Mounds Park Academy

March 29, 2022

Meet the Soto Álvarez family! Current parents Diana and Michael are joined by their MPA kindergartener, Lucas, to share their MPA story.

What do you love about MPA?
Lucas: I have a lot of friends. And on the school’s birthday, we got cupcakes! I like my French class. I also like my classroom because that’s where my friends are.

Diana & Michael: Everyone is so welcoming. And it is clear that the programs and offerings are incredibly well thought out.

What initially attracted you to MPA? Do your same needs/desires hold true today?
Lucas: My mommy and daddy picked it, but it was a good decision.

Diana & Michael: We wanted a school that was excellent academically, but that also took a holistic approach to the student. We value that MPA cultivates active community members and social change agents. We like how design thinking has been interwoven throughout the school. And we were blown away by the quality of the ceramics projects on display! Over the past several months we have seen Lucas growing and learning in a range of ways, including how to use his “emotional toolbox” to handle difficult situations. Read More

Welcoming Back Smiling Faces

March 24, 2022

From Jennifer Rogers-Petitt, Director of Development and Community Engagement

One Thursday per month you will see a guest Head’s Message from a member of the Institutional Advancement Team. We hope these additional perspectives will help you catch a glimpse inside the inner-workings of your school.

If you’re like me, over the past few weeks, you may have been reflecting on how different our spring breaks were two years ago compared to this year. Two years ago, my two kiddos and I were enjoying a memorable trip to New York City, gearing up to take in Broadway shows and the many sites. Halfway through the trip, major sports teams, businesses, public spaces, and what felt like the entire country began to shut down due to this new virus that was sweeping across the world. One day we were walking through the bustling Times Square, and the next day I was worried about our ability to get a flight back home.

Two years in, so many things in our lives continue to be different, but I am so happy to see many areas returning to our new normal. Seeing many of your students’ smiling faces as we made the move to masks being optional, having parents back in our hallways, and being together to build community have been wonderful steps forward. Read More

Middle School Division News March 24, 2022

March 24, 2022

from Dr. Jenn Milam, Middle School Director

Daylight Savings, Spring Fever, and 12 More Weeks To Go
I hope each of you had a wonderful spring break and had some time to unwind, share time together, and just to enjoy a little less busy in your days. If you traveled, I hope it filled your bucket and brought you joy, and if you stayed put, I hope you had extra time in your jammies and read a good book.

As we all return from spring break, we have an opportunity to begin anew—to have a fresh start, to refocus our energies to finish strong, and to find our best selves before we head into summer and onto the next grade-level and adventure. I hope you, as parents, and your students, see promise and possibility in this moment in time. I am grateful for you and your students at MPA!

Grateful For You!
To all those who helped to organize our Middle School Snow Tubing Event and to those who also supported iTERM courses—THANK YOU! Your time, talent, and presence in our community are so appreciated and your presence and partnership are so important! I am grateful to get to spend time with your young people, and even more fortunate to get to share these experiences with you. Read More

Understanding MPA Athletics

March 3, 2022

from Dan Haase, Athletic Director

At Mounds Park Academy, we believe athletics complement the total academic experience and development of the student. Students learn a great deal from their participation in interscholastic athletics. Concepts such as teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, self-confidence, self-esteem, and developing a healthy body are all vital components of our Upper School athletic programs.

Athletics at MPA strive to provide an opportunity to all students to discover their interests, improve their skills, and have fun enjoying the activity with their friends. To accomplish this, MPA practices a no-cut policy in all athletic programs. A no-cut athletic policy allows inclusion to all interested students who would like to become a member of a team. Teams are established based on the interests and registrations of each of our programs.

MPA is proud to offer 23 Upper School athletic offerings for students in grades 9-12 and is a member of the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL). The MSHSL provides uniform and equitable rules for students in extracurricular activities, and they promote, manage, and administer athletic programs for students at members schools on a Subsection, Section and State level.

MPA is also a member of the Independent Metro Athletic Conference (IMAC). The IMAC consists of six mission-driven independent college preparatory schools. The IMAC conference was formed in 2014 based upon an agreement with the Blake School, Breck School, Minnehaha Academy, Providence Academy, and St. Paul Academy. The conference was formed in the interest of keeping an appropriate perspective on the role of athletics in secondary education. Read More

Meet Meiran Carlson ’24

February 28, 2022

How are you encouraged to dream big and do right at MPA?
By receiving an immense amount of support from the people around me. Whether it’s teachers, staff, coaches, or friends, I’ve just felt a lot of structure since coming to MPA, and that has allowed me to do better socially and academically.

What do you love about MPA?
I love that even though I’ve only spent a short amount of time at MPA so far, I’m able to express myself so openly and freely. The community here is so welcoming and everyone wants to hear what everyone else has to contribute, which is such a nice thing to be able to say. Everyone’s thoughts matter and it’s really hard to feel left behind at a school like MPA.

Why do you believe your teachers teach the way they do?
I think the teachers here teach the way they do because they genuinely enjoy finding new ways to get their students to think critically about issues in and outside of the classroom– it’s not a chore for them. It’s a breath of fresh air to have teachers who feel it’s important for their students to succeed in their classrooms, but also in everyday life, and who want to help in that effort.

If you have attended another school, how has your experience here been different?
I have felt much more supported and welcomed at MPA than I did at my previous school. From all the interviews I had during the admissions process to adjusting to the environment here, there was always someone there to check in with me at every step. I can tell that my presence here is valued as an individual and as someone who is now a part of the MPA community. Read More

Cultivating Scientists For The World

February 24, 2022

from Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

While walking the indoor track in the Lansing Sports Center last Friday, I took note of a large wooden structure assembled on Court Four. I had a hunch that it was a model constructed by our students on the FIRST Robotics team. If you are not familiar with FIRST Robotics, it is an international organization that combines “the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology.” I’ve been to several competitions, and I have to agree. According to FIRST Robotics, “teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team ‘brand,’ hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get.”

FIRST Robotics is a terrific example of inquiry and problem-based activities that align with our MPA science philosophy of fostering creative, inquisitive, and critical thinkers. The science department is firmly rooted in the idea of the “citizen scientist,” a term that encompasses scientific research, concepts, and principles and public engagement in order to expand the reach, relevance, and impact of science to the whole of society in service of the common good. It is true that a number of MPA graduates go on to become doctors and scientists. It is also true that when they chose other fields of studies or careers, MPA graduates carry with them the knowledge and experience of how science impacts our world.

What is unique about the MPA science philosophy and curriculum is the emphasis on engaging students in the application of scientific method, principles, and research to real-world problems and nurturing important competencies and skills. Taking an inquiry-based approach, students working individually or collaboratively come to understand how content is useful and can be applied to everyday problems, both large and small. The following are only a few examples of our distinctive approach in action. Read More

Upper School Division News February 24, 2022

February 24, 2022

from Mark Segal, Upper School Director

I pledged years ago that I would never be one of “those parents.” I had heard, read about, and as an educator witnessed the parents who re-experienced their own childhood successes through their children. This was especially true in athletics where the notorious stories of Tiger Woods’ father, Earl, and other like him filled my memories. Even though my son received his first set of (plastic) golf clubs for his first birthday, I did all that I could to allow him to carve his own path and find his own interests as he grew older.

A recent article in the Atlantic, “Let Your Kids Be Bad at Things,” shares the story of a parent who found their “compulsive overachieving core as a parent” come out as they worked with their child to perfect a choregraphed dance and singing number at an elementary talent show. The parent shared their own internal battle of not wanting to upset the other parents or the children, theirs included, by being overbearing and demanding about the performance. While at the same time wanting the performance to be crisp and well done. They explained, “you go from wanting one tiny little thing to wanting everything–for your child, for you, and for everyone who witnesses the group’s performance.” Through the trials and tribulations, the parent recognized that the children’s performance was not reflective of who they were as a parent, but rather reflective of who their child was as a child.

This was confirmed in a recent article in the Chronicle of Higher Education where the authors, Else-Quest, Sathy, and Hogan, share that “compassion and kindness are foundational to effective teaching (and parenting).” As much as we want our children to be perfect at school, sports, dancing, singing, and all of the other opportunities we provide them, it is just not reality. Therefore, they continue, instead of expecting themselves to do everything perfectly, the students should aim to do them pretty well and receive the grace and support of those who love and care about them the most. Read More

Middle School Division News February 24, 2022

February 24, 2022

from Dr. Jenn Milam, Middle School Director

iTERM 2022 – Imagine, Dream, Learn
In just a few days, iTERM will begin–a week of passion-driven, inquiry and exploration in a chosen area, alongside peers from all grades in the middle school, and led by a teacher (or two!) and maybe even a professional boxer! Your students have been entered into Schoology groups where they will get updates, information, announcements, and other key information for their week. If you’d like to be added, please reach out to the leaders of your student’s iTERM course.

For many of you, iTERM is new…here’s a few things you can expect:

Students have lunch as usual, each day, just as they always do! Your student should plan to bring lunch or eat at school (if they have a purchased lunch plan) unless otherwise told by their instructor/course leader. Some of the courses involve cooking, field trips to markets in the city, or other excursions, but for the most part, lunch is at MPA right after recess, every day.
The day begins at 8 AM and ends at 3 PM, just like always! You should follow regular drop-off and pick-up procedures.
Their iTERM course leader will tell them what they need to bring if anything. They should wear comfortable clothes and shoes and plan not to change for PE.
They can bring snacks, water bottle, and any other creature comfort they normally use.
Please follow the dress code, per usual.
The days are full, active, engaged, and so much fun–expect a tired middle schooler at the end of the day.
Behavior and conduct expectations remain high and students are expected to show up, participate, engage, and be a good and contributing member of our community.
If your student is traveling to Ely for Dogsledding or to Puerto Rico, your course leaders have likely been in touch with details about travel, packing lists, and more. Please read thoroughly all communication in preparation for these trips!
The best part about this week is there is no homework assigned, no schedule, no grades – it’s a week of learning and exploring, for the fun of it!
We encourage students to be caught up, as much as possible, by the end of this week, as there is no time for school assignments during this week. Projects, outstanding assignments, and other schoolwork, should be completed at home and submitted prior to spring break to avoid missing the two-week grace period to submit late assignments.
There is NO study hall offered after school during iTERM week–because there’s no homework!
School dismisses promptly at 3 PM on Friday to head into Spring Break!

Lower School Division News February 24, 2022

February 24, 2022

from Renee Wright, Lower School Director

CHAMP Service Project
At our CHAMP assembly on February 23, second graders shared the book, “The Power of One,” by Trudy Ludwig and reminded us that we can each make a difference in our community. As Ludwig says in the final lines of her book, “Acts and words of kindness DO count, and it all starts with ONE.” The CHAMP birthday bag service-learning project during the month of February inspired our students to generously support Emma’s Place, a local shelter, and make a difference. Individually students donated coins, and birthday items so children at the shelter would have the opportunity to celebrate their birthday.

Collectively, our students raised $1,287.26 and met their goal to make 60 birthday bags. Our students also donated 59 cake mixes, 40 frosting mixes, 27 boxes of candles, and 5 containers of sprinkles. Their generosity will enable children at Emma’s Place to feel loved and special on their birthday when they receive a special birthday bag. Each birthday bag will include a toy, books, game, and items to make a birthday cake. Lower School student decorated birthday bags for these items and made birthday cards to wish the children at Emma’s Place a very happy birthday.

Report Cards Are Available To Parents Monday, February 28
Second trimester report cards will be emailed to parents on Monday, February 28. Lower School teachers have worked hard to give you a comprehensive snapshot of your child’s work in the classroom. I suggest setting aside time to review the report card keeping in mind that the purpose of the report card is to share students’ academic progress based on learning expectations and standards for each grade level. The report card also provides insights into your child’s work habits, social skills, and emotional growth. Take time to recognize your child’s strengths and acknowledge growth. Look for areas that challenge your child and need further attention and practice.

Our teachers believe it is necessary to share all or part of the report card with your child based on his/her/their developmental level or grade level. Make reviewing the report card together a celebration of all that has been accomplished thus far in the school year. Set goals together for areas of improvement and get a plan for how to reach these goals. If you or your child have questions or need additional information don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher. Read More

Meet Retired Faculty Member—Maureen Conway

February 24, 2022

Position while at MPA
Upper School Social Studies Teacher

How many years did you work at MPA?
30? You’d have to check. I think I started in 1983 and left in 2014. I was never any good with numbers…..

What do you miss most about MPA?
Watching young people struggle to understand the forces that made their world and witnessing their emerging determination to shape their future. It was heartbreakingly beautiful. Never surrender, you wonderful people!

What have you been up to since leaving MPA?
I vaguely remember a brief window between retirement and COVID. I believe it was filled with amazing grandchildren, family and friends, fabulous trips, an ill-fated but on-going crusade to master the French language and a menacing orange presence.