Mounds Park Academy

February 21, 2019

There are freethinkers, free spirits, risk takers, right makers, dreamers, and doers who are standing up to support Together, We Dream. Here is one story that explains why. Meet Jim and Joan Gardner, MPA parents of alumni and alumni grandparents.

Why do you choose to give to Together, We Dream?
It represents the completion of promises made years ago.

Why do you choose to give to Together, We Dream even though your children have graduated?
MPA is in my blood. Its success is very important to me. My grandchildren have become the good people they are because of MPA.

How do you see the four priorities (library, commons, cafeteria and kitchen, endowment, and outdoor track) of Together, We Dream impacting the student experience?
The endowment is extremely important given the volatility of today’s economy. A modern cafeteria will give the students hygienic and healthy meals. The new library will give students access to state-of-the-art research tools and study tools, and the new track will give the school a safe place for athletes to compete at their best level. The only thing lacking is a pole vault pit!

What is your dream for the future of MPA and how do you see Together, We Dream working toward your dream?
My dream is and always has been that MPA continues to be the best environment for a child to blossom and grow into a good and imaginative person who accomplishes whatever she/he sets their minds on.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your MPA experience?
Keep up the good work (and add a pole vault pit)!

Honor where we’ve been. Power our way forward. Make a gift at moundsparkacademy.org/together/donate.

Finding Balance In The Snow

February 21, 2019

By Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

Like you, I spent a good part of the day Wednesday shoveling out from another blast of snow. I love the quiet of a snow storm and work to find balance between appreciating the beauty and cursing the extra work it requires. It has also been a challenge to find balance between the safety of our community and our commitment to academic excellence. Cancelling school is never an easy decision, particularly when we have missed so many days already. Finding balance is tough work.

As I was shoveling, I was thinking about another challenging balance that is important to maintain: the three A’s (arts, athletics, and academics) that serve as the foundation of our school’s mission. In particular, I’ve been troubled by the state of athletics, not only in Minnesota, but nationally. There has been a rise of single sport athletes and club sports that affects not only athletic programs, but also athletes themselves. At MPA, we strive to offer a variety of opportunities for our students, maintain a no-cut policy, and be competitive. However, that is becoming increasingly difficult to balance as well. Read More

Students Build Unity On Deep Portage Trip

February 21, 2019

Last week, the tenth graders went on a two-day, two-night trip to Deep Portage Conservation Reserve, which is located in north central Minnesota between Brainerd and Bemidji.

The purpose of the trip was to give students the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-life issues and problems, as well as build unity and community through a unique, memorable experience.

They spent lots of time in the superb “outdoor laboratory” that the Minnesota wilderness has to offer, and fostered an appreciation for our natural environment, as well as learned what needs to be done to live in harmony with it. “The weather was really nice during our time there,” commented one 10th grader, “and it was really fun to be outside with my classmates.”

In the words of the Deep Portage mission statement: “At the heart of the Deep Portage education is the belief that when people enjoy a quality experience in a quality environment, they are more likely to work to maintain a quality environment. This personal commitment is essential in preserving the environment for future generations.”

Spend Your Summer With Us

February 21, 2019

Summer is fast approaching, and we are excited to announce our 2019 Enrichment Classes, Panther Camp, and additional summer offerings! The variety of opportunities will help motivate and nurture your child’s curiosity and learning, while having lots of fun in the process!

Weekly-themed Panther Camp programs offer activities that allow students to explore nature, science, sports, arts, and so much more. Panther Camp is available June 10–14 and July 8–August 9. You can register your child for daily, half-day, and weekly Panther Camp options. Panther Camp is available 7 AM–6 PM.

Summer Enrichment Classes runs June 17–21 and offers a wide variety of engaging class topics such as: chess, art, science, academic, carpentry, sport, and more. Enrichment classes run 9 AM–4 PM, and during this week, free Panther Care is available from 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM.

During the week of June 24–28, we are offering the national award-winning STEM program, Camp Invention. This week-long camp consists of exciting, hands-on, inquiry-based activities that allow students to explore, create, and innovate. Camp Invention runs 9 AM–3:30 PM, with free Panther Care available 7–9 AM and 3:30–6 PM.

Also, for the first time ever, MPA is running a two-week long Summer Musical Theatre Camp directed by a local Twin Cities theatre director! Whether you have experience on stage or not, here is your chance to “SHINE.” This camp runs July 15–26 from 9 AM–12 PM, with a performance scheduled at end.

We look forward to a fun and productive summer, and hope you join us! Register and learn more here. Please contact Russ Purdy at rpurdy@moundsparkacademy.org if you have any questions.

Food For Thought Fridays

February 21, 2019

Friday, February 22 and Friday, March 1 are two more Free Food For Thought Fridays! These are opportunities for both students and parents to try MPA’s lunch program, in partnership with SAGE Dining.

If you and your student enjoyed the experience, Middle and Upper School students can add lunch for the remainder of the school year for $430—equivalent to just $5.75 per day. Lower School students can add lunch for the remainder of the school year for $380—equivalent to just $5 per day. Contact Amanda Platson, student billing coordinator, at aplatson@moundsparkacademy.org or 651-748-5502 to do so.

State Honor Choir Participants

February 21, 2019

Congratulations to Isak Dai and Ryan Ghose on their performance with the State 9-10 SATB Honor Choir! Under the direction of Bradley Miller from the University of Minnesota Morris, Ryan and Isak sang a variety of repertoire with some of the best ninth and tenth grade musicians from across the state. Both are members of MPA’s Madrigal Singers and Concert Choir.

MPA Maker Fest This Saturday

February 21, 2019

Maker Fest 2019 is this weekend! On Saturday, February 23 from 1-3 PM, See our community’s hard work come to life in the AnnMarie Thomas Makerspace. Anyone is welcome to attend as a spectator, and no RSVP is necessary! Students, parents, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni, faculty, staff, and more will be showcasing a variety of skills, crafts, inventions, and activities.

If you have questions, please contact Ms. Koen, Makerspace coordinator, at nkoen@moundsparkacademy.org. We can’t wait to see you there!

Invite A Friend To Lunch At MPA!

February 21, 2019

Do you have a friend, colleague, or neighbor who would love MPA? Invite them to lunch here on campus! Our next admission event, Lunch At MPA, is March 13 from 11:30 AM-1 PM!

This event will include a casual lunch with students and administrators, as well as a tour of campus to see students and teachers in action during a regular school day. Students are welcome, but not required to attend.

Let them know to RSVP in advance for this engaging program at moundsparkacademy.org/RSVP. If you have any questions, contact the Office of Admission at 651-748-5577 or admission@moundsparkacademy.org.

Join Us For Lunch At MPA

February 20, 2019

Please join us for lunch here at MPA on Tuesday, March 13 from 11:30 AM-1 PM!

This will include a casual lunch with students and administrators, as well as a tour of campus to see students and teachers in action during a regular school day. Students are welcome, but not required to attend. We look forward to getting to know your entire family!

Kindly RSVP in advance for this engaging program at moundsparkacademy.org/RSVP. If you have any questions, contact the Office of Admission at 651-748-5577 or admission@moundsparkacademy.org.

Weather Closure Wednesday, February 20

February 19, 2019

Dr. Hudson, head of school, and members of the administrative team have been closely monitoring the forecast this evening. Unfortunately, we have had to make the difficult decision to cancel all classes, activities, practices, and events for tomorrow, Wednesday, February 20, due to the approaching snow.

This is not a decision we take lightly as we balance the safety of our students and families with the commitment that we make to our students’ time in class. Safety, however, is always our highest priority.

We look forward to seeing you Thursday … and are hopeful that this is the last closure of the 2018-19 school year!