November 19, 2015
There are a number of ways to measure the overall health of a school. In the last week, two such indicators resulted in a stunning affirmation and validation of Mounds Park Academy–Give to the Max Day and our Fall Open House.
Meeting and exceeding our Give to the Max Day goal is definitely impressive. We are thrilled with, and so incredibly thankful for, the generosity of our community that raised nearly $135,000 on this day. We are equally excited about the participation of so many members of our community. Gifts ranged from five dollars to five figures. As a community, we’ve demonstrated to ourselves and to others that this community is passionate about our students and we are willing to invest in their future.
The Lip Sync Assembly was more than an incentive or reward for giving. Teachers and staff modeled what they encourage their students to do each day: take risks and expand individual comfort levels without fear of failure or of being judged. It was also a celebration of community as students poured forth from the bleachers to dance with their teachers and administrators at the end of the assembly.
Saturday’s Open House was a success by all accounts with a very strong turnout across all divisions, especially for PreK and Kindergarten. We had a great turnout of prospective families, student ambassadors, parent ambassadors, and board members. I was particularly pleased to discover that many prospective families attended at the encouragement of current families–the most important and effective endorsement.
The afternoon had an upbeat and positive vibe from the very beginning as a result of a magnificent performance from the Upper School Madrigal Singers, a beautiful piano solo from Middle School student William K., and an inspiring and heartfelt speech by freshman Gabby Law. As is always the case, our students themselves are the greatest validation of our mission and aspirations. This was articulated powerfully by Gabby in the conclusion of her address: “When my parents looked at MPA they were asked what the main thing they wanted out of a school was. They said they didn’t care if my brother and I got into Harvard, or aced the ACT, but they wanted us to become thoughtful, engaged, joyful learners that could make a positive impact on the world, no matter how small. I truly believe MPA has empowered me to do that, and if your son or daughter comes to MPA, they will do the same.”
