December 5, 2024
MPA is excited to announce the hiring of Ms. Julia Ross as the Lower School learning specialist. She started on December 2, and we are thrilled to introduce her to the community!
From what school/organization are you coming?
I taught first grade at Partnership Academy.
Tell us about your education and past experience.
I have my bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, and my master’s degree in educational leadership from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. I have taught first grade for the past seven years and absolutely loved my time in the classroom. One of my favorite things about education is building relationships with students, helping them learn so much about the world and themselves, and showing them they are capable of oh so many things!
What did you find appealing about MPA?
I immediately felt that my beliefs aligned with Mounds Park Academy. The inclusivity, high academic achievement, and the commitment to being student-centered is what really drew me in. I can already tell that Mounds Park Academy is committed to each and every student and believes they can achieve anything. I am beyond excited to be a part of the community and to make an impact here.
What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA and its students?
I believe my commitment to academic excellence and building character will go a long way. I am eager to begin building relationships with students, showing them they can do anything and helping them achieve their dreams! Read More
Cookies, Coffee & Connection! We would love to see you before winter break.
What makes a strong kindergarten program? How do you know what will be a good fit for your child? Should you find a program that focuses on academics, play, or one that promotes both? Is a public elementary school the right choice or a private one with smaller kindergarten class sizes?
Connection is brewing yet again! Join division directors and special guests at the upcoming quarterly coffees!
“I’m living the dream every day,” remarks kindergarten teacher Katie Roche. “Not only do I have the honor of helping our kindergarteners grow into readers, mathematicians, scientists, and historians, I have the privilege of helping them learn to love school and truly love learning. That is the feeling we want them to have walking in through the front door every day, and to be carried with them even as adults.”
from James Lekatz, Middle and Upper School drama teacher and director
As I see my two-year-old daughter Rory bounce to music (usually to Taylor Swift or Pitbull, to be honest…) in our living room, I’m transported back to MPA’s band room, where Ms. Goucher and Ms. Wantock challenged us to stretch beyond our comfort zones with both the technical music selection and the style of play. Those years of playing taught me more than just musical notes—they instilled a deep appreciation for the joy of creative expression and the rewards of patient practice. Now, as a parent, I find myself drawing on these lessons, encouraging my daughter to explore, create, and persist even when things don’t come easily. It’s because of generous giving during the fall campaign (as well as donations year-round) that students from around the school are able to try, tinker, and hone their skills with a number of musical instruments not available at many schools around the country.
One of the most frequent questions asked of our admission staff when families are first exploring our school is, “Tell me about homework” or “How much homework do students have at Mounds Park Academy?” MPA’s philosophy is that homework should always affirm and confirm what students have learned in the classroom. In other words, homework assignments should be about practice. When homework is designed this way, it leads to students taking responsibility for their assignments because they understand how to approach it. Our end goal is that students will find motivation within themselves to succeed. We also work to teach our students balance. We want them to be able to focus on their academic achievements, but also be in the musical, or play soccer, or participate in debate. It is important that students can handle the responsibility of homework without them drowning in it. Rigor at MPA is not the amount of homework you have or the number of hours you spend studying. Rigor at MPA is a deep and meaningful inquiry.
Save The Dates! Below is a preview of exciting opportunities for families to build community at MPA this winter. Don’t miss your chance to volunteer, donate, and/or show up for the fun!
from Mark Segal, Upper School director