Mounds Park Academy

January 11, 2018

by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

Today, Middle School students met in mixed-grade level groups to explore the character trait of perseverance, a core pillar of our Middle School Character Education Program. Each group collaborated to complete two separate challenges related to fostering perseverance and then processed their experience with their teachers. Learning from failure, working together, developing skills such as persistence and tenacity were all a part of the lesson, but in the spirit of MPA, there was also a lot of joyful learning taking place.

Character education is but one part of an overall Mounds Park Academy wellness program. The MPA Strategic Plan, Momentum 2020, has as its first goal, “Empower students to live, learn, and thrive in the 21st century globalized society.” Academic and career success are important and MPA provides students a rigorous and relevant curriculum. But as a school committed to educating the whole child, we also understand that in order to reach one’s full potential, students must also have the knowledge and skills necessary live lives of health and wholeness.

Mental illness and anxiety among young people are on the rise. For instance, by the age of 18, 15-25 percent of adolescents will have experienced a major depressive episode. We also know that suicide is the second leading cause of death for Americans ages 15-34. A recent New York Times article quoted research from the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA that found the percentage of college freshmen reporting feeling overwhelmed rose from 18 percent in 1985 to 29 percent in 2010 and surged to 41 percent last year. These facts paint a grave picture—one that illustrates clearly how critical our work is in this area.

Fostering Citizen Scientists

January 4, 2018

by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

Just before break, the Washington Post reported that seven words were being banned from official documents being prepared for the 2018 budget at the Centers for Disease Control including “evidence-based” and “science-based.” The national conversation around “fake news” and questions about the veracity of climate change have placed science and science education at center stage. In addition, the steady drumbeat calling for more STEM education has ignited a passionate discourse about science education, particularly within a liberal arts education. In the midst of this often-polarizing discussion, I have repeatedly seen evidence that MPA does science ‘right’ by focusing on applied learning, critical thinking, and a grounding in fostering students to become citizen scientists.

The MPA science curriculum is founded on the principles of active and inquiry-based learning as first developed when the school was in its infancy. Our phenomenal science teachers continue to provide rich, thoughtful, experiences and opportunities for experimental design, while at the same time giving students the background and content they need to succeed in college and beyond. MPA students are encouraged to think critically about science by using their successes and failures in the lab as learning opportunities. What worked? What didn’t? How could it have been improved? Did it prove anything? These questions are best answered through learning by doing.

Points of Connection: The Benefits of Private School

December 27, 2017

When we reflect on the benefits of private school in general, and MPA specifically, the word “connection” comes to mind. When we talk about connection in the context of private school benefits, we see it as a thread through all that we do and offer. We see creating connections as central to the benefits of a private school education.

Small class sizes allow teachers to connect with their students and students to connect with the subject.
Small class size is the most often-cited benefit of a PreK-12 private school education. Small class sizes mean that teachers are able to know their students, better evaluate their academic and personal strengths and challenges, and then engage them in ways that ensure they thrive.

Fewer students in a class—combined with the freedom and flexibility that comes with teaching at a private school—means that faculty can create active and engaging learning opportunities with real-world applications that excite and challenge students. With their emphasis on collaboration, critical thinking, problem solving, and deep understanding over rote memorization, MPA teachers encourage and empower students to dive deep into the subject matter at hand, to answer the “why.”

Shared values, not geography, help create a connected community.
MPA, like many other private schools, has a clear mission and set of core values that includes involved and engaged students; open discourse and academic rigor; a balance of academics, arts, and athletics; experiential learning led by exceptional faculty; mutual respect and meaningful service; technology as an integral part of learning; and a school-wide spirit of innovation. We are strongly committed to diversity, freethinking, and collaboration, which creates a welcoming, inclusive, respectful, and connected community with an unassuming culture. Read More

Meet the Law Family

December 27, 2017

Upper School
White Bear Lake, Minnesota

What do you love about Mounds Park Academy?
We wanted a place that would develop them as whole people. We wanted a healthy balance of arts, foreign language, athletics, and, of course academics, but we wanted them to discuss and analyze topics, rather than just choose from four options on a test. Most importantly, it needed to be a place they could develop the confidence they needed to try anything.

How is your child encouraged to dream big and do right at Mounds Park Academy?
Where I went to school, kids were pegged—smart kids, athletic kids, artsy kids—but at MPA there are no boundaries or limitations. That’s a beautiful thing. And, teachers lead by example at MPA without even articulating the expectation. The expectation clearly is that you will all take care of each other.

What would you tell another parent considering Mounds Park Academy?
I didn’t expect the academic rigor to be as great, but when I look at the depth of their studies and their level of understanding, I am truly impressed. What’s unique is that it is not to the point that they are stressed out. Expectations are high, but their teachers truly want them to do well in all areas and to live balanced lives. Read More

Meet Ms. Mastel

December 27, 2017

Drama Faculty
MPA Parent

What do you love about MPA?
So many things! As a teacher and a parent, I love that drama is part of the curriculum at MPA. It really shows the dedication of teaching the whole child. I also love that at MPA the “joy of learning” is imbedded into the school’s mission.

How is your child encouraged to dream big and do right at MPA?
My daughter is given options and choices for her own learning. She is taught skills that encourage independence, self-confidence, and advocacy. But the focus doesn’t stay on the individual—Lily’s teachers have projects that foster collaboration, team building, and simply being a good friend. During a recent “music share,” my daughter was nervous and forget her song … she looked at one of her friends who mouthed the first line and then Lily was ready to go. The next day, that friend began crying when a cookie fell to the ground at the school picnic and Lily immediately turned to comfort her. These are foundations that will last a lifetime.

If your child has attended another school, how has your experience at MPA been different?
Lily was originally enrolled at a different elementary school, until I was hired at MPA. I remember the moment during my tour when I started to look at the school as not just a potential teacher, but as a parent who wants the best for her child. She has more opportunities for physical education, art, drama, music, computers, and for creativity in the Makerspace. Many schools have cut art programs, meanwhile MPA has it as a required class through eighth grade. Also, the small class sizes cannot be beat! Read More

Preview the Joy of MPA at Pajamarama

December 22, 2017

by Leah Abbe Bloem, Orchestra Director

Pajamarama is pure joy at its finest! This year’s event will be once again combined with the Lower School Admission Preview and held on Thursday, February 1. The evening will begin at 5 PM for prospective families and 5:30 PM for current families.

This Mounds Park Academy original event is a concert created by Upper School orchestra students for Lower School students and their families. The creative endeavor gives Upper School students a chance to entertain and engage with the younger children with unabashed delight. They get to remember what it was like to be a little kid, hearing an orchestra for the first time, in such a welcoming, happy, and fun atmosphere.

Celebrating the MPA Community
We are very fortunate to have pre-kindergarten through high school students all on one campus, which builds a strong sense of community that feels like home. The Upper School orchestra students learn the music and plan a carnival with the understanding that the performance is not about them, but rather what they are giving to, and sharing with, the broader community.

The strong connection between Upper and Lower School students is evident every day at MPA, including at this event. Each student is kind and supportive of one another. At the event, the little ones are encouraged to try games again and again until they win, with cheers from the older students. Even those waiting in line will tell their peers in front of them to try again if they didn’t win the first time.

Experiencing the Joy of Musical Performance
Pajamarama is important because it gives the Upper School students a chance to look past the technical side of music education and experience the joy of sharing a musical performance. It also provides the opportunity for the orchestra students to really consider who their audience is and create an experience for them. The Upper School students learn about games and music that they may not even know in order to make each and every audience member feel valued and celebrated. They enjoy having the chance to give back to a school and community they love so much.

Creativity at Mounds Park Academy
Pajamarama began as a Disney concert approximately ten years ago. When I started teaching the orchestras four years ago, I decided to add the carnival portion to the night as well as to make the performance more interactive.

In most ensembles, it is common for the director to make the majority of the decisions regarding music and programming. However, for this performance almost all of the games and music have been planned, designed, and carefully developed by the Upper School orchestra students. Consequently, it is a powerful exercise in directing an entire artistic experience that they then perform for the community. The Upper School students both embrace their honed musical and artistic skills and simultaneously return to the delight of their youth through the games and activities with their younger friends.

Delighting Kids of All Ages
Students and parents alike love the performance. Upper School parents tell me how much fun it is to watch their child act like a little kid again and jump right into all the games, dancing, and singing. It is a reminder that we are all kids at heart and that we don’t have to grow up too fast. Along with the carnival, we also have milk and cookies at the end of the night, while our characters read bedtime stories.

At first glance, one would assume that the Lower School students enjoy the performance the most. However, watching these high-school-age students interact with their younger counterparts always proves that they are just as excited as the grade school students. In rehearsals, the Upper School students are slightly hesitant to sing songs by Raffi and dance to the Hokey Pokey while trying to play their instrument, but once they get a chance to dance and sing with the younger kids, one can see nothing but smiles on all of their faces.

Prospective families should RSVP in advance here! We look forward to welcoming you to Pajamarama!

MPA Alum Honored by Local Nonprofit

December 14, 2017

MPA alum Rose Miller ’06 received a special honor at the Animal Humane Society called the Values Award. This recognition celebrates individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the organization and exemplify the Animal Humane Society’s organizational values: be good to animals, partner with people, and lead responsibly with compassion.

Rose is the social media producer for AHS, turning the organization’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat profiles into resources for supporters. Rose has helped grow the loyal audience to more than 120,000 followers. She exceeds in her role as the voice of AHS and takes it very seriously. She uses her skills and storytelling tools to post thoughtfully and engagingly, developing her content and organization tactics far in advance. Read More

Design Club Created at MPA

December 14, 2017

Upper School student Cloris Lin established MPA’s Design Club this year as a creative outlet beyond the classroom. The Makerspace became home to the club, hosting their meetings officiated by Ms. Koen. The meetings, which take place every Monday during lunch and after school, begin with one simple question: “What do you want to make?”

The freedom of Design Club reflects the flow of ideas that Upper School students at MPA are encouraged to enact on and embrace. It did not take long for students to find interest in MPA’s new club. After just two meetings, it has grown to eight members, ranging from freshmen to seniors who all began with a complete orientation of the Makerspace. Read More

Generation Z

December 14, 2017

by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

You may have heard that MPA ninth grade student, Maya Peterson, wrote a book for young people about the importance of investing. Her book, Early Bird: The Power of Investing Young, was recently published by Amazon and makes the point that it is not too early for young people to begin investing in the stock market and provides valuable insights and motivation to do so. Although I have not yet read Maya’s book, one theme seems to emerge: that investing in the stock market is one way for young people to make a social impact on the world.

Much of what led Maya to write her book reflect the hopes and characteristics of her generation, Generation Z. A great deal of research has been done and is sometimes contradictory. While it is challenging to reduce a diverse group of people to a series of attributes, there are themes that emerge that are useful for parents, educators, employers, marketers, industry, etc. Read More

Meet Jonas Lim

December 8, 2017

Lower School Parent

What do you love about MPA?
The quality of the teachers, and the genuine concern, focus on, and love for the students. The philosophy of educating the students to be intelligent and socially responsible individuals.

How is your child encouraged to dream big and do right at MPA?
The class curriculum provides my daughter the opportunity to try different things and develop the skills necessary to accomplish anything or everything she wants to do. MPA encourages and informs my daughter about what is right, but also teaches her to respect that everyone is free to have their own opinion.

What would you tell another family considering MPA?
I would tell you that your child will receive focused attention by the teachers. Your child will be allowed to be whoever she wants to be. Your child will be encouraged to be a unique individual at her own pace. Your child will become socially responsible and able to tackle the challenges of today’s ever changing world.

In what ways has MPA prepared your child for life in the 21st century?
It has given her the chance to develop the skills and intellect needed for today’s world. For example, I like the fact each child is given the opportunity to work on different projects and present those project to other students and/or parents. This allows the child to build confidence necessary for the 21st century, whether it is in communicating with others at a job or articulating their dreams. Read More