Mounds Park Academy

February 21, 2019

Do you have a friend, colleague, or neighbor who would love MPA? Invite them to lunch here on campus! Our next admission event, Lunch At MPA, is March 13 from 11:30 AM-1 PM!

This event 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.

Let them know to 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.

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.

Weather Closure Wednesday, February 20

February 19, 2019

Dr. Hudson, head of school, and members of the administrative team have been closely monitoring the forecast this evening. Unfortunately, we have had to make the difficult decision to cancel all classes, activities, practices, and events for tomorrow, Wednesday, February 20, due to the approaching snow.

This is not a decision we take lightly as we balance the safety of our students and families with the commitment that we make to our students’ time in class. Safety, however, is always our highest priority.

We look forward to seeing you Thursday … and are hopeful that this is the last closure of the 2018-19 school year!

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

On 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

Join Us Today: Together, We Dream Groundbreaking

February 14, 2019

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 fact, we’ve already secured the funds necessary to break ground on this priority.

Please join us on campus this afternoon at 2:30 PM when our entire school community will come together to show their love for MPA and break ground on this shared dream! Stay afterward for refreshments and an informational session about Together, We Dream. Additional tours and informational sessions will also be offered in the coming weeks. Read More

New Transportation Opportunity

February 14, 2019

MPA 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

by 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

IMAC Nordic Ski Championship

February 14, 2019

Congratulations to the MPA Nordic Ski teams on a fantastic IMAC Championship meet! The girls team won the IMAC Nordic Championship at Battle Creek, with a score of 568. The boys took second in the Championship with a score of 507.

MPA Senior Matt Bourne individually took first place for the boys, while senior Ellie Quam earned first place honors for the girls. We wish the MPA Nordic Individuals advancing to State at Giants Ridge the best of luck and we can’t wait to cheer you on! Go Panthers!

A Message From The Spring Auction Committee

February 14, 2019

Join us for the Spring Auction Preview on March 5, from 7:30–9 AM in the Gallery! The Spring Auction Committee is inviting the community to stop into the Gallery after drop-off to preview the Spring Auction as we count down to the big day and be the first to hear our exciting announcement!

Not only will you see some of the fabulous items that will be up for bid, but you can donate some yourself and be entered to win a fabulous prize! Bring a gift card, a bottle of wine/liquor, or something for the silent auction we’ll enter your name into the drawing. Grab some coffee and breakfast treats and start your day off with a little celebration! If you cannot come in for the preview but would still like to donate you can drop it off in the Development Office prior to March 5 and be entered in the drawing for the door prize.