Upper School Archives

September 11, 2019

by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

I know I am not the only parent who can say that the ride to school with my daughter can make or break my day. A quarrel over the most insignificant matter, a scowl, or a roll of the eyes can send my mood in a downward spiral. Although others warned me, I never realized the degree to which my outlook on life is influenced by my children. On the flip side, the joy, smiles, high fives, and hugs from incoming students at the south entrance in the morning easily lift my spirits.

This phenomenon made sense when I happened upon an NPR story this summer about emotional contagion and how microexpressions influence moods. Microexpressions are fleeting, involuntary expressions of feelings that last a fraction of a second. For some time, science has observed how animals tend to mimic the physical movements of one another. We now know that such automimicry extends to emotions as well. After years of research, Elaine Hatfield and Dick Rapson, researchers at the University of Hawaii, have demonstrated that microexpressions can actually produce the corresponding emotion inside of us. Read More

MPA Parent Food Allergy Aware Training

September 11, 2019

The number of children with food allergies continues to rise. This fact and the desire to best serve and protect our students with food allergies, prompted MPA to make a commitment to becoming an Allergy Aware School. Please join us for the MPA Parent Food Allergy Aware Training on Monday, September 23, from 6:30-7:30 PM in the Recital Hall.

This important and informative session will be led by Kelly Ayd, RN, BSN, PHN for Non-Public Schools, Adventure Connection and Next Step Programs and District 622 Nurse Supervisor. Kelly will be answering questions as well as guiding families through our expanded food allergy policy, how to read food labels, and safe food alternatives for commonly-used foods that contain peanuts or tree nuts.

Childcare will be provided for children ages 3.5 and older. Please RSVP for childcare only to communications@moundsparkacademy.org–no additional RSVP is needed.

Science Shows You Can’t Go Wrong With A Song

September 11, 2019

Music And The Brain
Music isn’t just something that’s good for your brain—it practically is your brain. Studying music is intrinsically tied to better hearing, speech, memory, reasoning, and emotional development. It lifts mood, builds community, and strengthens confidence. Music matters for long-term physical and psychological wellbeing, and to preserve brain health as we age. In terms of academic success, music education is directly connected to overall student achievement and personal growth, and it plays an essential role in Mounds Park Academy’s whole child, progressive, college preparatory curriculum, PreK through grade 12.

Building Social, Intellectual Capacity
According to recent research conducted by neuroscientists at the University of Southern California’s Brain and Creativity Institute, early education in music was shown to accelerate brain development in young children, especially in the parts of the brain that manage sound, language, speech perception, and reading skills. As described by neuropsychologist Catherine Loveday of the University of Westminster, “music reaches parts of the brain that other things can’t … it’s a strong cognitive stimulus that grows the brain in a way that nothing else does, and the evidence that musical training enhances things like working memory and language is very robust.” Read More

A Message From Mike Velin ’06, Alumni Association Chair

September 10, 2019

by Mike Velin ’06, MPA Alumni Association Board Chair

As I write to you, I’m cherishing my own fond memories of Mr. Meacock and I’m sure many of you still remember your time in his classroom. It is in the spirit of those early MPA founding teachers and leaders that the MPA Alumni Association Board is kicking off a busy year of activities and opportunities for alumni to engage with current students, former classmates, and events on campus.

We have much to be grateful for from our MPA educational experience. It means so much to me to be able to stay engaged with MPA and to give back to current students. I’d like to encourage you to consider getting involved in a way that is meaningful for you. One way that will make a big impact is by joining this year’s cohort of MPA mentors for current seniors. We are in need of more volunteers to ensure every senior has a mentor. Help us to have another successful year of the mentorship program. Read More

Remembering Mr. Meacock

September 10, 2019

It is with great sadness that we share some very sad news from our MPA family. Mr. Richard Meacock, retired Upper School faculty and founding faculty member, has passed away after a long illness.

Mr. Meacock was a beloved faculty member at MPA since the school opened in 1982 and he will be greatly missed. His legacy will live on within these walls as we will forever be an inclusive, welcoming community because of his work. He impacted thousands of students, both academically and personally. Our alumni think clearer, love deeper, and laugh more for knowing him. Those gifts he gave will never be lost. Read More

Helping New International Students Feel At Home

September 9, 2019

As the rest of us were squeezing the last bits of summer out of August, the new MPA international students were already hard at work. Ten days before the rest of us walked through the doors of MPA, our new students arrived from four different countries to get settled into their host families’ homes, to get acclimated to their new school, and to have some fun with their new classmates.

While taking math placement exams, discussing plagiarism, and figuring out their locker combos, there was time to build community, too. Several returning international students and domestic MPA students volunteered their time to pile into a 15-passenger van that took everyone off-campus for a bit. Between school supply shopping, bowling, and sharing meals together, the students exchanged stories, answered questions, talked candidly, and shared laughter. By the time the first day of school came around, our new international students felt comfortable with the school and, more importantly, comfortable walking through its doors on day one. Their courage is admirable, and their daily victories, small and large, are awe-inspiring.

Get Your Spirit Wear In Time For Homecoming!

September 5, 2019

The theme of Homecoming 2019 is Dream. Play. Share., and spirit wear is one great way to “dream” up a custom design, “play,” with the possibilities, and “share” your Panther Pride! Receive 15% off purchases of $75 or more through September 30 with code SEPT19 at MPA’s online spirit store! Even our littlest Panther cubs can join in on the Homecoming fun and school spirit–our online store is now selling infant and toddler gear! Start shopping here.

We can’t wait to see you in MPA colors and to Dream, Play, and Share with you at all of the wonderful 2019 Homecoming events. Click here for the full agenda and activity details.

Important Safety Reminders From MPA

September 5, 2019

It is MPA’s responsibility to provide the safest campus environment possible for you and your children—this is our number one priority. We’d like to share some important traffic safety reminders. Please share this information with all of the drivers in your home, in addition to others who may provide transportation for you. Thank you very much in advance for your cooperation and understanding.

Distracted Driving
Parents and students are asked to refrain from using cell phones (hands free or otherwise) while driving on campus, especially when children are present. This helps us all to be aware of the children moving around us and keep the traffic flow steady and uncongested.

Please Slow Down
Keep your speed at or below 10 MPH, depending upon the time of day and the area of campus. This is particularly important near crosswalks. Read More

Make And Create With MPA Fiber Friends

September 5, 2019

Fiber Friends is starting up again on Friday, September 6! This group of knitters, crocheters, and textile gurus is open to all parents, alums, grandparents, students, staff, and faculty. Beginners are always welcome! Bring in a project you are working on or if you are new to the group, we will provide you with supplies, guidance, and a smile to get started. Fiber Friends meets every Friday in the AnnMarie Thomas Makerspace from 11-12:30.

Contact Ms. Koen, Makerspace coordinator, with any questions.

Going The Extra Mile

September 5, 2019

by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

Throughout middle and upper school, I was usually the tallest kid in the room. However, my coordination never seemed to be in sync with my height. Nevertheless, I was encouraged to play the center position on the basketball team and defensive end on the football team. There were many times I was discouraged, but I learned to push myself. In my junior and senior years, I saw very little playing time in basketball, but earned my place on the team in practices by playing center in scrimmages, going up against Pete. I was 6’3” and 160 pounds. Pete was 6’5’’ and 230 pounds. Over the course of two years, I sustained a broken leg, several sprained ankles, black eyes, bruised ribs, and other injuries … all thanks to my friend, Pete.

A great deal of the success I’ve had to date can be credited to lessons I learned from those experiences. For example, whether it was pushing myself to finish my doctorate, dealing with difficult problems at work, overcoming personal challenges, or running a 10K, I am stronger because of the endurance I have learned. While some may define endurance as suffering, I view it in a positive light—an indication of growth and accomplishment. Read More