Mounds Park Academy

February 27, 2019

Do your children like the outdoors? Are your children passionate about letters and the alphabet? If so, they should join PreK teacher Ms. LaChapelle this summer for two enrichment classes June 17-21!

The Alphabet and Beyond is “a class for students to learn or master their knowledge of the letters in the alphabet and begin to learn letter sounds,” shares Ms. LaChapelle. “In addition, students will have the opportunity to write the letters.” Join us as we refine letter recognition skills, work and review letter sounds, and review simple sight words in a fun and engaging way. Get ready to become the alphabet master! This class is for children in grades K-1, and will be held from 10:40 AM-12:10 PM.

A Little Bit of Dirt is a nature and art class. This hands-on class will explore nature and the great outdoors, use nature for art projects, and of course, spend time playing in the dirt! Let your appreciation for the great outdoors shine through! This class is for grades K-2, and will be from 12:50-2:20 PM.

Visit moundsparkacademy.org/summer to learn more about our Summer Enrichment Programs and register!

Special Guest Justice Alan Page Visits Lower School

February 27, 2019

Last week, Justice Alan Page visited the kindergarten classroom where he read his newest book, “Grandpa Alan’s Sugar Shack,” to the kindergarten and third grade classes.

After the reading, the students had a chance to ask him questions and hear about his experience as both a justice and a pro-football player.

A warm thank you to Colleen Tierney, a kindergarten mom, for making this possible! It was such a treat to have Justice Page as a visitor and have him read his newest children’s book. Thank you, Justice Page! To see more photos of his visit, click here.

Celebrating Creativity at Maker Fest 2019

February 26, 2019

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Maker Fest a success! This past Saturday, February 23, alumni, parents, students, and other members of the community came out to be Makers at the second annual Maker Fest. The woodworking group the North Star Scrollers had a woodworking station set up, as well as Jess Blue’s table where she helped attendees sew their own cloth bags. Knitting and crocheting stations, Lego spinning tops, and handmade wire dinosaurs were also among the many tables that people enjoyed visiting.

Thank you for sharing your inventions, interests, skills and projects! To see more photos from the event, click here.

Meet Ms. O’Keefe

February 25, 2019

First grade teacher

How many years have you been at MPA?
My first, first grade class is currently in ninth grade … making my career at MPA nine years!

What do you love about MPA?
I love that MPA reaches every aspect of the whole child and that they respect every child as an individual.

How does MPA nurture students who forever dream big and do right?
MPA nurtures students who forever dream big and do right by inviting students from a very young age to express their dreams, teach them that no dream is too big, and help them on a path to discover how to reach those dreams while being respectful citizens.

If you have worked at another school, how has your experience at MPA been different?
MPA has an amazing understanding of students at each educational level (Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School) and how each relates to one another. Having the span of pre-kindergarten to graduation from high school under one roof is a unique quality in a school. Read More

Panthers Race In State Ski Meet

February 22, 2019

Congratulations to five members of the Nordic Ski team for participating in the State Nordic Ski meet! Senior Matthew Bourne placed fifth, junior Henry Snider placed 6th, ninth grader Isak Nightingale placed 54th, eighth grader Margo N. placed 24th, and sophomore Izzy Quam placed 34th at State.

Way to go, Panthers!

Continuing To Blossom

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.