Mounds Park Academy

Parents Association News And Events May 23, 2024

May 23, 2024

Gardening at MPA
We are looking for volunteers to help with the MPA garden! No previous gardening experience or long-term commitment is necessary. Traditionally, we have met on Thursday or Friday mornings after drop-off, but we can be flexible with schedules. If interested, please contact Sara Carroll at smtanaka@gmail.com or Tenia Kalogeropoulou at tenia2@yahoo.com to coordinate.

2024-2025 Volunteer Opportunities
The PA is looking for volunteers for next year. We need volunteers in all divisions, supporting everything from classroom parties to teacher appreciation to summer events. We want all parents and guardians to feel welcome and to engage in meaningful ways that fit their schedules. We often hear that people want to help but do not want to be in charge. We are working on turning planning into more of a committee structure. If you would be willing to help organize within a group setting, reach out. Please get in touch with the PA at PA@moundsparkacademy.org to let us know how you might like to be involved. It is a great way to give back to the community and connect with other parents!

Summer Sporting Events
MPA x MNUFC: MN United vs. Austin FC, Allianz Field
Saturday, June 22, 7:30 PM
Get your tickets ($49 each) in our group section here! The deadline to purchase tickets is June 7.

MPA x St. Paul Saints: St. Paul Saints vs. Omaha Storm Chasers, CHS Field
Friday, July 26, 7:07 PM (fireworks to follow the game)
Purchase tickets (infield seats this year!) in our group section here. The deadline to purchase tickets is July 8.

Free Webinars Through The MPA Learning Consortium!

May 23, 2024

Tuesday, June 4: Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess: 5 Simple, Scientifically Proven Steps to Reduce Anxiety, Stress, and Toxic Thinking, 11 AM
Struggling with anxiety and intrusive thoughts? Join Dr. Caroline Leaf’s webinar for a proven five-step plan to tackle anxiety, depression, and toxic thoughts. Improve your mental and physical health with insights from this bestselling author and cognitive neuroscientist

Thursday, June 13: “No” Problem: Strategies to Stop Saying Yes at Work When You Want to Say No, 11 AM

Struggle to say no to extra tasks? Join author and speaker Candace Doby’s empowering webinar to learn the psychological reasons behind it and gain seven practical strategies for confidently setting boundaries. Enhance your assertiveness and prioritize your well-being.

Tuesday, June 18: Unscripted: How to Communicate and Connect using the Improv Approach, 11 AM

Struggling with communication? Join actor and author Caitlin Drago’s webinar to learn how the principles of improv comedy can enhance your listening skills and help you ask for what you want. Discover how to navigate difficult conversations, solve common communication mistakes, and increase empathy and understanding.

For more classes and other events, click here.

Plan To Join Declan Dahlberg ‘18 At The Spring Auction Next Year!

May 23, 2024

Once every year my brother, Kethan ’14, sends a message to the family group chat asking who can make the MPA Spring Auction. Our family, spread all across the country these days, takes this as an opportunity to not only be together, but celebrate a school that we have been a part of for over 20 years.

To me, the Spring Auction serves as a bridge between past, present, and future generations of the MPA community. I see my fourth-grade teacher, Ms. Stacy, and I get to share what my life looks like 10-plus years later. I sit with parents whose students I coach on the cross-country or track teams and talk about how far they have come as students and athletes. I chat with new parents I’ve never met and see the same impact MPA had on my life materializing for their children.

These connections between teachers, parents, students, and alumni are what separate MPA from other communities and our family is proud to support that through events such as the Spring Auction. Please join me and many alumni at next year’s Spring Auction on April 4, 2025.

See you then,

Declan Dahlberg ‘18

To learn more about the auction, The Center for Inclusive Teaching & Learning, or to make a gift, please contact Ashley Goetzke, director of development and community engagement, at agoetzke@moundsparkacademy.org.

Alumni Parents Visit Their Kindergarten Kiddos

May 23, 2024

Kindergarten teachers, Ms. Kristine Petersen (Ms. P) and Ms. Katie Roche welcome parents into classrooms for community share moments each year. This year was extra special as we had eight students in the kindergarten class that were children of MPA alumni.

We asked the teachers – How do you feel about having alumni parents in your classroom?
It is always a highlight when MPA parents volunteer to join us in the classroom. Children get so excited to share part of their day with their parent. As I reflect on the question above, I become a bit overwhelmed. I’m hit with the realization that these adults have chosen to come home to a place where they grew and learned as a child. This is a powerful moment and one that epitomizes our school community. We make deep connections with each other at MPA. I have watched some of these parents grow into the human beings they are today. It was an incredible honor to be a part of their story as they traveled on their life journey. Then to think I now have their sweet children in my class. Well, my eyes are overflowing with tears.

These eight alumni parents will lead our kindergarteners into their graduation ceremony on June 4. Each former MPA student will don an MPA alumni sash and find their place standing behind their child, and the entire kindergarten class. This will be a breathtaking sight. It will inspire new beginnings and possibilities for more children to return home. A place where they will always belong and be loved for who they are each and every day.
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Reflections From The MPA Class Of 2024 Lifers

May 20, 2024

Near the end of their final year at MPA, we had the honor of interviewing many of the MPA Class of 2024 Lifers about their time at MPA, the only school they’ve been at for their entire academic career. A group of dedicated athletes, talented musical artists, Peer Leaders, and proud self-proclaimed robotics “nerds,” each of them shared memories and reflections of MPA past and present, looking toward the future well prepared by MPA. Devneet Biring, Jay Green, Greta Hanson, Sylvia Hawley, Micah Hudock, Khushi Jain, Else Kunze-Hoeg, Logan Miller, Ben Murr, Nora Pederson, Hunter Scheible, David Steinberger, and Molly Vergin will graduate on June 8 and join MPA’s Joanne Olson Club, reserved for students whose entire K-12 or PreK-12 journey has taken place here at MPA.

Choosing a school for 13 years means you’re growing up within a strong community that ensures every child here is known. So we asked: How has MPA’s community supported and shaped you over the years?

Jay: Everything I do pretty much revolves around sports, so what’s been really helpful for me is the community. If I’m in the hallway and I see a parent or a teacher, they always ask me how my game was, and that’s something that I really have enjoyed in my time here because it makes me feel seen. That was very consistent from even when I was in kindergarten, just playing in gym class versus now, when I play three sports at a time. That’s something that’s shaped me into a better person. I think now my focus is trying to give that same opportunity to the younger kids that I see and am coaching. I think the community does a very good job of supporting everyone in it. From my perspective, I feel like I’ve been very well-supported by pretty much everyone around me.

Khushi: I agree with that. Being both a tennis athlete and a nerd in robotics has pushed me to do more of what I love. Through tennis, I’ve learned more about myself, about mental health, and other things. Through robotics, I’ve learned how to be a leader, how to speak up, and how to get the team together. Through all these different clubs and activities that MPA has, I’ve learned different skills from each.

Micah: There are a lot of people who have a lot of different interests in a lot of areas. Everyone’s kind of encouraged to do their own thing and have their own interests, and no one is trying to fit into a category. Everyone’s cool to do whatever they want.

Ben: Elaborating on that, I’ve really enjoyed being able to know my class. To actually know people—having a small, very close-knit group—has really helped us understand each other on a deeper level than just, “There’s a person from my class in the hallway.” I find that nice.

Nora: I like how integrated everybody is, whether in sports or other things. For example, in basketball, we did this kid’s camp with the boys’ and girls’ teams where we got to work with Lower and Middle School students, so now when I see them in the hallway I can say hi. And with different classes like choir and orchestra, you get to know people in all grades. With track, since it’s a co-ed sport, I get to talk and know people that I wouldn’t normally. It’s just interesting knowing more than one grade.

Sylvia: The relationships we’re able to build are pretty unique to this school because of the small class sizes. Throughout all my years here, I think all the teachers really make an effort to build a relationship outside of the classroom, to know you on a more personal level. That has allowed me to feel comfortable sharing non-class material with them and getting to know them as people. I think that has shaped my love for learning but also made me want to do more. Read More

Celebrating This Year’s Retirees

May 16, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

In 2017, when Edutopia, a well-respected educational foundation, asked its readers to describe the traits of a life-changing teacher, very few of the responses were about test scores or academics. People overwhelmingly said that great teachers make their students feel safe and loved, believe in their students, model patience, and help their students reach their full potential—all qualities that remain largely unmeasured. I can’t think of a better way to describe the impact of fourth-grade teacher Scott Wilson and library assistant Kristy Petrich, who are retiring from MPA this year.

Many people will be surprised to learn that teaching is Scott’s second career. From 1987-1998, Scott owned and operated a successful restaurant in Winter Park, Colorado. He went back to school and earned a master’s degree in elementary education at the University of St. Thomas. Scott began substitute teaching at MPA in 1999 before becoming a permanent teacher in the 2000-01 school year. Since then, Scott has taught kindergarten, first, second, and fourth grades at MPA.

Colleagues and students describe Scott as kind, gentle, patient, and wise. Scott has always been flexible and supportive of his colleagues. “I once heard someone refer to him as the ‘Lower School Handyman’ because if there’s a flat tire, someone stuck in a ditch, or in need of a help hanging lights or fixing a faucet, he is there,” shared fellow fourth-grade teacher DeeDee Stacy.

Parents Association News And Events May 16, 2024

May 16, 2024

Lower School Division News May 16, 2024

May 16, 2024

from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, May 17: LS PreK Music Family Share, 9-9:30 AM, Panther Center
Friday, May 17: LS Grade 1 Poetry Picnic, 2-3 PM, Playground Area; Martin Lenz Harrison Library (rain location)
Thursday, May 23: LS Grade 3 Field Trip, 9:30 AM-12:30 PM, Off Campus
Friday, May 24: PreK-Grade 12 Spirit Wear Day!
Friday, May 24: Senior Walk, 1-1:45 PM, South Entrance
Friday, May 24: LS G1 Ms. O’Keefe Class Play, 8:45-9:15 AM, Room 21
Friday, May 24: LS G1 Ms. Steingraeber Class Play, 8:45-9:15 AM, Room 21
Friday, May 24: LS Grade 3 Showcase, 1:45-3 PM, Family Commons
Monday, May 27: No Classes, Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 28: LS Field Day, 8:30-11 AM, Soccer Fields, South Lawn
Wednesday, May 29: LS/US Grade 4 Introduction to the Instruments Concert, 10:30-11:20 AM, Panther Center
Wednesday, May 29: LS G3 Ms. Wermager Class Play, 1:15-1:45 PM, Black Box
Wednesday, May 29: LS G3 Ms. Stewart Class Play, 2:15-2:45 PM, Black Box
Thursday, May 30: Development Open House & Volunteer Breakfast, 7:30-9:30 AM, Family Commons
Thursday, May 30: Retirement Gathering, 4-6 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
Friday, May 31: LS G4 Mr. Wilson Class Play, 1:15-1:45 PM, Black Box
Friday, May 31: LS G4 Ms. Kimmerle/Stacy Class Play, 2:15-2:45 PM, Black Box
Monday, June 3: LS End of Trimester 3
Monday, June 3: LS G2 Ms. Scalia Class Play, 8:15-8:45 AM, Black Box
Monday, June 3: LS G2 Ms. Fisher Class Play, 9:15-9:45 AM, Black Box
Monday, June 3: LS/MS Grades 4 and 8 Moving Up Ceremony, 1:30-3 PM, Nicholson Center
Tuesday, June 4: Last Day of School, All School Yearbook Assembly and Signing, 8-10:30 AM, Nicholson Center
Tuesday, June 4: Dismissal, 10:30 AM, no afternoon care or transportation home
Tuesday, June 4: Kindergarten Graduation And Class Picnic, 9:15 AM-2 PM, Family Commons, Gallery, Playground
Wednesday, June 5-Friday, June 7: No PreK
Monday, June 10: First Day of PreK

While we are on the threshold of the end of the academic year, and the new beginnings that summer offers, it is important to reflect on our journey thus far. What skills has your child gained over the past 10 months? What were some bumpy spots in their development as humans this year? What were some breakthroughs, triumphs, and successes? These questions could be fun to bring up at the dinner table at home, as we help our students not only set goals for the future but to look back and realize just how far they have come already.

CHAMP News
At our final CHAMP assembly for the academic year, we learned about demonstrating self-control. Mr. Sheehan also helped us to understand self-control in the context of playground games and gave us some great tips for being good sports… and great CHAMPs! The children also heard from their Upper School friends about three different ways that they can help take action in our local communities by participating in the hygiene product drive, the plastic film recycling drive, and the clothing drive. Please check out Schoology in the coming days for more information on these worthy initiatives, which are part of the Senior Service Projects in the Upper School. The students also presented the new trash bin that they earned as part of our Earth Day Challenge. Special thanks to our kindergarten community, who spearheaded this initiative!

May Sprit Days: Wear Your MPA Gear
On Fridays in May (May 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 continue to show our Panther pride throughout the month of May!

Field Day on May 28
Please look out for more information from our PhyEd team on the upcoming Field Day which will take place on the morning of May 28. The team is looking for parent volunteers to help make the event a success. Please check your email for more. Read More

Middle School Division News May 16, 2024

May 16, 2024

from Dr. Jenn Milam, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars

Thursday, May 16: MS/US Band Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
Monday, May 20-24: MS Grade 7 Washington D.C. Trip
Thursday, May 23: MS Grade 5 Inventor’s Fair, 2:20-3 PM, Family Commons
Thursday, May 23: MS Grade 5/6 BIPOC Affinity Group, 2:20-3 PM, Panther Center
Friday, May 24: PreK-Grade 12 Spirit Wear Day!
Friday, May 24: Senior Walk, 1-1:45 PM, South Entrance
Monday, May 27: No Classes, Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 28: MS Field Day, 12:30-3 PM, Soccer Fields, South Lawn
Thursday, May 30: MS Grade 7/8 BIPOC Affinity Group, 2:20-3 PM, Panther Center
Thursday, May 30: Development Open House & Volunteer Breakfast, 7:30-9:30 AM, Family Commons
Thursday, May 30: Retirement Gathering, 4-6 PM, Library
Friday, May 31: MS Grades 5/6 Canoe Trip, 8-3 PM
Friday, May 31: MS Grades 7/8 Valleyfair Trip, 8-3 PM, Valleyfair
Monday, June 3: MS/US End of Quarter 4
Monday, June 3: LS/MS Grades 4 and 8 Moving Up Ceremony, 1:30-3 PM, Nicholson Center
Tuesday, June 4: Last Day of School, All School Yearbook Assembly and Signing, 8-10:30 AM, Nicholson Center
Tuesday, June 4: Dismissal, 10:30 AM, no afternoon care or transportation home

There are just 12 1/4 days of school remaining (who’s counting?), and it’s most definitely a sprint to the finish! As we move through the next two weeks, please reach out to the Middle School office if you have any questions or need clarification.

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.

Middle and Upper School Band Concert Tonight!
Please join us at 7 PM for our final performance of the year. Students should report to Mr. Skrove at 6:15 PM—dressed in concert black—ready to perform! Our Middle and Upper School bands will be sharing their talent and growth this evening in the Nicholson Center.

Under Beds, In Closets, and Stuffed In Drawers
Please have your students look in all the familiar spaces for books, materials, and other MPA-issued property that needs to be returned! We appreciate you returning gently used items that can be used by future students. If an item is damaged, billing will be initiated via TADS. Read More

Upper School Division News May 16, 2024

May 16, 2024

from Mark Segal, Upper School director, and Jay Dean, assistant Upper School director

Mark You Calendars

Thursday, May 16: MS/US Band Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, May 17: Class of 2024 Last Day of Classes
Friday, May 17: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Room 150-151
Friday, May 17: US Robotics Season-End Banquet, 3-7 PM, Family Commons
Wednesday, May 22: US Choral Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, May 24: US Senior Class Meeting, 8-9 AM, Recital Hall
Friday, May 24: Senior Performances, 10 AM, Recital Hall
Friday, May 24: US Senior Lunch and Alumni Panel, 11 AM-1 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, May 24: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Room 150-151
Friday, May 24: Senior Walk, 1-1:45 PM, South Entrance
Friday, May 24: Upper School Awards Assembly, 1:45-3 PM, Nicholson Center
Monday, May 27: No Classes, Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 28-29: US World Language Finals
Tuesday, May 28: US Senior Service Fair, 1-4 PM, McKeown Track
Wednesday, May 29: US World Language Finals
Wednesday, May 29: LS/US Grade 4 Introduction to the Instruments Concert, 10:30-11:20 AM, Panther Center
Wednesday, May 29: Madrigal Singers Auditions, 3-6 PM, Recital Hall
Thursday, May 30: Development Open House & Volunteer Breakfast, 7:30-9:30 AM, Family Commons
Thursday, May 30: Retirement Gathering, 4-6 PM, Library
Friday, May 31: US Math Finals
Friday, May 31: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Room 150-151
Friday, May 31: US English Finals, 12-1:30 PM
Monday, June 3: MS/US End of Quarter
Monday, June 3: US Science Finals, 8:45-10:15 AM
Monday, June 3: US Social Studies Finals, 12-1:30 PM
Tuesday, June 4: Last Day of School, All School Yearbook Assembly and Signing, 8-10:30 AM, Nicholson Center
Tuesday, June 4: Dismissal, 10:30 AM, no afternoon care or transportation home
Wednesday, June 5: US Senior Dinner, 6-8 PM, Dellwood Country Club
Friday, June 7: Madrigal and Concert Choir Rehearsal, 10-11 AM, Nicholson Center
Friday, June 7: US Mandatory Commencement Rehearsal, 11 AM-1 PM, Nicholson Center
Saturday, June 8: US Commencement, 6-7 PM, Nicholson Center

For those of you who don’t know, as a requirement for graduation, MPA students must engage in at least 60 hours of community service during their Upper School years, including a focused, 30-hour project during their senior year. In the week leading up to graduation, students display these projects in a community-wide event we call Service-Con. The mission of this year’s Service-Con, developed by the students during Senior Seminar class earlier this year, is “MPA’s 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.”

The members of the Class of 2024 have been working hard, serving our school community and the community around us in myriad ways. To give you a taste of what will be on display at this year’s Service-Con, here are the names of some of our students’ projects: “Faces of Romanian Culture”; “‘Thanks, Bud!:’ A Stronger Support System for New Students”; “Looking Up: Local Community Astronomy Outreach”; “Acres for Life: Peaceful Pastures Zen Garden”; and “Women and Words: A Partnership with the Minnesota Women’s Press.” Fun fact: at the time of this publication, the Class of 2024 has recorded 3,079 hours of service (and counting!). Read More