Mounds Park Academy

Parents Association News & Events April 27, 2023

April 27, 2023

Panther Party
Friday, May 5, 3:45-5:45 PM
Volunteer at the Panther Party, Friday, May 5, 3:45-5:45 PM. Interested in taking some time to welcome newly admitted families to MPA? We need your help. The Panther Party is looking for folks to welcome new families, answer questions, and socialize. Please sign up here, under the first item: Parent Volunteers to Welcome and socialize with new families in the Family Commons.

Staff Appreciation
Tuesday, May 9 in the Teaching Kitchen
Join the Parents Association for the final Staff Appreciation event of the school year! We will be making fruit cups and handing out fudge samples to all teachers and staff for National Teachers Appreciation Day! All supplies will be provided by the Parents Association.

If you would like to volunteer, please sign up here.

Join Next Year’s PA Board
The Parents Association is looking for a few board members for the 2023-24 school year. Please consider getting involved. It’s a great way to meet people and contribute to enriching your child’s education. Our mission is to enrich the MPA experience through community building, continuing traditions, supporting faculty and staff, and acting as a resource for all families. It’s fun, and time commitments can be minimal.

If you’re interested in getting involved or have questions, please contact Staci Banks Herberger (sbhehe42@icloud.com).

Kathryn Andersen ’09 On Being An Alumni Board Member

April 25, 2023

As we seek new members for the MPA Alumni Board I wanted to share a bit about my experience as a board member the last 4 years. It’s been a wonderful experience and I thought I’d bust a few myths about being on an Alumni Board (many of which I personally misunderstood before joining).

Myth #1: It’s a heavy time commitment, I’m too busy! While full participation is helpful to everyone, the board commitments are quite flexible. There are opportunities to make it as much or as little time as you have that month. We meet every other month for 1-2 hours, with a few months skipped. Some folks just attend and participate, some volunteer for extra projects, some volunteer for leadership positions. There is a lot of flexibility!
Myth #2: It is just about raising money. Not at all! While we partner closely with the Development Office, the Alumni Board is all about creating and keeping connections between our Alumni and current MPA communities. Alumni on the board get involved by investing their time and talents into current projects and initiatives. While parts of the role are connected to fundraising efforts, there is a lot of flexibility if this isn’t an area of interest for you.
Myth #3: I already keep in touch with my classmates; I don’t need to join a board to do that. While it’s so helpful to have board members who maintain connection to their MPA classmates, the Alumni Board also offers so much more. Being a board member allows you to hear firsthand about what’s currently happening at MPA, be a voice in decision-making for the future of the school, learn about Education, get connected to current MPA students, and so much more.

I hope you’ll consider joining the Alumni Board next year!

Kathryn Andersen ’09

Host Family Volunteers Needed—Referral Bonus Available!

April 24, 2023

We are so fortunate to welcome international students from around the world to MPA through our International Student Program. As the global pandemic ends, interest in studying at MPA through this program is rising steadily! With new interest comes the need for additional host families to care for these exceptional students.

A $10,000 per student stipend is paid to host families to cover the cost of room, board, and transportation from August to June. Typically, families host for at least one full year and sometimes for a student’s entire MPA experience. As you warmly welcome this student into your home, you will gain a first-hand understanding of another culture, a lifelong relationship with your students, and so much more.

If you are interested …
Contact Cory Becker-Kim, international student program coordinator, at international@moundsparkacademy.org or 651-748-5541. Get started on the host family application form here.

If you know someone outside our community who is interested …
Please share mpa.link/host with them. When they reach out, share your name, and become an approved host family, you will receive a $200 referral bonus in the form of a Visa gift card.

Thank you in advance for your interest and/or for recommending this opportunity to your friends, neighbors, and colleagues.

Bisa Butler Inspires Applied Painting Students

April 21, 2023

Upper School Applied Painting Class paints a piano together every year, as part of an in-depth collaborative project in conjunction with the local non-profit, Keys 4/4 Kids.

This—MPA’s 11th collaborative painted piano—references work by fabric artist Bisa Butler.

Butler is known for quilted portraiture of influential people. The composition on the piano combines multiple of Butler’s quilts, showcasing her portraits of Lauryn Hill and Nina Simone. Butler’s husband is a DJ who created a playlist of songs that correspond with her quilts. We enjoyed listening to his playlist in class, along with Lauryn Hill and Nina Simone, too.

During the process, students learned a lineage of artists who work(ed) with fiber or on fiber, including Faith Ringgold, Sam Gilliam, Anne Labovitz, Diane Itter, Kehinde Wiley, William Morris, and Miriam Shapiro. While working collaboratively in shifts on the piano, students also designed their own original paintings that are inspired by fabric, incorporate fabric, or are painted on fabric.

The painted piano, along with the related individual paintings done by the same students, will soon be on display in the main hallway outside of the band room. The piano will eventually be placed somewhere in the metro area for the public to enjoy, as part of the Keys 4/4 Kids Pianos on Parade program.

MPA Freethinkers: Student Leaders

April 21, 2023

“Leadership is being in the middle of the herd, moving it roughly westward.”

This is one of Head of School Dr. Hudson’s favorite metaphors that he learned from a mentor years ago. Dr. Hudson meets with the current senior class throughout the school year to walk them through various leadership theories and ideologies as they prepare for their journey after MPA. He shares this one with them, asking them to think about how it applies to leadership in their own hands. When they unpack it together, common themes arise:

If a leader is at the tail end, the herd lacks direction. On the other hand, sometimes a leader needs to step back in order to consider crafting a broader vision.
Those who lead from the middle are often better in touch with other members of the herd and can nudge them forward in a common direction. They help others feel valued as a part of the solution as the team moves ahead.
Sometimes a leader needs to be bold and chart a new path.

We teach our students that leadership requires adaptability, responsiveness, and resilience. When we look at the freethinkers among our student community, student leaders do not come one-size-fits-all. They are leaders of clubs, team captains, and thought leaders. In Lower School, fourth graders are the conflict managers to help resolve conflicts on the playground. In Middle School, eighth graders set an example for all other grades, and are the peers who make themselves available and approachable for help. In Upper School, Peer Leaders take on being role models for the school, teaching others what leadership is to them. At every stage of their education, empowering students to live, learn, and thrive means guiding them and infusing their education with leadership skills–many of which are learned through experience. Read More

The Power Of Joy

April 20, 2023

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

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

In late March of 2016, I vividly remember visiting Mounds Park Academy for the first time. The warm welcome I received from the community was unlike anything that I ever experienced. Very quickly it was clear that the MPA mission was alive, well, and integrated into all aspects of daily life on campus. One aspect, however, stood out more than the other five—the joy of learning. There was a certain joie de vivre felt as soon as I walked through the Lansing Center doors.

Joy is a transformational emotion that can have profound effects on our lives. A feeling of great happiness and pleasure, joy has the ability to uplift our spirits and energize us. The power of joy lies in its ability to shift our mindset from one that is fixed to one that is more open and growth-centric. Joy has a contagious quality and when we share it with others a ripple effect of positivity and happiness occurs. This is witnessed daily at MPA. Read More

Lower School Division News April 20, 2023

April 20, 2023

from Ann Jurewicz, Lower School director

Important Dates and Upcoming Events

April 21: A Night of Pure Imagination Spring Auction, 6:30 PM, Intercontinental Hotel, St. Paul Riverfront
April 26: PA Cultural Diversity Day, 3-7 PM, Family Commons and Peacock Teaching Kitchen
April 28: No Classes, Professional Development
May 1-5: Lower School Sports Week
May 4: Middle School Family Dinner and Rising Grade Level Meetings, Grades 4-8
May 25: Senior Walk, 1-1:45 PM, MPA Campus, Spirit Wear Day PreK-12
May 25: MPA Retirement Gathering, 4-6:30 PM, Family Commons
May 26: No Classes, Professional Development
May 29: No Classes, Memorial Day
June 3: MPA Commencement 2023
June 7: Last Day of School, Early Dismissal 10:15 AM

As the daylight continues to grow longer and the days stay consistently warmer, we look forward to the many celebrations of spring and the close of the school year. We are delighted to be taking field trips again—grades three and four had a wonderful time at Orchestra Hall and grade three prepares to visit the MIA to view indigenous works of art as they learn about native cultures in the United States.

Social-Emotional Learning Camps for Boys and Girls This Summer
A group of talented counselors who work with students is offering SEL camps this summer for students in grades one through eight. Students will enjoy activities surrounding teamwork, social skills, conflict resolution, leadership, and building self-confidence. For more information and the link to register, please see the flyers.

Middle School Division News April 20, 2023

April 20, 2023

from Jenn Milam, Middle School director

Important Dates and Upcoming Events 

April 21: A Night of Pure Imagination Spring Auction, 6:30 PM, Intercontinental Hotel, St. Paul Riverfront
April 26: PA Cultural Diversity Day, 3-7 PM, Family Commons and Peacock Teaching Kitchen
April 26: The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, 7-9 PM, Nicholson Center
April 28: No Classes, Professional Development
April 28: The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, 7-9 PM, Nicholson Center
May 4: Middle School Family Dinner, 5 PM
- Rising Grade Level Meetings, Grades 4-8, 6 PM
- Middle School Vocal Concern, 7 PM
May 11: Middle and Upper School Orchestra Concert, 7-8:30 PM, Nicholson Center
May 17: Middle and Upper School Band Concert, 7-8:30 PM, Nicholson Center
May 22-26: Washington DC, Grade 7 Trip
May 25: Senior Walk, 1-1:45 PM, MPA Campus, Spirit Wear Day PreK-12
May 25: MPA Retirement Gathering, 4-6:30 PM, Family Commons
May 26: No Classes, Professional Development
May 29: No Classes, Memorial Day
June 2: 5/6 Canoeing Adventure
- 7/8 Valley Fair Performance and Fun Day
June 3: MPA Commencement 2023
June 6 Passion Project Showcase, 1 PM
- Middle School Moving-Up Ceremony, 2 PM
June 7: Last Day of School, Early Dismissal 10:15 AM

Save The Date: Middle School Family Dinner, Grade Level Transition Meetings, and Choir Performance
A longstanding tradition, we will welcome our rising Middle School families to dinner with Middle School on Thursday, May 4, followed by transition meetings, and an all-Middle School Vocal Performance. This is a great night to learn about what to expect and look forward to in the 2023-2024 academic year, meet some of the teachers and advisors, and enjoy a great show! We usually begin around 5:15 PM, with meetings at 6PM, and performance at 7 PM!

More details are forthcoming, but you’ll not want to miss this!

Valley Fair Performance and Fun Day: Friday, June 2
On Friday, June 2, our seventh and eighth grade students will perform at Valley Fair. There will be singing, orchestra, and band ensemble performances. We will board buses and depart early in the day, perform and then students will have the opportunity to spend the day at the park, riding rides and having fun!

The cost per student is $25 and students should also plan to bring money for lunch/drinks. You can send the $25 to school as cash/check (made out to MPA). More information will be coming home from Mr. Skrove (Band Director) and Ms. Lawson (Orchestra Director) this week and next. Read More

Upper School Division News April 20, 2023

April 20, 2023

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Important Dates and Upcoming Events

April 21: A Night of Pure Imagination Spring Auction, 6:30 PM, Intercontinental Hotel, St. Paul Riverfront
April 26: PA Cultural Diversity Day, 3-7 PM, Family Commons and Peacock Teaching Kitchen
April 26: The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, 7-9 PM, Nicholson Center
April 28: No Classes, Professional Development
April 28: The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, 7-9 PM, Nicholson Center
May 6: Grade 10-12 Prom, 8-11 PM, St. Croix River Boat
May 11: Middle and Upper School Orchestra Concert, 7-8:30 PM, Nicholson Center
May 17: Middle and Upper School Band Concert, 7-8:30 PM, Nicholson Center
May 19: Class of 2023 Last Day of Classes
May 24: Upper School Vocal Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center
May 25: Senior Performances, 10-11:30 AM, Recital Hall
May 25: Senior Walk, 1-1:45 PM, MPA Campus, Spirit Wear Day PreK-12
May 25: Upper School Awards Assembly, 1:45-3 PM, Nicholson Center
May 25: MPA Retirement Gathering, 4-6:30 PM, Family Commons
May 26: No Classes, Professional Development
May 29: No Classes, Memorial Day
June 3: MPA Commencement 2023
June 7: Last Day of School, Early Dismissal 10:15 AM

Over the past 25+ years I have come to realize that the sprint toward the end of the school year is starting earlier and earlier. This year is no different. As you see in the Looking Ahead section of this post, there are a tremendous number of gatherings, activities, and events scheduled between now and the end of the year. I am excited to join you in celebrating student accomplishments as we make our way toward graduation, final exams, and the very special annual yearbook assembly.

Thank you, in advance, for all you do, as parents, friends, and supporters of each MPA Upper School student to work in partnership so they can experience the greatest amount of success. Read More

Parents Association News & Events April 20, 2023

April 20, 2023

Cultural Diversity Day
Wednesday, April 26, 3-7 PM
Take a gastronomic tour around the world as we share sweet and savory delicacies from around the world and an international drinks bar. Sign up here to attend a cooking demonstration in our wonderful new teaching kitchen.

Go home with some cool body art from an expert henna artist. Try your hand at global crafts like French decoupage, Brazilian carnival masks, and Taíno petroglyphs. Enjoy musical performances by our talented MPA community! And chat with community members who will have booths set up to share their culture and/or offer samples of their cuisine.

Food and drink tickets ($1 each) will be sold at the event. Zabiha, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are available.

If you would like to volunteer, please sign up here.

Panther Party
Friday, May 5, 3:45-5:45 PM
Come volunteer at the Panther Party, Friday, May 5, 3:45-5:45 PM. Interested in taking some time to welcome newly admitted families to MPA? We need your help. The Panther Party is looking for folks to welcome new families, answer questions, and socialize. Please sign up here, under the first item: Parent Volunteers to Welcome and socialize with new families in the Family Commons.