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Upper SchoolA Letter from the Head of Upper Division Welcome to our unusually warm and supportive Upper School, where older students are encouraged to explore and discover new strengths and interests. It is a place where hard work and high academic standards go hand-in-hand with strong and lasting human bonds, friendships, and fun. It is an environment that students long remember as "a great place." One of the reasons for the happy spirit of the Upper School is the relationship between students and adults. At any moment, students are working side by side with faculty and staff in meaningful ways. There is clear respect between teachers and students, and students know that they can rely on help and support. Each year, exiting Seniors advise, "The teachers are one of the best things at MPH. Get to know them as soon as you can." Each student selects a personal advisor, who is primarily responsible for her/his social and academic life in the Upper School. Two teachers at each grade level assist class projects and class trips. Students are the strength of the Upper School. Encouraging diversity always, Upper School students come from many communities, many backgrounds, and even many countries. Students are talented in unique ways, and are supported in the growth and development of special things that they do inside school as well as outside of the school boundaries. MPH has champion musicians, artists, athletes, and scholars. Independent initiative is encouraged in all aspects of student life. In the Upper School, academics come first. All Upper School students are expected to attend college or university, and there is a well- developed and active program in place to help match students with their choice of colleges. There is a full range of academic selections, with many special courses added each year as expert teachers from the community become available. Students have the opportunity to take advantage of Advanced Placement courses in all academic areas. Written communication is valued and emphasized in all areas of the curriculum. Opportunity for journalism and publication of creative work include the newspaper, the yearbook and The Windmill literary publication. International awareness is enhanced by Model United Nations, by regular international student exchange and by several international travel opportunities each year. Older students may design an independent study course and may take a course for college credit through the MPH program at Onondaga Community College. The Upper School encourages students to take part in as much fine and performing arts as possible during the four years. It is the School's belief that the arts are an integral part of academic preparation as well as lifetime enrichment. Excellent arts opportunities are boundless, from individual music lessons to jazz ensemble or chorale, from general art to advanced portfolio preparation. Drama, dance and the annual Musical offer opportunities in acting, performance, and technical assistance. A full and busy athletic schedule is available for girls and for boys. With three main seasons, athletes may select from sports they enjoy or ones they wish to learn. Participation in sports is encouraged, and physical education, or the equivalent, is required each year. Student programs are many and varied, concentrating on service to the school and the community, and leadership training. Students are included in the Student-Faculty Judicial Committee, and serve in many other important functions of the school. Clubs and organizations are many, for example language clubs, Student Council, Z Club (service), and National Honor Society. Each student in the Upper School is a "buddy" with a student in Lower School. Everyone is encouraged to participate in community and religious activities, in summer enrichment courses and camps, and in overseas adventure, travel and study programs. This is just a brief overview of a rich and varied experience for Upper School students. We are an extraordinarily open and friendly community, so we thank you for your interest in the Upper School and invite a further look at any time. I am always available to you through email at vsatterfield@mph.net, and you may reach me by phone or fax at school. Virginia Satterfield  |
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