February 15, 2018
It’s been an extremely exciting past week for Panther Athletics! We’ve summed up the top moments here so you can celebrate and cheer on our amazing students athletes with us!
Connect Deeper, Hug Longer, Remain Steadfast
February 15, 2018
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
I had almost finished my Panther Post article yesterday when I heard the news of the latest school shooting in Florida. My worst fears as an administrator and as a parent were realized as I scrolled through my newsfeed and in the evening as I watched CNN. In light of this tragedy, it is natural to have questions of our own about the safety and security of our beloved children while at school. Tragic as it is, it is important to note that less than one percent of violent deaths are “school associated,” yet such instances do indeed feed our fears.
Very quickly, I made the decision that my initial message written for today would have to wait for another week. Instead, I offer my thoughts about the safety and security of Mounds Park Academy. In my professional assessment, I have confidence in our security measures and great faith in our school community culture. We can never, and should not ever, take anything for granted or let down our guard. There is always room for growth and we are committed to continuous review and improvement. In order to answer any questions, address any concerns, or allay any fears you may have, I offer the following.
Invite A Friend To Lunch At MPA!
February 15, 2018
Our next admission event will be Lunch at MPA on Wednesday, March 14 starting at 11:30 AM! Invite a friend, neighbor, colleague, or anyone you know who shares your educational values. Guests are invited to campus during a regular school day to meet school administrators over a casual meal and tour the campus to see our students and teachers in action.
Kindly extend our invite and have your friends RSVP in advance for this engaging program at moundsparkacademy.org/RSVP. If you have any questions, contact the Office of Admission at 651-748-5577 or admission@moundsparkacademy.org.
February 15, 2018
A big thank you to the whole community for spreading love and joy and making Valentine’s Day on campus such a special one! We hope you had fun with our giveaway contest and are so grateful for each and every one of you!
See some adorable Valentine’s Day party photos here! And, yes, that is Ms. Petersen sliding down the bouncy house slide!
February 15, 2018
Gather your tinkering tools, because the first annual MPA Maker Fest is next weekend! We are so excited to introduce this new community event. The AnnMarieThomas Makerspace has been an imaginative, invaluable, and captivating addition to our campus this year, and this event will bring our makers’ work beyond the classroom and into the community.
Saturday, February 24
1-3 PM
Makerspace & Cafeteria
Come as a spectator (no RSVP necessary)
Or host a display table (sign up here)
Participants can sign up either individually or with a group to host a display table. Participation is open to everyone in our community—students, parents, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni, faculty, staff, and more. This is the perfect opportunity to “show and tell” something that you have created and share your accomplishments. If you have questions, please contact Ms. Koen at nkoen@moundsparkacademy.org.
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
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!
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!
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.