Mounds Park Academy

February 15, 2018

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in last week’s Faculty & Staff Appreciation event! Families from all divisions donated snacks, drinks and gift cards to show our faculty and staff how much we appreciate what they do for our students, each and every day. A special thank you to Chef Doug and his staff for creating breakfast and afternoon treats and for a delicious faculty dinner last Thursday evening during conferences. Another special thanks to Vern Kissner and his staff in the Maintenance Department for help during set up, clean up, and everything in-between.

Faculty & Staff winners of the $25 Gift Card Raffle include:

Tom Connors, Marina Dale, Andy Gilbert, Lauren Hernandez, Vern Kissner, Nicole Koen, Kari O’Keefe, Pat Reinhardt, Jason Schwalen, Renee Sonka, Jay Springer, Shelley Steingraeber, Renette Stinson, Becky Tesdahl, Karen Widerski, and Dawn Zimmerman.

Anyone who brought in food or snacks in a basket or on a platter can get it back by stopping by the PA Room after school on Tuesday 2/20 or Wednesday 2/21 or email Tara Lafferty at tmattrn@aol.com.

Parent Education With Dr. Jules Nolan

February 15, 2018

The MPA Parents Association invites parents to attend two upcoming talks by Dr. Jules Nolan. Please note that these talks are open to all MPA parents, not just Middle and Lower School. However, the Wednesday discussion will be geared toward Middle School families, so while all can attend, the content will be focused on that age group’s developmental needs.

The Middle School Parent Event is Wednesday, February 21, from 8–9 AM in the Porter Conference Room. Dr. Jules Nolan will present “Social and Emotional Learning: A Better Predictor of Success in School.” This session will explore social and emotional learning, a skill set that is foundational in learning and life, and is currently the focus of new standards and benchmarks from the Minnesota Department of Education. Participants will better understand the five areas of SEL skills and how to develop lagging skills in the areas of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making.

MPA Athletics Highlights

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!

Senior Blake Henke and the Minnesota Wild sled hockey team for winning their entire championship tournament
Boys Basketball beat conference rival SPA on Spirit Night for an undefeated week
Four Nordic Skiers advanced to State

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.

A Joyful Valentine’s Day

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!

Maker Fest 2018 Is Coming Up!

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.

Meet Ms. Stinson

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!