Welcome To MPA, Amy Gallick!

May 31, 2023

What position will you be holding at MPA?
Lower School Music Teacher

From what school/organization are you coming?
Hudson School District, Wisconsin

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I have been teaching elementary music (K-5th grades) for twenty-one years. For my undergraduate degree, I attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota where I studied both vocal/instrumental music and French education. Later, I went on to receive my master’s degree in Music Education from the University of St. Thomas, with an emphasis in the Kodaly approach as well as certification in Orff-Schulwerk.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
The thing that stands out to me the most about MPA is the strong sense of community. When I first visited the school, everyone was so kind and welcoming. Having grown up just a few miles away in the White Bear Lake area, I was familiar with the school community, and being here truly feels like coming home. I also really appreciate the emphasis on fine arts as a core part of the curriculum, and as an essential part of a child’s whole education.

What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA?
As a music teacher, I hope to not only instill the joy of music as a lifelong pursuit in my students, but also to inspire creativity, share ideas through collaboration with colleagues, and just generally share my positivity and love of learning with the community.

What’s your big dream?
My big dream is to teach music to children, and I already get to do that every day! Another dream is to have some of my writing published someday.

What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about so many things… writing, learning about other cultures/languages, cooking, playing the piano, and composing/arranging music when I have time. My family and I love to be outdoors, and we enjoy hiking, biking, canoeing, and camping. As a parent of a child with disabilities, I have a passion for inclusion and celebrating individual differences. My dream is that we would all see the good in each other and how each person has something unique to contribute to our world.

What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I enjoy long distance running and have completed a half marathon.

Welcome To MPA, Ana Wermager!

May 31, 2023

What position will you be holding at MPA?
Third-grade teacher

From what school/organization are you coming?
Clara Barton Hawthorne Elementary in the Fargo Public School district

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I earned my bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education and Human Development and Family Science from Valley City State University and North Dakota State University in 2020. Most recently, I earned my master’s degree in Teaching and Leadership from the University of North Dakota in 2022. I am currently in my third year of teaching and have taught both third and fourth grade.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
Everyone has been so kind and welcoming; I felt comfortable very quickly! I am incredibly impressed by the learning opportunities MPA offers to students, and I am excited to explore how I can incorporate them into the classroom.

What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA?
I hope to have a lasting impact on my students by building positive relationships with them and their families. I look forward to becoming involved in the greater school community!

What’s your big dream?
My big dream is to continue to find joy in teaching, buy a home, adopt a puppy, and travel more!

What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about photography, empowering others to find and use their unique skills and strengths, and being the lifelong learner I encourage my students to be. There is so much to explore, and I am constantly learning new things about the people and world around me!

What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I enjoy spending time at my family’s cabin. In the summer we like to go boating and in the winter we cross-country ski!

Welcome To MPA, Sean Andrews!

May 31, 2023

What position will you be holding at MPA?
Curriculum and Technology Integration Specialist

From what school/organization are you coming?
Bay Ridge Prep

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I received my master’s in Learning and Emerging Technologies from Empire State College. While in this program, I also started at the Kidonan School, a school for students with Dyslexia, where I was trained in Orton-Gillingham, a multi-sensory approach for teaching language skills to students with dyslexia, and was also the assistive technology coordinator. This led to publishing my master’s thesis on using digital resources to teach students with dyslexia. Unfortunately, the school closed, but I stepped up to direct the school’s camp, Camp Dunnabeck, which continues to support students with dyslexia to this day.

After Kildonan, I moved to Brooklyn and worked as the Educational Technologist and eventually the Director of Technology at Bay Ridge Prep, a K-12 independent school. There I was a tech team of one, managing student devices, integrating classroom tech, troubleshooting issues, teaching classes, and leading clubs such as Makerspace and Snowsports Clubs

I look forward to continuing to leverage technologies to support the students of Mounds Park Academy!

What did you find appealing about MPA?
I’m most looking forward to working with a team of experts so I am able to focus my efforts on supporting students and staff utilizing educational technologies rather than also having to worry about managing the technology infrastructure on top of that. I am also really looking forward to getting into the Makerspace and supporting the development of project-based learning. I can already tell that MPA is a supportive community, and I greatly look forward to working with the staff and students.

What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA?
I would like to help innovate classroom curricula and student initiatives to help them build confidence as well as broaden and strengthen their skill sets to become innovative leaders in whichever field they enter.

What’s your big dream?
To leverage technologies to improve the effectiveness of our educational systems, preparing students to be productive citizens in a world that is evolving exponentially. This includes seriously looking at and responding to the ethical usage of immerging technologies.

What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about improving access to quality education and minimizing the achievement gap. I think education is our best investment and by supporting students to think critically, be creative, and act compassionately, we create a ripple effect that can lead to improvements in every aspect of life. Many of our societal issues, such as poverty and violence, stem from poor education. I believe in negative utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is doing what is best for the most amount of people to improve society, while negative utilitarianism is about making improvements where there is the most suffering, raising us all up together, and maximizing happiness.

What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know? 
What really inspired me to go into teaching was working as a snowboard instructor. I’ve worked at Belleayre Mountain in NY, Mount Snow in VT, and even Afton Alps in MN as a freestyle coach.

Honoring The Class Of 2023

May 25, 2023

from Bill Hudson, head of school

Today is one of my favorite days, a day that embodies who we are as a school community. The entire school gathered for the annual Senior Walk and together celebrated the 60 seniors and their impact on MPA. The joy in the eyes of each student along the pathway, the pride in the eyes of faculty and staff, and the sense of accomplishment reflected in the eyes of our senior class bring tears to my eyes.

I’ve seen countless young people move on from high school to college over the 30 or so years I’ve been a teacher and administrator. Each class is unique and holds a special place in my heart. This senior class strikes me as incredibly genuine and resilient. They have weathered the pandemic, a racial reckoning, and social and political discord. They have prevailed through personal trauma and difficulties and emerged strong and authentic.

The college choices of our senior class are evidence of the uniqueness of each student and the diversity of their interests. Fifty-nine seniors will be attending 39 different colleges and universities in 20 states, Washington, D.C., Canada, and Scotland. They have chosen large research universities, public and private institutions, small liberal arts colleges, Ivies, art schools, and women’s colleges. Students will be attending schools in urban and rural locations that are near and far. Read More

Parents Association News & Events May 25, 2023

May 25, 2023

All-School St. Paul Saints Game!
Sunday, July 30, 2:07 PM at CHS Field
Join us for a midsummer Saints game! Reconnect with school friends and enjoy America’s favorite pastime. You’ll see the St. Paul Saints vs. the Toledo Mud Hens at CHS Field. This is an all-school event. Tickets cost $16 for students and $17 for adults. Tickets can be picked up at Will Call before the game under the name “MPA Panthers.” We’ll be seated together in section 115. You can see the section here.

End of Year Grade Events
The end of the year is coming soon! Watch your email for all the details from your grade representative.

  • Pre-K: Details coming soon
  • Kindergarten: Wednesday, June 7, 11 AM-12:30 PM at Richard Walton Park, Oakdale
  • Grade 1: Wednesday, June 7, 1-3 PM at Richard Walton Park, Oakdale
  • Grade 2: Details coming soon
  • Grade 3: Wednesday, June 7, 3:30-5:30 PM at Richard Walton Park, Oakdale
  • Grade 4: Wednesday, June 7, 10:30 AM at Seaquest, Roseville
  • Grade 5: Sunday, June 4, 2:30 PM arrival time, St. Croix Riverboat at Taylor’s Falls,
  • Grade 6: Wednesday, June 7, 4 PM, at Can Can Wonderland, St Paul
  • Grade 7: June 7, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, Casey Lake Park, North St Paul (sharing with grades 7,8,9 & 11)
  • Grade 8: June 7, 10:30-12:30 PM, Casey Lake Park, North St Paul (sharing with grades 7,8,9 & 11)
  • Grade 9: June 7, 10:30-12:30 PM, Casey Lake Park, North St Paul (sharing with grades 7,8,9 & 11)
  • Grade 10: June 7, 10:45-12:45 PM, Wakefield Park Community Building, Maplewood
  • Grade 11: June 7, 10:30-12:30 PM, Casey Lake Park, North St Paul (sharing with grades 7,8,9 & 11)
Vote for Next Year’s PA Board Members
  • Co-Presidents: Staci Banks and Christine Larson
  • Vice President/Community Grants: Seema Anwar
  • Secretary:  Cristin Moran
  • Treasurer: Adi Boeder Risner
  • Lower School Division Lead: Michael Soto
  • Middle School Division Lead: Molly Oliver
  • Upper School Division Lead: Julie Bixby
  • Communications Lead: Susan Knapp
  • Staff Development Lead: Tara Lafferty
  • Grade Rep Coordinator: Open

You may vote here.

Meet The Johnston Family

May 24, 2023

The Johnston FamilyKate Johnston is an MPA Class of 1998 alum. Now, her son Emmett is a ninth grader at MPA.

What do you love about MPA?
MPA has a special energy that is warm and welcoming. It is an inclusive community that truly cultivates joy and a love of learning. I love that MPA prioritizes music and art. I also love that MPA encourages curiosity and creativity and is committed to teaching the whole child. I love the small class sizes and amazing teachers that make it a school where each child is truly seen, heard, and valued. MPA teachers and staff build strong relationships with students and encourage them to shine their unique light.

What initially attracted you to MPA?
I graduated from MPA and have always been grateful for the amazing education I received. When my husband and I were considering a school change for our oldest son, we decided to look at MPA. We wanted small class sizes and a school that was inclusive and committed to growth and progress. When we visited the school, I was happy to see that MPA continued to grow and change in many ways while staying committed to its mission and values. The energy was wonderful, and it felt like a place that could be an incredible partner for us as we raise our boys. Our son is in his second year at MPA, and we feel blessed to have him there. Read More

MPA Dreamers: Lessons From Lifers

May 22, 2023

MPA Class of 2023 LifersIn the spring of 2011, some of the littlest dreamers in the school were wrapping up their first year together. These members of the Class of 2023 were sprinting around the track and testing their throwing skills at Track and Field Day, graduating from kindergarten, and nestling together to watch the seniors, the biggest kids in the school, say their bittersweet goodbyes at the Yearbook Assembly.

This week, they are those seniors, concluding their time at the only school they’ve been at for their entire academic career. As they graduate on June 3, 11 of them join MPA’s Joanne Olson Club, reserved for students whose entire K-12 or PreK-12 journey has taken place here at MPA.

Recently, members of this group–Henry Galicich, Aidan Harms, Griffin Jones, Nicholas Larson, Gabby Magistad, Jack Peterson, Freya Rahm, Henry Seum, Siri Springer, William Tan, and Anthony Troullier–gathered together for a group reflection on their MPA journeys. After all, who knows more about the MPA community than the students who joined in kindergarten and now leave the school as young adults, each bound for college and charting their own paths?

MPA teachers foster the ability to solve authentic, real-world problems. Students are empowered to be architects of their education, and furthermore, their lives. So we asked,

How has being a student at MPA shaped you?

Freya: My communication skills have definitely developed because of MPA. I’m able to express how I feel and what I need to say. I feel prepared to answer questions, and when I was applying for jobs, I felt ready.

Nicholas: Adding on that, we do a lot of class presentations and public speaking, and I think that’s an aspect that MPA students are really good at. On my swim team, we have to do something similar to senior speeches–when you graduate, you give a speech to the whole swim club at the end-of-the-year banquet. And a lot of my teammates were really nervous. But it was just another speech for me.

Siri: Also, we have so much one-on-one time with our teachers. Talking to them helps. You learn to talk to adults and it’s encouraging for things like interviewing for jobs. Read More

Because I Had A Teacher

May 18, 2023

from Bill Hudson, head of school

“Because I had a teacher, I know how good it feels when someone is happy to see me. I know that I can always ask for help. I feel like I have a friend on my side…Because I had you, I learned to believe in me.” From the book, “Because I Had a Teacher” by Kobi Yamada.

If you are like me, you have a favorite teacher who you continue to hold close to your heart. Mrs. Long was my third-grade teacher and had a tremendous impact on me. I attribute to her my curiosity and love of learning. My parents recalled how I would come home from school each day with a list of what “Mrs. Long said…” I would go on and on at the dinner table with all that Mrs. Long said that day, and 50 years later, I still hold her dear.

On Thursday, May 25, we will honor six members of the MPA faculty who are retiring this year or during the years of the pandemic. Together, they have more than 200 years of service to MPA. It is impossible to measure the impact these wonderful teachers have had on their students. Indeed, they have touched the hearts and minds of so many.

Please join us to honor the distinguished careers of MPA retirees from 2020-2023 at the Mounds Park Academy Retirement Celebration. It has been our tradition to celebrate retirees at a reception at the end of the school year. I know that the month of May is busy, but I promise that you will not regret attending. Join us in the Family Commons and Martin Lenz Harrison Library from 4-6 PM, with a brief program at 4:30 PM. Read More

Lower School Division News May 18, 2023

May 18, 2023

from Ann Jurewicz, Lower School director

Important Dates and Upcoming Events

  • May 19: PreK Family Music, 8:45-9:15
  • May 26: NO CLASSES, Teacher Professional Development Day
  • May 29: NO CLASSES, Memorial Day
  • May 31: Klein’s Grade 3 performance (NOTE! Grade 1 performances moved to June 5)
  • June 2: Colianni’s Grade 3 and both Grade 4 drama performances
  • NEW DATE! – June 5: Grade 1 drama performances
  • June 3: MPA Commencement 2023
  • June 6: Grade 4 Moving Up Ceremony, 2 PM
  • June 7: Last Day of School – Early Dismissal 10:15 AM

With great joy and many smiles, we celebrated our final CHAMP Assembly of the school year this past Wednesday. We reviewed the CHAMP characteristics we aspire to be with each other: respectful, mindful, gritty, empathetic, and collaborative. Students then enjoyed playing a heads or tails game and finished the morning with a grade level leapfrog competition. Congratulations go to grade one, who narrowly won the race!

Grade 2 Takes a Field Trip to Learn About Native Americans, Tuesday, May 30
Grade 2 will take a field trip to HOĊOKATA TI, bringing history to life. They will have a chance to sit within a traditional Dakota tipi, touch the hides of animals traditionally hunted by the Dakota people, hear the words of the Dakota language, and more. This immersive and interactive exhibit gives students a better understanding of Mdewakanton lifeways. Read More

Middle School Division News May 18, 2023

May 18, 2023

from Jenn Milam, Middle School director

Important Dates and Upcoming Events

  • May 22-26: Washington DC, Grade 7 Trip
  • May 26: No Classes, Teacher Professional Development Day
  • May 29: No Classes, Memorial Day
  • May 31: Middle School Track and Field Day, 8:15-11:15 AM
    • Inventor’s Fair (Grade 5), 2:20-3 PM
  • 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

When you receive this issue of News and Notes, there will be 11 and 1/3 days remaining in our 2023-2024 school year! It’s been an amazing year with lots of growth, lots of fun, and plenty of JOY! I hope you’re enjoying all the performances, opportunities to be with us, and are looking forward to a great summer with your family. When someone told me some time ago, “the days are long, but the years go fast,” I didn’t really grasp that meaning – but boy, were they right! This year has flown by, and as a mom of high schoolers, it feels like each year gets a little faster.

Make sure to slow down, savor the sunshine, be present in that last ball game or performance, take in all the smells, the sounds, the sight of your growing young person—before you know it, they’ll be taller than you, and on their way to their next big adventure!

CLASS of 2029—Washington DC Trip–Early Bird Registration Extended to May 19!
All students currently in sixth grade who wish to travel to Washington DC next year (May 2024) should visit the World Strides website and get registered ASAP! If you register and put down your $49 deposit by Friday, an EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT of $125 will be applied to your trip cost! Payment plans are flexible and available.

Please also refer to the email sent for more details, trip number and informational meeting recording! If you have questions, please reach out to Dr. Jenn Milam (jmilam@moundsparkacademy.org).

NOTE: This is the last extension of the early registration discount—please take advantage and get registered! This trip is meant to be for the entire class, so please consider registering and sending your student on this amazing experience. Read More