Upper School Division News October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

US Featfrom Mark Segal, Upper School director 

Mark Your Calendars

  • Friday, November 1: No Classes, Grading Day
  • Sunday, November 3: Taste of Ninth Grade, 11 AM-12:15 PM, Family Commons
  • Sunday, November 3: PreK-G12 MPA Preview, 12:30-2 PM
  • Sunday, November 3: US Boys Soccer Banquet, 5:30-7:30 PM, Lowell Inn
  • Thursday, November 7: US Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
  • Thursday, November 7: US G9 Parent Meeting, 6-7 PM, Recital Hall
  • Thursday, November 14: US G10 Parent Meeting, 6-7 PM, Recital Hall
  • Thursday, November 14: US Vocal Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center
  • Sunday, November 17-Saturday, November 23: Fall Campaign
  • Thursday, November 21: Give to the Max Day
  • Thursday, November 21: Give to the Max Day Assembly, 2-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center

I am writing this note from my quasi-comfortable airline seat at 38,000 feet somewhere over eastern Russia as I make my way back to the Twin Cities from visiting Vanke Meisha Academy, our partner school in Shenzhen, China. I spent the past week visiting the school where I met and spent time with the students, faculty, and staff VMA. Prior to my arrival in Shenzhen, the perception I had of China was primarily based on what I had been taught as a student and witnessed via the US media. My week in Shenzhen, however, has made me realize that experiencing something firsthand allows me to draw my own conclusions and not be limited to what others share.

Traveling to new locations is an important way to learn about different cultures, traditions, and environments beyond what we can see in books or online. When we visit new places, we engage with the local people, taste authentic foods, and witness unique landscapes, which deepens our understanding of the world. Experiencing things firsthand allows us to appreciate diversity and build empathy towards others. It also challenges our perspectives, encouraging us to think critically about our own lives and habits.

This trip was more than just a chance for me to travel to a distant country. It was a professional development opportunity that allowed me to witness our partner school firsthand and build relationships that will assist in laying the groundwork for our two communities to work together over the coming years. Experiencing professional development firsthand is crucial for educators because it allows them to apply new skills and knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing their effectiveness in the classroom.

According to the Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University, “professional development allows professionals to hone both hard and soft skills in your work. Hard skills pertain to job-specific knowledge you can obtain through formal training or education. Soft skills are personal competencies, such as effective communication or the skills that contribute to emotional intelligence.” While reading about professional development can provide valuable insights and theories, it is through active participation—such as workshops, peer observations, and collaborative projects like the one I participated in last week—that educators can truly understand and integrate these concepts into their educational practices. By immersing themselves in professional development experiences, educators not only grow their own competencies but also contribute to a culture of continuous improvement within their schools.

Although my visit to Shenzhen and time on campus was short, I was so impressed by the VMA community, the warmth exhibited by people I interacted with on the street, and the cities I visited (Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Guangzhou). The faculty and staff at VMA are incredibly talented and are excited to work with our students and community and strengthen our personal relationships and professional partnership. In the not-too-distant future, I foresee opportunities for students and faculty from each school to participate in “exchange” programs, learning opportunities, and collaborative projects. Please be on the lookout for more specific details once these are solidified.

I am excited to share more about my experience in China with you in future Panther Posts. Until then, I look forward to seeing you on campus soon.

Important Information

  1. If your student will be absent, late, or needs to be excused early from school, please contact the Upper School administrative assistant, Chanda Williams, at cwilliams@moundsparkacademy.org.
  2. Quarter one ends today, Thursday October 31. The corresponding final exams are not scheduled until the end of quarter 3 in early April. Tomorrow, Friday, November 1, there are no classes on campus, and students will start their quarter 2 classes on Monday, November 4.
  3. Class of 2028 Parent Meeting: Please join Mark Segal and Jay Dean on Thursday, November 7 at 6 PM for a grade level meeting for ninth grade parents. We will discuss various aspects of the ninth 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 ninth grade students. There is no need to RSVP for this event. Coffee, tea, and a sweet treat will be served.
  4. Invite a friend to explore MPA! The MPA Preview is the perfect way to share MPA with a friend, neighbor, or family member. If you know someone who is exploring schools or interested in MPA, please share the following information and link to RSVP.
    • Taste Of Ninth Grade, November 3, 2024, 11 AM-12:15 PM
      This event includes lunch and the opportunity to learn more about MPA’s ninth-grade program. Students will engage in a hands-on, collaborative activity while parents participate in a Q&A about life in MPA’s Upper School, college counseling, and more. When this event concludes, students and families will then join the PreK-12 Preview event. Families can RSVP here!
    • PreK-12 MPA Preview, November 3, 2024, 12:30-2 PM
      MPA Previews are signature PreK-12 events designed to introduce families to the
      faculty, students, and families who make MPA the exceptional learning community
      that it is. Visitors will hear from a variety of perspectives, be engaged in conversation with academic leaders, experience mini-lessons taught by expert teachers, and leave
      with a much better understanding of the MPA way. These events are for family members of all ages to attend together and will include division-specific time. Families can RSVP here!
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