April 26, 2018
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
At the dinner table, we have a tradition of sharing our day with one another. Among other topics and questions, we often ask the kids, “What did you like best about your day?” Inevitably, the response is one of three possibilities: phy ed class, lunch, or recess. Obviously, we hope it’s about a riveting discussion about a novel or an exciting discovery during a science experiment. However, as an educator, I am okay with their response. Physical activity, free play, unstructured time, and nutrition are all necessary aspects of a student’s life, no matter the age. This is also true for adults!
In a few weeks, we will gather at the historic JX in Stillwater for our annual Spring Auction. It is our only school-wide community builder solely for the grown-ups in our community and our only fundraising event of the year. The newly opened JX is a beautiful setting with wonderful views and plenty of space for socializing and joy-raising. We will have many items in the silent auction, fun games of chance, and some unique experiences in the live auction. As is our custom, we will end the auction with an opportunity to fund a specific need of the school.
Through this Fund A Need portion of the evening, together over the past several years we’ve raised more than $300,000 to enhance the educational experience of our students. Past projects include the Digital Fabrication Studio (an early iteration of the Makerspace), Virtual Classroom, extensive bathroom renovations, sound, lighting, and seating replacement in the Blackbox Theatre.
This unique partnership between parents and the school directly benefits students, faculty, staff, and parents on a daily basis. The Fund A Need is an immediate solution to a real and specific need.
We have an exciting opportunity again this year that I hope will interest you. With your generous support, we will significantly enhance the spaces where our students play and rejuvenate, PreK-12. With new equipment on the playground specifically designed for students PreK-8, enhanced ground cover, and more comfortable and extensive seating for Upper School students in the Benz Courtyard, our students will benefit from these improved spaces each and every day.
Rooted in the knowledge that young people thrive cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically when they have plenty of time and space to move and play, this Fund A Need will enhance MPA’s ability to deliver on its mission and nurture the whole child.
There is ample research that demonstrates the importance of free play for academic achievement. In addition to extensive physical education classes, Mounds Park Academy is proud to offer Lower School students 55 minutes for lunch and recess, Middle School students 50 minutes for lunch and recess, and Upper School students 55 minutes for lunch and community building. It is during these times, as well as before and after school, that our students will benefit from these improved spaces.
We often talk about the joy-filled learning that takes place at MPA every day. There is nothing more joyful that the laughter at recess, the creative mind at work on the playground, or the spirit of inclusion and collaboration as students organize their playtime. With your involvement, students can begin enjoying the enhanced spaces and equipment on day one of the new school year. Please consider helping us fund this very important initiative! Make a gift at the Spring Auction or online. Thank you for your support!
Purchase your Spring Auction tickets and give to the Fund A Need here or that evening!
