Upper School

Upper School Division News February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

Upper School students visiting Deep Portage.from Mark Segal, Upper School director 

Mark Your Calendars

  • Friday, February 14: No Classes, Professional Development
  • Saturday, February 15: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Deadline
  • Monday, February 17: No Classes, President’s Day
  • Tuesday, February 18: US Nordic Ski Banquet, 4:30-6:30 PM, Family Commons
  • Wednesday, February 19: US Band & Orchestra Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center
  • Monday, February 24-Friday, February 28: SnoDaze Week
  • Wednesday, February 26: US Vocal Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center
  • Thursday, February 27: Remember the Time: A Black History Month Showcase, 4:30-6:30 PM, Family Commons
  • Friday, February 28: US SnoDaze Student Body Event, 3:15-5 PM, MPA Pond/Lansing Sports Center

Like an anxious parent, I felt myself getting more excited for the sound and sight of the coach bus pulling onto campus. It had only been 55 hours since the students and their four chaperones had departed, but there was a noticeable feeling of something missing, knowing that the Class of 2027 was in Hackensack, Minnesota, enjoying their time at the annual Deep Portage field trip.

Field trips have long been recognized as valuable educational tools that extend learning beyond the classroom walls. The Journal of Research in Science Teaching recently published findings from a study that shares, “Students who participate in field trips demonstrate increased engagement, deeper understanding of concepts, and improved retention of learned material.” MPA Upper School students have visited the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) to examine centuries-old ceramic pieces, researched for the History Day Project at the University of Minnesota library, and performed holiday musical pieces for community members at a local hospital and care facility. This is just a sampling of the off-campus experiences students have had this year, with many more planned for the upcoming months.

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The Power of Hopeful Skepticism: Preparing Students, and Ourselves, for a Complex World

February 13, 2025

Lower School teacher interacts with a student. from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

Over my 30+ years in education, I’ve been called many things, some of which I can’t repeat here. Most often, I’ve been called naïve or an optimist, most of the time meant as a criticism. Truth be told, I’d rather be naïve than a cynic, believing people are generally selfish and untrustworthy. I’d rather be an optimist rather than have a negative outlook on life and expect the worst from people and from life.

After reading “Hope for Cynics” by Jamil Zaki, Stanford University professor and director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab, I can now proudly say I am a hopeful skeptic. A hopeful skeptic is someone who balances optimism with critical thinking. They are open to possibilities and potential but also approach claims, ideas, and situations with a questioning mindset. This person is not cynical or dismissive but instead seeks evidence, logic, and reason while maintaining a belief in positive outcomes.

Zaki writes about a test by psychologists Walter Cook and Donald Medley devised to identify good teachers. They asked hundreds of teachers whether they agreed with these three questions (and 47 others):

  1. No one cares much what happens to you.
  2. Most people dislike helping others.
  3. Most people are honest chiefly through fear of getting caught.

According to Cook and Medley’s research, the more a teacher agreed with these statements, the worse their rapport with students. Out of curiosity, but knowing the probable outcome, I did a snap poll of MPA teachers. The vast majority disagreed with all three statements with a small handful agreeing with only one. It didn’t surprise me that 97% of our teachers are low or low-medium in cynicism. Read More

Remaining A Beacon Of Inclusivity, Integrity, and Courage

February 6, 2025

Lower School students celebrate with their hands up in the air. from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

Our values endure. Our resolve is unshakable.

Transitions, whether personal, institutional, or societal, bring both challenge and opportunity. They disrupt routines and ask us to think critically, act courageously, and reaffirm what truly matters. In moments of change—whether in our school, our communities, or on a global scale—we are called to return to our values and remain steadfast. At Mounds Park Academy, we want to be clear: our commitment to our mission and values is unwavering.

MPA is, and will always be, a place where students, families, and educators feel seen, valued, and supported. We are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, just, and equitable environment where every child can learn, grow, and thrive. Our mission calls us to nurture critical thinkers, compassionate leaders, and engaged citizens who have the courage to shape a better world. That mission remains steadfast.

In the recent community survey, MPA students consistently highlighted the welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment. They report strong bonds between the students, teachers, and staff, noting that the result is a close-knit, respectful culture. One student wrote, “I think the school is really good at making sure that every student feels valued and important and in accepting each person’s different situations and how that can affect their learning or experience. People here are very understanding and friendly and create an environment where you don’t feel scared to speak up.” Read More

Welcome To MPA, Ms. Allie DeLeo!

February 6, 2025

MPA's new student billing coordinator, Allie DeLeo. Welcome to MPA, Allie DeLeo! Ms. DeLeo will take over as our accounts payable, payroll, and student billing coordinator, and we are thrilled to introduce her to the community! 

From what school/organization are you coming?
I am coming from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I’ve spent the last 10 years working in the business office at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, where I also received my Bachelor of Fine Arts.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
MPA’s community of innovative thinkers, creative makers, and purposeful achievers made an instant impression on me.

What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA and its students?
I value kindness and empathy and strive to make a positive impact on those around me. I’m always lunging forward to offer a helping hand, and I look forward to engaging with the community at MPA in any way that I can. Read More

Five Things To Know About MPA From Hannabella Li

February 5, 2025

Hannabella working with students in her classMPA tenth-grader Hannabella Li shares her Five Things To Know About MPA! From rigorous academics to growing her confidence through public speaking, see what Hannabella thinks you should know about our school.

1. MPA academics are excellent.

The classes at MPA are challenging and rigorous, without being overly stressful. This blend has helped me to balance my homework and extracurriculars while preparing me for college courses and beyond.

2. MPA teachers know their students.

MPA teachers see the students as people with lives, experiences, and as individuals. Through my time here, I have managed to connect with teachers on a scale that I could never before.

3. MPA has an exceptional STEM program.

As someone who wants to go into STEM in the future, I highly appreciate the in-depth courses, as well as hands-on application, that are a part of every class in the exceptionally-cultured STEM program. Read More

The Path From Montessori School To Mounds Park Academy

February 3, 2025

Upper School student working in the MakerspaceWhen it comes to making a school choice, there are so many different types of environments to explore. Each educational philosophy offers a unique approach to learning, with its own set of strengths, challenges, and benefits for each individual child.

The transition from Montessori to a PreK-12 college prep school like Mounds Park Academy might seem like a big leap, but many of the traits your child developed in Montessori–like their independence, curiosity, and a love of learning–create a very solid foundation for them. At MPA, we work with families to take things one step at a time and embrace these new challenges and opportunities.

How Does A Montessori Education Compare To Mounds Park Academy?

Montessori education focuses on child development and the creation of supportive learning environments. Montessori schools are rooted in principles that emphasize child-centered learning. Students are encouraged to be independent, self-directed learners who explore subjects at their own pace. The American Montessori Society states, “Montessori education is student-led and self-paced but guided, assessed, and enriched by knowledgeable and caring teachers, the leadership of their peers, and a nurturing environment.” MPA honors philosophies similar to a Montessori learning environment while maintaining a level of academic rigor that prepares students academically for college. This is similar to the Montessori method focusing on child-led learning and independence. While the goal of Montessori schools is to inspire a love of learning, Mounds Park Academy achieves this through academics taught in an experiential way. Read More

Five Reasons To Apply Today

February 3, 2025

Middle School students are hugging at recessThis message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the February 2 issue of Inside MPA. Click here to get in touch with Admission and learn more!

Thank you to those who attended our last PreK-12 event of the year, the January MPA Preview! Whether you brought home a piece of your own printmaking art or had a climbing wall adventure, we hope you enjoyed your time with us as much as we did giving you a genuine preview of our school and community.

With the final PreK-12 event of the year comes the end of our admission season, meaning the February 15 application deadline is approaching quickly and we are beginning to see all of the future Panthers who are ready to begin an MPA journey of their own. If you have not yet completed your application, we have five reasons to share why your family should begin your MPA journey by applying today.

1. Academic Rigor With Purpose

At every grade level, MPA finds a developmentally appropriate way to incorporate rigor–not just for the sake of a rigorous education, but to challenge students to push themselves and apply their knowledge to critical thinking and real-word problems to be solved. “Students gain a great sense of satisfaction from taking a project from idea to reality and seeing it meet expectations when it comes to fruition. This exemplifies engineering at Mounds Park Academy and in the real world,” says Mark Shapiro, MPA Upper School physics teacher, on what rigor with purpose looks like. MPA’s curriculum, coupled with small class sizes, allows for more collaboration, creativity, and opportunities for students to become well-prepared for college and beyond. Read More

MPA Students Recognized by MSAA

January 30, 2025

The Art Department is thrilled to share the list of students honored in the 2025 Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards!

The Scholastic Art Awards is a highly competitive, nationally recognized competition for students ages 13-18. Gold Key awards will go on to competition at the national level.

This display of awards represents a variety of mediums, styles, and techniques, as well as countless hours of work over the course of years of skill development. We are so proud of the accomplishments of these artists!

  • Yuhan Zou ‘25, Drawing, Gold Key, “目”
  • Ella D. ‘29, Painting, Gold Key, “Defused Emotions”
  • Jenny Liao ‘28, Painting, Gold Key, “Winter Owl”
  • Juliun Menasco ’27, Photography, Gold Key, “Froggy Curiosity”
  • Nicole Kim ‘27, Fashion, Silver Key, “Background Spotlight”
  • Lucy Smith ‘25, Mixed Media, Silver Key, “Artist Blues”
  • Grace Nelson ‘26, Painting, Silver Key, “Intergalactic”
  • Zayna N. ‘30, Photography, Silver Key, “Sage”
  • Cosmo Vanzyl ‘26, Ceramics, Honorable Mention, “Bloom”
  • Cosmo Vanzyl ‘26, Ceramics, Honorable Mention, “Trust”
  • Amy Xiang ‘26, Drawing, Honorable Mention, “Fireworks”
  • Marlaina Minear ‘25, Drawing, Honorable Mention, “Self-Portrait”
  • Laila Mosley ‘26, Painting, Honorable Mention, “Savory & Sweet Dining”
  • Sukey R. ‘29, Printmaking, Honorable Mention, “Balanced Composition Lino Print”
  • Sophia T. ‘29, Printmaking, Honorable Mention, “Leaves in Symmetry”
  • Thomas Dickson ‘26, Printmaking, Honorable Mention, “Street Print”
  • Yuhan Zou ‘25, Sculpture, Honorable Mention, “Fresh Breath”

See an album of their award-winning work here!

Upper School Division News January 30, 2025

January 30, 2025

Upper School students acting during winter show.from Mark Segal, Upper School director 

Mark Your Calendars

  • Friday, January 31: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Agreements Sent
  • Friday, January 31: US Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
  • Friday, January 31: US Winter Show “Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of Baskerville,” 7-9 PM, Black Box, tickets >
  • Saturday, February 1: US Winter Show “Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of Baskerville,” 7-9 PM, Black Box, tickets >
  • Tuesday, February 4: Speech Tournament, 3-10 PM, MPA Campus
  • Wednesday, February 5: US G10 Retreat, Deep Portage Retreat Center
  • Thursday, February 6: US G10 Retreat, Deep Portage Retreat Center
  • Friday, February 7: US Classes Meet
  • Friday, February 7: US G10 Retreat, Deep Portage Retreat Center
  • Monday, February 10: MS/US Students & Screens Community Discussion, 1:45-3 PM, Recital Hall
  • Wednesday, February 12: All School Pairing Assembly
  • Thursday, February 13: US Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
  • Friday, February 14: No Classes, Professional Development
  • Saturday, February 15: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Deadline
  • Monday, February 17: No Classes, Presidents’ Day
  • Tuesday, February 18: US Nordic Ski Banquet, 4:30-6:30 PM, Family Commons
  • Wednesday, February 19: US Band & Orchestra Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center

In today’s rapidly evolving world, young adults who identify as members of Generation Z (Gen Z), those 13-28 years old, stand at a unique crossroads of societal change. Recent research from the Pew Research Center indicates that Gen Z students face challenges and opportunities in their educational journey. As digital natives, those who have grown up in a “connected” world (technologically speaking) bring distinctive perspectives and needs to school communities. Even though they are frequently found using their technological devices (computers, tablets, cell phones, video games, etc.), they crave authentic interpersonal connections and seek why they need to learn what is being taught.

According to a 2023 study published in the Journal of Higher Education, Gen Z students demonstrate stronger engagement when they understand the practical applications of their coursework. This aligns with this generation’s logical approach to education. They want to know why some concepts “matter” and how they connect with the real world. The Harvard Educational Review says that this “purpose-driven learning approach” leads to stronger retention and application of knowledge. Gen Z learners value information taught to them and seek genuine and authentic ways in which that information applies to them in their pursuit of finding the right “fit” for college and a future profession. The International Journal of Educational Research states, “when educators share relevant personal information and create opportunities for meaningful dialogue in class, student engagement increases by up to 40 percent.” Building relationships and connections between students, teachers, and the taught curriculum leads to genuine interactions and honest discussions.

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MPA Seeking International Student Host Families

January 27, 2025

A MPA Host Family poses for a picture. Do you have room to spare? Space in your heart for another family member? A desire to expand your family’s perspective of the world? MPA is seeking host families for international students for the 2025-26 school year!

Between the adults in their school and home lives, our international students feel supported, nurtured, and loved while living so far from their families. This is vital to their success and the strongest testament to everything our MPA host families and staff do to care for our international students.

We would love it if you and your family considered hosting an international student for next school year. As you and your family consider hosting, here are some topics that may arise. The information below is by no means an exhaustive list, but it may answer some of the initial questions you have and prompt additions ones as well:

Stipend

  • A 10-month stipend of $10,200 will be directly deposited in equal installments of $1,020/month on the first of each month for the previous month, September through June.
  • An early installment of $500 will be deposited on August 1 in preparation for your student’s arrival; the remaining $500 will be deposited on September 1.
  • The daily stipend rate of $30/day will be taken from and disbursed to host families who are providing respite care for a student, as needed.

Transportation

  • Host families are responsible for providing transportation to and from school and school-related activities.
  • Host families are responsible for providing transportation to and from the airport when the student travels.
  • Host families will work with their students in scheduling rides for social events.

Meals

  • All international students will receive the MPA school lunch. Host families and students do not need to pack lunches.
  • Host families are responsible for providing two meals on all weekdays and three meals on all weekend days.

By hosting an international student, you and your family have a unique opportunity to bring the language, culture, and perspective of another country into your home, allowing for a truly rich and genuine intercultural experience. The students will love to share their lives with you while becoming a part of your family, exploring Minnesota, and enjoying MPA student life all at the same time.

We hope you’ll consider opening your hearts and homes to one of our international students. If you have any questions, please contact Cory Becker-Kim, International Student Program Director and Advanced Language & Culture Teacher, at cbeckerkim@moundsparkacademy.org or 651-383-8961.

Click here to fill out a Host Family Application, and here for more information. Thank you so much for considering!