Mounds Park Academy

September 14, 2017

We need your support to make all of this fun happen again! Sign up to volunteer at MPA’s Homecoming 2017! This fun-filled weekend has so many activities going on including fun runs, bounce houses, athletic competitions, alumni events, and much more.

This incredible weekend for every member of our community would not be possible without the generosity of volunteers who give of their time on Saturday, September 23. If you have an hour or two to spare, volunteering is a great way to get involved with the event and MPA!

Thank you in advance for your time! If you have any questions, please contact Susan Robertson, Development Manager, at 651-748-5531 or srobertson@moundsparkacademy.org.

Makerspace Dedication

September 14, 2017

The MPA community is invited to campus on October 7 for the AnnMarie Thomas Makerspace dedication ceremony, ribbon cutting, and STEAM activities for all ages.

“The AnnMarie Thomas Makerspace is the only creative center of its kind in the Twin Cities for students in grades PreK through 12. Given the long-standing approach at Mounds Park Academy of hands-on, experiential learning that integrates science, technology, math with the humanities and the arts, the Makerspace fits perfectly alongside the work of Dr. Thomas,” said Dr. Hudson. Dr. Thomas will speak to students at an all school assembly on Friday, October 6.

Please arrive before 1 PM if you plan to attend the dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting. RSVP to rsvp@moundsparkacademy.org. We hope to see you there!

Introducing Courage

September 14, 2017

On September 13, a rainbow of MPA Lower School students excitedly awaited a big announcement at their first CHAMP assembly of the year. Everyone was dressed in red, orange, yellow, green, blue or purple to represent their grade levels, but all sat together to form a colorful audience for the reveal of a new CHAMP trait. The students cheered as one special word rang out in the cafeteria: courage.

CHAMP, MPA’s Lower School character education program, was originally designed by MPA teachers and founded upon the character traits of friendship, compassion, respect, self-control, responsibility, cooperation, integrity, and inclusiveness. These characteristics are what students at MPA are inspired to demonstrate on a daily basis.

Courage was introduced as the newest CHAMP trait with a read-along of The Little Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger and the unveiling of new encouraging posters for every classroom to serve as reminders. The Little Yellow Leaf was one of the inspirations behind adding courage to the CHAMP program. It’s a story of friendship and encouragement that leads a small voice to a big, bold decision.

Faculty & Staff Appreciation

September 7, 2017

Welcome back to another school year at MPA! Believe it or not, Conference week is fast approaching, September 25-28, 2017. One longstanding tradition at MPA is to provide nourishment for the 100+ faculty and staff during this week. Our faculty and staff spend extra hours at school during this week and one way to help support them is to provide food all day long. (Dinners on Tuesday and Thursday nights that week are provided by the Parents Association directly).

Contributions from families are essential! Please consider signing up for any item(s) you would like to contribute. We will be using Sign Up Genius this year. Please click here to sign up >

Items may be dropped off in the Parents Association Room in the Cafeteria on the designated day between 7:30 AM and 8 AM, or at your convenience. There is a refrigerator for perishable items. Please leave a note on any items left in the Parents Association room.

Contact Tara Matthews-Lafferty or Mary Messner with any questions. Thank you in advance for your support of MPA faculty and staff.

Dreaming Big With Ms. Koen

September 7, 2017

This week, the AnnMarie Thomas Makerspace opened its doors to the hands and brains of our students. Ms. Koen, Makerspace Coordinator, could best describe it with just one word: exciting. We held a Q&A with her inside the new addition to campus for a full look at Opening Week!

MPA: How does it feel to be in this brand-new space?
Ms. Koen: Exciting! The space is beautiful, and having students here brings it to life. I can really see that their wheels are turning. The Makerspace allows for collaboration with teachers, as they bring their classroom to the space and transform it. Once here, the Maker movement and mindset come to life organically. Each space in here is purposed for the dreaming, the doing, and the making. Read More

“When Everyone Comes Back”

September 7, 2017

by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

“Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” I was recently at a meeting when someone shared that famous quote from Peter Drucker to emphasize the importance of culture as foundational for organizational success. Clearly strategy is important, yet it will certainly fall flat without engaged, motivated, and cohesive employees who share a common purpose.

As we approach Homecoming in a couple weeks, I found myself thinking about the strong culture at MPA. Educational research is clear that a strong culture leads to higher levels of student achievement. In the ISACS survey administered last year, 85 percent of students agreed that MPA is a caring community, high above the independent school benchmark. A whopping 96 percent of parents agreed as well, also above the benchmark. In the words of one parent, MPA “is a positive nurturing environment. It provides the best well-rounded education I think you can get in Minnesota.”

Meet Melissa Peacock & Family

September 5, 2017

What do you love about MPA?
I love that students can follow their interests and try new things at all ages. It is perfectly normal for a soccer player to be involved in a theater production and compete on the robotics team. Kids are encouraged by the teachers and their peers to try things outside their comfort zone. It is a safe space to discover new interests and be passionate about learning.

How are your children encouraged to dream big and do right at MPA?
Acceptance of individuality and inclusivity is core to MPA. It creates a safe space to try different things. My girls were not interested in sports, but in Middle School they were encouraged to join a team. They discovered they loved the camaraderie of being on a team and adrenaline rush of competition. They learned sportsmanship, team first, and that winning at all costs isn’t really winning.

If your children have attended another school, how has your experience at MPA been different?
Our kids came from a Montessori foundation in early elementary school and transitioned smoothly to MPA. They were ready for a larger school and a more structured (yet still very hands-on) learning environment. MPA also offered more robust athletics and arts, which was all on campus during and after school. Combined with the busing from our home in North Oaks, that was very convenient. Read More

The Book Cellar Offers Rest And Rejuvenation

August 31, 2017

Librarian Nancy Lage has been watching a corner of the Library evolve into The Book Cellar since last year. While students voted on the name, Ms. Lage and Ms. Petrich developed the idea, collaborating with students and former Middle School faculty member Mr. Schwieger to create a space for reading and research for Upper School students, but even more importantly, rest, and rejuvenation. “Kids need a change of scenery sometimes,” Ms. Lage said.

Junior Ethan Berning made the sign for the entrance while Juniors, Lily Madore and Mats Dahlberg painted the entryway with a medieval design, giving it a distinct look and feel. Beyond the entrance, the space transforms into a cozy nook with leather furniture, a wall dedicated to inspiring and kind notes, a Keurig for tea and hot chocolate and soft, glowing lights dangling from the ceiling. Through The Book Cellar’s wide windows are unique animal sightings and greenery, including a nearby tree with the reflected illusion of being lit by the twinkling lights.

Head’s Message: Meet Dr. AnnMarie Thomas

August 31, 2017

by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

How do we raise children who are creative, lifelong learners? It’s a question educators and parents alike continually wrestle with, especially in light of our rapidly-changing world. It’s also a question that Dr. AnnMarie Thomas, Associate Professor in the School of Engineering and the Opus College of Business at the University of St. Thomas, has dedicated her life’s work to answering. The solution, in part, is creating and maximizing opportunities for students to follow their own intrinsic path to discovery and take control of their learning. The newly completed Makerspace gives MPA students an amazing advantage and exemplifies our school’s commitment to preparing students to “live, learn, and thrive” in today’s complex, global society.

I am pleased to announce that our new Makerspace will be named in honor of Dr. Thomas. The AnnMarie Thomas Makerspace is the only creative center of its kind in the Twin Cities for students in grades PreK through 12. Given the long-standing approach at Mounds Park Academy of hands-on, experiential learning that integrates science, technology, math with the humanities and the arts, the Makerspace fits perfectly alongside the work of Dr. Thomas.

We Make Meaning

August 24, 2017

by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

Walking through the halls today, one can feel the energy and joyfulness as the MPA community comes together once more. I have been struck by the goodwill and genuine warmth as I see students greet one another, parents reconnect with each other, and teachers welcoming students to their classrooms.

Our Solar Eclipse Viewing Party on Monday was evidence of the strength of the MPA community. There was a wealth of opportunities available to view the eclipse offered by towns and libraries, museums, and nature centers throughout the metro area, yet more than 400 choose to experience it here at MPA. Coupled with educational activities, the event expressed what makes MPA unique—hands-on, experiential, and joyful learning.

Joyful is also the word I would choose to describe Back to School Night. Even those who lament getting up early or the return of homework were swept up in the joy of coming back to school. I am continually surprised by how much a child can grow in just a few short months and how much more mature they become. I enjoyed hearing many wonderful stories of summer adventures and achievements.