September 26, 2024
from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school
I’m old enough to remember those nostalgic Folgers coffee commercials in which a son surprises his family by coming home for the holidays. The warmth, laughter, and love conveyed in those moments brought home the idea that “home” is far more than just a physical place—it’s about the emotions, traditions, and connections we share with one another. That commercial tugged at my heartstrings every time, often bringing a tear to my eye.
Within families, traditions arise and are celebrated, nurturing emotions of acceptance that go beyond the concept of a home as a physical or geographical location. Likewise, Homecoming at MPA has a distinctive meaning as a PreK-12 school. Throughout this week, students of all ages have shown their school spirit in countless ways. From the annual Lower School coloring project and the Homecoming-themed CHAMP Assembly to Middle School poster-making and Upper School dress-up days, the energy has been palpable. Our student-athletes have even been greeting everyone with a smile outside door one each morning. The week culminates with a pep fest tomorrow and athletic contests and activities on Saturday, September 28, and all students, regardless of their grade level, are warmly invited to attend and celebrate together.
Merriam-Webster defines homecoming as “the act of returning to your home or to a place that is like your home.” At MPA, we often refer to our school as a second home—a place where both students and adults are known and valued. This sense of belonging is deeply embedded in our school’s DNA, and it is a crucial element of who we are. Research consistently shows that emotional safety and a strong sense of community are essential for personal growth and academic success.
For instance, in 2011, the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) conducted a meta-analysis of 213 studies involving 270,000 students. The findings revealed that students participating in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programs showed an 11-percentile-point gain in academic achievement compared to their peers.
On the flip side, when students feel emotionally unsafe, the brain’s “fight-or-flight” response kicks in, releasing stress hormones like cortisol. Over time, chronic stress can hinder memory formation, problem-solving, and overall cognitive function—making it much harder for students to focus and excel academically (McEwen, 2007; Davidson & McEwen, 2012).
Research from Stanford University’s Mindset Scholars Network shows that students who feel a sense of belonging and acceptance are more likely to develop a growth mindset, fostering resilience in the face of challenges. Likewise, studies by the National School Climate Center in 2013 found that schools with a positive climate—marked by emotional safety, mutual respect, and inclusivity—showed higher academic achievement, better attendance, and improved graduation rates.
Additionally, Amy Edmondson’s work on “psychological safety” in teams (1999) has been applied to educational settings, demonstrating that emotionally safe classrooms foster greater collaboration and engagement, leading to stronger learning outcomes.
While MPA can never fully replace a student’s home, we strive to be a warm, nurturing environment where students develop the confidence and courage needed to live joyful and productive lives. Here, students feel empowered to take on challenges, knowing they will be recognized and celebrated for their individuality. They build relationships rooted in care and mutual acceptance, creating a sense of belonging that supports their academic and personal growth.
“As an alumni parent,” writes Tim Koerner ’03, “I return to a campus that holds a trove of Homecoming memories from my formative years as a student … These days, I see Homecoming through the eyes of my sons, both Panthers now (first grade and PreK students). My wife, Ashlee, put it best at Back to School Night when she said, ‘Look at him (Lewis). He’s looking for his friends and teachers; he knows his way around … He feels at home here.’”
As we celebrate Homecoming this week, I invite you all to embrace the spirit of coming home—to a place where every student is cherished and where our community thrives through connection and shared experiences.
