Join Us For Remember the Time: A Black History Month Showcase

A cultural celebration in the Family Commons. Join us for Remember the Time: A Black History Month Showcase as we come together as a community to celebrate Black history, culture, and contributions in a powerful and engaging way on Thursday, February 27, from 4:30-6:30 PM in the Family Commons! Throughout February, students across all divisions will explore themes of fun facts (Lower School), innovations (Middle School), and legacy (Upper School), leading up to an incredible school-wide presentation.

On February 27, the school will open at 3:15 PM for visitors to tour the building and experience the incredible projects and displays created by our students. Then, at 4:30 PM, we’ll transition into a New Orleans jazz club experience for our showcase, featuring live music from Monique Blakey & The Experience and hosted by Pierre Douglas, a Twin Cities comedy staple known for his appearance on Comedy Central’s Hart of the City.

Guests will also enjoy authentic New Orleans cuisine prepared by Chef Ronnie. The celebration will conclude at 6:30 PM.

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details! You won’t want to miss this unforgettable event! Please contact Eddie Grant, assistant director of equity and belonging, at egrant@moundsparkacademy.org with any questions.


Parents Association News And Events February 13, 2025

A parent and child shopping at the MPA Book Festival. MPA PA Grade Reps are seeking contributions to support the school! The 2025 MPA Spring Auction: Gala of Gratitude is just around the corner, and those of you who have been part of the MPA community in past years will remember that, traditionally, each grade collects funds for a Spring Auction basket. However, this year, there’s a slight change!

Instead of grade baskets, this year, grade-level contributions will sponsor one or more Live Auction items listed as Lower, Middle, or Upper School Sponsored Package. By pooling resources, our collective donations will help purchase an exciting consignment package to be auctioned live at the event and have an even greater impact!

This is a fantastic opportunity for our grade-level communities to come together and make a big difference for MPA students and programs while supporting this important fundraising event. We’d love your help!

Please look for an auction email from your designated grade reps or contact PA@moundsparkacademy.org, and we will connect with you. Thank you!


Upper School Division News February 13, 2025

Upper School students visiting Deep Portage.from Mark Segal, Upper School director 

Mark Your Calendars

  • Friday, February 14: No Classes, Professional Development
  • Saturday, February 15: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Deadline
  • Monday, February 17: No Classes, President’s Day
  • Tuesday, February 18: US Nordic Ski Banquet, 4:30-6:30 PM, Family Commons
  • Wednesday, February 19: US Band & Orchestra Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center
  • Monday, February 24-Friday, February 28: SnoDaze Week
  • Wednesday, February 26: US Vocal Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center
  • Thursday, February 27: Remember the Time: A Black History Month Showcase, 4:30-6:30 PM, Family Commons
  • Friday, February 28: US SnoDaze Student Body Event, 3:15-5 PM, MPA Pond/Lansing Sports Center

Like an anxious parent, I felt myself getting more excited for the sound and sight of the coach bus pulling onto campus. It had only been 55 hours since the students and their four chaperones had departed, but there was a noticeable feeling of something missing, knowing that the Class of 2027 was in Hackensack, Minnesota, enjoying their time at the annual Deep Portage field trip.

Field trips have long been recognized as valuable educational tools that extend learning beyond the classroom walls. The Journal of Research in Science Teaching recently published findings from a study that shares, “Students who participate in field trips demonstrate increased engagement, deeper understanding of concepts, and improved retention of learned material.” MPA Upper School students have visited the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) to examine centuries-old ceramic pieces, researched for the History Day Project at the University of Minnesota library, and performed holiday musical pieces for community members at a local hospital and care facility. This is just a sampling of the off-campus experiences students have had this year, with many more planned for the upcoming months.

Read More


Middle School Division News February 13, 2025

Middle School students working together.from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars 

  • Friday, February 14: No Classes, Professional Development
  • Saturday, February 15: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Deadline
  • Monday, February 17: No Classes, President’s Day
  • Wednesday, February 19: MS G7/8 Affinity Group Meeting, 2:30-3 PM, Panther Center
  • Monday, February 24-Friday, February 28: SnoDaze Week
  • Thursday, February 27: Remember the Time: A Black History Month Showcase, 4:30-6:30 PM, Family Commons
  • March 3-March 7: MS i-Term

On Monday, we hosted our third edition of the Students and Screens program with a discussion centered on how to keep our children safe online by gaining an understanding of some of the controls available and the different ways that students can access different sites, social media, and discussion groups online. MPA parent Corey Ganser led our group in a discussion about the different ways that parents can work alongside their children through conversations and providing some guardrails so our children are safe and exposed to different parts of the internet and social media at developmentally appropriate times.

Our lively discussion included some questions about the appropriate time and ways to progress a child’s use of technology, with some parents sharing stories and anecdotes of how their child may have found themselves on programs or in chats that they probably should not have been a part of. As I shared with the group, “I have yet to meet a parent who said, ‘I wish I gave my student a phone or access to social media sooner than I did.’”

Read More


Lower School Division News February 13, 2025

Lower school student jumping in gymnastics. from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director 

Mark Your Calendars

  • Friday, February 14: No Classes, Professional Development
  • Friday, February 14: Panther Club and PreK Closed
  • Saturday, February 15: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Deadline
  • Monday, February 17: No Classes, President’s Day
  • Monday, February 17: Panther Club and PreK Closed
  • Wednesday, February 19: LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-8:45 AM, Family Commons
  • Monday, February 24-Friday, February 28: SnoDaze Week
  • Thursday, February 27: Remember the Time: A Black History Month Showcase, 4:30-6:30 PM, Family Commons
  • Wednesday, March 5: LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-8:45 AM, Family Commons
  • Thursday, March 6: LS Art Show Opening, 5:30-6 PM, Gallery; Rossbach Art Walk; Family
  • Commons; US Commons
  • Thursday, March 6: LS Music Program, 6-7 PM, Nicholson Center

We are in the thick of winter, and the energy in the Lower School is still riding high! I trust that you have had the chance to read the recent announcement of my departure from MPA at the end of the year. Please know that this decision is more of a pull toward family and next steps rather than a push away from our wonderful school. I am sad to say goodbye and grateful to have had the honor of being part of our community for the past two years.

SnoDaze Week: Pajama Day on February 24
The Lower School students are invited to celebrate SnoDaze Week with the Middle and Upper Schools the week of February 24-28. All students in PreK-Grade 4 are invited to wear their pajamas to school on Monday, February 24. The students in third and fourth grade are also invited to the SnoDaze assembly on the afternoon of Friday, February 28. Read More


The Power of Hopeful Skepticism: Preparing Students, and Ourselves, for a Complex World

Lower School teacher interacts with a student. from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

Over my 30+ years in education, I’ve been called many things, some of which I can’t repeat here. Most often, I’ve been called naïve or an optimist, most of the time meant as a criticism. Truth be told, I’d rather be naïve than a cynic, believing people are generally selfish and untrustworthy. I’d rather be an optimist rather than have a negative outlook on life and expect the worst from people and from life.

After reading “Hope for Cynics” by Jamil Zaki, Stanford University professor and director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab, I can now proudly say I am a hopeful skeptic. A hopeful skeptic is someone who balances optimism with critical thinking. They are open to possibilities and potential but also approach claims, ideas, and situations with a questioning mindset. This person is not cynical or dismissive but instead seeks evidence, logic, and reason while maintaining a belief in positive outcomes.

Zaki writes about a test by psychologists Walter Cook and Donald Medley devised to identify good teachers. They asked hundreds of teachers whether they agreed with these three questions (and 47 others):

  1. No one cares much what happens to you.
  2. Most people dislike helping others.
  3. Most people are honest chiefly through fear of getting caught.

According to Cook and Medley’s research, the more a teacher agreed with these statements, the worse their rapport with students. Out of curiosity, but knowing the probable outcome, I did a snap poll of MPA teachers. The vast majority disagreed with all three statements with a small handful agreeing with only one. It didn’t surprise me that 97% of our teachers are low or low-medium in cynicism. Read More


Parents Association News And Events February 6, 2025

A student showing Middle School teacher her magic at the talent show. Volunteer at the MPA Book Festival and the Lower School Valentine’s Party to help us make next week festive and fun at MPA!

MPA Book Festival

Get ready to fall in love with reading at the MPA Book Festival from February 10-13 in the MPA Gallery!

The Book Festival has offerings for everyone from PreK through Upper School students and adults! If you have any questions about whether a title on your student’s wishlist is appropriate for their reading level, please contact Stephanie Kollm, Library and media specialist, at skollm@moundsparkacademy.org.

Read More


Remaining A Beacon Of Inclusivity, Integrity, and Courage

Lower School students celebrate with their hands up in the air. from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

Our values endure. Our resolve is unshakable.

Transitions, whether personal, institutional, or societal, bring both challenge and opportunity. They disrupt routines and ask us to think critically, act courageously, and reaffirm what truly matters. In moments of change—whether in our school, our communities, or on a global scale—we are called to return to our values and remain steadfast. At Mounds Park Academy, we want to be clear: our commitment to our mission and values is unwavering.

MPA is, and will always be, a place where students, families, and educators feel seen, valued, and supported. We are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, just, and equitable environment where every child can learn, grow, and thrive. Our mission calls us to nurture critical thinkers, compassionate leaders, and engaged citizens who have the courage to shape a better world. That mission remains steadfast.

In the recent community survey, MPA students consistently highlighted the welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment. They report strong bonds between the students, teachers, and staff, noting that the result is a close-knit, respectful culture. One student wrote, “I think the school is really good at making sure that every student feels valued and important and in accepting each person’s different situations and how that can affect their learning or experience. People here are very understanding and friendly and create an environment where you don’t feel scared to speak up.” Read More


MPA Students Recognized by MSAA

The Art Department is thrilled to share the list of students honored in the 2025 Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards!

The Scholastic Art Awards is a highly competitive, nationally recognized competition for students ages 13-18. Gold Key awards will go on to competition at the national level.

This display of awards represents a variety of mediums, styles, and techniques, as well as countless hours of work over the course of years of skill development. We are so proud of the accomplishments of these artists!

  • Yuhan Zou ‘25, Drawing, Gold Key, “目”
  • Ella D. ‘29, Painting, Gold Key, “Defused Emotions”
  • Jenny Liao ‘28, Painting, Gold Key, “Winter Owl”
  • Juliun Menasco ’27, Photography, Gold Key, “Froggy Curiosity”
  • Nicole Kim ‘27, Fashion, Silver Key, “Background Spotlight”
  • Lucy Smith ‘25, Mixed Media, Silver Key, “Artist Blues”
  • Grace Nelson ‘26, Painting, Silver Key, “Intergalactic”
  • Zayna N. ‘30, Photography, Silver Key, “Sage”
  • Cosmo Vanzyl ‘26, Ceramics, Honorable Mention, “Bloom”
  • Cosmo Vanzyl ‘26, Ceramics, Honorable Mention, “Trust”
  • Amy Xiang ‘26, Drawing, Honorable Mention, “Fireworks”
  • Marlaina Minear ‘25, Drawing, Honorable Mention, “Self-Portrait”
  • Laila Mosley ‘26, Painting, Honorable Mention, “Savory & Sweet Dining”
  • Sukey R. ‘29, Printmaking, Honorable Mention, “Balanced Composition Lino Print”
  • Sophia T. ‘29, Printmaking, Honorable Mention, “Leaves in Symmetry”
  • Thomas Dickson ‘26, Printmaking, Honorable Mention, “Street Print”
  • Yuhan Zou ‘25, Sculpture, Honorable Mention, “Fresh Breath”

See an album of their award-winning work here!


Parents Association News And Events January 30, 2025

Two Lower School students during the CNY celebration. Get ready to fall in love with reading at the MPA Book Festival from February 10-13 in the MPA Gallery!

The book festival is for everyone! MPA will partner with Red Balloon Bookshop and PaperPie (formerly Usborne Books & More) to sell new books in the MPA Gallery during the week of the Book Festival. There will be exciting, high-interest titles available for kids from PreK through Upper School, so everyone can find a book to fall in love with this winter!

The MPA Book Festival will run from Monday, February 10, to Wednesday, February 12, from 7:45 AM-3:30 PM and Thursday, February 13, from 7:45 AM-10 AM. That Wednesday will also feature a Pairing Assembly for students!

Payment options include credit cards or checks. Online ordering will be available. All proceeds will benefit the Martin Lenz Harrison Library.

Dr. Hudson’s Book Club

Join our community of adult readers and attend our Book Festival Book Club on February 12 at 6:30 PM in the Martin Lenz Harrison Library for Dr. Hudson’s Book Club! We will be discussing “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin. All are welcome to attend, even if this is your first time attending the book club. Please RSVP here.

Call For Volunteers!

Festival organizers are looking for one to two volunteers to help for each of the following days and tasks. Please email PA@moundsparkacademy.org if you can support this event!

  • Pick up books from Red Balloon in Saint Paul on February 6 at 1:30 PM
  • Tear down the event in the library on February 13 at 10 AM

Lower School Valentine’s Party

The PA is seeking volunteers to help out during the Lower School Valentine’s Party in the Lansing Center on Thursday, February 13. Kids will enjoy games, crafts, activities, face painting, and an obstacle course during their P.E. time. Join us for part of the day or the whole day! Sign up here.