Boys 7/8 Basketball 2015-16 CAA Divisionl Champions
EIGHTH GRADE CHARACTER PRESENTATIONS It is fascinating to see how comfortable MPA eighth graders are in front of a crowd. Perhaps it is because MPA students are introduced to public speaking early on to create that comfort. But when it comes to the Eighth Grade Character Presentations, a speech is more than just speaking. It may very well be the most personal students have ever been with their peers. With MAKER FEST
poise, pride, and a little bit of humor, the eighth grade
Coming up on the Makerspace’s first birthday, we’ve seen
students are giving their annual rounds of character
how children absolutely flourish in it. They are in there
presentations. The concept of the speech is simple.
growing, creating, learning, and playing every day. But
As you exit Middle School and enter your journey into
Ms. Koen developed an invention herself—a way to
Upper School, how has your character developed? But
showcase the brilliance of Makers among our entire
the content the students present is much deeper than
community. Thus, the first annual Maker Fest came to
that. They must first establish their interpretations
be on February 24, 2018, and it was an unforgettable
of the nine character pillars: collaboration,
Saturday at MPA. Maker Fest brought together students
communication, courage, creativity, curiosity, gratitude,
from every division, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and
integrity, perseverance, and respect. They dig into
parents of alumni, all connected by MPA and their
questions about themselves and how they exhibit, or
passionate creativity. Everything from handmade clothing
don’t exhibit, any of the nine. They then analyze and
out of found materials to robots and LED circuits lit up the
share the character traits they live and breathe every
Makerspace and cafeteria, with help, of course, from the
day and the ones they hope to possess as they begin
smiles of admiring guests and Makers.
these new stages of growing.
MPA TALKS The 2018 MPA Talks brought new perspectives, approaches, and stories as we gathered to hear from three of our insightful community members. MPA Parent Dr. Sheneeta White spoke to empower young women and motivate them to add value everywhere they go in life. Junior Ling DeBellis told her personal story, how her dedication, perseverance, and optimism helped her accomplish her dreams. Science faculty Hannah Sullivan opened our eyes to create opportunities out of our passions. These incredible women have written their own histories, and we are proud to have them as part of ours. 9