All School

The Adolescent Brain and Growth Mindset

September 28, 2017

Middle school girls in hallwayAll parents are invited to the first quarter Middle School Parent Education Event, “The Adolescent Brain and How Brain Development Fits into Growth Mindset,” on Tuesday, October 3, from 8-9 AM in the Porter Conference Room (PCR). Our school psychologist, Dr. Jules Nolan, will be presenting on how brain development impacts behavior, and providing strategies for parents. Although the topic will be geared to Middle School-age students, any parent or caregiver is welcome to join in. Coffee and breakfast snacks will be provided by the Parents Association.

RSVP Today For Dedication Event!

September 28, 2017

Girl working in MakerspaceThe Makerspace Dedication and Ribbon Cutting event is coming up on October 7, starting promptly at 1 PM. The formal events will be followed by tours of the space, STEAM activities for all ages, and refreshments. This will be an incredible event that you will not want to miss! Kindly reply to rsvp@moundsparkacademy.org.

“The AnnMarie Thomas Makerspace is the only creative center of its kind in the Twin Cities for students in grades PreK through 12. Given the long-standing approach at Mounds Park Academy of hands-on, experiential learning that integrates science, technology, math with the humanities and the arts, the Makerspace fits perfectly alongside the work of Dr. Thomas,” said Dr. Hudson. Dr. Thomas will speak to students at an all school assembly on Friday, October 6.

Homecoming Coverage and Photos

September 28, 2017

Homecoming was spectacular! Thank you to everyone who attended the festivities. Find professional photo from Saturday on campus here and photo booth moments here!

Senior Rachel Lindrud of “Freethinker,” MPA’s new student-run news source, covered the excitement of Homecoming Week …

MPA students playing soccerHomecoming: A Time for Pride, Competition, and Dancing
by Rachel Lindrud

On Friday, September 22 through Saturday, September 23, Mounds Park Academy came together as an entire community for its annual and spirited Homecoming events. In the days leading up to the games and festivities, parents decorated the hallways and coordinated multiple events, while over the weekend, kids from all grades streamed to the fields and courts to cheer on their classmates, siblings, and mentors. MPA’s “Panther Pride,” an appellation referring to the school’s panther mascot, was uniquely demonstrated throughout the week in the forms of volunteer work, athletic skill, and blue and white pompoms. This event models not only MPA and its athletic accomplishments, but also its proactive parent, student, and teacher volunteerism and its dynamic community-building spirit.

On Friday, the day before the sporting events, MPA held its annual Homecoming Assembly, at which students and faculty of all grade levels came together to wish the athletes a final good luck and also take part in various competitive community-building events. Sylvia H. ’24, supported her sisters and enjoyed watching her friends and teachers compete with one another: “I supported Soccer and Volleyball because my sisters are on those teams. My favorite part of the assembly was watching the sports teams and teachers do relays.”

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Prep Athlete Of The Week!

September 21, 2017

Declan Dahlberg runningMPA Senior and lifer Declan Dahlberg was named as one of the Star Tribune’s Prep Athletes Of The Week!

“He won the Private School Championship at St. Catherine University with a time of 16 minutes, 25 seconds over the 5,000-meter course on a steamy 88-degree day. Earlier this season, the top-ranked runner in Class 1A won the Ron Kretsch Invitational,” the Tribune mentioned.

Last fall, Declan finished as the Boys Cross Country Class A State Champion, running a personal record time of 15:57.1, with the closest finish in meet history.

He is also currently writing posts for “MileSplit,” a popular athletics blog covering high school track and field and cross country news across the United States.

Articles Published In “Freethinker!”

September 21, 2017

Freethinker LogoMPA’s new student-run school newspaper, Freethinker features stories this week ranging from fostering friendships to nostalgic goodbyes.

“Mr. Meacock – A Final Farewell” is one of the most recent stories published in MPA’s independent student newspaper, “Freethinker.” The article is a heartfelt letter saying goodbye to former MPA Upper School English teacher Mr. Meacock, reminiscing about “the unplanned” days in his classroom and thanking him for encouraging students to “not only to be good academics, not only to constantly question and discuss, but also how to be good people.”

“A Story of Fried Food and Friendships: The Freshman State Fair Retreat” illustrates the famous, massive, and historic Minnesota State Fair and the MPA Freshman school field trip to it. The story captures the importance of independence and building relationships, all while surrounded by meals on a stick.

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Alumni In The News

September 14, 2017

Erik Sand ’08
Check out this feature on Erik Sand ’08 as he pursues his PhD at MIT. Investigating the dynamics of war and peace, Erik Sand brings a perspective shaped by eight years of service in the U.S. Navy to his doctoral studies. read the article >

Mason Ferlic ’11
MPA alum Mason Ferlic ’11 was selected as the USATF Minnesota August Athlete of the Month! Congratulations Mason! read the article >

Hello From Rex Hendrickson ’11

September 14, 2017

Former student in gymAfter my many years at MPA, I went to the University of Denver (DU). I attended for two years before studying abroad at Semester at Sea for the fall of 2013—my junior year. At DU, I focused on business/economic classes as well as a blend of writing, French and music (thanks to MPA).

Semester at Sea was an excellent study abroad program that I would recommend it to every student researcher—it is a semester aboard a ship, traveling from port to port, learning about the global communication system, vastly diverse cultures and applying hands on experience you wouldn’t normally receive in a classroom setting. My semester circumnavigated the Atlantic Ocean, traveling south across Europe and Africa, moving west to South America and finally landing north in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A whopping 15 countries and 4 continents in a semester’s time made it truly a once in a lifetime study abroad opportunity—something I hold dear to my heart.

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Connect On LinkedIn!

September 14, 2017

Mounds Park AcademyJoin our conversations! The purpose of all of MPA’s social media accounts is to connect the entire community including alumni, faculty and staff, parents, students, and friends of MPA. LinkedIn, specifically, is the social media tool that benefits everyone in the Mounds Park Academy network, from faculty to parents to young alums.

The MPA LinkedIn page and MPA Connections group are resources for professional development and career opportunities, a place to participate in discussion topics, and find information on MPA and local events. The MPA page is primarily used for social sharing. This is where we can share public updates with our followers and where they can find MPA updates and information. Only followers will get updates in their newsfeed! The MPA Connections group, in contrast, allows members to share content, start conversations, post and view jobs, grow your network and stay in touch.

We hope you will join in and enjoy connecting! Your participation and presence will make this presence beneficial to all.

Volunteer At Homecoming!

September 14, 2017

Volunteers at HomecomingWe need your support to make all of this fun happen again! Sign up to volunteer at MPA’s Homecoming 2017! This fun-filled weekend has so many activities going on including fun runs, bounce houses, athletic competitions, alumni events, and much more.

This incredible weekend for every member of our community would not be possible without the generosity of volunteers who give of their time on Saturday, September 23. If you have an hour or two to spare, volunteering is a great way to get involved with the event and MPA!

Thank you in advance for your time! If you have any questions, please contact Susan Robertson, Development Manager, at 651-748-5531 or srobertson@moundsparkacademy.org.