Meet International Student Alum Peter Wu ’19

Peter Wu '19 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


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

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

Read More


Lower School Division News November 30, 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

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

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.

Read More


RSVP For The MPA Preview–School Day Edition!

Upper School chemistry lab 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!


A Spotlight On MPA Athletics

Nate and Yahya at State 2019 This message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the November 27, 2023 issue of InsideMPA. Click here to get in touch with Admission and learn more!

What factors contribute to a student athlete’s success, both on and off the field? How does a small-by-design school like MPA foster athletes who go on to do incredible things?

A balance between athletics, academics, and the arts is not found at every school. Often students’ priorities conflict and they must choose one passion area over another. MPA students are encouraged to dive deep into many passion areas and the supportive environment makes doing so possible.

When Nate Bander ’09, coach, saw potential in basketball player Yahya Madar ’19 and inspired him to join the track team as a high jumper, a transformation began, and history was made. What might seem like a sports story is so much more.

Through our no-cut policy, low student-teacher ratio, and committed and passionate community, student athletes are known, understood, and seen by their teachers, coaches, and mentors. They receive help when they ask for it. They are fiercely cared for. They are encouraged to take risks and dream big. Click here to hear their story.


A Message From Tim Koerner ’03

Dear MPA Alumni,

At our house, the Halloween decorations have been put away, the Thanksgiving Turkey yard blow-ups are standing proudly in the fading grass (to the delight of our sons), and I am reflecting on the concurrent themes of this month of November: money and gratitude.

Money has been a topic du jour of this month for our family, as we took the leap to take our 5 year old (MPA Kindergartener, Lewis) and 3 year old, Arlo, to Disney World and Legoland for the first time.

“Is this worth it? What will spending all this money do for them?” These questions swirled in our minds as we overpacked for the journey, walked tens of miles through 5 theme parks in 6 days, and as we laced up our shoes for Legoland on November 16th, these same questions arose as Give to the Max stories, appeals and requests began filling our inboxes, a bread crumb trail of all the causes we have ever invested our faith in over the last 15 years.

“Do you still believe in us?” is how I interpreted the core question of each Give to the Max email I received. In the case of MPA, as a Class of 2003 alumns and MPA ‘Lifer’ (K-12 attendee), myself, and current parents of an MPA student, our answer was and is a resounding ‘Yes!’

My wife and I chose to give to MPA on Give to the Max Day, because they have created access to an environment for our son, Lewis, that nurtures him so well, he stated after the first week of school this fall that “I wish I could move my bed there and stay there!” I graduated 20 years ago from the same halls that my son now walks, and I am reminded of the lyrics to ‘The Thanksgiving Song’ by Ben Rector in this month of November:

“Funny how it all looks different
But it feels the same
Like how life never stops changing
But some things never change”

In this month of November, on such a day as Give to the Max Day, we give our money to the places, people and ideas that give us gratitude.

‘Your Gift, Their Future’ celebrates the countless connections MPA students make each day on campus, across academic innovation, athletic prowess and flourishing arts programs. When I was a high school student at MPA in the early 2000s, gifts such as yours enabled the launching of the laptop program.

During the fall campaign stretch alone in 2023, you see the fruits of such gifts as cross country runners and The Blue Wave make their way to State, middle school students put on a stellar ‘Puss N’ Boots’ production with incredible set design and a NYT bestselling author and poet, Jacqueline West, visits campus.

“Is this worth it? What will spending this money do for them?” Whether it’s a family trip, a campaign gift or a Give to the Max Day infusion at the level you are able to contribute, you perpetuate the spirit, energy and ideals of a place that gives you and your children gratitude.

I can think of no better worth for money, myself, and I am grateful to have experienced MPA firsthand, 20-30 years ago, now seeing my son revere MPA as a second home, as I once did.

Apparently, a few of you out there share similar sentiments, as the challenges seen below were met during the MPA Give to the Max Day and Fall Campaign: $529,156 raised overall throughout the Fall Campaign and $356,491 raised on Give to the Max Day.

Because of your generosity and gifts, students will continue to thrive and joyfully experience opportunities at MPA that will shape and enhance their future(s), in the years to come.

On behalf of the current MPA parent community, the Alumni Association and all our beloved MPA teachers and staff, we are thankful for you this season!

See why others gave by reading the comments here.


PJs and Pancakes: Founders’ Day Breakfast 2023

The Board of Trustees warmly invites you to the Annual Founders’ Day Pancake Breakfast. This is a signature MPA event that you won’t want to miss!

Wednesday, December 6
7-8 AM | Family Commons

Come early to visit and avoid long lines! No RSVP is needed.
Lower School parents should plan to attend with their children.
All students are invited to wear PJs for a cozy day at school!
A top eight allergen-free option will be provided at a separate station.

If you have any questions, contact Cherie Honan, Executive Assistant to the Head of School, at chonan@moundsparkacademy.org or 651-748-5522.

We look forward to seeing you there!