Clubs and Activities
At Mounds Park Academy, we know that in order for students to thrive, they must have opportunities to discover their passions and interests. Being involved in extra-curricular activities is expected and encouraged at MPA and that has a profound effect on the culture and character of the school. In fact, MPA looks for students who aren’t afraid to jump in and explore new things. We know that students consistently perform better academically when they’re involved in other parts of the school. They develop broader groups of friends, greater self-confidence, and deeper levels of tolerance and compassion. They become inspired by their experiences and unafraid of taking on new challenges.
Click on any of the groups below to learn more and note that offerings change annually.
GENERAL PURPOSE: To explore different cultures within Asia and provide a safe space for Asian and non-Asian students alike to discuss race and ethnicity.
WHEN AND HOW ONE BECOMES A PARTICIPANT: Attend Asian Culture Club meetings.
TIME INVOLVED: One meeting per week during lunch and recess.
COST INVOLVED: None
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED: None
TIME OUT OF SCHOOL: None
TRAVEL OR DRIVING REQUIRED: None
PARTICIPANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES: Interest in Asian culture and in cultural conversations surrounding race, ethnicity, and culture.
PARENTS' ROLE: None
ADVISOR'S ROLE: To facilitate conversations, advise when asked, and provide a space for the club to meet.
BENEFIT TO STUDENT: Engage in Asian cultural conversations and discussions that cover societal issues like race, ethnicity, and culture.
GENERAL PURPOSE: Cheese Club was created to facilitate a low-stress, friendly, sociable environment for students to relax during the school day. Everyone is welcome to stop by at any time and spend a couple of minutes enjoying and learning about cheese!
WHEN AND HOW ONE BECOMES A PARTICIPANT: Contact Nicholas Larson or Jasper Pope or any other group members. All interested individuals are welcome to attend.
TIME INVOLVED: Attending weekly meetings during lunch at 11:40 in Ms. Johnson’s room.
COST INVOLVED: None for participants.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED: None
TIME OUT OF SCHOOL: None
TRAVEL OR DRIVING REQUIRED: None
PARTICIPANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES: Attending weekly meetings, listening intently during presentations, and enjoying cheese samples!
PARENTS' ROLE: None
ADVISOR'S ROLE: The organization is largely student-run. The advisor does just that–advises when asked, attends meetings, and assists with organization.
BENEFIT TO STUDENT: Every participant gets to spend time chatting with friends, listening to café music, learning about cheese varieties, and tasting cheese!
GENERAL PURPOSE: To foster a love of chess and learn new strategies for the game. All skill levels and abilities welcome.
WHEN AND HOW ONE BECOMES A PARTICIPANT: Attend Chess Club meetings.
TIME INVOLVED: Once per week.
COST INVOLVED: None
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Bring your own chess board if possible, a handful of boards will be provided.
TIME OUT OF SCHOOL: None
TRAVEL OR DRIVING REQUIRED: None
PARTICIPANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES: Desire to play chess and learn new skills and strategies.
PARENTS' ROLE: None
ADVISOR'S ROLE: To supervise club meetings.
BENEFIT TO STUDENT: Spend time with friends while playing and practicing chess.
GENERAL PURPOSE: Persuasive Communication is an academic class and an interscholastic competitive activity. Students can take Persuasive Communication and the Advanced Argumentation in succeeding years. Interested students not registered for Persuasive Communication are encouraged to consider debate as an extra-curricular activity.
WHEN AND HOW ONE BECOMES A PARTICIPANT: Students register for either class mentioned above. Students interested in debate as an extra-curricular activity should listen and watch for announcements of organizational meetings.
TIME INVOLVED: If taken as a class, the regular amount of time needed for a semester class. In addition, beginners compete at Tuesday afternoon practice tournaments.
COST INVOLVED: $10 National Forensic League fee (one time) plus $25 copy fee (instead of textbook).
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED: None
TIME OUT OF SCHOOL: Depends on level of participation. Most students will miss part of fifth period once or twice.
TRAVEL OR DRIVING REQUIRED: Travel to tournaments in the Twin Cities and outstate Minnesota is provided.
PARTICIPANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES: Complete written and practice speech assignments as given, research on topic, preparation for competition as necessary
PARENTS' ROLE: Support student. Drop off and pick up at meeting place for tournaments.
ADVISOR'S ROLE: Teach and coach students in the art of debate.
BENEFIT TO STUDENT: Develops multiple perspectives on issues and respect for opponent's viewpoint; familiarity with public policy issues, research and problem solving skills. Beneficial on college applications and resumes.
GENERAL PURPOSE: Popular YouTube channel, Dude Perfect, is known for their trickshot videos. In Dude Perfect Club, we will watch their videos and make our own trick shots.
WHEN AND HOW ONE BECOMES A PARTICIPANT: Meetings every other Friday during Lunch/Recess in Mr. Noland's Room. Anyone's welcome to join!
TIME INVOLVED: Just the meetings!
COST INVOLVED: None
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED: None
TIME OUT OF SCHOOL: None
TRAVEL OR DRIVING REQUIRED: None
PARTICIPANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES: Bring your energy and a good attitude!
PARENTS' ROLE: None
ADVISOR'S ROLE: Provide a space for meetings
BENEFIT TO STUDENT: Community building, teamwork, and fun!
GENERAL PURPOSE: To meet to discuss what’s going on in the political world, while aiming to answer the question of “Who is going to win elections and why?”
WHEN AND HOW ONE BECOMES A PARTICIPANT: Attend lunch meetings.
TIME INVOLVED: Once per week.
COST INVOLVED: None
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED: None
TIME OUT OF SCHOOL: Occasional watch party at night or on weekends of election results, speeches, and news.
TRAVEL OR DRIVING REQUIRED: None
PARTICIPANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES: Engage in thoughtful discussions about political and current events.
PARENTS' ROLE: None
ADVISOR'S ROLE: To supervise club meetings.
BENEFIT TO STUDENT: Learn more about what’s going on in our world through engaging in thoughtful discussions about elections and political events.
GENERAL PURPOSE: To raise the school's awareness of the many environmental issues confronting society today. To actively participate in the improvement of the MPA environment.
WHEN AND HOW ONE BECOMES A PARTICIPANT: Go to the meetings.
TIME INVOLVED: Variable; meetings seem to be every week.
COST INVOLVED: None.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED: None.
TIME OUT OF SCHOOL: None.
TRAVEL OR DRIVING REQUIRED: None.
PARTICIPANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES: Attend meetings and help with events.
PARENTS' ROLE: Support.
ADVISOR'S ROLE: Advise, inform, supervise.
BENEFIT TO STUDENT: Increased awareness of environmental issues, improvement of MPA environment.
GENERAL PURPOSE: To review, edit, and film student's own movies.
WHEN AND HOW ONE BECOMES A PARTICIPANT: Attend the meetings.
TIME INVOLVED: Once a week and sometimes in the evenings for a movie night.
COST INVOLVED: None
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Computer and phone recommended.
TIME OUT OF SCHOOL: Occasional evening event or meeting.
TRAVEL OR DRIVING REQUIRED: None
PARTICIPANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES: Interest in discussing and reviewing film and animation, and in creating your own projects.
PARENTS' ROLE: None
ADVISOR'S ROLE: To supervise club meetings.
BENEFIT TO STUDENT: Learn how movies are made while having the opportunity to create your own films!
GENERAL PURPOSE: Cultivate community culture through informative stories and to serve as a platform to exhibit student’s writing
WHEN AND HOW ONE BECOMES A PARTICIPANT: Contact Ms. Hernandez or any Freethinker leader and attend meetings
TIME INVOLVED: Attending weekly meetings
COST INVOLVED: None for participants
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED: None
TIME OUT OF SCHOOL: Prepare articles/photographs/illustrations for submission
TRAVEL OR DRIVING REQUIRED: None
PARTICIPANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES: Attend weekly meetings and prepare monthly articles, photographs, or illustrations
PARENTS' ROLE: None, unless they are willing to proofread your articles
ADVISOR'S ROLE: Edit submissions, help with logistics, advise students
BENEFIT TO STUDENT: Improve writing and time-management skills
GENERAL PURPOSE: Improve students' French language skills (members of club speak only in French during club meetings); promote awareness and understanding of current events in francophone countries; general interest in French culture by listening to French music, watching French movies, and sampling French food.'
WHEN AND HOW ONE BECOMES A PARTICIPANT: Contact Mme Johnson.
TIME INVOLVED: Meet once a week during lunch/recess.
COST INVOLVED: None.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED: None.
TIME OUT OF SCHOOL: None.
TRAVEL OR DRIVING REQUIRED: None.
PARTICIPANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES: Must be interested in the above purpose; attend weekly meetings; enrollment in French class not required, some ability to speak or understand French would be advantageous.
PARENTS' ROLE: Support student participation in the club.
ADVISOR'S ROLE: Facilitate.
BENEFIT TO STUDENT: Opportunity tap speak and practice French outside of class, fosters interaction and communication between students of all grade levels, promotes awareness of global matters, broadens students' perspectives of other cultures.
GENERAL PURPOSE: To promote dialogue about sexualities, to promote awareness of and education about the nature of sexualities, to engender socialization with similar groups in other schools, to be active in promoting social change around issues of sexualities.
Education: We seek to educate ourselves and others to promote accurate information about GLBTQ issues and limit the negative effects of homophobia and heterosexism, especially within the school community.
Activism: We are dedicated to taking practical measures to help eradicate homophobia and heterosexism at all levels of contemporary society through political action.
Socialization: We seek to provide a safe atmosphere in which members can interact socially. We also identify similar groups in other schools and seek to develop a network of contacts.
WHEN AND HOW ONE BECOMES A PARTICIPANT: G.S.A. is open to all faculty, staff and students. Membership is not an indication of any individual's sexuality. Participation is open to all at each meeting.
TIME INVOLVED: Weekly GSA meetings are every Thursday during lunch and recess. We discuss current GLBTQ politics and problems and plan events.
COST INVOLVED: There are no dues, but participants may be asked to contribute on a voluntary basis for snacks, movie rentals, social outings, etc.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED: None specifically…a brain, a heart and interest.
TIME OUT OF SCHOOL: Where special events are planned students may need some time out.
TRAVEL OR DRIVING REQUIRED: None, except for individual transport to other schools for meetings.
PARTICIPANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES: Participation in meetings, openness of mind, follow through with organization of events endorsed by the group, respect of confidentiality where needed, make-up of schoolwork missed because of any G.S.A. activity.
PARENTS' ROLE: Parents are encouraged to be interested and supportive. Their ideas, resources and suggestions are welcome where appropriate.
ADVISOR'S ROLE: Advisors will assist students in planning meetings and events, act as advocates and resources, provide guidance during meetings and events, and be present at those school sanctioned activities where a chaperone is beneficial.
BENEFIT TO STUDENT: Students who are interested in issues of sexualities will find an open, welcoming environment in which to learn, to think, to talk and to be. While not a support group per se, G.S.A. is supportive to students of all sexualities.
STUDENT CONTACT: Any member of the group.
Some important activities GSA students are involved in include the following:
Twin Cities Pride Festival: GSA has had a booth at this event since 2011 to increase awareness that Mounds Park Academy is welcoming and supportive environment. MPA has been the only K-12 school participating in this event.
National Coming Out Day at MPA is celebrated with a display booth in the senior commons. All members of the community are welcome to sign "The River", a large document in which anyone may pay tribute to a relative, friend, colleague or mentor who is GLBTQ. We respect privacy and provide guidelines for contributing to the River. Posters of famous GLBTQ people are placed in the upper school hallways. We aim for a mood that is upbeat and respectful. For example, the message all over the sign says, "Everyone deserves to be honored and respected".
Take a look at the following links for additional information.
http://www.hrc.org/issues/coming_out.asp
http://www.now.org/nnt/10-97/cod.html
Day of Silence at MPA is more somber. It invites members of the community to think about the ways in which GLBTQ people have been shut down, regarded as "other", denied civil rights, silenced by oppression. A display booth focuses on these elements. Students who elect to do so may wear a tag that states that they are being silent to support the message of the day. At the end of the day a breaking of the silence becomes a celebration.
Read the following links for more details about this day.
http://www.dayofsilence.org/
http://www.gsanetwork.org/resources/dos.html
Lobby Day is an opportunity for older students to attend the rally at the State Capitol in support of GLBTQ civil rights. High school students under 18 may attend with parental permission. It is a good time to learn about the principles of lobbying for any cause, as participants can receive training in how to approach legislators. We listen to famous speakers give addresses from the steps of the Capitol and visit information booths set up on the Capitol grounds.
For additional information, click on the links below.
http://www.outfront.org/takeaction/lobbyday
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OutFront_Minnesota
For some facts and figures about GLBTQ youth:
Visit the following Web site.
http://www.dreamworld.org/oystergsa/gsa_statistics.html
GENERAL PURPOSE: We recognize that we are in a position to contribute to the well being of the local community. We hope to do so by working in cooperation with local high schools and colleges to help build simple, decent, affordable housing for low income families. Participation in the student association TCCC requires that we raise $1,000 per year to cover our portion of the expenses. We also hope to educate the MPA community about the importance of eliminating poverty housing.
WHEN AND HOW ONE BECOMES A PARTICIPANT: Open to all interested parties.
TIME INVOLVED: Weekly meeting on Thursdays at lunch; volunteer time as desired.
COST INVOLVED: None.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Ability and/or willingness to learn construction skills.
TIME OUT OF SCHOOL: None.
TRAVEL OR DRIVING REQUIRED: Yes.
PARTICIPANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES: Assist in fundraising and housing construction.
PARENTS' ROLE: Parents are invited to chaperone builds as needed.
ADVISOR'S ROLE: Oversight.
BENEFIT TO STUDENT: Great opportunity to help families in need.
THE ADVISORS: Mr. Noland
GENERAL PURPOSE: HOSA is a student-led organization which empowers future healthcare officiants to become leaders within the global healthcare community and offers participants an opportunity to spark and/or further develop an interest in the medical field.
WHEN AND HOW ONE BECOMES A PARTICIPANT: Attend weekly HOSA Meetings, no prior medical knowledge is needed!
TIME INVOLVED: One meeting per week during lunch and recess. Volunteer and competition time as participant desires.
COST INVOLVED: If a participant wishes to compete in events, it is $25 per person annually. No cost if participant does not.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED: None.
TIME OUT OF SCHOOL: As participant desires for volunteer opportunities and competitions.
TRAVEL OR DRIVING REQUIRED: As participant desires for volunteer opportunities and competitions.
PARTICIPANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES: Attend meetings, be engaged in conversations and content.
PARENTS' ROLE: Parents who are involved in the medical field are encouraged to reach out to Soumya Raman, Rowan Mulrooney, David Steinberger, or Gigi Stewart if they are interested in sharing knowledge about their respective field. Parents are also invited to chaperone volunteer events or competitions as needed.
ADVISOR'S ROLE: Oversight.
BENEFIT TO STUDENT: Career information and training opportunities, volunteer opportunities/service projects, increase in medical knowledge and skills, leadership development, innovative thinking
GENERAL PURPOSE: Math League participates in the Minnesota High School Math League competitions. Students who love math and problem solving will enjoy participating in Math League.
HOW DOES ONE JOIN: Contact Ms. Phillips and come to practices and meets.
TIME INVOLVED: We practice a couple of times per week for an hour. Usually one morning and one after school practice. We participate in five regular season meets, which take several hours.
COST INVOLVED: None.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Graphing calculator.
TIME OUT OF SCHOOL: Little or none.
TRAVEL OR DRIVING REQUIRED: We have a bus to travel to and from our meets. No driving is required. Our meets are all in the Twin Cities.
PARTICIPANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES: Attending practices, doing practice packets, attending our five meets.
PARENTS' ROLE: Pick up your student from MPA after meets.
ADVISOR'S ROLE: Organize practices and make up practice packets. Accompanies team to meets.
BENEFIT TO STUDENT: Learning to solve challenging math problems, students will learn to think creatively using all their math knowledge and to persist and learn from failures.
GENERAL PURPOSE: Peer Leading is based on the belief that teens provide the first source of support for each other. Peer Leaders are trained to listen, reach out, maintain confidentiality, and be there when needed. Peer Leaders are also trained to know how to access other resources when necessary. Peer Leaders work with students in Grades K –12 in a variety of settings. They facilitate Middle School advisories, participate in class meetings/discussions, act as conflict managers, and plan programs intended to enhance school climate.
WHEN AND HOW ONE BECOMES A PARTICIPANT: Submits an application that is available in the spring to all interested students. The application is returned to the advisors and applicants are interviewed and selected.
TIME INVOLVED: The group meets every week during Upper School lunch. Throughout the year participants are asked to be at some evening activities including mentoring new students, new parents, Parent Association meetings and Kindergarten Family Night. In addition, each peer counselor must attend the training retreats in September and February.
COST INVOLVED: None.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED: None.
TIME OUT OF SCHOOL: Students will miss a class from time to time to facilitate their Middle School advisories. Peer counselors are expected to clear these absences with their teachers.
TRAVEL OR DRIVING REQUIRED: To and from scheduled events or get togethers.
PARTICIPANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES: To meet with their assigned Middle School advisory on a regular basis. Meet with any student who requests a peer counselor for support or conflict resolution. To attend weekly meetings and training sessions.
PARENTS' ROLE: To ask about the Peer Leader program and provide encouragement.
ADVISOR'S ROLE: To provide ongoing training, coordinate advisory involvement, facilitate meeting agendas, and foster positive personal and group growth.
BENEFIT TO STUDENT: Increased communication and leadership skills, a wonderful opportunity for personal growth, for supporting peers, building community, and increasing understanding of teen issues/concerns.
STUDENT CONTACT: Current Peer Leaders.
GENERAL PURPOSE: To provide further instruction for other Upper School students who need extra help in certain subjects.
WHEN AND HOW ONE BECOMES A PARTICIPANT: Reach out to club leaders and share what subject you would like to be a tutor in.
TIME INVOLVED: One hour every two weeks.
COST INVOLVED: None
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED: None
TIME OUT OF SCHOOL: None
TRAVEL OR DRIVING REQUIRED: None
PARTICIPANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES: Be respectful and provide a welcoming environment for students who would like extra help in certain subjects.
PARENTS' ROLE: None
ADVISOR'S ROLE: To provide a space for Peer Prep Tutors to meet.
BENEFIT TO STUDENT: Help other students with their schoolwork and give back to the school community.
GENERAL PURPOSE: Quiz Bowl is an academic competition modeled after the National College Bowl program where extensive knowledge and quick reflexes are needed for success - the purpose is to have fun.
WHEN AND HOW ONE BECOMES A PARTICIPANT: By attending practices on a regular basis.
TIME INVOLVED: Two or three 45 minute sessions per week. Meets at zero hour.
COST INVOLVED: Three or four dinners on nights we have Quiz Bowl.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED: None.
TIME OUT OF SCHOOL: Three nights for regular competition. There might be additional nights for quarter finals and finals. We leave school at 3:30 p.m., have dinner out, go to North High School for competition and get back to MPA around 9:30 p.m.
TRAVEL OR DRIVING REQUIRED: The students are driven in buses to and from meets.
PARTICIPANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES: Attending practices and the three scheduled nighttime matches.
PARENTS' ROLE: To pick up kids at 9:30 p.m. three times during the season if they don't drive.
ADVISOR'S ROLE: Arranges practices and accompanies team to competitions.
BENEFIT TO STUDENT: It's a good way for like-minded students to meet, to have fun, to excel by using their wits and their intellect.
GENERAL PURPOSE: To promote antiracism among Upper School students at MPA while discussing current events, microaggressions, and racist policies, as well as brainstorming recommendations and feedback on racial justice issues in our community.
WHEN AND HOW ONE BECOMES A PARTICIPANT: Attend the meetings.
TIME INVOLVED: Once per week during lunch and recess.
COST INVOLVED: None
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED: None
TIME OUT OF SCHOOL: None
TRAVEL OR DRIVING REQUIRED: None
PARTICIPANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES: Participate thoughtfully in discussions and have an interest in racial justice.
PARENTS' ROLE: None
ADVISOR'S ROLE: To facilitate conversations, advise when asked, and provide a space for the club to meet.
BENEFIT TO STUDENT: Promote antiracism in our community through thoughtful discussions and club meetings.
GENERAL PURPOSE: To allow MPA students the opportunity to participate in the sport of sailboat racing
WHEN AND HOW ONE BECOMES A PARTICIPANT: Talk to the advisor. No previous sailing experience needed. Open to students in 7th-12th grade.
TIME INVOLVED: Practices are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:45 - 6:30 PM. The coach is very understanding of school commitments so not all practices are required. Races are Saturdays and are optional but recommended. There is a fall and a spring season - you can do either or both.
COST INVOLVED: $425 per season, $20 per Saturday race
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED: A life jacket is required. Other equipment such as foul weather gear is recommended.
TIME OUT OF SCHOOL: None, unless the team qualifies for a traveling regatta.
TRAVEL OR DRIVING REQUIRED: Practice is at White Bear Yacht Club and transportation will be worked out on an individual basis. Races are all around the Twin Cities.
PARTICIPANT’S RESPONSIBILITIES: Go to as many practices and races as you can and be open to learning a new sport.
PARENTS' ROLE: Transport sailor to races, help with transport to practices.
ADVISOR’S ROLE: Help coordinate transportation, answer questions for new sailors.
BENEFIT TO STUDENTS: Sailboat racing is a life-long sport. Sailors learn independence, responsibility, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Sailing is the only co-ed high school or college sport.
GENERAL PURPOSE: SCC serves as a platform for students to lead discussions and debates on domestic/international issues. SSC creates a sense of global citizenship amongst students and increases social literacy through dialogue, guest speakers and action projects.
WHEN AND HOW ONE BECOMES A PARTICIPANT: Contact Ms. Murr or any other group members. All interested parties are welcome to join.
TIME INVOLVED: Attending weakly meetings during lunch.
COST INVOLVED: None for participants.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED: None
TIME OUT OF SCHOOL: None
TRAVEL OR DRIVING REQUIRED: None
PARTICIPANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES: Researching chosen topics and leading discussions/debates.
PARENTS' ROLE: None
ADVISOR'S ROLE: The organization is largely student run. The advisor does just that - advises when asked, attends meetings, assists with organization.
BENEFIT TO STUDENT: Develops a sense of global/national awareness and global citizenship. Helps to cultivate researching skills and brings to light multiple viewpoints. Spotlights topics that aren't built into school curriculum.
GENERAL PURPOSE: Improve Spanish listening and speaking skills of students. Although issues in the Spanish world are particularly relevant, we will talk about any topic in Spanish Club because it will improve one's Spanish language skills.
WHEN AND HOW ONE BECOMES A PARTICIPANT: A student is required to be enrolled in a Spanish class or have taken Spanish at MPA. To join, one simply attends meetings; it is crucial to attend every meeting.
TIME INVOLVED: Once a week or bi-weekly.
COST INVOLVED: None.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED: None.
TIME OUT OF SCHOOL: May need to miss class in order to go to a hearing.
TRAVEL OR DRIVING REQUIRED: None.
PARTICIPANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES: None required, finding interesting subject matter to discuss with the group would be welcomed.
PARENTS' ROLE: None.
ADVISOR'S ROLE: Help with discussion and give opinion, shed new light on issues where advisor would have more experience than students.
BENEFIT TO STUDENT: Improve Spanish listening and speaking skills.
GENERAL PURPOSE: There are 13 events from which students can select to participate in and compete including public address and interpretation of literature. Students prepare for interscholastic competition.
WHEN AND HOW ONE BECOMES A PARTICIPANT: Sign up for speech team and get information in late fall. Meet with speech coach some time before winter break.
TIME INVOLVED: Practice with coach two times per week. Participate in a minimum of three tournaments out of a possible seven on Saturdays during January, February, March and April.
COST INVOLVED: $10 National Forensic League membership fee.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED: A formal suit and shirt.
TIME OUT OF SCHOOL: Practice times after school, Saturdays and time to write and/or memorize a speech.
PARTICIPANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES: Prepare at home on own between practices; two practices minimum per week with coach and a minimum of three tournaments per season.
PARENTS' ROLE: Facilitate practices at home and with coach, commit to a minimum of three Saturdays that their student can compete, drop off and pick up child at meeting place on Saturdays.
ADVISOR'S ROLE: Coach student on speech presentational skills, help edit written speeches, schedule busses, hire judges, register students for tournaments, pay fees associated with judges/tournaments, and attend Section 4A meetings.
BENEFIT TO STUDENT: Increase communication and presentation skills, meet students from other schools, lettering(MPA), awards from National Forensic League, increase self-confidence. Always beneficial on college applications and resumes.
Watch a video about MPA's award-winning speech program:
GENERAL PURPOSE: This show performs for the MPA community each spring; it is an effort to learn and practice large-scale theatrical technique, particularly musical comedy.
WHEN AND HOW ONE BECOMES A PARTICIPANT: Auditions for roles are held in late October/early November. Crew positions are open to all who are interested and who show up for crew calls. Due to conflicts between play and sports practice times, students cannot participate in the spring play and in spring sports.
TIME INVOLVED: Cast rehearses M-F, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; some Saturdays, also. Rehearsals begin in late January and the show performs in April. Crews work as called.
COST INVOLVED: Personal items for the cast (shoes, undergarments, etc). Approx. $50.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED: May need special shoes, tights, etc. Determined by choice of show.
PARTICIPANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES: To be present for all cast and crew calls/rehearsals. To learn and perform the show. To do whatever is necessary for the success of the show.
PARENTS' ROLE: Provide transportation to and/or from rehearsals, crew calls. We depend upon our parent volunteers in many ways - from making costumes and scenery to picking up props and helping to strike the set.
ADVISOR'S ROLE: Select, cast, direct, and produce the show.
BENEFIT TO STUDENT: A chance to practice theatrical techniques learned in class and to learn some new ones. An opportunity to work with a large group of students across five grade levels. An opportunity to perform a large-scale work produced in a large venue.
GENERAL PURPOSE: To inspire members, peers, and younger MPA students to take an interest in the STEM fields.
WHEN AND HOW ONE BECOMES A PARTICIPANT: Contact any STEM Education leader and attend the meetings.
TIME INVOLVED: 1 hour per week for regular meetings, additional time if participating in any project or activity.
COST INVOLVED: None
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED: None, although occasional material might be needed to be purchased.
TIME OUT OF SCHOOL: Occasional events after school or on weekends.
TRAVEL OR DRIVING REQUIRED: None
PARTICIPANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES: Having an interest in STEM and desire to educate others about STEM fields.
PARENTS' ROLE: None
ADVISOR'S ROLE: To help troubleshoot and maximize students' potential.
BENEFIT TO STUDENT: Learn more about the STEM fields with like-minded peers.
GENERAL PURPOSE: To promote student activities, provide student input to the school leadership and support community service.
WHEN AND HOW ONE BECOMES A PARTICIPANT: Elections in fall and spring.
TIME INVOLVED: Extensive, especially at times such as Homecoming and SnoDaze.
COST INVOLVED: None
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED: None
TIME OUT OF SCHOOL: Occasionally miss class to set up for events.
TRAVEL OR DRIVING REQUIRED: No, though attendance at school events is expected.
PARTICIPANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES: Significant, depending on office.
PARENTS' ROLE: Support the students.
ADVISOR'S ROLE: To help troubleshoot and maximize students' potential.
BENEFIT TO STUDENT: Learn leadership and communication skills.
STUDENT CONTACT: Elected officers
GENERAL PURPOSE: To discuss a large variety of issues that women around the world face today. Women’s Empowerment Club advocates for women’s rights through work with Planned Parenthood, hosting guest speakers, and volunteering with reproductive health organizations.
WHEN AND HOW ONE BECOMES A PARTICIPANT: Attend the meetings.
TIME INVOLVED: Once a week meetings.
COST INVOLVED: None
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED: None
TIME OUT OF SCHOOL: Occasional events on the weekends.
TRAVEL OR DRIVING REQUIRED: None
PARTICIPANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES: None required, although an interest in women’s rights is encouraged, and finding interesting subject matter to discuss with the group is welcomed.
PARENTS' ROLE: None
ADVISOR'S ROLE: This club is largely student run. The advisor advises when asked, attends meetings, occasionally facilitates discussions, and assists with organization.
BENEFIT TO STUDENT: Develop a more in depth knowledge and awareness of the issues women face today.
GENERAL PURPOSE: To help Upper School students with the writing process by providing one-on-one consultations to talk about papers and other writing assignments with experienced peers. Whether it’s English and history papers or outlining and brainstorming ideas, Writing Lab tutors are happy to assist.
WHEN AND HOW ONE BECOMES A PARTICIPANT: Express interest to one of the club leaders.
TIME INVOLVED: 30 minutes to 1 hour weekly or biweekly.
COST INVOLVED: None
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED: None
TIME OUT OF SCHOOL: None, unless it works better for the tutor and the student to meet after school.
TRAVEL OR DRIVING REQUIRED: None
PARTICIPANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES: Be respectful, timely, and dedicated to helping peers succeed.
PARENTS ROLE: None
ADVISOR'S ROLE: To supervise when needed and provide space for tutors and students to meet.
BENEFIT TO STUDENT: Help strengthen students’ writing skills by reviewing their writing assignments and providing feedback.