Parents Association

February 13, 2025

MPA PA Grade Reps are seeking contributions to support the school! The 2025 MPA Spring Auction: Gala of Gratitude is just around the corner, and those of you who have been part of the MPA community in past years will remember that, traditionally, each grade collects funds for a Spring Auction basket. However, this year, there’s a slight change!

Instead of grade baskets, this year, grade-level contributions will sponsor one or more Live Auction items listed as Lower, Middle, or Upper School Sponsored Package. By pooling resources, our collective donations will help purchase an exciting consignment package to be auctioned live at the event and have an even greater impact!

This is a fantastic opportunity for our grade-level communities to come together and make a big difference for MPA students and programs while supporting this important fundraising event. We’d love your help!

Please look for an auction email from your designated grade reps or contact PA@moundsparkacademy.org, and we will connect with you. Thank you!

February 6, 2025

Volunteer at the MPA Book Festival and the Lower School Valentine’s Party to help us make next week festive and fun at MPA!

MPA Book Festival

Get ready to fall in love with reading at the MPA Book Festival from February 10-13 in the MPA Gallery!

The Book Festival has offerings for everyone from PreK through Upper School students and adults! If you have any questions about whether a title on your student’s wishlist is appropriate for their reading level, please contact Stephanie Kollm, Library and media specialist, at skollm@moundsparkacademy.org.

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January 30, 2025

Get ready to fall in love with reading at the MPA Book Festival from February 10-13 in the MPA Gallery!

The book festival is for everyone! MPA will partner with Red Balloon Bookshop and PaperPie (formerly Usborne Books & More) to sell new books in the MPA Gallery during the week of the Book Festival. There will be exciting, high-interest titles available for kids from PreK through Upper School, so everyone can find a book to fall in love with this winter!

The MPA Book Festival will run from Monday, February 10, to Wednesday, February 12, from 7:45 AM-3:30 PM and Thursday, February 13, from 7:45 AM-10 AM. That Wednesday will also feature a Pairing Assembly for students!

Payment options include credit cards or checks. Online ordering will be available. All proceeds will benefit the Martin Lenz Harrison Library.

Dr. Hudson’s Book Club

Join our community of adult readers and attend our Book Festival Book Club on February 12 at 6:30 PM in the Martin Lenz Harrison Library for Dr. Hudson’s Book Club! We will be discussing “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin. All are welcome to attend, even if this is your first time attending the book club. Please RSVP here.

Call For Volunteers!

Festival organizers are looking for one to two volunteers to help for each of the following days and tasks. Please email PA@moundsparkacademy.org if you can support this event!

• Pick up books from Red Balloon in Saint Paul on February 6 at 1:30 PM
• Tear down the event in the library on February 13 at 10 AM

Lower School Valentine’s Party

The PA is seeking volunteers to help out during the Lower School Valentine’s Party in the Lansing Center on Thursday, February 13. Kids will enjoy games, crafts, activities, face painting, and an obstacle course during their P.E. time. Join us for part of the day or the whole day! Sign up here.

January 23, 2025

We are trying something new this year for Faculty and Staff Appreciation, which is being hosted by different grade groupings throughout the year, and it has been a huge hit. Last Friday, parent volunteers from seventh through ninth grade hosted candle-making, special breakfast drinks, and a raffle. Thank you to all who chipped in to show our love for the faculty and staff at MPA!

MPA PA Trivia Night

Join us for the second annual MPA PA Trivia Night on Friday, January 24, in the Family Commons! This will be a joyful night out for dinner and socializing! There will also be friendly competition against fellow parents for the chance to hold the title of Parents Association Trivia Night Champion!

Details

• All parents and guardians of students in PreK-12 are welcome.
• Upper School and college students are welcome with their parents, although this is primarily a parent event.
• Limited childcare for students in grades K through six with pre-registration by Upper School student volunteers. Please note that the MPA PA is unable to provide childcare for children in PreK or younger.
• Dinner will be provided for parents and children by Cossetta.
• Cost is $6 per person, adults and children. Registration is required to help us plan food quantities. Registration must be completed in advance for childcare.

MPA Book Festival

Get ready to fall in love with reading at the MPA Book Festival from February 10-13 in the MPA Gallery!

Each year at MPA, our community supports the Martin Lenz Harrison Library and the joy of reading through the Book Festival. This is a time-honored MPA tradition for all MPA families to get new books into the hands of students while supporting Library initiatives and a beloved local bookstore. The book festival is for everyone!

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January 16, 2025

Join us for the second annual MPA PA Trivia Night on Friday, January 24, in the Family Commons! This will be a joyful night out for dinner and socializing! There will also be friendly competition against fellow parents for the chance to hold the title of Parents Association Trivia Night Champion!

Details

• All parents and guardians of students in PreK-12 are welcome.
• Upper School and college students are welcome with their parents, although this is primarily a parent event.
• Limited childcare for students in grades K through six with pre-registration by Upper School student volunteers. Please note that the MPA PA is unable to provide childcare for children in PreK or younger.
• Dinner will be provided for parents and children by Cossetta.
• Cost is $6 per person. Registration is required to help us plan food quantities. Registration must be completed in advance for childcare.

Dr. Hudson’s Book Club

All book lovers are invited to join us on February 12 at 6:30 PM in the Martin Lenz Harrison Library for Dr. Hudson’s Book Club! We will be discussing “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin. All are welcome to attend, even if this is your first time attending the book club. Please RSVP here.

Upcoming Events

• Friday, January 17: PA Faculty and Staff Appreciation hosted by Grades 7-9, 6:45-10:30 AM, Peacock Family Teaching Kitchen
• Friday, January 24: PA Family Trivia Night, 6-8 PM, Family Commons

January 9, 2025

Join us for the inaugural Panther Classic this Saturday, January 11, from 9 AM-4 PM in the Lansing Sports Center! This Middle School basketball tournament is a great way to showcase MPA athletes and facilities. All grade-level families are welcome to attend, volunteer, and/or contribute concessions items. All funds will be used to support future athletic endeavors! Come cheer on the Panthers and support this inaugural tournament to elevate MPA athletics.

This event is a true team effort between the athletics department, the MPA Parents Association, and student leadership! We are so pleased to have Wyatt Srsen ’25, the Upper School boys varsity basketball captain, volunteer his time and talent off the court to support the event for his Senior Service Project.

If you have any questions about timing or contributions, please call Christine Larson, Panther committee chair, at 612-251-1156.

Upcoming Events

• Saturday, January 11: Panther Classic Basketball Tournament, 9 AM-4 PM, Lansing Sports Center
• Friday, January 17: PA Faculty and Staff Appreciation hosted by Grades 7-9, 6:45-10:30 AM, Peacock Family Teaching Kitchen
• Friday, January 24: PA Family Trivia Night, 6-8 PM, Family Commons

December 19, 2024

Join us for the inaugural Panther Classic on Saturday, January 11, from 9 AM-4 PM in the Lansing Sports Center! This Middle School basketball tournament is a great way to showcase MPA athletes and facilities. All grade-level families are welcome to attend, volunteer, and/or contribute concessions items. All funds will be used to support future athletic endeavors! Come cheer on the Panthers and support this inaugural tournament to elevate MPA athletics.

This event is a true team effort between the athletics department, the MPA Parents Association, and student leadership! We are so pleased to have Wyatt Srsen ’25, the Upper School boys varsity basketball captain, volunteer his time and talent off the court to support the event for his Senior Service Project.

If you have any questions about timing or contributions, please call Christine Larson, Panther committee chair, at 612-251-1156.

Save The Date For Parents Association Trivia Night!

Join us on Friday, January 24, from 6-8 PM in the Family Commons and enjoy a night out socializing and competing with other MPA parents/guardians for the title of PA Trivia Night Champions! Keep an eye out for details and the registration link after winter break. Limited Panther Care will be available for children in kindergarten through sixth grade with pre-registration.

December 12, 2024

Cookies, Coffee & Connection! We would love to see you before winter break.

• Friday, December 13: Lower School Quarterly Coffee, Virtual Meeting
  Ms. Dana, the PreK-Grade 5 counselor, and Lower School director Jennifer Le Varge will be providing a recorded presentation on adult and child well-being and strategies at home. A pre-recorded video link will be shared on Friday, December 13, to watch at your convenience.
• Tuesday, December 17: Upper School Quarterly Coffee, 8 AM, PCR
  The topic will be a deep dive into a teacher’s perspective at MPA, “Scenes from a 24-Year MPA Career: Mr. Vergin’s Top Five Experiences.”

Monday, December 16: Spirit Wear Pop-Up Shop, 2:30-4 PM, Outside the Makerspace

Limited edition MPA Beanies will be available at a spirit wear pop-up shop next week! These make great stocking stuffers or holiday gifts. Questions? Email the Parents Association at PA@moundsparksacademy.org.

December 5, 2024

Cookies, Coffee & Connection! We would love to see you before winter break.

• Tuesday, December 10: Middle School Quarterly Coffee, 8 AM, MPA Gallery
  The topic of discussion will be Everything About Adolescence with Dr. Jules Nolan coming to join the discussion.
• Thursday, December 12: Cookies and Coffee at the Winter Middle School Music Concert, 6 PM, Family Commons
  The MPA Parents Association invites all families and friends for cookies, coffee, and informal conversation prior to the Middle School concert.
• Friday, December 13: Lower School Quarterly Coffee, Virtual Meeting
  Ms. Dana, the PreK-Grade 5 counselor, and Lower School director Jennifer Le Varge will be providing a recorded presentation on adult and child well-being and strategies at home. A pre-recorded video link will be shared on Friday, December 13, to watch at your convenience.
• Tuesday, December 17: Upper School Quarterly Coffee, 8 AM, PCR
  The topic will be a deep dive into a teacher’s perspective at MPA, “Scenes from a 24-Year MPA Career: Mr. Vergin’s Top Five Experiences.”

November 21, 2024

Connection is brewing yet again! Join division directors and special guests at the upcoming quarterly coffees!

• Tuesday, December 10: Middle School Quarterly Coffee, 8 AM: The topic of discussion will be Students and Screens with Dr. Jules Nolan, MPA’s school psychologist, coming to join the discussion.
• Tuesday, December 17: Upper School Quarterly Coffee, 8 AM: The topic will be a deep dive into a teacher’s perspective at MPA: “Scenes From a 24-Year MPA Career: Mr. Vergin’s Top Five Experiences.”
• Lower School Quarterly Coffee will be virtual this quarter. More information is coming soon!

Upcoming MPA PA Events

• Friday, November 22: Faculty and Staff Appreciation, hosted by Grades 10-12 families, volunteer >
• Tuesday, December 10: Middle School Quarterly Coffee, 8 AM, MPA Gallery
• Thursday, December 12: MPA PA hosted cookies and coffee at Winter Middle School Music Concert, 6 PM, Family Commons
• Tuesday, December 17: Upper School Quarterly Coffee, 8 AM, PCR