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Middle School Division News January 30, 2025

January 30, 2025

from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, January 31: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Agreements Sent
Friday, January 31: MS G5-8 Talent Show, 12:30-3 PM, Nicholson Center
Tuesday, February 4: LS/MS Lunch & Learn: G5 Pizza Panel, 11:35 AM-12 PM, Rooms 150-151
Wednesday, February 5: MS G7/8 Affinity Group Meeting, 2:30-3 PM, Panter Center
Thursday, February 6: LS/MS Evening Conferences, 3:30-8 PM
Friday, February 7: No LS/MS Classes, Conferences
Friday, February 7: LS/MS Conferences, 8 AM-5 PM
Monday, February 10: MS/US Students & Screens Community Discussion, 1:45-3 PM, Recital Hall
Tuesday, February 11: MS Quarterly Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, TBD
Wednesday, February 12: All School Pairing Assembly
Friday, February 14: No Classes, Professional Development
Saturday, February 15: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Deadline
Monday, February 17: No Classes, Presidents’ Day
Wednesday, February 19: MS G7/8 Affinity Group Meeting, 2:30-3 PM, Panther Center

As we turn the corner in our school year by heading into a new semester, I find myself really excited about the work and opportunities ahead. This week, we will have had our Grade 5 Music Share on Thursday and the Middle School Talent Show on Friday afternoon, with close to 20 acts from all our grades and faculty.

Heading into February, we have our Winter Conferences coming up at the end of next week on the evening of February 6 and all day on February 7. Lower and Middle School students have conferences, while Upper School students still have classes. Please remember that all Middle School students are required to attend their conferences. The window to sign up for conferences closes on Friday evening, so check in there soon if you’re hoping to get some time with your child’s teachers.

Lower School Division News January 30, 2025

January 30, 2025

from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, January 31: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Agreements Sent
Friday, January 31: January Uniform Sale, 8 AM-3:30 PM, Atrium
Tuesday, February 4: LS/MS Lunch & Learn: G5 Pizza Panel, 11:35 AM-12 PM, Rooms 150-151
Thursday, February 6: LS Duty-Free Lunch with Parent Volunteers, 11:30 AM-12:40 PM, Playground and Family Commons
Thursday, February 6: LS/MS Evening Conferences, 3:30-8 PM
Friday, February 7: No LS/MS Classes, Conferences
Friday, February 7: LS/MS Conferences, 8 AM-5 PM
Wednesday, February 12: All School Pairing Assembly
Thursday, February 13: LS Valentine’s Day Party, 8:30 AM-2:30 PM, Lansing Sports Center and Family Commons
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, Presidents’ Day
Monday, February 17: Panther Club and PreK Closed
Wednesday, February 19: LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-8:45 AM, Family Commons

The Lower School students had a blast celebrating Lunar New Year on January 29, with some Upper School students. We enjoyed learning about the different ways that the new year is celebrated in different countries; we inquired into our zodiac signs, played games, and made crafts, and we had fun watching a wonderful lion dance performance with a local dance troop. Happy Year of the Snake!

Winter FastBridge Assessments

All kindergarten students engaged in the FastBridge assessment for reading and math with learning specialist Mrs. Ross from January 15-24. Students in first through fourth grade who are currently in intervention groups for reading, writing and/or math also completed the FastBridge assessments for the subject(s) in which they receive intervention. Your child’s results will be shared with you at Winter Conferences. Please sign up for a time to see Ms. Ross to discuss your child’s progress.

Semester 1 Reports Sent Home on January 28
Report cards for semester 1 (September through January) were sent home earlier this week. Please let the office know if you need assistance with the report or have any questions. Read More

MPA Seeking International Student Host Families

January 27, 2025

Do you have room to spare? Space in your heart for another family member? A desire to expand your family’s perspective of the world? MPA is seeking host families for international students for the 2025-26 school year!

Between the adults in their school and home lives, our international students feel supported, nurtured, and loved while living so far from their families. This is vital to their success and the strongest testament to everything our MPA host families and staff do to care for our international students.

We would love it if you and your family considered hosting an international student for next school year. As you and your family consider hosting, here are some topics that may arise. The information below is by no means an exhaustive list, but it may answer some of the initial questions you have and prompt additions ones as well:

Stipend

A 10-month stipend of $10,200 will be directly deposited in equal installments of $1,020/month on the first of each month for the previous month, September through June.
An early installment of $500 will be deposited on August 1 in preparation for your student’s arrival; the remaining $500 will be deposited on September 1.
The daily stipend rate of $30/day will be taken from and disbursed to host families who are providing respite care for a student, as needed.

Transportation

Host families are responsible for providing transportation to and from school and school-related activities.
Host families are responsible for providing transportation to and from the airport when the student travels.
Host families will work with their students in scheduling rides for social events.

Meals

All international students will receive the MPA school lunch. Host families and students do not need to pack lunches.
Host families are responsible for providing two meals on all weekdays and three meals on all weekend days.

By hosting an international student, you and your family have a unique opportunity to bring the language, culture, and perspective of another country into your home, allowing for a truly rich and genuine intercultural experience. The students will love to share their lives with you while becoming a part of your family, exploring Minnesota, and enjoying MPA student life all at the same time.

We hope you’ll consider opening your hearts and homes to one of our international students. If you have any questions, please contact Cory Becker-Kim, International Student Program Director and Advanced Language & Culture Teacher, at cbeckerkim@moundsparkacademy.org or 651-383-8961.

Click here to fill out a Host Family Application, and here for more information. Thank you so much for considering!

MPA Takes On Future City Competition

January 23, 2025

Three teams were selected from the nine teams that participated in the Future City Competition from MPA. The three teams, Larmes (Holland B., Sylvie W., Mason R., Brooke S., Lily M.), AuroraVann (Mia K., Jaclyn L., Ford B., Maren G., Violette N.), and Makarapolis (Declan S, Sukey R., Tori M., Olivia K., Madelyn K.) attended the regional competition, which was held on Saturday, January 18, at Metro State University St. Paul campus. Teams spent the morning giving their seven-minute presentation twice to two different teams of City Model/Presentation judges. Teams had to present what makes their city innovative and keeps its citizens healthy and safe. Judges then had 8-10 minutes to ask the teams questions about their city.

When teams were not giving their presentations to the City Model/Q&A judges, Special Awards judges visited them and asked them questions specific to the Special Awards. Each team could select up to six Special Awards for which they wanted to be interviewed.

AuroraVann made it to the afternoon judging, where the top five teams of the competition presented. AuroraVann received an honorable mention and an award for having the most points for their city model. Makarapolis won an award for Readiness for Natural and Human-made Disasters, given to the team that has demonstrated the most thought into addressing risks to its infrastructure and populace stemming from potential natural and human-made disasters. We are so proud of our Panther representatives!

Photos from the Future City Competition can be found here.

Parents Association News And Events January 23, 2025

January 23, 2025

We are trying something new this year for Faculty and Staff Appreciation, which is being hosted by different grade groupings throughout the year, and it has been a huge hit. Last Friday, parent volunteers from seventh through ninth grade hosted candle-making, special breakfast drinks, and a raffle. Thank you to all who chipped in to show our love for the faculty and staff at MPA!

MPA PA Trivia Night

Join us for the second annual MPA PA Trivia Night on Friday, January 24, in the Family Commons! This will be a joyful night out for dinner and socializing! There will also be friendly competition against fellow parents for the chance to hold the title of Parents Association Trivia Night Champion!

Details

All parents and guardians of students in PreK-12 are welcome.
Upper School and college students are welcome with their parents, although this is primarily a parent event.
Limited childcare for students in grades K through six with pre-registration by Upper School student volunteers. Please note that the MPA PA is unable to provide childcare for children in PreK or younger.
Dinner will be provided for parents and children by Cossetta.
Cost is $6 per person, adults and children. Registration is required to help us plan food quantities. Registration must be completed in advance for childcare.

MPA Book Festival

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

Each year at MPA, our community supports the Martin Lenz Harrison Library and the joy of reading through the Book Festival. This is a time-honored MPA tradition for all MPA families to get new books into the hands of students while supporting Library initiatives and a beloved local bookstore. The book festival is for everyone!

Parents Association News And Events January 16, 2025

January 16, 2025

Details

All parents and guardians of students in PreK-12 are welcome.
Upper School and college students are welcome with their parents, although this is primarily a parent event.
Limited childcare for students in grades K through six with pre-registration by Upper School student volunteers. Please note that the MPA PA is unable to provide childcare for children in PreK or younger.
Dinner will be provided for parents and children by Cossetta.
Cost is $6 per person. Registration is required to help us plan food quantities. Registration must be completed in advance for childcare.

Dr. Hudson’s Book Club

All book lovers are invited to join us 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.

Upcoming Events

Friday, January 17: PA Faculty and Staff Appreciation hosted by Grades 7-9, 6:45-10:30 AM, Peacock Family Teaching Kitchen
Friday, January 24: PA Family Trivia Night, 6-8 PM, Family Commons

Upper School Division News January 16, 2025

January 16, 2025

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, January 17: End of Quarter 2
Monday, January 20: No Classes, Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Tuesday, January 21: No Classes, Grading & Professional Development
Thursday, January 23: HeadSpace: Meeting Our Educational Promise Through A Competency-Based Approach To Education, 7-8 PM, Virtual Meeting, Check Email For Link
Friday, January 24: PA Family Trivia Night, 6-8 PM, Family Commons
Friday, January 24: US Winter Show: “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery,” 7-9 PM, Black Box
Saturday, January 25: US Winter Show: “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery,” 7-9 PM, Black Box
Sunday, January 26: US Winter Show: “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery,” 2:30-4:30 PM, Black Box
Thursday, January 30: US Visual Arts Semester Showcase Reception, 6:30-7:30 PM, Gallery and Rossbach Art Walk
Thursday, January 30: US Cabaret Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Family Commons
Friday, January 31: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Agreements Sent
Friday, January 31: US Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
Friday, January 31: US Winter Show: “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery,” 7-9 PM, Black Box
Saturday, February 1: US Winter Show: “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery,” 7-9 PM, Black Box
Tuesday, February 4: Speech Tournament, 3-10 PM
Wednesday, February 5: US G10 Retreat, Deep Portage Retreat Center
Thursday, February 6: US G10 Retreat, Deep Portage Retreat Center

As the start of the second semester begins next week (remember we do not have school either Monday or Tuesday), students have a unique opportunity to embrace a fresh start. Their second quarter and first semester classes draw to an end, and this transitional period can be the breadth of fresh air that allows them to reflect on the past and set new goals for the future. Research shows that resetting one’s mindset can lead towards improved academic performance and overall well-being. According to psychologist and author Carol Dweck, “The view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you live your life.” By resetting and adopting a growth mindset, students can enter the second semester with a renewed determination and a sense of optimism.

There are several benefits of “starting fresh” for the second semester, and one of the primary ones is having the chance to reassess academic goals. Students can evaluate their first-semester performance and identify areas that need more attention during the second semester. A study published last October in the Journal of Educational Psychology suggests that goals setting enhances a student’s motivation and, quite possibly, increases their achievement. By setting specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely (SMART) goals, students can create a clear roadmap to achieve academic success during the third and fourth quarters.

Middle School Division News January 16, 2025

January 16, 2025

from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, January 17: End of Quarter 2
Monday, January 20: No Classes, Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Tuesday, January 21: No Classes, Grading & Professional Development
Wednesday, January 22: MS G7/8 Affinity Group Meeting, 2:30-3PM, Panther Center
Thursday, January 23: HeadSpace: Meeting Our Educational Promise Through A Competency-Based Approach To Education, 7-8 PM, Thursday, January 23: HeadSpace: Meeting Our Educational Promise Through A Competency-Based Approach To Education, 7-8 PM, Virtual Meeting, Check Email For Link
Friday, January 24: PA Family Trivia Night, 6-8 PM, Family Commons
Saturday, January 25: MS Quiz Bowl Tournament, 8:30 AM-3 PM, Edgewood Middle School, Mounds View
Thursday, January 30: MS G5 Music Share, 2:20-3 PM, Recital Hall
Friday, January 31: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Agreements Sent
Friday, January 31: MS G5-8 Talent Show, 12:30-3 PM, Nicholson Center
Wednesday, February 5: MS G7/8 Affinity Group Meeting, 2:30-3 PM, Panther Center
Thursday, February 6: LS/MS Evening Conferences, 3:30-8 PM
Friday, February 7: LS/MS Conferences, 8 AM-3 PM

With the transition into a new year and our academic quarters changing—the end of quarter 2 is Friday, January 17—it’s only natural for us to take time to reflect on the first half of the year and look ahead to what is to come in 2025. As our students returned from the winter break, they looked taller, more confident and comfortable, and newer…the newer may have just been because many were wearing the hoodies or shoes they got over break. At the start of the year, our fifth graders looked (and acted) more like fourth graders. Now, they are quickly on their way into the heart of their Middle School years. And, our eighth graders are acting and looking more and more like Upper Schoolers as well. What impressed me most, though, was how quickly and easily all our folks got right back to learning.

Last Friday, we had one of our best Middle School Meetings yet, with student announcements about raising awareness about pollution and plastics to a seventh-grade novel reading with a couple of our students. A couple of our eighth-grade Future Cities teams described their projects and the upcoming competition. And, as part of our Dream Big, Do Right Advisory Challenge, Mrs. Kramer’s advisory announced that they were collecting supplies to restock everyone’s school supplies. Each Middle School student will get a couple of pencils with extra erasers and a few other things from her advisory this week.

Lower School Division News January 16, 2025

January 16, 2025

from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director

Mark Your Calendars

Monday, January 20: No Classes, Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Monday, January 20: Panther Club Closed
Monday, January 20, PreK Closed
Tuesday, January 21: No Classes, Grading & Professional Development
Tuesday, January 21: Panther Club Closed
Tuesday, January 21: PreK Closed
Wednesday, January 22: MS G4 to G5 Transition Parent Meeting, 8-9 AM, Family Commons
Thursday, January 23: HeadSpace: Meeting Our Educational Promise Through A Competency-Based Approach To Education, 7-8 PM, Thursday, January 23: HeadSpace: Meeting Our Educational Promise Through A Competency-Based Approach To Education, 7-8 PM, Virtual Meeting, Check Email For Link
Friday, January 24: LS PreK to K Transition Parent Coffee, 8:15-9:15 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
Friday, January 24: PA Family Trivia Night, 6-8 PM, Family Commons
Wednesday, January 29: January Uniform Sale, 8 AM-3:30 PM, Atrium
Wednesday, January 29: LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-8:45 AM, Family Commons
Thursday, January 30: January Uniform Sale, 8 AM-3:30 PM, Atrium
Friday, January 31: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Agreements Sent
Friday, January 31: January Uniform Sale, 8 AM-3:30 PM, Atrium
Thursday, February 6: LS Duty-Free Lunch with Parent Volunteers, 11:40 AM-12:40 PM, Playground and Family Commons
Thursday, February 6: LS/MS Evening Conferences, 3:30-8 PM
Friday, February 7: LS/MS Conferences, 8 AM-3 PM

Welcome back to the Lower School, and welcome to 2025! I trust that you’ve had a restful and rejuvenating winter break and are enjoying seeing your children back in the thick of learning at school. Even amidst freezing temperatures, things are heating up as we explore new units and concepts. Read on for more updates on some exciting events and important reminders!

Winter FastBridge Assessments: January 15-24

All kindergarten students will engage in the FastBridge assessment for reading and math with learning specialist Mrs. Ross from January 15-24. Students in first through fourth grade who are currently in intervention groups for reading, writing and/or math will complete FastBridge assessments for the subject(s) in which they are receiving intervention. Your child’s results will be shared with you at Winter Conferences.

PreK to Kindergarten Transition Parent Coffee: Friday, January 24

To support our PreK families, we warmly invite the parents of our youngest learners to the Library on January 24 from 8:15-9:15 AM to meet the kindergarten teaching team, learn more about the MPA kindergarten program, and get any questions answered about the next step in your PreK children’s journey. All PreK families are welcome to attend, even if your child will enjoy another year in our PreK program! Kindergarten faculty Ms. Katie Roche and Ms. Kristine Petersen along with Ms. Jennifer Le Varge and Ms. Jennifer Jasinski are excited to collaborate with you! If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director, at jlevarge@moundsparkacademy.org. Read More

Announcing The Hudson Fund

January 16, 2025

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

As I prepare to step away from my role as head of school at Mounds Park Academy at the end of this school year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey this community has taken together. It has been my deepest honor to serve this extraordinary school, to walk alongside students, faculty, and families who inspire me every day with their strength, compassion, and determination.

When the Board of Trustees kindly asked how they might celebrate my tenure, my thoughts turned not to recognition but to the students who represent the heart of MPA’s mission. It is in their stories—of resilience, courage, and triumph over adversity—that I have found my greatest
fulfillment. Warren Buffet once said, “Tell me who your heroes are, and I’ll tell you how you’re going to turn out.” Truly, students are my heroes, and I am incredibly grateful that the board knew me well enough to establish and work with me to initiate the Hudson Fund for Resilient Students.

This endowed fund embodies our shared commitment to ensuring that every student, regardless of the challenges they face, has the opportunity to thrive at MPA. Whether overcoming personal, academic, or socio-economic barriers, these students exemplify the values we hold dear: perseverance, dedication, and the belief that education has the power to transform lives. Read More