Middle School

Middle School Division News March 24, 2022

March 24, 2022

from Dr. Jenn Milam, Middle School Director

Daylight Savings, Spring Fever, and 12 More Weeks To Go
I hope each of you had a wonderful spring break and had some time to unwind, share time together, and just to enjoy a little less busy in your days. If you traveled, I hope it filled your bucket and brought you joy, and if you stayed put, I hope you had extra time in your jammies and read a good book.

As we all return from spring break, we have an opportunity to begin anew—to have a fresh start, to refocus our energies to finish strong, and to find our best selves before we head into summer and onto the next grade-level and adventure. I hope you, as parents, and your students, see promise and possibility in this moment in time. I am grateful for you and your students at MPA!

Grateful For You!
To all those who helped to organize our Middle School Snow Tubing Event and to those who also supported iTERM courses—THANK YOU! Your time, talent, and presence in our community are so appreciated and your presence and partnership are so important! I am grateful to get to spend time with your young people, and even more fortunate to get to share these experiences with you. Read More

Understanding MPA Athletics

March 3, 2022

Danfrom Dan Haase, Athletic Director

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 innerworkings of your school.

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

Head's Message 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

Middle School Division News February 24, 2022

February 24, 2022

Music Sharefrom Dr. Jenn Milam, Middle School Director

iTERM 2022 – Imagine, Dream, Learn
In just a few days, iTERM will begin–a week of passion-driven, inquiry and exploration in a chosen area, alongside peers from all grades in the middle school, and led by a teacher (or two!) and maybe even a professional boxer! Your students have been entered into Schoology groups where they will get updates, information, announcements, and other key information for their week. If you’d like to be added, please reach out to the leaders of your student’s iTERM course.

For many of you, iTERM is new…here’s a few things you can expect:

  • Students have lunch as usual, each day, just as they always do! Your student should plan to bring lunch or eat at school (if they have a purchased lunch plan) unless otherwise told by their instructor/course leader. Some of the courses involve cooking, field trips to markets in the city, or other excursions, but for the most part, lunch is at MPA right after recess, every day.
  • The day begins at 8 AM and ends at 3 PM, just like always! You should follow regular drop-off and pick-up procedures.
  • Their iTERM course leader will tell them what they need to bring if anything. They should wear comfortable clothes and shoes and plan not to change for PE.
  • They can bring snacks, water bottle, and any other creature comfort they normally use.
  • Please follow the dress code, per usual.
  • The days are full, active, engaged, and so much fun–expect a tired middle schooler at the end of the day.
  • Behavior and conduct expectations remain high and students are expected to show up, participate, engage, and be a good and contributing member of our community.
  • If your student is traveling to Ely for Dogsledding or to Puerto Rico, your course leaders have likely been in touch with details about travel, packing lists, and more. Please read thoroughly all communication in preparation for these trips!
  • The best part about this week is there is no homework assigned, no schedule, no grades – it’s a week of learning and exploring, for the fun of it!
  • We encourage students to be caught up, as much as possible, by the end of this week, as there is no time for school assignments during this week. Projects, outstanding assignments, and other schoolwork, should be completed at home and submitted prior to spring break to avoid missing the two-week grace period to submit late assignments.
  • There is NO study hall offered after school during iTERM week–because there’s no homework!
  • School dismisses promptly at 3 PM on Friday to head into Spring Break!

Read More

Meet Retired Faculty Member—Maureen Conway

February 24, 2022

Maureen Conway 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

Spring AuctionFriday, 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

Lower School Art Tourfrom 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

Middle School Division News February 10, 2022

February 10, 2022

from Dr. Jenn Milam, Middle School Director

Together We Tube!
The Middle School Parents’ Association and I are beyond thrilled to share with you the details of our upcoming tubing adventure at Badlands Snow Park. This event on Friday, February 25, reimagined from our previously known Middle School Café, is an epic opportunity for you to join us – for us to be together! This is an event for the entire Middle School community for an afternoon of fun, food, and fellowship. Please read details at the end of this issue of News & Notes and make plans to attend.

NOTE: If your family elects not to participate and you do not wish for your student to tube, you will need to plan to pick-up your student from school no later than 1 PM on the day of the event. Middle School teachers, staff, and school personnel are all attending the event!

iTERM 2022–Update
Currently, iTERM 2022 is still “on” and planning for field trips, community outings, guest speakers, and awesome experiences is underway. We continue to monitor all things on the COVID front and will adjust as needed. Your student’s iTERM leaders will begin sharing details of their week, outings to look forward to, and invitations to participate/volunteer as driver, participant, cook, or fun-loving participant!

Grade 5 Music Share–Thursday, February 17 @ 2:20 PM, Recital Hall
The new date for the awesome music share event is Thursday, February 17. We will welcome parents and guests to the performance from 2:20-3 PM.

Our amazing Grade 5 musicians are thrilled to share all their musical talents with you in our annual fifth grade music share. We will showcase the band, orchestra, and choir/drumming ensembles. Music has been such a gift this year and our students are so excited to perform for you. This concert will be their first of many in the years to come. We would love your attendance but understand that the timing may be difficult for some families. We will offer a livestreaming option that will be sent in an email to you with a link and code before the concert starts.

Upcoming Music Events:

  • 5-12 Band Concert: May 19
  • 5-12 Orchestra Concert: May 12
  • 5-8 Vocal Concert: May 5

If you have questions, please feel free to reach to one of our amazing music teachers!

NOTE: Per our new health and safety measures, guests are welcome on campus while masked. Please enter through Door 1 or Door 7 and sign-in. We also ask that you remain mindful about monitoring COVID symptoms and if you, or guests, are experiencing any symptoms of illness, that you forego the on-campus performance and view from the livestream. Read More