April 18, 2024
from Mark Segal, Upper School director
Mark Your Calendars
- Friday, April 19: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20-12 PM, Room 150-151
- Friday, April 19: Pairing Assembly, 2:20-3 PM
- Friday, April 19: MS/US Grade 5-12 Speedracer Video Tournament, 3-5 PM, Room 150-151
- Friday, April 19: Spring Auction, 6:30-11 PM, Dellwood Golf Club, bid from home >
- Wednesday, April 24: Spring Musical Preview Performance, 1:35-3 PM, Nicholson Center
- Wednesday, April 24: HeadSpace “Inspiring Global Responsibility,” 3:15-4:15 PM, Library
- Thursday, April 25: LS/US Haiti Cultural Celebration, 1-3 PM, Family Commons, Gallery
- Friday, April 26: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20-12 PM, Room 150-151
- Friday, April 26: Spring Musical Performance, 7-9 PM, Nicholson Center, tickets >
- Saturday, April 27: Spring Musical Performance, 7-9 PM, Nicholson Center, tickets >
- Sunday, April 28: Spring Musical Performance, 2-4 PM, Nicholson Center, tickets >
- Friday, May 3: US Parent Quarterly Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, PCR
- Friday, May 3: Connect With MPA’s New Middle School Director, 8:15 AM, Library
- Friday, May 3: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20-12 PM, Room 150-151
- Friday, May 3: New Family Panther Party, 4-5:30 PM, volunteer >
- Saturday, May 4: Grades 10-12 Prom, 8-11 PM, Off Campus
- Wednesday, May 8: MS/US Orchestra Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
- Thursday, May 16: MS/US Band Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
- Friday, May 17: Class of 2024 Last Day of Classes
- Wednesday, May 22: US Choral Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
- Friday, May 24: Senior Performances, 10 AM, Recital Hall
- Friday, May 24: Senior Walk, 1 PM, MPA Campus
- Friday, May 24: Upper School Awards Assembly, 1:45-3 PM, Nicholson Center
- Tuesday, June 4: Last Day of School, All School Yearbook Assembly and Signing, 8-10:30 AM
- Tuesday, June 4: Early Release, 10:30 AM
Springtime brings a wave of positive energy as students shed their winter clothing (let’s be honest, they don’t wear winter coats, only a heavier hoodie sweatshirt) and embrace the longer and warmer days of sunshine, spending time in the outdoor spaces that become bustling hubs of activity. The Journal of Environmental Psychology shares, “Spending time outdoors during the spring can enhance cognitive function and reduce stress levels among adolescents, thus contributing to better academic performance.” Basically, they are saying that being outside and experiencing exposure to natural light can positively impact one’s mood and productivity. I couldn’t agree more!
This past week, I was able to step away at a “reasonable time” to watch two MPA baseball games, admire the high jump skills of members of the track team, and witness a third set, tie-break victory for our boys tennis team. I also saw members of the Upper School gearing up to work on the science garden where they, once it awakens, will prepare it for the summer months of growing. A member of the English department starts several of their classes with a mindfulness activity that late last week included a nature walk to center students for their class discussion.
We are fortunate to have more than thirty acres on which to play and explore. As we gear up to bid farewell to the winter doldrums, jump into spring, and look ahead to our summer adventures the spirit of springtime infuses the MPA Upper School experience with renewed vitality and promise.
I look forward to seeing you on campus soon.
Important Information
- If your student will be absent, late, or needs to be excused early from school, please reach out to the Upper School office via cwilliams@moundsparkacademy.org.
- Tickets are now on sale for the Spring Musical: “The Hello Girls.” The story chronicles and is inspired by the story of America’s first women soldiers. These intrepid heroines served as bilingual telephone operators on the front lines, helping turn the tide of World War I. Tickets may be purchased online here for any of the performances on Friday, April 26 (7 PM), Saturday, April 27 (7 PM), and Sunday, April 28 (2 PM). The show will be performed in the Nicholson Center (enter through door 3) and is best suited for students in grade four and above.
- Please join other parents at the Upper School Parent Quarterly Coffee on Friday, May 3. We will be joined by representatives of Vanke Meisha Academy (VMA), a Chinese international school located in Shenzhen, China with whom MPA is establishing a formal partnership. More information about this gathering will be sent separately.
- While the MN weather remains unpredictable, the spring athletic season has arrived. Even though the athletic department works hard to stick to the established schedule, practice and game schedules can be extremely fluid due to the weather. For this reason, it is suggested that you bookmark the MPA Athletics website. Additionally, please ensure that Dawn Zimmerman has your most current contact information to be in touch as needed. You can reach her at dzimmerman@moundsparkacademy.org.
