Mounds Park Academy

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

Engage With The Candidates

May 13, 2024

Original publish date: April 23, 2024

Dear Mounds Park Academy Community,

As we move into the final phases of the search for MPA’s next head of school, I am pleased to update you on our process and timing, as well as share the upcoming engagement opportunities.

The search committee has been extremely busy since our last update. The committee reviewed 11 excellent candidates presented by our search consultants, Carney, Sandoe & Associates. We narrowed the pool to eight semi-finalists, hosted 90-minute individual Zoom interviews with each, and selected a group of four inspiring finalists.

We now look forward to the next set of interviews, which will be held in person at MPA during the month of May. The visits involve a robust schedule of interactions with students of all ages, parents, parents of alumni, alumni, trustees, faculty, staff, administrators, and the search committee. In addition, each finalist will meet with Dr. Bill Hudson.

Knowing that Carney, Sandoe & Associates and the search committee have already ensured that all finalists are highly qualified school leaders, the campus visits are used to determine cultural fit with MPA. Equally important in this phase is ensuring the finalists feel warmly welcomed at MPA and get to know the community, school, and environment.

Please mark your calendars for the following open forums, which will provide you with opportunities to hear from our candidates and engage in Q&A sessions. Read More

Parents Association News And Events May 9, 2024

May 9, 2024

Thank You!
A HUGE fresh-baked thank you to everyone who came into the Teaching Kitchen on Tuesday to clean, bake, and decorate cookies for all MPA staff on National Teachers Appreciation Day! We baked nearly 500 cookies for staff from Rebecca’s Nut-Free Cookies and Sweet Loren’s. Staff had a warm cookie with lunch and could sign up to take a small box home. Thank you, volunteers!

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 out 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.

Farewell Party
Tuesday, May 28
Please join our middle schoolers and families for Field Day and a Farewell to John and Jenn Milam. Contact your grade reps or Molly.Oliver1@gmail.com for more information.

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.

MPA’s Portrait Of A Graduate And Competency Framework

May 9, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

As the school year draws to a close, we begin to celebrate the progress and growth of students, including art shows, concerts, competitions, special events, and ceremonies. The pinnacle of our academic year is commencement on Saturday, June 8. This event is a significant milestone for our school and for the 61 members of the MPA Class of 2024 as we come together to celebrate their achievements and honor their journey.

Other accomplishments are also worth celebrating, such as our progress toward realizing our strategic plan. In particular, I want to call attention to the work of a committee comprised of faculty, staff, and administrators that has been working throughout the year to create a competency framework grounded in our mission and actualizing the MPA Portrait of a Graduate. I’ve written many times before about competency-based (or mastery-based) learning and developing our unique MPA competency framework (these articles date back to 2015, but see “A Roadmap for Continuous Improvement” and “2024ward: An Update” for the two most recent). Before I share the latest update, I’d like to provide some context.

The first priority of 2024ward challenges us to “Empower students to live, learn, and thrive in our increasingly complex and globalized society.” We do this by creating customized pathways of learning for students through curricular innovation and leveraging advances in educational technology. In addition to maximizing the use and integration of technology, MPA has been on a multi-year journey to continually enhance our school’s strengths in hands-on, experiential, project-based learning. Read More

MPA Trio Selected For All-State Choir

May 9, 2024

Congratulations to Warner Reid ’26, Truman Wilgocki ’26, and Chali Yang ‘26, who auditioned and were selected to be members of the 2024-25 All-State Choir program. They were three of 1,491 students who auditioned for the various music ensembles that comprise All-State. Warner will sing in the Mixed Choir under the direction of Jake Runestad, while Truman and Chali will perform as part of the Tenor Bass Choir under the direction of Dr. Derrick Fox. The All-State Choirs convene this summer on the campus of St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN. Camp will conclude with a concert featuring all three All-State Choirs. Warner, Truman, and Chali, we are so proud of you!

Ms. DesLauriers Teams Up With Pilot Light

May 9, 2024

It was from a former colleague that Liz DesLauriers heard about Pilot Light, a Food Education organization that works nationwide to refine lessons and evaluate food education.

“A former co-worker told me about this,” DesLauriers said, who joined on a fellowship for the 2023-2024 school year. “I’ve always done a lot of food education in my classroom, so this step to doing this fellowship wasn’t that much of a change or a big difference from what I am already doing.”

Since the discovery, DesLauriers has found Pilot Light to be a way to further ignite her cuisine teaching in her French classroom to benefit MPA.

“Since joining the fellowship, I’ve definitely put deeper meaning into my food education lessons and approached it from different angles,” she said. “I was using food as a venue for culture, which I still do a ton, but now I’m bringing in different aspects of where your food comes from, how does your food benefits you, and what you can do with food your food yourself as a young student to feel healthier or feel creative. I feel like we are diving deeper into cultures because of that.”

MPA Hosts Haiti Celebration

May 2, 2024

MPA’s ongoing commitment to fostering global awareness and cultural appreciation took another step as we hosted an amazing cross-age celebration focused on the country of Haiti, dubbed the Haiti Celebration! Students gathered in the Commons, Library, and Gallery to experience firsthand the wonders of Haiti. Together, we explored various aspects of Haitian culture, including its geography, history, language, cuisine, music, and art. Highlighting the event included the sampling of Soupe Joumou, also known as “Freedom Soup!”

The celebration was a collaborative effort between world language faculty member Liz DesLauriers, and MPA parent Moira Duverneau-Salifu, and her family. We are incredibly grateful to Moira for her invaluable guidance, expertise, and willingness to share her beautiful culture with all of us.

Parents Association News And Events May 2, 2024

May 2, 2024

Upper School Parent Quarterly Coffee
Friday, May 3, 8-9:30 AM, Library
Joining us will be representatives of Vanke Meisha Academy (VMA), a Chinese international school located in Shenzhen, China with whom MPA has established a formal partnership. Learn more about the partnership between the two schools, share information about MPA through the lens of a parent, and gather details about the education system in China. Coffee and pastries will be served.

Middle School Parent Quarterly Coffee
Friday, May 3, 8-9:30 AM, Family Commons
Coffee, pastries, and community. What better way to start a Wednesday! Come to connect with Mr. Paul Errickson, MPA’s incoming Middle School director.

Volunteers Needed For New Family Panther Party
Friday, May 3, 3:45-5:45 PM, Family Commons
Calling all parents! MPA would love for you to help welcome new families to MPA. On May 3, from 3:45-5:45 PM, we will be welcoming newly admitted families to campus during the annual New Family Panther Party. Volunteers are needed to meet and greet new families, inform folks of our summer events, and answer any questions families might have. We will also be selling MPA spirit wear from our Talisman collaboration. Sign up today!

Faculty & Staff Appreciation
Tuesday, May 7
Join the MPA Parents Association as we celebrate National Teachers Appreciation Day. We will be baking cookies for all MPA staff in the Teaching Kitchen and serving the cookies during lunch. All supplies provided. Click here for details. The MPA PA: Still. In. Our. Appreciation. Era.

LS LGBTQ+ Group
Wednesday, May 8 11:30 AM, Panther Center
This LS LGBTQ+ Group meeting will serve as a time for us to get to know each other better, and think of ways to make this group an inclusive and effective space for future meetings. The goal of this group is to become an intimate community of parents, allies, and teachers who can support one another and share resources and education. Coffee and snacks will be provided. Contact Rachael Weber at rachealeweber@gmail.com for more details.

Please RSVP to rachealeweber@gmail.com and spread the word to any MPA friends who you think would be interested in joining.

Lower School Division News May 2, 2024

May 2, 2024

from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director

Mark Your Calendars

Thursday, May 2: Grades 4-8 Transition Meetings, 6-6:45 PM
Friday, May 3: Connect With MPA’s New Middle School Director, 8:15 AM, Library
Friday, May 3: New Family Panther Party, 4-5:30 PM
Friday, May 3: PreK-12 After School Library Hours, 4-5:30 PM, Library
Monday, May 6: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, 2-3 PM, Library
Tuesday, May 7: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, Alumni, & Parents of Alumni, 11 AM-12 PM, Zoom, see email for link to join
Wednesday, May 8: PA LS LGBTQ+ Family Group Meeting, 11:30-12:30 PM, Panther Center
Thursday, May 9: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, 2-3 PM, Library
Friday, May 10: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, Alumni, & Parents of Alumni, 11 AM-12 PM, Zoom, see email for link to join
Tuesday, May 14: LS Duty Free Lunch, 12:15-12:50 PM, Family Commons
Wednesday, May 15: LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-9 AM, Family Commons
Thursday, May 16: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, 2-3 PM, Library
Friday, May 17: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, Alumni, & Parents of Alumni, 11 AM-12 PM, Zoom, see email for link to join
Friday, May 17: LS Grade 1 Poetry Picnic, 2-3 PM, Playground Area; Martin Lenz Harrison Library (rain location)
Friday, May 24: Senior Walk, 1-1:45 PM, South Entrance
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
Thursday, May 30: Retirement Gathering, 4-6 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
Monday, June 3: LS End of Trimester 3
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

The calendar and fun programs and offerings in the Lower School are ramping up! Please read on for updates:

CHAMP News
Our next CHAMP assembly is May 15, and we will be learning about having self-control. Please send your child(ren) to school on May 15 wearing their CHAMP colors!

May Sprit Days: Wear Your MPA Gear
On Fridays in May (May 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31), Lower School students wear their MPA gear (sweatshirt or t-shirt) as their tops with uniform bottoms. This Friday is our first spirit day. Let’s show our Panther pride throughout the month of May!

A Note About What to Wear on CHAMP/Spirit Days
We have received some questions about this, so please note that students are invited to wear their CHAMP shirts (on CHAMP days) and MPA spirit wear (on spirit days) along with uniform bottoms.

Middle School Division News May 2, 2024

May 2, 2024

from Jenn Milam, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars

Thursday, May 2: MS Family Dinner, 5:15-6 PM, Family Commons
Thursday, May 2: Grades 4-8 Transition Meetings, 6-6:45 PM
Thursday, May 2: MS Vocal Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, May 3: Connect With MPA’s New Middle School Director, 8:15 AM, Library
Friday, May 3: New Family Panther Party, 4-5:30 PM
Friday, May 3: PreK-12 After School Library Hours, 4-5:30 PM, Library
Monday, May 6: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, 2-3 PM, Library
Tuesday, May 7: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, Alumni, & Parents of Alumni, 11 AM-12 PM, Zoom, see email for link to join
Wednesday, May 8: MS Grade 5 Service Trip, 8:30-11:30 AM, Off Campus
Wednesday, May 8: MS/US Orchestra Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
Thursday, May 9: MS Grade 5/6 BIPOC Affinity Group, 2:20-3 PM, Panther Center
Thursday, May 9: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, 2-3 PM, Library
Friday, May 10: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, Alumni, & Parents of Alumni, 11 AM-12 PM, Zoom, see email for link to join
Friday, May 10: MS Grade 7/8 Dance, 7-9 PM, Family Commons
Wednesday, May 15: MS Grade 7/8 BIPOC Affinity Group, 2:20-3 PM, Panther Center
Thursday, May 16: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, 2-3 PM, Library
Thursday, May 16: MS/US Band Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, May 17: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, Alumni, & Parents of Alumni, 11 AM-12 PM, Zoom, see email for link to join
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: 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: 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

Happy May! I hope you’re marking your calendars and looking forward to a great end to this school year!

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 School Dinner + Transition Meeting Tonight!
Please plan to join us tonight (Thursday!) for our Rising Grade Level meetings and Middle School Vocal Concert. This is an exciting evening when we share a meal, offer insight for you and your student about next year, our new schedule, class trips, and more. Our evening will begin with dinner at 5 PM, transition meetings at 6 PM, and then our concert at 7 PM. We hope you’ll join us for all (or part!) of our evening.

SAGE and Chef Chris are making pizza/flatbread, salad, and dessert, as well as allergy-friendly options. If you missed sending an RSVP by the deadline last week, you’re welcome to bring food from home/take-out and join us in the Family Commons for fun and fellowship. We cannot add families/students to SAGE dinner service at this time.

NOTE: Rising Upper School parents will meet with Mr. Segal and Mr. Dean, Upper School Director and Assistant Director, respectively, in the Upper School Commons. It’s another great opportunity to learn what’s ahead!

Special Guest: Mr. Errickson, MPA’s Next Middle School Director
Mr. Errickson will be in Minnesota for a short visit on May 2 and 3. He will join us for our Middle School dinner, transition meetings, and performance on May 2, and we will host a coffee gathering on Friday morning, May 3. We hope you’ll join us in welcoming Mr. Errickson to MPA!

Attention: All Eighth Grade Parents! Moving Up Ceremony And Slideshow!
We are beginning our planning for the Moving-Up Ceremony on Monday, June 3, 1:30 PM. Please mark your calendars now for this special occasion to celebrate our eighth-grade class and to welcome our newest Middle School classmates from Lower School.

All parents and families of our grade eight students are asked to submit three photos of their student to be shared in the slideshow! All eighth-grade students will have photos included and this is your chance to celebrate your amazing kid.

Please send three photos to Christine Larson (chrisandmatt@hotmail.com) at your earliest convenience. The three photos should include one of each of the following:

one from when they were young,
one that captures their passion and personality, and
one from Middle School with their friends

The sooner you send these, the sooner we can begin putting together the most amazing keepsake slideshow!

NOTE: The Passion Project Showcase will immediately precede the Moving-Up Ceremony on the same day, at 1 PM. Please save the date/time on your calendars now–the end of the year will be here before you know it!