All School

Talented Sophomores Achieve a Harmony of Accomplishments

December 11, 2023

Congratulations to sophomores Grace Nelson, Chali Yang, Warner Reid, and Truman Wilgocki, who auditioned and were selected to be members of the American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota 9-10 State Honor Choirs. Grace will sing in the Soprano-Alto (SA) choir under the direction of Maria Ellis, owner of Girl Conductor, LLC. Chali is a member of the Tenor-Bass (TB) choir and will sing for Chris McGinley from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Warner and Truman will sing in the SATB choir conducted by Kira Haler Knutson from Valley City State University. The daylong Honor Choir event will culminate with a concert at the Minneapolis Convention Center in mid-February. Grace, Chali, and Warner were sponsored by Mr. Habermann, while Truman auditioned as a member of the MN Boychoir. Great work, everyone!

 

The Evolution of Digital Environments

December 7, 2023

from Bill Hudson, head of school

Next week, MPA will celebrate “Hour of Code,” an international movement of schools dedicating one hour to coding activities for students to introduce them to computer science. Instead of just one hour, MPA will dedicate the entire week of December 11-15 to activities designed to de-mystify “code” and demonstrate how anyone can learn the basics. The idea came from our Technology and Innovation Committee, comprised of our technology team and teachers from all divisions who meet regularly to better leverage technology to advance and enhance student learning and prepare students for college and life.

In keeping with our mission and values, technology is a critical aspect of a college-prep, progressive education that centers hands-on, experiential learning at the core of all we do. At MPA, our philosophy is that since technology surrounds us, its knowledge and skills are best learned through active participation. Our charge is to prepare our students to meet the challenges of this continually evolving digital environment with new ideas and new ways to use it that are spiraled throughout our curriculum.

I recently came across a quote that said that 85% of the jobs that will exist in 2030 haven’t yet been invented. In a world of disruptive technological change with ever more rapid advances in generative artificial intelligence, I believe there is an urgent need for what Mike Walsh, CEO of Tomorrow, calls “citizen developers,” those who will be able to design work even if they lack formal programming skills. Likewise, director of academic technology Michael Moran shares, “By no means do we expect our students to become computer programmers; however, it’s our responsibility as educators to approach computer science and coding as a literacy.” Read More

Parents Association News and Events December 7, 2023

December 7, 2023

Holiday Gift Wrapping
Monday, December 11
Join the MPA Parents Association for this beloved holiday event. Give the gift of time to our staff by wrapping their gifts while also putting yourself in the holiday spirit. MPA teachers and staff bring in their unwrapped gifts; we return them wrapped and decorated. All supplies and snacks will be provided. Sign up here for one hour or more! See you in the Porter Conference Room (PCR), which is located in the Upper School above the Lansing/North entrance.

Middle School Pre-Concert Community Dinner—Last Call!
Thursday, December 14, Family Commons
The annual MS Dinner is here, and we want to welcome you and your entire family! Please join us next Thursday, December 14, from 5-6 PM before the MS Concert. A complete taco bar will be served in the Family Commons, along with beverages and dessert (allergies have been taken into account!). Please RSVP by sending $5 per person to Molly Oliver, PA MS Lead, via Venmo (@Molly-Oliver-7) or email Molly (moliverPA@moundsparkacademy.org) to make other arrangements. We need your RSVP by THIS SATURDAY, please!

Who We Are and What We Do

December 7, 2023

Who We Are And What We Do 

The Mounds Park Academy Board of Trustees is a self-generative body of approximately 20 to 22 trustees (plus the Head of School in an ex officio capacity) who guide the school’s strategic direction and protect its mission. Critical functions of the Board include hiring, supporting, and evaluating the Head of School, establishing the school’s mission and strategic plan, supporting the school’s development efforts, and safeguarding the school’s financial stability.

The Board’s purview is strategic, not operational (which is the responsibility of the head of school and his or her administrative team). Specifically, the Board does not hire or terminate employees or establish policies for doing so.  It does not make line-item budget determinations, including those on faculty salary; it does not establish the academic scope and sequence of classes. Rather, the Board collaborates with the Head of School to ensure that the school’s larger strategic goals are met, including accreditation, legal compliance, and other requirements.

MPA’s current Board Chair is Tiffany Scott-Knox, an experienced MPA trustee, completing her second year of a three-year term. Trustees serve up to two three-year terms. MPA’s Board meets 5-6 times a year and follows a ‘decentralized” model where the bulk of its work is accomplished through its five standing committees:  Read More

A History-Making Performance For Debate

December 3, 2023

Congratulations to the MPA Debate Team on a history-making performance at the Classic State Debate Festival. Forty-six students represented the school, and for the first time in its history, Mounds Park Academy won the team sweepstakes award. This award is based on the top two performances across each of the three divisions of competition—novice, junior varsity, and varsity. This win is a testament to the countless hours of research, thinking, and practice these students contributed throughout the season.

We call the tournament the Classic Debate Championships in novice and junior varsity. In the novice division, the teams of Sidd Sastry and Kelvyn Boddipalli, Amila Avdic and Ayub Barre, and Myah Hoeschen and Nicole Kim advanced to the octafinal round. The teams of Josh Murr and Hannabella Li and Carter Short and Nico Bergh advanced to the quarterfinal round. And in a commanding performance, the team of Ash Klann and Victoria Lin won the entire division. In the junior varsity division, the teams of Mari Minear and Navreen Biring and Paul Fertig and Zainab Lodhi advanced to the quarterfinal round, while the team of Truman Wilgocki and Soren Winikoff advanced to the semifinal round. And the team of Greta Hanson and Rowan Mulrooney finished second in an extremely competitive final round.
Read More

Parents Association News And Events November 29, 2023

November 29, 2023


US Parent Dinner During the Winter Semi-Formal
Saturday, December 2, 8:15-10:30 PM
Family Thai, 2303 White Bear Ave N, Saint Paul
If you are looking for something to do during the Winter Semi-Formal, consider coming to the parent dinner at Family Thai. While the kids dance the night away, parents can have dinner and socialize with other US families. Family Thai has agreed to stay open late for our group, so please join us! RSVP to sbanksPA@moundsparkacademy.org.

US Parent Quarterly Coffee: College Planning
Thursday, December 7, 8-9:30 AM, PCR
Lisa Pederson and Dr. Quam will be presenting information relevant to all 9-12 US families regarding testing, colleges, and the college planning process. They will be hosting a Q&A session as well during this time. This is a popular session that you won’t want to miss! Coffee and breakfast pastries will be served.

Holiday Gift Wrapping
Monday, December 11
Join the MPA Parents Association for this beloved Holiday event. Give the gift of time to our faculty and staff by wrapping their gifts while also putting yourself in the holiday spirit. MPA teachers and staff bring in their unwrapped gifts and we return them wrapped and decorated. All supplies and snacks will be provided. Sign up for one hour or more! See you in the Porter Conference Room (PCR) which is located in the Upper School above the Lansing/North entrance. Read More

The Joy (and Challenge) of Calling A Snow Day

November 29, 2023

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

Of all the decisions I must make as head of school, there is one that I dread the most: calling a snow day. As a child, nothing was more magical than awakening to heavy snowfall, racing to the TV, and anxiously awaiting the name of my school to scroll across the bottom of the screen. While I still consider a snow day magical, deciding to close school is difficult and complicated. Someone once told me that if a leader tries to make everyone happy, they are not doing their job. This is particularly true in making weather-related decisions. Inevitably, someone is not going to be happy.

The decision to cancel school for an inclement weather-related event (which could be snow, ice, or sub-zero temperatures) is made by the head of school in consultation with the administrative team. The most important criterion is the safety of our community, which has 580 students and more than 100 employees who live in 82 different zip codes in six counties throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The second criterion is to honor in-person learning. The number of school days is based on our mission and values, on what we believe best supports student learning, and on the needs of our community. Snow days are an interruption, and we would prefer not to have any interruptions.

Whenever possible, my goal is to decide by 6 AM at the latest. If a snow day is called, it is communicated by text, phone, email, the school’s website, and local television stations. Because MPA draws from such a large geographic area, it is not uncommon for the weather to vary, sometimes significantly. School closing or delay decisions are based on a number of factors:

  • Weather forecast
  • Timing of the event (morning or afternoon drive time)
  • Road conditions (MDOT traffic cams)
  • Feedback from First Student (our bus company), District 622, and peer schools
  • Feedback from Admin Team members (who live in areas across the metro)
  • Areas affected (we draw students from 82 zip codes)
  • Building conditions
  • Parking lot conditions

Read More

Lower School Division News November 30, 2023

November 29, 2023

from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director

Mark Your Calendars

  • Monday, December 4: Lower School Trimester 1 reports sent home
  • Monday, December 4-Friday, December 8: MPA Book Festival, 8 AM-4 PM, Gallery (12-4 PM on December 8)
  • Wednesday, December 6: Founders’ Day Breakfast, 7-8 AM, Family Commons
  • Wednesday, December 6: PreK-12 Pairing Assembly, 2 PM
  • Wednesday, December 6: MPA Cocoa and Books, 3-4 PM, Family Commons
  • Wednesday, December 13: LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-9 AM, Family Commons
  • Thursday, December 21-Tuesday, January 2: No Classes, Winter Break
  • Wednesday, January 3: Classes Resume

Welcome to winter! It’s my first winter season in the Midwest, and while it is chilly, the change of seasons also means cozy nights and time with loved ones. I hope you and your family had a wonderful November break and a joyful Thanksgiving if you celebrated. We are heading steadily toward winter break with many events in store, so please read on.

Trimester 1 Reports (PreK-Grade 4): December 4
On Monday, December 4, your child(ren)’s Trimester 1 report cards will be sent home via email. Please check your inbox and feel free to contact the Lower School office with any questions.

Founders’ Day Pancake Breakfast: December 6
Please join us on Wednesday, December 6, for our annual Founders’ Day Pancake Breakfast! Grown-ups and children are invited to come in your PJs to be served fluffy pancakes by our Board of Trustees and Administrative Team. It’s a yummy and festive event that you won’t want to miss! Breakfast starts being served at 7 AM, so plan to arrive early! Lower School families should plan to attend with their children.

No Bad Weather, Only Bad Clothing
This is a kind reminder if you haven’t already done so, to send your child to school with a heavy parka, hat/earmuffs, a scarf, and gloves/mittens daily. You may also wish to send snow boots and snow pants to school now to keep in your child’s cubby/locker for those freezing recess times. We will be out most days unless the weather is -10 degrees or colder. Take a minute to stop by the Lower School office lost and found bins to see if your child’s snow gear is there! Read More

Middle School Division News November 30, 2023

November 29, 2023

from Dr. Jenn Milam, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars

  • Monday, December 4-Friday, December 8: MPA Book Festival, 8 AM-4 PM, Gallery (12-4 PM on December 8)
  • Tuesday, December 5: MS Coffee Talk, 6-7:30 PM, Library
  • Wednesday, December 6: Founders’ Day Breakfast, 7-8 AM, Family Commons
  • Wednesday, December 6: PreK-12 Pairing Assembly, 2:20-3 PM
  • Wednesday, December 6: MPA Cocoa and Books, 3-4 PM, Family Commons
  • Thursday, December 7: Future Cities Competition, All Day
  • Thursday, December 7: MS Grade 5/6 Affinity Group, 2:20-3 PM, Panther Center
  • Wednesday, December 13: MS Grade 7/8 BIPOC Affinity Group, 2:20-3 PM, Panther Center
  • Thursday, December 14: MS Grades 6-8 Band, Orchestra, Vocal Concert, 6:30-8 PM, Nicholson Center
  • Wednesday, December 20: Last Day of School before Winter Break
  • Wednesday, December 20: MS Grades 5/6 Feed My Starving Children, 8-11:30 AM, Off Campus
  • Wednesday, December 20: MS Grades 5/6 Bowling, 12-3 PM, Off Campus
  • Thursday, December 21-Tuesday, January 2: No Classes, Winter Break
  • Wednesday, January 3: Classes Resume

As we are firmly into quarter two and winter seems like it has finally come to stay, we find ourselves in that weirdly beautiful interim just before the break when days get shorter, nights get longer, and even the simplest tasks require a little extra effort. We hope you are finding energy from a restful November break and are offering support to your students as they, too, navigate lower energy, the need for more sleep, and the increase in academic rigor that comes with the progressing school year.

We ask that you continue to encourage consistent routines, sufficient sleep schedules, healthy eating, and positive social behavior. The winter months take some adjusting to, and our young people often don’t/can’t communicate the need for a little extra TLC—even if given from a distance!

i-Term 2024: Course Placement Forms are due Monday, December 4!
Your i-Term course assignments have been sent home! Please return the signed sheet to the Middle School office by Monday, December 4. As each i-Term course carries a fee, it is essential that parent/family confirmation is received, as we will assess course fees via TADS in January 2024.

Please note that all course assignments are final at this time as we will begin making course plans, field trip reservations, and confirming community partners. Students cannot make changes to their i-Term course assignments.

If you have any questions, please contact Jenn Milam, Middle School director, at jmilam@moundaparkacademy.org or 651-748-5598.

Future Cities Is Competing!
Next Thursday, our eighth graders will share their visions for cities of the future at MPA! This internal competition will showcase the brilliant work of our eighth-grade collaborative teams as they worked to envision a city 100 years in the future that is fully electric. Read More

Upper School Division News November 30, 2023

November 29, 2023

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

  • Thursday, November 30: US Evening Conferences, 3:30-8 PM, MPA
  • Friday, December 1: No US Classes, US Conferences, 8 AM-5 PM, MPA
  • Saturday, December 2: US Semi-Formal Dance, 8-11 PM, Maplewood Community Center
  • Monday, December 4-Friday, December 8: MPA Book Festival, 8 AM-4 PM, Gallery (12-4 PM on December 8)
  • Wednesday, December 6: Founders’ Day Breakfast, 7-8 AM, Family Commons
  • Wednesday, December 6: PreK-12 Pairing Assembly, 2 PM
  • Wednesday, December 6: MPA Cocoa and Books, 3-4 PM, Family Commons
  • Wednesday, December 6: Class of 2028 Feed Your Mind Dinner, 6-8 PM, Family Commons
  • Thursday, December 7: US Parents Quarterly Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, PCR
  • Friday, December 8: Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
  • Friday, December 8: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Room 150-151
  • Friday, December 15: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Room 150-151
  • Tuesday, December 19: MS/US Grade 8 to 9 Parent Coffee, 6:30-7:30 PM, PCR
  • Wednesday, December 20: Caroling with the Madrigal Singers, 7:30-8 AM, Family Commons
  • Wednesday, December 20: US Winter Music Tour (Madrigal Singers and Chamber Orchestra), 8:30 AM-3 PM, MPA
  • Thursday, December 21-Tuesday, January 2: No Classes, Winter Break
  • Wednesday, January 3: Classes Resume
  • Friday, January 5: Mentorship Meet & Greet, 8-9:15 AM, Family Commons
  • Tuesday, January 9: Gr 11 Parent College Counseling Night, 6:30-7:30 PM, Recital Hall
  • Friday, January 12: US Class of 2028 Parent Coffee, 8-9 AM, PCR

Important Information

  • If your student will be absent, late, or needs to be excused early from school, please reach out to the Upper School office via cwilliams@moundsparkacademy.org.
  • Second quarter Upper School conferences are scheduled for Thursday, November 30, 3:30-8 PM and Friday, December 1, 8 AM-5 PM. If you did not get a chance to register for a conference through the Pick-A-Time system, please reach out directly to the teacher with whom you would like to meet to determine if they have availability to meet with you over the next couple of days. As a reminder, Upper School classes are not in session tomorrow, yet regularly scheduled Lower and Middle School classes will be held.
  • The Upper School Quarterly Coffee will be held Thursday, December 7, 8-9:30 AM in the PCR. College Counselors Lisa Pederson and Justin Quam will be presenting information relevant to grade 9-12 families regarding the college planning and application process. This has been a popular session in the past, and we anticipate it will be again this time as well. Coffee and breakfast pastries will be served. No RSVP is needed.

Read More