November 10, 2021
from Mark Segal, Upper School Director
As a child I grew up wishing I could attend a large high school where every Friday evening students, parents, and neighbors gathered at the school’s football field to cheer on home team. There was something about the thought of the community conversations that either preceded or followed the “big game.” As it turned out, I attended a smaller high school where the Friday evening football stands were often only filled with parents of players and random students. As a similar school that focuses on the whole child, MPA provides many opportunities for students to create community that extend beyond the athletic fields. Our Debate and Speech Teams are some of the most successful programs in the state, our fine arts department offers students the chance to sing, play their instrument of choice, act on stage or design and build sets for top notch productions, and our Robotics Team competes at a high level with other much larger schools around the state of Minnesota. This proves that there is more to building community than just celebrating success in athletics. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) shares that both activities and athletic programs “instill a sense of pride in school and community, teach lifelong lessons and skills of teamwork and self-discipline, and facilitate the physical and emotional development of youth.” This statement, although not expressly written for MPA, speaks to who we are and why we offer the variety of opportunities in which students participate.
A recent study at Clemson University found that, “offering various school activities gives students a sense of belonging because it represents a social institution that offers a collective social experience for participants that can provide the context for belonging.” I have certainly seen this to be the case. There is no better example than the recent success of the Girls’ Volleyball team. At the time of writing, the majority of the Upper School community is gearing up to travel to the Xcel Energy Center Thursday morning to celebrate the team’s second appearance in the State Tournament. This unforgettably exciting journey has been the salve to the pandemic of the past 19 months. By the time you read this Thursday afternoon, the results of their quarterfinal match will be known. As much as we would like to be celebrating a victory and planning for their semifinal appearance Friday, the important take away has been the unification of the Upper School and full MPA community around this special team. Sometimes, there is far greater value in having the experience than just focusing on the winning or losing of the competition.
Go Panthers!
Important Information
- This year’s “Let’s Join Together” Fall Campaign kicked-off on Monday, November 8 and lasts through November 19. During this time, we ask families to help us meet the gap between tuition and the cost of an MPA education to help ensure students, families, faculty, and staff have the resources they need. Here are ways you can help:
- Spread the word! Help us to ensure other parents and community members know about this important time, where we step up and give back to support our entire community.
- Mark your calendars! Give to the Max Day is on November 18. This fun day is when Panthers everywhere join together to help us reach a big goal and enjoy a fun virtual lip sync battle with teachers, staff, and students.
- Give! You can contact Jennifer Rogers-Petitt, director of development and community engagement at jrogers@moundsparkacademy.org to learn more about how to make a pledge or a gift. You can also visit moundsparkacademy.org/donate to make your gift today. For each grade that reaches 70% participation in making a gift, students will receive a fun party!
- As we continue to navigate the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, we ask for your diligence in working with our COVID-19 symptom response and contact tracing team. At the first sign of symptoms, parents should complete the daily AUXS app symptom screening and/or email covid@moundsparkacademy.org. This should happen BEFORE seeking a COVID-19 test. When a negative Covid-19 test is required for student clearance, results must be provided prior to the student’s return. All symptomatic community members, regardless of vaccination status must remain at home pending those results. Thank you for your partnership. For any questions, please contact Jennifer Rogers-Petitt at jrogers@moundsparkacademy.org.
Looking Ahead
- Thursday, 11/11: No blocks 1-3 due to Girls’ Volleyball State Tournament
- Classes resume at 12:05 PM for blocks 4-6
- Friday, 11/12: Girls’ Volleyball State Tournament
- Please look for an email communication regarding program impact
- Monday, 11/15: Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, via Zoom (postponed from Friday, 11/12)
- Thursday, 11/18: Give to the Max Day
- Tuesday, 11/23: Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, via Zoom
- Wednesday, 11/24: No Classes – Thanksgiving Break
- Thursday, 11/25: No Classes – Thanksgiving Break
- Friday, 11/26: No Classes – Thanksgiving Break
- Monday, 11/29: Classes Resume at 8 AM
- Monday, 11/29: MPA Vaccine Clinic, 4-8 PM, on campus
- Thursday, 12/2: Upper School Conferences, 4-8 PM (see email for details)
- Friday, 12/3: No Upper School Classes, Upper School Conferences, 8-4 PM
- Lower and Middle School Classes DO MEET
- Saturday, 12/4: Upper School Semi Formal Dance, 8-11 PM, Prestwick Golf Course
