Mounds Park Academy

Lower School Division News March 27, 2025

March 27, 2025

from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, March 28: LS G1 Troll Stories, 8-9 AM, G1 Classrooms
Friday, March 28: LS Express Yourself Friday
Monday, March 31: No Classes, Eid al-Fitr
Tuesday, April 1: Coffee & Conversation With The Heads, 7:45-8:45 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
Wednesday, April 2: LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-8:45 AM, Family Commons
Friday, April 4: End of Quarter 3
Monday, April 7: Coffee with the Candidate for Lower School Parents, 8-9 AM, Gallery
Tuesday, April 8: Coffee with the Candidate for Lower School Parents, 8-9 AM, Gallery
Wednesday, April 9: Coffee with the Candidate for Lower School Parents, 8-9 AM, Gallery
Wednesday, April 9: LS G3/4 Field Trip, 9-11:30 AM, Orchestra Hall
Wednesday, April 9: PA Cultural Celebration Day, 3-6 PM, Family Commons
Thursday, April 10: HeadSpace: Personalized Pathways Through Universal Design For Learning, 7-8 PM, Virtual Meeting
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 & Family Commons

Spring is certainly in the air in the Lower School! The children have started another fun week at school with lots of smiles and enthusiasm. Thank you for your support of the second-grade Birthday Bag project! It was a great success! Here are some upcoming dates, events, and reminders:

Express Yourself Friday: March 28
It has been so fabulous to see our students expressing their passions, interests, and amazing personalities on the last Friday of each month! Our next Express Yourself Friday will take place tomorrow, March 28.

Fourth Grade Neighborhood House Food Drive: March 25-April 4
The fourth-grade students are finishing up the book, “Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate.” This story, about a young refugee boy from Africa who relocates to Minnesota, is the catalyst that inspired this food drive to collect items for Neighborhood House in St. Paul. Lower School students and their families are asked to donate items between March 25 and April 4. A flyer from Neighborhood House with a wish list of suggested items has been uploaded to Schoology. This is not an exhaustive list. Personal care items and other foods are also appreciated. Please keep MPA’s food allergy policy in mind when purchasing items. Last year, we collected over 1,200 pounds of food and goods. Let’s see what we can do together this year! Read More

Middle School Division News March 27, 2025

March 27, 2025

from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars

Monday, March 31: No Classes, Eid al-Fitr
Tuesday, April 1: Coffee & Conversation With The Heads, 7:45-8:45 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
Wednesday, April 2: MS G5 Science Fair, 2:30-3 PM, Family Commons
Friday, April 4: End of Quarter 3
Monday, April 7: MS/US Students & Screens Parent Meeting, 1:45-3 PM, Recital Hall
Wednesday, April 9: MS G7/8 Affinity Group Meeting, 2:30-3 PM, Panther Center
Wednesday, April 9: PA Cultural Celebration Day, 3-6 PM, Family Commons
Thursday, April 10: HeadSpace: Personalized Pathways Through Universal Design For Learning, 7-8 PM, Virtual Meeting
Monday, April 14: No Classes, Professional Development
Wednesday, April 16: MS G7/8 Affinity Group Meeting, 2:30-3 PM, Panther Center

Springtime brings with it change and renewed growth. It can be one of the most exciting and hectic times as we work to wrap everything up by the end of the school year and reflect on the growth and achievements of our year of learning together. Having spent time earlier in my teaching career at a school on the coast of Maine, I often share with students the example of how lobsters grow.

Lobsters need first to feel a bit of discomfort—they become uncomfortable in their own shell—to trigger the need for growth. And that growth requires them to shed their shell, going through a time of vulnerability and change as they grow a new, larger, and more comfortable shell. As he shared in this video, Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski explains that it is the stimulus of discomfort that is needed for the lobster to grow. In times of stress, we often see a great deal of growth if we navigate this adversity the right way.

Looking ahead, we have many, many opportunities for growth (and potential discomfort) for our Middle School students. Next week brings the end of our third quarter, and I know that students and teachers are working to finish the quarter strong! In April and May, we have book battles and science fairs, concerts and musicals, MAP testing, and field days fast approaching. Please keep a close eye on our calendar here in Panther Post and communications through your child’s Schoology account for updates and information on all that we have going on. Read More

Upper School Division News March 27, 2025

March 27, 2025

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

Monday, March 31: No Classes, Eid al-Fitr
Tuesday, April 1: US World Language Finals
Tuesday, April 1: Coffee & Conversation With The Heads, 7:45-8:45 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
Wednesday, April 2: US World Language Finals
Wednesday, April 2: US Boys Basketball Banquet, 5:30-8:30 PM, Family Commons
Thursday, April 3: US Science Finals, 8:45-10:15 AM
Thursday, April 3: US English Finals, 12-1:30 PM
Friday, April 4: End of Quarter 3
Friday, April 4: US Math Finals, 8:45-10:15 AM
Friday, April 4: US Social Studies Finals, 12-1:30 PM
Saturday, April 5: ACT Test Date
Monday, April 7: MS/US Students & Screens Parent Meeting, 1:45-3 PM, Recital Hall
Wednesday, April 9: PA Cultural Celebration Day, 3-6 PM, Family Commons
Thursday, April 10: Senior Service Project: Empty Bowls, 4:30-6:30 PM, Family Commons & Peacock Family Teaching Kitchen
Thursday, April 10: HeadSpace: Personalized Pathways Through Universal Design For Learning, 7-8 PM, Virtual Meeting
Monday, April 14: No Classes, Professional Development
Wednesday, April 16: US G10 College Counseling Parent Night, 6:30-7:30 PM, Recital Hall

What do you get when you have 27 MPA community members traveling together on a Spring Break trip to Morocco and Spain? This is the question that went through my mind as I boarded the Delta airliner on Saturday, March 8.

The diverse group of travelers, comprised of 9-12 grade students, parents, and faculty chaperones, embarked on a remarkable educational and social expedition through the enchanting cities of North Africa and Southern Spain. Beginning our journey in Morocco, we explored the historic streets of Casablanca, wandered through the ancient medina of Fes, and discovered the coastal charm of Tangier. Our journey continued north as we crossed the Strait of Gibraltar, bridging the cultures (and continents) to immerse ourselves in the rich history of the captivating Spanish cities of Grenada, Seville, Cordoba, and Madrid. Read More

Join Us For Cultural Celebration Day At MPA!

March 27, 2025

The MPA Parents Association invites you to Cultural Celebration Day on Wednesday, April 9 from 3:15-5:30 PM in the Family Commons! Engage with community members who will be sharing their cultural heritage. Enjoy sweet and savory rice dishes from around the world, an international tea bar, and experience beautiful music and dance performances!

Go home with some cool body art from an expert henna artist, try your hand at global crafts, learn how to make masala chai (spiced tea from India), master the steps to Bhangra, a traditional Punjabi folk dance, and chat with community members who will have booths set up to share their culture and/or offer samples of their cuisine.

Food and drink tickets ($1 each) will be sold at the event. Zabiha, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are available. Read More

Lower School Director Search Update

March 27, 2025

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

Mark your calendars for Coffee with the Candidate for Lower School parents for April 7, 8, and 9 from 8-9 AM in the MPA Gallery. Each date will feature a different Lower School director candidate.

I’m writing to share an update on the search for MPA’s next Lower School director—an important process that continues to move forward with great momentum and care. First, thank you to all who participated in the community survey. Your input was incredibly valuable in helping to further shape the direction of our search. The position was officially posted on both the Carney, Sandoe & Associates website and MPA’s own site in February. Since then, our search consultant, John Faubert, has fielded interest from a strong pool of candidates while also actively recruiting national and international candidates and conducting initial screening interviews throughout early March.

Over spring break, Dr. Brogdon and I reviewed the dossiers of the most promising candidates, as identified by John. After thoughtful evaluation, we invited a select group to participate in first-round interviews with our Search Advisory Committee, which includes Lower School faculty (nominated by their peers) and administrators. These virtual interviews are taking place this week and will continue into early next week. Following these interviews, three finalists will be invited to campus for full-day visits on April 7, 8, and 9. Each candidate will participate in:

a second interview with the Search Advisory Committee;
a student-led campus tour;
a meeting with the administrative team;
conversations with Lower School faculty, staff, and students; and
a morning “Coffee with the Candidate” for Lower School parents, held from 8-9 AM in the Gallery.

To protect confidentiality, the names of the finalists will be shared with the Lower School community on the morning of each visit. Your feedback will play an important role in the final decision-making process, and I encourage you to attend the parent coffee sessions if you’re able.

My goal is to announce the next Lower School director by the end of April, with a formal start date of July 1, 2025. As always, this timeline may shift slightly depending on the candidate pool and other logistics, and I’ll keep you informed of any changes as they arise.

I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the members of the Search Advisory Committee for their time, insight, and dedication to this process. And thank you, too, for your engagement and support. With your partnership, I am confident we will select a leader who is a perfect match for our exceptional Lower School community.

Five Things To Know About MPA From Hannah L.

March 27, 2025

PreK-12 life, teachers who care, a 32-acre campus, and more–read about Hannah’s MPA experience through her top five things to know!

1. We are a PreK-12 school.

We are able to connect with students much older than us and younger than us. It helps us learn leadership skills since we see much younger kids throughout the hallways. Having older students in the building sets examples for us to be the best version of ourselves.

2. We are able to have great student-teacher relationships.

Because of the small class sizes, teachers are able to meet with students on an individual level. They really get to know each and every one of us to help us learn better. Teachers at MPA are always available to offer support.

3. You’re able to pursue your passions.

MPA offers a lot of different extracurriculars for you to choose from. It’s great because you get to do what you enjoy and maybe try something new that you may end up loving, including sports, clubs, and more. I personally love to do lots of theater along with choir and orchestra. Read More

Eid Mubarak, Honoring Eid al-Fitr, And Celebrating Inclusion At MPA

March 27, 2025

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

As we approach the joyous celebration of Eid al-Fitr, I’d like to reflect on the significance of this holiday and the shared values it uplifts—especially within our Mounds Park Academy community. Eid marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, self-reflection, and compassion. It is a time for gratitude, generosity, and joyful connection—values that resonate deeply with our mission and culture at MPA.

Here at MPA, we strive to cultivate a school where every student, family, and faculty member feels respected and celebrated. Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths—it creates a vibrant environment for learning, growth, and deeper understanding. Celebrating cultural and religious traditions, such as Eid al-Fitr, is essential to fostering an inclusive community and honoring the unique identities of all who make up MPA.

On Tuesday evening, I had the privilege of joining over 100 members of our community—students, families, and faculty—for Iftar, the meal to break the fast at sunset. This beautiful evening was organized by our Upper School Muslim Student Association and MPA art teacher, Samah Fahmy. Students shared their beliefs, sang the call to prayer, and led the Maghrib prayer before we all enjoyed a delicious potluck meal together. I was truly honored to be part of such a meaningful celebration of faith, culture, and togetherness. Read More

The Right School Fit

March 19, 2025

This message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the March 22 issue of Inside MPA. Click here to get in touch with Admission and learn more!

As parents ourselves, we realize that a child’s educational journey only happens once, and that the goal is to find a place where they will love learning, be challenged, feel supported, and continue to be inspired.

We also understand that choosing the right private school fit for your family is a big decision. You’re balancing the importance of finding a community that aligns with your family’s values, a school’s academic and educational approach, the opportunities and offerings, and the overall feelings you have.

The “right school” will mean something different for every family. But above all, your children should feel seen, supported, and empowered at school. Whether it’s through experiential learning or myriad extracurricular opportunities, a warm, inclusive community or a small class size, a school’s culture has a significant role in shaping your child’s confidence, curiosity, and sense of belonging. You’re considering all of these things to ensure your child finds a school community where they will truly thrive.

As you and your family navigate the school selection process, we encourage you to explore our blog post, “Ten Things To Consider When Choosing A Private School.” Through insights from our current community members, this article will help you explore the cultural, communal, and pedagogical aspects that matter most when choosing a private school.

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Five Things To Know About MPA From Ford B.

March 13, 2025

Middle School student Ford B. shares five key things about his MPA experience, including discovering passions, finding his place here, and skills he’s built upon.

1. Everyone is super welcoming.

I joined MPA last year for my seventh-grade year. On the first day, I was afraid to make new friends, until my first class, and someone asked me to sit next to them. It instantly made me feel more at ease.

2. You can try new clubs and sports.

I had heard the Nordic team was fun, but I had never done it before. I still gave it a shot, and it’s now one of my favorite things I do. And now I’m in the school play, which I haven’t done before, but I’m giving it a shot.

3. Homework builds strong skills.

Homework here may be different from other schools, but over time, it became easier once I learned to plan out my homework load and do my best not to procrastinate. Read More

Five Things To Know About MPA From Elizabeth Jacobson Faye

March 12, 2025

Leadership opportunities, getting to explore her passions in the arts, and bonding as a class–these are the five things Elizabeth ’27 wants you to know about MPA.

1. Tenth grade takes an annual trip to Deep Portage.

Every year the sophomore class gets to go to Deep Portage together. It was so fun riding the bus and doing activities while getting to know my grade a bit better.

2. Creativity is encouraged.

In concert choir, we do a competition between sections where our section leaders take a popular song, change the lyrics to make them choir-related, and then we perform for a panel of faculty judges. This year my section (the altos) won, which was exciting.

3. MPA has a variety of offerings.

MPA offers lots of different art classes. Personally, as someone who loves art, it is really cool to try things I’ve never done before like ceramics. Read More