Upper School

Finding Balance In The Snow

February 21, 2019

third graders snowshoeing in Phy EdBy 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

Tenth graders at Deep Portage 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

Dr. Hudson with PreK students at lunchFriday, 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.

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.

State Honor Choir Participants

February 21, 2019

Isak Dai and Ryan Ghose with Mr. Habermann 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 2018Maker 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

Lower School students together on the playgroundPlease 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.

Together, We Dream And Reflect

February 15, 2019

panther and middle school students at the groundbreaking ceremonyOn Thursday, February 14, the MPA community gathered in the Kreischer Gym for one large, nostalgic celebration. One of the four Together, We Dream priorities allows us to create a shared space—a new commons and cafeteria—where Mounds Park Academy students and teachers alike will enjoy meals from a new state-of-the-art kitchen in the space where the Kreischer Gym currently resides.

We were lucky to have several MPA alumni in attendance who say that the Kreischer Gym is featured in some of their fondest school memories.

“I remember the obstacle course from my phy ed class and how fun that unit was weaving through the Kreischer Gym, hopping from one green step aerobics platform to another, running through a tunnel of gym mats, crawling under jump ropes strung across the course, flying through the air on the rope swing, pulling yourself along with the seated scooters, and tumbling down gymnastics mats,” says Nate Bander ’09. “I also remember flying balsa wood gliders in Middle School science, participating in my first Homecoming assembly in seventh grade, and playing on Mr. Brandon’s ninth grade basketball team in the Kreischer Gym.”

Maddy Wolfe ’12 echoes Nate’s sentiments. “The Kreischer Gym was a really fun home to have for all of the spring musicals I was in,” she says. “That’s where we made memories hanging out backstage and getting ready for the performances. I also remember taking a self-defense class in the Kreischer for my senior seminar.” Read More

New Transportation Opportunity

February 14, 2019

School busMPA is excited to announce new transportation options for current and prospective families thanks to a new partnership with Hill-Murray! In addition to the current routes servicing North Oaks/Roseville, Highland/St. Paul, and Woodbury, MPA will be adding a dedicated route to and from the greater Stillwater/Lakeland area!

The cost for two-way transportation under a group stop model will remain $1,300, equivalent to just $145 per month. Detailed route information can be found at: https://www.moundsparkacademy.org/current-families/transportation/. The District 622 route information will be available in August, closer to the beginning of the year.

Sign-up for MPA busing is available during the re-enrollment process in TADS.

If you have any questions, please contact Rose Wick, transportation coordinator, at rwick@moundsparkacademy.org or 651-748-5505.

A Magical Moment of Kindness

February 14, 2019

Kindergarten reading kindness quotes to upper schoolby Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

Adults and children alike are asking a question of themselves and others these days: What does it mean to be kind? During a time of societal change and upheaval, the place of kindness in our lives is often taken up by rancor, division, and sometimes violence. I was horrified last week by the incident on I-94 when a driver, overcome with road rage, fired a gun at a school bus driver. Schools are not immune and can be cruel places. It is a sad fact that more than one out of five students nationwide will be bullied this year. Research has demonstrated time and again that when students don’t feel safe, it is difficult for them to learn and grow.

Kindness is not something to be taken for granted. It is important that parents and schools join together and intentionally foster empathy. Ravi Rao, a pediatric neurosurgeon, believes parents should teach feelings as much as they teacher things like color and numbers. She is convinced that for kids to show empathy to us, we need to show empathy to them. At MPA, we believe very strongly in fostering a kind and joyful community. What is at stake is more than academic achievement, it is a sense of self and developing the confidence to fly. Read More