33% of Class of 2014 Inducted into National Honor Society
October 29, 2013
Congratulations to the 18 MPA seniors (33% of the Class of 2014) who were inducted into the National Honor Society earlier this month.
They are: My Bui, Kethan Dahlberg, Eliza Edwards, Elizabeth Ehren, Nolan Ferlic, Grace Frecentese, Nicholas Gardner, Michael Guggenheim, Eric Guiang, Ellen Hands, Jessica Jallen,, Christopher Kramer, Shailagh Lannon, SooHa Margaret Lee, Isabella McKeown, Aniket Naravane, Laura Nicholson and Megan Wright.
Mounds Park Academy Appoints Dr. Bill Hudson as Director of Institutional Advancement
September 4, 2013
MAPLEWOOD, Minn. (September 4, 2013) – Mounds Park Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Bill Hudson as the independent school’s new director of institutional advancement.
No stranger to the Minneapolis-St. Paul school market, Hudson has served schools in the region for the better part of the past twenty years, including six years at MPA’s neighbor, Hill-Murray School, as dean of students and later as assistant principal. More recently and most notably, in 2003 Hudson was named vice-president for mission and chief operating officer of Totino-Grace High School in Fridley, and was promoted to the role of president and chief executive officer in 2011. He resigned from that position in July.
Hudson brings to MPA a truly impressive list of strategic accomplishments, first as COO, and later, CEO, at Totino-Grace, including major advancements in the areas of communications, marketing, admissions, and development.
Hudson holds an undergraduate degree in education from Central Michigan University and earned his doctorate in educational leadership from University of St. Thomas.
Of his new appointment at MPA, Hudson said, “I am honored by this opportunity to join the Mounds Park Academy community. For many years I have been aware of the excellent reputation of MPA and have long admired the educational mission of the school. I feel fortunate to join the leadership team and am inspired by the vision and leadership of Dr. Suzik, head of school, and I look forward to becoming fully immersed in the MPA family in the coming months.”
Hudson will begin his appointment the week of September 16, and is the second significant administrative hire that Suzik has made since his arrival at the school in July of this year. In August, Suzik named former MPA faculty member and alumna Erica Brewinski, assistant principal at Cretin-Derham Hall, as Mounds Park Academy’s new middle school director.
Of Hudson and Brewinski, Suzik said, “Both Bill and Erica bring an impressive array of experiences to their new work at Mounds Park Academy, and each believes fervently in the school’s mission to educate students who ‘think independently, communicate effectively and act with respect and integrity in a diverse community that models intellectual ambition, global responsibility and the joy of learning.’ I am ecstatic to have them as colleagues and know that, like me, they are deeply devoted to serving MPA students and their families exceptionally well.”
MPA Alumnus Launches Kickstarter to Fund Musical Breakthrough
July 29, 2013
MPA Class of 2000 alumnus Andrew McPherson was recently featured in an article in New Scientist magazine for his breakthrough musical invention called TouchKeys. Developed by a team led by McPherson of technicians, composers, and musicians at Queen Mary, University of London, TouchKeys allows pianists to create various sounds on a keyboard such as vibrato and pitch blends. “Each key is fitted with a set of 26 sensors that work much like a smartphone’s touchscreen to detect touch,” the article explains. “The sensors know exactly where a finger has been placed, letting the player experiment with sounds.”
McPherson, who attended Mounds Park Academy from kindergarten through graduation, is now an electronic engineer, composer, and Assistant Professor in Digital Media at Queen Mary University of London. He builds new ‘augmented instruments’ which extend the expressive capabilities of familiar instruments. In addition to the TouchKeys, he is the creator the magnetic resonator piano, an electromagnetically-augmented acoustic grand piano used in projects with the London Chamber Orchestra and the album ‘Field of Reeds’ by These New Puritans. Prior to joining QMUL, Andrew completed his undergraduate and Master’s work in music and engineering at MIT, a PhD in composition at the University of Pennsylvania, and a postdoc at Drexel University.
McPherson is seeking funding to begin producing TouchKeys sensor kits through a Kickstarter campaign that launched today. Watch McPherson’s video on TouchKeys and support his project here.
More about Andrew McPherson:
July 26, 2013
Mounds Park Academy has always included creative thinking and hands-on learning in the curriculum. This summer, MPA added to its focus on innovation by hosting Camp Invention, a program of the nonprofit organization Invent Now. Camp Invention is week-long day camp for children entering grades 1-6 designed to challenge students through inquiry-based, hands-on activities.
Invent Now programs allow children to make connections among the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). In an evolving world, children must be prepared to recognize and use 21st century skills. The Camp Invention program encourages children to become innovative thinkers by working together to solve relevant challenges. Flexibility, systems thinking and self-directed learning are all emphasized to create an experience that plays a vital role in children’s cognitive development.
MPA kindergarten teacher Debbie LaChapelle, who coordinated Camp Invention at MPA, said the week far exceeded her expectations. “The students were engaged and there was a lot of energy in the building,” Ms. LaChapelle said. “I am looking forward to hosting the camp next year.”
A highlight of the week was a visit from Spencer Silver, the inventor of Post-It Notes. Silver came to Camp Invention at MPA to observe innovation in action as campers were busy building rubber-duck launching devices, figuring out how to cross an imaginary river, and brainstorming a city plan.
Invent Now programming employs five key learning strategies:
Invent Now programming also includes the following objectives:
See photos from Camp Invention week at MPA here.
Fringe Festival Show Features MPA Alumni Playwriting, Acting, Producing & Directing
July 25, 2013
MPA Class of 2013 alumna Kimberly Rolfs is producing and directing a show, Stardust, in the Minnesota Fringe Festival this August 1-11. The play was originally written for the one-act assignment in MPA’s Creative Writing class last fall. Starring in the play are Class of 2013 alumni Chrissy Saul, Sam Arsenault, and Jackson Beck. Callan Schackor (’13) is the stage manager.
Stardust is a story that picks up after the suicide of an enigmatic girl. The two boys she loved and left behind attempt to decipher who she was, what they meant to her and how they should feel now that she’s gone.
Please consider attending and supporting these MPA recent graduates! For more information on the show click here. Please note that the show deals with adult themes and language.
Breakthrough Saint Paul Becomes Breakthrough Twin Cities
July 15, 2013
You might think summers at Mounds Park Academy are quiet. But if you wander down the hallway between the Middle and Upper Schools, you’ll probably notice the creative wall and locker decorations. And if walk past the recital hall, you might hear dozens of excited students shouting “Booyah!” What’s this all about?
In 2005, an organization called Breakthrough Saint Paul launched after founder Jeff Ochs forged a partnership with Mounds Park Academy. The organization has since provided additional education to hundreds of motivated, high-achieving St. Paul Public School students as well teacher training to aspiring educators inside the walls of MPA. Recently, Breakthrough Saint Paul became its own 501(c)3 charitable organization, which will allow the program to expand beyond the walls of MPA and provide college preparatory learning opportunities for even more students in the Twin Cities metro area. Breakthrough Saint Paul is now Breakthrough Twin Cities!
“Thanks to over eight years of Mounds Park Academy’s generosity and support, Breakthrough Saint Paul has realized tremendous success with its program,” said Amy Stolpestad, Executive Director of Breakthrough Twin Cities. “With 100 percent of its graduates attending college on an average scholarship of $25,000 per year, Breakthrough decided it was time to share its successes with even more deserving students.”
The name change, Stolpestad explained, indicates the organization’s aspirations and paves the way for the opening of a second site in the summer of 2014. “Breakthrough Twin Cities is working to change the trajectory of even more motivated 7th through 12th grade students and help to develop a larger group of talented young teachers,” she said.
You are invited to learn more about Breakthrough Twin Cities and see the program in action at Breakthough Twin Cities’ Visitors Days. Upcoming Visitors Days are Wednesday, July 17 and Tuesday, July 23 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Mounds Park Academy ( map and directions).
This is an opportunity to for donors, community partners, families, volunteers, etc. to learn what really happens on a typical day at Breakthrough. The morning will include an opportunity to meet our students & teachers, a small group tour of our classrooms and the chance to experience one of Breakthrough’s amazing “All School Meetings”. Refreshments will be available prior to the start of the event.
Questions and RSVPs should be directed to Breakthrough Twin Cities’ Development Director Colleen Rourke at crourke@breakthroughsaintpaul.org or 651.748.5595. Learn more at www.breakthroughtwincities.org.
Commencement Awards Presented to Class of 2013
June 10, 2013
On June 8, 2013, Mounds Park Academy celebrated the end of the school’s 31st year at the commencement of the 53 members of the Class of 2013. The ceremony included the traditional presentation of MPA’s Commencement Awards: The Paul B. Chmelik Men’s Leadership Award, the Sandy Kreischer Smith Senior Woman’s Leadership Award, the Kreischer Bowl Award, the Valedictorian Award, and the Salutatorian Award.
Many other awards were presented to Class of 2013 members last week at the Upper School Awards Ceremony.
Congratulations to these students and to all of the Class of 2013 graduates!
The Paul B. Chmelik Men’s Leadership Award was presented to Trevor Killeen. The award was established by the Upper School faculty to permanently acknowledge the contribution that Paul B. Chmelik made to the Upper School at Mounds Park Academy.
The award is given to a unique senior man who has demonstrated high ethical standards, character and dedication, and orientation to service, a sense of fairness and integrity and shows leadership by example.
Sandy Kreischer Smith Senior Woman’s Leadership Award
The Sandy Kreischer Smith Senior Woman’s Leadership Award was presented to Cameron Meyer-Mueller. This award was designated by the Board of Directors at Mounds Park Academy to permanently acknowledge the contribution that Sandy Smith made to the founding organization and administration of Mounds Park Academy through her unique leadership qualities.
The award goes to a senior woman who has demonstrated leadership qualities, which include, but are not limited to, the following: takes initiative, is reliable and always willing to help, is independent and spirited, is able to transform ideas into reality, is a role model outside the traditional roles, and provides leadership for all. This award was decided upon by faculty, staff, and administration. Mounds Park Academy founder Bob Kreischer attended the Class of 2013 commencement to assist Transition Head Nansee Greeley with presenting this award.
Kreischer Bowl Award
The Kreischer Bowl Award was presented to Malone Mischke. The Kreischer Bowl was designated by the donor and Board of Directors to be awarded annually to a member of the senior class who, through the application of imagination, perseverance, and high ideals, exemplifies the dream of the founders of Mounds Park Academy. The qualities of the individual include: exemplary citizenship, enthusiasm and initiative, giving of time and talent to the school and community, promotes the school and is proud of it, and shows a commitment to academic excellence. Mounds Park Academy founder Bob Kreischer attended the Class of 2013 commencement to assist Transition Head Nansee Greeley with presenting this award.
The Valedictorian Award was also presented to Malone Mischke. The award for the highest academic achievement in the class includes an opportunity to speak at the commencement ceremony.
The Salutatorian Award was presented to Charlotte Colantti. This award for the second highest academic achievement in the class was presented by Upper School Director Scott Peeler.
Upper School Quiz Bowl Nationals Results
May 30, 2013
Two Mounds Park Academy Upper School Quiz Bowl Teams competed in the 2013 NAQTNational Quiz Bowl Tournament in Atlanta on May 25-26. This was the 6th consecutive year that MPA has qualified at least one team for this tournament. There were 256 teams competing from all over the country. MPA teams finished in 181st and 188th place out of 256. Callan Schackor (2013) led individual scorers by finishing 117th out of 1256 players (top 10%).
Team members were: Charlottle Colantti (2013), Elizabeth Krenkel (2013), Connor Olson (2013), Kip Hathaway (2013), Alex Grabanski (2013), Schuyler Rosefield (2013), Quinn Bendelsmith (2013), Callan Schackor (2013), and Aaron Hathaway (2014). Coach Wade Peterson and History Teacher Maureen Conway accompanied the teams on the trip.
For more information about quiz bowl go to www.naqt.com.
MPA Alumnus Newell Hill, Founder of Keys 4/4 Kids, Releases Book
May 15, 2013
MPA Alumnus Newell Hill (’99) announced the release his new book, Octaves of Success: 88 Keys to a Passion-Centered Career. Octaves of Success shares insights and wisdom from the journey of his local nonprofit, Keys 4/4 Kids, an organization that accepts, restores, and sells donated pianos. The money from these sales is used to support four charitable programs that strive to inspire young people to believe in themselves through arts and mentorship. The book provides readers with 88 lessons, or “keys,” that Hill has learned over the past decade of moving, fixing, and selling pianos.
Hill’s story begins during his days at MPA, sitting in the classroom of Upper School History teacher Maureen Conway. After transferring to MPA from a large Woodbury High School, Hill noted that he found himself struggling with his self confidence.
“Ms. Conway must have noticed that I needed a little support and emotional encouragement,” he said. “We’d meet during her lunch time and talk about my tests and papers. She was just so positive with me, and it was something I had never received from teachers in the past — they would give me grades and tell me what I had done wrong, but she tried to instill a sense of confidence in what I was already doing. She made an effort to connect with me and really help me discover my talents.”
Her overwhelming support and encouragement gave him hope for a bright future, and inspired him to look beyond himself for an opportunity to make a difference, he said. “Looking back on my time at MPA, the community as a whole is very encouraging of giving back and striving to make a difference in your community. MPA really believes in that philosophy, and it instilled that belief system in me and gave me the foundation to eventually do something like this. That ideology is still with me every day.”
During the summer of 2000, Hill began teaching music and art to kids in North Minneapolis in a program called MUSE. He said he wanted to inspire children to believe in themselves, just as Ms. Conway had done for him. In order to raise money for the after school program, Hill began fixing and selling used pianos out of his parent’s garage. During the first year, Hill fixed and sold over $10,000 worth of pianos. Though the profits from these sales were impressive, and MUSE continued to grow, the loss of several key funders resulted in the program closing its doors in 2005.
“At one point, I was basically broke. I had lost funding for the non-profit, the real estate market had collapsed, I had no money, I had to sell my car, and I was living in the basement of Keys 4/4 Kids when it was just beginning with a tiny storefront,” he said. “And I remember thinking… I am not going to give up. I am going to push through this. And I am so proud that I didn’t give up and that I fought back.”
In 2008, Hill focused his energy on finding a way to generate income for his mission. Hill thought the collecting, repairing and reselling of used pianos could provide the consistent and reliable income source he needed. Hill began working full time on his piano business, incorporating it as a 501(c) 3 nonprofit, and calling it Keys 4/4 Kids (K44K). Instead of taking a salary from K44K, however, Hill started a piano moving business and charged K44K a competitive rate for all of its piano moves. As the business model flourished, Hill expanded to Chicago, then Kansas City. Gross annual sales grew from $100,000 to more than $500,000 during a two-year time span.
K44K is located in a warehouse on Grand Avenue at Hamline Avenue in Saint Paul. At this time, they sell approximately 30 pianos per month, with 100 percent of the profits going to the Maureen Conway Foundation (MCF). MCF supports several programs in the Twin Cities area that offer music and arts-based opportunities for young people. In the Fall of 2011, Hill and his board created four programs (Pianos on Parade, Paint a Piano, Piano Placement Program and the Maureen Conway “I Inspire Kids to Believe in Themselves” Award) that use the profits from piano sales to further the K44K mission of inspiring young people to believe in themselves through arts and mentorship.
Join Newell in celebrating the release of his book on May 18th, at 7pm in the Rotunda at the Mall of America.
Host family needed for Amity Aid
May 9, 2013
Bonjour, MPA families,
We are very excited to announce that we have invited Laure Giannotta from France to serve as our Amity aid for the Fall semester. She will be helping in the French department in all divisions to give students an authentic linguistic and cultural experience. She is a PhD student of Italian literature at the Sorbonne in Paris, but is taking a sabbatical to come to the US to work on her English and get some teaching experience.
We are looking for a family to host her from the end of August to mid-January, and no French language experience is necessary. If you have room in your home and would like to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity, please consider hosting Laure! If you’re intersted, please contact Jessica Blue to discuss details.
Merci beaucoup!
Jessica Blue
Evelyn Johnson
Liz Wanzek
French Faculty