March 27, 2025
from Paul Errickson, Middle School director
Mark Your Calendars
- Monday, March 31: No Classes, Eid al-Fitr
- Tuesday, April 1: Coffee & Conversation With The Heads, 7:45-8:45 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
- Wednesday, April 2: MS G5 Science Fair, 2:30-3 PM, Family Commons
- Friday, April 4: End of Quarter 3
- Monday, April 7: MS/US Students & Screens Parent Meeting, 1:45-3 PM, Recital Hall
- Wednesday, April 9: MS G7/8 Affinity Group Meeting, 2:30-3 PM, Panther Center
- Wednesday, April 9: PA Cultural Celebration Day, 3-6 PM, Family Commons
- Thursday, April 10: HeadSpace: Personalized Pathways Through Universal Design For Learning, 7-8 PM, Virtual Meeting
- Monday, April 14: No Classes, Professional Development
- Wednesday, April 16: MS G7/8 Affinity Group Meeting, 2:30-3 PM, Panther Center
Springtime brings with it change and renewed growth. It can be one of the most exciting and hectic times as we work to wrap everything up by the end of the school year and reflect on the growth and achievements of our year of learning together. Having spent time earlier in my teaching career at a school on the coast of Maine, I often share with students the example of how lobsters grow.
Lobsters need first to feel a bit of discomfort—they become uncomfortable in their own shell—to trigger the need for growth. And that growth requires them to shed their shell, going through a time of vulnerability and change as they grow a new, larger, and more comfortable shell. As he shared in this video, Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski explains that it is the stimulus of discomfort that is needed for the lobster to grow. In times of stress, we often see a great deal of growth if we navigate this adversity the right way.
Looking ahead, we have many, many opportunities for growth (and potential discomfort) for our Middle School students. Next week brings the end of our third quarter, and I know that students and teachers are working to finish the quarter strong! In April and May, we have book battles and science fairs, concerts and musicals, MAP testing, and field days fast approaching. Please keep a close eye on our calendar here in Panther Post and communications through your child’s Schoology account for updates and information on all that we have going on.
More immediately, please come and join me at our Gala and our next Students & Screens discussion in early April:
Don’t Miss the Event of the Year: The Gala of Gratitude!
Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the 2025 MPA Spring Auction: Gala of Gratitude! Join us as we honor Dr. Hudson and celebrate his incredible legacy while raising critical support for our students, teachers, and community. Sponsorships are available now! Secure yours today to be featured on the community invitation and enjoy exclusive perks like early access to auction bidding and the return of the beloved Sponsorship Pre-Party.
Make this event unforgettable! We’re seeking exciting contributions to:
- Gifts of Gratitude (Previously known as “Mystery Boxes”)
- MPA Exclusive Silent Auction
- Wine Toss
- Live Auction
Your support ensures this night will be one to remember while making a lasting impact on MPA!
This can’t-miss event will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel. Check out the website to get an exclusive deal on a hotel for the evening.
Together, let’s make this a celebration of gratitude, community, and support like no other. Visit the event website or contact Ashley Goetzke, director of development and community engagement, at agoetzke@moundsparkacademy.org for details and to get involved. Let’s make this a night to remember!
Students & Screens Parent-School Community Discussion
In the fourth installment of the Students & Screens series on Monday, April 7 from 1:45-3 PM in the Recital Hall, we will focus on the importance of sleep and how it intersects with students’ screen use. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Audrey Wells, MPA parent, physician, and leading expert in sleep health for both children and adults (read her bio here). The discussion will be led by Dr. Wells, supported by Jay Dean, Upper School assistant director; Paul Errickson, Middle School director; and Michael Moran, director of academic technology. Some topics that will be explored:
- Sleep foundation: amount, quality, timing
- Why sleep hygiene tips are so boring
- Why sleep FOMO is so smart
- Sneaky signs of sleep insufficiency
- Straight talk: how screens affect sleep and when to turn them off
If you are interested in joining this community discussion, please RSVP using this form.
