May 2, 2024
from Mark Segal, Upper School director
Mark Your Calendars
- Friday, May 3: US Parent Quarterly Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, PCR
- Friday, May 3: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Room 150-151
- Friday, May 3: New Family Panther Party, 4-5:30 PM
- Friday, May 3: PreK-12 After School Library Hours, 4-5:30 PM, Library
- Saturday, May 4: US Prom, 8-11 PM, American Swedish Institute
- Monday, May 6: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, 2-3 PM, Library
- Tuesday, May 7: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, Alumni, & Parents of Alumni, 11 AM-12 PM, Zoom, see email for link to join
- Tuesday, May 7: US Speech Showcase, 7-9 PM, MPA Campus
- Wednesday, May 8: MS/US Orchestra Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
- Thursday, May 9: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, 2-3 PM, Library
- Friday, May 10: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, Alumni, & Parents of Alumni, 11 AM-12 PM, Zoom, see email for link to join
- Friday, May 10: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Room 150-151
- Thursday, May 16: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, 2-3 PM, Library
- Thursday, May 16: MS/US Band Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
- Friday, May 17: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, Alumni, & Parents of Alumni, 11 AM-12 PM, Zoom, see email for link to join
- Friday, May 17: Class of 2024 Last Day of Classes
- Friday, May 17: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Room 150-151
- Friday, May 17: US Robotics Season-End Banquet, 3-7 PM, Family Commons
- Wednesday, May 22: US Choral Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
- Friday, May 24: US Senior Class Meeting, 8-9 AM, Recital Hall
- Friday, May 24: Senior Performances, 10 AM, Recital Hall
- Friday, May 24: US Senior Lunch and Alumni Panel, 11 AM-1 PM, Nicholson Center
- Friday, May 24: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Room 150-151
- Friday, May 24: Senior Walk, 1-1:45 PM, South Entrance
- Friday, May 24: Upper School Awards Assembly, 1:45-3 PM, Nicholson Center
- Monday, May 27: No Classes, Memorial Day
- Tuesday, May 28: US World Language Finals
- Tuesday, May 28: US Senior Service Fair, 1-4 PM, McKeown Track
- Wednesday, May 29: US World Language Finals
- Wednesday, May 29: LS/US Grade 4 Introduction to the Instruments Concert, 10:30-11:20 AM, Panther Center
- Wednesday, May 29: Madrigal Singers Auditions, 3-6 PM, Recital Hall
- Thursday, May 30: Retirement Gathering, 4-6 PM, Library
- Friday, May 31: US Math Finals
- Friday, May 31: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Room 150-151
- Friday, May 31: US English Finals, 12-1:30 PM
- Monday, June 3: MS/US End of Quarter
- Monday, June 3: US Science Finals, 8:45-10:15 AM
- Monday, June 3: US Social Studies Finals, 12-1:30 PM
- Tuesday, June 4: Last Day of School, All School Yearbook Assembly and Signing, 8-10:30 AM
- Wednesday, June 5: US Senior Dinner, 6-8 PM, Dellwood Country Club
- Friday, June 7: Madrigal and Concert Choir Rehearsal, 10-11 AM, Nicholson Center
- Friday, June 7: US Mandatory Commencement Rehearsal, 11 AM-1 PM, Nicholson Center
- Saturday, June 8: US Commencement, 6-7 PM, Nicholson Center
As seniors prepare for the end of the school year and their transition into adulthood, they (and their families) face a whirlwind of emotions. The American Psychological Association shares that, “while excitement about newfound independence and future opportunities can be exhilarating, it’s often accompanied by stress and anxiety.” The pressure to make significant life decisions about careers, relationships, and college can feel overwhelming. Psychologists, however, emphasize the importance of establishing and using coping mechanisms like mindfulness, self-reflection, and seeking the support of trusted adults and peers.
Yesterday was a day where members of the Class of 2024 may have felt additional pressure. The College Counseling department hosted their annual celebration for the graduating class as most of the students made their college selections “official.” Even though a small number of students have yet to make their final decision because of a delay in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and extended deadlines, it was tremendous to see the class’ interaction with and reliance upon one another as they worked through this stressful time of their lives. Educational psychologist Erik Erikson suggests that, “working through decisions is crucial for adolescents to develop a sense of self and purpose.” As they work to decide, students (and their families) grapple with questions about their values, beliefs, and aspirations which help shape their identities for the future.
Despite the justified feelings of angst, the culmination of the senior year offers abundant opportunities for growth, self-awareness, and well-earned celebration. The next five weeks will pass by extremely quickly for all of us; even more so for the Class of 2024 and their supportive families. By embracing the journey of self-discovery and learning to manage both excitement and stress, MPA seniors can confidently step into the next chapters of their lives well prepared for what they want to achieve and with a clearer sense of who they are.
I look forward to seeing you on campus soon to celebrate the Class of 2024.
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.
- Please join other parents at the Upper School Parents Association Coffee tomorrow (Friday, May 3) at 8 AM in the Martin Lenz Harrison Library. 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.
- 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 and ensure that the athletic department has the most up-to-date email addresses for you should there be a schedule adjustment.
