Upper School Division News March 27, 2025

March 27, 2025

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

Monday, March 31: No Classes, Eid al-Fitr
Tuesday, April 1: US World Language Finals
Tuesday, April 1: Coffee & Conversation With The Heads, 7:45-8:45 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
Wednesday, April 2: US World Language Finals
Wednesday, April 2: US Boys Basketball Banquet, 5:30-8:30 PM, Family Commons
Thursday, April 3: US Science Finals, 8:45-10:15 AM
Thursday, April 3: US English Finals, 12-1:30 PM
Friday, April 4: End of Quarter 3
Friday, April 4: US Math Finals, 8:45-10:15 AM
Friday, April 4: US Social Studies Finals, 12-1:30 PM
Saturday, April 5: ACT Test Date
Monday, April 7: MS/US Students & Screens Parent Meeting, 1:45-3 PM, Recital Hall
Wednesday, April 9: PA Cultural Celebration Day, 3-6 PM, Family Commons
Thursday, April 10: Senior Service Project: Empty Bowls, 4:30-6:30 PM, Family Commons & Peacock Family Teaching Kitchen
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: US G10 College Counseling Parent Night, 6:30-7:30 PM, Recital Hall

What do you get when you have 27 MPA community members traveling together on a Spring Break trip to Morocco and Spain? This is the question that went through my mind as I boarded the Delta airliner on Saturday, March 8.

The diverse group of travelers, comprised of 9-12 grade students, parents, and faculty chaperones, embarked on a remarkable educational and social expedition through the enchanting cities of North Africa and Southern Spain. Beginning our journey in Morocco, we explored the historic streets of Casablanca, wandered through the ancient medina of Fes, and discovered the coastal charm of Tangier. Our journey continued north as we crossed the Strait of Gibraltar, bridging the cultures (and continents) to immerse ourselves in the rich history of the captivating Spanish cities of Grenada, Seville, Cordoba, and Madrid.

What made this adventure truly special was the warm, welcoming, and open dynamic between students of different grade levels and the adults on the trip. The natural mentorship that developed between upper and lower-classmen created an environment of peer learning and support. The cross-grade interaction fostered a sense of community that transcended the usual social boundaries of Upper School life and built relationships between students that initially didn’t exist.

The journey served as more than just a tourist expedition; it became a powerful platform to learn deeply about the incredible history of the peoples and cultures who resided, fought, and died for this historical region of the world. Through shared experiences, barriers between the travelers dissolved, and authentic relationships were formed. From navigating local markets to discussing and witnessing architectural wonders, we sloshed (there was a lot of rain) through amazing sights and forged connections through cultural immersion and shared discovery. This opportunity demonstrated and confirmed the invaluable role of international travel in education and created bonds that extend far beyond the four walls and multiple halls of our beloved school in Maplewood, Minnesota.

So, looking back at my original question, “What do you get when you have 27 MPA community members traveling together on a Spring Break trip to Morocco and Spain?”—you get a lifetime of incredible shared memories with a group of people with whom you now have a common bond.

See 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 Upper School administrative assistant, Chanda Williams, at cwilliams@moundsparkacademy.org.
The Upper School will be having its Quarter 3 finals next week. The schedule for finals is:
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:
1. 1. Sleep foundation: amount, quality, timing
  2. Why sleep hygiene tips are so boring
  3. Why sleep FOMO is so smart
  4. Sneaky signs of sleep insufficiency
  5. 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.
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!