January 31, 2017
Join us on campus this Wednesday, February 1 for two magnificent Upper School events …
6 PM in the Gallery
Artists from all first semester Visual Arts courses will have work on display.
7:30 PM–8:30 PM in the Cafeteria
Hear from both the Upper School Jazz Band and the Upper School Percussion Ensemble.
January 29, 2017
On January 28, 14 Mounds Park Academy Middle School students competed in the GEMSTONE Quiz Bowl Tournament at Burnsville High School and came away with some impressive results!
MPA A (Isak D., Simon H., Aidan H., Peter M.) finished 1st out of 28 teams.
MPA B (Ryan G., Hana M., Luke S.) finished 5th out of 28 teams.
Individually, we had five players in the Top 20, out of 119 players competing:
Isak D.: 1st Overall
Ryan G.: 2nd Overall
Akshay S.: 6th Overall (a fifth grader!)
Ben M.: 10th Overall (a fifth grader!)
Hana M.: 13th Overall
Congrats to all! Go Panthers!
January 28, 2017
by Leah Abbe Bloem, Orchestra Director at Mounds Park Academy
Pajamarama was pure joy at its finest on Thursday evening! This Mounds Park Academy original event is a concert created by Upper School orchestra students for Lower School students and their families. The creative endeavor gives Upper School students a chance to entertain and engage with the younger children with unabashed delight. They get to remember what it was like to be a little kid, hearing an orchestra for the first time, in such a welcoming, happy, and fun atmosphere.
We are very fortunate to have pre-kindergarten through high school students all on one campus, which builds a strong sense of community that feels like home. The Upper School orchestra students learn the music and plan a carnival with the understanding that the performance is not about them, but rather what they are giving to, and sharing with, the broader community.
The strong connection between Upper and Lower School students is evident every day at MPA, including at this event. Each student is kind and supportive of one another. At the event, the little ones are encouraged to try games again and again until they win, with cheers from the older students. Even those waiting in line will tell their peers in front of them to try again if they didn’t win the first time.
Pajamarama is important because it gives the Upper School students a chance to look past the technical side of music education and experience the joy of sharing a musical performance. It also provides the opportunity for the orchestra students to really consider who their audience is and create an experience for them. The Upper School students learn about games and music that they may not even know in order to make each and every audience member feel valued and celebrated. They enjoy having the chance to give back to a school and community they love so much.
Pajamarama began as a Disney concert approximately ten years ago. When I started teaching the orchestras four years ago, I decided to add the carnival portion to the night as well as to make the performance more interactive.
In most ensembles, it is common for the director to make the majority of the decisions regarding music and programming. However, for this performance almost all of the games and music have been planned, designed, and carefully developed by the Upper School orchestra students. Consequently, it is a powerful exercise in directing an entire artistic experience that they then perform for the community. The Upper School students both embrace their honed musical and artistic skills and simultaneously return to the delight of their youth through the games and activities with their younger friends.
Students and parents alike love the performance. Upper School parents tell me how much fun it is to watch their child act like a little kid again and jump right into all the games, dancing, and singing. It is a reminder that we are all kids at heart and that we don’t have to grow up too fast. Along with the carnival, we also have milk and cookies at the end of the night, while our characters read bedtime stories.
At first glance, one would assume that the Lower School students enjoy the performance the most. However, watching these high-school-age students interact with their younger counterparts always proves that they are just as excited as the grade school students. In rehearsals, the Upper School students are slightly hesitant to sing songs by Raffi and dance to the Hokey Pokey while trying to play their instrument, but once they get a chance to dance and sing with the younger kids, one can see nothing but smiles on all of their faces.
January 28, 2017
Join us in the Black Box Theatre at 7 PM on January 27 and 28, and February 3 and 4, for a performance of the play Inherit The Wind (note: tickets are sold out for January 27 and 28, but still available for February 3 and 4). This play had its genesis in the events of the famous Scopes Trial in which the teaching of creationism came head to head against the teaching of scientific fact. Written during the height of the McCarthy Era, the play highlights the bravery it takes to stand up for what is right, while also pinpointing the loneliness of such an endeavor. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here.
Chinese New Year and Spring Festival
January 28, 2017
Today MPA celebrated Chinese New Year and Spring Festival! The Parents Association Cultural Celebrations Committee organized a Chinese lunch for the students, staff, and parents with support from Sage, decorated the lunch room, and have posted facts about the holiday on the cafeteria bulletin board. MPA’s Diversity Committee also invited Middle School and Upper School teachers to hand out red envelopes with a coin inside to students to signify wishes for good luck in the new year. Click here to see images of the celebration.
January 28, 2017
New York Times: Inauguration Trip
MPA parent Jennifer Lindrud was featured in the New York Times as she spoke about witnessing the historic and peaceful transfer of power with MPA juniors and seniors at the inauguration. Read more here.
KARE 11: Inauguration Trip
KARE 11 caught up with MPA students and chaperones at MSP as they left for their trip to Washington D.C. Watch the video here.
StarTribune: Erin Quam ’17
The Star Tribune covered Erin Quam’s triumphant return to Panther Varsity Nordic Skiing after her open heart surgery four months ago. Read the article here.
Head’s Message: Dream Big. Do Right. The Value and Essence of an MPA Education
January 26, 2017
By Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
The days prior to Winter Break are marked by recent graduates returning to MPA to reconnect with teachers and friends. While I certainly enjoy their stories, I also have an ulterior motive—I want to know how well they believe MPA has prepared them. Over the years, I frequently hear that they feel well prepared to take on the challenges of higher education. In particular, their writing skills far exceed their peers. Another very common observation is that they feel comfortable approaching their professors after class. An alum attending Harvard University reported that his classmates were in awe of his courage to show up during office hours. I’ve also heard from alums that they notice the advantage they have over their peers in their ability to think critically and present their ideas effectively and thoughtfully.
These anecdotal stories are now supported by research. Every year, the Higher Education Research Institute (HERI) at UCLA conducts a national longitudinal study of all college freshmen in the United States that covers a wide range of student characteristics. The National Association of Independent Schools asked HERI to create a special report.
Compared with all college freshmen, independent school graduates reported entering postsecondary studies with more skills and experiences that help them succeed in their new educational setting. For instance, when all students were asked about activities they performed frequently in their last year of high school, a higher percentage of independent school graduates noted:
Reflections From the Inauguration
January 20, 2017
Day One: January 19, 2017
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
The Upper School trip to the presidential inauguration began at 4:15 AM on Thursday morning as 43 students arrived at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport. There was great excitement and energy despite the early hour. KARE 11 was there to greet us: https://kare11.tv/2jdPXpF.
We arrived safely and were quickly on our way for a brief meeting with Minnesota United States Senator Al Franken. We were honored that Senator Franken left the confirmation hearing of Governor Rick Perry’s nomination as Secretary of Energy to meet with us. Senator Franken couldn’t have been more gracious greeting students, posing for a picture, and answering some tough questions put forward by MPA students.
There was certainly a buzz in the District, felt by students as we traversed the National Mall for a visit to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. After a brief boxed lunch on the grounds of the Museum in the warm, D.C., students spent several hours moving through the powerful and sobering depiction of the Holocaust. Our visit ended with a chance to debrief the experience and ask questions with Warren Marcus, an official of the Museum and friend and former colleague of Upper School Director Mark Segal. Once again, students asked thoughtful questions as they wrestled with making sense of the incomprehensible.
Our day ended with a bang, literally, in Foggy Bottom. As we exited our restaurant, we were treated with a fireworks display just blocks away that marked the ended of the special concert for President-elect Trump on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
Tired, but ebullient students and adults found their way to our hotel for another short night before making our way to the steps of the United States Capital to witness the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as the 45th President of the Unites States.
Photos above courtesy of Jarvis Zhang, MPA Class of 2017.
Day Two: January 20, 2017
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
After a short night, students and chaperones answered an early wake-up call at 4:15 AM for a hearty breakfast before embarking on a busy day. We were honored to see MPA and one of our chaperones, Jennifer Lindrud, in the New York Times: https://nyti.ms/2j1joh0.
Our bus parked near Washington Nationals Baseball Stadium and walked three miles only to wait nearly four hours to enter the National Mall to view the inauguration. Inching forward slower than a snail’s pace, we were unaware that protesters were blocking several entrances to the Mall. We were never in any danger, but there were reminders all around us that not everyone arrived with the intent of celebrating.
We finally entered near the Washington Memorial and viewed the inauguration from a distance, but with a beautiful vista of the Capitol and the White House. A jumbo-tron brought the events within view. The mood on the Mall was generally joyful but often solemn. There were both cheers and tears. As the weather wavered between rain and brief bursts of sun, power peacefully transferred from one president to another.
After the conclusion of the inaugural address, we toured the World War II, Korean, and Vietnam War Memorials. I thought it was particularly meaningful, paying reverence to those who gave their lives for freedom and democracy. As we left the District, we made a brief visit to the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial where 184 individuals lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
Our day ended with dinner in Alexandria, Virginia where were joined by six alumni who live and work in the area. We all enjoyed hearing about their work and their appreciation for how MPA prepared them for college and career.
The students were fantastic today. They walked more than 10 miles today and stood patiently, and respectfully, in line for many hours. They are a wonderful group of young people and I was glad to witness history with them. It was a good day—one we will certainly remember.
Day Three: January 21, 2017
by Peter Millerhagen ’17 and Katie Murr, Lead Teacher
On Saturday morning, the group was pleasantly surprised with a 6:15 call to rise and shine (much better than our previous 4 AM wake-up calls). After breakfast, we boarded the bus and drove to Manassas National Battlefield Park. The first and second battles of Bull Run were fought on these rolling hills, and a guide gave us insight into the struggles of individual soldiers and the strategies used by the generals. After the tour, we headed for Charlottesville, Virginia. At the historic Michie Tavern, we were treated to a traditional southern buffet of fried chicken, beets, coleslaw, and cobbler. Following a quick trip to the gift shop, we departed for Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s plantation.
Monticello sits atop a large hill, surrounded by sprawling forests and pastures. It is a place for contemplation. We learned that Jefferson wrote the words “all men are created equal” while owning more than 600 slaves over the course of his life. We also learned about a man who read for 15 hours a day, tried architectural ideas deemed crazy by others, and wrestled with some of the most significant concerns of his day. In many ways, Monticello spurs more questions than answers. How can the man who wrote the most ringing endorsement of equality simultaneously own other human beings? How can a man so willing to experiment in some areas of his life be so unable to consider change in others? How can the United States address the hypocrisy in its own history while still uplifting the values it holds dear? This sense of uncertainty hung in the fog that shrouded Monticello that day, and it is a reality that permeated much of the inauguration trip.
Day Four: January 22, 2017
by Pranay Somayajula ‘18
We began Sunday at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Strategically situated just across the water from the Jefferson Memorial, the MLK Memorial reminded us of our nation’s long and arduous struggle to pursue the truth that “all men are created equal.” We then walked to the Lincoln Memorial, where we looked out over the same view that Dr. King beheld when he delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Standing on the spot where this speech was delivered proved to be a moment of profound reflection for many of us.
We then made our way to one of Washington’s newest and most significant museums: The National Museum of African American History and Culture. We branched off and spent the next few hours roaming the museum, exploring its vast and diverse collection. Some items, such as Emmett Till’s casket or a segregated water fountain with a sign reading “Colored,” served as solemn reminders of our nation’s dark past regarding issues of race. Others, such as Chuck Berry’s cherry-red Cadillac or George Clinton’s P-Funk Mothership, were more lighthearted examples of the massive influence that the African American community has had on American culture. The National Museum of African American History and Culture has been lauded by many as providing one of the most thought-provoking and insightful portrayals of the African American community that the country has ever seen. When we left, there wasn’t a single member of our group who didn’t feel the same way.
January 19, 2017
Escape the cold and ice and bring your friends to the Lansing Sports Center Saturday mornings from 9 AM–12 PM through February 25. You are welcome to use the track, sports center and fitness center! Balls and other gym equipment will be available for the little ones too!
January 19, 2017
Chinese New Year “Spring Festival” Luncheon
The Parents Association would like to extend a warm invitation to all MPA friends and families to join us for the next Cultural Celebration. Celebrate the Year of the Red Rooster with your student during their normal lunch hour on Thursday, January 26 and experience a special Chinese New Year menu created by Sage. There is no cost to celebrate, but please email to RSVP, including your name, your child’s name, and grade, so we can plan accordingly.
Passover
Please help create the next and final Cultural Celebration, focusing on the Jewish holiday Passover! If this is a special time for your family and you would like to share with the community, email to let us know your interest. The Passover Celebration is scheduled to take place on Friday, April 14 from 3:10–5 PM.
Middle School Parent Coffee
Join us for coffee and discussion this Friday, January 20 in the Porter Conference Room starting at 8 AM.
Please contact Christine Larson or Amanda Campbell, Parents Association Co-Presidents, via email if you have any questions.