Mounds Park Academy

Upper School Division News November 14, 2024

November 14, 2024

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

Sunday, November 17-Saturday, November 23: Fall Campaign
Monday, November 18: US Boys Basketball Parent Meeting, 6-7 PM, Family Commons
Thursday, November 21: Give to the Max Day
Thursday, November 21: Spirit Wear Day
Thursday, November 21: Give to the Max Day Assembly, 2:20-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center
Friday, November 22: US Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
Wednesday, November 27: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break
Thursday, November 28: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break, MPA Campus Closed, Panther Club Closed, PreK Closed
Friday, November 29: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break, MPA Campus Closed, Panther Club Closed, PreK Closed
Wednesday, December 4: Founders’ Day Breakfast, 7-8 AM, Family Commons
Wednesday, December 4: MS/US Parents: Students and Screens, 1:45-3 PM, Recital Hall
Thursday, December 5: US Evening Conferences, 3:30-8 PM

As a student and younger adult, I would often hear people describe themselves as “burning the candle at both ends.” Not knowing what exactly this phrase meant, I found myself politely nodding and doing all I could to change the subject to something I understood better. Fast forward several years, I now clearly understand this phrase, especially as an educator and a parent, and realize that sleep is a crucial component of health and well-being, particularly for teenage students. During adolescence, the body goes through numerous physical and mental changes that require rest and sleep for a young adult (and older adults, too) to function. Research shows that teenagers need about eight to ten hours of sleep each night to support their growth and development. Unfortunately, many students struggle to meet this requirement, especially during the winter months when they often leave for school and return home in darkness.

The consequences of students not having enough sleep can be serious. Studies indicate that sleep deprivation can negatively impact cognitive performance, memory, and attention span. A report published by in July 2023 by the Centers for Disease Control highlights that “students who do not get enough sleep tend to have lower grades, an increased difficulty concentrating in class, and a higher risk for many health problems.” This is particularly alarming, considering that the winter season can exacerbate these issues due to reduced natural light exposure, which can affect mood and energy levels. Read More

Middle School Division News November 14, 2024

November 14, 2024

from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars

Saturday, November 16: MS Tech Day, 9 AM-1 PM, Black Box
Sunday, November 17-Saturday, November 23: Fall Campaign
Thursday, November 21: Give to the Max Day
Thursday, November 21: Spirit Wear Day
Thursday, November 21: Give to the Max Day Assembly, 2:20-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center
Friday, November 22: MS Play “Little Women,” 7-8:30 PM, Black Box
Saturday, November 23: MS Play “Little Women,” 2-3:30 PM, Black Box
Sunday, November 24: MS Play “Little Women,” 2-3:30 PM, Black Box
Wednesday, November 27: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break
Thursday, November 28: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break, MPA Campus Closed, Panther Club Closed, PreK Closed
Friday, November 29: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break, MPA Campus Closed, Panther Club Closed, PreK Closed
Monday, December 2: Class of 2029 Feed Your Mind Dinner, 6-8 PM, Family Commons
Wednesday, December 4: Founders’ Day Breakfast, 7-8 AM, Family Commons
Wednesday, December 4: MS/US Parents: Students and Screens, 1:45-3 PM, Recital Hall

Recently, I attended a talk by Dr. Lisa Damour, a renowned adolescent psychologist and prolific author of books and a podcast that all parents should dig into if they hope to raise resilient, balanced, and joyful kids. Her biggest piece of advice to parents: be a steady presence for your child, especially when they are dealing with stress.

Remember that moment when your child was little and experienced unexpected pain? Think of a skinned knee or bop on the head. They would look at you to see how to react: How bad is it? If you ran over, swooping in to clear the scene, check all of their parts, apply first aid immediately, and discipline anyone within earshot, they would match that with tears and fears of what just happened. But, if you responded with a look of, “It’s okay, you’ve got this!” your child would be able to take a deep breath, assess the situation, and self-regulate their response to the injury. This—self-regulation—builds their resiliency and independence.

Lower School Division News November 14, 2024

November 14, 2024

from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director

Mark Your Calendars

Saturday, November 16: LS PA Rainbow Club Family Fun Day, 2-4 PM, Lakewood Hills Park, White Bear Lake
Sunday, November 17-Saturday, November 23: Fall Campaign
Thursday, November 21: Give to the Max Day
Thursday, November 21: Spirit Wear Day
Thursday, November 21: Give to the Max Day Assembly, 2:20-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center
Wednesday, November 27: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break
Thursday, November 28: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break, MPA Campus Closed, Panther Club Closed, PreK Closed
Friday, November 29: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break, MPA Campus Closed, Panther Club Closed, PreK Closed
Wednesday, December 4: Founders’ Day Breakfast, 7-8 AM, Family Commons

We have had an exciting past few weeks in the Lower School. At the end of October, we celebrated our October birthdays with a special birthday table in the lunchroom and a little gift for each birthday kid. On November 5, the Lower School students gathered in the library to exercise their rights to vote, making their voices heard around non-uniform Fridays. And on Wednesday November 13, the students celebrated a glorious CHAMP assembly and welcomed a special guest as they inquired into Native American Heritage Month. Next week, we have our Give to the Max assembly and two non-uniform days. Please read on for more information!

CHAMP Update: Native American Heritage Month
On Wednesday, November 13, the Lower School students enjoyed inquiring into the indigenous peoples of Minnesota. They learned that the beautiful Dakota name for our state is “Mni Sota Makoce,” or “land where the waters reflect the clouds” in the Dakota language. They learned about our school’s land acknowledgment, well-known Native Americans in the United States, and interesting books on Indigenous Peoples that we can read in our library. We were also honored to welcome MPA parent Patricia Aw-yang, representing the Wahpekute band of the Dakota tribe, as she shared with us the tradition of a jingle dance. What a wonderful way to explore and give reverence to the vast richness of Dakota and Lakota wisdom and traditions! At our next CHAMP assembly on Wednesday, December 11, we will celebrate the CHAMP attribute of inclusion. Please wear your CHAMP shirts! Read More

Igniting Dreams

November 14, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

When I was in middle school, I had a paper route. One advantage to having a paper route was that I had a lot of time to think, and I often dreamed of what I wanted to be when I grew up. I had it down to two options, and as I tossed a paper on each home’s front porch, I alternated between the two: “President, or Pope, President, or Pope…” Like pulling the petals off a daisy, I hoped my future would become clearer with each paper. While my dream was not ultimately realized, I was fortunate to have a number of teachers who encouraged me along the way, igniting other dreams for the future.

As we move through this vibrant season of learning, growth, and discovery, I am asking for your partnership in something truly meaningful: our annual fall giving campaign, taking place from November 17 to November 23. This year, our theme, “Igniting Dreams, One Gift at a Time,” captures our vision and commitment to fostering the potential within each MPA student.

Our theme this year also captures the powerful impact of each individual contribution. Every donation, no matter the size, plays a role in fueling students’ aspirations and helping them achieve their dreams. Each gift acts as a spark, collectively building a foundation of support that enables students to explore their passions, grow academically, and develop into compassionate, engaged individuals.

RSVP To Experience MPA On A School Day

November 13, 2024

The school day PreK-12 MPA Preview is Friday, December 13, 8:30-10 AM! With community members as your hosts, you’ll visit classrooms to see students and teachers in action and end the morning with an opportunity to ask any specific questions you may have. If you will be bringing a child, please do let us know!

MPA Previews are signature PreK-12 events designed to introduce you to the faculty, students, and families who make MPA the exceptional learning community that it is. You’ll hear from a variety of perspectives, be engaged in conversation, experience what a day in the life of an MPA student is like, and leave with a much better understanding of the MPA way. Read More

Your Guide To Exploring MPA

November 8, 2024

This message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the November 8 issue of Inside MPA. Click here to get in touch with Admission and learn more!

Thank you to all who attended the PreK-12 MPA Preview! Whether you had lunch with us at the Taste of Ninth Grade or experienced all of the mini-lessons at the November Preview, spending the day with each of you was wonderful. If you love what you discovered at MPA, we encourage you to apply today (if you haven’t already).

If you’re looking to experience life at MPA firsthand, we’re excited to provide a handy guide of upcoming opportunities to do so! At this point in the year, families are often asking us what next steps they can take in the admission process. Consider this your quick guide to exploring MPA–now is the perfect time to check these off your school search to-do list. The best part? Your contact in the MPA Office of Admission will be your guide every step of the way. Read More

Toussaint Celebration Brings Middle School French Collaboration

November 7, 2024

MPA Middle School French teachers Evelyn Johnson, Jessica Blue, and Liz DesLauriers were searching for a possible project to bring out a collaborative effort by their students.

“At the beginning of the school year, Liz DesLauriers, Jessica Blue, and yours truly were discussing a project that we wanted to work on together and collaborate with our Middle School French students,” said Evelyn Johnson.

They chose a project on Toussaint, a Catholic holiday celebrated on November 1, dedicated to all known and unknown saints.

“We came up with the idea of assigning each of our students a notable French-speaking person who had passed. The information needed was when they were born, where they were born, when they died, and what they were known for.”

From there, the project kept growing. With the help of Makerspace coordinator Keith Braafladt, students created tombstones for their historical figures and learned how to set them in the Glowforge laser cutter. Then, Sean Andrews, curriculum and technology integration specialist, lent a hand. Read More

Election Day At MPA

November 7, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

With a joyful spirit, MPA students went to the polls on election day. The library was transformed into a bustling polling place, with ballots, voting booths, and older students assisting younger ones. Lower School students had fun voting for spirit wear options or “express yourself” clothing on monthly out-of-uniform Fridays, while Middle and Upper School students participated in the presidential vote. Witnessing our students actively engage in this democratic practice was both heartwarming and hopeful, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this meaningful event.

This mock election was part of a larger, month-long focus on civic engagement and civil discourse at MPA. Throughout the fall, we’ve committed to enhancing a culture where students learn to engage thoughtfully, respect diverse perspectives, and analyze information critically. Grounded in MPA’s founding principles and John Dewey’s philosophy of experiential learning, our mission-driven goal has always been to empower students to become well-informed, active participants in society. The Election 2024 Plan, led by teachers Summer McCall and Katie Murr, offered students a variety of opportunities to explore civic engagement, from age-appropriate discussions to civil discourse training, all designed to prepare them for constructive, thoughtful conversations.

The excitement of Tuesday gave way Wednesday to a range of emotions throughout the school as the results of the national election became known. Developmentally, students responded to the news in a variety of ways and teachers were prepared to accompany and support them however they were feeling. We were prepared to offer safe spaces for students to come together to process the election outcome and to address and call out when students were not respectful of one another. I know teachers worked hard yesterday (and will continue) to make sure that every student had a chance to say what they are thinking and feeling while also being aware of the impact their words have on others.

Parents Association News And Events November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

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!

January 11-12: Inaugural Panther Classic Middle School Basketball Tournament
Friday, January 24: Family Trivia Night
February 10-13: MPA Book Festival
Thursday, February 13: Lower School Valentine’s Day Parties

More details to come. We look forward to seeing you around school in the coming months! Please email PA@moundsparkacademy.org with any questions.

Upcoming MPA PA Events

Friday, November 8: College Admissions Staff Appreciation hosted by MPA PA
Friday, November 8: PA Board Meeting, 8:00 AM, PA Room at MPA
Saturday, November 16: LS Rainbow Club Family Fun Day, 2-4 PM, Lakewood Hills Park (White Bear Lake)
Tuesday, November 19: Dr. Hudson’s Book Club, 6:30 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
Friday, November 22: Faculty and Staff Appreciation hosted by Grade 10-12 families

The Seven Senses: Sensory Supports at MPA

October 31, 2024

from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director and director of the Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning

Editor’s Note: Periodically, you will find a guest Head’s Message here from members of the administrative team. We hope you will enjoy reading their thoughts and reflections about life at MPA.

Sir Ken Robinson’s prolific Ted Talk, “Do Schools Kill Creativity?” exquisitely describes the traditional school model’s habit of separating the head from the body. In other words, traditional schooling is unevenly focused on academic skills, leaving out the other side of the human development coin: the body and the senses. The integration of the mind and the body is imperative to the development of a human being and underscores our whole child approach at Mounds Park Academy. Thanks to MPA’s Building Opportunities for Learning Distinction (BOLD) Innovation Fund that families supported during the 2022 Spring Auction, and along with our learning specialist and PreK-5 school counselor, we were able to make the sensory room initiative a reality in the spring of 2024. Repurposing a corner of the Lower School workroom last year, the counselor and I offered short, daily “sensory breaks” for students in the Lower School to find emotional regulation and calm during the bright and busy school days. Since then, we have hired Mx. Lewis as of this September, our student success teaching assistant based in the sensory room who collaborates with the teachers, counselor, and learning specialist in the Lower School.

But you might be asking, what exactly is sensory processing and what is a sensory room? With October marked as Sensory Processing Awareness Month, this is a timely question. And here is where our “seven senses” come in. Yes, we all learned in elementary school that there are five human senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. However, did you know that researchers have more recently discovered two additional senses? Those include the proprioceptive and vestibular senses.
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