January 5, 2021
How long have you been at MPA?
I have been at MPA for 10 months.
What do you love about MPA?
I love seeing how my son Charlie’s perspective on school has changed. To say it has been transformational would not be an exaggeration. He loves coming to MPA every single day!
How does MPA inspire students who dream big and do right?
I think there are so many ways that we do this. My son comes home and wants to research interesting topics he learned in school. He’s so curious and interested in everything, whether it is learning new ball handling skills in PE, humming new songs he’s learning in music, or researching more about science topics he has been introduced to. It’s so fun to see his eyes opened to all the possibilities ahead of him!
If you have worked at another school, how has your experience at MPA been different?
It is vastly different. When I worked at another private school, it oozed a feeling of wealth and privilege. I never wanted to be in a place where students had a sense of entitlement and I was very happy to leave that atmosphere. I’ve also worked in a public school and, while that felt more humble, it had different challenges. I was unable to be creative and teach what I knew my students needed. So much of my time was needed preparing for standardized. Instead of introducing students to great literature, I was teaching them how to take a reading test. It was a great sadness to me. MPA is a wonderful happy medium.
What do you hope for MPA students in 20 years?
I hope that they change things for the better for others. Whatever direction they follow in life, I hope that they make this world a better place. I have no doubt that they will!
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your MPA experience?
I feel privileged to be part of MPA in the admission office, but also as a parent. This is a pretty special place! I would tell a parent considering MPA to go for it. You won’t be disappointed.
Robyn’s Favorites
Favorite teacher to strike up a conversation with walking down the hallway?
Third grade teacher Renette Stinson because she has a wonderful laugh.
Favorite space on campus?
The Communications Office because they have my favorite gummy fruit snacks.
Favorite food from Chef Doug’s collection?
Ooooh this is hard to choose, but I do love the broccoli cheese soup and the chorizo cheese soup. Clearly, I love cheese.
Favorite kids book?
It’s impossible to choose on this one. I’m a former English teacher and young adult fiction is my favorite genre. I suppose if I had to choose a few I would say “My Side of the Mountain” by Jean Craighead George and “Private Peaceful” by Michael Morpurgo.
Favorite moment working with a prospective family?
Anytime we can laugh really hard about something together.
