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Middle School Division News May 18, 2023

May 18, 2023

from Jenn Milam, Middle School director

Important Dates and Upcoming Events

May 22-26: Washington DC, Grade 7 Trip
May 26: No Classes, Teacher Professional Development Day
May 29: No Classes, Memorial Day
May 31: Middle School Track and Field Day, 8:15-11:15 AM
- Inventor’s Fair (Grade 5), 2:20-3 PM
June 2: 5/6 Canoeing Adventure
- 7/8 Valley Fair Performance and Fun Day
June 3: MPA Commencement 2023
June 6: Passion Project Showcase, 1 PM
Middle School Moving-Up Ceremony, 2 PM
June 7: Last Day of School
- Early Dismissal, 10:15 AM

When you receive this issue of News and Notes, there will be 11 and 1/3 days remaining in our 2023-2024 school year! It’s been an amazing year with lots of growth, lots of fun, and plenty of JOY! I hope you’re enjoying all the performances, opportunities to be with us, and are looking forward to a great summer with your family. When someone told me some time ago, “the days are long, but the years go fast,” I didn’t really grasp that meaning – but boy, were they right! This year has flown by, and as a mom of high schoolers, it feels like each year gets a little faster.

Make sure to slow down, savor the sunshine, be present in that last ball game or performance, take in all the smells, the sounds, the sight of your growing young person—before you know it, they’ll be taller than you, and on their way to their next big adventure!

CLASS of 2029—Washington DC Trip–Early Bird Registration Extended to May 19!
All students currently in sixth grade who wish to travel to Washington DC next year (May 2024) should visit the World Strides website and get registered ASAP! If you register and put down your $49 deposit by Friday, an EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT of $125 will be applied to your trip cost! Payment plans are flexible and available.

Please also refer to the email sent for more details, trip number and informational meeting recording! If you have questions, please reach out to Dr. Jenn Milam (jmilam@moundsparkacademy.org).

NOTE: This is the last extension of the early registration discount—please take advantage and get registered! This trip is meant to be for the entire class, so please consider registering and sending your student on this amazing experience. Read More

Upper School Division News May 18, 2023

May 18, 2023

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Looking Ahead

May 19: Class of 2023 Last Day of Classes
May 24: Upper School Vocal Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center
May 25: Senior Performances, 10-11:30 AM, Recital Hall
- Senior Walk, 1-1:45 PM, MPA Campus
- Upper School Awards Assembly, 1:45-3 PM, Nicholson Center
- MPA Retirement Gathering, 4-6:30 PM, Family Commons
May 26: No Classes, Professional Development
May 29: No Classes, Memorial Day
May 30: Upper School Service-Con, 1-4 PM, MPA Indoor Track
May 31: Class of 2023 Senior Dinner, 6:30 PM, Off Campus
June 1: World Language Final Exams, During World Language Classes
June 2: World Language Final Exams, During World Language Classes
- Class of 2023 MANDATORY Graduation Rehearsal, 11 AM-12:30 PM, Nicholson Center
June 3: Commencement, 6 PM, Nicholson Center
June 5: English Final Exams, 8:45–10:15 AM, Locations TBD
- Math Final Exams, 12-1 PM, Locations TBD
June 6: End of Quarter 4/Semester 2
- Social Studies Final Exams, 8:45-10:15 AM, Locations TBD
- Science Final Exams, 12-1 PM, Locations TBD
June 7: Last Day of School
- Yearbook Assembly, 8:15 AM, Nicholson Center
- Dismissal, 10:15 AM

It is hard to believe that the 2022 – 2023 school year is coming to an end. Students in grades PK-11 have 11 class days left before their summer vacations begin. The Class of 2023, however, has their last day of classes tomorrow (May 19). Thirteen years of schooling will draw to a ceremonious close when they, as a group, pull down the boldly written #1 which hangs in the Upper School Commons. Each afternoon the senior class gathers at the end of the day to pull down the handwritten numbers 10 to 1 as they countdown their last days on campus. The emotion expressed and cohesion shown by the group is a joy to witness as they celebrate one of the MPA Rites of Passage as the soon to be graduating class.

The US Center for Disease Control shares that, “school connectedness has long-lasting effects on (students’) health and well-being.” The trusting relationships built between the 60 members of the Class of 2023 have been critical in their emotional educational journeys. They have laughed, danced, played sports, debated, shared stories, and grown together as young adults during their high school years. They have also openly welcomed and accepted new students into their Class and have appreciated the new perspective each brings to the fabric of this special group. The members of the Class of 2023 have experienced so much over their upper school career. Each time a new challenge was presented to them, they rallied around and leaned into each other and kept moving forward.

The next two weeks will be ones of self-discovery for this special class. They will complete assignments and work on their Senior Service Projects for Service-Con—the final items are due before they cross the stage to receive their diplomas on June 3. Thankfully, there is still time for the community to be with them before their special day. You are invited to attend the annual Senior Walk and the Upper School Awards Assembly on Thursday, May 25, and Service-Con on Tuesday, May 30. These events will allow us to publicly recognize the Class of 2023 and witness the impact they have had and legacy they will leave behind. Read More

College Athlete Celebration Day

May 18, 2023

This Monday was an exciting day for Class of 2023 student-athletes and their families! Fifteen members of the class are moving on to participate in college athletics—that’s 25%! The entire Upper School student body gathered in the Lansing Sports Center to celebrate their selections and wish them well. Go Panthers! For the full album of photos, click here.

Congratulations to the following Class of 2023 student-athletes!

Alex Appleton: Rowing at Bates College
Kensi Binstadt: Track at Pomona College
Cameron Collister: Cross Country and Track at Whitman College
Audrey Jakway: Basketball at Haverford College
Owen Lafferty: Track at Macalester College
Nicholas Larson: Track and Cross Country at Colgate University
Michael Mairs: Tennis at St. Olaf College
Gabriel Messner: Rowing at University of Edinburgh
Zoe Mulvihill: Track at Amherst College
Lola Pilon: Volleyball and Softball at Augsburg University
Andrew Platz: Baseball at Hamline University
Freya Rahm: Tennis at Oberlin College
Henry Seum: Sailing at Jacksonville University
Siri Springer: Softball at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Annabelle Vale: Swimming at Grinnell College

Parents Association News & Events May 18, 2023

May 18, 2023

Voting for Next Year’s PA Board Members
Watch for the ballot in next week’s Panther Post.

End of Year Grade Events
The end of the year is coming soon! Watch your email for all the details from your grade representative.

Pre-K: Details coming soon
Kindergarten: Wednesday, June 7, 11 AM-12:30 PM at Richard Walton Park, Oakdale
Grade 1: Wednesday, June 7, 1-3 PM at Richard Walton Park, Oakdale
Grade 2: Details coming soon
Grade 3: Wednesday, June 7, 3:30-5:30 PM at Richard Walton Park, Oakdale
Grade 4: Wednesday, June 7, 10:30 AM at Seaquest, Roseville
Grade 5: Details coming soon
Grade 6: Details coming soon
Grade 7: June 7, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, Casey Lake Park, North St Paul (sharing with grades 7,8,9 & 11)
Grade 8: June 7, 10:30-12:30 PM, Casey Lake Park, North St Paul (sharing with grades 7,8,9 & 11)
Grade 9: June 7, 10:30-12:30 PM, Casey Lake Park, North St Paul (sharing with grades 7,8,9 & 11)
Grade 10: June 7, 10:45-12:45 PM, Wakefield Park Community Building, Maplewood
Grade 11: June 7, 10:30-12:30 PM, Casey Lake Park, North St Paul (sharing with grades 7,8,9 & 11)
Grade 12: Details coming soon

Welcome To MPA, Rudy Ford!

May 17, 2023

We are so excited to welcome Rudy Ford to MPA as our new director of after-school and summer programs. We’re incredibly happy to have him, and we can’t wait to see all of the enhancements and growth he will bring to the program. Rudy will be starting May 31, so make sure to stop by and give him a warm MPA welcome!

What position will you be holding at MPA?
Director of After School and Summer Programs

From what school/organization are you coming?
Sylvan Learning—Twin Cities

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I am a graduate of Williams College and pursued graduate studies at Loyola University (Maryland). I have spent over 30 years in education as a teacher, coach, admissions director, and Middle School principal. Notable stops include Moravian Academy in Bethlehem, PA; Dedham Country Day School just outside of Boston, MA; Charles Wright Academy in Tacoma, WA, and St. Paul Academy and Summit School in St. Paul, MN.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
MPA’s spirit and culture are a match for my background and experience, and those features are tangibly present from the moment you enter the campus. MPA is the only school I’ve encountered that included a demonstration lesson as part of a leadership interview—and that speaks volumes about what is important here. I have never been made to feel more welcome or valued during a school visit.

What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA?
I look forward to bringing new ideas, energy, and growth to the Panther and summer programs—all the while continuing to keep kids safe, happy, and learning. I’d love to see kids choosing to stay for Panther Program events even when they have the option to go home, and I’d love to see the summer program be something that draws kids from all over the twin cities for its vibrant and innovative program.

What’s your big dream?
I see “off hours” from school and summer days as having just as much potential to provide formative, impactful experiences for kids. I look forward to the day when kids return to tell us how much some of their experiences in those times have meant to them.

What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about my family, my ‘extended family’ of great friends, music, and baseball (go Red Sox)! I am passionate about teaching and learning—both of which I have always done and can’t imagine doing without. I love woodworking, cooking, kayaking, and studying music.

What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I recently joined a band based in St. Paul to play bass guitar and sing.

John Malone’s Impact At MPA

May 11, 2023

from Bill Hudson, head of school

I just returned from my oldest nephew’s wedding in Charleston, South Carolina, the first in the next generation of my family. It was a wonderful weekend, and I thoroughly relished spending time with family and friends. The setting, a historic building on the low-country shore of Charleston Harbor, was delightful. I also had the honor of serving as the officiant for the ceremony, another first. Despite the many graduations I have addressed and the many school events I have presided over, I was incredibly stressed and nervous.

I also took the opportunity to visit the Porter-Gaud School, an independent school in Charleston. I have become friends with the head of school, DuBose Egleston, and enjoyed spending time with him and his administrative team. I’ve come to know DuBose, and Porter-Gaud, through our shared association with the Malone Scholars Program and the Malone Family Foundation.

The Malone Family Foundation is dedicated to improving access to quality education—particularly at the secondary school level—for highly capable students who lack the financial resources to best develop their talents. Mounds Park Academy is proud to be one of the 48 schools across the United States chosen to partner with the Malone Family Foundation. Since 2012, 15 MPA students have graduated as Malone Scholars. We are incredibly proud of our Malone Scholars and are thankful to call them MPA students. They undergo a rigorous application process and not only persist but thrive at MPA. The Malone Scholarship program is a model we hope to expand so more students can access an MPA education in the coming years. Read More

Parents Association News & Events May 11, 2023

May 11, 2023

Thank You!
A huge thank you to Kirstin Sweet Kennedy, Jessie Flynn, Amy Dahiya, Seema Anwar, Molly Oliver and Christine Larson for helping Tara Lafferty and the Parents Association in the Teaching Kitchen on Tuesday. The PA celebrated National Teacher Appreciation Day with fresh fruit cups topped with whipped cream, drinks, and 18 varieties of fudge from Trio Fudge for all staff to try. Everyone rocked out to a music playlist based on the theme: Teachers Drive the Future. All had a great time!

Neurodiversity Parent Affinity Group meeting
May 17, 3-4:30 PM at MPA in the PCR
All parents and caregivers of neurodiverse MPA students are invited. Our goal is to foster a sense of belonging by providing a space to connect through shared experience and shared identity. Contact Stephanie Sommer with questions at stephaniesommer@me.com.

Get involved with the Parents Association through Informational Sessions

May 11, 8 AM, Starbucks, 2146 White Bear Ave, Maplewood
May 11, 2 PM, MPA Library, table near the front window
May 15, 8 AM, Starbucks, 2146 White Bear Ave, Maplewood
May 15, 2-4:30 PM, MPA Library, table near the front window

The Parents Association seeks new board members, grade reps, and volunteers for the 2023-24 school year. Each year PA volunteers organize events for MPA, including the Book Festival, Cultural Diversity Day, Lower School Holiday Parties, and Middle School Snow-Tubing. If you’re interested in learning more about opportunities within the PA, we would love to connect with you. Getting involved with the PA is a great way to meet people and enrich your family’s experience with the MPA community.

Can’t make those times? Please email Staci Banks, sbhehe42@icloud.com, or Christine Larson, chrisandmatt1289@gmail.com, for more information.

Welcome To MPA, Leah Hawley!

May 8, 2023

What position will you be holding at MPA?
Panther Club Assistant

From what school/organization are you coming?
University of Minnesota

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I graduated from Woodbury High School and am currently finishing my second year of college at the University of Minnesota, pursuing an early childhood and elementary education degree.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
I really enjoyed the community here, and all the staff I interacted with were so nice.

What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA?
I would like to make a positive impact on the kids that I get a chance to work with.

What’s your big dream?
Right now, my biggest dream is to graduate from college and become an elementary school teacher.

What are you (and your family, if you so choose) passionate about?
I am very passionate about music, as I have been in band since I was little, and have also done choir and musical theater! I also really love the outdoors, whether it’s hiking or just relaxing!

What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I play the mellophone in the University of Minnesota Marching Band.

The Foundation For A Long-Lasting Future

May 4, 2023

from Bill Hudson, head of school

May is one of my most favorite months of the year (not just because of my birthday!). There is so much hope and promise as the grass greens, trees bud, flowers bloom, and boats go in the water. Hope and promise are important to us all and spring is a reminder of what can and will be.

Hope and promise are important to institutions as well. Over forty years ago, a group of parents and educators banded together in hopes of founding a new and different school, one built upon an understanding of the whole child. They believed in the promise of each child and knew that education is more than academics and includes the social, emotional, and physical development of a child and a balance between academics, arts, and athletics.

Mounds Park Academy would not exist without the vision of the founding families and the generosity of time and resources of so many through the years who have built our beautiful campus and school community. The hope and promise that led to the founding of MPA were fulfilled through financial gifts to sustain the day-to-day operations of the school and through gifts to capital campaigns to augment and enhance the MPA facilities and to provide scholarships to deserving students. Over the years, some families and alumni have made gifts to the school’s endowment, doing their part to ensure that the school benefits in perpetuity. Read More

Lower School Division News May 4, 2023

May 4, 2023

from Ann Jurewicz, Lower School director

Important Dates and Upcoming Events

May 4: Middle School Family Dinner and Rising Grade Level Meetings, Grades 4-8
May 9: Grade 3 Field Trip to the MIA
May 12: Grade 1 Poetry Picnic, 2 PM
May 17: Final CHAMP Assembly for the school year
May 19: PreK Family Music, 8:45-9:15 AM
May 26: No Classes, Teacher Professional Development Day
May 29: No Classes, Memorial Day
May 31: Grade 1 drama performances and Klein’s Grade 3 performance
June 2: Colianni’s Grade 3 and both Grade 4 drama performances
June 3: MPA Commencement 2023
June 6: Grade 4 Moving Up Ceremony, 2 PM
June 7: Last Day of School—Early Dismissal 10:15 AM

We have so many wonderful events planned as we move into the Spring. We will celebrate a successful year and honor those teachers who have given so much to MPA over the years, especially Ms. Lage in the library and Ms. Espeland in music. While the end of year is full of celebration and accomplishment, it also entails a great deal of change to the well-established routines for children. Change can be difficult and trigger a lot of emotions for students. This important article from Edutopia provides tips for helping your child navigate the change coming with the end of the school year. Read More