Mounds Park Academy

February 19, 2025

Welcome to MPA, Ms. Deb Stone! Nurse Deb will be the part-time school nurse, pairing with Ms. Emily Kang, and we are thrilled to introduce her to the community!

From what school/organization are you coming?
I was the school nurse at Perpich Arts High School in Golden Valley for the last three years.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I have a BA in Nursing from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
MPA appealed to me because of the student population, PreK-12. I really enjoy working with students of all ages, and I missed working at my last school, which was only 11-12.

What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA and its students?
As a school nurse, I see my role as a support person to support all students and staff so the students can be as successful as they can be on their education journey here at MPA. In addition to supporting students with their health needs, I also strive to create a peaceful environment in the health office where everyone feels welcome and safe.
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Welcome Home, International Students!

February 18, 2025

Last week, we hosted a live event with FindingSchools to give international students and families an inside look at MPA, including a virtual tour, international student college matriculation, and more. View the event recording here! Please note that this event is recorded in English and Chinese, but our FindingSchools profile can also be viewed in Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese.

MPA’s International Student Program is comprehensive and student-centered, allowing our International Student Program director and our faculty and staff to best support our international students in all aspects of their academic and personal lives. Our international students are able to fully experience American culture and live with their host families while having a nurturing and supportive academic experience. Read More

MPA Alpine, Nordic Skiers Compete At State!

February 18, 2025

Congratulations to the MPA boys Nordic ski team, which took third place as a team during the state meet held at Giants Ridge!

The Panthers were led by Eddie Snider ’25, who paced the pack with a third-place finish in the boys pursuit. Eddie was followed by Eli Andre ’26 (17th), Soren Winikoff ’26 (20th), Max Francois ’28 (104th), and Brennen Schertz ’25 (109th). Ansel Streier ’26 and Carter Short ’27 combined to take 16th in the team sprint.

Representing the girls side of the team, Megan Snider ’27 took home 33rd.

We are so incredibly proud of our Panthers! Earning the placement was a true team effort, reflected in the countless hours and hard work dedicated to the sport. Read More

MPA Closed Tuesday, February 18

February 17, 2025

Dear MPA Community –

I have been closely monitoring the forecast, and all classes, activities, practices, and events are canceled on Tuesday, February 18 due to the predicted low temperatures.

This is not a decision we take lightly as we balance the safety of our students and families with the commitment that we make to our students’ time in class. Safety, however, is always our highest priority.

We look forward to seeing you on campus on Wednesday!

Dr. Bill Hudson
Head of School

Join Us For Remember the Time: A Black History Month Showcase

February 13, 2025

Join us for Remember the Time: A Black History Month Showcase as we come together as a community to celebrate Black history, culture, and contributions in a powerful and engaging way on Thursday, February 27, from 4:30-6:30 PM in the Family Commons! Throughout February, students across all divisions will explore themes of fun facts (Lower School), innovations (Middle School), and legacy (Upper School), leading up to an incredible school-wide presentation.

On February 27, the school will open at 3:15 PM for visitors to tour the building and experience the incredible projects and displays created by our students. Then, at 4:30 PM, we’ll transition into a New Orleans jazz club experience for our showcase, featuring live music from Monique Blakey & The Experience and hosted by Pierre Douglas, a Twin Cities comedy staple known for his appearance on Comedy Central’s Hart of the City.

Guests will also enjoy authentic New Orleans cuisine prepared by Chef Ronnie. The celebration will conclude at 6:30 PM.

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details! You won’t want to miss this unforgettable event! Please contact Eddie Grant, assistant director of equity and belonging, at egrant@moundsparkacademy.org with any questions.

Parents Association News And Events February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

MPA PA Grade Reps are seeking contributions to support the school! The 2025 MPA Spring Auction: Gala of Gratitude is just around the corner, and those of you who have been part of the MPA community in past years will remember that, traditionally, each grade collects funds for a Spring Auction basket. However, this year, there’s a slight change!

Instead of grade baskets, this year, grade-level contributions will sponsor one or more Live Auction items listed as Lower, Middle, or Upper School Sponsored Package. By pooling resources, our collective donations will help purchase an exciting consignment package to be auctioned live at the event and have an even greater impact!

This is a fantastic opportunity for our grade-level communities to come together and make a big difference for MPA students and programs while supporting this important fundraising event. We’d love your help!

Please look for an auction email from your designated grade reps or contact PA@moundsparkacademy.org, and we will connect with you. Thank you!

Upper School Division News February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, February 14: No Classes, Professional Development
Saturday, February 15: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Deadline
Monday, February 17: No Classes, President’s Day
Tuesday, February 18: US Nordic Ski Banquet, 4:30-6:30 PM, Family Commons
Wednesday, February 19: US Band & Orchestra Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center
Monday, February 24-Friday, February 28: SnoDaze Week
Wednesday, February 26: US Vocal Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center
Thursday, February 27: Remember the Time: A Black History Month Showcase, 4:30-6:30 PM, Family Commons
Friday, February 28: US SnoDaze Student Body Event, 3:15-5 PM, MPA Pond/Lansing Sports Center

Like an anxious parent, I felt myself getting more excited for the sound and sight of the coach bus pulling onto campus. It had only been 55 hours since the students and their four chaperones had departed, but there was a noticeable feeling of something missing, knowing that the Class of 2027 was in Hackensack, Minnesota, enjoying their time at the annual Deep Portage field trip.

Field trips have long been recognized as valuable educational tools that extend learning beyond the classroom walls. The Journal of Research in Science Teaching recently published findings from a study that shares, “Students who participate in field trips demonstrate increased engagement, deeper understanding of concepts, and improved retention of learned material.” MPA Upper School students have visited the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) to examine centuries-old ceramic pieces, researched for the History Day Project at the University of Minnesota library, and performed holiday musical pieces for community members at a local hospital and care facility. This is just a sampling of the off-campus experiences students have had this year, with many more planned for the upcoming months.

Middle School Division News February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, February 14: No Classes, Professional Development
Saturday, February 15: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Deadline
Monday, February 17: No Classes, President’s Day
Wednesday, February 19: MS G7/8 Affinity Group Meeting, 2:30-3 PM, Panther Center
Monday, February 24-Friday, February 28: SnoDaze Week
Thursday, February 27: Remember the Time: A Black History Month Showcase, 4:30-6:30 PM, Family Commons
March 3-March 7: MS i-Term

On Monday, we hosted our third edition of the Students and Screens program with a discussion centered on how to keep our children safe online by gaining an understanding of some of the controls available and the different ways that students can access different sites, social media, and discussion groups online. MPA parent Corey Ganser led our group in a discussion about the different ways that parents can work alongside their children through conversations and providing some guardrails so our children are safe and exposed to different parts of the internet and social media at developmentally appropriate times.

Our lively discussion included some questions about the appropriate time and ways to progress a child’s use of technology, with some parents sharing stories and anecdotes of how their child may have found themselves on programs or in chats that they probably should not have been a part of. As I shared with the group, “I have yet to meet a parent who said, ‘I wish I gave my student a phone or access to social media sooner than I did.’”

Lower School Division News February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, February 14: No Classes, Professional Development
Friday, February 14: Panther Club and PreK Closed
Saturday, February 15: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Deadline
Monday, February 17: No Classes, President’s Day
Monday, February 17: Panther Club and PreK Closed
Wednesday, February 19: LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-8:45 AM, Family Commons
Monday, February 24-Friday, February 28: SnoDaze Week
Thursday, February 27: Remember the Time: A Black History Month Showcase, 4:30-6:30 PM, Family Commons
Wednesday, March 5: LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-8:45 AM, Family Commons
Thursday, March 6: LS Art Show Opening, 5:30-6 PM, Gallery; Rossbach Art Walk; Family
Commons; US Commons
Thursday, March 6: LS Music Program, 6-7 PM, Nicholson Center

We are in the thick of winter, and the energy in the Lower School is still riding high! I trust that you have had the chance to read the recent announcement of my departure from MPA at the end of the year. Please know that this decision is more of a pull toward family and next steps rather than a push away from our wonderful school. I am sad to say goodbye and grateful to have had the honor of being part of our community for the past two years.

SnoDaze Week: Pajama Day on February 24
The Lower School students are invited to celebrate SnoDaze Week with the Middle and Upper Schools the week of February 24-28. All students in PreK-Grade 4 are invited to wear their pajamas to school on Monday, February 24. The students in third and fourth grade are also invited to the SnoDaze assembly on the afternoon of Friday, February 28. Read More

The Power of Hopeful Skepticism: Preparing Students, and Ourselves, for a Complex World

February 13, 2025

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

Over my 30+ years in education, I’ve been called many things, some of which I can’t repeat here. Most often, I’ve been called naïve or an optimist, most of the time meant as a criticism. Truth be told, I’d rather be naïve than a cynic, believing people are generally selfish and untrustworthy. I’d rather be an optimist rather than have a negative outlook on life and expect the worst from people and from life.

After reading “Hope for Cynics” by Jamil Zaki, Stanford University professor and director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab, I can now proudly say I am a hopeful skeptic. A hopeful skeptic is someone who balances optimism with critical thinking. They are open to possibilities and potential but also approach claims, ideas, and situations with a questioning mindset. This person is not cynical or dismissive but instead seeks evidence, logic, and reason while maintaining a belief in positive outcomes.

Zaki writes about a test by psychologists Walter Cook and Donald Medley devised to identify good teachers. They asked hundreds of teachers whether they agreed with these three questions (and 47 others):

No one cares much what happens to you.
Most people dislike helping others.
Most people are honest chiefly through fear of getting caught.

According to Cook and Medley’s research, the more a teacher agreed with these statements, the worse their rapport with students. Out of curiosity, but knowing the probable outcome, I did a snap poll of MPA teachers. The vast majority disagreed with all three statements with a small handful agreeing with only one. It didn’t surprise me that 97% of our teachers are low or low-medium in cynicism. Read More