Mounds Park Academy

Upper School Division News February 22, 2024

February 22, 2024

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

Thursday, February 22: Head of School Search Parent/Guardian Listening Session, 7 PM, see email for link
Thursday, February 22: Upper School Band and Orchestra Concert, 7:30-8:30 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, February 23: Head of School Search Parent/Guardian Listening Session, 8:15-9 AM, Gallery
Friday, February 23: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Room 150-151
Saturday, February 24: Head of School Search Parent/Guardian Listening Session, 10-10:45 AM, see email for link
Sunday, February 25: US SAT Mini Prep Class, 10 AM-1:30 PM, Room 181
February 26-March 1: SnoDaze Spirit Week
Wednesday, February 28: Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
Thursday, February 29: Upper School Vocal Concert, 7:30-8:30 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, March 1: SnoDaze Assembly, 2:20-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center
Saturday, March 2: US SnoDaze Dance, 8-11 PM, US Commons
Monday, March 11-Sunday, March 24: No Classes, Spring Break
Monday, March 25: Classes Resume at 8 AM
Tuesday, April 2: World Language Final Exams During Scheduled Class Time
Wednesday, April 3: World Language Final Exams During Scheduled Class Time
Thursday, April 4: Science Final Exams, 8:45-10:15 AM
Thursday, April 4: English Final Exams, 12-1:30 PM
Friday, April 5: Math Final Exams, 8:45-10:15 AM
Friday, April 5: Social Studies Final Exams, 12-1:30 PM
Friday, April 5: End of Quarter 3
Monday, April 8: Quarter 4 Begins
Wednesday, April 10: No Classes, Professional Development Day
Thursday, April 11: Parents Association Culture Day, 3-6 PM, Family Commons
Saturday, April 13: National ACT Test Date, 8 AM-1 PM, Lansing Sport Center
Thursday, April 18: Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Nicholson Center
Friday, April 19: MPA Spring Auction, 6:30-11 PM, Dellwood Golf Club

Important Information

If your student will be absent, late, or needs to be excused early from school, please reach out to the Upper School office via cwilliams@moundsparkacademy.org.
We are entering Upper School winter concert season this week. The Upper School Band and Orchestra Concert is scheduled for this Thursday, February 22, at 7:30 PM. Then, the Upper School Choral Concert is scheduled for next Thursday, February 29. The students look forward to sharing their love of music and their hard work with you during these concerts.
Be on the lookout for information about the 2024 MPA Spring Auction, Together We Can Move Mountains, scheduled for Friday, April 19 at Dellwood Golf Club. This is your chance to attend a night of fun, inspiration, and community building while supporting MPA with fellow parents, alumni, and friends.

In high school, experiential field trips play a pivotal role in enhancing the educational journey of students. They are offered invaluable real-world experiences that go beyond the four walls of traditional classroom learning. According to a study published in the International Journal of Environmental and Science Education, “students who participate in field trips show significantly higher achievement in (science) subjects compared to their peers who do not have the same opportunities.” This can be attributed to the real-life learning experiences that field trips provide. Read More

A Sacred Space Inside: The Power of Positive Affirmations

February 22, 2024

from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director

Editor’s Note: Periodically, you will find a guest Head’s Message here from members of the administrative team. We hope you will enjoy reading their thoughts and reflections about life at MPA.

I recently came across, on Instagram of all places, a video clip from an episode of Oprah’s “Super Soul Sunday” featuring the great Dr. Maya Angelou. Dr. Angelou, a female Black American poet and civil rights activist, has inspired millions through her writings and teachings. In this conversation, Dr. Angelou recalled advice she gave to her son when he was growing up:

“He said, ‘I don’t have any friends. How can I get some friends?’ I told him two things. First, in order to get a friend, you must be a friend. And second, there is a place in you that you must keep inviolate. You must keep it pristine, clean, so that nobody has the right to curse you or treat you badly. Say no, when it’s no … Because that place must remain clean, clear.”

As the message sank in and I sat there on my couch, in my pajamas on a Saturday morning, this teaching reminded me of the words of my grandfather. Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, my abuelo was a commanding figure in our family. I used to love sitting around the big mahogany table at the tail end of family dinners when the grownups would start drinking coffee and the cousins scattered off to play—this is when the juicy family drama would come out! Sometimes, the grownups would reminisce about the old days, and I often heard renditions of my mother’s great escape from South Bend, Indiana in the late 1950s. At that time, my grandfather returned from serving in the US Navy during the Korean War and was attending Notre Dame University as an engineering student. My mother and uncle were young children in elementary school, and my grandmother worked as a seamstress. One day, they came home and found that slur words for Hispanic people had been painted on the side of their bungalow house. Fearing worse was to come, my grandmother packed up my uncle and mother and escaped on the first train out of South Bend, leaving my grandfather to finish his engineering degree alone. It was years before the family was properly reunited. Read More

Engage With The Search

February 15, 2024

Original publish date: February 21, 2024

Mounds Park Academy and its board of trustees are committed to an open and transparent search process. To that end, please feel welcome to email your questions to communications@moundsparkacademy.org until the formal search email address is established. All questions and comments will be shared with Tiffany Scott Knox and Betsy Van Hecke while Natalie Waters Seum, director of admission and communication, will respond on the group’s behalf.

There will be a variety of ways for the community to engage with the search including a survey and facilitated group discussions. The first discussions will occur next week, so please save the dates and times that work for you … Read More

The Joys And Challenges Of A PreK-12 Schedule

February 15, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

I am deeply touched by the outpouring of kind sentiments I’ve received since announcing my intention to retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year. This decision was incredibly difficult, as I have found immense joy in serving as the head of school at MPA and feel privileged to lead such a remarkable community. Each day, I eagerly anticipate coming to school, recognizing the rare fortune of a job that is both professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling.

As I look toward the future, I have full confidence in the board of trustees and the search committee to find an exceptional successor. Rest assured, my commitment and passion for MPA remain unwavering, and I am dedicated to giving my all over the next 16 months.

Looking ahead to the 2024-25 school year, I am excited to share some exciting changes coming to the Middle and Upper Schools. Throughout this year, the academic administration has carefully reviewed feedback on the curriculum and academic schedule from students, parents, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to continuous improvement is guided by our school’s mission and values, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of our students.

Developing a master schedule and academic calendar that caters to students from PreK through 12 is indeed challenging. I often liken my role as head of school to managing a wonderfully messy family with three different schools, each with its own unique students, teachers, and parents—all under one roof. We are one school united by our mission, yet each division approaches the daily schedule with a focus on our students’ academic, social-emotional, and mental well-being. A committee of teachers and administrators, supported by our exceptional new registrar, Renae Wantock, has refined the master schedule to be even more responsive to our students’ needs.

Upper School
In the Upper School next year, we will offer an impressive 50 elective classes, with 29 available to ninth graders, 13 more in the tenth grade, four more in the eleventh grade, and four more in the twelfth grade. This breadth of choice is rare and reflects our commitment to providing an enriching academic experience. Read More

An Important Message From The Board Chair

February 14, 2024

Original publish date: February 13, 2024

Dear Mounds Park Academy Community,

In its 42-year history, Mounds Park Academy has benefited from extraordinary leadership shaping and guiding its mission, values, and growth. This has certainly been true since Dr. Bill Hudson assumed the role of head of school in July 2013. When Dr. Hudson informed the board of trustees of his decision to retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year, I was both sad and excited. I am sad because Dr. Hudson has been such an effective, nurturing, and visionary leader, but I am excited as we think about the next step for MPA, built upon the strong foundation he helped advance.

Dr. Hudson will leave Mounds Park Academy more vital and vibrant than when he arrived in 2013. In his years leading our community, he has been an exemplary steward and champion of the Mounds Park Academy mission and vision, and his legacy will leave an indelible mark on MPA. During his tenure, Mounds Park Academy set a foundation for long-term financial sustainability, reimagined the school’s curriculum for the 21st century and beyond, successfully navigated a global pandemic, and redeveloped a strong sense of community. But perhaps above all, Dr. Hudson’s tireless work to strengthen a diverse, inclusive, and joyful community where students and members of the MPA family realize they are welcome and loved and can learn and thrive is his crowning achievement. These ideals are embedded in every division and embraced by the tremendously talented faculty and staff Dr. Hudson and his team assembled and cultivated. Read More

An Important Message From The Head of School

February 14, 2024

Original publish date: February 13, 2024

Dear Mounds Park Academy Community,

With a myriad of emotions, I share my intent to retire from Mounds Park Academy at the conclusion of the 2024-2025 academic year.

The decision to retire has not been arrived at lightly. Following much consideration, I believe that the time is opportune for me to embark on the next chapter of my life, filled with the anticipation of quality family time, exciting travel adventures, and the exploration of the collection of unread books that have patiently awaited my attention—a prospect that fills me with both excitement and gratitude. This is a stage of life that my husband Ross and I have planned for, and he will join me in retirement.

I also know it’s the right time for Mounds Park Academy in many ways:

an experienced board of trustees and a talented and dedicated administrative team are in place;
our exceptional faculty and staff are committed to the holistic growth and academic success of each student;
the launch of a new phase of curriculum development will further empower students to navigate an increasingly complex and global society and world;
a strong fiscal foundation and a long-range plan are in place to ensure the sustainability of MPA for many years to come; and
we benefit from an elevated profile as a premier independent school in the Twin Cities, known for its safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment, dedicated to academic excellence, and fostering the growth of the whole child.

The incoming head of school will join MPA at an ideal time, coinciding with the school’s accreditation self-study and the development of a new strategic plan. Read More

Congratulations MPA Skiers!

February 8, 2024

Three members of the MPA Alpine Ski Team earned All-Conference Awards for their efforts at the IMAC Alpine Conference Championship Meet at Buck Hill. Congratulations to Sidney Lundeen ’27, Henry Schwartz ’25, and Jaclyn L. ’29.

Two members of the MPA Alpine Ski Team earned Honorable Mention All-Conference Awards for their efforts at the IMAC Alpine Conference Championship Meet at Buck Hill. Congratulations to Myah Hoeschen ’27 and Jacob Wyant ’27.

Two members of the MPA Alpine Ski Team qualified for State at the Section 4A Alpine Ski Meet. Congratulations to Jaclyn L. ’29 and Vittorio Bloyer ’24. They will be participating at the State Alpine Meet at Giants Ridge in Biwabik, MN on February 13. Read More

Generation AI And The Future of Education

February 8, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

In recent months, I have initiated HeadSpace, inviting MPA parents to join me in addressing how best to ensure that MPA prepares students to “live, learn, and thrive in our increasingly complex and globalized society,” a priority outlined in our strategic plan for 2024ward. A startling statistic I recently encountered suggests that 70% of the jobs in 2030 have yet to be created, underscoring the urgent need for transformative changes in education.

On Tuesday evening, several parents and I engaged in a profound discussion regarding Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) and its potential to revolutionize education. GAI represents a unique subset of AI distinguished by its ability to produce new, high-quality content efficiently across various modalities. Unlike traditional AI systems, which primarily focus on analysis and prediction, GAI possesses the capacity for creative synthesis, generating original content such as audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. Powered by advanced algorithms, GAI models can learn from existing data to create realistic and novel outputs that emulate human creativity and ingenuity. This capacity for generative creativity holds profound implications for fields such as art, design, storytelling, and content creation, offering limitless opportunities for innovation and expression in the digital age.

Reflecting on how MPA can equip students to thrive in today’s increasingly complex society, I came across a Facebook post from our Alumni Association featuring Sofie Netteberg, an MPA Class of 2016 graduate. Sofie is currently enrolled in the MIT Leaders for Global Operations (LGO) program, where students earn both an MBA from Sloan and an MS from MIT’s School of Engineering with a focus on computer science and operations. A graduate of Williams College with majors in statistics and global studies, Sofie describes herself as a, “Life-long nerd who will use technology to ensure the health and happiness of future generations.” Read More

MPA Students Experience Music Clinic At University Of Wisconsin

February 8, 2024

Three exceptional MPA students had the opportunity to attend a prestigious orchestra clinic at the University of Wisconsin-Madison this week. Julia Anderson ’27, Oslo Norcross ’27, and Lucy Mayer ’27 attended intensive rehearsals, guided by university faculty, and all of their hard work culminated in a live concert performance.

“Our MPA musicians are so dedicated to music making and I love that they were able to experience this event,” said Hannah Lawson, MPA’s director of orchestras. “As their director, I want to give my students as many performance opportunities as possible and I’m so proud that they accepted the challenge and can carry this experience with them forever.” Read More

Upper School Division News February 8, 2024

February 8, 2024

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

Wednesday-Friday, February 7-9: Grade 10 Deep Portage Trip
Friday, February 9: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20-12 PM, Room 150-151
Thursday, February 15: Re-enrollment Deadline
Friday, February 16: No Classes, Professional Development
Monday, February 19: No Classes, Presidents’ Day
Monday, February 19: US SAT Mini Prep Class, 5-8:30 PM, Room 181
Wednesday, February 21: Upper School Parent Quarterly Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, PCR
Thursday, February 22: Upper School Band Concert, 7:30-8:30 PM, Nicholson Center
Wednesday, February 28: Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
Thursday, February 29: Upper School Vocal Concert, 7:30-8:30 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, March 1: SnoDaze Assembly, 2:20-3 PM
Friday, March 1: Upper School SnoDaze Event (TBD), afterschool

Important Information
If your student will be absent, late, or needs to be excused early from school, please reach out to the Upper School office via cwilliams@moundsparkacademy.org.

REMINDER: even though there are no Lower or Middle School classes on February 9 due to their conferences, the Upper School will hold classes as usual.

Sharing your story is not just an act of self-expression, it is a powerful tool for personal connection and growth. When you “open up” about your personal, lived experiences, you invite others to participate in your stories and share your authentic self with them. One of the MPA graduation requirements is for all members of the senior class to give a Senior Performance. Most seniors speak to their peers in the Recital Hall, yet some choose to share their story with all members of the Upper School community in the Nicholson Center. The Senior Performances are often speeches that speak to individual growth and reflection, but at times are actual performances where original pieces of music or monologues are performed. Read More