Dear MPA Class of 2027 Families,
I hope this note finds you well; looking forward to the winter break coming soon. Now is the time of year that we begin to look forward to and prepare for the next school year. I look forward to welcoming your student and family to the Upper School and have created several opportunities for you to learn more about the ninth grade and the academic and social journey through the Upper School.
Although in the same building, adhering to the same mission, and at times with the same faculty, the Upper School program has a different feel than the Middle School program. This intentional difference meets the students where they are developmentally and offers them opportunities to dive more deeply into curricular areas of interest while emerging as student leaders. Socially, their worlds expand with approximately 20 new students joining the Class of 2027, and athletically, they have the opportunity to thrive in a more competitive program (despite our no-cut approach). I hope you are excited to learn much more about the program and all that is to come for your Panther!
Class of 2027 Feed Your Mind Dinner & Panel Discussion
The first opportunity for the Class of 2027 will occur on Monday, January 9, at 6 PM. You and your student are invited to a “Feed Your Mind” dinner and panel discussion in the Family Commons. Please complete this form by Wednesday, January 4, to RSVP for this special event, where a delicious MPA meal will be served while you hear from Upper School students, faculty, and administrators. Bring your questions, wonderings, and worries!
Shadow In Upper School
Members of the Class of 2027 are invited to shadow a current ninth-grade student to gain a better sense and understanding of “a day in the life” of the Upper School. We will work to individualize a shadow visit schedule that includes specific courses in which your student is interested. Please complete this form if your student would like to schedule a shadow visit.
Parent Coffees
I will be hosting two coffees for rising ninth-grade parents to learn more about the Upper School at MPA, ask questions, and share the excitement of this next important step in students’ educational journey. Please mark your calendar for Friday, January 20, 8-9 AM and Thursday, January 26, 6-7 PM (before the Upper School Winter Show performance). No RSVP is required, and coffee, tea, and light refreshments will be provided at each gathering.
At-School Opportunities
The Upper School Peer Leaders and Student Council will meet with eighth graders in the coming months to provide class information. They will also hold a Club Fair providing the Class of 2027 with a sense of the student-led opportunities in the Upper School.
Individual Meetings
Lastly, I invite you to schedule individual time with me via Calendly to meet, either in-person or via Zoom, to answer any questions, share information about the Upper School program, and tour Upper School classes. An individual meeting is an excellent opportunity to connect specifically about your child and family. Of course, I am always available to you via email as well: [email protected].
Now in my seventh year at MPA, I am excited to work closely with the Class of 2027 and welcome them to the Upper School. I will serve as your point person during your family’s divisional transition, ensuring that your entire family is excited about and confident in this important next step. I look forward to getting to know you and your family better over the coming weeks, months, and years and welcoming you to the Upper School.
Warmly,
