An Important Message From The Board Chair

February 14, 2024

Tiffany Scott KnoxOriginal 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

Dr. Bill HudsonOriginal 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

MPA Skiers Alpine and NordicThree 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

Oslo, Julia, and LucyThree 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

Upper school students in French classfrom 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

Middle School Division News February 8, 2024

February 8, 2024

Middle Schoolers high diving after talent show performancefrom Dr. Jenn Milam, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars

  • Friday, February 9: No LS/MS Classes, Conferences
  • Wednesday, February 14: Middle School Parent Quarterly Coffee, 8:15-9:30 AM, Library
  • Wednesday, February 14: MS Grades 7/8 BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, Panther Center
  • Thursday, February 15: Re-enrollment Deadline
  • Thursday, February 15: LS/MS Evening Conferences, 3:30-8 PM
  • Friday, February 16: No Classes, Professional Development, Panther Club Closed
  • Monday, February 19: No Classes, Presidents’ Day
  • Monday, February 26: SnoDaze Spirit Week Begins
  • Friday, March 1: SnoDaze Assembly, 2:20-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center
  • Monday, March 4-Friday, March 8: i-Term 2024

This may be the first year since joining the MPA family in 2018, that the groundhog predicted an early spring! While we miss the sledding hill at recess, we are grateful to not be bundling up every day to be outside and maybe, just maybe, our spring sports will have a smooth start to their seasons.

As we approach conferences this week, I hope you’re also taking the time to connect with your Middle School students about how their year is going, what is working well for them, and where adjustments may need to be made to see great success. An important part of growing up is coming to a better understanding of how you learn and what you need to be successful. It was in Middle School when I realized that I needed clear checklists, absolute silence to fully comprehend what I was reading and studying and that not having a plan caused me an immeasurable amount of anxiety and caused me to procrastinate and avoid. Identifying hurdles and needs like these for your Middle School student helps them to manage their learning and their emotions and learn to ask for what they need. I encourage you, the next time you’re in the car, running errands, or sharing time on the sofa at home, ask your Middle Schooler about how they learn, what tips and tricks they’re learning, and where they’re finding success. If they’re not sure, guide them—help them see that learning is work, takes intentionality, and doesn’t just “happen.” The best part is that they get to decide how it happens! Read More

Lower School Division News February 8, 2024

February 8, 2024

fourth grader working in the makerspacefrom Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director

Mark Your Calendars

  • Friday, February 9: No LS/MS Classes, Conferences
  • Friday, February 9-Thursday, February 15: LS Uniform Sale, 8 AM-3 PM, Atrium
  • Monday, February 12: PreK to Kindergarten Transition Parent Coffee, 8:15-9:15 AM
  • Wednesday, February 14: LS Valentine’s Day Party, 8:30-2:20 PM, Lansing Sports Center, Allergy Aware Guidelines
  • Thursday, February 15: Re-enrollment Deadline
  • Thursday, February 15: LS/MS Evening Conferences, 3:30-8 PM
  • Friday, February 16: No Classes, Professional Development, Panther Club Closed
  • Monday, February 19: No Classes, Presidents’ Day
  • Tuesday, February 20: LS Parent Quarterly Coffee, 1:15-2:45 PM, Gallery
  • Friday, February 23: LS Grade 4 Battle of the Books, 8:45-10 AM, Library
  • Wednesday, February 28: LS Grades 3/4 Orchestra Hall Field Trip, 9-11:30 AM
  • Wednesday, February 21: CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-9 AM
  • Friday, March 1: LS Grade 3 Battle of the Books
  • Friday, March 1: SnoDaze Assembly, 2:20-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center

It looks like an early spring is on its way, and there is a palpable hint of warmth in the air. After living in Beijing, China for several years with my family, I will always treasure these special days in late January and early February, when many cultures around the world celebrate the Lunar New Year. In Beijing, that meant gorgeous red lanterns, lively music, sparkling fireworks, and stuffed red envelopes. As we head into the year of the dragon, please read on for more updates:

CHAMP News
At our CHAMP assembly on January 31, the children were introduced to our Lower School “Rainbow Voices.” With this new shared expectation, students are learning about four different voice volume levels and practicing them where appropriate. This whole-Lower School guideline is part of our initiative to continually refer to common understandings across the children’s day, reducing confusion and increasing personal agency and a deeper sense of belonging. Our next CHAMP assembly is scheduled for Wednesday, February 21. We will be focusing on the CHAMP attribute of “courageous” with a special focus on Black History Month. Please be sure to send your child to school on February 21 wearing their CHAMP colors! Read More

We Need Your Help!

February 8, 2024

We need your help! The 2024 MPA Spring Auction: Together We Can Move Mountains is our biggest fundraising event of the year, raising over $200,000 in support of students and teachers. One of the best ways we raise funds is through the silent and live auction. It is a wonderful chance for you to help with this year’s event and support every student at MPA. No item is too big or small! If you don’t see your idea on our wish list, it may still be an excellent fit for our event, and we encourage you to contact us to discuss more.

Tickets and sponsorships are now on sale!

For questions or more information, please contact giving@moundsparkacademy.org or Jennifer Rogers-Petitt, director of development and community engagement, at 651-748-5532.

We want to ensure this community-building event is accessible to everyone. If the ticket prices are a barrier for you to attend, please contact us today for reduced pricing based on your need.

Meet International Student Alum Wei Zhan ’22

February 6, 2024

Wei Zhan '22What are you currently doing, professionally and/or personally? What experiences or relationships have inspired you along the way?
I went to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and am now attending Santa Monica College. Engaging with a diverse and talented group of individuals fueled my passion along the way.

How was your experience at MPA different than other schools?
MPA has an inclusive and open atmosphere, embracing individuals from all backgrounds and creating a welcoming environment for everyone. Read More