Mounds Park Academy

February 13, 2018

Third grade teacher

How many years have you been at MPA?
Thirty years plus—I started teaching at MPA in the 1985-86 school year.

What do you love about MPA?
I love the individualized instruction and attention we can give each student. Due to small class sizes, we know our students very well and can give them the support and positive interactions they need to grow as learners. We differentiate each lesson and help each student become the best they can be, and to grow and thrive each day. Feeling positive about learning and having confidence to move ahead to meet expectations means everything. These components are the recipe for success.

How does MPA nurture students who forever dream big and do right?
We love all of our students as individuals and support their dreams, efforts, and strengths. We encourage them, every day, throughout their world of learning and growing.

If you have worked at another school, how has your experience at MPA been different?
It is different because we truly “believe” in kids.

What would you tell a parent considering MPA?
I would say, “If you want your student to be supported and celebrated as a learner, leader, and achiever, come to MPA!” Read More

Sled Hockey Champions

February 12, 2018

MPA senior Blake Henke and the Minnesota Wild Sled Hockey Team won their entire tournament in Fort Wayne, Indiana last weekend! Back in November, the team brought home second place at the NHL Sled Hockey Classic. But with five games in two days, the spirit of the winter games was strong, ending the championship game with the Wild on top in an exciting shoot-out. Congratulations to Blake and his teammates!

To catch Blake in action on the ice, mark your calendar for February 23-25 for the Hendrickson Foundation Disabled Festival at the Schwan’s National Sports Center. In its second year, this tournament brings the post-season hockey experience to Minnesota hockey players with various disabilities. Every event during the weekend is free to attendees!

Happy 100th Day Of School!

February 8, 2018

Thank you all for an amazing 100 days of school so far this year! What are you reflecting on about the year so far? What goals did you accomplish, what friends did you make, and what are you looking forward to next?

Since day one, every individual in our community has contributed to making each day at MPA great. Celebrating this milestone is a tradition in Lower School and this year, our Upper School students joined in as well.

A special thank you to the Parents Association for supporting the celebration! If you weren’t on campus today, celebrate with us through the moments we captured!

Maker Fest On February 24!

February 8, 2018

Did our story about Ms. Blue last week get your creative ideas rolling? There’s still time to sign up and showcase your projects at MPA’s first annual Maker Fest!

Join us on February 24 from 1-3 PM in the AnnMarieThomas Makerspace and cafeteria, where you can either host your own table or come as a spectator! You can sign up here, either individually or with a group to have your very own display table. This is the perfect opportunity to “show and tell” something that you have created and share your accomplishments with the community. Maker Fest 2018 is open to everyone–students, parents, grandparents, alums, faculty, staff, etc. We can’t wait to see your creations!

If you have questions, please contact Ms. Koen at nkoen@moundsparkacademy.org.

Demonstrating Values-Based Leadership

February 8, 2018

by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

It’s not often that I start my day in tears. In fact, I don’t cry much at all. But a recent morning was different as I listened to the six seniors give their senior performances. I was incredibly moved by their courage as each reflected on how they have overcome challenges and adversity. I was also grateful to be a part of a community where these young people felt comfortable and safe to tell their stories and knew they would be supported and accepted.

Senior performances are a capstone experience at MPA. The seniors reflect on their learning, values, struggles, and passions as evidence of their readiness for college and life. The speeches then compel them to speak publicly about the formative moments that have helped shape who they are. Being able to authentically present yourself in front of your peers can feel risky for the student, but is ultimately rewarding as empathy and support for one another builds throughout the year. It is not uncommon to hear classmates say to one another, “I never knew that about you.” Or, “I am so proud of you.” Each senior is encouraged to end their speech with an expression of gratitude to those who have supported them.

MPA Students Rally Against Human Trafficking

February 8, 2018

Last Thursday, 20 MPA Upper School students crafted their own signs and slogans, bundled up to face single-digit temperatures, and marched together in a rally supported by local nonprofit Breaking Free to fight human trafficking.

These students are passionate about fighting human trafficking, and Breaking Free gave them an opportunity to unite and speak out against a global problem commonly connected to the Super Bowl. Breaking Free is a social justice organization that aids women in escaping systems of prostitution and sexual exploitation. They joined the Minneapolis Police Department in hosting the rally at DeLaSalle High School. MPA seniors Pranay Somayajula, Alayna Fox, Ryan Guggenheim, Sierra Klein-Roque, Nashad Mahamoud, and Kate Van Hecke attended the rally in cohesion with their Senior Service Project.

“I was really proud of all the MPA students who showed up to this rally to support such an important cause and draw attention to this hugely underserved issue,” said Pranay. “It was amazing that so many people cared enough to brave the cold to march against human trafficking, and the support we got from all the people who honked and cheered as we went by them made it all worth it!” Read More

Save The Date For MPA Talks

February 8, 2018

Join us for the fourth annual MPA Talks on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, featuring thoughtful presentations by MPA Lower School parent Dr. Sheneeta W. White, Upper School student Ling DeBellis, and Upper School science faculty member Hannah Sullivan. We are so delighted to feature some of Mounds Park Academy’s most captivating community members and you will learn much more about them in upcoming issues of Panther Post.

This event is designed to bring us together to gain new perspectives and be inspired. The reception and hors d’oeuvres will begin in the Gallery at 5 PM, followed by the featured speakers’ presentations from 6-7 PM. No RSVP is required and Middle and Upper School students are welcome! Panther Club/Den and dinner will be available for students through grade six as well. Reserve childcare and direct any questions you may have to mpatalks@moundsparkacademy.org.

Upper School Art Exhibition

February 1, 2018

MPA invites you to join us at the upcoming Upper School Art Show Reception! Sharing artists’ work from all first semester visual arts courses, this display includes a wide variety of moods and perspectives, and every grade in the division is represented. It also encompasses a balance of two and three-dimensional visual mediums, including drawing, ceramics, painting, photography, and studio 2D.

The reception is on Wednesday, February 7, at 6:30 PM in the Gallery. The exhibition will be on display until February 19!

Show Your MPA Pride At Spirit Night

February 1, 2018

Bring your Panther pride and cheer on MPA on Friday, February 9 as we take on IMAC rival St. Paul Academy for Spirit Night! Students, alumni, and families from all divisions are encouraged to pack the Lansing Sports Center for an evening of basketball and school spirit! The C and JV teams play at 4:15 PM, followed by the girls varsity at 6 PM, and boys varsity at 7:30 PM. Go Panthers!

MPA Girls Nordic Ski Champions

February 1, 2018

MPA Nordic Ski is on fire! The boys team set a school record this season, and now the girls are taking home the 2017-2018 IMAC Conference Championship for the third year in a row over Blake, Breck, Heritage/Providence, and Minnehaha Academy. Middle School student Margo N. took third place at the Nordic Championship at Elm Creek and to help the team win the championship! Go Panthers!