September 29, 2022
from Mark Segal, Upper School director
Earlier this week MPA volleyball team was involved in an important match, one that may determine the conference championship. The feeling in the gymnasium was frenetic as MPA students, dressed all in white, cheered loudly, stomped their feet, and worked collaboratively to propel their peers to victory. It was fabulous to see the camaraderie and experience the school spirit shown on a school night by more than 100 upper school students and their family members. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), attending and participating in events like this “offers opportunities for students to learn the values of teamwork, individual and group responsibility, competition, and a sense of culture and community.” The NCES goes on to share that, “research suggests that participation in extracurricular activities may increase students’ sense of engagement or attachment to their school, and thereby decrease the likelihood of school failure.” According to the National Education Association it is also important for parents to get involved in school events. The organizations states, “when your child sees your passion for school events, the excitement rubs off.” They continue, “sharing experiences with your child helps them make greater gains in many aspects of their academic life.”
In my more than six years at MPA, I have been amazed at the support the students provide to one another and the commitment often made to attend peer’s concerts, performances, and athletic competitions. Crimson Education shares that getting involved in and attending extra-curricular events, “gives students the chance to explore their passions to discover things in which they may be interested beyond academics while taking time off from hitting the books.” Attending these events also allows students to make new friends and to see their classmates in a whole new light.
I am thrilled to share that the volleyball team won their match, and are one step closer to capturing another conference title.
I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming MPA event and on campus soon.
Important Information
- The Upper School Parent’s Association will hold its first meeting of the school year tomorrow. Friday, September 30 at 8 AM. The meeting will be held on the Porter Conference Room (PCR) located in the Head of School suite. Beyond sharing information about the first month of school and getting to know new Upper School Assistant Director Jay Dean, a conversation will be had about the “appropriate” roll of a parent in an upper school student’s education. We look forward to seeing you for light refreshments, connection, and camaraderie.
- Fall Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for tonight, next Thursday (10/6), and next Friday (10/7). Upper School students are expected to attend and participate in their conferences. As a reminder, each conference is scheduled for 10 minutes, and we ask that you do your best to help us stay on schedule, recognizing that most teachers are scheduled back-to-back for several hours, and all MPA families are making their way through conferences. If you find that you will need additional time with a teacher, we ask you to schedule another time to continue that conversation outside of the conference window. If you have not scheduled a conference, please do not “drop-in” on a teacher as they have not prepared for your conference and have other families who are likely waiting. As the pickAtime conference registration window is closed, please reach out to teachers, individually, to schedule a time.
- Wednesday, October 19 is an early dismissal day (at 11:30 AM) for all MPA students. The Upper School will hold special programming while the Lower and Middle Schools will hold their Grandparent and Special Friends Day. 12th graders are given this day to visit colleges and continue preparation of their college applications, 10th and 11th graders will take the Pre and Mock ACT test, and 9th grade will participate in an off-campus, hands-on service field trip. Please plan accordingly for this special programming.
- If your student will be absent, late, or needs to be excused early from school, please reach out to the upper school office on msegal@moundsparkacademy.org.
Looking Ahead
- Thursday, 9/29: Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences, 3:30-7 PM, MPA
- Friday, 9/30: Upper School Parent’s Association Meeting, 8-9:30 AM, Porter Conference Room
- Thursday, 10/6: Cum Laude Induction, 7:30-8 AM, Recital Hall
- Thursday, 10/6: Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences, 3:30-8 PM, MPA
- Friday, 10/7: No Classes, Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences, 8-4 PM, MPA
- Tuesday, 10/11: Picture Re-Take Day
- Wednesday, 10/12: 10th and 11th Grade PSAT Testing, 8-12:30 PM
- Grades 9 & 12 will have classes as planned
- Friday, 10/14: Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
- Wednesday, 10/19: Upper School Special Programming & Early Dismissal, 8-11:30 AM
- 9th grade: Service Field Trip
- 10th & 11th grades: Pre & Mock ACT Testing
- 12th grade: Off Campus
- Thursday, 10/20: No Classes, Fall Break
- Friday, 10/21: No Classes, Fall Break
