January 10, 2019
Registration for spring sports at MPA is now live! With options from track and field to baseball, softball, and golf, there there is something for everyone to stay active this spring. Sign up here!
All School
Save The Date For The Spring Auction
January 10, 2019
The biggest event of the year, Spring Auction 2019–Once Upon a Time, will be on May 11, 2019 at the Vadnais Heights Commons. Become a sponsor and get early access to the Silent Auction, Great Gatherings, and the special Pre-Party all while supporting MPA! You can also help by donating auction items–see our wish list below to get inspiration or just stop by the Development Office in Lower School.
Experience NYC At The Middle School Cafe!
January 9, 2019
No plane ticket necessary! Experience New York City at the Middle School Cafe, January 14-18. The Parents Association is transforming the Gallery into the Big Apple with street food, Bill’s Bodega, Central Park, and our (slightly smaller) Statue of Liberty! Parents, come and join us for coffee and conversation each morning at 7:45 AM!
Parents are also invited to sign up for volunteer shifts during Cafe Week. It’s going to be a great time you and you won’t want to miss being a part of it!
January 9, 2019
Calling all makers, creatives, tinkerers, inventors, and crafters! Registration is now open to be a part of the second annual MPA Maker Fest.
See our community’s hard work come to life on Saturday, February 23 from 1-3 PM. Anyone is welcome to attend as a spectator (no RSVP necessary) or host a display table (sign up here)!
Participants can sign up either individually or with a group to host a display table. Participation is open to everyone in our community—students, parents, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni, faculty, staff, and more. This is the perfect opportunity to “show and tell” something that you have created and share your accomplishments. If you have questions, please contact Ms. Koen, Makerspace coordinator, at nkoen@moundsparkacademy.org.
Invite A Friend To MPA’s January Admission Events
January 9, 2019
Invite a friend to visit and get to know MPA! We are hosting two wonderful admission events in January–the Middle and Upper School Preview and Pajamarama!
On Sunday, January 27 at 1 PM, prospective Middle and Upper students and their families are invited to campus to preview MPA! This is a fantastic opportunity to explore our school and help participants get to know MPA.
On Thursday, January 31 from 5-7:30 PM, is Pajamarama! This beloved event at MPA welcomes prospective Lower School families to campus for an unforgettable evening of games, music, community, and pure joy! Take a closer look at the joy of Pajamarama with MPA Orchestra Director Leah Abbe Bloem’s insight and experience.
January 3, 2019
The Lansing Sports Center will once again be open most Saturday mornings this winter for MPA families and their friends. If you know a family who might be interested in learning more about our school, this would be a great opportunity to welcome them to campus!
Saturday, January 5: 9 AM-12 PM
Saturday, January 19: 8 AM-10:30 AM
Saturday, January 26: 9 AM-12 PM
Saturday, February 2: 9 AM-12 PM
Saturday, February 23: 9 AM-12 PM
Saturday, March 2: 9 AM-12 PM
You are welcome to come and use the track, sports center and fitness center. If you have any questions, please contact the Athletic Office at 651-748-5630.
Board of Trustees Seeking Nominations
January 3, 2019
MPA’s Board of Trustees collaborates with the Head of School to guide the school’s strategic direction, to protect its mission, to support the school’s development efforts and to safeguard the school’s financial stability.
Nominations for Trustees
We are pleased to share that the Governance Committee of the Board is launching its annual process to identify potential trustees.
If you, or someone you know, could be a strong contributor to the MPA Board of Trustees, please provide the name of your nominee and a short description of their experience and background, directly to Zoe Dickson, Trustee and Governance Chair, MPA Board of Trustees at zdickson1@mmm.com.
In addition to strong leadership skills, nominees will bring a broad diversity of experience and backgrounds, and a passion to advance the mission of MPA. Areas of desired professional experience include: finance, accounting, investment, banking, business, communications, construction, education, law, governance, scientific training, the arts, IT, human resources, strategic planning, development, marketing, and community service, among others.
Trustees serve up to two three-year terms, participating in MPA Board meetings five to six times a year, in addition to participating in standing committees.
Read MoreNate Bander ’09 Named Assistant Coach Of The Year
October 26, 2018
Congratulations to MPA Cross Country coach Nate Bander ’09 for being named the Section 4A Assistant Cross Country Coach of the Year! To celebrate his accomplishment, we interviewed Coach Bander about why coaching and athletics are so important to him.
What led you to coach at MPA? And why cross country?
Remembering back on all the joy that I had competing for MPA, I knew I had to come back and give that opportunity to the next generation of athletes. Coaching cross country is totally unique because it’s such a distinct sport. It’s an interesting blend of team and individual competition where athletes are competing as much against themselves as against one another or other teams. I coach cross country because I love our team’s culture of emphasizing collaboration as much as competition. Read More
MPA Junior Joins Trip To HBCUs
October 25, 2018
MPA junior Quincy Lewis, along with a group of students from Breck and other local independent schools, went on a trip to three Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) over the long MEA weekend.
Led by Breck history teacher Paul Slack, the group of students began their journey bright and early at 3:30 AM on October 18. They first made their way to the Atlanta area, where they visited Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College. The group also visited Georgia Tech along the way. They additionally went to tour Florida A&M University, where Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter met the students and gave the tour, as he is a Florida A&M alum! Read More
Middle School Cafe Planning Meeting
October 25, 2018
The Middle School Cafe is a week-long, beloved tradition at MPA, where fifth through eighth graders get a chance to come together and socialize with their peers. The Parents Association is looking for volunteers to help plan this event! If you would like to get involved, please join us for a planning meeting on Thursday, November 15 from 1:30-2:30 PM in the PA Room, and stay to enjoy the Give to the Max “Lip Sync” Assembly with us!