April 9, 2018
An extended MPA Now interview with founding faculty member, Anne Devout Atchison.
Why is teaching character through literature so effective?
Because good literature touches our souls. Yes, reading makes us better, but it also makes us human. Take fiction, for example. Good novels give us examples of what we should and shouldn’t choose, what we should and shouldn’t want, and who we should and shouldn’t be. We’re in a safe space to test our own morality, wonder about our own grit, and practice our own choice-making as stories unfold and we discover what characters are truly made of. In a novel, no one is actually betrayed, no one is literally defeated. It’s just make-believe, right? Let’s face it, most of our life is ordinary. But when we read fiction, we have the opportunity to practice discernment and discrimination and exercise our decision-making muscles, so we are ready when our ordinary life gets disrupted by the extraordinary. And in those moments and in those circumstances, it’s like we’ve already been there. We’re not as surprised and we’re not as afraid because we’re not rookies at these emotions anymore. Now it’s our turn to see what we’re made of.
Mounds Park Academy won the Section 4A Speech Tournament held today at MPA with a score of 95! There were 300 students competing from 19 different schools. MPA had 32 students competing in 12 categories. Second place was Watertown Mayer with a score of 35.
If you haven’t yet applied, Mounds Park Academy’s regular admission deadline is coming up on Sunday, April 15. This is the date by which all documents should be received and steps completed. 
It’s never too early to get a head start on school supply shopping! MPA is offering prepackaged school supplies in Lower School once again, as a convenience to our families. In addition, next year’s Lower School supply lists have been posted under 
Another awesome summer activity being offered for boys and girls in grades K-6 is Soccer Camp, June 25-28, 9-11 AM. Tim Sheehan and Mike Scinto, MPA soccer coaches and phy ed teachers, have designed a fun and challenging week of activities for all soccer players, beginner through advanced. Enhance your skills, learn something new and develop team concepts in a fun and friendly environment.
MPA is partnering with the National Inventors Hall of Fame to provide Camp Invention June 25-29, a unique out-of-school-time enrichment experience with a science, engineering and math (STEM) focus. At MPA, this special week will be taught in the Makerspace by MPA teachers Nicole Koen and Debbie LaChapelle.
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, parents of alumni, 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 date of the Middle School Art Show Opening and the 5-12 grade Band Concert has been moved from Thursday, May 17 to Wednesday, May 16. The times remain the same, with the opening at 6 PM and the concert at 7 PM. Our apologies for this necessary change to the calendar!
A simple way to make a planned (deferred) gift to benefit MPA is by designating the school as a beneficiary of all or a portion of your IRA or other qualified retirement plan or life insurance policy. You simply request a beneficiary designation form from your retirement plan provider or life insurance company, complete and return the form to them, and the future gift is put in place. You may also designate MPA as the beneficiary of your stock portfolio by requesting and completing a TOD (Transfer on Death) form from your broker. An even simpler way is to visit your bank and designate MPA a beneficiary of your checking or savings account by completing a POD (Payable on Death) form. In each of these methods, MPA can be designated as the beneficiary of a fixed amount, a percentage, or the remainder of your assets.
by Renee Wright, Lower School Director