Upper School Archives

February 27, 2019

This Friday, March 1, is our third Free Food For Thought Friday! For those that are unfamiliar with what this is, it is an opportunity for parents and students who normally don’t take hot lunch to try MPA’s lunch program for free. This Friday, along with the regular menu, there will be a calzone bar with homemade calzones!

If you and your student enjoyed the experience, Middle and Upper School students can add lunch for the remainder of the school year for $430—equivalent to just $5.75 per day. Lower School students can add lunch for the remainder of the school year for $380—equivalent to just $5 per day. Contact Amanda Platson, student billing coordinator, at aplatson@moundsparkacademy.org or 651-748-5502 to do so.

Celebrating Creativity at Maker Fest 2019

February 26, 2019

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Maker Fest a success! This past Saturday, February 23, alumni, parents, students, and other members of the community came out to be Makers at the second annual Maker Fest. The woodworking group the North Star Scrollers had a woodworking station set up, as well as Jess Blue’s table where she helped attendees sew their own cloth bags. Knitting and crocheting stations, Lego spinning tops, and handmade wire dinosaurs were also among the many tables that people enjoyed visiting.

Thank you for sharing your inventions, interests, skills and projects! To see more photos from the event, click here.

Panthers Race In State Ski Meet

February 22, 2019

Congratulations to five members of the Nordic Ski team for participating in the State Nordic Ski meet! Senior Matthew Bourne placed fifth, junior Henry Snider placed 6th, ninth grader Isak Nightingale placed 54th, eighth grader Margo N. placed 24th, and sophomore Izzy Quam placed 34th at State.

Way to go, Panthers!

Finding Balance In The Snow

February 21, 2019

By Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

Like you, I spent a good part of the day Wednesday shoveling out from another blast of snow. I love the quiet of a snow storm and work to find balance between appreciating the beauty and cursing the extra work it requires. It has also been a challenge to find balance between the safety of our community and our commitment to academic excellence. Cancelling school is never an easy decision, particularly when we have missed so many days already. Finding balance is tough work.

As I was shoveling, I was thinking about another challenging balance that is important to maintain: the three A’s (arts, athletics, and academics) that serve as the foundation of our school’s mission. In particular, I’ve been troubled by the state of athletics, not only in Minnesota, but nationally. There has been a rise of single sport athletes and club sports that affects not only athletic programs, but also athletes themselves. At MPA, we strive to offer a variety of opportunities for our students, maintain a no-cut policy, and be competitive. However, that is becoming increasingly difficult to balance as well. Read More

Students Build Unity On Deep Portage Trip

February 21, 2019

Last week, the tenth graders went on a two-day, two-night trip to Deep Portage Conservation Reserve, which is located in north central Minnesota between Brainerd and Bemidji.

The purpose of the trip was to give students the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-life issues and problems, as well as build unity and community through a unique, memorable experience.

They spent lots of time in the superb “outdoor laboratory” that the Minnesota wilderness has to offer, and fostered an appreciation for our natural environment, as well as learned what needs to be done to live in harmony with it. “The weather was really nice during our time there,” commented one 10th grader, “and it was really fun to be outside with my classmates.”

In the words of the Deep Portage mission statement: “At the heart of the Deep Portage education is the belief that when people enjoy a quality experience in a quality environment, they are more likely to work to maintain a quality environment. This personal commitment is essential in preserving the environment for future generations.”

Food For Thought Fridays

February 21, 2019

Friday, February 22 and Friday, March 1 are two more Free Food For Thought Fridays! These are opportunities for both students and parents to try MPA’s lunch program, in partnership with SAGE Dining.

State Honor Choir Participants

February 21, 2019

Congratulations to Isak Dai and Ryan Ghose on their performance with the State 9-10 SATB Honor Choir! Under the direction of Bradley Miller from the University of Minnesota Morris, Ryan and Isak sang a variety of repertoire with some of the best ninth and tenth grade musicians from across the state. Both are members of MPA’s Madrigal Singers and Concert Choir.

MPA Maker Fest This Saturday

February 21, 2019

Maker Fest 2019 is this weekend! On Saturday, February 23 from 1-3 PM, See our community’s hard work come to life in the AnnMarie Thomas Makerspace. Anyone is welcome to attend as a spectator, and no RSVP is necessary! Students, parents, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni, faculty, staff, and more will be showcasing a variety of skills, crafts, inventions, and activities.

If you have questions, please contact Ms. Koen, Makerspace coordinator, at nkoen@moundsparkacademy.org. We can’t wait to see you there!

Join Us For Lunch At MPA

February 20, 2019

Please join us for lunch here at MPA on Tuesday, March 13 from 11:30 AM-1 PM!

This will include a casual lunch with students and administrators, as well as a tour of campus to see students and teachers in action during a regular school day. Students are welcome, but not required to attend. We look forward to getting to know your entire family!

Kindly RSVP in advance for this engaging program at moundsparkacademy.org/RSVP. If you have any questions, contact the Office of Admission at 651-748-5577 or admission@moundsparkacademy.org.

All-State Participants

February 19, 2019

Congratulations to Gabby Law, Solveig Svennevig-Brosi, Jordan Akers, and Julia Portis on their stunning performance with the All-State Choirs at Orchestra Hall! Gabby, Solveig, and Jordan sang in the Mixed Choir while Julia was a member of the Soprano-Alto Choir. All four of them sing in MPA’s Concert Choir and Madrigals.

Also this past weekend, Lance Go and Lauren Vilendrer performed in the All-State Concerts in conjunction with the Minnesota Music Educators Convention. Lance played with the All-State Jazz Band to a packed crowd in the Ballroom at the Minnesota Convention Center, while Lauren played with the All-State Symphonic Band at Orchestra Hall.