November 10, 2022
from Mark Segal, Upper School director
Yesterday was “one of those days.” It started with welcoming students to campus while standing in the damp drizzle before the sun rose, and ended as I bid adieu to the students as they left campus while standing, again, in the drizzle as the sun set (I am not a fan of going back to standard time). However, in-between the bookends of my day I was able to spend time with members of the Class of 2023 as they shared their stories. One of the requirements of graduation for all MPA students is to give a Senior Performance. Most students choose to give an 8-10 minute speech about how they have developed and grown into young adults and thank those who have helped them along the way, while some actually share their talents by performing for the audience.
Yesterday, we heard speeches about the power of words, the meaningfulness of volunteering, the power of positivity, and a beautiful rendition of David Bowie’s “Life on Mars” as it related to the speaker’s question, “Is this it?” and their optimism after escaping the Syrian civil war. All of the performances were tremendous, yet the last speaker shared a story of their experience of climbing Mount Lemmon, the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains in Arizona, alone. Twenty-four miles of rugged terrain contributed to his doubt of if he could make it to the summit or not. He explained that the thought of his teachers, friends, and “home” at MPA gave him the strength to carry on as he confronted snakes, lost his cell phone, and forged a new path through the wilderness to make it to the top.
The support and care classmates show toward each speaker is eclipsed only by the way they huddle around each other at the end of the performances to celebrate the success of their friends. This huddle is a time-honored MPA tradition. The willingness of the speakers to be vulnerable in front of their peers is like nothing I have experienced in any other school environment, and is one of the things that makes MPA so special.
I look forward to the upcoming set of Senior Performances later this month, and will carry the memory of each seniors’ story with me when another one of “those days” occurs.
I look forward to seeing you on campus soon.
Important Information
- This year’s “Forward Together” kicked-off on Monday, November 7th and lasts through November 18th. During this time, we ask our community 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 17. 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. You are invited to join us for a return to our in-person Lip Sync Battle! Join us in the Lansing Sports Center on November 17 at 2:20 PM to cheer on employees as they battle it out.
• Give! You can contact Jennifer Rogers, 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! - 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
Thursday, November 17: Give to the Max Day Lip Sync Battle, 2-3 PM, Lansing Sport Center
Friday, November 18: 9th Grade Bring a Friend to MPA Day
Tuesday, November 22: Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
Wednesday, November 23: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break
Thursday, November 24: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break
Friday, November 25: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break
Thursday, December 1: Upper School Conferences, 3:30-8 PM, Location TBD
Friday, December 2: No Upper School Classes, Lower and Middle School DO Have Classes
Friday, December 2: Upper School Conferences, 8 AM-4 PM, Location TBD
Tuesday, December 6: Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
Wednesday, December 7: MPA Founder’s Day Pancake Breakfast, 7-8 AM, Family Commons
Wednesday, December 14: Upper School Parent’s Association Meeting, 8-9 AM, PCR
Thursday, December 15: Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
Friday, December 16: MPA Holiday Caroling, 7:30-8 AM, MPA Campus
Friday, December 16: Winter Break Begins at 2:50 PM
Tuesday, December 3: Classes Resume at 8 AM
