Homecoming And Alumni Reunion Weekend
January 23, 2019
If you are from the classes of 1994, 1995, 2004, 2005, 2014, and 2015, then please mark your calendars for next year’s Homecoming and Reunion Weekend! We’ll be celebrating your Milestone Reunions on Saturday, September 28, 2019. In the coming months, we’ll be reaching out to your classes to get you involved and provide more information. We hope to see you there!
Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards 2019
January 23, 2019
The Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards (MSAA) is organized and administered by the Art Educators of Minnesota. Professional jurors select work submitted by students in grades 7-12. The competition is recognized by the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design.
Out of 3,746 submissions this year, awards were granted as follows: 309 Gold Keys, 384 Silver Keys, 699 Honorable Mentions. Gold Key work will go on to compete at the national level.
Gold Key works will be on display at the Regis Center for the Arts West Gallery at the University of Minnesota, from February 5-23, 2019. Silver Key works will be displayed digitally in a slide presentation on gallery monitors during the exhibition. Gold Key, Silver Key, and Honorable Mention works will all be featured in an online gallery.
Please join the Visual Art Department in congratulating the following artists who had work recognized in the 2019 Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards! Read More
Enhancing The Academic Experience
January 23, 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 Elizabeth and Dan Esch, MPA parents and parents of alumni.
What impact do you see the completion of Together, We Dream: The Campaign for MPA having on your family?
Although 75 percent of our children have graduated and will not be able to enjoy the physical and aesthetic benefits of the renovation, Evan will be able to enjoy an enhanced and updated environment for his senior year at MPA! Beyond our family, I am excited to see the benefits that the entire MPA community will experience.
Why did you choose to give to Together, We Dream?
Our family donated to Together, We Dream: The Campaign for MPA because we want to give back to a community and school that has given so much to our children in terms of amazing academics, an open-minded attitude and a “can do” spirit. In addition, the fine arts programs are second to none—specifically photography, drawing, ceramics, choir, and band. Lastly, we are grateful to our foreign language department and its teachers who have encouraged international travel and interest in cultures outside of the United States!
How do you see the four priorities (library, commons, cafeteria, and kitchen, endowment, and outdoor track) of Together, We Dream impacting the student experience?
Having an updated library with an improved area for study, lecture, and research will enhance the academic experience for MPA students. The new kitchen and cafeteria will provide an even better dining experience with state-of-the-art equipment for improved cooking methods and healthy, nutritious meals for our students. The new eating area will allow for socializing and rejuvenating in a lovely, updated space. The outdoor track will show MPA’s dedication to sports as well as academics. Our alumna daughter participated in track and our alumnus son participated in soccer. The track is in desperate need of renovation.
What is your dream for the future of MPA and how do you see Together, We Dream working toward your dream?
I would like the number of students per grade at MPA to increase a bit. Improving and renovating MPA will make it more competitive with other private schools in the area. In addition, it will enhance the day-to-day school life of MPA’s students and staff.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your MPA experience?
We love MPA and are grateful to the teachers and faculty that make it a great place to be a student!
Honor where we’ve been. Power our way forward. Make a gift at moundsparkacademy.org/together/donate.
January 23, 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 Leah Anderson, MPA parent.
What impact do you see the completion of Together, We Dream: The Campaign for MPA having on your family?
As the campaign completes, it will create an even more exciting, engaging, cutting-edge, and collaborative set of spaces where our children can continue to dream big and do right, innovate for good in the world, and challenge each other to be their best selves.
Why do you choose to give to Together, We Dream and the MPA Fund?
As with any critical strategic investment, MPA will only continue to be the incredible institution that it is today with ongoing investment in its future. Giving helps ensure that MPA will be here tomorrow—even better, and stronger, than it is today.
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 updated library will reflect the way that we work, interact, problem solve, research, study, and learn in the new world and prepare students for similar experiences as they pursue their college study and careers. The cafeteria and kitchen—what can I say? It will just be AWESOME. And the endowment is critical to ensure this school can continue to run a strong foundation for the future. And last, but not least, the track helps emphasize our commitment to the value and balance that a focus on athletics provides in an academically rigorous environment.
What is your dream for the future of MPA and how do you see Together, We Dream working toward your dream?
My dream is for MPA to be recognized as the leader it is in its pursuit of excellence, continuous improvement, academic rigor, and student experience/outcomes.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your MPA experience?
We love it!!!
Honor where we’ve been. Power our way forward. Make a gift at moundsparkacademy.org/donate/together.
January 23, 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 Colleen Casey and Kurt Keogh, MPA parents.
What impact do you see the completion of Together, We Dream: The Campaign for MPA having on your family?
Our kids are going to really enjoy the innovative design of the new spaces.
Why do you choose to give to Together, We Dream?
Our kids are young enough to enjoy the new spaces for many years to come. Also, the layout for the library and cafeteria further promotes a warm, fun, and comforting community feel.
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 kids are really going to love hanging out in different spaces. The different rooms and spaces equally cater to kids and teachers from the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools.
What is your dream for the future of MPA and how do you see Together, We Dream working toward your dream?
I am impressed at how my kids look forward to going to school everyday. I think the new additions will only add to their positive experience.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your MPA experience?
The new spaces are forward thinking and I am impressed by the creativity of the design team. Also, completing this project without incurring debt is wonderful!
Honor where we’ve been. Power our way forward. Make a gift at moundsparkacademy.org/donate/together.
January 17, 2019
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
“If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.” ― Yogi Berra
Last week I wrote about new year’s resolutions and the basic human drive for continuous improvement and growth. Having a goal in mind and a sense of direction helps us make small decisions and choices along the way to accomplish what we have set forward. As Alice found out from the Cheshire Cat, without an end in mind any road will suffice. Equally as profound, Yogi Berra reminds us that without an idea of where we are going, we will end up someplace else.
As we mark the mid-way point of the school year, it has been my custom to provide an update on Momentum 2020, our school’s long-range strategic plan. Approved by the Board of Trustees in January of 2015, Momentum 2020 is the result of nearly a year of research, conversation, visioning, and strategic thinking that involved hundreds of students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, and parents of alumni. Together, we’ve made incredible progress over the past four years.
January 17, 2019
The Lansing Sports Center will once again be open most Saturday mornings this winter for MPA families and their friends. Please see below for an updated schedule of open gym dates and times.
If you know a family who might be interested in learning more about our school, this would be a great opportunity to welcome them to campus!
Saturday, January 19: 8-10:30 AM
Saturday, January 26: 9 AM-12 PM
Saturday, February 2: 9 AM-12 PM
Saturday, February 9: 9 AM-12 PM
Saturday, February 23: 9 AM-12 PM
You are welcome to come and use the track, sports center and fitness center. If you have any questions, please contact the Athletic Office at 651-748-5630.
January 16, 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 Sheri Lyons ’86, an MPA parent of an alumna and a member of the first graduating class at MPA.
What impact do you see the completion of Together, We Dream: The Campaign for MPA having on your family?
It will benefit our family for generations to come.
Why do you choose to give to Together, We Dream?
I believe that the completion of this project is a culmination of the vision that began over 35 years ago. I am excited to see it come to fruition.
Why do you choose to give to Together, We Dream even though you and your daughter have graduated?
As a member of the first graduating class at MPA, I feel that this campaign will complete the vision that the founders had for our community, and benefit all future generations of students!
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 Library and Cafeteria are the only remaining original spaces at MPA. The fact that they were outdated 30 years ago, when I was a student, should speak volumes about the need for change.
What is your dream for the future of MPA and how do you see Together, We Dream working toward your dream?
I feel that the building that Mounds Park Academy is housed in should reflect the progressive and forward thinking ideas the teachers and administration impart to its students.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your MPA experience?
One of the main reasons that I chose MPA for my daughter is that the mission and vision that a group of educators had for this school 30 years ago, is still present in its halls today.
Honor where we’ve been. Power our way forward. Make a gift at moundsparkacademy.org/donate/together.
January 15, 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 Nansee Greeley, parents of alumni. Nansee was a longtime faculty member and administrator.
What impact do you see the completion of Together, We Dream: The Campaign for MPA having on your family? Our family will not be using the new facilities, but will enjoy the fact that present and future students will benefit greatly.
Why do you choose to give to Together, We Dream and the MPA Fund? MPA has been a part of our life since its inception. We love to see it continue to flourish.
How do you see the four priorities (library, commons, cafeteria, and kitchen, endowment, and outdoor track) of Together, We Dream impacting the student experience?
MPA students are in the cafeteria daily. It is important that they have an inviting space for lunch. In this day and age of technology, it is important that we provide students time to interact with each other without the distraction of phones and computers. The kitchen upgrade will insure the continuance of healthy, appealing lunches. Libraries have evolved into something much more than a receptacle for books. This new library will allow and encourage a broad use of the facility.
What is your dream for the future of MPA and how do you see Together, We Dream working toward your dream?
My dream for MPA is that it will continue to be the child-centered school it has always been. These new changes will simply facilitate this type of learning.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your MPA experience?
I have been a part of MPA since it first opened its doors. It has been a vital part of our family for all of these years.
Honor where we’ve been. Power our way forward. Make a gift at moundsparkacademy.org/donate/together.
Panthers Take First In ABC Relay Race
January 14, 2019
Congratulations to all MPA skiers who participated in the ABC Relay races this past Saturday, January 12, at Theodore Wirth Park! The team of Henry Snider, Isak Nightingale, Peter Manolis, and Matthew Bourne put together an excellent race and came home with the first place trophy, beating second and third ranked teams. Eighteen schools participated in the relay in groups of four, and MPA came in first place, the best results in the school’s Nordic ski team history. Congratulations, Panthers!