Upper School Division News

August 25, 2021

US News StoryUpper School Living, Learning, Thriving

Recently, I have spent time reflecting about some of the things that matter most to me. I am unsure if this is due to me getting older, my parents getting older, the start of a new school year, or the ever changing landscape of the education profession. My guess is that all of these things (and more) play a role in my thought process. As I think about this, one thing that I have realized is that I am rejuvenated by the thought of the upcoming school year and reconnecting with students, parents, colleagues.

Over the past week I enjoyed spending time with many of the new and returning upper school families. Hearing about summer journeys, seeing students return for the start of athletics, and hosting the upper school Back to School Nights and new family/peer leader BBQ has provided me with a sense of excitement about the return to “normalcy” and routine.

At the recent upper school Back to School Nights I shared, a la David Letterman, my Top 11 list of things to know for the upcoming school year. Recognizing not everyone was able to make it to these events, please find the list below:

  1. School Hours
      1.  8 AM–2:50 PM
      2. Zero hour classes 7:25–7:55 AM
      3. Most students arrive 7:40–7:50 AM
  2. Traffic Patterns
      1. Enter through the Larpenteur Ave entrance
      2. Slowly and carefully make your way to the north side of campus
      3. Upper School drop off and pick up happens at door #7 (Lansing Center)
      4. Upper School students park on the north and west parking lots
      5. Driver registration form needs to be for each student car
  3. Communication
      1. Reach out to teacher first with questions about a class
      2. Schoology is a “go to” communication tool
      3. All school Panther Post (each Thursday)
  4. Upper School Activities
      1. Multiple options available (athletics, clubs, and organization)
      2. Clubs and organizations meet the school day or after school
      3. Most upper school athletic programs practice or play 5+ days per week
      4. Some activities meet on the weekend
      5. Club Fair scheduled for early in school year to share all of the opportunities
  5. College Counseling
      1. Four-year journey
      2. Starts slowly in 9th grade and picks up pace through upper school experience
      3. Parent meetings and education sessions
      4. Match to be made, not a prize to be won!
  6. Absences
      1. Reach out to the upper school office for any absence (651) 748-5544
      2. Communicate before the school day begins – attendance is taken during the first block
      3. Communicate if there is an appointment during the day
      4. Students expected to sign-in and sign-out if they arrive late or leave early
      5. If COVID symptoms, communicate to covid@moundsparkacademy.org
  7. Dress Code
      1. Supports equitable educational access and is written in a manner that does not reinforce stereotypes.
      2. Instead of a source of contention, the dress code should be a source of inspiration
  8. Schoology
      1. The online learning management system
      2. Accessible to both students and parents
      3. Messages, ability to turn in and see assignments, grade book, assessment calendar
      4. Determine a family plan about how parents will review Schoology
      5. Easy to fall into the “trap” of checking on child too often
  9. Community Events
    1. Homecoming
      1. First weekend in October
      2. Fun family-centric events
      3. Athletic contests
    2. Spirit Days
      1. Special days to celebrate the community
      2. Homecoming
      3. SnoDaze
      4. Pajama day, ‘70s day, crazy hair day, etc.
  10. Service Hours
      1. 60 hours required for graduation
      2. Strive for 10 hours per year 9–11 grade and 30 hours for 12th grade
      3. Service forms in the upper school office
      4. Service forms kept for duration of upper school experience
  11. Allergy Aware
      1. Products with peanuts or tree nuts are prohibited on campus
      2. If a food is “manufactured in a facility” or “processed on the same equipment” it will be allowed in Upper School

This year will be different than what we have experienced before, and I am eager to have everyone back on campus to start the 2021–2022 school year.

I look forward to seeing you on campus soon,

Looking Ahead

  • Wednesday, August 25 (A Day): First Day of School
  • Wednesday, September 1: Senior Family Potluck, 6:00 PM, via Zoom (note change)
  • Thursday, September 2: Ice Cream Social, 3 PM—?, South Entrance
  • Friday, September 3: 9th Grade Retreat, all day
  • Monday, September 6: No Classes, Labor Day
  • Monday, September 13: All School Picture Day
  • Tuesday, September 14: Concert Choir Rehearsals, 6:15–9 PM, on campus
  • Friday, October 1: Upper School Homecoming BBQ & Bonfire, 5–8 PM, Benz Courtyard
  • Saturday, October 2: Homecoming, all day, on campus
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