Mounds Park Academy

December 4, 2023

This message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the December 9, 2023 issue of InsideMPA. Click here to get in touch with Admission and learn more!

At MPA, we wholeheartedly embrace STEAM. From utilizing Design Thinking in the Makerspace, to challenging students to find reliable information from reputable sources for research projects, rigor in STEAM takes place PreK-12. Across all of the STEAM fields–science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics–MPA teachers are using their disciplines to provide academic challenges to students seeking it out.

As society increasingly focuses on STEM subjects, many of the careers of our future may in fact be in those areas. The National Science Foundation is reporting that STEM careers jumped from 21% of the workforce to 24% in just ten years, between 2011-2021. But how do STEM subjects in school apply to everyday life? Through rigor with purpose and the holistic approach to education in which MPA was founded. This is what truly prepares our students for the future. Read More

Environmental Chemistry In Action: A Field Trip To The King Power Plant

December 4, 2023

Ms. Sullivan’s chemistry class recently ventured to the Allan S. King Power Plant in Marine on St. Croix. In their current unit on atmospheric chemistry, their studies delve into the intricate world of indoor and outdoor air pollution, including sulfur dioxide’s and nitric oxide’s role in acid rain formation, particulate matter, and more.

The class’s discussion naturally extended to the crucial topic of climate change, investigating its implications, and alternatives to fossil fuel usage. This field trip was a real eye-opener for students, offering a tangible connection between the discussion and theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom and its real-world application.

One main focal point of their excursion was to explore the cutting-edge technologies being used to remove sulfur dioxide, nitric oxides, and particulate matter at the King Power Plant and discover what makes it stand out among coal-burning facilities. Students had learned about these technologies in the environmental chemistry course, and even used stoichiometry calculations to determine how much calcium carbonate is needed to neutralize the sulfur dioxide that comes from burning coal in Minnesota, exemplifying the future-forward philosophy that is heavily integrated within MPA’s education.

Walking through the plant, students not only witnessed advanced environmental technologies but also engaged in conversations with the plant manager. These discussions provided insights into the career and economic implications of transitioning to renewable energy sources, reinforcing the vital link between science and society.

What made this experience even more remarkable was its origin—a chance encounter during parent-teacher conferences. Nick Martin, a parent who works for Excel Energy, noticed information about Ms. Sullivan’s atmospheric chemistry unit displayed on the board. Intrigued, he extended an invitation for MPA students to witness these concepts in action. Learning extends beyond the classroom at MPA, and the active involvement of our community members adds a unique dimension to the educational journey.

The King Power Plant, though set to discontinue coal usage by 2028, will be repurposed into a distribution hub for solar energy and other renewables. This aligns seamlessly with the class’s discussions on the evolving landscape of energy production and the imperative shift toward sustainability.

This field trip served as an invaluable opportunity for students to witness the practical applications of their academic pursuits. By experiencing firsthand the environmental technologies at play and understanding the broader societal impacts, they gained a deeper appreciation for the pivotal role science plays in addressing pressing global challenges.

A History-Making Performance For Debate

December 3, 2023

Congratulations to the MPA Debate Team on a history-making performance at the Classic State Debate Festival. Forty-six students represented the school, and for the first time in its history, Mounds Park Academy won the team sweepstakes award. This award is based on the top two performances across each of the three divisions of competition—novice, junior varsity, and varsity. This win is a testament to the countless hours of research, thinking, and practice these students contributed throughout the season.

We call the tournament the Classic Debate Championships in novice and junior varsity. In the novice division, the teams of Sidd Sastry and Kelvyn Boddipalli, Amila Avdic and Ayub Barre, and Myah Hoeschen and Nicole Kim advanced to the octafinal round. The teams of Josh Murr and Hannabella Li and Carter Short and Nico Bergh advanced to the quarterfinal round. And in a commanding performance, the team of Ash Klann and Victoria Lin won the entire division. In the junior varsity division, the teams of Mari Minear and Navreen Biring and Paul Fertig and Zainab Lodhi advanced to the quarterfinal round, while the team of Truman Wilgocki and Soren Winikoff advanced to the semifinal round. And the team of Greta Hanson and Rowan Mulrooney finished second in an extremely competitive final round.
Read More

Meet International Student Alum Peter Wu ’19

December 1, 2023

What are you currently doing professionally and personally?
I am working as an art teacher at an elementary art institute. At the same time, I am a freelance animator, film director, and production designer.

Where did you attend college, and what experiences or relationships have inspired you along the way?
School of Visual Arts, New York City. Observations, stories, and people from different backgrounds have inspired me to create different film ideas to speak for minorities in society. My connections with famous artists and producers such as Bob Camp and Mario Menjivar have led me deeper into the filmmaking industry.

How was your experience at MPA different than other schools?
Since I transferred from another American high school to MPA, I have seen that MPA is more accepting of students with diverse backgrounds. Not only the education, but the faculty and students are more supportive. Read More

Parents Association News And Events November 29, 2023

November 29, 2023

US Parent Dinner During the Winter Semi-Formal
Saturday, December 2, 8:15-10:30 PM
Family Thai, 2303 White Bear Ave N, Saint Paul
If you are looking for something to do during the Winter Semi-Formal, consider coming to the parent dinner at Family Thai. While the kids dance the night away, parents can have dinner and socialize with other US families. Family Thai has agreed to stay open late for our group, so please join us! RSVP to sbanksPA@moundsparkacademy.org.

US Parent Quarterly Coffee: College Planning
Thursday, December 7, 8-9:30 AM, PCR
Lisa Pederson and Dr. Quam will be presenting information relevant to all 9-12 US families regarding testing, colleges, and the college planning process. They will be hosting a Q&A session as well during this time. This is a popular session that you won’t want to miss! Coffee and breakfast pastries will be served.

Holiday Gift Wrapping
Monday, December 11
Join the MPA Parents Association for this beloved Holiday event. Give the gift of time to our faculty and staff by wrapping their gifts while also putting yourself in the holiday spirit. MPA teachers and staff bring in their unwrapped gifts and we return them wrapped and decorated. All supplies and snacks will be provided. Sign up for one hour or more! See you in the Porter Conference Room (PCR) which is located in the Upper School above the Lansing/North entrance. Read More

The Joy (and Challenge) of Calling A Snow Day

November 29, 2023

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

Of all the decisions I must make as head of school, there is one that I dread the most: calling a snow day. As a child, nothing was more magical than awakening to heavy snowfall, racing to the TV, and anxiously awaiting the name of my school to scroll across the bottom of the screen. While I still consider a snow day magical, deciding to close school is difficult and complicated. Someone once told me that if a leader tries to make everyone happy, they are not doing their job. This is particularly true in making weather-related decisions. Inevitably, someone is not going to be happy.

The decision to cancel school for an inclement weather-related event (which could be snow, ice, or sub-zero temperatures) is made by the head of school in consultation with the administrative team. The most important criterion is the safety of our community, which has 580 students and more than 100 employees who live in 82 different zip codes in six counties throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The second criterion is to honor in-person learning. The number of school days is based on our mission and values, on what we believe best supports student learning, and on the needs of our community. Snow days are an interruption, and we would prefer not to have any interruptions.

Whenever possible, my goal is to decide by 6 AM at the latest. If a snow day is called, it is communicated by text, phone, email, the school’s website, and local television stations. Because MPA draws from such a large geographic area, it is not uncommon for the weather to vary, sometimes significantly. School closing or delay decisions are based on a number of factors:

Weather forecast
Timing of the event (morning or afternoon drive time)
Road conditions (MDOT traffic cams)
Feedback from First Student (our bus company), District 622, and peer schools
Feedback from Admin Team members (who live in areas across the metro)
Areas affected (we draw students from 82 zip codes)
Building conditions
Parking lot conditions

Lower School Division News November 30, 2023

November 29, 2023

from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director

Mark Your Calendars

Monday, December 4: Lower School Trimester 1 reports sent home
Monday, December 4-Friday, December 8: MPA Book Festival, 8 AM-4 PM, Gallery (12-4 PM on December 8)
Wednesday, December 6: Founders’ Day Breakfast, 7-8 AM, Family Commons
Wednesday, December 6: PreK-12 Pairing Assembly, 2 PM
Wednesday, December 6: MPA Cocoa and Books, 3-4 PM, Family Commons
Wednesday, December 13: LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-9 AM, Family Commons
Thursday, December 21-Tuesday, January 2: No Classes, Winter Break
Wednesday, January 3: Classes Resume

Welcome to winter! It’s my first winter season in the Midwest, and while it is chilly, the change of seasons also means cozy nights and time with loved ones. I hope you and your family had a wonderful November break and a joyful Thanksgiving if you celebrated. We are heading steadily toward winter break with many events in store, so please read on.

Trimester 1 Reports (PreK-Grade 4): December 4
On Monday, December 4, your child(ren)’s Trimester 1 report cards will be sent home via email. Please check your inbox and feel free to contact the Lower School office with any questions.

Founders’ Day Pancake Breakfast: December 6
Please join us on Wednesday, December 6, for our annual Founders’ Day Pancake Breakfast! Grown-ups and children are invited to come in your PJs to be served fluffy pancakes by our Board of Trustees and Administrative Team. It’s a yummy and festive event that you won’t want to miss! Breakfast starts being served at 7 AM, so plan to arrive early! Lower School families should plan to attend with their children.

No Bad Weather, Only Bad Clothing
This is a kind reminder if you haven’t already done so, to send your child to school with a heavy parka, hat/earmuffs, a scarf, and gloves/mittens daily. You may also wish to send snow boots and snow pants to school now to keep in your child’s cubby/locker for those freezing recess times. We will be out most days unless the weather is -10 degrees or colder. Take a minute to stop by the Lower School office lost and found bins to see if your child’s snow gear is there! Read More

Middle School Division News November 30, 2023

November 29, 2023

from Dr. Jenn Milam, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars

Monday, December 4-Friday, December 8: MPA Book Festival, 8 AM-4 PM, Gallery (12-4 PM on December 8)
Tuesday, December 5: MS Coffee Talk, 6-7:30 PM, Library
Wednesday, December 6: Founders’ Day Breakfast, 7-8 AM, Family Commons
Wednesday, December 6: PreK-12 Pairing Assembly, 2:20-3 PM
Wednesday, December 6: MPA Cocoa and Books, 3-4 PM, Family Commons
Thursday, December 7: Future Cities Competition, All Day
Thursday, December 7: MS Grade 5/6 Affinity Group, 2:20-3 PM, Panther Center
Wednesday, December 13: MS Grade 7/8 BIPOC Affinity Group, 2:20-3 PM, Panther Center
Thursday, December 14: MS Grades 6-8 Band, Orchestra, Vocal Concert, 6:30-8 PM, Nicholson Center
Wednesday, December 20: Last Day of School before Winter Break
Wednesday, December 20: MS Grades 5/6 Feed My Starving Children, 8-11:30 AM, Off Campus
Wednesday, December 20: MS Grades 5/6 Bowling, 12-3 PM, Off Campus
Thursday, December 21-Tuesday, January 2: No Classes, Winter Break
Wednesday, January 3: Classes Resume

As we are firmly into quarter two and winter seems like it has finally come to stay, we find ourselves in that weirdly beautiful interim just before the break when days get shorter, nights get longer, and even the simplest tasks require a little extra effort. We hope you are finding energy from a restful November break and are offering support to your students as they, too, navigate lower energy, the need for more sleep, and the increase in academic rigor that comes with the progressing school year.

We ask that you continue to encourage consistent routines, sufficient sleep schedules, healthy eating, and positive social behavior. The winter months take some adjusting to, and our young people often don’t/can’t communicate the need for a little extra TLC—even if given from a distance!

i-Term 2024: Course Placement Forms are due Monday, December 4!
Your i-Term course assignments have been sent home! Please return the signed sheet to the Middle School office by Monday, December 4. As each i-Term course carries a fee, it is essential that parent/family confirmation is received, as we will assess course fees via TADS in January 2024.

Please note that all course assignments are final at this time as we will begin making course plans, field trip reservations, and confirming community partners. Students cannot make changes to their i-Term course assignments.

If you have any questions, please contact Jenn Milam, Middle School director, at jmilam@moundaparkacademy.org or 651-748-5598.

Future Cities Is Competing!
Next Thursday, our eighth graders will share their visions for cities of the future at MPA! This internal competition will showcase the brilliant work of our eighth-grade collaborative teams as they worked to envision a city 100 years in the future that is fully electric. Read More

Upper School Division News November 30, 2023

November 29, 2023

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

Thursday, November 30: US Evening Conferences, 3:30-8 PM, MPA
Friday, December 1: No US Classes, US Conferences, 8 AM-5 PM, MPA
Saturday, December 2: US Semi-Formal Dance, 8-11 PM, Maplewood Community Center
Monday, December 4-Friday, December 8: MPA Book Festival, 8 AM-4 PM, Gallery (12-4 PM on December 8)
Wednesday, December 6: Founders’ Day Breakfast, 7-8 AM, Family Commons
Wednesday, December 6: PreK-12 Pairing Assembly, 2 PM
Wednesday, December 6: MPA Cocoa and Books, 3-4 PM, Family Commons
Wednesday, December 6: Class of 2028 Feed Your Mind Dinner, 6-8 PM, Family Commons
Thursday, December 7: US Parents Quarterly Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, PCR
Friday, December 8: Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
Friday, December 8: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Room 150-151
Friday, December 15: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Room 150-151
Tuesday, December 19: MS/US Grade 8 to 9 Parent Coffee, 6:30-7:30 PM, PCR
Wednesday, December 20: Caroling with the Madrigal Singers, 7:30-8 AM, Family Commons
Wednesday, December 20: US Winter Music Tour (Madrigal Singers and Chamber Orchestra), 8:30 AM-3 PM, MPA
Thursday, December 21-Tuesday, January 2: No Classes, Winter Break
Wednesday, January 3: Classes Resume
Friday, January 5: Mentorship Meet & Greet, 8-9:15 AM, Family Commons
Tuesday, January 9: Gr 11 Parent College Counseling Night, 6:30-7:30 PM, Recital Hall
Friday, January 12: US Class of 2028 Parent Coffee, 8-9 AM, PCR

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.
Second quarter Upper School conferences are scheduled for Thursday, November 30, 3:30-8 PM and Friday, December 1, 8 AM-5 PM. If you did not get a chance to register for a conference through the Pick-A-Time system, please reach out directly to the teacher with whom you would like to meet to determine if they have availability to meet with you over the next couple of days. As a reminder, Upper School classes are not in session tomorrow, yet regularly scheduled Lower and Middle School classes will be held.
The Upper School Quarterly Coffee will be held Thursday, December 7, 8-9:30 AM in the PCR. College Counselors Lisa Pederson and Justin Quam will be presenting information relevant to grade 9-12 families regarding the college planning and application process. This has been a popular session in the past, and we anticipate it will be again this time as well. Coffee and breakfast pastries will be served. No RSVP is needed.

RSVP For The MPA Preview–School Day Edition!

November 29, 2023

The PreK-12 MPA Preview on Thursday, January 25, 8:30-10 AM, is our final PreK-12 admission event of the year and an opportunity to experience MPA on a regular school day!

With community members as your hosts, you’ll visit classrooms to see students and teachers in action–with a few surprises along the way! The event will end with division-specific Q&A sessions. This event is designed for the adult members of your family. If you will be bringing a child, please do let us know.

MPA Previews are signature PreK-12 events designed to introduce you to the faculty, students, and families who make MPA the exceptional learning community that it is. You’ll hear from a variety of perspectives, be engaged in conversation with academic leaders, experience what a day in the life of an MPA student is like, and leave with a much better understanding of the MPA way.

RSVP today to discover why Mounds Park Academy is an exceptional place to learn and grow!

RSVP Today

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