Mounds Park Academy

March 14, 2019

$MPA Math League$ Congratulations to the MPA Math League for finishing second in the state in Class A in the state tournament! Minnesota Valley Lutheran finished in first place and Breck finished in third place.

“I am really proud of how our team performed at the state tournament,” comments Coach Ethier. “Everyone on the team contributed to their second place finish, and everyone contributed to their success during the season.”

Coach Ethier also shares that it wasn’t too many years ago that they had trouble fielding a team of eight to compete at the meets, and that this year they had 11 different students who were part of the scoring team in at least one meet, and 18 students who came to most of their meets. “It’s been great to see the growth of our Math League program over the years,” says Ethier.

Juliana Wu, a senior and co-captain of the team, shares similar feelings. “This is the highlight of my senior year,” she said, “It was the first time in four years we went to state. Our team is awesome this year; we work really hard and all share an interest and a passion for math.”

Congratulations Math League and Coach Ethier!

Be Curious At MPA

March 14, 2019

Early Childhood Curiosity Day
Mounds Park Academy
Friday, April 26, 2019
8:45 AM-10 AM
RSVP >

In Lower School, students experience hands-on, interdisciplinary learning, while ensuring the curiosity and sense of wonder they come to school with flourishes. Our small class sizes enable the teachers to stay closely attuned to the gifts and challenges of each student, and make sure each child has the attention they deserve.

Here at MPA, we believe learning is a life-long process. We want our students to stay excited and curious about learning, and that is something we aim to achieve every day in our classrooms and around school. We believe this is achieved daily through the enthusiasm that can be seen in classrooms, discussions, and activities.

Experience this curiosity for yourself at our Early Childhood Curiosity Day on April 26 beginning at 8:45 AM! This very special event is for families who are interested in MPA’s PreK or kindergarten program. Join us as we explore curiosity and literacy in conjunction with the release of the latest Curious George seek-and-find book. At MPA, we learn by doing and this event is no exception. Activities will include a story walk, singalong, and seek-and-find fun in addition to diving into Curious George’s most recent story.

Following the activities, children and adults alike will be provided with a snack and invited to play and explore in our Makerspace—the only PreK-12 space of its kind in the Twin Cities—spend some time on our sprawling playground (weather dependent), or visit our PreK and kindergarten classrooms. All families will leave with their own copy of this Curious George book, compliments of MPA.

For more information and RSVP, see moundsparkacademy.org/visit, email admission@moundsparkacademy.org, or call 651-748-5577. Come be curious with us!

What Students Discover When Learning By Doing

March 14, 2019

by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

For most Middle School students, this week is their favorite time of the school year. It is i-Term, a signature MPA program that offers students an intensive learning experience in a single class that aligns with their interests and fuels their passion for learning. For some, it primarily means a week without homework and without grades. For all, this inquiry-based, experiential learning experience reflects a core attribute of an MPA education that has been with us since our founding 37 years ago.

Inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, and service-learning are relatively new terms in the educational world and seem to be in vogue as schools look for creative and innovative ways to more fully engage students in learning. The Nellie Mae Education Foundation defines project-based learning as “an instructional approach that addresses core content through relevant, hands-on learning—challenging students to solve ‘real world- problems.” According to the Center for Teaching and Learning at the University of Washington, “Service-learning refers to learning that actively involves students in a wide range of experiences, which often benefit others and the community, while also advancing the goals of a given curriculum.” Read More

Creating The Future

March 13, 2019

A Message From MPA’s Board Of Trustees

by Matthew Larson, MPA Parent, Board Treasurer, Board Chair-Elect

MPA’s faculty and staff are creating and nurturing our children’s dreams and providing the skills and mindsets it will take to fulfill them every day. Our school’s mission is held in deep regard and is sincerely felt throughout its classrooms and hallways. The future spaces and opportunities that Together, We Dream will create will be game changing for our students, faculty, staff, and entire MPA community. If I may speak on behalf of the MPA Board of Trustees, we believe Abraham Lincoln said it well: “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” Read More

Spring Sailing For MPA

March 12, 2019

from Toby Sullivan ’19, sailing captain

Spring sports have begun! Of course, you have all the normal sports to choose from, but here at MPA students in grades 7-12 also have something different—sailing. Did you know that we have been one of the top teams in the state recently? Did you know that we race locally, regional and nationally? Did you know that sailing is a co-ed sport?

If you are looking for a sport that has life-long potential and is tons of fun, come join the MPA Sailing Team. You do not have to know how to sail—we will teach you everything you need to know to be able to be part of our team.

Sailing is a two-season sport. You can sail in the fall or the spring or both. Practices are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at White Bear Sailing School (carpools are arranged) and races are on Saturdays at various locations. Practices and races are loose so if you cannot make one, it’s ok. If you don’t want to commit right away, come and try out three practices for free. We’ll get started after spring break.

If you have questions or want more information talk to senior Toby Sullivan (tsullivan19@moundsparkacademy.org) or team advisor and MPA math teacher Ms. Sullivan (wsullivan@moundsparkacademy.org).

Reinforcing The Foundation

March 8, 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 Bob King, MPA parent.

What impact do you see the completion of Together, We Dream: The Campaign for MPA having on your family?
I believe the Together, We Dream campaign will serve to enrich the MPA experience.

Why do you choose to give to Together, We Dream?
MPA has been a transformational experience for my children. The whole child focus and the passion of the faculty and staff are unrivaled. Knowing that we are supporting such a worthy school and helping to ensure the long term growth of MPA is important to our family.

How do you see the four priorities impacting the student experience?
The four priorities are a combination of things that will both enrich the experience of MPA students today while also reinforcing the foundation for the school in the future. I am excited to see my kids enjoy the improved facilities, and also know that growing the endowment will only help the school in 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 MPA is that it continues to graduate students who are ready for the real world—students who have diverse backgrounds and experiences that have learned to be contributing citizens of our world. This campaign will only serve to support and reinforce accessibility to that dream.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your MPA experience?
MPA is such a unique experience, and it is derived primarily from the passion and commitment of faculty and staff. We love MPA for so many reasons, but ultimately it is because of the people in the community who are so committed to helping our children learn, grow, and succeed.

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

Career Speakers Needed & Appreciated

March 7, 2019

High school students in class We are seeking volunteers to speak with our Upper School students to share information about their jobs, and the stories of their career preparation and paths. MPA 10th graders recently completed Myers-Briggs assessments to tie in with their current general career interests. Next we hope to give them the chance to hear from people in fields that might hold interest for them. While all students in the Upper School are invited to participate, 10th graders will be attending as a required part of their advisory program.

Our first event is scheduled for Wednesday, April 17, 11:30 AM-12:10 PM (taking advantage of lunch/advisory meeting time). However, we envision expanding this program in the future, so even if you can’t participate on this date, please let us know of your interest and we will keep you posted on further developments and opportunities to be involved.

Spring Auction Sponsorship Opportunities

March 7, 2019

Become a sponsor of the 2019 Spring Auction! There are many different sponsorship levels, including Community Sponsor, Host Sponsor, and Family And Friends Sponsor. Community Sponsors receive two complimentary tickets to the gala, two complimentary tickets to the Private Sponsor Pre-party, the company name and/or family name on auction program, on-site recognition, website recognition, and help cover the cost of two teacher tickets.

Auction sponsors receive special recognition on the website and printed materials and are invited to the exclusive pre-party, where they will have special access to the silent auction, great gatherings, and games. Sponsors also support Mounds Park Academy’s faculty and staff by allowing us to provide them with complimentary tickets to the event Read More

Your Gift Matters

March 7, 2019

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

I grew up in rural Nebraska. Despite often wishing for more and to have anonymity that isn’t often found in small communities, I didn’t realize how much I missed that sense of belonging until our family found MPA last fall. Since then, I’ve experienced the joy of being a part of this tight-knit community of dreamers and doers. Through Together, We Dream: The Campaign for MPA, I’ve had the chance to talk with many supporters who’ve shared why they give. They often cite the impact their gift has on the school, and how they hope to make a difference in the lives of their children, and the entire community. Just as it is in most communities, giving here is both deeply personal and meaningful. Read More

There’s Power In Being Kind To Yourself

March 7, 2019

by Mark Segal, Upper School Director

Editor’s Note: On the first Thursday of each month, you will find a guest blog post here from one of MPA’s division directors. We hope you will enjoy reading their thoughts and reflections about life at MPA.

I recently celebrated a milestone birthday. It was one of those birthdays where AARP sends you both a birthday card and a membership card in the same envelope. It’s not hard to believe that I have now entered my sixth decade, but rather that I have been an educator for as long as I was a traditional student. Regardless, my experiences as a student are the ones that I often find myself replaying in my mind and on which I rely as I work with MPA students and my own fifth-grade son. The reality is that it is not my successes that draw me back to my childhood, but the challenges that I experienced. The times I did not meet the expectations that I set for myself or were given to me by others. Read More