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Middle School Division News May 2, 2024

May 2, 2024

from Jenn Milam, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars

Thursday, May 2: MS Family Dinner, 5:15-6 PM, Family Commons
Thursday, May 2: Grades 4-8 Transition Meetings, 6-6:45 PM
Thursday, May 2: MS Vocal Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, May 3: Connect With MPA’s New Middle School Director, 8:15 AM, Library
Friday, May 3: New Family Panther Party, 4-5:30 PM
Friday, May 3: PreK-12 After School Library Hours, 4-5:30 PM, Library
Monday, May 6: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, 2-3 PM, Library
Tuesday, May 7: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, Alumni, & Parents of Alumni, 11 AM-12 PM, Zoom, see email for link to join
Wednesday, May 8: MS Grade 5 Service Trip, 8:30-11:30 AM, Off Campus
Wednesday, May 8: MS/US Orchestra Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
Thursday, May 9: MS Grade 5/6 BIPOC Affinity Group, 2:20-3 PM, Panther Center
Thursday, May 9: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, 2-3 PM, Library
Friday, May 10: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, Alumni, & Parents of Alumni, 11 AM-12 PM, Zoom, see email for link to join
Friday, May 10: MS Grade 7/8 Dance, 7-9 PM, Family Commons
Wednesday, May 15: MS Grade 7/8 BIPOC Affinity Group, 2:20-3 PM, Panther Center
Thursday, May 16: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, 2-3 PM, Library
Thursday, May 16: MS/US Band Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, May 17: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, Alumni, & Parents of Alumni, 11 AM-12 PM, Zoom, see email for link to join
Monday, May 20-24: MS Grade 7 Washington D.C. Trip
Thursday, May 23: MS Grade 5 Inventor’s Fair, 2:20-3 PM, Family Commons
Thursday, May 23: MS Grade 5/6 BIPOC Affinity Group, 2:20-3 PM, Panther Center
Friday, May 24: Senior Walk, 1-1:45 PM, South Entrance
Monday, May 27: No Classes, Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 28: MS Field Day, 12:30-3 PM, Soccer Fields, South Lawn
Thursday, May 30: MS Grade 7/8 BIPOC Affinity Group, 2:20-3 PM, Panther Center
Thursday, May 30: Retirement Gathering, 4-6 PM, Library
Friday, May 31: MS Grades 5/6 Canoe Trip, 8-3 PM
Friday, May 31: MS Grades 7/8 Valleyfair Trip, 8-3 PM, Valleyfair
Monday, June 3: MS/US End of Quarter 4
Monday, June 3: LS/MS Grades 4 and 8 Moving Up Ceremony, 1:30-3 PM, Nicholson Center
Tuesday, June 4: Last Day of School, All School Yearbook Assembly and Signing, 8-10:30 AM

Happy May! I hope you’re marking your calendars and looking forward to a great end to this school year!

Spring Sports: Calendars, Cancellations, and Coordinating Schedules!
Spring sports seasons are upon us and schedules can be very fluid, depending on the weather. Please know that we, along with the Athletic Department, do our best to avoid last-minute cancellations of games and practices, but sometimes they cannot be avoided. Please bookmark the MPA Athletics website on your phone and check the weekly athletic schedule regularly to plan and organize your family activities. Additionally, please ensure that Dawn Zimmerman has your most current contact information to be in touch as needed. You can reach her at dzimmerman@moundsparkacademy.org.

Middle School Dinner + Transition Meeting Tonight!
Please plan to join us tonight (Thursday!) for our Rising Grade Level meetings and Middle School Vocal Concert. This is an exciting evening when we share a meal, offer insight for you and your student about next year, our new schedule, class trips, and more. Our evening will begin with dinner at 5 PM, transition meetings at 6 PM, and then our concert at 7 PM. We hope you’ll join us for all (or part!) of our evening.

SAGE and Chef Chris are making pizza/flatbread, salad, and dessert, as well as allergy-friendly options. If you missed sending an RSVP by the deadline last week, you’re welcome to bring food from home/take-out and join us in the Family Commons for fun and fellowship. We cannot add families/students to SAGE dinner service at this time.

NOTE: Rising Upper School parents will meet with Mr. Segal and Mr. Dean, Upper School Director and Assistant Director, respectively, in the Upper School Commons. It’s another great opportunity to learn what’s ahead!

Special Guest: Mr. Errickson, MPA’s Next Middle School Director
Mr. Errickson will be in Minnesota for a short visit on May 2 and 3. He will join us for our Middle School dinner, transition meetings, and performance on May 2, and we will host a coffee gathering on Friday morning, May 3. We hope you’ll join us in welcoming Mr. Errickson to MPA!

Attention: All Eighth Grade Parents! Moving Up Ceremony And Slideshow!
We are beginning our planning for the Moving-Up Ceremony on Monday, June 3, 1:30 PM. Please mark your calendars now for this special occasion to celebrate our eighth-grade class and to welcome our newest Middle School classmates from Lower School.

All parents and families of our grade eight students are asked to submit three photos of their student to be shared in the slideshow! All eighth-grade students will have photos included and this is your chance to celebrate your amazing kid.

Please send three photos to Christine Larson (chrisandmatt@hotmail.com) at your earliest convenience. The three photos should include one of each of the following:

one from when they were young,
one that captures their passion and personality, and
one from Middle School with their friends

The sooner you send these, the sooner we can begin putting together the most amazing keepsake slideshow!

NOTE: The Passion Project Showcase will immediately precede the Moving-Up Ceremony on the same day, at 1 PM. Please save the date/time on your calendars now–the end of the year will be here before you know it!

Upper School Division News May 2, 2024

May 2, 2024

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, May 3: US Parent Quarterly Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, PCR
Friday, May 3: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Room 150-151
Friday, May 3: New Family Panther Party, 4-5:30 PM
Friday, May 3: PreK-12 After School Library Hours, 4-5:30 PM, Library
Saturday, May 4: US Prom, 8-11 PM, American Swedish Institute
Monday, May 6: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, 2-3 PM, Library
Tuesday, May 7: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, Alumni, & Parents of Alumni, 11 AM-12 PM, Zoom, see email for link to join
Tuesday, May 7: US Speech Showcase, 7-9 PM, MPA Campus
Wednesday, May 8: MS/US Orchestra Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
Thursday, May 9: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, 2-3 PM, Library
Friday, May 10: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, Alumni, & Parents of Alumni, 11 AM-12 PM, Zoom, see email for link to join
Friday, May 10: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Room 150-151
Thursday, May 16: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, 2-3 PM, Library
Thursday, May 16: MS/US Band Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, May 17: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, Alumni, & Parents of Alumni, 11 AM-12 PM, Zoom, see email for link to join
Friday, May 17: Class of 2024 Last Day of Classes
Friday, May 17: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Room 150-151
Friday, May 17: US Robotics Season-End Banquet, 3-7 PM, Family Commons
Wednesday, May 22: US Choral Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, May 24: US Senior Class Meeting, 8-9 AM, Recital Hall
Friday, May 24: Senior Performances, 10 AM, Recital Hall
Friday, May 24: US Senior Lunch and Alumni Panel, 11 AM-1 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, May 24: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Room 150-151
Friday, May 24: Senior Walk, 1-1:45 PM, South Entrance
Friday, May 24: Upper School Awards Assembly, 1:45-3 PM, Nicholson Center
Monday, May 27: No Classes, Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 28: US World Language Finals
Tuesday, May 28: US Senior Service Fair, 1-4 PM, McKeown Track
Wednesday, May 29: US World Language Finals
Wednesday, May 29: LS/US Grade 4 Introduction to the Instruments Concert, 10:30-11:20 AM, Panther Center
Wednesday, May 29: Madrigal Singers Auditions, 3-6 PM, Recital Hall
Thursday, May 30: Retirement Gathering, 4-6 PM, Library
Friday, May 31: US Math Finals
Friday, May 31: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Room 150-151
Friday, May 31: US English Finals, 12-1:30 PM
Monday, June 3: MS/US End of Quarter
Monday, June 3: US Science Finals, 8:45-10:15 AM
Monday, June 3: US Social Studies Finals, 12-1:30 PM
Tuesday, June 4: Last Day of School, All School Yearbook Assembly and Signing, 8-10:30 AM
Wednesday, June 5: US Senior Dinner, 6-8 PM, Dellwood Country Club
Friday, June 7: Madrigal and Concert Choir Rehearsal, 10-11 AM, Nicholson Center
Friday, June 7: US Mandatory Commencement Rehearsal, 11 AM-1 PM, Nicholson Center
Saturday, June 8: US Commencement, 6-7 PM, Nicholson Center

As seniors prepare for the end of the school year and their transition into adulthood, they (and their families) face a whirlwind of emotions. The American Psychological Association shares that, “while excitement about newfound independence and future opportunities can be exhilarating, it’s often accompanied by stress and anxiety.” The pressure to make significant life decisions about careers, relationships, and college can feel overwhelming. Psychologists, however, emphasize the importance of establishing and using coping mechanisms like mindfulness, self-reflection, and seeking the support of trusted adults and peers.

Yesterday was a day where members of the Class of 2024 may have felt additional pressure. The College Counseling department hosted their annual celebration for the graduating class as most of the students made their college selections “official.” Even though a small number of students have yet to make their final decision because of a delay in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and extended deadlines, it was tremendous to see the class’ interaction with and reliance upon one another as they worked through this stressful time of their lives. Educational psychologist Erik Erikson suggests that, “working through decisions is crucial for adolescents to develop a sense of self and purpose.” As they work to decide, students (and their families) grapple with questions about their values, beliefs, and aspirations which help shape their identities for the future. Read More

There Is An Increasing Anxiety In U

May 2, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

I’ve been an educator for over thirty years and have accompanied countless students and parents through the college search process. I’ve written numerous college recommendations. I’ve been the head of two college preparatory schools for 12 years. But when it matters most, accompanying my own daughter, I give myself a failing grade. Well, maybe a D. Yet my daughter succeeded largely because of her own initiative (for which I credit her middle school years at MPA). Many times throughout the last three years, I wished she could have benefitted from the outstanding college counseling program at MPA.

Yesterday, our PreK-12 school celebrated College Choice Day, and joined together to revel in the success of our seniors in gaining admission to their “right-fit” college or university. We purposely avoid celebrating the particular school they chose as much as we celebrate the culmination of a thoughtful process that resulted in a match of each individual student’s interests, abilities, and aspirations and provides opportunities for further growth and accomplishments. I am extremely proud of our seniors and their choices.

There seems to be an increasing anxiety in U.S. culture around the college search process, driven in part by an inflated importance of attending the “best” college instead of the “right-fit” college. The best fit for one student is not the right fit for the next, even among high-achieving, academically strong, and otherwise talented students. In his book, “Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be: An Antidote to the College Admissions Mania,” author and former New York Times columnist Frank Bruni attempts to refocus the college search process. Bruni hopes to “restore the excitement of going off to college, which should be a time for taking intellectual and social chances, for finding or confirming a passion, and for discovering yourself,” rather than getting caught up with getting into the colleges and universities perceived as elite.

The mission of the MPA College Counseling Office is to provide information, structure, and attention to each class as a whole, as well as to each student individually. We share a common goal—a college choice that fits each child well and provides opportunities for further growth and accomplishments. Our integrated and multi-faceted approach includes our seminar and advisory programs, individual student and family meetings, special speakers and events, test-prep resources, and practice test opportunities.

Like our approach to education, the college admissions selection process at MPA is grounded in the whole child. College selection is driven by a student’s unique set of interests, preferences, and aspirations. Students also explore their own learning styles, personality, and ideas about career possibilities. Just as MPA balances arts, academics, and athletics, we encourage our students to strive for academic excellence and become well-rounded individuals through artistic pursuits and extra-curricular involvement.

Carefully considering each student’s individual interests, priorities, and aspirations and balancing that with the current college admission landscape takes time and reflection. With this in mind, students are led through a personalized and thoughtfully designed curriculum that starts in ninth grade and continues through junior and senior years. In each grade, MPA integrates developmentally appropriate elements of career exploration and college counseling through our advisory program and seminar programs, mindful of where the students are on their educational journey.

I often wish that I had access to the college counseling available at MPA when I was in high school. It was clear that my parents expected me to go to college, but I lacked the support at home or at school to engage in the kind of search afforded to students at MPA. In retrospect, I enjoyed a solid undergraduate education complete with incredible opportunities to grow and discover who I am, my strengths, and my passions. I was fortunate. I “fell into” my college rather than embracing a choice after a thoughtful and deliberate process.

According to the American School Counselor Association, the national student-to-school counselor ratio in 2022-23 was 1:385. The National Association for College Admission Counseling reports that of the many responsibilities of high school counselors, post-secondary admission counseling accounts for only 22% of their time. At MPA, students benefit from two full-time college counselors whose sole responsibility is advising and guiding students through the college search, application, admission, and selection process.

I want to encourage you to shake off any anxiety you may have about college admissions: you’re already well positioned for the college search adventure by having your child attend MPA. With the wisdom, experience, and guidance of our faculty and our outstanding college counselors, the college search can indeed be an exciting opportunity to dream big and do right, to embrace their individual interests and talents, and to become the people they are meant to be.

To see photos from College Choice Day, click here.

History Day Success

April 25, 2024

Congratulations to tenth graders Nom-Ujin Byambatsogt and Cosmo Vanzyl, who participated in the annual History Day state competition over the weekend! Out of hundreds of submissions, Cosmo received fourth place and Nom-Ujin received seventh! Picking a different theme each year, this edition of History Day settled on “Turning Points in History,” where students nationwide select a topic to research. Following the decision on the subject, students entering the event must pick different formats, including a 1500-2500-word research paper, a 500-word exhibit, a 10-minute documentary, a website, or a 10-minute performance.

“I have all my tenth-grade students write the research paper in the fall, and they have the option of whether or not they want to participate in the History Day competition,” said Summer McCall, teacher and longtime supporter of the event.

Deciding to enter and advancing to state on April 20, Cosmo and Nom-Ujin were interviewed by four judges about each of their papers before hearing about their top-10 placements. Despite barely missing out on trips to nationals, with only the top two moving on, McCall had some encouraging words for what Cosmo and Nom-Ujin had accomplished.

“The organizers at History Day said the kids competing at the competition represented the top six percent of the competitors in the state,” McCall said. “Super cool and so fun to represent our school in that way.”

State Champions!

April 25, 2024

Tanner Sunderman, coach of the Mounds Park Academy speech team, may have gotten a peek behind the curtain at what the competition thinks of the school’s ability.

“I had a Mounds Park competitor in my round… those kids are machines,” Tanner overheard.

The comment did not come without warrant as the machine marched on with the Panthers claiming another speech team title, defending its championship from 2023 during the Class A state competition this weekend in Shakopee. The championship was the third in the team’s last four years. With 53 team points in the event to edge out Melrose Area, MPA now owns the top three spots for the highest team total in Class A history. MPA also now sits third all-time in Minnesota history with 49 total state individual champions, behind Apple Valley and Eagan, and fifth overall with 203 state medalists. Of every team in the state, MPA qualified more students than anyone else, with 21. Nine of those students advanced to the final round, and six others finished in ninth place or were tie-broken from the final round.

The state champions from MPA were Paul Fertig (Extemporaneous Speaking) and Pahwa Yang (Prose). Pahwa successfully defended her individual title and scored straight 1s (perfect scores) in the final round. Runner-ups include Akshay Somayajula (second, Great Speeches), Zainab Lodhi (second, Informative), and Annika Binstadt (second, Poetry). Nico Bergh (Humorous), Rowan Mulrooney (Informative), Zoya Nayak (Oratory), Nabila Artan (Oratory), Lucy Mayer (Poetry), and Maggie Banks (Storytelling) all finished in ninth place or were tie-broken from the final round. Finalists include Ash Klann (sixth, Oratory), Mina Kim (sixth, Great Speeches), Greta Hanson (fifth, Prose), Amal Sastry (third, Extemporaneous Speaking). Pahwa and Akshay earned their third medal overall, Greta and Amal earned their second, and Ash, Mina, Zainab, and Annika earned their first.

The MPA machine now moves on to their final two tournaments of the year: The NIETOC National Tournament in Bellevue, Nebraska, in May and the NSDA National Tournament in Des Moines, Iowa, in June.

Aviate. Navigate. Communicate.

April 25, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

In the early days of flight training, pilots learn an important lesson: “Aviate. Navigate. Communicate.” This is a mantra used to teach pilots a hierarchy of tasks to be followed in order of priority during flight operations, especially in emergency or high-workload situations. When I first heard this phrase, it occurred to me that it is not unlike the guiding principles of emergency preparedness at MPA—focusing on ensuring safety, understanding the situation, and maintaining clear communication.

“Aviate” prioritizes safety and stability and translates to securing the immediate safety of students and staff. It means taking immediate action to protect everyone from harm. Once safety is secured, the next step is to “Navigate,” assess the situation and navigate through the emergency. This involves understanding the nature of the emergency, its scale, and potential impacts. It requires activating the school’s emergency response plan, determining the best course of action, and making decisions based on the information available at the time. It is crucial to “Communicate” in a crisis to inform and coordinate so that community members (including parents) are clear about what is happening and what needs to be done to manage the situation effectively, reduce panic, and enable a coordinated response.

Successfully managing a crisis or emergency requires a structured approach, ensuring that the most critical elements are addressed in a sequence that prioritizes safety, efficient response, and effective communication. This was put to the test this week when two wholly unrelated medical incidents occurred within 24 hours. I must say that this is highly unusual, and it is the first time in my over 30 years of experience that it has occurred. I’d like to provide some context and walk you through our response. Read More

Together, We Moved Mountains

April 24, 2024

Thank you to everyone who helped to make the MPA 2024 Spring Auction: Together We Can Move Mountains a resounding success. Because of our community’s generosity, we raised $362,194, including $198,969 for this year’s Fund A Need, The Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning. These donations are an amazing jump start on our overall project need.

Perhaps most importantly, the auction built upon the connections within our community and celebrated all that we have accomplished so far this year. Thank you to our speakers, donors, sponsors, attendees, and volunteers. We couldn’t have done it without each one of you.

Congratulations to our auction item winners, including Tom and Cari Simonson—this year’s Golden Ticket winners!

To learn more about the auction, The Center for Inclusive Teaching & Learning, or to make a gift, please contact Jennifer Rogers-Petitt, director of development and community engagement, at jrogers@moundsparkacademy.org. To see all of the photos from the evening, click here.

Summer Strength Opportunities

April 18, 2024

Ready to boost your child’s fitness and skills this summer? Look no further than our Panther Speed and Strength Programs and Fitness Foundations, all guided by the expertise of MPA Strength Coach Sean Ryther!

Panther Speed and Strength Programs
Want your child to excel in sports or simply enhance their physical abilities? Our 7-week sessions, running from June 11 to August 1, are designed for incoming grade 9-12 students (Session 1) and incoming grades 6-8 students (Session 2). Held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, these programs focus on agility, speed, endurance, and strength development. Led by Coach Ryther, they provide a supportive and dynamic environment where your child can improve their performance, boost their confidence, and foster a lifelong love for fitness.

Session 1: Incoming 9-12th graders. Register here!
Session 2: Incoming 6-8th graders. Register here!

Fitness Foundations Program
Building a solid fitness foundation is crucial for long-term health. Our 7-week session, also from June 11 to August 1, is tailored for incoming grade 3-5 students. Held on Tuesday and Thursday, this program introduces fundamental movement skills, enhances coordination, and promotes an active lifestyle. Under Coach Ryther’s guidance, your child will engage in fun and age-appropriate activities, setting them on the path to a healthier, happier life. Register here!

See photos from last year here!

Let’s champion the next generation of healthy, active Panthers together! #PantherPride #MPAStrong #YouthFitness

Support MPA From Home This Weekend

April 18, 2024

While we wish everyone could join us for the MPA Spring Auction: Together We Can Move Mountains event this year, we’re happy that every supporter can join in from afar!

Thanks to the generosity of our community, we have nearly 200 auction packages for you to bid on and win, even if you can’t join us in person. The silent auction opened earlier this week and will remain open until Saturday, April 20, at noon. Check out our “buy it now” option on some of our most popular packages.

Visit the Silent Auction Page.
Click Login/Register. Create a new account if you have yet to be a part of our auction in the past or log in if you have!
Save, bid, and win amazing items, all while supporting MPA students and teachers.

Learn more about this year’s auction, including purchasing one of our Golden Tickets, which will be drawn on Friday night. You could be the winner of the live auction package of your choice. You don’t need to be present to win!

For questions, contact Jennifer Rogers-Petitt, director of development and community engagement, at jrogers@moundsparkacademy.org.

Parents Association News And Events April 18, 2024

April 18, 2024

Get Your MPA Merch
On April 18 and 20 at the track meets, and on May 3 at Panther Party for new MPA families, you’ll be able to purchase these outstanding items.

Track Meet Concessions
The Parents Association is excited to support Athletics as MPA hosts its very own track meets this spring! MPA has not been able to host home track meets because of the condition of our track. Thanks to our generous community, we raised funds, and it was resurfaced last summer! We are hosting two track meets this spring: Varsity on Thursday, April 18 and Middle School on Saturday, April 20.

Please consider donating items for our concessions stand: sport drinks, fruits, and snacks are on the wish list. Athletes need fuel to race! Offering concessions is a standard at other meets and an opportunity to serve everyone in attendance. If you are coming to watch your athlete, we’d appreciate your help staffing the sales tables. Click here to donate items or your time. If you have any questions, please reach out to Christine Larson at 612-251-1156 or clarsonPA@moundsparkacademy.org. Thanks in advance for your support of Panther athletes!

Lower School Parent Quarterly Coffee: Tuesday, April 30, 8-9 AM, Library
Stop by for coffee for a chance to meet and greet before summer break!

Thursday, May 2 In Middle School

5:15 PM Family Dinner, Family Commons
6 PM MS Transition Meetings for Grades 4-8
7 PM MS Vocal Concert

Join us for a MS pre-Concert Family Dinner! Grades 4-8 are invited along with families. We’ll have pizza and flatbreads, salad, and dessert from Sage, including allergy-friendly options. Please RSVP by Venmo: send $5 per person to Molly Oliver, @Molly-Oliver-7 (last four digits 4533). Be sure to note your student/family and any allergies. The deadline for RSVPs is April 27.

Upper School Parent Quarterly Coffee: Friday, May 3, 8-9:30 AM, Porter Conference Room
Joining us will be representatives of Vanke Meisha Academy (VMA), a Chinese international school located in Shenzhen, China with whom MPA has established a formal partnership. Learn more about the partnership between the two schools, share information about MPA through the lens of a parent, and gather details about the education system in China. Coffee and pastries will be served. Read More