Mounds Park Academy

Five Things To Know About MPA From Aili R.

May 14, 2025

A lot of things make MPA special, but for eighth grader Aili, these are the top five things that stand out the most!

1. MPA allows students to express themselves.

There is a large variety of after-school activities and electives available for us to choose from. There are instrumental groups, theatre productions, sport teams, and so much more. Everyone is welcome to join, and all are very welcoming and friendly.

2. We have fun assemblies and social events.

MPA has many assemblies, such as Give To The Max Day and pairing assemblies, and events throughout the school year, such as concerts and shows, that allow us to interact with peers and students from other grades. During these events and assemblies, we get the opportunity to participate and support our friends.

3. I love that MPA is PreK-12.

As a PreK-12 school, I am able to have friends of all ages and grades. This allows me to be able to have friends from Upper School through extracurriculars instead of only students in my grade. Read More

The Power Of PreK-12

May 13, 2025

What is it about a PreK-12 learning environment that is uniquely powerful? Beyond just academics, this type of community fosters a sense of continuity, belonging, and deep-rooted connection that enriches the student experience. From the first day of school to graduation, students are surrounded by a familiar group of peers who nurture their growth and support their dreams. At MPA, this all-encompassing model creates a dynamic environment where meaningful relationships flourish, learning is intentionally built upon, and students are empowered to thrive.

Social Benefits

An amazing part of attending a PreK-12 school is that students are able to foster long-term, meaningful relationships with their peers (across all grades and divisions) and the adults in the building who know them well. Most adults can easily tell you about a teacher who impacted their lives–imagine if those teachers could stay in your life for an extended period of time and watch you grow. At the end of the year, after our seniors celebrate their last day of classes with each other in the Upper School commons, the next place they often head is to the Lower School to see the teachers who were fundamental in the foundation of their academic journey.

We often say it takes a village. When students truly find their village, they find a home here where they are supported, known, and seen for exactly who they are. And we have seen what happens to students who spend time in the MPA village. They blossom into confident, self-assured, generous students who dream big and do right.

Academic Benefits

At MPA, we have a comprehensive and cohesive curriculum because we are a PreK-12 space. Because we all work in the same building, we know what comes next and how to prepare students for the next step in their education. Communication between teachers and divisions allows for a smooth transition. Our faculty members are able to have conversations about where they have found success with each student and some challenges that each student might encounter in the future. Those conversations allow students and parents to come into a new grade or division without feeling like they are completely starting over each year. We are able to build and add to what we already know about a student. Read More

A Project About People

May 8, 2025

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

At Mounds Park Academy, we often speak about creating a school where every student feels seen, valued, and safe. But it’s not enough to say it—we must live it. That’s why I want to share something close to my heart: our initiative to provide additional inclusive, all-gender restrooms specifically in the Upper School.

This project is not just about construction or facilities—it’s about people. It’s about honoring the dignity of every student, employee, and guest who walks through our doors. It’s about ensuring that our school reflects the values we teach: empathy, respect, and belonging.

All-gender restrooms are becoming common in schools across the country because they work. They provide privacy, safety, and affirmation. For some of our students, these spaces are essential to feeling like they belong. For all of our students, they are a lesson in how we care for one another in community.

The renovated restrooms outside of the head’s suite in Upper School will feature fully enclosed stalls and updated designs that prioritize comfort and privacy. This is not just a step forward for some—it’s a benefit to everyone.

We are just $42,000 away from making this vision a reality, and we need your help to cross the finish line.

Lower School Division News May 8, 2025

May 8, 2025

from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director

Mark Your Calendars

Tuesday, May 13: LS Duty-Free Lunch with Parent Volunteers, 11:40 AM-12:40 PM, Playground and Family Commons
Friday, May 16: LS PreK Music Share, 8-11 AM, Panther Center
Friday, May 16: LS G3 State Showcase, 2-3 PM, Family Commons
Wednesday, May 21: LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-8:45 AM, Family Commons
Friday, May 23: LS/US Band/Orchestra G4 Concert, 11:30 AM-12:10 PM, Panther Center
Friday, May 23: US Senior Walk, 1-1:45 PM, MPA Campus
Friday, May 23: LS G1 Poetry Picnic, 2-2:45 PM, Playground
Monday, May 26: No Classes, Memorial Day, Panther Club, and PreK Closed
Wednesday, May 28: LS Field Day, 8:30-11 AM, Varsity Field
Thursday, May 29: LS Field Day (Rain Day), 8:30-11 AM, Varsity Field

We have been fortunate to have had such beautiful weather, and our Lower Schoolers are enjoying the sun as much as possible! We are also in the season of end-of-year events. Thank you for continuing to check Schoology for messages about plays, performances, and get-togethers as we celebrate a wonderful academic year. Recently, we hosted our final Lower School Parent Coffee of the school year. Special thanks to all parents who attended and added to our vibrant discussion, and to Dr. Audrey Wells, sleep expert, who shared her research and tips for home. Here are some reminders and updates:

Lower School CHAMP Updates
At our last CHAMP assembly on May 7, we invited some Upper School friends who shared the colleges that they will attend next year. Our third graders presented their amazing state billboard projects and Ms. Petersen’s kindergarten class helped us celebrate the 143rd day of school (“I love you” day). We also counted the number of CHAMP stickers awarded to the children since we started our CHAMP positive behavior challenge, and the number is 561! The final CHAMP assembly of the school year will take place from 8:15-9 AM on Wednesday, May 21. Read More

Middle School Division News May 8, 2025

May 8, 2025

from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, May 9: MS G5/6 Service Day, 8-11:30 AM, Off Campus
Friday, May 9: MS G8 Field Trip, 9 AM-1:30 PM, Off Campus
Friday, May 9: MS Robotics Gathering, 3:30-5:30 PM, Family Commons
Monday, May 12-Friday, May 16: MS G5/8 MAP Testing
Wednesday, May 14: MS G7/8 Affinity Group Meeting, 2:30-3 PM, Panther Center
Thursday, May 15: MS/US Band Concert, 7-8:30 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, May 16: MS G5/6 Student Council Event, 3:30-5 PM, Family Commons
Monday, May 19-Friday, May 23: MS G7 Washington DC Trip
Friday, May 23: US Senior Walk, 1-1:45 PM, MPA Campus
Monday, May 26: No Classes, Memorial Day
Wednesday, May 28: MS Field Day, 12:30-3 PM, Varsity Field
Thursday, May 29: MS Field Day (Rain Day), 12:30-3 PM, Varsity Field

As we enter our final month of school and trade our headlights for sunglasses on the commute into school in the morning, I’m reminded just how hard spring can be for many of our students. Students are balancing end-of-year performances and athletic matches and meets with the change of seasons and routines as they prepare for summer and the possibility of moving into a new grade or division. There’s a lot of outward joy and laughter in our hallways, but that can hide inner uncertainty and anxiety around change.

Recently, Dr. Hudson reminded our faculty to share grace, space, and kindness with each other. “People need grace most when they appear to need it least,” he shared. He talked about how grace looks like leading with patience and forgiveness, flexibility, and compassion. Space is needed for growth to take root, and it looks like giving each other (and our students) the emotional breathing room needed for this growth to occur. And that kindness and forgiveness are gifts that give back to yourself when you offer them to others. He reminded us to lead with curiosity and empathy and to consider treating others not how we want to be treated, but how they want to be treated.

The month of May brings with it so much joy and so much emotion. Leaning into these coming days with grace, space, and kindness will help all of us share in the joys of the end of the school year together.

Upper School Division News May 8, 2025

May 8, 2025

from Jay Dean, assistant Upper School director and Panther Post guest contributor

Mark Your Calendars

Wednesday, May 14: US Constitutional Law Oral Arguments, 6-8 PM, PCR, Recital Hall, and Martin Lenz Harrison Library
Thursday, May 15: MS/US Band Concert, 7-8:30 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, May 16: US Class of 2025 Last Day of Classes
Friday, May 16: US Senior Sunset, 7:30-9:30 PM, South Lawn
Monday, May 19: Senior GCD Presentations, 3:15-5 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
Wednesday, May 21: US Vocal Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, May 23: US Senior Class Meeting, 8:30-10 AM, Recital Hall
Friday, May 23: US Senior Performances, 10-11 AM, Recital Hall
Friday, May 23: Lunch Alumni Panel with Class of 2025, 11 AM-12:30 PM, Recital Hall
Friday, May 23: LS/US Band/Orchestra G4 Concert, 11:30 AM-12:10 PM, Panther Center
Friday, May 23: US Senior Walk, 1-1:45 PM, MPA Campus
Friday, May 23: US Awards Ceremony, 1:45-3 PM, Nicholson Center
Monday, May 26: No Classes, Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 27: Senior Service-Con, 1-4 PM, McKeown Track
Wednesday, May 28: Madrigal Singer Auditions, 3-6 PM, Choir Room and Recital Hall
Wednesday, May 28: US Class of 2025 Dinner, 6-8 PM, Dellwood Country Club
Thursday, May 29: US World Language Finals

“3,600 hours…and counting!”

One of the MPA graduation requirements is for students to complete 60 hours of community service over four years, including a 30-hour Senior Service Project. While in Upper School, all students engage in service in our surrounding Twin Cities’ communities, in other places across the country, abroad, and even right here on campus. Through service, our students live our key core values as “involved and engaged” citizens through the experiential learning opportunities that community service provides.

In my three years here, most students easily reach the requisite number of service hours, and many go well beyond it during their time at MPA. For example, the Class of 2025, collectively, has amassed a total of more than 3,600 hours (and counting)!

Each May, we host “Senior Service-Con” (the name inspired by the popular ComicCon), an event for members of the MPA and the surrounding community, in which seniors present their senior service projects. The Class of 2024 developed a mission statement for this event, which we have continued to use: “MPA’s Senior Service-Con creates a culture of service and communicates MPA’s values of volunteerism and community involvement. Meant to serve both MPA and external communities, Service-Con is an opportunity for seniors to demonstrate the importance of service.” What strikes me each year is the variety of projects, and this year’s crop is no different. Read More

The Class Of 2025 Finds Their Fit

May 8, 2025

This message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the May 8 issue of Inside MPA. Click here to get in touch with Admission and learn more!

In a few short months, MPA Panthers from the Class of 2025 will become Wildcats, Badgers, Huskies, Ducks, Bruins, Boilermakers, Lions, and more.

They’ll pursue programs and passions in majors like engineering, neuroscience, business, biology, music, political science, public policy, and game design. Many of them will also be competing in athletics for their new schools, continuing their contests in basketball, cross country, skiing, and rowing.

They’ll dream big and shake the world at institutions across the United States, coast to coast and beyond, landing in 13 different states and Rome, Italy. They’ll be everywhere from California to Massachusetts and Colorado to North Carolina. They’re landing in cities all around the country, like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. Read More

Parents Association News And Events May 8, 2025

May 8, 2025

Tend The MPA Gardens!

A small group of parent volunteers is getting organized to refresh and care for the school gardens, including the areas near the library, front entrance, and kindergarten door. We’re looking for a few more helpers for upcoming clean-up days and ongoing maintenance. No green thumb required—just a willingness to pitch in! Fill out this form to receive more information.

Welcome to MPA, Mr. James Ewer!

May 2, 2025

Mr. James Ewer will be joining us as Lower School director beginning July 1, 2025. Mr. Ewer brings with him a powerful blend of experience, conviction, and vision that will serve the Lower School—and the entire MPA community—exceptionally well. We are thrilled to introduce him to our community!

Tell us about your education and past experience.
For the past 14 years, I’ve dedicated my life to education—working across classrooms, leadership teams, and communities to create spaces where every child feels seen, challenged, and inspired. My journey has taken me from the front lines of teaching to the strategic work of school leadership, professional development, and instructional coaching. Along the way, I’ve led teams, reimagined systems, and built programs grounded in equity, joy, and high expectations.

I hold a master’s degree in school leadership from Harvard University, where I deepened my commitment to transformative, culturally responsive education. My work is rooted in the belief that education should be liberatory, and that the way we lead matters just as much as what we teach.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
This community feels truly special. From the moment I stepped in, there was a sense of warmth and honesty that stood out. People didn’t just share logistics or expectations—they shared their hopes and dreams. That openness, that willingness to be vulnerable and visionary at the same time, is what I felt most connected to. It reminded me that the heart of any thriving community isn’t just in its plans, but in the people who dare to imagine what’s possible together.
Read More

Navigating A Complex, Often Challenging Digital Landscape

May 1, 2025

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

Looking for something to watch over spring break, I happened upon “Adolescence” on Netflix. Once I started watching it, I was hooked. Set in a northern English town, the series centers on 13-year-old Jamie Miller, who is arrested for the murder of a female classmate. The series delves deep into the psychological and social factors that could lead an ordinary teenager to commit such a heinous act. Rather than focusing on a traditional “whodunit” approach, “Adolescence” explores the “whydunit,” examining the influences of online radicalization, toxic masculinity, and societal neglect.

The four-part series is unsettling and deeply thought-provoking, shining a powerful light on some of the complex realities young people face today. While fictional, “Adolescence” captures an urgent truth: the internet is not just a place of harmless entertainment; it’s also shaping how young people see themselves, each other, and the world. “What struck me about the show is that it wasn’t really made for teens at all, but for us adults—to spark conversations about how easily young people can get lost in curated realities online,” said Dr. James Densley, MPA parent and internationally recognized criminologist, bestselling author, and thought leader on violence prevention. (James will be leading a discussion at MPA on Monday—see details below.)

One growing area of concern within the internet is the rise of the manosphere—a network of online spaces where young men and boys are often exposed to unhealthy, even harmful, ideas about masculinity, gender, and identity. What begins as advice about fitness, confidence, or success can quickly spiral into narratives that promote anger, blame, and misogyny. These messages are often hidden in gaming communities, social media influencers’ posts, and algorithm-driven content that adolescents encounter every day.