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Forbes 30 Under 30 Recognizes MPA Alumni

December 3, 2021

MPA acknowledges and celebrates our alumni for being featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list! Congratulations to Laurel Schwartz ’11 and Aaron Millberg ’10, we are so proud of our alums!

Laurel Schwartz ’11 was featured in the Marketing & Advertising category as the brand director of global non-profit organization: Crisis Text Line, which provides free, 24/7 mental health support by text message. In addition to this, Laurel is also a documentary filmmaker. Laurel shares that she is “so thankful for my MPA education that got me here!” Read more here.

Aaron Millberg ’10 was featured in the Hollywood & Entertainment section for his excellent work with United Talent Agency and for representing some very recognizable names such as DJ Khaled and Zachary Levi. Read more here.

December 2 Upper School Division News

December 2, 2021

by Mark Segal, Upper School Director

It has been clear over the past year and a half that being a part of a community provides us the opportunity to connect with peers at both social and emotional levels. Strengthening interpersonal relationships make us feel that we belong and that we are something greater than ourselves. It is for this, and many other reasons, that we are working hard to bring back a sense of “normal” in the lives of upper school students and provide them with the Rites of Passage that makes MPA the special place it is. It is for these reasons that the Student Council will again be hosting the Semi-Formal dance this Saturday evening, December 4, at Prestwick Golf Course for 9-12 grade students. The dance will run 8-11 PM and all attendees should plan to arrive before 9:30 PM. The Student Council sold tickets during lunch this week, and we are expecting strong attendance.

Maintaining the health and safety of those in attendance remains a priority, and all MPA students who plan to attend are required to wear facemasks for the duration of the dance and will need to provide negative covid test results within 72 hours of the dance. Unlike earlier this year, either PCR or at home rapid antigen test results are acceptable and should be sent to msegal@moundsparkacademy.org by dinner time Friday. On campus testing will not be provided. MPA students may also invite a guest to the dance. All guests must currently attend high school and must be registered using the Semi-Formal guest form no later than 12 PM on Friday, December 3. Guests may not register at the Semi Formal dance. All guests are required to provide proof of covid vaccine AND a negative covid test result within 72 hours of the dance. Either PCR or at home rapid antigen test results are acceptable and should be sent to msegal@moundsparkacademy.org by dinner time Friday. (Please find below important information about home COVID-19 Antigen self-testing kits sent home today)

According to Happiness.com, “Humans aren’t meant to be alone all of the time: connecting as part of a meaningful community is important for our mental well-being.” The past couple of years have been a challenge for social interactions and building relationships. As social beings, it is experiences like dances and social gatherings that brings us together and unites us. Events like this, actually, help us develop a stronger sense of personal and collective identity. I am excited about and looking forward to our first off campus upper school dance in more than two years. I hope your child(ren) will be joining us. Read More

December 8 Grades 6-8 Band, Orchestra, Vocal Concert Attendance

December 2, 2021

With next week’s concert approaching, we want to provide a reminder about in-person and virtual concert attendance protocols. (Please find additional logistical information for our performers including attire and arrival times in this week’s Middle School News.)

To maintain alignment with the MPA health and safety protocols, each guest who plans to attend the live performances will be required to pre-register by providing proof of their COVID-19 vaccination (a picture or scan of their vaccination card) via email to covid@moundsparkacademy.org by 7 PM the night prior to the scheduled concert. If your vaccination card is already on file at MPA through athletics or other events, you do not need to send it again. If you have a medical or religious exception, please contact covid@moundsparkacademy.org with those details as we will provide information and work with you to obtain a clearance COVID-19 test so you may attend. Masking is required on campus. All pre-registered guests will enter and exit through the Gallery on the south side of campus (door #3) and go directly to their seats in the Nicholson Center where the performances are held.

For the convenience and safety of our community, all performances will also be live streamed here with a password of 2051. Regardless of how you view the events, we are excited for you to enjoy the wonderful talent of our students! Read More

December 2 Middle School Division News

December 2, 2021

from Jenn Milam, Middle School Director

The winter interim…
We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving break away with family and were able to spend some time doing what you love with those you care about most! As I shared at lunch announcements today, we have 12 days of school until Winter Break…let’s make the most of those and work hard each day, in every class!

Parents, motivation can lag this time of year…truly. It’s darker longer, the sun shines less, we’re all a little weary and tired. Please, encourage your kiddos to show up, every day, do their best every day, and respect themselves and their school community. It has been a difficult 18 months and yet, we are thriving, having plays, performances, and celebrating milestones! Resilience is key, perseverance is essential, and your support and commitment to holding your students accountable is imperative in our partnership. We are grateful you’re a part of our community!

PLEASE CONTINUE TO BE THOUGHTFUL: COVID Protocols and Symptom Response
While all middle school students are vaccine eligible and have received vaccinations, we still need to be mindful and responsive when symptoms/illness/the sniffles arise!

Just a reminder that any/all symptoms through our AUXS app and/or via email to COVID@moundsparkacademy.org.

Please do not email your divisional offices, directors, or teachers of an absence due to symptoms. It is important that all notifications are sent to Jennifer Rogers-Petitt, our COVID Health and Safety lead, so that you can be supported and informed of possible next steps including, but not limited to, the need to remain home, secure a negative test prior to return, and/or quarantine per CDC guidance. Read More

Three Panthers Chosen For 9-10 State Honor Choir

December 1, 2021

Congratulations to Olivia Lynch ’25, Pahwa Yang ’24, and Maggie Banks-Hehenberger ’24 who auditioned and were selected to be members of the 9-10 State Honor Choir! Olivia will sing in the mixed choir under the direction of Kyle Fleming (Regis University) while Pahwa and Maggie will perform in the soprano-alto choir with G. Phillip Shoultz (Vocal Essence). The daylong event will culminate with a concert on February 19 on the campus of Bethel University. Olivia is a member of the MPA Varsity Choir while Pahwa and Maggie sing in Concert Choir and Madrigal Singers. We wish them the best!

MPA Parents Association News And Events

December 1, 2021

Thank You!
A big thank you to all those who, over the past six weeks, have shared their Saturday afternoons at MPA helping to clear the ponds and surrounding areas. We began with the area off Larpenteur Avenue and finished with Mr. Thomsen’s area near Upper School. Your help was so appreciated, and really benefited both areas. A hearty and much appreciated thank you!

Thanksgiving Pie Giveaway
Right before the Thanksgiving break, the MPA Parents Association continued the tradition of distributing pies to all MPA employees. A big THANK YOU to our faculty and staff appreciation volunteers, Sage, and the MPA development team for acting quickly to make this happen. There were 130 pies distributed!

Parents Connect: December Walks with Dogs
Join Michelle Mick for two Fridays in December, December 3 and 17, for a walk in a local dog park. Bring your dog or not, we’ll meet at Battle Creek Dog Park, a lovely, big, off-leash dog park with 35 acres at 8:15 AM. Parking is off Upper Afton Road, in the parking lot next to the dog park. Look for Michelle and her dog Rufus (pictured), near the entrance of the dog park. Read More

December 2 Lower School Division News

December 1, 2021

from Renee Wright, Lower School Director

Are you curious about what happens on some Monday mornings in Lower School? Lower School students participate in a Monday Morning Meeting twice each month. This past week Lower School students gathered for a meeting on Monday as we came back together after Thanksgiving Break. The meeting was a wonderful way to reconnect as a community and set the tone for a productive week. Here are some agenda highlights from our meeting:

We got our brains and bodies working together during “Brain Dance” as we mindfully moved to the song “Experience” by the Italian composer, Ludovico Einaudi.
During “Who’s Who at MPA?” we learned about our new Lower School Administrative Assistant, Ms. Holli. We found out that she is a musical theatre major and has been in over 45 musical productions. She truly enjoys singing and dancing on the stage. She is a lovely and caring person and welcome addition to the Lower School Office!
Our Kindergarteners presented a special video message to the song, “My Own Two Hands” during “Student Splash.” They shared how they use their own two hands to make a difference in our world when they care for their pets, recycle, plant a garden, play with a baby sister, learning new things, and reaching out to others.
During the “Joyful Journey” we honored all Lower School students with November birthdays by singing the birthday song. We also welcomed a new fourth grader to our school. This was extra special for all of us!
Two third graders received CHAMP Awards for consistently using CHAMP behavior and showing high integrity through words and actions. We strive to recognize CHAMP behavior on our campus.
During “Word Wizard” a fourth grade Word Wizard was quizzed on two past words of the week. These words were baffled and haphazard. Next, students were introduced to our new word for this week, impeccable. It is rewarding to see Lower School students using these words in their daily writing.
The meeting ended with the singing and signing of the School Song to show school spirit and send students off with a positive feeling about school. Go Panthers!

Lower School Parents’ Night Out Event

November 30, 2021

Whether you have errands to run or would like a night to yourself, we’ve got you covered! Drop off the kids and enjoy a Parents’ Night Out, sponsored by Panther Club! We will enjoy a pizza dinner, watch a movie (Lego Star Wars: Holiday Special, rated TV-Y7), decorate cookies and do a winter themed craft!

When: Thursday, December 9, 2021 from 6-8 PM
Where: MPA Family Commons
Who: All Lower School students welcome
Cost: $12.00 Per Child

Please return this permission slip to the Lower School office by Thursday December 2, 2021

Drop-off and Pick-up Procedures:

At 6 PM, staff will meet families at Door 1 (Lower School Main Entrance) to check in and conduct standard health checks.
Staff will then bring students to family commons for the event.
Students attending after school Panther club until 6 PM will be escorted to the event.
Pick-up will be at Door 1 at 8 PM
If you would like to pick-up your child early or need to contact us, please call 651-748-5571

Interested In Becoming A Host Family?

November 30, 2021

MPA is actively recruiting host families for both mid-year and fall of 2022 international students joining our school from around the world. This is a wonderful opportunity to open your home and your heart to another student, deepening your family’s global perspectives! For much more information, including details about the available stipend, please visit mpa.link/becomeahostfamily. Reach out to Cory Becker-Kim, international student program coordinator, at cbeckerkim@moundsparkacademy.org to express your interest and learn more.

Let’s Join Together: The Power Of Community

November 18, 2021

from Bill Hudson, Head of School

The power of community was on display the week of November 8 as we celebrated the success of our Girls Volleyball Team and their run at the state championship. I was incredibly proud of our team—the grit, tenacity, and resiliency they displayed, and the way in which they positively represented the school. I was also full of pride for the way our community came together to support the team. Students, whether they attended the game in person or watched the livestream at school, cheered loudly and proudly, and with extraordinary school spirit.

Earlier in the week, this amazing community pulled together to host a vaccination clinic, providing members of our school community and our surrounding neighborhood, the opportunity to vaccine our younger learners and boosters to adults. The clinic was emblematic of our community’s response to the pandemic: draw upon the can-do spirit of MPA and on the strength of our relationships to overcome an urgent need.

Forty years ago, a different urgency led to the founding of Mounds Park Academy. A group of parents and teachers established a shared community to provide children with a new and unique student-centered whole-child education that didn’t exist in the east metro area. Forty years of gratitude and joining together: we’ve collected quotes from community members you can access here. By joining together, that early community overcame numerous obstacles to succeed and thrive.

Our challenges today are different than those 40 years ago. In a time of rapid change and volatility, young people need stability and a safe, welcoming place to learn and grow. They need kind and caring teachers and staff who truly know them and can accompany them through uncertain times. Students deserve an education that is both challenging and meaningful, one that provides the foundation to succeed in a future with jobs that don’t yet exist.

Today is Give to the Max Day and we are nearing the end of our Fall Campaign. This year’s campaign is especially meaningful because it coincides with our 40th anniversary celebration of the founding of our school. Like the founding families, our school wouldn’t be what it is without you and your family. We have a $200,000 goal today and we need to raise $150,000 in one day to access $50,000 in bonus challenge gifts from anonymous community members. I humbly implore you to join together with other parents, trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, parents of alumni, and grandparents and make a gift to this amazing school.

Every gift of every size makes an impact. Let’s join together in support of our community! Make a gift here!

Be sure to follow along in your email inbox and social media as we share live results and unveil our special virtual Lip Sync Battle with beloved teachers, staff, and students today!