Mounds Park Academy

April 14, 2025

from Takele Thompson-Nelson ’18

One reason I decided to return to MPA as a coach was that I was asked by fellow teammates who were also leaders and captains, Brendan Connolly ’17 and Cooper Olson ’16. I was eager to join the team, knowing that I would have those two by my side. I returned in hopes of passing on the knowledge and values that were given to me through my time at MPA. I also love basketball!

It means a lot to be able to mentor the next generation. However, those feelings are also partnered with fear. To have people, especially kids, relying on you is a powerful thing. But I know I wouldn’t be put in this position if I wasn’t ready. When coaching, I want to make sure that I’m not just hitting the Xs and Os because life is more complicated than that. In my time here at MPA, my coach is someone I could look up to and who helped guide me through other aspects of life beyond sports. I believe that it is my responsibility to also take that role for my athletes if needed.

My past experience as an MPA athlete has filled me with immense pride for everything related to being a Panther. Every win, loss, or game has an emotional connection for me because that was something I used to be a part of. I believe that being an alum and now a coach has created a strong bond between my passion for the team and the school. I am not just a coach but a previous athlete. This connection has given me my “why,” which is the fuel that has guided me to come to MPA every day with the same passion and love I had when I was a student here.

A Message From Alumni Board Member Isabel (McKeown) O’Branski ’14

April 11, 2025

Every year, we seek additional members to join the MPA alumni board, and we recognize that you may or may not know what committing to the board entails. The board is perfect for those who want to connect further with the MPA community or give back to the school that gave them so much without a major time commitment. As a second-year board member, I am incredibly glad I chose to join the board and only wish I had joined sooner.

I’m here to share my experience by debunking a few common myths about joining the board:

Myth No. 1: I have to live in the Twin Cities

I have lived in two cities since joining the Board, neither of which are even located in the Midwest. While there are always alumni and school events you can attend (as a board member or not!) if you live locally, your participation on the board will be entirely virtual. I’ve Zoomed into our meetings from San Diego and New York City over the years and am grateful that I can participate from out of state. Read More

Cultures Come Together, Celebrate

April 10, 2025

On Wednesday, April 9, the Parents Association hosted Cultural Celebration Day, an evening celebrating the diversity of backgrounds at MPA with food, music, dance, and community.

Some of the highlights of the event were beautiful dance performances by MPA parents and students, colorfully decorated tables set up by the hosts sharing their cultures and cuisines, the ever-popular henna artist, Bilkis, Boba by Treats, and a West African drum workshop. It was wonderful to experience the energy and engagement of community members. We hope to see you all next year!

A big thank you to the Cultural Celebration Day Planning Committee, cultural booth hosts, MPA staff, MPA student hosts, and event volunteers, who all helped make this event successful.

Upper School Division News April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, April 11: New Student Enrollment Deadline
Monday, April 14: No Classes, Professional Development
Monday, April 14: US G11 SAT, 8 AM-1 PM, Room 150-151
Wednesday, April 16: US G10 College Counseling Parent Night, 6:30-7:30 PM, Recital Hall
Friday, April 18: US Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Nicholson Center
Thursday, April 24: Spring Musical: “The Wizard of Oz,” 7-9 PM, Nicholson Center, Tickets >
Friday, April 25: MS/US Robotics Team Banquet, 5-8 PM, Family Commons
Saturday, April 26: Spring Musical: “The Wizard of Oz,” 7-9 PM, Nicholson Center, Tickets >
Sunday, April 27: Spring Musical: “The Wizard of Oz,” 2-4 PM, Nicholson Center, Tickets >

As the school year enters its home stretch, maintaining student motivation and engagement is increasingly important for academic success. Research from the American Psychological Association finds that student performance often declines during the fourth quarter, confirming that “spring fever” is a true and real educational phenomenon. The Association’s findings share that “while not a legitimate medical condition, ‘spring fever’ refers to the common feeling of restlessness, decreased motivation, and a desire for outdoor activities that can affect students as the weather warms and the school year nears its end.”

I would imagine this is especially true in communities like the Twin Cities, where our temperatures have been cold, and the students and educators arrived and went home from school in the dark. With proper support, open lines of communication, and strong, trusting relationships, students can maintain their momentum and finish the school year strongly. Read More

Middle School Division News April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, April 11: New Student Enrollment Deadline
Monday, April 14: No Classes, Professional Development
Wednesday, April 16: MS G7/8 Affinity Group Meeting, 2:30-3 PM, Panther Center
Tuesday, April 22: MS Quarterly Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
Tuesday, April 22: LS/MS G4 Lunch-Up, 11:35 AM-12:30 PM
Wednesday, April 23: MS Author Visit, 8-9:30 AM, Recital Hall
Thursday, April 24: Spring Musical: “The Wizard of Oz,” 7-9 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, April 25: MS/US Robotics Team Banquet, 5-8 PM, Family Commons
Saturday, April 26: Spring Musical: “The Wizard of Oz,” 7-9 PM, Nicholson Center
Sunday, April 27: Spring Musical: “The Wizard of Oz,” 2-4 PM, Nicholson Center
Wednesday, April 30: MS G7/8 Affinity Group Meeting, 2:30-3 PM, Panther Center
Thursday, May 1: MS/US G5/8 Parent Meeting, 6-6:45 PM, To Be Announced and Recital Hall
Thursday, May 1: MS Vocal Concert, 7-8:30 PM, Nicholson Center

As we head into our fourth quarter of the year, my question for our Middle Schoolers is, “How can you make this last quarter your BEST quarter?” Challenging them to reflect on all that they’ve learned so far this year and to finish off the year, over our final eight weeks of school, as strong as possible can be both challenging and rewarding. With so many different opportunities for our students to showcase their learning, from concerts and the musical to their final assessments, papers, projects, and presentations, we will work hard to keep them (and you) well-organized, prepared, and balanced for the work ahead.

Lower School Division News April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, April 11: New Student Enrollment Deadline
Monday, April 14: No Classes, Professional Development
Wednesday, April 16: LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-8:45 AM, Family Commons
Wednesday, April 16: LS Duty-Free Lunch with Parent Volunteers, 11:40 AM-12:40 PM, Playground and Family Commons
Thursday, April 17: Coffee with the Candidate for Lower School Parents, 8-9 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
Tuesday, April 22: LS/MS G4 Lunch-Up, 11:35 AM-12:30 PM
Thursday, April 24: Spring Musical: “The Wizard of Oz,” 7-9 PM, Nicholson Center, Tickets >
Saturday, April 26: Spring Musical: “The Wizard of Oz,” 7-9 PM, Nicholson Center, Tickets >
Sunday, April 27: Spring Musical: “The Wizard of Oz,” 2-4 PM, Nicholson Center, Tickets >
Tuesday, April 29: LS Quarterly Coffee, 8:15-9:30 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library

Welcome to April! It’s hard to believe that we are almost at the end of the school year, with less than two months remaining. We’re still moving full steam ahead in Lower School. Read on for more updates!

No Classes: Monday, April 14

Please note that there are no classes on Monday, April 14. This is a day off for students and a professional development day for our teachers. Read More

Parents Association News And Events April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

The Parents Association is all about supporting families in building community throughout the school year. Thank you for all the ways you showed up this year! Join in to keep growing connections through the spring.

Division Quarterly Coffees

Tuesday, April 22: Middle School Quarterly Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
Tuesday, April 29: Lower School Quarterly Coffee, 8:15-9:30 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library

National Teacher (Faculty & Staff) Appreciation Week: May 5-9

Sign up to write a thank you note! We will collect notes by April 29 and hand them out during the National Teacher Appreciation Week.
Sign up to help assemble and deliver goodie bags to faculty and staff on May 5.

Help celebrate the MPA adult community that cares for and supports our children through the school year.

The Vibrant Season Of Spring

April 10, 2025

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

As we step into the vibrant season of spring, I find myself drawn to the quiet beauty and symbolism this time of year brings. The longer days, the budding trees, the chirping of birds, the honking of geese, and the first signs of green pushing through the soil remind us of the steady, hopeful rhythm of renewal. For those of us in education—and perhaps especially in the Upper Midwest where winter holds on tightly—spring is more than just a season. It is a metaphor for the growth, energy, and transformation that we see unfolding daily within our school community.

At MPA, spring invites us to pause, reflect, and celebrate how far we’ve come this year. We see this in the confidence of a kindergartner who now walks into school independently, in the curiosity of a fourth grader asking big questions, and in the thoughtful determination of a senior finalizing their post-secondary decision. These moments—large and small—mark the progress of a school year that, like spring itself, began in stillness and has blossomed into joyful, dynamic growth.

Spring also gives us the gift of perspective. Just as trees begin to leaf out again after a long winter, our students begin to show us the fruits of their learning. They take risks, solve problems, express ideas, and test out who they are becoming. These moments of discovery and stretch are not always linear—they often arrive with a mix of messiness and magic—but they are the very heart of a transformational education. And they mirror what we as adults know to be true: real growth takes time, intention, and courage. Read More

A Special Thank You From Dr. Hudson!

April 10, 2025

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

“From the depths of my heart, thank you for the extraordinary outpouring of love and support at Friday’s Gala. It was a beautiful and unforgettable evening—one that I will cherish always.

I am especially grateful to everyone who contributed to the Hudson Fund for Resilient Students. Your generosity will have a lasting impact, helping MPA students navigate unexpected challenges and continue to thrive in every way.

As I move through these final months as head of school, I look forward to connecting with many of you. Though my chapter in this role is coming to a close, please know that MPA will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2025 MPA Spring Auction: Gala of Gratitude an extraordinary success. Because of our community’s deep generosity, we raised more than $870,000 in support of MPA, including an incredible $164,565 for the MPA Fund and over $707,000 for this year’s Fund A Need, The Hudson Fund for Resilient Students. Click here to help further support the Hudson Fund!

MPA Speech Team Wins Section Title

April 10, 2025

Our MPA speech team is state-bound! Congratulations to the Section 4A champs and reigning state champions. The team title was powered by a complete effort that saw 20 students earn a berth to the state meet:

Warner Reid and Hazel Reid: First place, Duo
Paul Fertig: First place, Extemporaneous Speaking
Mari Minear: First place, Great Speeches
Kelvyn Boddipalli: First place, Humorous Interpretation
Oslo Norcross: First place, Informative Speaking
Ash Klann: First place, Original Oratory
Alyona Vietrova: First place, Poetry
Lucy Mayer: First place, Prose
Amila Avdic: Second place, Discussion
Guy Schwieger and Nico Bergh: Second place, Duo
Amal Sastry: Second place, Extemporaneous Speaking
Rowan Mulrooney: Second place, Great Speeches
Zainab Lodhi: Second place, Informative
Nabila Artan: Second place, Oratory
LuaClaire Robert: Second place, Poetry
Andrea Pugh: Second place, Prose
Sidd Sastry: Third place, Extemporaneous Speaking
Mina Kim: Third place, Great Speeches

Congratulations are also in order for coach Tanner Sunderman, who was awarded Central MN NSDA Coach of the Year! Tanner has been forwarded to the national level for consideration.

The MPA speech team is now preparing for another title defense in what would be their third consecutive state championship. The Panthers will get that chance on Friday, April 25, when they head to Shakopee High School for the Class A state tournament. Good luck, Panthers! We can’t wait to see how you’ll do.