April 23, 2025
from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school
When I’m asked what I love most about my job, the answer comes instantly: the kids! Their joy, curiosity, and kindness infuse every corner of our campus and every moment of the school day. One of the greatest sources of that joy is the cross-age relationships we nurture here at MPA. Whether it’s a simple high-five between students passing in the hallway, Upper Schoolers reading with Lower Schoolers, or a schoolwide Pairing Assembly, these moments—both intentional and spontaneous—are among the most meaningful parts of life at a PreK–12 school under one roof.
This week’s Earth Day Pairing Assembly beautifully reflected two of our school’s guiding values: our responsibility to care for the planet and our deep belief in the power of connection across ages and stages. In so many ways, this event captured the heart of what it means to dream big and do right—to imagine a better world and then work together to bring it to life.
Earth Day is a moment to pause, reflect, and recommit to the well-being of our planet. But at MPA, it’s more than a moment. It’s a mindset. Our curriculum, our projects, and our partnerships all reflect our commitment to sustainability, stewardship, and preparing students to thrive in an interconnected world.
This year’s celebration was especially joyful. First graders and ninth graders worked side by side in the Lower School garden, carrying, planting, and watering 48 vibrant pansies. As Upper School Biology Teacher Mitch Thomsen shared, “Everyone was happy. The weather was perfect.” The thoughtful collaboration between students—deciding where to plant, sharing tools, and working efficiently—was a quiet, powerful reminder of what’s possible when we come together.
Inside the Upper School Commons, seniors and kindergarteners created posters, songs, and even interpretive dances centered on protecting the earth’s water. Kindergarten student Aiden’s artwork read: “The Earth is important. Be careful of your choices with plastic. Be safe to the world. We are responsible. Do right.” As Dawson, a Lower School student, put it, “We made ‘I Love Earth’ posters with older kids—and when I’m older, I get to help younger people.” That sense of reciprocity and joy is exactly what makes these cross-age connections so powerful.
At their core, these relationships are about more than celebration—they are about belonging. For younger students, having an older buddy says, “You are seen. You matter.” For older students, serving as a mentor affirms their growth, builds empathy, and cultivates leadership. For all students, these relationships foster confidence, kindness, and community.
Research supports what we’ve long known at MPA: cross-age partnerships boost academic engagement, strengthen communication skills, and nurture motivation. They help students develop both the heart and the habits of leadership. And most importantly, they remind us that school is not just a place of learning—but a place of becoming.
As we gathered this week to honor the Earth, we also honored one another. We planted flowers and friendships. We practiced stewardship and leadership. We laughed, learned, and looked forward—with hope.
In many ways, Earth Day and our Pairing Assembly are two sides of the same coin. They remind us that change begins with connection—to nature, to each other, and to the future we envision together. They call us to step outside ourselves, act with care, and grow with purpose.
