All School

December 5, 2024

from Mark Segal, Upper School director 

Mark Your Calendars

• Friday, December 6: No US Classes, Conferences
• Friday, December 6: US Conferences, 8 AM-5 PM
• Saturday, December 7: US Semiformal Dance, 8-11 PM, Woman’s Club (Minneapolis)
• Friday, December 13: PreK-12 MPA Preview, 8:30-10 AM, Gallery & Martin Lenz Harrison Library
• Monday, December 16: G7-12 Musical Auditions, 3:30-5:30 PM, Black Box & Choir Room
• Tuesday, December 17: US Parent Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, PCR
• Tuesday, December 17: G7-12 Musical Auditions, 3:30-5:30 PM, Black Box & Choir Room
• Tuesday, December 17: US Parent Coffee for Class of 2029, 6:30-7:30 PM, PCR
• Wednesday, December 18: G7-12 Musical Callbacks, 3:30-5:30 PM, Black Box
• Friday, December 20: Caroling with the Madrigal Singers, Faculty, Staff, and Alumni, 7:30-8 AM, Family Commons
• Friday, December 20: US Madrigal Singers and Chamber Orchestra Music Tour, Off Campus Field Trip
• Monday, December 23-Friday, January 3: No Classes, Winter Break

This Saturday evening the Upper School will hold its annual winter Semiformal Dance at the Women’s Club of Minneapolis. The Club, originally founded in 1907, was designed by the architect of the Foshay Tower, Leon Arnal, and moved into its location just off Loring Park in 1928. Hosted by the Student Council, the semiformal dance serves as an important social event that fosters unity and strengthens the bonds within our upper school community. High school dances provide students with an opportunity to take a break from academic pressures and engage in a festive environment. According to the educational journal Edutopia, “research shows that participation in school events like dances enhances students’ sense of belonging, which is crucial for their emotional and social development.” These events encourage students to connect with peers from their own and different grades, creating a more inclusive atmosphere that can lead to lasting friendships.
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November 14, 2024

from Mark Segal, Upper School director 

Mark Your Calendars

• Sunday, November 17-Saturday, November 23: Fall Campaign
• Monday, November 18: US Boys Basketball Parent Meeting, 6-7 PM, Family Commons
• Thursday, November 21: Give to the Max Day
• Thursday, November 21: Spirit Wear Day
• Thursday, November 21: Give to the Max Day Assembly, 2:20-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center
• Friday, November 22: US Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
• Wednesday, November 27: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break
• Thursday, November 28: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break, MPA Campus Closed, Panther Club Closed, PreK Closed
• Friday, November 29: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break, MPA Campus Closed, Panther Club Closed, PreK Closed
• Wednesday, December 4: Founders’ Day Breakfast, 7-8 AM, Family Commons
• Wednesday, December 4: MS/US Parents: Students and Screens, 1:45-3 PM, Recital Hall
• Thursday, December 5: US Evening Conferences, 3:30-8 PM

As a student and younger adult, I would often hear people describe themselves as “burning the candle at both ends.” Not knowing what exactly this phrase meant, I found myself politely nodding and doing all I could to change the subject to something I understood better. Fast forward several years, I now clearly understand this phrase, especially as an educator and a parent, and realize that sleep is a crucial component of health and well-being, particularly for teenage students. During adolescence, the body goes through numerous physical and mental changes that require rest and sleep for a young adult (and older adults, too) to function. Research shows that teenagers need about eight to ten hours of sleep each night to support their growth and development. Unfortunately, many students struggle to meet this requirement, especially during the winter months when they often leave for school and return home in darkness.

The consequences of students not having enough sleep can be serious. Studies indicate that sleep deprivation can negatively impact cognitive performance, memory, and attention span. A report published by in July 2023 by the Centers for Disease Control highlights that “students who do not get enough sleep tend to have lower grades, an increased difficulty concentrating in class, and a higher risk for many health problems.” This is particularly alarming, considering that the winter season can exacerbate these issues due to reduced natural light exposure, which can affect mood and energy levels. Read More