September 1, 2022
from Mark Segal, Upper School division director
I can’t express the pure joy and excitement felt last Wednesday when almost 240 upper school students descended on the MPA campus for the first day of school. Like most students, and many parents I am sure, I found it challenging to get a good night’s sleep as I kept running through my figurative and literal “to do” list hoping that everything that needed to get done was done. Adding to my angst was the fear that all students will be where they need to be and that their first day schedules were correct. It is hard to believe, but between the day that student schedules became available and this afternoon, more than 500 (not a typo) schedule changes were made. This equates to more than two changes per student. Thankfully, the students and their parents showed patience with me as I learned the “behind the curtain” nuances of the scheduling system and did my best to meet their scheduling requests.
Over the past couple of weeks, I have enjoyed spending time with the new and returning upper school students and families. Hearing about summer journeys, seeing students return for the start of athletics and classes, hosting the upper school Back to School Nights and new family/peer leader BBQ, and planning for the Upper School State Fair field trip has energized me for the 2022-2023 school year and the return to “normalcy” and routine.
I look forward to seeing you on campus soon.
Important Information
- For students: Are you thinking about starting a club? Does your current club have a project that needs funding? The Parents Association micro-funding initiative provides funding for projects and programs, existing or new. The funds are available for use by student clubs and organizations. To access micro-funding grants, interested groups must fill out an application. The application will be reviewed by the PA Board. Visit here.
- If your student will be absent, late, or needs to be excused early from school, please reach out to the Upper School office at msegal@moundsparkacademy.org.
Looking Ahead
Thursday, 9/1: Upper School State Fair Field Trip
Thursday, 9/1: Ice Cream Social, 3 PM, South Entrance
Friday, 9/2: No Classes, Faculty Professional Development Day
Monday, 9/5: No Classes, Labor Day
Wednesday, 9/7: Upper School Student Club and Organization Fair
Monday, 9/12: All School Picture Day
Friday, 9/16: Homecoming Assembly, 2:20-3 PM, Lansing Sport Center
Friday, 9/16: Upper School BBQ and Bonfire, 5-8 PM, Benz Courtyard
Saturday, 9/17: Homecoming Events @ MPA
Saturday, 9/17: Upper School Homecoming Dance, 8-11 PM, Upper School Commons
Monday, 9/19: Upper School New Family Dinner and Curriculum Night, 5:30-8 PM, MPA
