October 27, 2022
from Mark Segal, Upper School director
I find it almost impossible to believe that the end of this week draws the end of the first quarter. This is hard to grasp as I vividly remember writing my summer letter to upper school families, welcoming the thirty new upper school students, and hosting a potluck for the Class of 2023 the first week of September where we discussed how quickly this year would go. With the close of the first quarter comes several questions that I will try to anticipate and answer before they are asked.
- Will students receive a grade for their quarter 1 classes? Yes and no. Students will receive grades for their quarter long, non-elective courses like English, math, science, social studies, PE, and World Language. This, however, is not always the case. There are some courses like English 11 or Honors Chemistry Lab that will have work and grades carry over into quarter two and students will receive grades for these classes at the end of the semester. Also, students will not receive grades for their elective courses. These classes are semester long and, therefore, will receive grades in January.
- If my student receives a grade in their first quarter class, when will I get to see that grade? All parents have access to Schoology that is frequently updated with assignments and grades by classroom teachers. Although this is not a “real time” way to get grades, upper school faculty are very good at updating the information for students and families to review. Quarter 1 grades will be finalized over the next week or so and will be available to families on Monday, November 7.
- With the end of quarter 1 classes, will students start new quarter 2 courses next week? Yes and no. Most students will have new non-elective quarter 2 courses that will start next Tuesday, November 1. These courses include English, math, science, social studies, PE, and World Language. There are, however, some non-elective courses that will continue through the first semester like US History and the 12th grade English and social studies electives (i.e.: Literary Adaptation and Introduction to Psychology).
- When students return to their quarter 1 classes for quarter 3 are the grades averaged? No, grades are not averaged. Students’ quarter 1 grades are “archived,” and when they return to their non-elective classes for quarter 3 they start with a fresh slate and their quarter 3 grade is what is earned only during that quarter. At the end of the year students receive two (2) semester grades rather than one averaged year-long grade.
- Are there final exams for quarter 1 classes? No, there are not “official” final exams. Many classes do hold end–of–quarter assessments to measure student learning and mastery of material. Traditional final exams are scheduled at the end of quarter 3 and quarter 4 for non-elective courses.
- Can my student add or drop classes for quarter 2? Yes and no. Students may add or drop classes at the end of each grading period. Therefore, if a student wants to add or drop a non-elective course (like social studies or science) for quarter 2 they may do so. This is providing that they are at the “right learning level” for that course, that they maintain progression and credit accrual toward graduation, and that the selected course has availability. Semester long elective courses go through a similar process in January.
These are some of the more popular questions that are asked annually. I recognize this is not an exhaustive list and that other questions may exist. If that is the case, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or anyone in the upper school office if we can be of assistance.
I look forward to seeing you on campus soon.
Important Information
The Class of 2023 is traveling to Camp St. Croix tomorrow, Friday, October 28, for a special field trip. All members of the class are expected to attend the day long gathering which will end back on campus with a catered family-style meal. A bus will depart from MPA at 8 AM and the gathering will end back on campus around 6 PM.
Please join Mark Segal and Jay Dean next Thursday, November 3, at 6 PM for a grade level meeting for ninth grade parents and guardians. We will discuss various aspects of the 9th grade experience, developmental milestones, and other items related to the Upper School program. We will meet in the Recital Hall for our conversation about working together on behalf of your children. This gathering is a wonderful opportunity for us to discuss ways we will work in partnership to support the 9th grade students.
Please plan ahead for the annual MPA Give to the Max Lip Sync battle on November 17. All families are invited to join the fun-filled community event in the Lansing Sport Center at 2:20 PM that afternoon. More information will follow in an upcoming Panther Post.
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, 10/28: 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
Wednesay, 11/9: Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
Wednesday, 11/9: Grade 10 Parent Meeting, 6:30-7:30 PM, Recital Hall
Wednesday, 11/9: Upper School Vocal Concert, 8-9 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, 11/11: MPA Culture Day
Thursday, 11/17: Give to the Max Day Lip Sync Battle, 2:20-3 PM, Lansing Sport Center
Friday, 11/18: Ninth Grade Bring a Friend to MPA Day
Tuesday, 11/22: Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
Wednesday, 11/23: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break
Thursday, 11/24: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break
Friday, 11/25: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break
Thursday, 12/1: Upper School Conferences, 3:30-8 PM, Location TBD
Friday, 12/2: No Upper School Classes, Lower and Middle School DO Have Classes
Friday, 12/2: Upper School Conferences, 8 AM-4 PM, Location TBD
