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Middle School Division News March 7, 2024

March 7, 2024

from Dr. Jenn Milam, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, March 9: iTerm Share Fair, 2:20-3 PM, Family Commons
Monday, March 11-24: No Classes, Spring Break
Monday, March 25: Classes Resume at 8 AM
Friday, April 5: End of Quarter 3
Monday, April 8: Quarter 4 Begins

Middle School has been joyfully wrapped up in i-Term 2024 this week and we are so grateful for all our parents, community, faculty, and staff support to make the week possible!!! You’re invited to join us on Friday, March 8, from 2:15-3 PM, as we host an iTERM SHARE FAIR! Each course prepares a display to showcase what they did together, what they learned, share some new skills, and show off their products!

2024 MPA Spring Auction on April 19
Be on the lookout for information about the 2024 MPA Spring Auction, Together We Can Move Mountains, scheduled for Friday, April 19 at Dellwood Golf Club. This is your chance to attend a night of fun, inspiration, and community building while supporting MPA with fellow parents, alumni, and friends.

SPRING BREAK: Time for REST, BOREDOM, and CONNECTION
As we prepare for the long break ahead, I hope you’ll take time to rest, open spaces for boredom, and reconnect with each other–especially your middle. Our lives can be so hectic, so scheduled, and so centered around “tasks” that we forget to stop, take a break, cook a meal together, and even just watch a movie together. Enjoy your break. We’ll see you March 25.

Upper School Division News March 7, 2024

March 7, 2024

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, March 8: Spring Break Begins at 3 PM
Monday, March 11-24: No Classes, Spring Break
Monday, March 25: Classes Resume at 8 AM
Tuesday, April 2: World Language Final Exams During Scheduled Class Time
Wednesday, April 3: World Language Final Exams During Scheduled Class Time
Thursday, April 4: Science Final Exams, 8:45-10:15 AM
Thursday, April 4: English Final Exams, 12-1:30 PM
Friday, April 5: Math Final Exams, 8:45-10:15 AM
Friday, April 5: Social Studies Final Exams, 12-1:30 PM
Friday, April 5: End of Quarter 3
Monday, April 8: Quarter 4 Begins
Wednesday, April 10: No Classes, Eid al-Fitr
Thursday, April 11: Parents Association Cultural Celebration Day
Saturday, April 13: National ACT Test Date, 8 AM-1 PM, Lansing Sports Center
Thursday, April 18: Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Nicholson Center
Friday, April 19: MPA Spring Auction, 6:30-11 PM, Dellwood Golf Club
Friday, April 26: Spring Musical, The Hello Girls, 7-9 PM, Nicholson Center
Saturday, April 27: Spring Musical, The Hello Girls, 7-9 PM, Nicholson Center
Sunday, April 28: Spring Musical, The Hello Girls, 2-4 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, May 3: Upper School Parent’s Association Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, PCR

Important Information

If your student will be absent, late, or needs to be excused early from school, please reach out to the Upper School office via cwilliams@moundsparkacademy.org.
On Thursday, April 4, and Friday, April 5, there are no regular Upper School classes. There are only final exams these two days. Upper School students may be on campus before and after their final exams, and lunch will be available for those students on the MPA lunch plan
11:20-11:45 AM. Light breakfast and snack items will be available throughout the day to all Upper School students outside of the Upper School office. Please note that Middle and Lower School students will follow their regular class schedule all week and only Upper School has a modified schedule for final exams.
Be on the lookout for information about the 2024 MPA Spring Auction, Together We Can Move Mountains, scheduled for Friday, April 19 at Dellwood Golf Club. This is your chance to attend a night of fun, inspiration, and community building while supporting MPA with fellow parents, alumni, and friends.

High school is one of the best times of a student’s life. Friendships are solidified, passions and future aspirations are explored and realized, and liberties are often earned and granted. High school can also be one of the most dangerous times in a student’s life. Beliefs of invincibility and that rules may not always apply are normal and developmentally in line with their peers. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Although the brain stops growing in size by early adolescence, the prefrontal cortex, responsible for planning, prioritizing, and making good decisions, doesn’t finish developing until an individual is in their mid-to-late 20s.” As someone who works with teenagers in a school setting, this information is confirmed daily.

I share the above information as I met with members of the senior class recently as I learned that the annual game of “Nerf Wars” is staring up again. A version of tag, “Nerf Wars,” involves using high-powered Nerf guns to shoot foam projectiles at other participants. Once a player is hit, they are out of the game. During the games, however, good decision-making is often traded for impulsive actions that can have tragic outcomes. According to an organizer of a Nerf War game at a local high school, “the game includes people flying down alleys, running and jumping into cars, no one is wearing their seat belts, as you have to be ready to go.” Unfortunately, several local students from the Twin Cities metro area have been injured in automobile accidents in recent years, and in 2015 two high school students from Lakeville died when their car crashed while playing the game. Dangers also exist as some participants “go into stealth mode” by dressing in black and sneaking around at nighttime in neighborhoods that they are not familiar with or where people are unaware of the game. Unaware neighbors have been known to call the police, scared that there are people lurking around their homes, and police officers have shown up with guns drawn to address the situation.

I shared with the seniors that we care about them and implore them to make good choices and to be safe if they decide to participate. It is also important to pass this information to you, and the adults in their lives, as I am sure that this game is not limited to only members of the senior class and want to make you aware of the possibility of your child participating.

As we head off into Spring Break, I hope your families find time to rest, refresh, and spend time together. I look forward to seeing you on campus soon.

MPA Sailing: All Are Welcome, Grades 7-12!

March 7, 2024

from Parker Ziegler, team captain

The MPA sailing team is genuinely for anyone, from first-time sailors to national competitors. Although we have plenty of practice time (3:30-6:30 PM Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays), we’re about flexibility, not just competition. Although it’s encouraged to attend all the practices and then regattas on Saturdays, it’s not required. “In my first years, I was hesitant about all the practices and had very little experience, but over the years, the sailing team allowed me to find close friendships and improve my sailing skills, and now I can’t wait to get on the water,” said MPA sailor, Alex Bixby ’25. Read More

I’m Grateful For All Of It

March 7, 2024

Save The Date: Retirement Celebration, May 30

Mr. Scott Wilson has shared that he will retire at the end of the 2023-24 school year after 24 years of teaching in Lower School at MPA. He said, “My time at MPA has given me immeasurable special moments and allowed me to be part of an incredible group of professional teachers and staff, both past and present. I am so very thankful for the community of families and their students who have passed through my classrooms. I am honored to have been a part of their educational experience. I will miss the opportunities for comradery and collaboration with my fellow faculty, the spirit of MPA’s mission, and the opportunities to witness the joy of learning. The past 24 years have been quite a ride! I am grateful for all of it.” Read More

The Why Behind i-Term

March 7, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

This week marks an exciting time for Middle School students as they eagerly dive into i-Term, a unique enrichment experience at MPA that embodies our mission of independent thinking and joyful learning. i-Term provides students in grades five through eight with the opportunity to engage in a week-long exploration of their passions and interests far beyond the traditional classroom setting.

Through inquiry-based, experiential learning, students participate in Project-Based Learning (PBL) courses that not only deepen their understanding of a subject but also expose them to new ways of thinking and being in the world. While participation in i-Term is required, students have the freedom to choose a course that aligns with their interests and goals. This year’s offerings include a diverse range of experiences such as Survivor MPA, Woodworking, French Immersion Trip to Quebec, PlaMo Build-A-Thon, and Director’s Cut Filmmaking.

PBL has emerged as a powerful educational approach that engages students in hands-on, real-world projects, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and preparing them for success in the 21st-century workforce. PBL enhances student engagement and motivation by allowing them to work on projects that are personally meaningful and relevant to their lives. This autonomy and choice give students a sense of ownership over their learning. For example, the idea for Survivor MPA originated from a conversation between Middle School music teacher Michael Claver and sixth grader Sam, both fans of the TV show Survivor, who together brainstormed how to adapt it into an i-Term class. Read More

Students Recognized During Youth Art Month

February 29, 2024

Representing MPA, 10 talented students will have their work displayed as part of the Art Educators of Minnesota Youth Art Month. The creations will be displayed at the Faribault’s Paradise Center for the Arts.

Two of our students also won awards within their division levels. Elena M-S. won first place for the middle level, and Peyton won third place for the elementary level!

The other students featured are Rose, Maddy, Maddie, Sophia S., Harper S., Cosmo Vanzyl ’26, Teagan Swanson ’24, and Zephyr Bulera ’24.

Youth Art Month was started in 1961 by the Council for Art Education. The art will be displayed until April 6 in the Carlander Gallery. Congratulations to our incredible artists and for MPA’s dedication to the fine arts!

Athletics’ Role In MPA’s Mission

February 29, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

If you are active on Facebook and Instagram, you have probably seen the news that Delaney Cunnington was the state champion in gymnastics. Congratulations, Delaney! We are incredibly proud of you. Delaney’s success is a testament to her dedication and hard work, as she has spent countless hours practicing and demonstrating exceptional discipline.

You may be surprised to learn that MPA has a gymnastics team. We are fortunate to have established a cooperative agreement with Cretin-Derham Hall and Minnehaha Academy, allowing the three schools to field a gymnastics team. Cooperative teams are becoming more common and enable schools to offer sports that they might not be able to sustain individually. At MPA, students benefit from several cooperative agreements designed to provide opportunities for athletic competition while still benefiting from our rigorous college preparatory curriculum. MPA has 20 cooperative teams, including hockey, golf, and more.

MPA is proud to offer 43 competitive sports for grades 5-12, a significant number for a school of our size. Most schools our size offer 12-15 athletic programs. Programs such as tennis, golf, alpine, nordic, gymnastics, and lacrosse are programs that other schools do not offer. Our athletes and teams have achieved 11 team state championships and 27 individual state championships. Furthermore, 69% of Upper School students participate in sports.

While larger schools may have a larger pool of student-athletes and more competitive teams, there are advantages to being a small school. Regardless of the school’s size, only five players start in basketball and 11 in soccer. At MPA, student-athletes are more likely to have playing time, participate in practice, and have fun, all contributing to a fulfilling athletic experience.

A key aspect of the MPA athletic program is our no-cut policy, which allows all students to participate in a sport, no matter their ability. While this policy does not guarantee equal playing time, especially at the varsity level, it does provide opportunities for students to enjoy the sport, develop their skills, and be part of a team. Our no-cut policy promotes inclusion and sportsmanship and creates lasting memories for our students.

Delaney Cunnington Wins State Title

February 29, 2024

It was a whirlwind week for MPA’s Delaney Cunnington ’25. After qualifying for the Class AA State Gymnastics Tournament as an individual and also helping the Cretin/MPA/Minnehaha Gymnastics team to a team state berth, the state took notice.

Rightfully so, as Delaney became the 27th individual state champion in MPA history, winning the Class AA individual title on the uneven bars via her score of 9.727 at Roy Wilkins Auditorium.

“I’ve put in a lot of time and a lot of effort, so it’s really fun to see it pay off and feel accomplished about it,” Delaney said.

Before getting to that point, Delaney, the Cretin/MPA/Minnehaha team, and her mother, Carrie, took center stage as the Star Tribune featured all three. Carrie was highlighted for her contribution to the team’s coaching staff. When faced with a lack of coaches, Carrie recruited former Gophers gymnast Jonda Hughes and a former Level 10 club gymnast Anja Mundahl to help fill out the Cretin/MPA/Minnehaha coaching roster.

Delaney did her part to earn the feature, helping recruit a former teammate to join the team previously before helping secure the individual and team state berths. Delaney won the Section 7AA meet’s around title with a career-high 38.2. She also won on the bar, beam, and floor routine during the section meet.

The attention brought some pressure to the gymnastics co-op, with the team preparing for the upcoming state meet. “That pressure shifted into motivation,” Delaney said.

Cretin/MPA/Minnehaha Gymnasts Featured For Strong Season

February 23, 2024

The Cretin/MPA/Minnehaha gymnastics team was featured in the Star Tribune today for its recent success, which includes a berth to the state meet. MPA’s Delaney Cunnington ’25 and her mom, Carrie, both played critical roles in the strong season!

When faced with a lack of coaches, Carrie recruited former Gophers gymnast Jonda Hughes and a former Level 10 club gymnast, Anja Mundahl, to help fill out the Cretin/MPA/Minnehaha coaching roster. Delaney handled the competition side of things, recruiting another top athlete to the team and then winning the all-around title with a career-high 38.2. She also won on the bar, beam, and floor routine during the section meet.

With the people in place to help the program excel, the motto has stayed simple to keep moving forward, Delaney said.

“Give it your all, have fun. That’s kind of it. It’s all we do,”

The state competitions are Friday and Saturday at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium. Please join us in wishing Delaney and the rest of the Cretin/MPA/Minnehaha team the best of luck this weekend. Go Panthers!

Congratulations To MPA’s National Merit Finalists!

February 23, 2024

Congratulations to seniors Zain Ali, Maggie Banks-Hehenberger, Ian Frankel, Miles Niemeyer, and Soumya Raman, who recently were named National Merit Finalists! These seniors entered the competition based on their PSAT performance in the fall of their junior year—earning scores that placed them in the top 16,000 students nationally of the 1.3 million students tested at more than 21,000 high schools. Finalists are eligible to be awarded National Merit Scholarships later this spring, which could come from their chosen college or university, a participating corporate sponsor, or the National Merit Scholarship Corporation itself.