September 18, 2018
Parents are all too familiar with navigating the stress of everyday life. From getting children ready for the day and out the door in the morning, to helping with homework at night and everything in between, there is a lot to manage. As a parent, it can be easy to forget that even the youngest people in our lives can become overwhelmed and stressed. In our fast-paced world, learning to cope with challenging situations is just as important as learning how to read and write. Research has shown that mindfulness programs can help students of all ages learn to deal with everyday stress. More schools across the country are integrating mindfulness into their curricula to teach students to be present and better able to identify how they’re feeling in order to manage their stress.
Mindfulness is the intentional practice of maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of a person’s thoughts, feelings and what their body senses. It was first introduced at Mounds Park Academy two years ago. This year, students in the Lower School will be learning about mindfulness through the MindUp curriculum, a program designed specifically for educators to help young students further develop social and emotional skills. Teachers at MPA will integrate mindfulness into lessons throughout the day. Teachers will also use mindfulness strategies during transition times to help students refocus. By practicing mindfulness throughout their school day, students will learn to identify their emotions and understand why they are feeling a certain way. With a stronger understanding of their feelings, students should be able to more appropriately respond to stressful situations. Read More
We are so excited to share a recent opportunity brought to MPA students to engage with and assist the local arts community. MPA alum Kelly Turpin ’04, founder of the Arbeit Opera Theatre, was awarded the Artists Initiative Grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board to produce her own production of “The Consul,” an opera that premieres on November 29 and November 30, 2018. She reached out to MPA to assist in building the set, wanting to directly involve students, since MPA is the place where her passion for art, music, theatre, and singing all began.
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
Needless to say, race and social justice are important topics of conversation these days. Headlines related to police brutality, the legacy of slavery, the expansion of hate groups, and mass incarceration appear frequently. To explore these issues and, in particular, the role of the civil rights movement in American history, 21 MPA Upper School students and two MPA teachers traveled more than 3,000 miles on the “This Land is Your Land” bus trip. They saw sights ranging from one of the segregated schools associated with the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision to the Lorraine Motel and the National Civil Rights Museum to the new National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama. Additionally, they visited six presidential libraries and homes and other major sights, including the World War I Museum in Kansas City and Graceland. 
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
After 13 years of joyful learning, the Class of 2018 took one final walk among their PreK through 11th grade friends to remember where they came from, celebrate what they have achieved, show gratitude for their community, and inspire those who follow in their footsteps. 
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School