April 16, 2018
Good morning, MPA families.
Due to the poor road conditions, school is cancelled today, Monday, April 16. This includes all activities, practices, and events.
We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, Panthers!
April 15, 2018
At this point, we are planning for a regular school day tomorrow, Monday, April 16. We will reevaluate conditions early in the morning and let our community know if there is any change to our schedule.
As always, weather-related tardies will be excused and if you feel your commute is too difficult, please call the school to report your child’s absence.
Travel safely!
April 14, 2018
Due to the blizzard conditions, our campus will be closed again tomorrow, Sunday, April 15. All activities are cancelled.
Based on the current forecast, we are anticipating a regular school day on Monday, April 16. Please use caution when traveling to campus and remember that tardies will be excused if road conditions are not ideal. If anything changes, we will alert you as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, stay safe and enjoy the snow!
April 13, 2018
Due to the weather, all activities, practices, and events on campus are cancelled tomorrow, Saturday, April 14.
This includes the ACT exam that was scheduled. The rescheduled test date will be posted at www.actstudent.org as soon as it is set. Registered examinees will receive official notification from ACT. If you have any questions, please call ACT Student Services at 319-337-1270.
April 12, 2018
“Game – set – match.” Whether you favor Nadal, Murray or Federer, or Kerber, Williams or Wozniacki, there will be tennis greats galore as you head to the Big Apple for the U.S. Open Tennis Championship in New York City. You will sit up close to the best players in the world. This auction item includes two premium seats for the night session on Thursday, August 30 and two passes for the day matches on Friday, August 31. The U.S. Open is one of the greatest sports and entertainment events in the world. Don’t be left “out”—call yourself “in” for the Open with these terrific tickets!
If you have any questions, please contact Susan Robertson, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations Manager, at srobertson@moundsparkacademy.org or 651-748-5531. Full event information may always be found at moundsparkacademy.org/springauction.
Lower School Family Science Night
April 12, 2018
Join us as we celebrate “Screen-Free Week” with MPA Lower School Family Science Night! This hands-on and extremely fun event is sponsored by the MPA Panther Club program, and is on Tuesday, May 1 from 6:30-7:30 PM in the Kreischer gym and cafeteria. Students must be accompanied by an adult to attend the evening full activities! Plus, you do not want to miss the “Magic of Science” presentation with Mr. Purdy!
Contact Russ Purdy at rpurdy@moundsparkacademy.org or (651) 748-5571 with any questions. Light refreshments will be served. We can’t wait to see you there!
Upper School Parents Association Meeting
April 12, 2018
The date for the Quarter Four Upper School Parents Association Meeting is Friday, April 27, from 8-9:30 AM. Please note the date change!
Parents of incoming 2018-19 freshmen are encouraged to attend for a glimpse into Upper School at MPA! Keep an eye out for the next two issues of Panther Post for more details. An agenda will be sent to parents of students in grades 8-12 prior to the meeting.
April 12, 2018
What are you currently doing, professionally and/or personally?
I am currently teaching IB Chemistry at Academia Cotopaxi American International School in Quito, Ecuador.
How did you get there? Where did you attend college? Are there some career moves or other key experiences or relationships that have inspired you?
I graduated from Smith College in 2015 with degrees in American studies and chemistry. After Smith, I moved back to Minnesota to pursue my initial license in 9-12 chemistry with the Twin Cities Teacher Collaborative (TC2). This experimental teacher training program provided me with the course work for my license and a yearlong residency experience instead of the traditional student teaching. In this program, I taught at St. Paul Central for one year. Then, I moved to Ecuador and began teaching at Academia Cotopaxi. I completed my MAT through Hamline University this fall, and my final project focused on the integration of the nature of science into the IB chemistry syllabus. I hope to present this research over the summer at the IB World Conference in San Diego. Read More
Crochet For Beginners Camp At MPA
April 12, 2018
Crochet for Beginners with Ms. Schwieger is coming to Summer At MPA! From June 18-22, campers entering grades 2-5 are welcome to join this hands-on class.
“I can’t wait to share my love of crochet with students during Summer Enrichment! I’ve enjoyed needlework, embroidery, sewing, and working with yarn for many years,” says Ms. Schwieger. “Crocheting is a fun and relaxing hobby that’s easy to learn. They’ll also go home with plenty of ideas and resources to continue their new hobby over the summer!”
Join Ms. Schwieger and discover a new passion! Students will be introduced to the basics of crochet and pattern reading. Materials, terminology, and basic stitches are covered. When the students feel comfortable with the basics, they can choose a project to work on. By the end of the week, they will have completed their first crochet project and have a creative skill for life! Click here to learn more and register!
Bequest Through A Will Or Living Trust
April 12, 2018
The most common method of making a charitable gift from one’s estate is through a testamentary bequest from a will or a revocable (living) trust. In addition to ensuring that your wishes are documented and will be used for the charitable purpose you intend, a gift made using this method also removes the designated assets from your taxable estate at death.
In order to create or modify a will or revocable (living) trust, you will need the assistance of an estate planning attorney, so unlike with beneficiary designations, some expense is involved. It is advisable for most everyone to have at least a simple will in place so that your property may be distributed as you wish at death. In cases where persons die intestate (that is, without a valid will or revocable (living) trust) the court makes the determination as to who has the right to receive your property. You have the ability to make these decisions yourself during life, to include making charitable gifts from your estate, by creating an estate plan. For most people, a will is all that is needed to ensure gifts to heirs and to charity, but for some a revocable (living) trust, which avoids probate and is more private, may be preferable. Your attorney can advise you on what is best in your situation.