Lower School Archives

March 24, 2022

From Jennifer Rogers-Petitt, Director of Development and Community Engagement

One Thursday per month you will see a guest Head’s Message from a member of the Institutional Advancement Team. We hope these additional perspectives will help you catch a glimpse inside the inner-workings of your school.

If you’re like me, over the past few weeks, you may have been reflecting on how different our spring breaks were two years ago compared to this year. Two years ago, my two kiddos and I were enjoying a memorable trip to New York City, gearing up to take in Broadway shows and the many sites. Halfway through the trip, major sports teams, businesses, public spaces, and what felt like the entire country began to shut down due to this new virus that was sweeping across the world. One day we were walking through the bustling Times Square, and the next day I was worried about our ability to get a flight back home.

Two years in, so many things in our lives continue to be different, but I am so happy to see many areas returning to our new normal. Seeing many of your students’ smiling faces as we made the move to masks being optional, having parents back in our hallways, and being together to build community have been wonderful steps forward. Read More

Understanding MPA Athletics

March 3, 2022

from Dan Haase, Athletic Director

At Mounds Park Academy, we believe athletics complement the total academic experience and development of the student. Students learn a great deal from their participation in interscholastic athletics. Concepts such as teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, self-confidence, self-esteem, and developing a healthy body are all vital components of our Upper School athletic programs.

Athletics at MPA strive to provide an opportunity to all students to discover their interests, improve their skills, and have fun enjoying the activity with their friends. To accomplish this, MPA practices a no-cut policy in all athletic programs. A no-cut athletic policy allows inclusion to all interested students who would like to become a member of a team. Teams are established based on the interests and registrations of each of our programs.

MPA is proud to offer 23 Upper School athletic offerings for students in grades 9-12 and is a member of the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL). The MSHSL provides uniform and equitable rules for students in extracurricular activities, and they promote, manage, and administer athletic programs for students at members schools on a Subsection, Section and State level.

MPA is also a member of the Independent Metro Athletic Conference (IMAC). The IMAC consists of six mission-driven independent college preparatory schools. The IMAC conference was formed in 2014 based upon an agreement with the Blake School, Breck School, Minnehaha Academy, Providence Academy, and St. Paul Academy. The conference was formed in the interest of keeping an appropriate perspective on the role of athletics in secondary education. Read More

Cultivating Scientists For The World

February 24, 2022

from Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

While walking the indoor track in the Lansing Sports Center last Friday, I took note of a large wooden structure assembled on Court Four. I had a hunch that it was a model constructed by our students on the FIRST Robotics team. If you are not familiar with FIRST Robotics, it is an international organization that combines “the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology.” I’ve been to several competitions, and I have to agree. According to FIRST Robotics, “teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team ‘brand,’ hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get.”

FIRST Robotics is a terrific example of inquiry and problem-based activities that align with our MPA science philosophy of fostering creative, inquisitive, and critical thinkers. The science department is firmly rooted in the idea of the “citizen scientist,” a term that encompasses scientific research, concepts, and principles and public engagement in order to expand the reach, relevance, and impact of science to the whole of society in service of the common good. It is true that a number of MPA graduates go on to become doctors and scientists. It is also true that when they chose other fields of studies or careers, MPA graduates carry with them the knowledge and experience of how science impacts our world.

What is unique about the MPA science philosophy and curriculum is the emphasis on engaging students in the application of scientific method, principles, and research to real-world problems and nurturing important competencies and skills. Taking an inquiry-based approach, students working individually or collaboratively come to understand how content is useful and can be applied to everyday problems, both large and small. The following are only a few examples of our distinctive approach in action. Read More

Lower School Division News February 24, 2022

February 24, 2022

from Renee Wright, Lower School Director

CHAMP Service Project
At our CHAMP assembly on February 23, second graders shared the book, “The Power of One,” by Trudy Ludwig and reminded us that we can each make a difference in our community. As Ludwig says in the final lines of her book, “Acts and words of kindness DO count, and it all starts with ONE.” The CHAMP birthday bag service-learning project during the month of February inspired our students to generously support Emma’s Place, a local shelter, and make a difference. Individually students donated coins, and birthday items so children at the shelter would have the opportunity to celebrate their birthday.

Collectively, our students raised $1,287.26 and met their goal to make 60 birthday bags. Our students also donated 59 cake mixes, 40 frosting mixes, 27 boxes of candles, and 5 containers of sprinkles. Their generosity will enable children at Emma’s Place to feel loved and special on their birthday when they receive a special birthday bag. Each birthday bag will include a toy, books, game, and items to make a birthday cake. Lower School student decorated birthday bags for these items and made birthday cards to wish the children at Emma’s Place a very happy birthday.

Report Cards Are Available To Parents Monday, February 28
Second trimester report cards will be emailed to parents on Monday, February 28. Lower School teachers have worked hard to give you a comprehensive snapshot of your child’s work in the classroom. I suggest setting aside time to review the report card keeping in mind that the purpose of the report card is to share students’ academic progress based on learning expectations and standards for each grade level. The report card also provides insights into your child’s work habits, social skills, and emotional growth. Take time to recognize your child’s strengths and acknowledge growth. Look for areas that challenge your child and need further attention and practice.

Our teachers believe it is necessary to share all or part of the report card with your child based on his/her/their developmental level or grade level. Make reviewing the report card together a celebration of all that has been accomplished thus far in the school year. Set goals together for areas of improvement and get a plan for how to reach these goals. If you or your child have questions or need additional information don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher. Read More

Meet Retired Faculty Member—Maureen Conway

February 24, 2022

Position while at MPA
Upper School Social Studies Teacher

How many years did you work at MPA?
30? You’d have to check. I think I started in 1983 and left in 2014. I was never any good with numbers…..

What do you miss most about MPA?
Watching young people struggle to understand the forces that made their world and witnessing their emerging determination to shape their future. It was heartbreakingly beautiful. Never surrender, you wonderful people!

What have you been up to since leaving MPA?
I vaguely remember a brief window between retirement and COVID. I believe it was filled with amazing grandchildren, family and friends, fabulous trips, an ill-fated but on-going crusade to master the French language and a menacing orange presence.

MPA Afterschool Activities Cancelled February 22, 2022

February 22, 2022

Due to the weather, all afterschool activities including games, practices, and meetings are cancelled this afternoon, Tuesday, February 22. School will remain in session until our regular dismissal time at 3 PM.

All buses will run as usual. The only exception are students who ride the District 622 buses and those families have been communicated with directly. Please know that MPA’s bus lines may be running late due to road conditions and traffic.

Panther Club and Panther Den will remain open until all children are picked up; however, families are encouraged to arrive as quickly as possible after 3 PM so that staff may travel home. Middle School study hall is cancelled.

Please drive safely and take good care.

Get Your Tickets To MPA’s Spring Auction

February 17, 2022

Friday, April 22, 2022
A’bulae | 255 6th St E, St Paul, MN 55101

The 2022 MPA Spring Auction: Let’s Dream is your chance to build community with fellow parents and raise funds in support of students and teachers. After years of joining together virtually, we can’t wait to safely be together in person to celebrate our students and school! Enjoy delicious cuisine, a hosted bar, live music, games, and both live and silent auctions.

Purchase tickets & learn more here.

We also need your help to ensure our silent auction is another great success! Contact us here anytime to learn more about our auction needs. Click here to view the 2022 Wish List.

Join us to dream big and celebrate all that we have accomplished together!

Take An MPA Art Crawl

February 17, 2022

from Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

I am thrilled to see parents in the halls of MPA once more—we’ve missed you! With Omicron infections on a downward trend and our high vaccination rates, we have been able to open the school once again for parents. On my way back to my office after morning door duty on Monday, I happened upon three parents who had been enjoying time walking through the halls. In particular, they mentioned to me how impressed they were with the beautiful art our students have created that is on display throughout the building. Hardly a day goes by that I don’t stop to admire and enjoy it as it is one of the things I love most about MPA.

I was recently reading through the open-ended responses from the parent satisfaction survey administered in December and one comment caught my attention. In it, a parent questioned the requirement of art and theater in Middle School. I certainly respect the perspective of parents and realize that every child will not always enjoy the arts. I also know the importance of the arts in our mission and the long-lasting impact it has on students. An incredible amount of research has been conducted over the last decade on how music positively affects the brain and cognitive development.

For instance, one study found, “Involvement in the arts is associated with gains in math, reading, cognitive ability, critical thinking, and verbal skill. Arts education can also improve motivation, concentration, confidence, and teamwork.” Another study by a 15-year literature review done by the NEA found, “A growing body of evidence suggests that at virtually every stage of life, the arts can foster openness to novelty, encourage connections to people, places, things, and concepts, and promote the ability to take multiple perspectives, among other positive outcomes.” Read More

Maintaining Vigilance

February 10, 2022

from Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

“This is going to be bad. Really bad,” I said to myself as I listened to a podcast on my drive home from school late one night two years ago. It was in early January that a colleague of mine who works with international students first told me about an outbreak of new flu virus occurring in China, but the details were sketchy. I was desperate to learn more and somehow came across a podcast that went into great detail about the seriousness of the new strain—and I was deeply concerned. And scared, if I am honest. There was a lot I did not know two years ago but I knew the strength of our community.

It is hard to believe it has now been two years and yet it seems like just yesterday. I could only imagine then the implications of the pandemic and its effect on all our lives. It has taken an academic, social, and emotional toll on our community and yet we have persevered and deepened our resiliency. I am proud of our students and grateful for the trust and partnership of parents. Read More

Lower School Division News February 10, 2022

February 10, 2022

from Renee Wright, Lower School Director

Thursday, February 10 is the 100th Day of School
Can you believe we have reached the 100th Day of School? That is certainly something to celebrate! One hundred days smarter and full of new learning experiences, hands-on activities, new friends, and exploration across many subject areas make these days extra special! All LS students will run under our 100th Day banner at recess to share their excitement. Kindergarteners will spend time doing 100-themed math and literacy activities. They will write 100 words, play the 100 tally marks game, eat 100 snacks, and have a dance party and joyfully dance and jump for 100 seconds. It will be a day to remember!

Valentine’s Day in Lower School
Lower School students are encouraged to wear valentine colors on Monday, February 14 in honor of Valentine’s Day. The colors for the day will be red, pink, white, or purple. (We will allow jeans on the bottom!) This will remind everyone that Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate friendship, love, kindness, and compassion.

We are extremely grateful that our MPA Parent Association will be presenting each Lower School student with a special treat bag. Sadly, our beloved annual party put on by the Parent Association will not take place this year due to COVID restrictions. We will have a special valentine story during Monday Morning Meeting from Ms. Lage and Ms. Petrich!

Classroom teachers will plan valentine activities in classrooms to make sure everyone experiences valentine joy and inspiration.

End Of Trimester 2 On February 18
It is hard to believe it is nearly the start of the final trimester of the school year. Trimester 2 ends February 18. The end of the trimester is a time to assess goals, student progress, social interactions, and work habits. Updates on progress and feedback come to you through a conversation during our winter parent-teacher conferences and through the LS report card. The report card will be sent to you via email on February 28. You may notice fewer comments on the report card this marking period due to parent-teacher conferences being held these past two weeks. However, if the report card prompts questions or concerns, make sure to contact your child’s teacher. Connecting with teachers and strengthening the partnership is essential in your child’s education. It brings us such joy to be part of your child’s educational journey. Your investment in your child’s education is honorable. Our teachers work hard every day to help your child DREAM BIG and DO RIGHT!

Changes To COVID Protocols
You should have received information from the Communications Office outlining the changes that are being made to COVID protocols. Most changes will be implemented next week starting on Monday, February 7. One very excited change you read about in the communication is the return to eating in the MPA Commons for grades K-4. PreK students will continue to eat in their classroom until further notice. We will stagger the return of grade levels to the Commons according to the schedule below. Parents should continue to order their student’s lunch for the next two weeks. Please note that students will be making lunch selections on their own once they return to the Commons. Continuing to order your child’s lunch for the next two weeks will allow us some flexibility if we need to made adjustments. Starting February 28, you will no longer need to order lunch through Sage Dining. Read More