Mounds Park Academy

April 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 Isaac Marshall ’11.

What impact do you see the completion of Together, We Dream: The Campaign for MPA having on your family?
Completing the Together, We Dream campaign will allow MPA to be around and thriving for years to come.

Why do you believe it is important to give to both Together, We Dream AND to the annual MPA Fund as you would in other years?
I believe that it is important to give to both Together, We Dream and the MPA Annual Fund because each of these gifts supports MPA in different ways. The sustainability of MPA comes from focusing on both short- and long-term goals and by giving to both funds I am supporting MPA today and helping it grow into a school of tomorrow.

Why do you choose to give to Together, We Dream even though you have graduated?
I choose to give to Together, We Dream even though I’ve graduated because I care deeply about the future of MPA and value the education and experience I had there. I want to enable others to not only experience MPA as I did but to experience an MPA that has grown and evolved with our changing world. As students, we deserve an educational experience that adapts to the time in which we live. Although my time as a student at MPA is over, I know that my MPA experience was only possible because of the generosity and commitment of those who gave to MPA before me.

How do you see the four priorities (library, commons, cafeteria and kitchen, endowment, and outdoor track) of Together, We Dream impacting the student experience?
I see the four priorities impacting the whole student. The re-imagined spaces will provide fresh perspectives and experiences for learning and socializing. These spaces are designed to engage students in ways the current spaces simply cannot. The outdoor track demonstrates our commitment to physical well-being and updating our facilities to continue hosting events and developing stellar athletes. Taking this opportunity to grow the endowment will galvanize the priorities of this campaign so this new student experience is available to students for years to come.

What is your dream for the future of MPA and how do you see Together, We Dream working toward your dream?
My dream for the future of MPA is to continue innovating in education, demonstrating excellence through action, and teaching students to think creatively and compassionately and work together to make a better world.

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

Join Us For The Annual Retirement Celebration

April 16, 2019

We are celebrating three long-time faculty and staff members as they retire at the end of this school year. Please join us in showing your appreciation for Karen Rossbach, Dave McGaha, and Laurie Foss, by attending the annual Retirement Celebration on Thursday, May 30 from 4-7 PM at Keller Golf Course. An invitation will follow. Mounds Park Academy extends its sincere gratitude for all they have done for our students and community.

“It sounds so cliché, but I will miss the people the most. I could have never imagined working with people who were so supportive and philosophically on the same page about education. And the children brought me so much joy each day,” says Karen. Read More

The Intellectual Heart Of MPA

April 11, 2019

Editor’s note: We sat down with Nancy Lage, librarian, to ask her a few questions about Together, We Dream: The Campaign for MPA and what impact she sees a new library having on our community.

How will the new library enhance your program and better meet your students’ needs?
The new library will impact our program by providing students more flexible spaces for multiple age groups to learn and collaborate. These spaces can transform how we all work together as a learning community. There will be an expanded technology infrastructure for interactive instruction as well as designated spaces for evolving student artwork and exhibits. A modern and developmentally appropriate children’s room is being designed and inspired by nature. Several of the reading and research spaces will have comfortable seating, natural lighting and individual study spaces as well as a conference room and access to the adjoining outdoor courtyard—all of which will enhance school-wide literacy, activities and events.

What part of the new space are you, as an educator, most excited for?
The library is the intellectual heart of MPA; the primary foundation for knowledge, stories and skills. Moving the new library to the center of the school makes the entire design very exciting to me. Not only will it offer easy access to students, faculty and families, but it will be infused with fresh spaces that provide students a place for personal reflection and self-awareness through literature and knowledge.

How will this library make dreams come true?
The inspiration for this new library began many years ago. To see it happening is truly a dream come true for me, and for so many community members. I am certain that this new library will enrich students’ experiences and encourage life-long learning and the exchange of ideas. My sincere hope is that it will continue to meet the changing needs of the MPA community now and in the years to come. Everyone is welcome to join in the dream!

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

Inspiring A Playful And Joyful Performance

April 11, 2019

by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

It is difficult to be thinking about spring while a snow storm is bearing down on us and we are all enjoying an unexpected snow day. However, spring is my favorite season for many reasons. One of which is the Lower School Art and Music Show. Slowly, over spring break, the gallery and halls of MPA come alive with beautiful works of art created by our Lower School students. Ms. Rossbach works throughout the break to carefully curate and present their art thoughtfully and enchantingly. If you have walked the halls this past week or so, I am sure you will agree with me that it is magnificent.

The theme of this year’s show is inspired by the music of the Beatles, envisioned and interpreted by our very talented Lower School students. Art teacher Karen Rossbach and Music teacher Mari Espeland have yet again collaborated magnificently—as they have for more than 33 years—to integrate art and music, inspiring a playful and joyful performance that cannot be matched elsewhere.

Food Allergy Aware Change For The 2019-20 School Year

April 11, 2019

Beginning last school year, MPA made a commitment to becoming an even more Food Allergy Aware School and has been guided in part by the voluntary guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We defined guidelines for our school community, enhanced procedures, and provided additional training and resources for faculty and staff related to all food allergies.

Due to the rising number of students at MPA with life-threatening peanut and/or tree nut allergies, and the rising rate of food allergies in general, MPA will prohibit foods with peanuts and/or tree nuts throughout the school and at all school events beginning July 1, 2019. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food allergies are a growing food safety and public health concern that affect an estimated 4%–6% of children in the United States. One in five children with a food allergy will have a reaction at school. It is important to note that in the United States, fatal or near fatal reactions are most often caused by peanuts and tree nuts.

A Momentous Day For Our Alumni Community

April 11, 2019

by Jennifer Rogers-Petitt, Director of Development and Community Engagement

Tuesday, April 9 was a momentous day for our MPA alumni community! Our school’s dedicated alumni and parents of alumni joined together to meet the 2019 Alumni Challenge by giving more than $92,000 in support of MPA. This total exceeded the $75,000 goal for this annual day of giving.

Alumni and their parents were given the chance to give for now by supporting the MPA Fund, to give for the future by supporting Together, We Dream, or both! This was a record year for the Alumni Challenge and 139 generous donors from our alumni community made this possible. Thank you to all of the MPA grads and their families who joined in to pay it forward to support MPA students now and in the future. Read More

No School Today April 11

April 11, 2019

Due to the weather conditions predicted throughout today, and the current road conditions, school is cancelled today, April 11. This includes all activities, practices, and events including the Lower School Art and Music Show that has been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 16.

This is not a decision we take lightly. We have been in close communication with our bus company, First Student, and we have been monitoring the conditions closely. We believe it is in the best interest of the entire community that we not have school today.

Please stay safe and warm. We look forward to seeing you on campus Friday!

Parents Association Open House & Upcoming Events

April 10, 2019

We invite the MPA community to attend the MPA Parents Association Open House on Friday, April 19 from 8-9 AM in the Porter Conference Room. Come enjoy coffee and a light breakfast as we discuss our accomplishments this past year and plans for the upcoming school year. Please attend as we would love to get your feedback and ideas. If you are interested in taking on a PA Board or Event Chair position for next year, come to the Open House for more information or contact Kim Jakway at thejakways@gmail.com. We would love to see you and really appreciate your help! Read More

MPA Is Seeking Host Families

April 10, 2019

Do you have room to spare? Space in your heart for another family member? A desire to expand your family’s perspective of the world? MPA is seeking host families for several international students for the 2019-20 school year.

Our new students this year are finding great success, experiencing near-daily “firsts,” and loving their MPA journey. Between the adults in their school and home lives, our students feel supported, nurtured, and loved while living so far from their families. This is vital to their success and the strongest testament to everything our MPA host families and staff do to care for our international students.

We would love it if you and your family considered hosting an international student for next school year. As you and your family consider hosting, some logistical questions may arise. The information below is by no means an exhaustive list, but it may answer some of the initial questions you have and prompt additions ones as well:

TRANSPORTATION

Host families are responsible for providing transportation to and from school and school-related activities.
Host families are responsible for providing transportation to and from the airport when the student travels.
Host families will work with their student in scheduling rides for social events.

STIPEND

A 10-month stipend of $9,000 will be directly deposited in equal installments of $900/month on the first of each month for the previous month, September through June.
An early installment of $500 will be deposited on August 1 in preparation of your student’s arrival; the remaining $400 will be deposited on September 1.
The daily stipend rate of $30/day will be taken from and disbursed to host families who are providing respite care for a student, as needed.

MEALS

All international students will receive the MPA school lunch. Host families and students do not need to pack lunches.
Host families are responsible for providing two meals on all weekdays and three meals on all weekend days.

ARRIVAL

New-to-MPA students are being asked to arrive over the weekend of August 17-18, 2019.
New students will have New International Student Orientation on August 20-23.
Returning MPA students will probably arrive on/near August 26, preparing for the first day of school on August 28.

By hosting an international student, you and your family have a unique opportunity to bring the language, culture, and perspective of another country into your home, allowing for a truly rich, intercultural experience. The students will love to share their lives with you while becoming a part of your family, exploring Minnesota, and enjoying MPA student life all at the same time.

We hope you’ll consider opening your hearts and homes to one of our international students. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Sarah McFarland, International Student Program Coordinator and Advanced Language & Culture Teacher, at smcfarland@moundsparkacademy.org or 651-777-2555.

Click here to fill out a Host Family Application, and here for more information. Thank you so much for considering!

Summer Enrichment with Mr. Purdy

April 10, 2019

Learning should truly be a magical, creative, hands-on process. “The Science of Harry Potter” summer enrichment class does just that and is the perfect vehicle for what Mr. Purdy likes to call “Imaginerring”—the joy of combining science and imagination. In class, you will use science and your imagination to create a Golden Snitch catapult, use chemistry to brew magic potions, create Troll Bogey magnetic sand, and so much more. Get ready to bring science to life! This class is for grades two through four, and will be held June 17-21, 10:40 AM-12:10 PM.

When it comes to teaching and learning, no one puts it better than Miss Frizzle from the Magic School Bus series when she says, “Take Chances, Make Mistakes, Get Messy.” In the “Let’s Make a Mess” summer enrichment class, we will do just that. If we can make it goop, platter, foam, pop, or fizz we will. Besides having a lot of fun getting messy, we will learn the science behind what makes it pop, fizz, splatter, and foam. Students in grades kindergarten through four are welcome to enroll in this class, and it will be held June 17-21, 9-10:30 AM.

Visit moundsparkacademy.org/summer to sign up for these fun summer enrichment classes!