October 11, 2018
Despite frigid, soaking conditions, MPA Sailing is excelling on the water this fall. With a team of three seniors, one sophomore, one freshmen, and one 8th grader, the team has constantly performed at or near the top in every regatta they have competed in, including the Great Oaks Qualifier at Hoover Sailing Center in Ohio. Because of their first place finish there, four members of the team are headed to the Great Oaks Invitational at Southern Yacht Club in New Orleans in early November.
High school sailing in Minnesota is considered a club sport and any student in grade seven through 12 may participate, regardless of experience. Together with students from White Bear Public Schools, Mahtomedi Public Schools, and Mounds View Public Schools, Mounds Park Academy practices out of the White Bear Sailing School at the White Bear Yacht Club.
More than 1.6 million high school students from about 22,000 schools nationwide take the PSAT in October of their junior year. Those with the highest PSAT Selection Index scores are recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for their exceptional performance–and this year, that includes three of our own MPA students! Seniors Ajay Manicka, Henry Peterson, and Lindsey Baldwin were honored this fall by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, based on their scores on last fall’s PSAT.
The MPA Madrigal Singers are honored to be collaborating with professional musicians and singing in the beautiful House of Hope! MPA students have been practicing with the Oratory’s professional singers and conductor to prepare for the performance on October 14. 
Upper School Student council and the first graders teamed up this week to plan the Blood Drive! Together they created posters, stickers, signs, and thank-you cards preparing for another successful year. 
On behalf of the Parents Association, thank you to all of the parents and volunteers who generously donated their time, gift cards, and goodies during Faculty and Staff Appreciation Week. A special thanks to chef Doug Pittman and his staff at Sage for providing a delicious dinner and snacks throughout the week, and to Vern Kissner and the maintenance staff for all of the set-up and extra work they did. The faculty and staff were very appreciative of our efforts to thank them for all they do.
Today is full of Panthers competing in several different sports! We’ve rounded up all of the games for you, but make sure to 
Congratulations goes out to MPA Debate! The past two weekends have been excellent for both veteran and novice members of the team.
Congratulations to MPA cross country for a terrific State meet!
The Parents Association is trying something new, and you’re warmly invited to join! The PA will be hosting several neighborhood coffee events, where you can come and meet MPA parents who live in your neighborhood. Parents of all grades are welcome! On Saturday, November 3, your coffee hosts will be at the following locations:
Join us as we celebrate “National Lights On Afterschool” day with the MPA Lower School Family Game Night…with a twist! We’re giving it a zoo animal theme! The night will feature a special appearance by the