August 24, 2017
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
Walking through the halls today, one can feel the energy and joyfulness as the MPA community comes together once more. I have been struck by the goodwill and genuine warmth as I see students greet one another, parents reconnect with each other, and teachers welcoming students to their classrooms.
Our Solar Eclipse Viewing Party on Monday was evidence of the strength of the MPA community. There was a wealth of opportunities available to view the eclipse offered by towns and libraries, museums, and nature centers throughout the metro area, yet more than 400 choose to experience it here at MPA. Coupled with educational activities, the event expressed what makes MPA unique—hands-on, experiential, and joyful learning.
Joyful is also the word I would choose to describe Back to School Night. Even those who lament getting up early or the return of homework were swept up in the joy of coming back to school. I am continually surprised by how much a child can grow in just a few short months and how much more mature they become. I enjoyed hearing many wonderful stories of summer adventures and achievements.
I would like to reiterate my challenge to the MPA community to, “Be a Maker.” Our new Makerspace opens up new avenues of creativity. Active, hands-on, experiential learning and playfulness in the Makerspace hold the promise to fuel innovation. But making is not limited to science, technology, engineering, art, and math. At MPA, we make meaning. By teaching the whole child, students are challenged to address the world’s biggest challenges—whether social, political, economic, environmental, technological or physical—through critical thinking, empathy, cultural literacy, and creativity.
Our world, perhaps more than ever, needs makers, dreamers, and doers to create a world better tomorrow than it is today. At MPA, we are committed to offering a safe, nurturing, inclusive community where students are loved and respected. A community where students discover the courage and confidence they need to stir the human spirit, stand for justice, and shake the world.
I call each one of us—parents, students, faculty, and staff—to “Be a Maker.”
- Make peace
- Make a difference
- Make an impact
- Make something new
- Make mistakes
- Make amends
- Make a new friend
- Make yourself proud
- Make something amazing
- Make someone happy
- Make connections with your teachers
- Make your dreams happen
- Make your mark in the world
The 2017-18 school year is off to a fantastic start. Thank you for entrusting your children to us and for partnering with us. Together we dream big and do right.
