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Middle School Division News February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, February 14: No Classes, Professional Development
Saturday, February 15: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Deadline
Monday, February 17: No Classes, President’s Day
Wednesday, February 19: MS G7/8 Affinity Group Meeting, 2:30-3 PM, Panther Center
Monday, February 24-Friday, February 28: SnoDaze Week
Thursday, February 27: Remember the Time: A Black History Month Showcase, 4:30-6:30 PM, Family Commons
March 3-March 7: MS i-Term

On Monday, we hosted our third edition of the Students and Screens program with a discussion centered on how to keep our children safe online by gaining an understanding of some of the controls available and the different ways that students can access different sites, social media, and discussion groups online. MPA parent Corey Ganser led our group in a discussion about the different ways that parents can work alongside their children through conversations and providing some guardrails so our children are safe and exposed to different parts of the internet and social media at developmentally appropriate times.

Our lively discussion included some questions about the appropriate time and ways to progress a child’s use of technology, with some parents sharing stories and anecdotes of how their child may have found themselves on programs or in chats that they probably should not have been a part of. As I shared with the group, “I have yet to meet a parent who said, ‘I wish I gave my student a phone or access to social media sooner than I did.’”

Lower School Division News February 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, February 14: No Classes, Professional Development
Friday, February 14: Panther Club and PreK Closed
Saturday, February 15: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Deadline
Monday, February 17: No Classes, President’s Day
Monday, February 17: Panther Club and PreK Closed
Wednesday, February 19: LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-8:45 AM, Family Commons
Monday, February 24-Friday, February 28: SnoDaze Week
Thursday, February 27: Remember the Time: A Black History Month Showcase, 4:30-6:30 PM, Family Commons
Wednesday, March 5: LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-8:45 AM, Family Commons
Thursday, March 6: LS Art Show Opening, 5:30-6 PM, Gallery; Rossbach Art Walk; Family
Commons; US Commons
Thursday, March 6: LS Music Program, 6-7 PM, Nicholson Center

We are in the thick of winter, and the energy in the Lower School is still riding high! I trust that you have had the chance to read the recent announcement of my departure from MPA at the end of the year. Please know that this decision is more of a pull toward family and next steps rather than a push away from our wonderful school. I am sad to say goodbye and grateful to have had the honor of being part of our community for the past two years.

SnoDaze Week: Pajama Day on February 24
The Lower School students are invited to celebrate SnoDaze Week with the Middle and Upper Schools the week of February 24-28. All students in PreK-Grade 4 are invited to wear their pajamas to school on Monday, February 24. The students in third and fourth grade are also invited to the SnoDaze assembly on the afternoon of Friday, February 28. Read More

The Power of Hopeful Skepticism: Preparing Students, and Ourselves, for a Complex World

February 13, 2025

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

Over my 30+ years in education, I’ve been called many things, some of which I can’t repeat here. Most often, I’ve been called naïve or an optimist, most of the time meant as a criticism. Truth be told, I’d rather be naïve than a cynic, believing people are generally selfish and untrustworthy. I’d rather be an optimist rather than have a negative outlook on life and expect the worst from people and from life.

After reading “Hope for Cynics” by Jamil Zaki, Stanford University professor and director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab, I can now proudly say I am a hopeful skeptic. A hopeful skeptic is someone who balances optimism with critical thinking. They are open to possibilities and potential but also approach claims, ideas, and situations with a questioning mindset. This person is not cynical or dismissive but instead seeks evidence, logic, and reason while maintaining a belief in positive outcomes.

Zaki writes about a test by psychologists Walter Cook and Donald Medley devised to identify good teachers. They asked hundreds of teachers whether they agreed with these three questions (and 47 others):

No one cares much what happens to you.
Most people dislike helping others.
Most people are honest chiefly through fear of getting caught.

According to Cook and Medley’s research, the more a teacher agreed with these statements, the worse their rapport with students. Out of curiosity, but knowing the probable outcome, I did a snap poll of MPA teachers. The vast majority disagreed with all three statements with a small handful agreeing with only one. It didn’t surprise me that 97% of our teachers are low or low-medium in cynicism. Read More

Parents Association News And Events February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

Volunteer at the MPA Book Festival and the Lower School Valentine’s Party to help us make next week festive and fun at MPA!

MPA Book Festival

Get ready to fall in love with reading at the MPA Book Festival from February 10-13 in the MPA Gallery!

The Book Festival has offerings for everyone from PreK through Upper School students and adults! If you have any questions about whether a title on your student’s wishlist is appropriate for their reading level, please contact Stephanie Kollm, Library and media specialist, at skollm@moundsparkacademy.org.

Remaining A Beacon Of Inclusivity, Integrity, and Courage

February 6, 2025

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

Our values endure. Our resolve is unshakable.

Transitions, whether personal, institutional, or societal, bring both challenge and opportunity. They disrupt routines and ask us to think critically, act courageously, and reaffirm what truly matters. In moments of change—whether in our school, our communities, or on a global scale—we are called to return to our values and remain steadfast. At Mounds Park Academy, we want to be clear: our commitment to our mission and values is unwavering.

MPA is, and will always be, a place where students, families, and educators feel seen, valued, and supported. We are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, just, and equitable environment where every child can learn, grow, and thrive. Our mission calls us to nurture critical thinkers, compassionate leaders, and engaged citizens who have the courage to shape a better world. That mission remains steadfast.

In the recent community survey, MPA students consistently highlighted the welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment. They report strong bonds between the students, teachers, and staff, noting that the result is a close-knit, respectful culture. One student wrote, “I think the school is really good at making sure that every student feels valued and important and in accepting each person’s different situations and how that can affect their learning or experience. People here are very understanding and friendly and create an environment where you don’t feel scared to speak up.” Read More

MPA Students Recognized by MSAA

January 30, 2025

The Art Department is thrilled to share the list of students honored in the 2025 Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards!

The Scholastic Art Awards is a highly competitive, nationally recognized competition for students ages 13-18. Gold Key awards will go on to competition at the national level.

This display of awards represents a variety of mediums, styles, and techniques, as well as countless hours of work over the course of years of skill development. We are so proud of the accomplishments of these artists!

Yuhan Zou ‘25, Drawing, Gold Key, “目”
Ella D. ‘29, Painting, Gold Key, “Defused Emotions”
Jenny Liao ‘28, Painting, Gold Key, “Winter Owl”
Juliun Menasco ’27, Photography, Gold Key, “Froggy Curiosity”
Nicole Kim ‘27, Fashion, Silver Key, “Background Spotlight”
Lucy Smith ‘25, Mixed Media, Silver Key, “Artist Blues”
Grace Nelson ‘26, Painting, Silver Key, “Intergalactic”
Zayna N. ‘30, Photography, Silver Key, “Sage”
Cosmo Vanzyl ‘26, Ceramics, Honorable Mention, “Bloom”
Cosmo Vanzyl ‘26, Ceramics, Honorable Mention, “Trust”
Amy Xiang ‘26, Drawing, Honorable Mention, “Fireworks”
Marlaina Minear ‘25, Drawing, Honorable Mention, “Self-Portrait”
Laila Mosley ‘26, Painting, Honorable Mention, “Savory & Sweet Dining”
Sukey R. ‘29, Printmaking, Honorable Mention, “Balanced Composition Lino Print”
Sophia T. ‘29, Printmaking, Honorable Mention, “Leaves in Symmetry”
Thomas Dickson ‘26, Printmaking, Honorable Mention, “Street Print”
Yuhan Zou ‘25, Sculpture, Honorable Mention, “Fresh Breath”

See an album of their award-winning work here!

Parents Association News And Events January 30, 2025

January 30, 2025

Get ready to fall in love with reading at the MPA Book Festival from February 10-13 in the MPA Gallery!

The book festival is for everyone! MPA will partner with Red Balloon Bookshop and PaperPie (formerly Usborne Books & More) to sell new books in the MPA Gallery during the week of the Book Festival. There will be exciting, high-interest titles available for kids from PreK through Upper School, so everyone can find a book to fall in love with this winter!

The MPA Book Festival will run from Monday, February 10, to Wednesday, February 12, from 7:45 AM-3:30 PM and Thursday, February 13, from 7:45 AM-10 AM. That Wednesday will also feature a Pairing Assembly for students!

Payment options include credit cards or checks. Online ordering will be available. All proceeds will benefit the Martin Lenz Harrison Library.

Dr. Hudson’s Book Club

Join our community of adult readers and attend our Book Festival Book Club on February 12 at 6:30 PM in the Martin Lenz Harrison Library for Dr. Hudson’s Book Club! We will be discussing “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin. All are welcome to attend, even if this is your first time attending the book club. Please RSVP here.

Call For Volunteers!

Festival organizers are looking for one to two volunteers to help for each of the following days and tasks. Please email PA@moundsparkacademy.org if you can support this event!

Pick up books from Red Balloon in Saint Paul on February 6 at 1:30 PM
Tear down the event in the library on February 13 at 10 AM

Lower School Valentine’s Party

The PA is seeking volunteers to help out during the Lower School Valentine’s Party in the Lansing Center on Thursday, February 13. Kids will enjoy games, crafts, activities, face painting, and an obstacle course during their P.E. time. Join us for part of the day or the whole day! Sign up here.

Upper School Division News January 30, 2025

January 30, 2025

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, January 31: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Agreements Sent
Friday, January 31: US Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
Friday, January 31: US Winter Show “Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of Baskerville,” 7-9 PM, Black Box, tickets >
Saturday, February 1: US Winter Show “Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of Baskerville,” 7-9 PM, Black Box, tickets >
Tuesday, February 4: Speech Tournament, 3-10 PM, MPA Campus
Wednesday, February 5: US G10 Retreat, Deep Portage Retreat Center
Thursday, February 6: US G10 Retreat, Deep Portage Retreat Center
Friday, February 7: US Classes Meet
Friday, February 7: US G10 Retreat, Deep Portage Retreat Center
Monday, February 10: MS/US Students & Screens Community Discussion, 1:45-3 PM, Recital Hall
Wednesday, February 12: All School Pairing Assembly
Thursday, February 13: US Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
Friday, February 14: No Classes, Professional Development
Saturday, February 15: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Deadline
Monday, February 17: No Classes, Presidents’ Day
Tuesday, February 18: US Nordic Ski Banquet, 4:30-6:30 PM, Family Commons
Wednesday, February 19: US Band & Orchestra Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center

In today’s rapidly evolving world, young adults who identify as members of Generation Z (Gen Z), those 13-28 years old, stand at a unique crossroads of societal change. Recent research from the Pew Research Center indicates that Gen Z students face challenges and opportunities in their educational journey. As digital natives, those who have grown up in a “connected” world (technologically speaking) bring distinctive perspectives and needs to school communities. Even though they are frequently found using their technological devices (computers, tablets, cell phones, video games, etc.), they crave authentic interpersonal connections and seek why they need to learn what is being taught.

According to a 2023 study published in the Journal of Higher Education, Gen Z students demonstrate stronger engagement when they understand the practical applications of their coursework. This aligns with this generation’s logical approach to education. They want to know why some concepts “matter” and how they connect with the real world. The Harvard Educational Review says that this “purpose-driven learning approach” leads to stronger retention and application of knowledge. Gen Z learners value information taught to them and seek genuine and authentic ways in which that information applies to them in their pursuit of finding the right “fit” for college and a future profession. The International Journal of Educational Research states, “when educators share relevant personal information and create opportunities for meaningful dialogue in class, student engagement increases by up to 40 percent.” Building relationships and connections between students, teachers, and the taught curriculum leads to genuine interactions and honest discussions.

Middle School Division News January 30, 2025

January 30, 2025

from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, January 31: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Agreements Sent
Friday, January 31: MS G5-8 Talent Show, 12:30-3 PM, Nicholson Center
Tuesday, February 4: LS/MS Lunch & Learn: G5 Pizza Panel, 11:35 AM-12 PM, Rooms 150-151
Wednesday, February 5: MS G7/8 Affinity Group Meeting, 2:30-3 PM, Panter Center
Thursday, February 6: LS/MS Evening Conferences, 3:30-8 PM
Friday, February 7: No LS/MS Classes, Conferences
Friday, February 7: LS/MS Conferences, 8 AM-5 PM
Monday, February 10: MS/US Students & Screens Community Discussion, 1:45-3 PM, Recital Hall
Tuesday, February 11: MS Quarterly Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, TBD
Wednesday, February 12: All School Pairing Assembly
Friday, February 14: No Classes, Professional Development
Saturday, February 15: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Deadline
Monday, February 17: No Classes, Presidents’ Day
Wednesday, February 19: MS G7/8 Affinity Group Meeting, 2:30-3 PM, Panther Center

As we turn the corner in our school year by heading into a new semester, I find myself really excited about the work and opportunities ahead. This week, we will have had our Grade 5 Music Share on Thursday and the Middle School Talent Show on Friday afternoon, with close to 20 acts from all our grades and faculty.

Heading into February, we have our Winter Conferences coming up at the end of next week on the evening of February 6 and all day on February 7. Lower and Middle School students have conferences, while Upper School students still have classes. Please remember that all Middle School students are required to attend their conferences. The window to sign up for conferences closes on Friday evening, so check in there soon if you’re hoping to get some time with your child’s teachers.

Lower School Division News January 30, 2025

January 30, 2025

from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, January 31: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Agreements Sent
Friday, January 31: January Uniform Sale, 8 AM-3:30 PM, Atrium
Tuesday, February 4: LS/MS Lunch & Learn: G5 Pizza Panel, 11:35 AM-12 PM, Rooms 150-151
Thursday, February 6: LS Duty-Free Lunch with Parent Volunteers, 11:30 AM-12:40 PM, Playground and Family Commons
Thursday, February 6: LS/MS Evening Conferences, 3:30-8 PM
Friday, February 7: No LS/MS Classes, Conferences
Friday, February 7: LS/MS Conferences, 8 AM-5 PM
Wednesday, February 12: All School Pairing Assembly
Thursday, February 13: LS Valentine’s Day Party, 8:30 AM-2:30 PM, Lansing Sports Center and Family Commons
Friday, February 14: No Classes, Professional Development
Friday, February 14: Panther Club and PreK Closed
Saturday, February 15: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Deadline
Monday, February 17: No Classes, Presidents’ Day
Monday, February 17: Panther Club and PreK Closed
Wednesday, February 19: LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-8:45 AM, Family Commons

The Lower School students had a blast celebrating Lunar New Year on January 29, with some Upper School students. We enjoyed learning about the different ways that the new year is celebrated in different countries; we inquired into our zodiac signs, played games, and made crafts, and we had fun watching a wonderful lion dance performance with a local dance troop. Happy Year of the Snake!

Winter FastBridge Assessments

All kindergarten students engaged in the FastBridge assessment for reading and math with learning specialist Mrs. Ross from January 15-24. Students in first through fourth grade who are currently in intervention groups for reading, writing and/or math also completed the FastBridge assessments for the subject(s) in which they receive intervention. Your child’s results will be shared with you at Winter Conferences. Please sign up for a time to see Ms. Ross to discuss your child’s progress.

Semester 1 Reports Sent Home on January 28
Report cards for semester 1 (September through January) were sent home earlier this week. Please let the office know if you need assistance with the report or have any questions. Read More