Head's Message Archives

Let’s Actively Counter Negative Messages

May 17, 2018

by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

A little over a year ago, I wrote to you about the concerns that educators and mental health professionals had with the Netflix series, “13 Reasons Why.” The series told the story of a high school student who died by suicide, leaving behind 13 reasons that the actions (or lack of actions) negatively affected her life and led to her suicide. My concerns included romanticizing suicide, minimizing the mental health that lies beneath suicidal ideation, and portrays adults as inept and uninterested in supporting children in distress. Around the same time, MPA instituted a comprehensive suicide awareness and prevention program called SOS. We also provided tips and resources to parents to engage in constructive and meaningful conversations with their children.

Students Discovering Their Voices

May 10, 2018

by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

Monday mornings are generally a flurry of meetings at Mounds Park Academy. Both the Lower School and the Upper School begin the week with division-wide meetings intended to keep the respective community informed, share what is happening in the classroom, celebrate milestones and important achievements, and build community. Monday morning meetings also give voice to students and intentionally invite engagement into the life of the school.

Teaching Students to Make a Difference

May 3, 2018

by Erica Brewinski ’96, Middle School Director

Editor’s Note: On the first Thursday of each month, you will now find a guest blog post here from one of MPA’s division directors. We hope you will enjoy reading their stories and reflections about life at MPA!

“You can change the world.” When I think back on my education at MPA, these are the words that always come to mind. Maureen Conway, retired Upper School history teacher, repeated them to her students so many times that no one could doubt that we had the ability to shape the future for the betterment of the world around us. After graduating from MPA, I put these words into action by creating a new program in which Brown University students were paired with developmentally disabled adults in the Providence community so that the latter could learn and practice important life skills. While the rest of my college friends volunteered in pre-standing programs or, more likely, didn’t bother with service at all, I felt both empowered and compelled to take action to address a need that I knew would make a difference. MPA provided me with the skills, courage, creativity, and perseverance necessary to create something from scratch, including programming, budgeting, advertising, locating and working with a large number of community partners, and more in a place where I could no longer rely on family and friends for help. It also guided me to choose a career in education, since I could think of no better way to make a difference than by guiding the next generation.

Enhancing Play Spaces For All

April 26, 2018

by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

At the dinner table, we have a tradition of sharing our day with one another. Among other topics and questions, we often ask the kids, “What did you like best about your day?” Inevitably, the response is one of three possibilities: phy ed class, lunch, or recess. Obviously, we hope it’s about a riveting discussion about a novel or an exciting discovery during a science experiment. However, as an educator, I am okay with their response. Physical activity, free play, unstructured time, and nutrition are all necessary aspects of a student’s life, no matter the age. This is also true for adults!

In a few weeks, we will gather at the historic JX in Stillwater for our annual Spring Auction. It is our only school-wide community builder solely for the grown-ups in our community and our only fundraising event of the year. The newly opened JX is a beautiful setting with wonderful views and plenty of space for socializing and joy-raising. We will have many items in the silent auction, fun games of chance, and some unique experiences in the live auction. As is our custom, we will end the auction with an opportunity to fund a specific need of the school.

Through this Fund A Need portion of the evening, together over the past several years we’ve raised more than $300,000 to enhance the educational experience of our students. Past projects include the Digital Fabrication Studio (an early iteration of the Makerspace), Virtual Classroom, extensive bathroom renovations, sound, lighting, and seating replacement in the Blackbox Theatre.

Development Of The Athlete

April 12, 2018

by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

MPA was founded on the conviction that a balance between academics, the arts, and athletics is an important part of a whole-child education and leads to success in school and in life. The balance is maintained in a number of ways, including a commitment to physical education in the curriculum and offering a robust athletic program. The key to balancing academics, the arts, and athletics is teachers, coaches, and directors who encourage students to participate in a variety of clubs, activities, and sports, and do not make it difficult for them to do so.

At MPA, we encourage students to play a variety of sports. With a no-cut policy, students have the opportunity to try different sports and learn new skills. Multi-sport participation is important at MPA and we take every opportunity to promote its value. Each sport challenges athletes in different ways and skills developed in one sport may help them in other sports. The exposure to different coaches, teaching methods, and teammates may increase their mental toughness, appreciation, and humility, which is helpful in the overall development of the athlete. Having choices helps students learn what they enjoy, and they may discover a love for a sport they had not previously considered.

The rise of specialization–when a student focuses on only one sport–is troubling and impacts the overall strength of a school’s athletic program and the physical well-being of athletes. Specialization is driven in part by the belief that it is the best path to earn a college scholarship. In reality, only four percent of athletes actually earn an athletic scholarship for college. Some in the medical field also believe that the increasing number of sports-related injuries can be tied to specialization. High school athletes who specialize in a single sport are 70 percent more likely to suffer an injury during their season than those who play multiple sports, according to a study released last year commissioned by the National Federation of High School Associations.

Arts Education: A Beautiful Gift

April 5, 2018

by Renee Wright, Lower School Director

A cherished MPA tradition continues for its 37th year on April 12, 2018, when the Lower School presents its Art and Music Show. You won’t want to miss seeing firsthand the pride on the faces of our Lower School students as they present their beautiful artwork and sing and dance joyfully for family and friends.

The first Lower School Art and Music Show debuted in 1982, never missing a year after that. The early years showcased student learning throughout the school year. Starting in 1989, the shows began to focus on specific themes, thoughtfully selected by the Lower School art and music teachers each year. Earlier themes included Around the World, Songs of America, Animal Fair, Disney, A Wonderful World of Color, Muppets: A Tribute to Jim Henson, Wild West, and many more. This approach has given each Art and Music Show a fresh look and created extraordinary student excitement and engagement.

This year, the students celebrate authors and illustrators of award-winning picture books. Students have studied how stories are conveyed through art and writing. They have learned to analyze the artwork in picture books for color, form, line, shape, space, texture, and value. Kindergartners have explored the colorful works of Eric Carle and Richard Scarry. First graders have learned from the creativity and imagination of Ezra Jack Keats and Lois Ehlert while second graders have enjoyed the rollicking rhymes of Dr. Seuss and the engaging characters of Lucy Cousins. Third graders have been charmed by the gentle animals of Jerry Pinkney and Jan Brett and fourth graders have explored the engaging, innovative works of Sara Fanelli, Chris Raschka, and Barbara Knutson. Books by these authors and illustrators have also been the inspiration for movement, instrument playing, and singing in music class during the year. These creative artists have served as talented role models for our students, and now the students are prepared and excited to present their own inspirations to family and friends!

Plant A Tree For Tomorrow

March 15, 2018

by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

I am fortunate to live in a beautiful neighborhood in south Minneapolis near Minnehaha Creek and Lake Harriet. One of the things I like most about the area is the tall, towering trees that form an umbrella over the streets. They protect our house from the summer sun and fall is absolutely spectacular. I find myself expressing words of gratitude for those families who, more than 40 years ago, planted the trees that we value and enjoy today.

Like many neighborhoods in the Twin Cities, we’ve had a terrible problem with the Emerald Ash Boer. Many of our trees have had to be removed and it has been very sad to see these majestic trees cut down. Our neighborhood, however, has banded together and are once again populating the boulevard from new trees. They are small and scrawny and do not provide any protection or beauty. Yet, as we care for the small sapling in front of our house, I imagine what it will be like in 20 or 30 years as young children yet to be born enjoy the shade.

Easing The Transition

March 1, 2018

by Mark Segal, Upper School Director

The transition from middle to high school can sometimes be difficult. It is an awkward time when students may fit in right away, or feel like outcasts. Parents and teachers may seem like they are harping at them about the smallest things, and they may feel as though they have no similarly interested peers with whom to connect. What students might not realize–and is our responsibility to point out–is that Upper School offers new and exciting opportunities that are ready and waiting for them to explore.

Connect Deeper, Hug Longer, Remain Steadfast

February 15, 2018

by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

I had almost finished my Panther Post article yesterday when I heard the news of the latest school shooting in Florida. My worst fears as an administrator and as a parent were realized as I scrolled through my newsfeed and in the evening as I watched CNN. In light of this tragedy, it is natural to have questions of our own about the safety and security of our beloved children while at school. Tragic as it is, it is important to note that less than one percent of violent deaths are “school associated,” yet such instances do indeed feed our fears.

Very quickly, I made the decision that my initial message written for today would have to wait for another week. Instead, I offer my thoughts about the safety and security of Mounds Park Academy. In my professional assessment, I have confidence in our security measures and great faith in our school community culture. We can never, and should not ever, take anything for granted or let down our guard. There is always room for growth and we are committed to continuous review and improvement. In order to answer any questions, address any concerns, or allay any fears you may have, I offer the following.

Demonstrating Values-Based Leadership

February 8, 2018

by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

It’s not often that I start my day in tears. In fact, I don’t cry much at all. But a recent morning was different as I listened to the six seniors give their senior performances. I was incredibly moved by their courage as each reflected on how they have overcome challenges and adversity. I was also grateful to be a part of a community where these young people felt comfortable and safe to tell their stories and knew they would be supported and accepted.

Senior performances are a capstone experience at MPA. The seniors reflect on their learning, values, struggles, and passions as evidence of their readiness for college and life. The speeches then compel them to speak publicly about the formative moments that have helped shape who they are. Being able to authentically present yourself in front of your peers can feel risky for the student, but is ultimately rewarding as empathy and support for one another builds throughout the year. It is not uncommon to hear classmates say to one another, “I never knew that about you.” Or, “I am so proud of you.” Each senior is encouraged to end their speech with an expression of gratitude to those who have supported them.

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