The Joy Of Being A PreK-12 Family

March 5, 2025

Student performers at Remember The TimeThis message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the March 9 issue of Inside MPA. Click here to get in touch with Admission and learn more!

To close out the month of February, we gathered together in the Family Commons for “Remember the Time: A Black History Month Showcase.” The event was a wonderful reflection of connections forged between students of all ages–a distinctly PreK-12 experience.

Ahead of the event, students were immersed in research, combining prior knowledge with new findings and growing their appreciation and understanding. Older students mentored younger ones, guiding them through these discoveries, while they brought fresh perspectives that reminded us all of the joy in curiosity.

Then, the evening opened with a gallery-style viewing of student work displayed throughout campus. In Lower School, a model of the historic Tremé neighborhood in New Orleans and Basquiat-inspired artwork. In Middle School, educational videos describing biographies of influential inventors, scholars, activists, and artists. In Upper School, the halls were lined with a timeline of Black History in America. And so much more. Read More

MPA Closed Wednesday, March 5

March 5, 2025

Good morning, MPA Families –

Unfortunately, due to the weather, we have decided to cancel all in-person classes, activities, and events for Wednesday, March 5. Upper School students should check Schoology by 8 AM for instructions from their teachers. Upper School students may have synchronous or asynchronous classes and/or work that they will be responsible for. All classes are canceled for Lower and Middle School.

We do not take this decision lightly as we balance the safety of our students, families, and employees with our commitment to having students at school. Safety, however, is always our highest priority.

We look forward to seeing you on campus on Thursday.

Sincerely,
Dr. Bill Hudson
Head of School

Five Things To Know About MPA From Emily Baker

March 4, 2025

Emily on the soccer teamWhat five things do you need to know about MPA? MPA tenth grader Emily Baker is here to tell you. We’re so happy to see the campus pond and native gardens made her list!

1. Athletic teams are no-cut.

Don’t be afraid to join a team; MPA welcomes all skill levels! Whether you’ve been playing for years or just starting out, there’s a place for you. I’ve made so many amazing friends on the soccer team and have grown so much as a player.

2. Student ambassadors are here to help.

As the Middle School representative on our student ambassador leadership team, I get to help welcome new students and make their transition to MPA as smooth and fun as possible. It’s such a great way to connect with others and make everyone feel at home!

3. We have a lot of school spirit.

MPA is all about lifting each other up. This photo captures the amazing turnout at our last Homecoming soccer game, an early morning match where the community’s energy helped push us to a dub! Read More

Golden Tickets Available Now—Get Yours Before They Are Gone!

March 4, 2025

The Gala of Gratitude is just around the corner, and we are excited to announce that Golden Tickets are now available. With only 100 Golden Tickets available at $150 each, you have the chance to win any live auction item of your choice, from an unforgettable Bali getaway to an exclusive private chef experience in your home. Read More

A Message From Alumni Board Member George Mills ’04

March 3, 2025

Alumni board member George Mills '04. I hope this message finds you well and continuing to make a meaningful impact in the world! As you may know, each spring, MPA hosts its signature fundraising event—the annual Spring Auction. However, this year’s celebration will be unlike any other.

This year, we come together for a truly special occasion: the 2025 Spring Auction: Gala of Gratitude, an evening dedicated not only to supporting MPA but also to honoring the incredible legacy of Dr. Bill Hudson as he bids farewell as head of school. This will be his final auction, marking the culmination of his years of leadership, his dedication to education, and the profound impact he has made on our community.

In recognition of Dr. Hudson’s commitment to MPA and its students, we are proud to introduce The Hudson Fund for Resilient Students. This newly established endowment will provide crucial support to students facing unforeseen challenges, ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive no matter what obstacles arise. This year’s Fund A Need portion of the auction will be dedicated to growing this vital fund—an opportunity for all of us to contribute to Dr. Hudson’s enduring legacy.

Read More

Parents Association News And Events February 27, 2025

February 27, 2025

A parent and teacher work with Lower School students. Cultural Celebration Day at MPA is happening soon! Join us for an evening of food, music, crafts, and community on April 9, 3:15-5:30 PM. Let’s come together as a community to make this a fun, educational, and inclusive event!

There are several ways to participate in this event:

  • Host an informational table on the day of the event. Click here to sign up!
  • Help with planning food, music & dance performances, arts & crafts, etc.

If you would like to help host, plan, or have any questions, please email seema_anwar@hotmail.com.

Upper School Division News February 27, 2025

February 27, 2025

Upper School students laughing. from Mark Segal, Upper School director 

Mark Your Calendars

  • Friday, February 28: SnoDaze Week
  • Friday, February 28: G3-G12 SnoDaze Assembly, 2:20-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center
  • Friday, February 28: US SnoDaze Student Body Event, 3:15-5 PM, Lansing Sports Center
  • Tuesday, March 4: MS/US Girls Basketball Banquet, 5:30-7 PM, Family Commons
  • Monday, March 10-Friday, March 21: No Classes, Spring Break

Research consistently demonstrates that fostering a strong sense of community within a high school setting is beneficial for students social-emotional development, academic achievement, and overall well-being. According to a study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology, “schools with robust community-building programs report a noticeable (32%) increase in student engagement and academic performance (28%).” These findings show that students in schools with strong community programs demonstrated increased empathy and more positive attitudes toward their education.

The development of meaningful relationships within the school community creates a foundation of trust that extends beyond the classroom walls. When students from different grade levels interact through structured (or unstructured) activities, mentorship programs, and shared experiences, they develop valuable social skills and meaningful connections. Recently, MPA held its annual Reading Pairing Assembly, where Upper School students were assigned to spend time and build relationships with younger students. The buzz throughout the halls of the building was infectious as students of different grade levels read each other books, played games, or worked to create Mad Lib stories. These interactions helped to break down the traditional barriers between grade levels, allowing the older students to serve as role models and show leadership while giving the younger students a sense of belonging. Read More

Middle School Division News February 27, 2025

February 27, 2025

Two Middle School students working together in science.from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars 

  • Friday, February 28: SnoDaze Week
  • Friday, February 28: G3-G12 SnoDaze Assembly, 2:20-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center
  • Monday, March 3-Friday, March 7: MS i-Term
  • Tuesday, March 4: MS/US Girls Basketball Banquet, 5:30-7 PM, Family Commons
  • Friday, March 7: i-Term Showcase of Learning, 2:30-3 PM, Family Commons, Middle School Hallways and Classrooms
  • Monday, March 10-Friday, March 21: No Classes, Spring Break

Greetings, families, and happy (almost) March! We are so excited around the Middle School for our upcoming i-Term next week; you can feel the excitement in the air. Busses are ordered, bags are packed, and we’ve got museums and cemeteries around the Twin Cities waiting for our students to come and learn. With folks going as far away as New York City, Quebec City, and the Boundary Waters, and others learning here in our Makerspace and Wizarding School, we are so excited for all 12 of our courses this year. Read More

Lower School Division News February 27, 2025

February 27, 2025

Lower School student working on a soap bottle person. from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director 

Mark Your Calendars

  • Friday, February 28: SnoDaze Week
  • Friday, February 28: G3-G12 SnoDaze Assembly, 2:20-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center
  • Thursday, March 6: LS Art Show Opening, 5:30-6 PM, Gallery, Rossbach Art Walk, Family Commons, Upper School Commons
  • Thursday, March 6: LS Music Program, 6-7 PM, Nicholson Center
  • Friday, March 7: LS G4 Vocabulary Parade, 8-8:45 AM, Family Commons
  • Monday, March 10-Friday, March 21: No Classes, Spring Break

We’ve had a fun few weeks in the Lower School. With the weather in full swing from the icy temps of last week, our playground is now a soft and springy area with some puddles and mud. Please continue to send your child to school with boots so they can continue to enjoy playing on our wetter playground. This week’s CHAMP assembly was a blast. We celebrated Black History Month, were treated to a fabulous play on the Chinese Zodiac by our fourth graders and Ms. Heather, and welcomed a wonderful student-led and student-planned dance performance. Next week is our last before spring break, and we will host the Lower School Art and Music Show before the vacation starts. Read on for more updates!

Lower School Art and Music Show: Thursday, March 6
We are excited for our upcoming Art and Music Show, which will take place on Thursday, March 6. The Art Show will open at 5:15 PM, followed by the Music Show in the Nicholson Center at 6 PM. An important note from Mrs. Gallick and Ms. Scharfenberg: Students should dress in a black top and black pants, shorts, or skirts with shorts or leggings underneath. Their clothing should be comfortable for movement and sitting on the floor to play instruments. Athletic shoes (any color) are preferred. We look forward to seeing you at the show! Read More

Navigating an Uncertain Future: Preparing Our Students to Thrive in a Changing World

February 26, 2025

Upper School students watch on during Physics bridge testing. from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

As we step into 2025, we do so in a world of increasing complexity and uncertainty. The latest World Economic Forum Global Risks Report paints a sobering picture of the challenges ahead—rising geopolitical tensions, rapid technological disruptions, environmental instability, and a growing crisis of misinformation. For us as educators and parents, this begs an essential question: How do we best prepare our children not only to navigate this landscape but to flourish within it?

At MPA, we believe that preparing students for the future is not about predicting what’s to come but about equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and resilience to adapt, innovate, and lead with purpose. It is about fostering critical thinkers, compassionate citizens, and confident problem solvers—young people who are ready to embrace the world rather than retreat from it.

In an age where misinformation spreads faster than truth, helping our students develop critical thinking and media literacy is one of the most important responsibilities we have. Today’s children are bombarded with information from countless sources—social media, news outlets, influencers, and AI-generated content. Learning to question, analyze, and discern fact from fiction is a fundamental skill they will need for life. Read More