December 18, 2025
from Mark Segal, Upper School director
As Upper School students and the MPA community head into winter break, the importance of keeping the mind active cannot be overstated. Breaks are an important and sought-after time to rest and recharge, but they can also lead to a loss of academic momentum if the brain goes entirely unused (like how a muscle atrophies when not in use). One simple and effective way to stay intellectually engaged is to follow the advice a prior school administrator regularly shared before long breaks: read for pleasure.
Reading keeps the brain active while still feeling restorative. It strengthens creativity and critical thinking skills, which are vital not only for academic success but also for lifelong learning. Reading for leisure also allows students to explore new ideas, cultures, and perspectives, broadening their understanding of the world beyond the classroom. Whether through novels, short stories, essays, or nonfiction, reading invites us to step into different experiences and develop empathy by seeing the world through the eyes of others.
In addition to these cognitive and emotional benefits, reading for pleasure naturally supports vocabulary growth and stronger writing skills. Exposure to diverse voices, styles, and structures enhances students’ own communication abilities in ways that feel organic rather than instructional.
Each year, well-respected educator, former principal, and educational consultant Kim Marshall shares a thoughtfully curated list of “best books,” drawing on recommendations from “the School Library Journal.” The list includes a wide range of genres and reading levels, ensuring there is something to spark interest for every reader. Families and students can access the list here. Read More
We are very excited to announce MPA’s Ski & Snowboard Club for grades seven through 12 at Afton Alps! If 15 students—who don’t already have season passes—sign up, we will be eligible for Ski Club discount tickets. If we can hit our goal, lift tickets will be $39 and rentals will be $37. 
The MPA SAGE dining team has earned FARECheck Silver certification through FARE-approved Serve It Safely training, a nationally recognized mark of excellence in food allergy awareness and safety.
From George Mills ’04
from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school
Congratulations to the MPA debate team on a fantastic performance at the Classic State Debate Festival. Fifty students represented the school and debated about the benefits and drawbacks of the U.S. military commitment to South Korea. Their countless hours of research, thinking, and practice contributed to numerous successes across the three divisions of competition—novice, junior varsity, and varsity and to the team finishing third in the sweepstakes competition.
This message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the December 10, 2025 issue of InsideMPA. 
from Mark Segal, Upper School director