March 19, 2018
Last week, the Middle School students were in the midst of their annual i-Term week, a unique opportunity to embody MPA’s mission of thinking independently and learning joyfully by participating in a one-week enrichment experience. i-Term courses are designed to provide inquiry-based, experiential learning beyond the classroom. The project-based, focused nature of i-Term offerings enables students to learn new skills, do things that are not possible within a normal school setting, and be exposed to things they would not be otherwise. Students venture into the community, work with experts in a particular field, and create new friendships along the way during this signature experience.
One specific class, “Social Change: Finding Your Voice,” taught by founding faculty member Ms. Anne Devout Atchison, featured several guest speakers from the community. This course challenged students to learn, lead, and effect positive change both globally and in their local community. Students learned how to effectively build awareness and discovered various forms of engagement, such as grassroots, social media, politics, and partnerships in action. It came as no surprise that many of the guest speakers were MPA alumni!
Thank you to Adam Fetcher ’02, vice president of environmental impact and policy, Askov Finlayson; Jason Utgaard ’03, founder, The Spotted Door; Kelsey Sudaard ’03, environmental engineer, MN Pollution Control Agency; Simone LaBonte ’06, director of person centered practices, New Directions; Noah Gerding ’96, director of development, People Serving People; Rob Hope ’96, initiative officer, Bay Area Workforce Funding Collaborative at the San Francisco Foundation; and Ryan Wood ’96, judge, U.S. Immigration.
What are you currently doing, professionally and/or personally?
The Mounds Park Academy Athletics Department is conducting a survey regarding athletic participation for the 2018-2019 school year. We are specifically looking at Minnesota State High School League Sponsored Athletics and offerings provided by Mounds Park Academy. This survey takes approximately 5-10 minutes. Your responses to this survey will help us look at our current athletic model and determine if Mounds Park Academy is accommodating the athletic interests and needs of our students. 
MPA senior Ryan Guggenheim was recently named one of two State Honorees for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards for his work with the Open Wide Foundation! Ryan has been recognized in an article from the Open Wide Foundation, which reads:
Mounds Park Academy Basketball is excited to offer our annual Panther Summer Basketball Camp held Monday, June 11–Thursday, June 14, 2018 from 9 AM–12 PM in the Lansing Sports Center. Panther Basketball Camp is open to MPA and non-MPA students alike, who are entering grades 4-9 in Fall 2018. The cost of attending is $60 per camper and includes a camp t-shirt.
Middle and Upper School French and Spanish teacher Ms. Johnson will be continuing her French cooking class during Summer at MPA! Ms. Johnson inherited her French cooking skills from her mother and her uncle, who was a chef in France, and we are so excited to pass them onto students this summer. They will become versed on a variety of French recipes, mastering crêpes, quiche Lorraine, mousse au chocolat, soupe à l’oignon, and madeleines. During the week, students also learn about other culinary specialties from France as well as cooking techniques.
The Parents Association is seeking volunteers to serve on next year’s PA Board! Serving on the PA Board is a wonderful opportunity to make connections with other parents and students, build community between staff, faculty, parents, and students. Join us, and have a lot of fun with your children and their classmates, too!
What an exciting weekend for our Middle School Mathcounts teams! The team finished 21st at State overall!
Come one, come all to the Spring Auction 2018-Under the Big Top at the JX in Stillwater! This fabulous community building event allows parents, alumni families, faculty, and grandparents to connect, enjoy an evening out, and take home some fantastic auction items, all while supporting the school that brings us together!
The 2018 MPA Varsity Boys Basketball Team is one game away from the State Tournament!