All School Archives

May 17, 2018

On May 5, 2018, I graduated from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science. I attended NMU for five years which allowed me to start working toward a master’s degree.

Along with my education, I had the honor of racing for the cross country ski team at NMU for the entirety of my college experience. Over those five years, my passion for skiing grew and it became quite evident that pursuing it professionally was the next step.

Having made this decision, graduation marked the beginning of my professional cross country ski career. I will be moving to Oslo, Norway on May 25 to train and race for the elite team, Lyn Ski. A few members of the team competed in the most recent Olympics in Pyeong Chang, South Korea including Olympic gold and bronze medalists in the 30 kilometer mass start. I will be training with them, along with many others, and come the winter, racing throughout Scandinavia.

Additionally, I have an internship at the Oslo Sports Trauma Institute helping with research in sports injuries. I’m very grateful to my family, friends, professors, teammates, and coaches for helping me get to this point. I’m extremely excited to see what the future holds in this next chapter of life!

Class Of 2018: William Thao, Hudson, WI

May 16, 2018

As the 2017–18 school year comes to an end, we’re sharing the college choice stories of several members of the Class of 2018!

In what grade did you come to MPA? 4th Grade

How did you come to choose the college that you did? Colby College was actually not at the top of my list until I visited the school. At the beginning of the year, I had over twenty schools on my list, but I sat down with Ms. Pederson to talk about my choices. We drew a chart of the schools on my list and organized them by location, price, chances of being accepted, and strength of programs that interested me. I knew I wanted a very small school that emulated the learning environment of MPA but also had the opportunities and programs I was interested in. Right when I arrived on campus, I knew Colby was the school I wanted to attend. I loved the campus and the people, and I was confident that the environmental science program would be an enriching experience.

Host An International Student

May 16, 2018

As spring arrives and the 2017-18 school year begins to wind down, we are excited to welcome at least three and up to seven new international students to MPA next year from China, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam!

Some of these students come to us after one year in an American public school under their belts, while others will be arriving from their home countries in August, stepping foot on our campus for the first time.

As we prepare for their arrival in August, we are looking to expand our pool of host families in order to make the best pairings and happiest homes for all.

Mounds Park Academy will actively support the student and the host family through the entire MPA experience including:
• orientation for host families and students;
• continuous support for families and students;
• quarterly activities for families and students;
• English as a second language (ESL) and academic support;
• college application and preparedness counseling; and
• a $9,000 room, board, and transportation stipend to the host family (made possible by the MPA International Program’s tuition and housing fees).

Invite A Friend To Lunch At MPA!

May 10, 2018

On Tuesday, May 15, at 11:30 AM, MPA will host the final admission event of the 2017-18 school year–Lunch At MPA! Invite a friend, neighbor, colleague, or anyone you know who shares your educational values. We can’t wait to meet them!

Guests are invited to campus during a regular school day to meet school administrators over a casual meal and tour the campus to see our students and teachers in action.

We’d Love To See You At The Spring Auction!

May 3, 2018

Don’t miss out on the community building, exquisite cuisine, and wonderful entertainment at the Spring Auction on Saturday, May 12 at the JX in Stillwater! It is a cherished annual event that created MPA community memories and connections that last a lifetime. We would love to see you there, celebrating our school with us and having a wonderful night out! Click here to purchase your tickets online!

Enjoy this sneak peak of some of our Great Gatherings and Silent Auction Items…

Great Gathering: Clay Workshop with Ms. Buck
Ever wish you could learn to throw on the potter’s wheel or make a handmade cup to use for your morning beverage? Join MPA’s ceramic teacher and professional potter Lisa Buck for an action-packed workshop on pottery making. Be prepared to get dirty, partake in lively conversation, enjoy a delicious lunch and thrive in the joy of success! Limit six students (adults only!) October 27

Parent Resources For “13 Reasons Why”

May 3, 2018

On Tuesday, May 15 from 6-7 PM in the Recital Hall, MPA student support staff will host an information night for grade 7-12 parents regarding the upcoming second season of “13 Reasons Why,” which is stated to be released on May 18, 2018.

The evening will include conversation and resource sharing for parents in preparation for the release of the show. “13 Reasons Why” is a Netflix series that has prompted significant controversy and concern among parents, educators, and mental health professionals. The show depicts a central character who dies by suicide, leaving behind 13 tapes for different people in her life who affected her negatively. Mental health professionals have expressed concerns that the show fails to make any mention of the underlying mental illness that is present for the vast majority of young people. Furthermore, the show has received intense criticism for romanticizing suicide. The show also fails to adhere to “Recommendation for Reporting on Suicide” guidelines developed for media outlets by prevention specialists who discourage describing suicides in graphic detail.

Students are welcome to attend the informational gathering as well.

May 3, 2018

Now is the time to get excited about 2018 MPA fall sports and register now! Please note that there are new opportunities for students going into grade five!

MPA believes athletics complement the academic experience, provide balance to our students’ lives, and foster school spirit. We offer one of the broadest prep-school athletic programs in the Twin Cities with first-rate facilities. MPA coaches are teachers, and the fields are extensions of the classroom. Athletics at MPA encourage students to participate, engage, and dream big. Through this, student athletes develop commitment, character, perseverance, initiative, leadership and teamwork! With options including cross country, volleyball, tennis, and soccer, we are so excited for another outstanding fall season!

Sign-up for fall sports here!

2018-19 All State Choir And Band Honors

May 3, 2018

We have so much to celebrate in Upper School! Congratulations to the students who were selected for the 2018-19 All-State Choir and Band programs!

Jordan Akers, Solveig Svennevig-Brosi, Gabby Law, and Julia Portis were selected to be members of the 2018-19 All-State Choir. Jordan, Solveig, and Gabby will sing in the All-State Mixed Choir while Julia will represent MPA in the Soprano-Alto Choir. They will spend a week at St. Olaf College making music with some of the best high school musicians across the state this summer. Lauren Vilendrer and Lance Go were selected to be members of the 2018-19 All-State Band program! Lauren will join the All-State Symphonic Band and Lance will join the All-State Jazz Ensemble. They will participate in the All-State music camps this summer, rehearsing under a guest conductor with outstanding local high school musicians. Bravo to everyone! MPA is so proud of you!

2018 Athena Award Recipient

May 3, 2018

Congratulations to MPA Senior Abby Goodno for receiving the Athena Award! An outstanding multi-sport student athlete involved in basketball, soccer, and softball, Abby was honored for her athletic achievements at the MPA Upper School Monday morning meeting and at the annual St. Paul Area Athena Awards ceremony.

The award is named after Greek goddess Athena, known for her wisdom and skills, and thus the Athena Award honors female high school seniors for their athletic achievements. Dedication, confidence, achievement, and motivation are all taken into consideration when choosing a recipient. We are so proud of Abby for representing MPA with all of these traits!

Volunteer With MPA This Summer!

May 3, 2018

The summer is almost upon us! The Office of Admission is excited to be a part of several fun summer events and we are looking for volunteers to help us share MPA. We will be at the MSP Mini Maker Faire, Grand Old Day, and the Twin Cities Pride Festival. Volunteers can click on this link to sign up on a first come, first serve, basis. Please let me know if you have any questions and we’ll see you this summer!