Lower School Archives

April 14, 2023

Take a gastronomic tour around the world as we share sweet and savory delicacies from around the world and an international drinks bar. Attend a cooking demonstration in our wonderful new teaching kitchen, go home with some cool body art from an expert henna artist, and try your hand at global crafts like French decoupage, Brazilian carnival masks and Taíno petroglyphs. You will also be able to enjoy musical and dance performances by our talented MPA community! Chat with community members who will have booths set up to share their culture and/or offer samples of their cuisine. Please sign up to volunteer here.

Would you like to share your culture through cuisine, music, dance or art? We invite you to be a part of our cultural showcase—please email seema_anwar@hotmail.com.

Defined By Our Independence

April 13, 2023

from Bill Hudson, head of school

The independence of Mounds Park Academy is fundamental to who we are. I bristle when people talk about MPA as a “private” school, partly because of an implied privilege or elitism, but more importantly, because independence allows the school to be purely mission-driven and not beholden to a larger entity such as state, federal, or religious oversight.

Independent schools share certain fundamental characteristics of purpose, structure, and operation that define a school’s independence:

Independent incorporation as a non-profit 501(c)(3) institution with clearly stated educational goals and non-discriminatory policies in admissions and employment.
An individually developed mission and guiding principles as the foundation for the school’s program.
A self-perpetuating governing body whose role is to plan for the future, set overall policy, ensure the school’s financial sustainability and independence (primarily through setting tuition and generating charitable giving), and appoint and support the head of school.
An administration free to implement the school’s mission by designing and articulating its program, hiring and developing a capable and qualified faculty and staff, and admitting those students whom the school determines it can best serve.
A commitment to continuous institutional growth and quality manifested by participation in the ISACS septennial accreditation process.

Parents Association News & Events April 13, 2023

April 13, 2023

Upper School Parent Coffee, This Friday!
Friday, April 14, 8-9:30 AM
Join us for our quarterly Upper School Parent Coffee in the PCR. In addition to all Upper School parents, rising ninth-grade families are warmly invited to attend! Two topics will be covered: “If I knew then what I know now” and the scheduling/registration process and questions. Please join us!

Please note: Due to low turnout, the Thursday, April 13, 5:30 PM, Gluten-Free Cooking Class with Kate Thrane has been canceled.

PA LGBTQ+ Affinity Parent Group
Sunday, April 16, 1 PM at the Unity Cafe
Join other parents and caregivers at the Unity Café at 843 Rice St, Saint Paul, MN 55117. If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Andretta at 651-329-4255 or email her at garbowmelissa5@gmail.com. Read More

Meet The Peterson Family

April 13, 2023

Middle School math teacher Chris Peterson has been a teacher at MPA for eight years, but became a parent to an MPA Panther himself this school year!

What’s the best thing about being part of the MPA community?
The people. It is a great feeling coming to a school where I know I have colleagues I can count on, families who are involved, and students who are engaged with their academics.

What is your favorite MPA tradition or event?
There are a lot to choose from, but I really enjoy going on the fifth and sixth grade canoeing trip.

In what ways has MPA prepared your child for life in the 21st century?
From an early age, teachers work with students to be independent and think for themselves. Students have to learn how to work independently and with other students of different ability levels and personality types.

Complete this sentence:
MPA teaches my child: How to be independent, work with their peers while also learning, and how to be respectful to one another.

What advice do you have for another family considering MPA?
MPA accepts students for who they are and works with them where they are at. If you want a school that focuses on the whole child, choose MPA.

Community Support For MPA’s Track

April 6, 2023

from Bill Hudson, head of school

You wouldn’t know it, but somewhere below several inches of snow lies the MPA track. While we wait for spring to arrive, our track and field teams and physical education classes make do, anticipating the day they can move outside. And yet, the track itself is in bad shape after many brutal Minnesota winters. Imagine what it would be like to have an outdoor track that reflects the excellence of our students and athletes. I believe that if we can imagine it, we can achieve it.

MPA athletic programs have enjoyed a rich tradition of success by providing student-athletes with the tools necessary to succeed on and off the field. MPA athletics are not simply extra-curricular programs; they complement our academic experience, provide balance to our students’ lives, and foster school spirit. Through inclusive teams and a no-cut policy, everyone can be an athlete at MPA.

For example, MPA student-athletes have won ten state championships in track and field events. And yet, we cannot host home events because of the condition of the track. We haven’t had an outdoor track worth of our students’ achievements and capable of hosting competitions. Click here to watch the 2023 Fund A Need video, and learn more about the impact of this project! Read More

Lower School Division News April 6, 2023

April 6, 2023

from Ann Jurewicz, Lower School director

Important Dates and Upcoming Events

April 28: No classes, Professional Development
May 1-5: Lower School Sports Week

There is nothing more joyful than watching children sing and dance, and what a pleasure it was to see MPA Lower School students shine at last week’s Art and Music Show. Students proudly walked the halls to find and show their families the beautiful artistic creations they have made this year before gathering in the Nicholson to perform unique and culturally important pieces celebrating the best of what humanity has to offer. My deepest thanks go to music teacher Ms. Mari Espeland and art teacher Ms. Ellen Scharfenberg for their wonderful leadership of students!

Pairing Assembly–Friday, April 7

Lower School students are excited to pair with their Middle and Upper School buddies to play different board games this Friday. The buddies did reading groups last fall. The tradition has been a great way to build community and come together as one school.

CHAMP Assembly–Wednesday, April 12

We are looking forward to the collaboration of our PreK and Grade 2 students at our next CHAMP assembly. The characteristic of the presentation will be COLLABORATIVE. Students have been taking pictures of all the ways children collaborate together in our Lower School.

Grades 3-4 Field Trip To Orchestra Hall—Tuesday, April 18

As a special event, third and fourth-grade students will spend the morning of April 18 attending a concert at Orchestra Hall. MPA has not been able to have this annual field trip for the past three years, and we are excited to bring this opportunity back for music appreciation. Thank you, Ms. Espeland! Read More

Parents Association News & Events April 6, 2023

April 6, 2023

MPA All-School Gluten-Free Cooking Class with Kate Thrane
New Date: April 13, 5:30-7 PM
Please join us in the Teaching Kitchen for some hands-on cooking, as well as learning about the joy of cooking gluten-free. You can learn more about Kate and her recipes on Instagram at @theglutenlessmaximus. Please RSVP to Staci at sbhehe42@icloud.com so that we can have plenty of ingredients prepared! Hope to see you there!

Cultural Diversity Day
Wednesday, April 26, 3-7 PM
Save the date for the Cultural Diversity Day celebration at MPA! Enjoy an evening of food, music and crafts from around the world. Get a henna tattoo from a very talented henna artist!

Would you like to share your culture through cuisine, music, dance or art? We invite you to be a part of our cultural showcase—please email seema_anwar@hotmail.com.

US Quarterly Parent Coffee
Friday, April 14, 8-9:30 AM
Join us for our quarterly US Parent Coffee in the PCR. In addition to all Upper School parents, rising ninth-grade families are warmly invited to attend! Two topics will be covered: “If I knew then what I know now” and the scheduling/registration process and questions. Please join us!

New Conference Swimming Record!

April 5, 2023

Congratulations to The MPA Swim Club for incredible performances at last weekend’s CAA Championship. A big shout-out goes to Neva Sanders, who set a new record time of 30.14 in the 5-6 Girls 50 Back event!

This was a huge meet and, most importantly, another opportunity for these swimmers to shine. All of their hard work, determination, and progress throughout the season were exemplified in these races. What started out as a team of three in 2004 has evolved into a team of champions. We are so proud of our young athletes and can’t wait for them to continue doing what they love. Click here for full boys meet results; click here for full girls meet results; and view photos from the meet here. Give our swimmers a big congratulations!

Dr. Hudson Reflects On A Night of Pure Imagination

March 30, 2023

from Bill Hudson, Head of School

I am a huge fan of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”. I read the book as a child several times and watched the movie as often as possible. (The original movie with Gene Wilder, not the 2005 version with Johnny Depp. I’m kind of a snob about that.) Nothing made me happier than the beautiful rendition of Pure Imagination sung by the concert Choir at a past MPA Spring Concert. Imagine my delight when I heard that the Auction Committee chose “A Night of Pure Imagination” as this year’s theme! But don’t worry, I was told that I couldn’t wear an orange top hat.

Movies aside, “A Night of Pure Imagination” is a wonderful theme for the Spring Auction for it speaks to what we can accomplish together when we unbridle our imagination. The song “Pure Imagination” is about the power of imagination and the endless possibilities that come with it. I truly believe that if we harness our collective imaginations, there is nothing we can’t do.

The MPA Spring Auction isn’t just a fundraising event, it is about celebrating our community and joining together to build relationships and honor every member. We are so excited to be back in person at a beautiful venue again this year, the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront, on the evening of Friday, April 21. “A Night of Pure Imagination” is a chance for new and seasoned parents, alumni, grandparents, parents of alumni, and employees to celebrate all we’ve accomplished.

A true community endeavor, the Spring Auction relies upon hundreds of community members and area businesses to succeed. I am exceptionally grateful for the work of our volunteer planning committee of Bethany Branan, Julie Bixby, Nikki Butts, Rebekah Cook, Sarah Cotter, Lucia Gray, Jessie Flynn, Tina Heidelberger, Natalie King, Tara Lafferty, Amy Minear, Molly Oliver, Renee Roach, Leslie Todero, and Deanna Walsh under the leadership of host Mindy Ruane.

There is still time to buy your tickets to the auction. You will want to do that by tomorrow because prices will increase on April 1. We want to ensure this community-building event is accessible to everyone. If ticket prices are a barrier for you to attend, reducing pricing is available based on your need. There is also still time to contribute a few bottles of wine for the fun wine toss, donate a silent auction item, and sign up to be a sponsor.

Finally, you don’t need to buy hundreds of candy bars to get your own Golden Ticket! Back by popular demand, MPA’s Golden Ticket is your opportunity to win one of our amazing Live Auction items for only $150. Purchase one of 100 Golden Tickets which will be drawn during the Spring Auction program (not necessary to be present to win). Win one of the fabulous trips and experiences worth thousands of dollars! Tickets are now on sale!

I hope you will consider attending and contributing in some way. Like the movies and the song, MPA is about fueling the imagination of our students and encouraging them to dream big. Imagination and creativity are two important attributes of a mindset necessary to navigate our ever-changing world. Please join me for a “Night of Pure Imagination.”

Parents Association News & Events March 30, 2023

March 30, 2023

The MPAPA Spring Reading Book Club with Dr. Hudson
April 6, 6:30-8 PM
Looking for something great to read this spring? Try The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict! This historical fiction novel tells the story of a not-so-famous scientist who not only loved Albert Einstein, but also shaped the theories that brought him lasting renown. This is a great pick for Women’s History month. Dr. Hudson will host a discussion of the book. The MPAPA will be providing copies of the book to those who would like to participate. Child care will be provided. Please fill out the following form to sign up for the book club and request a book.

Cultural Diversity Day
Wednesday, April 26, 3-7 PM
Save the date for the Culture Day celebration at MPA! Enjoy an evening of food, music, and crafts from around the world!

Would you like to share your culture through cuisine, music, dance, or art? We invite you to be a part of our cultural showcase or host a cooking demonstration. Please email seema_anwar@hotmail.com.