Meet Erik Sand ’03

September 29, 2017

Alum on campus in front of plantPh.D. student, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Joanne Olson 13-Year Club Member

What do you love about MPA?
Academic rigor isn’t the only thing that matters. MPA is an environment that is infused with values like acceptance, respect, and tolerance. I know this emphasis is not found at all schools and it helped shape who I am today.

How were you encouraged to dream big and do right at MPA?
I served our country in active duty with the Navy for eight years, completed my undergraduate degree at Harvard University, and am currently a Ph.D. student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology studying political science and international relations. All of the important skills I needed for graduate school, I learned in 10th grade at MPA. I was taught how to teach myself and to learn for the sake of learning.

What would you tell a parent considering MPA?
I was at MPA for 13 years and familiarity is something humans value tremendously. But for me, it’s more than just that. MPA will become part of who your child is. Read More

Meet Ms. Kimmerle

September 29, 2017

Teacher in front of fourth grade classroomFourth grade teacher
Lower School Parent

How many years have you been at MPA?
This is my 13th year.

What do you love about MPA?
When I arrived on campus 12 years ago, I was immediately drawn to the passion that the school had for maintaining and building a diverse community. Having worked in San Francisco previously, I thought I was at the epicenter of an educational environment that valued diversity. I was wrong. That was here, at MPA.

Then there are the students. From my first eighth grade class, to my current fourth graders, I have been impressed with each and every one of them. There is a light … a spark … you do not find that everywhere.

And then there are my colleagues. Watching them is what makes me strive to be better each day. I’ve never been around a harder working, more dedicated group of professionals.

I love MPA as a faculty member, clearly. But now, as a parent, I can hardly put into words my love for the school without getting teary eyed. My children are thriving here, and I can’t imagine a better learning environment for them! Read More

Get Your Love Your Melon and MPA Hat

September 28, 2017

Girls in Love Your Melon hatsMPA alum Zach Quinn ’11 co-founded Love Your Melon and is making an incredible difference in the lives of children and families battling cancer. He is one of many dreamers and doers who have passed through the halls of MPA.

If you weren’t able to get your Love Your Melon hat at Homecoming, no fear! Several pop up shops are being planned until the hats sell out! On each of the following dates, hats will be available for purchase before school in the Lansing Lobby and after school at the South Entrance: October 31,
November 21, and December 19. In addition, they will be available at the Pancake Breakfast on December 6.

The Adolescent Brain and Growth Mindset

September 28, 2017

Middle school girls in hallwayAll parents are invited to the first quarter Middle School Parent Education Event, “The Adolescent Brain and How Brain Development Fits into Growth Mindset,” on Tuesday, October 3, from 8-9 AM in the Porter Conference Room (PCR). Our school psychologist, Dr. Jules Nolan, will be presenting on how brain development impacts behavior, and providing strategies for parents. Although the topic will be geared to Middle School-age students, any parent or caregiver is welcome to join in. Coffee and breakfast snacks will be provided by the Parents Association.

RSVP Today For Dedication Event!

September 28, 2017

Girl working in MakerspaceThe Makerspace Dedication and Ribbon Cutting event is coming up on October 7, starting promptly at 1 PM. The formal events will be followed by tours of the space, STEAM activities for all ages, and refreshments. This will be an incredible event that you will not want to miss! Kindly reply to rsvp@moundsparkacademy.org.

“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.

Homecoming Coverage and Photos

September 28, 2017

Homecoming was spectacular! Thank you to everyone who attended the festivities. Find professional photo from Saturday on campus here and photo booth moments here!

Senior Rachel Lindrud of “Freethinker,” MPA’s new student-run news source, covered the excitement of Homecoming Week …

MPA students playing soccerHomecoming: A Time for Pride, Competition, and Dancing
by Rachel Lindrud

On Friday, September 22 through Saturday, September 23, Mounds Park Academy came together as an entire community for its annual and spirited Homecoming events. In the days leading up to the games and festivities, parents decorated the hallways and coordinated multiple events, while over the weekend, kids from all grades streamed to the fields and courts to cheer on their classmates, siblings, and mentors. MPA’s “Panther Pride,” an appellation referring to the school’s panther mascot, was uniquely demonstrated throughout the week in the forms of volunteer work, athletic skill, and blue and white pompoms. This event models not only MPA and its athletic accomplishments, but also its proactive parent, student, and teacher volunteerism and its dynamic community-building spirit.

On Friday, the day before the sporting events, MPA held its annual Homecoming Assembly, at which students and faculty of all grade levels came together to wish the athletes a final good luck and also take part in various competitive community-building events. Sylvia H. ’24, supported her sisters and enjoyed watching her friends and teachers compete with one another: “I supported Soccer and Volleyball because my sisters are on those teams. My favorite part of the assembly was watching the sports teams and teachers do relays.”

Read More

Nourishing Since 1982

September 28, 2017

Group of alumni at eventby Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

I hope that you were caught up in the wave of school spirit last week during Homecoming. It was a fantastic week as students, parents, and alumni “came back” to celebrate the special place that MPA holds in their hearts. Newly retired athletic director Joe Kordosky remarked that the turnout for Saturday’s events was the largest he could remember. As I moved from event to event, I reveled in the strong school spirit and morale.

We had a wonderful showing of alumni for a happy hour Friday night and a more formal reunion on Saturday evening. Several alums participated in a tour of the school that I led on Saturday morning. Interacting with alumni is an aspect of my job that I really enjoy. You’ve probably come to know that I love to hear people’s stories. It is particularly rewarding to listen to the stories that alumni tell about the influence MPA has had on their lives. Many say that it was, in fact, “life-changing.” For instance: Read More

Suicide Awareness And Prevention

September 21, 2017

Todd SavagePlease mark your calendars and plan to attend this event on Thursday, October 5, 6:30-8 PM in the Recital Hall. Dr. Todd A. Savage, MPA parent and professor of school psychology at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, and Dr. Scott Woitaszewski, also a professor of school psychology at UWRF, will be sharing a research- and evidence-based presentation that will further inform and equip our community regarding youth suicide awareness. They will help us all to be proactive and to understand the issue better, provide tips on what to look for in students, and give tools and resources to utilize if concerns arise. The final 15 minutes of the time together will be open for questions and answers and will allow MPA to share the resources that exist on our campus. The presentation is geared toward Middle and Upper School families; however, Lower School families are more than welcome to attend, as well. Note: This presentation will be similar to the one given in May. No RSVP needed.

Prep Athlete Of The Week!

September 21, 2017

Declan Dahlberg runningMPA Senior and lifer Declan Dahlberg was named as one of the Star Tribune’s Prep Athletes Of The Week!

“He won the Private School Championship at St. Catherine University with a time of 16 minutes, 25 seconds over the 5,000-meter course on a steamy 88-degree day. Earlier this season, the top-ranked runner in Class 1A won the Ron Kretsch Invitational,” the Tribune mentioned.

Last fall, Declan finished as the Boys Cross Country Class A State Champion, running a personal record time of 15:57.1, with the closest finish in meet history.

He is also currently writing posts for “MileSplit,” a popular athletics blog covering high school track and field and cross country news across the United States.