Upper School Archives

May 9, 2019

by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

As I attend the concerts, art shows, and special grade-level events this month, I am reminded that May is a wonderful celebration of the maker mindset cultivated throughout the curriculum at MPA. I recently came across an article that explained the purpose of a makerspace. I found it descriptive of what happens in our own Makerspace and affirming of the pedagogy behind why we do what we do in that space. However, upon further reading and reflecting, I found that the maker mindset described extends to every classroom and the principles on which our school was founded.

Classroom teacher, university professor, and author John Spence defines a makerspace as “simply a space designed and dedicated to hands-on creativity,” he explains, “and the key thing there is they’re actually making something. Creativity is sometimes idea generation, it’s sometimes problem-solving. But (in) a makerspace, you’re actually going to create some kind of product.” It has been my experience that at MPA, one could easily take out the word makerspace in the above quote and insert “music classroom,” “art studio,” “physical education class,” “science classroom,” “playground,” etc. Throughout every area of the school, MPA teachers encourage, and the curriculum reflects, core values of design thinking including problem-based learning, critical thinking, divergent thinking, among other common values within the makerspace movement. Read More

Athletic Achievements This Week

May 9, 2019

While it may not feel like spring sports weather today, we have some exciting MPA athletics results to share from earlier in the week!

At the Section 4A True Team Meet on May 7, the Boys Track and Field Team finished in fourth place out of 14 teams and the girls finished fifth! The teams had seven event winners in sprints, distance, jumps and relays. Senior Yahya Madar earned a personal best and school record of 6’7” in the high jump. Seniors Tae’Vion Wilkins and Dylan Dickinson both set personal records in the triple jump. Senior Henry Snider won the 1600m race.

The Panthers Softball Team got the win against Providence Academy to stay undefeated this season! MPA eighth grader Siri S. pitched five innings with 10 strikeouts. Read More

Class of 2019: Julia Portis, North Oaks

May 7, 2019

As the 2018–19 school year comes to an end, we’re sharing the college choice stories of several members of the Class of 2019!

In what grade did you come to MPA?
I came to MPA in first grade. My sister, who is three years older than me, was enrolled at the time. My parents loved the community so much, and they were so excited for us both to go here. I am so happy that I came to MPA. I am so lucky to have had the wonderful and immersive education that Mounds Park Academy offers all of its students.

How did you come to choose the college that you did?
I didn’t really know what I wanted to pursue until the end of my junior year. My first exposure to college was my sister’s experience. She looked at small liberal arts colleges across the country. As I traveled with her, I began to see myself at similar schools. After deciding that I wanted to study business, my list of schools began to narrow. Babson College was the first business school I ever visited. The community was infectious, and my first impression never seemed to escape me. After attending MPA for 12 years, I have a firm grasp on the benefits of a small community. Similar to MPA, Babson emphasizes the importance of collaboration, innovation, problem-solving, and critical thinking. I’m so excited to join the community in the fall!

What are you most excited about as you embark on your college experience?
I am excited for the things I will learn in college, as well as the experiences that will mold me into the person I will become in the future. There is so much I have yet to figure out. I am excited to take risks, challenge myself, and hopefully fail a couple times. Yes, fail. The way I see it, there is so much learning and thinking that comes from failed ventures. Read More

Students Participate in Art 4 Shelter

May 6, 2019

Upper School artists are honored to participate in Art 4 Shelter again this year. Art 4 Shelter is an exhibition and sale that benefits the Simpson Housing Services in Minneapolis. What a wonderful opportunity for students to use their skills to help better our community! This year’s participating MPA students are: sophomore Satori Lewen, junior Charles Grimes, and seniors Ajay Manicka, Olivia Burton, Jordan Grabanski, Mats Dahlberg, and also teacher Renee Sonka.

The Art 4 Shelter exhibition and sale will be held at Machine Shop, 300 2nd St SE in Minneapolis, Wednesday, May 15, 7 PM. Click here for more information on Art 4 Shelter.

A Conversation About Community

May 6, 2019

Thirteen years ago, Mounds Park Academy Class of 2019 students were in kindergarten. As they graduate this year, 13 of them join MPA’s Joanne Olson Club, reserved for students whose entire K-12 or PreK-12 journey has taken place here at MPA.

In February, many members of this remarkable group were able to come together for a conversation about community. After all, who knows more about the MPA community than students who joined us in kindergarten and now leave the school as young adults, bound for college and a promising future?

How has MPA’s community supported and shaped you?
“In Lower School, as we walked to class, we’d high-five older kids. At home we’d tell our parents, ‘I high-fived this huge high schooler today!’ I want to support that community, too.” Parker Law
“Our relationships with teachers forge respect between adults and kids. We talk to our teachers about social-life issues, real-world issues, our opinions, and more. That’s shaped my relationships with adults outside school.” Tara Samsel
“Teachers encourage these relationships. I’m comfortable talking to people much older than I am.” Emilie Davidson
“We’ve grown up surrounded by older kids and loving adults. So that age difference doesn’t seem as big.” Gabby Law Read More

Congratulations All-State Choir Members

May 3, 2019

Congratulations to Caleb Rhodes, Ryan Ghose, Solveig Svennevig-Brosi, and Jordan Akers who auditioned and were selected to be members of the Minnesota Music Educator’s Association All-State Choirs!

Caleb and Jordan will sing in the Tenor-Bass Choir under the direction of Michael Culloton from Concordia University-Moorhead. Ryan is a member of the Mixed Choir conducted by Joan Miller (University of North Dakota) while Solveig will sing in the Soprano-Alto Choir with Therees Hibbard (St. Olaf College) conducting.

The All-State Choirs convene on the campus of St. Olaf College in early August. This six day camp culminates with a performance in Boe Chapel. In mid-February, the choirs reunite to perform at Orchestra Hall. Caleb, Ryan, Solveig, and Jordan are all members of the MPA Concert Choir and Madrigal Singers.

Class of 2019: Rayaan Ahmed, Fridley

May 3, 2019

As the 2018-19 school year comes to an end, we’re sharing the college choice stories of several members of the Class of 2019!

In what grade did you come to MPA?
I came to MPA in ninth grade.

How did you come to choose the college that you did?
I chose The George Washington University, because they combine academics with service. By fostering leaders through their positive environment and providing students with world class internships. I know my love for politics and international affairs will only grow in D.C.

What are you most excited about as you embark on your college experience?
My university is located in a city unlike any other, and so I am able to gain a well-rounded education not just in a classroom setting. The whole city is the classroom; I emerge not just with a diploma, but with experiences that could only happen at GW. I am excited for the internship opportunities, visiting amazing museums, and the ability to take long walks in the National Mall. Read More

MPA Inspires Me

May 2, 2019

by Jenn Milam, Ph.D., Middle School Director

Editor’s Note: On the first Thursday of each month, you will find a guest Head’s Message here from one of MPA’s division directors. We hope you enjoy reading their thoughts and reflections about life at MPA.

It seems almost unbelievable that as you read this, we have just 21 days of school left before we depart for sunnier days, fewer lunches to pack, and more time to explore this great big world around us. For me, it seems even more unreal that just a few days from now my family and I will have been here for only nine months. As one of the newest members of the MPA family, I often get asked “What’s been the best thing about coming to MPA?” And depending on the day, sometimes the time of day, that answer varies—I do work with middle schoolers, after all! The one thing I always return to, though, is that it is easy to acclimate to goodness here because there is so much of it. I am grateful for my newness to the community because it has allowed me the privilege and joy to see the good, first hand, with a fresh set of eyes.

This week, I want to share with you, our MPA community, my top 10 list of things that have inspired me this year—the top 10 reasons why I am so happy to call MPA my home, to have my own children at MPA, and to serve your children. Read More

2019 Athena Award Recipient

May 2, 2019

Congratulations to MPA senior Ellie Quam for receiving the Athena Award for Mounds Park Academy! She was honored for her athletic achievements at the St. Paul Area Athena Awards ceremony at the Vadnais Heights Commons. Laura Bush, the executive director of USA Volleyball, was the guest speaker, and the Master of Ceremonies was Randy Shaver from KARE 11.

The award is named after Greek goddess Athena, known for her wisdom and skills, and thus the Athena Award honors female high school seniors for their athletic achievements. Dedication, confidence, achievement, and motivation are all taken into consideration when choosing a recipient. We are so proud of Ellie for representing MPA with all of these traits!

Did We Reach $4 million?

May 2, 2019

by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

Yesterday was one of my favorite days of the school year thus far. Sam King, a sixth grader, was the head of school for the day. Sam helped our leadership team make an important decision, advocated for an extra jeans day for faculty and staff, and helped me select light fixtures for our new cafeteria. It’s safe to say it was a special day for Sam … and for me!

While I watched Sam soak in all of these new experiences, I was thinking about the very important milestone we had on the horizon for Together, We Dream: The Campaign for MPA. As you probably know, we set a very ambitious goal to make sure Sam and all of our MPA students, staff, and community members could enjoy a new library as soon as possible, in addition to the new commons, cafeteria, and kitchen they will find when they return to school in the fall. Read More