Special Events

Purchase Your Spring Auction Golden Ticket!

January 23, 2020

mpa spring auction 2019 guestsIntroducing a brand new opportunity for you to support MPA and potentially win one of nine incredible Live Auction items, each worth thousands of dollars at this year’s 2020 MPA Spring Auction: Light up the Night! 100 Golden Ticket raffle tickets will be sold for $150 each, with the winning ticket holder picking the Live Auction item of their choice. These Golden Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and will go on sale February 1. You may purchase up to five Golden Tickets for your family, and additional tickets as gifts for loved ones or MPA faculty and staff. Live auction items include:

  • US Open Premium Seating
  • Dinner with Bill Hudson, Head of School
  • 7 Night Stay in Paris at Rue Du Four
  • Find Adventure in Montana Cabin Stay
  • Xcel Energy Center Box Seats to Jingle Ball 2020 Concert with Multiple Headliners
  • Explore Donegal, Ireland the Coolest Place on Earth
  • St. Thomas Fun Under the Sun
  • Colorado Escape over MEA
  • Evening of Wine with the Piedmont Guy

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Light Up The Night At The MPA Spring Auction

January 8, 2020

guests at the 2019 spring auctionThe 2020 MPA Spring Auction: Light Up the Night  is your chance to support our beloved school while building community with fellow parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, and friends. Enjoy delicious cuisine, a hosted bar, live music, games, and both live and silent auctions.

MPA Spring Auction
Friday, April 17, 2020
A’bulae | 255 6th St E, St Paul, MN 55101

Do you have any items from the holidays collecting dust such as extra gift cards or something that wasn’t quite right for your family? It might be perfect for this year’s silent auction or mystery box prizes. Contact us or drop off your item to the Development office anytime. Click here to view the 2020 Wish List.

The Shortest Day Of The Year

December 19, 2019

dr. Hudson with students passing the books into the new libraryby Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

Saturday marks the official beginning of winter and is also the shortest day of the year. It marks an important moment in the cycle of life, the end of darkness and the re-emergence of light. Throughout human history, in many cultures and religious traditions, light holds significant meaning, often symbolizing the goodness in each one of us. For many, it represents the warmth of home and family.

These last few weeks before winter break at MPA have been filled with celebrations of light, warmth, and family:

  • The Founders’ Breakfast is a wonderful tradition and it was such a joy last week to see so many students and families celebrating the history and values that bring us together.
  • Maybe it’s the lack of sleep or the holiday spirit, but I had tears in my eyes during the Middle School Band, Orchestra, and Vocal Concert last week. The students did a magnificent job, creating such beauty and joy through their music. As I scanned the faces of our students, I reflected on how much they have grown and come into their own, regardless of whether they were new this year or returning.
  • As I entered school on Tuesday, I was greeted by the comforting smell of waffles and syrup marking the annual Upper School tradition of our Peer Leaders serving homemade waffles to students.
  • This afternoon, we celebrated the completion of our new library, with all students, teachers, and staff passing the final 100 books, one by one, along line bridging the distance between the old and the new.

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Bring The Holiday Spirit To MPA

December 10, 2019

MPA carolers bringing the holiday spirit to campusMr. Habermann, Madrigal Singers and MPA Faculty and Staff would like to welcome back all choir alumni to campus to help spread joy this holiday season at MPA.

Caroling will take place in the North Entrance, Halls and Family Commons on Friday, December 20, 2019 from 7:15-8 AM. Please contact alumni@moundsparkacademy.org if you plan to attend.

College Years POA Reunion

December 10, 2019

parents of alumni at the College Years POA ReunionParents from the MPA classes of 2016 through 2019 gathered at Dellwood Golf Club on Thursday, November 7 to catch up on all the news of MPA’s college students! The evening was sponsored by the Parents of Alumni and is an annual event designed to help parents stay in touch after graduation. Drinks and appetizers were served and everyone had a wonderful time mingling and reconnecting with old friends!

You’re Invited: Alumni Gatherings

December 10, 2019

alumni basketball game 2018December 21, 2019: Alumni Basketball Game
Enjoy getting back on the court with fellow alumni at the Alumni Basketball Game held on December 21, 2019 in the Lansing Center at 1 PM. All MPA alumni are welcomed and encouraged to attend to play or cheer on their former classmates!

December 26, 2019: Alumni Social
This is your chance to return to campus for this year’s winter Alumni Social held on December 26 at 5 PM. The event will include appetizers, beverages and tours of the newly renovated spaces. For questions or to RSVP, please email alumni@moundsparkacademy.org.

January 14, 2020: Alumni Mentorship Program Networking Event
Join in preparing the Class of 2020 for life after MPA in the 2nd Annual Alumni Mentorship Program Networking Event. The event will take place on January 14, 2020 from 8-9:15 AM in the Family Commons. If you are interested in participating or to learn more, please contact Ashley Goetzke, assistant director of development at agoetzke@moundsparkacademy.org for more information.

Creating A Better Future

November 13, 2019

kindergartners with the canvas bags that they madeby Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

Last week was extremely exciting as the community pulled together in support of our Girls Volleyball Team and their quest for a state championship. And although they were ultimately not successful, their incredible season will remain in the memories of MPA students and families. More than 250 students in grades eight through 12 filled five buses for the trip to the Xcel Energy Center last Thursday. Meanwhile, on campus, many Lower and Middle School students, faculty, and staff gathered in the new Family Commons to watch the game on the big screen. There was singing, cheering, and even a “wave” making itself across the fans in the commons.

The school spirit of last week is just one of many indications that our school year is off to a great start. We have wonderful new students and families who are enriching our community. Our newly built and renovated spaces have made it easier to come together as a family over a meal or an event. In the classroom, on the court, and on the stage, students are excelling and truly making an impact, locally, and globally. Read More

Give To The Max Day Is One Week Away!

November 7, 2019

Sally Richie holding her reason for donating to the fall campaignGive to the Max Day is the one day when our community rallies together to reach a big milestone for our “Make a Joyful Gift, Create a Better Future” campaign. Learn more about the Fall Campaign and why this time of year matters to every student, teacher, and community member at MPA.

Join us on Thursday, November 14 for a Give to the Max Day Community Coffee at 8 AM in the Family Commons, and at the end of the school day for our Give to the Max Day assembly and Lip Sync Contest in the Lansing Sports Center at 2:30 PM.

Make a gift today to increase your grade’s giving and to earn fun class prizes if they reach the goal of 70% participation! If a grade reaches 70% participation by November 15, Lower School students will win a party with Mr. Sheehan, Middle School students will win a Friday Night Party, and Upper School students will have a Coffee and Hot Chocolate Bar.

Students Give, Get, And Grow Through Community Involvement

October 22, 2019

first graders reading to a blood drive donorThe world starts small when you’re a kid. In a relative bubble of family, friends, and school, it can be challenging for children to think beyond their own backyard, or to reflect on how they can support or contribute to a community that’s different from their own. Cultivating a service mindset in students early is a powerful key to unlocking a larger world view, while also preparing them for college and creating distinction in their educational experience.

The Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Making Caring Common project published a groundbreaking study focused on inspiring community service as part of the college admissions process. The researchers advocate for how service can help students focus on meaningful ethical and intellectual engagement, while creating a platform for long-term success. The study emphasizes that, through their volunteerism, students should be encouraged to:

  • engage in meaningful, sustained community service that is authentically chosen, consistent, and well-structured, and that provides opportunity for reflection both individually and with peers and adults;
  • take collective action that tackles community challenges;
  • have authentic experiences that focus on “doing with” not “doing for”; and
  • engage in service that develops gratitude and a sense of responsibility for the future.

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Grandparents And Special Friends Day Is October 16!

October 10, 2019

special friends on campusLower and Middle School Grandparents and Special Friends Day will be held on Wednesday, October 16. If parents plan on attending with their child please RSVP by emailing GPDayRSVP@moundsparkacademy.org or calling 651-748-5530. Please include your name and the student name(s) that you will be visiting. Please wear your parent badge. We can’t wait to see everyone on campus for this special event.

9 AM
Registration, coffee, morning treats
Family Commons
9:50-10:30 AM
Kindergarten-6th grade music performance
PreK-8th grade, Nicholson Center
10:40-11:30 AM
Classroom time with your student
11:30 AM
Dismissal