All School Archives

Lower School Division News December 5, 2024

December 5, 2024

from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director

Mark Your Calendars

Wednesday, December 11: LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-8:45 AM, Family Commons
Friday, December 13: PreK-12 MPA Preview, 8:30-10 AM, Gallery & Martin Lenz Harrison Library
Wednesday, December 18: Mini K Admission Day, 8:30-9:30 AM, Martin Harrison Library & Makerspace
Friday, December 20: Caroling with the Madrigal Singers, Faculty, Staff, and Alumni, 7:30-8 AM, Family Commons
Monday, December 23-Friday, January 3: No Classes, Winter Break
Tuesday, December 24-Thursday, December 26: Panther Club & PreK Closed

I hope everyone enjoyed a peaceful Thanksgiving break and enjoyed the recent Founders’ Day Pancake Breakfast. We recently celebrated our November birthdays and welcomed Harvey the Reading Dog back to campus. Please read on for more information about the days ahead!

No Bad Weather, Only Bad Clothing
This is a kind reminder, if you haven’t already done so, to send your child to school with a heavy parka, hat/earmuffs, a scarf, and gloves/mittens daily to school. You may also wish to send snow boots and snow pants to school to keep in your child’s cubby/locker for those freezing recess times. We will be outside most days unless the weather (including windchill) is –10 degrees or colder. To participate in sledding during recess, students must wear snow boots and snow pants. Take a minute to stop by the Lower School office lost and found to see if your child’s snow gear is there!

Middle School Division News December 5, 2024

December 5, 2024

from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars

Tuesday, December 10: MS Quarterly Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, Gallery
Wednesday, December 11: MS G7/8 Affinity Group Meeting, 2:30-3 PM, Panther Center
Thursday, December 12: MPA PA MS Coffee and Cookies, 6-7 PM, Family Commons
Thursday, December 12: MS G6-8 Band, Orchestra, Vocal Concert, 7-8:30 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, December 13: PreK-12 MPA Preview, 8:30-10 AM, Gallery & Martin Lenz Harrison Library
Monday, December 16: G7-12 Musical Auditions, 3:30-5:30 PM, Black Box & Choir Room
Tuesday, December 17: G7-12 Musical Auditions, 3:30-5:30 PM, Black Box & Choir Room
Wednesday, December 18: G7-12 Musical Callbacks, 3:30-5:30 PM, Black Box
Friday, December 20: Caroling with the Madrigal Singers, Faculty, Staff, and Alumni, 7:30-8 AM, Family Commons
Monday, December 23-Friday, January 3: No Classes, Winter Break

I hope you all had a restful and rejuvenating Thanksgiving break and that you are as ready as our students and faculty are to embrace this winter weather and work hard over the next two-and-a-half weeks until winter break.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for pancakes at our Founders’ Day Breakfast yesterday morning and to those who attended our second session of Students and Screens yesterday afternoon. With close to 30 participants—parents of Lower, Middle, and Upper school students, and some Middle and Upper School students—we had an engaging and informative conversation about fragmentation, the importance of sleep (for all of us), and how we can help our students develop customized, healthy study habits. Stay tuned for our next session sometime in late January or early February, as we have more to talk about and more who want to share. Read More

Upper School Division News December 5, 2024

December 5, 2024

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, December 6: No US Classes, Conferences
Friday, December 6: US Conferences, 8 AM-5 PM
Saturday, December 7: US Semiformal Dance, 8-11 PM, Woman’s Club (Minneapolis)
Friday, December 13: PreK-12 MPA Preview, 8:30-10 AM, Gallery & Martin Lenz Harrison Library
Monday, December 16: G7-12 Musical Auditions, 3:30-5:30 PM, Black Box & Choir Room
Tuesday, December 17: US Parent Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, PCR
Tuesday, December 17: G7-12 Musical Auditions, 3:30-5:30 PM, Black Box & Choir Room
Tuesday, December 17: US Parent Coffee for Class of 2029, 6:30-7:30 PM, PCR
Wednesday, December 18: G7-12 Musical Callbacks, 3:30-5:30 PM, Black Box
Friday, December 20: Caroling with the Madrigal Singers, Faculty, Staff, and Alumni, 7:30-8 AM, Family Commons
Friday, December 20: US Madrigal Singers and Chamber Orchestra Music Tour, Off Campus Field Trip
Monday, December 23-Friday, January 3: No Classes, Winter Break

This Saturday evening the Upper School will hold its annual winter Semiformal Dance at the Women’s Club of Minneapolis. The Club, originally founded in 1907, was designed by the architect of the Foshay Tower, Leon Arnal, and moved into its location just off Loring Park in 1928. Hosted by the Student Council, the semiformal dance serves as an important social event that fosters unity and strengthens the bonds within our upper school community. High school dances provide students with an opportunity to take a break from academic pressures and engage in a festive environment. According to the educational journal Edutopia, “research shows that participation in school events like dances enhances students’ sense of belonging, which is crucial for their emotional and social development.” These events encourage students to connect with peers from their own and different grades, creating a more inclusive atmosphere that can lead to lasting friendships.
Read More

Parents Association News And Events December 5, 2024

December 5, 2024

Cookies, Coffee & Connection! We would love to see you before winter break.

Tuesday, December 10: Middle School Quarterly Coffee, 8 AM, MPA Gallery
The topic of discussion will be Everything About Adolescence with Dr. Jules Nolan coming to join the discussion.
Thursday, December 12: Cookies and Coffee at the Winter Middle School Music Concert, 6 PM, Family Commons
The MPA Parents Association invites all families and friends for cookies, coffee, and informal conversation prior to the Middle School concert.
Friday, December 13: Lower School Quarterly Coffee, Virtual Meeting
Ms. Dana, the PreK-Grade 5 counselor, and Lower School director Jennifer Le Varge will be providing a recorded presentation on adult and child well-being and strategies at home. A pre-recorded video link will be shared on Friday, December 13, to watch at your convenience.
Tuesday, December 17: Upper School Quarterly Coffee, 8 AM, PCR
The topic will be a deep dive into a teacher’s perspective at MPA, “Scenes from a 24-Year MPA Career: Mr. Vergin’s Top Five Experiences.”

Parents Association News And Events November 21, 2024

November 21, 2024

Connection is brewing yet again! Join division directors and special guests at the upcoming quarterly coffees!

Tuesday, December 10: Middle School Quarterly Coffee, 8 AM: The topic of discussion will be Students and Screens with Dr. Jules Nolan, MPA’s school psychologist, coming to join the discussion.
Tuesday, December 17: Upper School Quarterly Coffee, 8 AM: The topic will be a deep dive into a teacher’s perspective at MPA: “Scenes From a 24-Year MPA Career: Mr. Vergin’s Top Five Experiences.”
Lower School Quarterly Coffee will be virtual this quarter. More information is coming soon!

Upcoming MPA PA Events

Friday, November 22: Faculty and Staff Appreciation, hosted by Grades 10-12 families, volunteer >
Tuesday, December 10: Middle School Quarterly Coffee, 8 AM, MPA Gallery
Thursday, December 12: MPA PA hosted cookies and coffee at Winter Middle School Music Concert, 6 PM, Family Commons
Tuesday, December 17: Upper School Quarterly Coffee, 8 AM, PCR

Parents Association News And Events November 14, 2024

November 14, 2024

Save The Dates! Below is a preview of exciting opportunities for families to build community at MPA this winter. Don’t miss your chance to volunteer, donate, and/or show up for the fun!

January 11-12: Inaugural Panther Classic Middle School Basketball Tournament
Friday, January 24: Family Trivia Night
February 10-13: MPA Book Festival
Thursday, February 13: Lower School Valentine’s Day Parties

More details to come. We look forward to seeing you around school in the coming months! Please email PA@moundsparkacademy.org with any questions.

Upcoming MPA PA Events

Saturday, November 16: LS Rainbow Club Family Fun Day, 2-4 PM, Lakewood Hills Park (White Bear Lake)
Tuesday, November 19: Dr. Hudson’s Book Club, 6:30 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
Friday, November 22: Faculty and Staff Appreciation hosted by Grade 10-12 families

Upper School Division News November 14, 2024

November 14, 2024

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

Sunday, November 17-Saturday, November 23: Fall Campaign
Monday, November 18: US Boys Basketball Parent Meeting, 6-7 PM, Family Commons
Thursday, November 21: Give to the Max Day
Thursday, November 21: Spirit Wear Day
Thursday, November 21: Give to the Max Day Assembly, 2:20-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center
Friday, November 22: US Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
Wednesday, November 27: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break
Thursday, November 28: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break, MPA Campus Closed, Panther Club Closed, PreK Closed
Friday, November 29: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break, MPA Campus Closed, Panther Club Closed, PreK Closed
Wednesday, December 4: Founders’ Day Breakfast, 7-8 AM, Family Commons
Wednesday, December 4: MS/US Parents: Students and Screens, 1:45-3 PM, Recital Hall
Thursday, December 5: US Evening Conferences, 3:30-8 PM

As a student and younger adult, I would often hear people describe themselves as “burning the candle at both ends.” Not knowing what exactly this phrase meant, I found myself politely nodding and doing all I could to change the subject to something I understood better. Fast forward several years, I now clearly understand this phrase, especially as an educator and a parent, and realize that sleep is a crucial component of health and well-being, particularly for teenage students. During adolescence, the body goes through numerous physical and mental changes that require rest and sleep for a young adult (and older adults, too) to function. Research shows that teenagers need about eight to ten hours of sleep each night to support their growth and development. Unfortunately, many students struggle to meet this requirement, especially during the winter months when they often leave for school and return home in darkness.

The consequences of students not having enough sleep can be serious. Studies indicate that sleep deprivation can negatively impact cognitive performance, memory, and attention span. A report published by in July 2023 by the Centers for Disease Control highlights that “students who do not get enough sleep tend to have lower grades, an increased difficulty concentrating in class, and a higher risk for many health problems.” This is particularly alarming, considering that the winter season can exacerbate these issues due to reduced natural light exposure, which can affect mood and energy levels. Read More

Middle School Division News November 14, 2024

November 14, 2024

from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars

Saturday, November 16: MS Tech Day, 9 AM-1 PM, Black Box
Sunday, November 17-Saturday, November 23: Fall Campaign
Thursday, November 21: Give to the Max Day
Thursday, November 21: Spirit Wear Day
Thursday, November 21: Give to the Max Day Assembly, 2:20-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center
Friday, November 22: MS Play “Little Women,” 7-8:30 PM, Black Box
Saturday, November 23: MS Play “Little Women,” 2-3:30 PM, Black Box
Sunday, November 24: MS Play “Little Women,” 2-3:30 PM, Black Box
Wednesday, November 27: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break
Thursday, November 28: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break, MPA Campus Closed, Panther Club Closed, PreK Closed
Friday, November 29: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break, MPA Campus Closed, Panther Club Closed, PreK Closed
Monday, December 2: Class of 2029 Feed Your Mind Dinner, 6-8 PM, Family Commons
Wednesday, December 4: Founders’ Day Breakfast, 7-8 AM, Family Commons
Wednesday, December 4: MS/US Parents: Students and Screens, 1:45-3 PM, Recital Hall

Recently, I attended a talk by Dr. Lisa Damour, a renowned adolescent psychologist and prolific author of books and a podcast that all parents should dig into if they hope to raise resilient, balanced, and joyful kids. Her biggest piece of advice to parents: be a steady presence for your child, especially when they are dealing with stress.

Remember that moment when your child was little and experienced unexpected pain? Think of a skinned knee or bop on the head. They would look at you to see how to react: How bad is it? If you ran over, swooping in to clear the scene, check all of their parts, apply first aid immediately, and discipline anyone within earshot, they would match that with tears and fears of what just happened. But, if you responded with a look of, “It’s okay, you’ve got this!” your child would be able to take a deep breath, assess the situation, and self-regulate their response to the injury. This—self-regulation—builds their resiliency and independence.

Lower School Division News November 14, 2024

November 14, 2024

from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director

Mark Your Calendars

Saturday, November 16: LS PA Rainbow Club Family Fun Day, 2-4 PM, Lakewood Hills Park, White Bear Lake
Sunday, November 17-Saturday, November 23: Fall Campaign
Thursday, November 21: Give to the Max Day
Thursday, November 21: Spirit Wear Day
Thursday, November 21: Give to the Max Day Assembly, 2:20-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center
Wednesday, November 27: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break
Thursday, November 28: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break, MPA Campus Closed, Panther Club Closed, PreK Closed
Friday, November 29: No Classes, Thanksgiving Break, MPA Campus Closed, Panther Club Closed, PreK Closed
Wednesday, December 4: Founders’ Day Breakfast, 7-8 AM, Family Commons

We have had an exciting past few weeks in the Lower School. At the end of October, we celebrated our October birthdays with a special birthday table in the lunchroom and a little gift for each birthday kid. On November 5, the Lower School students gathered in the library to exercise their rights to vote, making their voices heard around non-uniform Fridays. And on Wednesday November 13, the students celebrated a glorious CHAMP assembly and welcomed a special guest as they inquired into Native American Heritage Month. Next week, we have our Give to the Max assembly and two non-uniform days. Please read on for more information!

CHAMP Update: Native American Heritage Month
On Wednesday, November 13, the Lower School students enjoyed inquiring into the indigenous peoples of Minnesota. They learned that the beautiful Dakota name for our state is “Mni Sota Makoce,” or “land where the waters reflect the clouds” in the Dakota language. They learned about our school’s land acknowledgment, well-known Native Americans in the United States, and interesting books on Indigenous Peoples that we can read in our library. We were also honored to welcome MPA parent Patricia Aw-yang, representing the Wahpekute band of the Dakota tribe, as she shared with us the tradition of a jingle dance. What a wonderful way to explore and give reverence to the vast richness of Dakota and Lakota wisdom and traditions! At our next CHAMP assembly on Wednesday, December 11, we will celebrate the CHAMP attribute of inclusion. Please wear your CHAMP shirts! Read More

Igniting Dreams

November 14, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

When I was in middle school, I had a paper route. One advantage to having a paper route was that I had a lot of time to think, and I often dreamed of what I wanted to be when I grew up. I had it down to two options, and as I tossed a paper on each home’s front porch, I alternated between the two: “President, or Pope, President, or Pope…” Like pulling the petals off a daisy, I hoped my future would become clearer with each paper. While my dream was not ultimately realized, I was fortunate to have a number of teachers who encouraged me along the way, igniting other dreams for the future.

As we move through this vibrant season of learning, growth, and discovery, I am asking for your partnership in something truly meaningful: our annual fall giving campaign, taking place from November 17 to November 23. This year, our theme, “Igniting Dreams, One Gift at a Time,” captures our vision and commitment to fostering the potential within each MPA student.

Our theme this year also captures the powerful impact of each individual contribution. Every donation, no matter the size, plays a role in fueling students’ aspirations and helping them achieve their dreams. Each gift acts as a spark, collectively building a foundation of support that enables students to explore their passions, grow academically, and develop into compassionate, engaged individuals.