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Panthers Headed To State!

June 1, 2019

Mounds Park Academy is so proud of all its student-athletes headed to state!

This weekend, MPA made school history with the most Track & Field State Qualifiers ever!

Henry Snider – 3200m run
Sofia Walker – 800m Run
Yahya Madar – High Jump (Section Meet Record of 6′ 8)
Girls 4 x 800m Relay (Gabby Law, Izzy Quam, Margo Nightingale, Sofia Walker)
Boys 4 x 200m Relay (Tae’Vion Wilkins, Ian Olson, Nathan Harvanko, Flynn Opatz)
Boys 4 x 800m Relay (Isak Nightingale, Cullen Moore, Matthew Bourn, Henry Snider)

The State Track & Field Meet will be June 7 and 8 at Hamline University.

State Tennis starts Tuesday, June 4 at Reed Sweatt Tennis Club. MPA takes on Hibbing High School at 12 PM.

In MPA Golf, Maya Merchant advances to State June 11 and 12 at Pebble Creek.

Go Panthers!

A Special Dedication On Campus

May 30, 2019

A very special surprise happened on campus last week that began at the Spring Auction 2019-Once Upon A Time! Mike Velin ’06 bid and won the opportunity to name a sewing machine in the Makerspace, and he named it after his mom, Jane Harper. “We wanted to show our appreciation for everything you’ve done, and dedicate a sewing machine in your honor,” Mike said to his mother, after she unwrapped the sewing machine.

Jane is a frequent member of Fiber Friends, and has used her expertise to teach countless MPA students. She has also been instrumental in helping the eighth grade boys learn how to sew. To show their appreciation, those boys joined in on the moment by singing her a tribute song. Click here to watch a true MPA moment.

Living The Vision

April 2, 2019

There are freethinkers, free spirits, risk takers, right makers, dreamers, and doers who are standing up to support Together, We Dream. Here is one story that explains why. Meet Ankita and Amit Bhalla, current MPA parents.

What impact do you see the completion of Together, We Dream: The Campaign for MPA having on your family?
A better and more enhanced facility greatly affects the health, behavior, engagement, learning and growth in achievement of our children, and so the impact of this campaign on our daughter is vital.

Why do you believe it is important to give to Together, We Dream?
It is important to us not only for the reasons above, but also to ensure we focus on the need for our daughter to grow and learn 21st century skills such as teamwork, effective communication, and collaboration with her teachers and school mates. Contributing enables the improvement of the facility to facilitate these skills and needs.

How do you see the four priorities (library, commons, cafeteria and kitchen, endowment, and outdoor track) of Together, We Dream impacting the student experience?
These priorities are hugely impactful as they positively relate to our daughters development, engagement and achievement.

What is your dream for the future of MPA and how do you see Together, We Dream working toward your dream?
Our dream aligns very closely with the MPA vision to “dream big and do right”. It is important for us that our daughter is able to live this vision and able to have the capabilities and opportunities that allow her to do so.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your MPA experience?
We have loved our experience at MPA thus far. For our daughter to indicate without a doubt that she will never leave the school is a testament to her experience and in turn, ours. There is always room for improvement and we appreciate the opportunity to be able to be involved as parents and to grow together.

Honor where we’ve been. Power our way forward. Make a gift at moundsparkacademy.org/donate/together.

Meet Ryan Ghose ’21

March 19, 2019

What do you love about MPA?
Waking up every morning excited about what I’m doing that day, whether it be a fun activity during class, play rehearsal, or a school dance.

How are you encouraged to dream big and do right at MPA?
I am encouraged to dream big and do right through everything MPA offers. My extracurriculars allow me to explore anything and everything I set my mind to. The volunteer work I have been doing on campaigns and for organizations I believe in continue to inspire me to do right for my peers and my community.

What would you tell a family considering MPA?
If you have a child that loves to learn and wants to explore their environment, MPA allows your child to do that in a supportive and understanding environment. Read More

Emphasizing Our Commitment

January 23, 2019

There are freethinkers, free spirits, risk takers, right makers, dreamers, and doers who are standing up to support Together, We Dream. Here is one story that explains why. Meet Leah Anderson, MPA parent.

What impact do you see the completion of Together, We Dream: The Campaign for MPA having on your family?
As the campaign completes, it will create an even more exciting, engaging, cutting-edge, and collaborative set of spaces where our children can continue to dream big and do right, innovate for good in the world, and challenge each other to be their best selves.

Why do you choose to give to Together, We Dream and the MPA Fund?
As with any critical strategic investment, MPA will only continue to be the incredible institution that it is today with ongoing investment in its future. Giving helps ensure that MPA will be here tomorrow—even better, and stronger, than it is today.

How do you see the four priorities (library, commons, cafeteria, and kitchen, endowment, and outdoor track) of Together, We Dream impacting the student experience?
The updated library will reflect the way that we work, interact, problem solve, research, study, and learn in the new world and prepare students for similar experiences as they pursue their college study and careers. The cafeteria and kitchen—what can I say? It will just be AWESOME. And the endowment is critical to ensure this school can continue to run a strong foundation for the future. And last, but not least, the track helps emphasize our commitment to the value and balance that a focus on athletics provides in an academically rigorous environment.

What is your dream for the future of MPA and how do you see Together, We Dream working toward your dream?
My dream is for MPA to be recognized as the leader it is in its pursuit of excellence, continuous improvement, academic rigor, and student experience/outcomes.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your MPA experience?
We love it!!!

Honor where we’ve been. Power our way forward. Make a gift at moundsparkacademy.org/donate/together.

Thinking Forward

January 23, 2019

There are freethinkers, free spirits, risk takers, right makers, dreamers, and doers who are standing up to support Together, We Dream. Here is one story that explains why. Meet Colleen Casey and Kurt Keogh, MPA parents.

What impact do you see the completion of Together, We Dream: The Campaign for MPA having on your family?
Our kids are going to really enjoy the innovative design of the new spaces.

Why do you choose to give to Together, We Dream?
Our kids are young enough to enjoy the new spaces for many years to come. Also, the layout for the library and cafeteria further promotes a warm, fun, and comforting community feel.

How do you see the four priorities (library, commons, cafeteria, and kitchen, endowment, and outdoor track) of Together, We Dream impacting the student experience?
The kids are really going to love hanging out in different spaces. The different rooms and spaces equally cater to kids and teachers from the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools.

What is your dream for the future of MPA and how do you see Together, We Dream working toward your dream?
I am impressed at how my kids look forward to going to school everyday. I think the new additions will only add to their positive experience.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your MPA experience?
The new spaces are forward thinking and I am impressed by the creativity of the design team. Also, completing this project without incurring debt is wonderful!

Honor where we’ve been. Power our way forward. Make a gift at moundsparkacademy.org/donate/together.

MPA Campus Closed Sunday

April 14, 2018

Due to the blizzard conditions, our campus will be closed again tomorrow, Sunday, April 15. All activities are cancelled.

Based on the current forecast, we are anticipating a regular school day on Monday, April 16. Please use caution when traveling to campus and remember that tardies will be excused if road conditions are not ideal. If anything changes, we will alert you as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, stay safe and enjoy the snow!

MPA Campus Closed Saturday

April 13, 2018

Due to the weather, all activities, practices, and events on campus are cancelled tomorrow, Saturday, April 14.

This includes the ACT exam that was scheduled. The rescheduled test date will be posted at www.actstudent.org as soon as it is set. Registered examinees will receive official notification from ACT. If you have any questions, please call ACT Student Services at 319-337-1270.

Lower School Art and Music Show

April 14, 2017

Wednesday night’s Lower School Art and Music Show: Plant, Nurture, Grow, was a stunning celebration of our little ones. After proudly describing each piece of artwork to their families, students performed with confidence. Freethinking was woven throughout as they improvised, embellished, and interpreted the music. Bravo! Click here to see pictures of this event.

Sharing The Team Sport of Science

April 13, 2017

by Caitlyn Fick, Scripps College Chemistry Major

Since I was in fourth grade, I have been interested in the way that science can explain the natural phenomena that take place around us on a daily basis. In college, I have had the opportunity to conduct my own chemical research, actualizing my elementary school dreams, and presented my research at the American Chemical Society Conference in April.

I am so excited to share my love for science with MPA students this summer by teaching the following Enrichment Classes: “Chemistry And The World Around Us,” “Fun With Ecology and Biology,” and “Hands-on Science Ecology Fun.” Science promotes curiosity, a skill that most children have, teamwork, and introduces new ways to problem solve. In my classes, my students will not only be learning scientific concepts, but also that science is a team sport and that, as a scientist, they need to be open-minded when new ideas are presented to them. Lastly, I hope to instill the idea that science is FUN! Getting to do chemical experiments and work outside in the soil will ground students in the idea that science is everywhere and can do some pretty cool things.