Congratulations, Annie Stewart!

April 25, 2024

Annie Stewart will be shifting from third to fourth grade for the 2024-25 school year and beyond. Take a little time to get to know Annie!

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I graduated from St. Olaf College with a degree in theater in 2015. After working as a full-time stage manager in Minneapolis, I came back to MPA as a building substitute teacher and PreK teaching assistant. In 2019, I completed my Master’s Degree in elementary education from the University of St. Thomas and started working as a fourth- and fifth-grade teacher in the Edina Public Schools.

What did you find appealing about moving to fourth grade as a homeroom teacher?
Fourth grade is a pivotal year for student growth and development. As the last year in our Lower School program, it is a bridge into fifth grade and the rigor of Middle School. As a former fourth- and fifth-grade teacher, I’m looking forward to helping MPA students successfully make this transition. An added bonus is that I will be able to “loop” with some of my current third graders, meaning I will be able to make greater and deeper connections and continue to build upon our strong relationships.

What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA?
As an alumna, it is an incredible experience to be back working at the school that helped me flourish as a student. I hope that as a Lower School teacher, I am able able to spark the same joy of learning in my future students.
Read More

Together, We Moved Mountains

April 24, 2024

Thank you to everyone who helped to make the MPA 2024 Spring Auction: Together We Can Move Mountains a resounding success. Because of our community’s generosity, we raised $362,194, including $198,969 for this year’s Fund A Need, The Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning. These donations are an amazing jump start on our overall project need.

Perhaps most importantly, the auction built upon the connections within our community and celebrated all that we have accomplished so far this year. Thank you to our speakers, donors, sponsors, attendees, and volunteers. We couldn’t have done it without each one of you.

Congratulations to our auction item winners, including Tom and Cari Simonson—this year’s Golden Ticket winners!

To learn more about the auction, The Center for Inclusive Teaching & Learning, or to make a gift, please contact Jennifer Rogers-Petitt, director of development and community engagement, at jrogers@moundsparkacademy.org. To see all of the photos from the evening, click here.

Head of School Search Update

April 23, 2024

Original publish date: April 2, 2024

Dear Mounds Park Academy Community,

I am writing to provide an update on the head of school search. You may remember that I last reached out shortly before spring break, sharing that we had finalized the position description. That document continues to be available on the head of school search website and will guide the search committee as we move to the candidate evaluation and interview stages.

Other than helpful training on how to avoid implicit bias in the hiring process, these past few weeks have been relatively quiet for the search committee. In contrast, our search consultants, Carney, Sandoe & Associates, have been very active speaking with potential candidates.

Looking ahead, things will get busy again for the search committee very soon. We expect to evaluate candidate dossiers and select individuals for first-round interviews in mid-April. We anticipate inviting a select few finalists to MPA for interviews and interactions with the community during the month of May. Given the fluidity of the search process, those date ranges may change. We will continue to share updates regularly and confirm dates with you just as soon as possible.

I feel confident that as we search for MPA’s next head of school, the varied voices within our community are being shared, and potential candidates are hearing what makes MPA such a unique and wonderful place. Please know that I, along with Tiffany Scott Knox, chair of the MPA board of trustees, am available to you should you have any questions.

Sincerely,
Betsy Van Hecke
MPA Parent of Alumni
Chair, Search Committee

If you have any questions, please email headsearch@moundsparkacademy.org.

Summer Strength Opportunities

April 18, 2024

Ready to boost your child’s fitness and skills this summer? Look no further than our Panther Speed and Strength Programs and Fitness Foundations, all guided by the expertise of MPA Strength Coach Sean Ryther!

Panther Speed and Strength Programs
Want your child to excel in sports or simply enhance their physical abilities? Our 7-week sessions, running from June 11 to August 1, are designed for incoming grade 9-12 students (Session 1) and incoming grades 6-8 students (Session 2). Held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, these programs focus on agility, speed, endurance, and strength development. Led by Coach Ryther, they provide a supportive and dynamic environment where your child can improve their performance, boost their confidence, and foster a lifelong love for fitness.

Fitness Foundations Program
Building a solid fitness foundation is crucial for long-term health. Our 7-week session, also from June 11 to August 1, is tailored for incoming grade 3-5 students. Held on Tuesday and Thursday, this program introduces fundamental movement skills, enhances coordination, and promotes an active lifestyle. Under Coach Ryther’s guidance, your child will engage in fun and age-appropriate activities, setting them on the path to a healthier, happier life. Register here!

See photos from last year here!

Let’s champion the next generation of healthy, active Panthers together! #PantherPride #MPAStrong #YouthFitness

Support MPA From Home This Weekend

April 18, 2024

While we wish everyone could join us for the MPA Spring Auction: Together We Can Move Mountains event this year, we’re happy that every supporter can join in from afar!

Thanks to the generosity of our community, we have nearly 200 auction packages for you to bid on and win, even if you can’t join us in person. The silent auction opened earlier this week and will remain open until Saturday, April 20, at noon. Check out our “buy it now” option on some of our most popular packages.

  1. Visit the Silent Auction Page.
  2. Click Login/Register. Create a new account if you have yet to be a part of our auction in the past or log in if you have!
  3. Save, bid, and win amazing items, all while supporting MPA students and teachers.

Learn more about this year’s auction, including purchasing one of our Golden Tickets, which will be drawn on Friday night. You could be the winner of the live auction package of your choice. You don’t need to be present to win!

For questions, contact Jennifer Rogers-Petitt, director of development and community engagement, at jrogers@moundsparkacademy.org.

Parents Association News And Events April 18, 2024

April 18, 2024

Get Your MPA Merch
On April 18 and 20 at the track meets, and on May 3 at Panther Party for new MPA families, you’ll be able to purchase these outstanding items.

Track Meet Concessions
The Parents Association is excited to support Athletics as MPA hosts its very own track meets this spring! MPA has not been able to host home track meets because of the condition of our track. Thanks to our generous community, we raised funds, and it was resurfaced last summer! We are hosting two track meets this spring: Varsity on Thursday, April 18 and Middle School on Saturday, April 20.

Please consider donating items for our concessions stand: sport drinks, fruits, and snacks are on the wish list. Athletes need fuel to race! Offering concessions is a standard at other meets and an opportunity to serve everyone in attendance. If you are coming to watch your athlete, we’d appreciate your help staffing the sales tables. Click here to donate items or your time. If you have any questions, please reach out to Christine Larson at 612-251-1156 or clarsonPA@moundsparkacademy.org. Thanks in advance for your support of Panther athletes!

Lower School Parent Quarterly Coffee: Tuesday, April 30, 8-9 AM, Library
Stop by for coffee for a chance to meet and greet before summer break!

Thursday, May 2 In Middle School

  • 5:15 PM Family Dinner, Family Commons
  • 6 PM MS Transition Meetings for Grades 4-8
  • 7 PM MS Vocal Concert

Join us for a MS pre-Concert Family Dinner! Grades 4-8 are invited along with families. We’ll have pizza and flatbreads, salad, and dessert from Sage, including allergy-friendly options. Please RSVP by Venmo: send $5 per person to Molly Oliver, @Molly-Oliver-7 (last four digits 4533). Be sure to note your student/family and any allergies. The deadline for RSVPs is April 27.

Upper School Parent Quarterly Coffee: Friday, May 3, 8-9:30 AM, Porter Conference Room
Joining us will be representatives of Vanke Meisha Academy (VMA), a Chinese international school located in Shenzhen, China with whom MPA has established a formal partnership. Learn more about the partnership between the two schools, share information about MPA through the lens of a parent, and gather details about the education system in China. Coffee and pastries will be served. Read More

Upper School Division News April 18, 2024

April 18, 2024

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

  • Friday, April 19: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20-12 PM, Room 150-151
  • Friday, April 19: Pairing Assembly, 2:20-3 PM
  • Friday, April 19: MS/US Grade 5-12 Speedracer Video Tournament, 3-5 PM, Room 150-151
  • Friday, April 19: Spring Auction, 6:30-11 PM, Dellwood Golf Club, bid from home >
  • Wednesday, April 24: Spring Musical Preview Performance, 1:35-3 PM, Nicholson Center
  • Wednesday, April 24: HeadSpace “Inspiring Global Responsibility,” 3:15-4:15 PM, Library
  • Thursday, April 25: LS/US Haiti Cultural Celebration, 1-3 PM, Family Commons, Gallery
  • Friday, April 26: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20-12 PM, Room 150-151
  • Friday, April 26: Spring Musical Performance, 7-9 PM, Nicholson Center, tickets >
  • Saturday, April 27: Spring Musical Performance, 7-9 PM, Nicholson Center, tickets >
  • Sunday, April 28: Spring Musical Performance, 2-4 PM, Nicholson Center, tickets >
  • Friday, May 3: US Parent Quarterly Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, PCR
  • Friday, May 3: Connect With MPA’s New Middle School Director, 8:15 AM, Library
  • Friday, May 3: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20-12 PM, Room 150-151
  • Friday, May 3: New Family Panther Party, 4-5:30 PM, volunteer >
  • Saturday, May 4: Grades 10-12 Prom, 8-11 PM, Off Campus
  • Wednesday, May 8: MS/US Orchestra Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
  • Thursday, May 16: MS/US Band Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
  • Friday, May 17: Class of 2024 Last Day of Classes
  • Wednesday, May 22: US Choral Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
  • Friday, May 24: Senior Performances, 10 AM, Recital Hall
  • Friday, May 24: Senior Walk, 1 PM, MPA Campus
  • Friday, May 24: Upper School Awards Assembly, 1:45-3 PM, Nicholson Center
  • Tuesday, June 4: Last Day of School, All School Yearbook Assembly and Signing, 8-10:30 AM
  • Tuesday, June 4: Early Release, 10:30 AM

Springtime brings a wave of positive energy as students shed their winter clothing (let’s be honest, they don’t wear winter coats, only a heavier hoodie sweatshirt) and embrace the longer and warmer days of sunshine, spending time in the outdoor spaces that become bustling hubs of activity. The Journal of Environmental Psychology shares, “Spending time outdoors during the spring can enhance cognitive function and reduce stress levels among adolescents, thus contributing to better academic performance.” Basically, they are saying that being outside and experiencing exposure to natural light can positively impact one’s mood and productivity. I couldn’t agree more!

This past week, I was able to step away at a “reasonable time” to watch two MPA baseball games, admire the high jump skills of members of the track team, and witness a third set, tie-break victory for our boys tennis team. I also saw members of the Upper School gearing up to work on the science garden where they, once it awakens, will prepare it for the summer months of growing. A member of the English department starts several of their classes with a mindfulness activity that late last week included a nature walk to center students for their class discussion. Read More

Middle School Division News April 18, 2024

April 18, 2024

from Dr. Jenn Milam, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars

  • Friday, April 19: Pairing Assembly, 2:20-3 PM
  • Friday, April 19: MS/US Grade 5-12 Speedracer Video Tournament, 3-5 PM, Room 150-151
  • Friday, April 19: Spring Auction, 6:30-11 PM, Dellwood Golf Club, bid from home >
  • Wednesday, April 24: HeadSpace “Inspiring Global Responsibility,” 3:15-4:15 PM, Library
  • Thursday, April 25: MS Grade 5/6 BIPOC Affinity Group, 2:20-3 PM, Panther Center
  • Friday, April 26: Spring Musical Performance, 7-9 PM, Nicholson Center, tickets >
  • Saturday, April 27: Spring Musical Performance, 7-9 PM, Nicholson Center, tickets >
  • Sunday, April 28: Spring Musical Performance, 2-4 PM, Nicholson Center, tickets >
  • Wednesday, May 1: MS Grade 7/8 BIPOC Affinity Group, 2:20-3 PM, Panther Center
  • Thursday, May 2: MS Family Dinner, 5:15-6 PM, Family Commons
  • Thursday, May 2: Grades 4-8 Transition Meetings, 6-6:45 PM
  • Thursday, May 2: MS Vocal Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
  • Friday, May 3: Connect With MPA’s New Middle School Director, 8:15 AM, Library
  • Friday, May 3: New Family Panther Party, 4-5:30 PM, volunteer >
  • Wednesday, May 8: MS Parent Quarterly Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, Library
  • Wednesday, May 8: MS Grade 5 Service Trip, 8:30-11:30 AM, Off Campus
  • Wednesday, May 8: MS/US Orchestra Concert, 7 PM, Nicholson Center
  • Thursday, May 16: MS/US Band Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
  • Monday, May 20-Friday, May 24: MS Grade 7 Washington DC Trip
  • Friday, May 24: Senior Walk, 1 PM, MPA Campus
  • Monday, May 27: No Classes, Memorial Day
  • Tuesday, May 28: MS Field Day, 12:30-3 PM, Soccer Fields, South Lawn
  • Friday, May 31: MS Adventure Day (5/6 Canoeing + 7/8 Valley Fair Performance)
  • Monday, June 3: LS/MS Grades 4 and 8 Moving Up Ceremony, 1:30-3 PM
  • Tuesday, June 4: Last Day of School, All School Yearbook Assembly and Signing, 8-10:30 AM
  • Tuesday, June 4: Early Release, 10:30 AM

As of this reading, there are 31.5 days of school remaining in the 2024-25 school year. Each of those days will be filled to the brim with learning, activity, performances, celebrations, and anticipation of summer and the next school year. Now more than ever, it is important that you read each week’s newsletter and check, double-check, and triple-check your family planners against the master calendar online so your family doesn’t miss anything important!

Quarter 3 Report Cards Available in Schoology
Parents can now access Quarter 3 grades in Schoology. Please review your student’s grades to determine if there are any habits, routines, or processes that need to be adjusted to ensure success through the end of the year. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to teachers and/or advisors.

We are now firmly in our final quarter together for this year. Maintaining focus, engagement, and stamina at this time of year can be challenging. Spending some time with your Middle School student to check in, set expectations, and maintain momentum, is a great way to keep them accountable and prepare them for the year ahead.

Spring Sports: Calendars, Cancellations, and Coordinating Schedules!
Spring sports seasons are upon us, and schedules can be very fluid depending on the weather. Please know that we, along with the Athletic Department, do our best to avoid last-minute cancellations of games and practices, but sometimes they cannot be avoided. Please bookmark the MPA Athletics website on your phone and check the weekly athletic schedule regularly to plan and organize your family activities. Additionally, please ensure that Dawn Zimmerman has your most current contact information to be in touch as needed. You can reach her at dzimmerman@moundsparkacademy.org. Read More

Lower School Division News April 18, 2024

April 18, 2024

from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director

Mark Your Calendars

  • Friday, April 19: Pairing Assembly, 2:20-3 PM
  • Friday, April 19: Spring Auction, 6:30-11 PM, Dellwood Golf Club, bid from home >
  • Wednesday, April 24: HeadSpace “Inspiring Global Responsibility,” 3:15-4:15 PM, Library
  • Thursday, April 25: LS/US Haiti Cultural Celebration, 1-3 PM, Family Commons, Gallery
  • Tuesday, April 30: LS Parent Quarterly Coffee, 8-9 AM, Library
  • Thursday, May 2: Grades 4-8 Family Dinner, 5:15-6 PM, Family Commons
  • Thursday, May 2: Grades 4-8 Transition Meetings, 6-6:45 PM
  • Friday, May 3: New Family Panther Party, 4-5:30 PM, volunteer >
  • Wednesday, May 15: CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-9 AM, Family Commons
  • Wednesday, May 15-Friday, May 24: FastBridge Testing (K-4)
  • Friday, May 24: Senior Walk, 1 PM, MPA Campus
  • Monday, May 27: No Classes, Memorial Day
  • Tuesday, May 28: Field Day, 8:30-11 AM, Soccer Fields, South Lawn
  • Tuesday, June 4: Last Day of School, All School Yearbook Assembly and Signing, 8-10:30 AM
  • Tuesday, June 4: Early Release, 10:30 AM

We’re feeling spring fever in Lower School! Thank you to all parents who participated in the recent Parents Association Cultural Celebration and to those who continue to contribute to the Lower School duty-free lunches. We so appreciate your support! As we gear up to end the year strong, please review the updates below:

CHAMP News
At our CHAMP assembly on April 17, we focused on the CHAMP attribute of friendly. We enjoyed learning a rap and dance to the song “The Good Friends” by artist Mr. B. Our next CHAMP assembly is May 15, and we will be learning about having self-control. Please send your child(ren) to school on May 15 wearing their CHAMP colors!

Caution: Prime Drink
We have noticed that some students are bringing Prime drinks to school for snack and lunch. Please note that Prime has ingredients that contain tree nuts and is manufactured in a facility where additional nuts are present and processed. Therefore, the Prime drink does not meet our Lower School allergy-aware policy. Please refrain from sending the drink to school with your child.

LS Visiting Author: Yangsook Choi
We had such fun meeting and learning from our visiting author, Yangsook Choi! After flying all the way from Seoul, she led our PreK-grade 2 students in a workshop on writing and illustration, inspired by her book “A Letter to My Friend.” Then, the students in grades 3-4 learned about the artistic process of storytelling inspired by “The Name Jar.” Lastly, 20 budding authors and illustrators from the Lower School got feedback on their work from Yangsook and gave feedback to their peers. The author shared that she was so impressed by our students and teachers at MPA! See all the photos here!

May Sprit Days: Wear Your MPA Gear
On Fridays in May (May 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31) Lower School students are invited to wear their MPA gear (sweatshirt or t-shirt) as their top, with uniform bottoms. Let’s show our Panther pride throughout the month of May!

A Note About What to Wear on CHAMP + Spirit Days
We have received some questions about this, so please note that students are invited to wear their CHAMP shirts (on CHAMP days) and MPA spirit wear (on spirit days) along with uniform bottoms.

A Tremendous Success

April 17, 2024

Last Thursday, 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 culture and cuisine, the ever-popular henna artist, Bilkis and Boba tea vendor, Treats. It was wonderful to experience the energy and engagement from community members. We hope to see you all next year!

A big thank you to all who helped make this event a success:

Cultural Celebration Planning Committe: Fatima Khan, Erika Beernink, Mitun Gupta, Tenia Kalogeropoulou, Reema Anwar, Seema Anwar and senior, Soumya Raman

Cultural booth hosts: Moira Duverneau-Salifu and Ishmael Salifu, Jingtao Wang, Nouf Gazdar, Abdullah Hejazi, Than Zaw, Maw Maw Win, Rudy Karam, Catrin Magnusson, Evelyn Johnson, Maria Jose Johnson, Jessica Blue, Marisue Gleason, Cedar Meem, Kari and Jeffrey Kunze-Hoeg, Samah Fahmy, Mark Segal, Chanda Williams, Tara Lafferty, Mitun Gupta, Srilakshmi Sastry, Fatima Khan, Reema Anwar, Fabiola Grubhofer

MPA Staff: Cherie Honan, Lamar Shingles, Jennifer Le Varge, Natalie Waters Seum and Michael Pappas – Communications, Roy Timm and Tom Connors – Facilities Department, and Chris Pula – Sage Dining Services Read More