Mounds Park Academy

Parents Association News & Events May 12, 2022

May 12, 2022

Microfunding in Action

Recently through a microfunding grant, the PA funded the student-run newspaper, MPA Freethinker, to use the School Newspapers Online, SNO platform which supports and promotes student journalism. PA micorfunding also enabled the third and fourth graders to see eleventh grader Jack Peterson in Diary of a Wimpy Kid at the Children’s Theater. Microfunding provides funds for projects and programs, existing or new. It’s open to student organizations, teachers and parent volunteers.

Gardening at MPA is Back!

Thursdays at 8 AM and Saturday, May 14 from 9-11 AM

Calling all those who want to spend some time outside, at MPA, in the gardens! You’re invited to spend time in the gardens tidying up, building, sowing, and spuddling around in the dirt. Come for a few minutes or stay for an hour or two. All are most welcome. We’ll meet outside under the flagpole at the Lower School entrance, with gardening tools in hand!

Meet Retired Faculty Member–Martha B. Castellanos

May 12, 2022

Martha B. Castellanos

Position while at MPA
Spanish Teacher

How many years did you work at MPA?
31 years

What do you miss most about MPA?
Everything!

What have you been up to since leaving MPA?
In 2020, COVID limited my life of service in the community. Unfortunately this year I was sick, I am still recovering from major surgery. My plans for the future are still uncertain!

Buddy Families Needed

May 12, 2022

MPA is starting the onboarding process for more than 100 new students enrolled so far for the fall of 2022 and we are seeking volunteers to be buddy families! The opportunity involves connecting with the family over the summer months, helping them integrate into the social fabric of the class, and being a resource as they transition into a new school. You and your child will be a very warm and welcome friendly face on their first days of school! If you are interested in this meaningful volunteer opportunity, please contact Angie Gerstner, development coordinator, at agerstner@moundsparkacademy.org.

Cultivating MPA’s Vision

May 5, 2022

from Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

For me, one of the best parts of spring is seeing the land come to life with plants poking out of the ground and flowers beginning to bloom. A stroll through our Lower School garden this morning filled me with anticipation as I imagined the awe and joy our younger students will soon experience as the garden comes to life. With a vision and a great deal of hard work, Michelle Mick, parent of Isaac ‘29 and Freya ‘33, together with a small but committed group of volunteers transformed an unused plot of grass into a magical garden of flowers, vegetables, and herbs. Students across all grade levels care for the garden and in the fall, harvest the vegetables for Chef Chris to use at lunch.

Planting a garden is an expression of hope. It requires patience, knowing it will take years to grow, mature, and bear fruit. In an era of on-demand, instant gratification, gardens requires vision and commitment. In much the same way, ensuring the long-term viability and sustainability of our family, loved one, and causes important to us require decisions today that will pay dividends later.

MPA would not exist without the vision of the founding families and generosity of time and resources of so many through the years who have built our beautiful campus and school community. This year we are celebrating 40 years of MPA, and I am particularly grateful for those families who have supported the school financially through philanthropic giving. I humbly ask you to consider making an estate or planned gift to the school. Like the Lower School garden, your investment now will pay dividends for years to come.
Read More

Upper School Division News May 5, 2022

May 5, 2022

from Mark Segal, Upper School Director

There are some childhood experiences that fade away and others that last a lifetime. I am unsure why this is the case, but know that it is true. One of those experiences that has lasted a lifetime with me was when my father brought me to a business gathering where Rod Carew was the featured speaker. For those unfamiliar with him, Carew was a major league baseball player who played for almost 20 years for the Minnesota Twins and California Angeles. Appearing in 18 straight All-Star games and holding the highest MN Twins batting average (.388), Rod Carew was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991, the first year he was eligible. The event and what Carew spoke about are distant memories, but what remains is my vivid recollection of meeting one of my childhood idols. Thankfully, there was a picture taken of our meeting and in it he and I were shaking were shaking hands and looking each other directly in the eye.

Earlier this week, local businessman and author Harvey Mackay wrote an article in the Star Tribune entitled, “Rediscover the Lost Art of Eye Contact and See the Magic.” In the article, Mackay shares that, “unfortunately, eye contact has become a lost art.” He refers to the frenetic pace of people’s lives and the seemingly frequent draw to looking down at a smartphone, even though someone may be right in front of you.

There have been several studies on the importance and necessity of making eye contact. In virtually every one that I reviewed, the research showed that eye contact is one of the most powerful ways to make someone feel recognized, understood, and validated. A 2002 MIT study fund that infants were more likely to follow an adult’s eye movement rather than just their head movements. The study validates the bond and importance of eye contact in an infant’s upbringing. Recognizing this, however, still can present a challenge for some. Mackay shares that, “making eye contact is a skill that can be learned. It might take a little practice, but it can have a significant impact on your work and personal life.” As a school administrator for the past quarter century, I have found that much can be said and explained by students without them actually saying a word. Eye contact, or the lack thereof, plays a vital role in both verbal and nonverbal communication. It is for this and multiple other reasons that the art of eye contact through communication (including listening) is a focus at MPA. Starting at a young age our students work on presenting to their classmates and peers in activities like the Parade of States and CHAMP Assemblies, in middle school they present their Future City projects and facilitate club and organization meetings, and in upper school they make proposals to the administration and present their Senior Performances to their peers or the full upper school community.

Middle School Division News May 5, 2022

May 5, 2022

from Dr. Jenn Milam, Middle School Director

May Days –Time is short, but the days are long!
We are down to just 22.5 days of school as of today. We have so much to still do together, and I hope you’ll take this week’s news and sit down with your family planner and chart your next few weeks. Our last day of school is Wednesday, June 8, and dismissal that day is at 10:30 AM. There are often class gatherings planned for that afternoon, so be sure to follow your Schoology groups and check your email for invitations and details and/or reach out to your Parents Association grade representatives.

Happy Sunny Spring!

Grade 6 and 7 Overnights
We are excited to share that we have been able to (re)schedule the overnight class excursions for sixth and seventh grades at Eagle Bluff. The seventh grade class will travel to Eagle Bluff (Lanesboro, MN) on Monday, May 23 and return Wednesday, May 25. Similarly, the sixth grade class will leave on Wednesday, June 1 and return on Friday, June 3. We will send more information as the dates get closer!

Please select the link below that corresponds to your student’s grade level, and complete the online medical release form for them to attend the Eagle Bluff overnight trip.

Spring Concerts and Performances
There are several upcoming spring concerts and performances, and you’ll want to be sure you’ve marked these on your calendar as they are part of the MPA curriculum and serve as a major assessment milestone in the fine and performing arts. All students are required to attend and perform who are in music, choir, band and orchestra.

Thursday, May 5 Middle School Vocal Concert (grades 5-8), 7-9 PM
Thursday, May 12 Orchestra Concert (grades 5-12), 7-9 PM
Thursday, May 19 Band Concert (grades 5-12), 7-9 PM

As a reminder, all students are expected to wear concert black and be on time for rehearsals that begin prior to the performance. Tonight’s vocal music concert has students reporting for rehearsal and warm-up at 6 PM.

Lower School Division News May 5, 2022

May 5, 2022

from Renee Wright, Lower School Director

Marvelous May is Here
We have had a hard time getting spring in Minnesota, but it is finally here! It has been so nice to see sun this week! With a little sunshine and a lot of rain we should soon see blossoms on the trees and little shoots poking through the dirt in our gardens. Just as we all anticipate spring, we also anticipate the end of the school year. May and June are months full of joyful moments and MPA traditions. I will share some of these special events coming soon so you can mark your calendar.

May 19: PreK Family Music Event Outdoors at 8:15-8:45 AM (Rain date 5/20)
May 31: LS Track and Field Day at 1-2:45 PM (Rain date 6/2)
June 4: MPA Graduation at 6 PM
June 6: Vocabulary Bee at 8:30 AM (For participants families only.)
June 7: Moving Up Ceremony at 1:30 PM (Grade 4 families only.)
June 8: Last Day–Yearbook assembly at 8:30 AM/Early dismissal
June 8: Kindergarten Graduation at 9 AM

DATES TO REMEMBER:

All library books are due May 27
No Classes Monday, May 30–Closed to observe Memorial Day

CAMP I CAN FOR GIRLS
Below you will see information about a summer camp for girls. This information comes from Dr. Jules Nolan and Tara Keegan. Read More

Parents Association News & Events May 5, 2022

May 5, 2022

Thank You!
A huge thank you to everyone who set up, baked, decorated and delivered cookies to all MPA staff on Tuesday, May 3. The Teaching Kitchen was full of volunteers and the sweet smell of freshly baked cookies in celebration of National Teacher Appreciation Day. All employees could grab a cookie or two during lunch and sign up to get a small box delivered to them later in the day. Most boxes had a heart shaped window to go with the National Teacher Appreciation theme, “Teaching is a Work of Heart”. Again, thank you for joining the Parents Association in this event giving back to our MPA staff. – Bakari, attached are a couple of photos if you can use them

Gardening at MPA is Back!
Thursdays at 8 AM
Calling all those who want to spend some time outside, at MPA, in the gardens! You’re invited to spend time in the gardens tidying up, building, sowing, and spuddling around in the dirt. Come for a few minutes or stay for an hour or two. All are most welcome. We’ll meet outside under the flagpole at the Lower School entrance, with gardening tools in hand!

Vote for Next Year’s PA Board
The Parents Association (PA) is an organization formed by and for the MPA parents. Every family is automatically a member and eligible to vote. Please vote for the Executive PA Board for 2022-23 here!

We are also seeking volunteers for the 2022-23 school year. Please consider getting involved. It’s a great way to meet the school community, show our appreciation to faculty and staff, enrich our children’s school experience, all while making new friends and seeing old ones. A willingness to help is the only experience needed. New families are especially encouraged as it’s a great way to get to know your fellow parents. If you are interested in getting involved or have any questions, please contact Staci Banks Herberger (sbhehe42@icloud.com).

Ballot
Co-Presidents: Christine Larson and Staci Banks
President Elect: Michael Soto
Secretary: Seema Anwar
Treasurer: Adi Boeder Risner
LS Division Lead: Michelle Mick
MS Division Lead: Michelle Mick
US Division Lead: Julie Bixby
Communications: Susan Knapp
Community Development Lead: open

Welcome To MPA, Meem Fahlstrom!

May 5, 2022

Meem Fahlstrom

What position will you be holding at MPA?
K-5 Spanish Sub

From what school/organization are you coming?
Wayzata Public Schools

Tell us a little bit about your education and past experience.
My favorite job was being a 2 week program facilitator for El lago del bosque – Concordia Language Villages. I got my masters in World Language Intruction through Concordia College. I’ve taught at Armstrong High School, Totino-Grace high school, The Churchill School and Center (For Students With Language Based Learning Disabilities) and Wayzata public schools. Fun fact, I’m also licensed to teach Biology/Natural Sciences 5-12.

What did you find appealing about MPA during the interview process?
I met one teacher who said they went to school there and they wanted to teach there – that’s the kind of story that proves the school has major impact on people. Honestly….I saw the tree in the library and the mini door and knew it was the place for me. Also, the Spanish classroom had non-binary pronouns up on the wall as options, which made me feel included. (I’m leaving a district that was less inclusive). Also, all 3 directors are very genuine and easy to connect with.

What’s your big dream?
My big dream is to grow old and still be close with my two nieces.

What are you (and your family, if you so choose) passionate about?
I bike each day after work and read each night. My girlfriend and I enjoy knitting. I own a lot of plants and even name them….I’ve had a pathos named Viney for 14 years. My family revolves around local social justice/activist/art causes…mainly housing/renter rights and environmental stuff.

What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I grew up surrounded by Croatian elders. I only have one great aunt left and we are very close.

Belonging At MPA

April 28, 2022

from Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

It has been a hectic several weeks for members of the MPA community! We had a wildly successful Spring Auction with more than 250 parents, alumni parents, alumni, grandparents, faculty, and staff gathered at A’Bulae in St. Paul to celebrate MPA and raise much-needed funds for our students. It was a full house, and everyone seemed to have fun and were undoubtedly happy to be together again.

Yesterday, we hosted Grandparents and Special Friends Day with several hundred attending for Lower, Middle, and Upper School students. For some, it was their first time in the school and the first time experiencing a little bit of the magic that happens each day at MPA. In my opening remarks to the grandparents and special friends, I shared research highlighting the importance of grandparents and mentors/role models to young people’s academic, social, and emotional health and well-being.

The importance of a strong sense of community to the growth and well-being of young people cannot be understated even more so as we emerge from the pandemic. Belonging is an essential human need, and we all require and long for caring, genuine, and ongoing connections with others. In a school environment, students deeply desire to be accepted, respected, included, and supported by others in the school social environment.

A recent article in the New York Times caught my attention and presented evidence that all educators and parents feel instinctively. While I have been concerned about student mental health for some time now, and MPA has made it a priority to address, the article powerfully but sadly presented the current reality of our young people in a post-pandemic society.

There is some good news. In many instances, young people are avoiding high risk behaviors. “Young people are more educated; less likely to get pregnant; use drugs; less likely to die of accident or injury,” said Candice Odgers, a psychologist at the University of California, Irvine. “By many markers, kids are doing fantastic and thriving. But there are these significant trends in anxiety, depression, and suicide that stop us in our tracks.” For example, emergency room visits for suicide attempts rose 51 percent for adolescent girls in early 2021 compared to the same period in 2019. The figure rose four percent for boys.