October 13, 2022
from Mark Segal, Upper School director
I have learned over the past 28 years that October can be one of “those” months. Days become shorter, summer turns to fall (and even winter at times in Minnesota), and the first quarter of the school year rapidly is drawing to a close. This is the time of year where professional journals dedicate sections to self-care and discussion about employee morale is frequent. As I was researching items to write about, I came across an article in Time Magazine entitled, “This Professor Teaches a Class on ‘Doing Nothing.'” It’s the Most Popular One on Campus. As you may imagine, it caught my eye. The author introduces readers to Dr. Constance Kassor, an associate professor of religious studies at Lawrence University, who shares that more than 50 undergraduate students have enrolled in this course which teaches students to “relax and unplug.” Kassor suggests that “students are seeking out skills that can help them combat stress in the face of mental health challenges and a growing pressure to be productive.”
As much as I would like to believe that this and other similar issues only exist in post-secondary institutions, I know well that our students are also experiencing stress and pressure to be productive. The looming end of the quarter, college applications, social relationships, and the fear of another Covid wave has put students (and the adults in their lives) on edge.
The Journal of Affective Disorders surveyed more than 350,000 college students on 373 campuses and found that 60% of students met the criteria for one or more mental health problems, a nearly 50% increase from 2013. Previously, one of the suggestions to address mental health concerns was to find ways to connect with friends or engage in more activities. However, the Pew Research Center found that adolescents are connecting with one another and that, “nearly half (46%) of teens say they are online “almost constantly,” compared to just 24% seven years ago.” Dr. Kassor shared that during her class she asks her students to leave their cell phones outside of the classroom and to engage with their peers genuinely and authentically…without interruption.
I am glad that MPA teaches strategies to relieve student stress and maintain positive mental health. This is an ongoing focus of teachers and administrators, and we are lucky to have an exceptional mental health team to educate and work with our community. Ashley Cooper, Jodi Hurley, and Jules Noland are experts at what they do and are fabulous resources for our students and their families.
I do not foresee a class about “Doing Nothing” at MPA in the near future, but assure you that we will continue to work with students to find time to “slow down and allow themselves to be bored.”
I look forward to seeing you on campus soon.
Important Information
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- 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.
- Please join the upper school faculty and staff in welcoming LaChanda (Chanda) Williams to the MPA community. Chanda will serve as the Upper School and College Counseling Administrative Assistant. For the past four years Chanda has served as an inside sales and customer specialist with Crystal Farms Dairy and prior to that she served as an administrative assistant with Health Dimensions Group. Chanda’s positive energy, can do attitude, and friendliness shined during both her Zoom and on-campus interviews. Her professional references could not stop bragging about her thoroughness, dedication, and phenomenal relationships with peers and customers alike. We look forward to families getting to know and working with Chanda.
- If your student will be absent, late, or needs to be excused early from school, please reach out to Chanda Williams at cwilliams@moundsparkacademy.org.
Looking Ahead
- Friday, 10/14: Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
- Wednesday, 10/19: Upper School Special Programming & Early Dismissal, 8-11:30 AM
- Grade 9: Service Field Trip
- Grade 10 and 11: Pre & Mock ACT Testing
- Grade 12: Off Campus
- Thursday, 10/20: No Classes, Fall Break
- Friday, 10/21: No Classes, Fall Break
- Thursday, 10/27: Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
- Friday, 10/28: Last Day of Quarter 1
- Friday, 10/28: Senior Retreat, 8 AM-6:30 PM, Off Campus and On Campus Activities
- Monday, 10/31: No Classes, Grading Day
- Tuesday, 11/1: First Day of Quarter 2
- Thursday, 11/3: Grade 9 Parent Meeting, 6-7 PM, Recital Hall
- Thursday, 11/3: Upper School Instrumental Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center
- Friday, 11/4: No Classes, Professional Development Day
- Sunday, 11/6: MPA PK – 12 Admission Preview
- Wednesday, 11/9: Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
- Wednesday, 11/9: Grade 10 Parent Meeting, 6-7 PM, Recital Hall
- Wednesday, 11/9: Upper School Vocal Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center
- Friday, 11/11: MPA Culture Day
