enrolling their children in one of our schools is the emphasis we place on character development. At a “conversation with the head of school” this week, that message from parents came through again loud and clear. When asked to describe areas of focus for the future at MPA, parents listed innovation, character education, technology, problem solving, responsibility, managing information, critical thinking skills, and building moral leaders. Three of those eight listed fall under the general category of character education.
This year’s new CHAMP program – Character Happens at Mounds Park – focuses on all Lower School students and integrates several elements of the MPA program that have been in place for a number of years. See the video below, and plan to come share your vision for the future at one of the two remaining conversations with the head of school: Tuesday, February 28, at 3:30 p.m. in the gallery or Tuesday, March 6, at 6:00 p.m. in the PCR. Refreshments will be provided at both events.
