All School Archives

May 31, 2023

What position will you be holding at MPA?
Curriculum and Technology Integration Specialist

From what school/organization are you coming?
Bay Ridge Prep

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I received my master’s in Learning and Emerging Technologies from Empire State College. While in this program, I also started at the Kidonan School, a school for students with Dyslexia, where I was trained in Orton-Gillingham, a multi-sensory approach for teaching language skills to students with dyslexia, and was also the assistive technology coordinator. This led to publishing my master’s thesis on using digital resources to teach students with dyslexia. Unfortunately, the school closed, but I stepped up to direct the school’s camp, Camp Dunnabeck, which continues to support students with dyslexia to this day.

After Kildonan, I moved to Brooklyn and worked as the Educational Technologist and eventually the Director of Technology at Bay Ridge Prep, a K-12 independent school. There I was a tech team of one, managing student devices, integrating classroom tech, troubleshooting issues, teaching classes, and leading clubs such as Makerspace and Snowsports Clubs

I look forward to continuing to leverage technologies to support the students of Mounds Park Academy!

What did you find appealing about MPA?
I’m most looking forward to working with a team of experts so I am able to focus my efforts on supporting students and staff utilizing educational technologies rather than also having to worry about managing the technology infrastructure on top of that. I am also really looking forward to getting into the Makerspace and supporting the development of project-based learning. I can already tell that MPA is a supportive community, and I greatly look forward to working with the staff and students.

What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA?
I would like to help innovate classroom curricula and student initiatives to help them build confidence as well as broaden and strengthen their skill sets to become innovative leaders in whichever field they enter.

What’s your big dream?
To leverage technologies to improve the effectiveness of our educational systems, preparing students to be productive citizens in a world that is evolving exponentially. This includes seriously looking at and responding to the ethical usage of immerging technologies.

What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about improving access to quality education and minimizing the achievement gap. I think education is our best investment and by supporting students to think critically, be creative, and act compassionately, we create a ripple effect that can lead to improvements in every aspect of life. Many of our societal issues, such as poverty and violence, stem from poor education. I believe in negative utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is doing what is best for the most amount of people to improve society, while negative utilitarianism is about making improvements where there is the most suffering, raising us all up together, and maximizing happiness.

What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
What really inspired me to go into teaching was working as a snowboard instructor. I’ve worked at Belleayre Mountain in NY, Mount Snow in VT, and even Afton Alps in MN as a freestyle coach.

Honoring The Class Of 2023

May 25, 2023

from Bill Hudson, head of school

Today is one of my favorite days, a day that embodies who we are as a school community. The entire school gathered for the annual Senior Walk and together celebrated the 60 seniors and their impact on MPA. The joy in the eyes of each student along the pathway, the pride in the eyes of faculty and staff, and the sense of accomplishment reflected in the eyes of our senior class bring tears to my eyes.

I’ve seen countless young people move on from high school to college over the 30 or so years I’ve been a teacher and administrator. Each class is unique and holds a special place in my heart. This senior class strikes me as incredibly genuine and resilient. They have weathered the pandemic, a racial reckoning, and social and political discord. They have prevailed through personal trauma and difficulties and emerged strong and authentic.

The college choices of our senior class are evidence of the uniqueness of each student and the diversity of their interests. Fifty-nine seniors will be attending 39 different colleges and universities in 20 states, Washington, D.C., Canada, and Scotland. They have chosen large research universities, public and private institutions, small liberal arts colleges, Ivies, art schools, and women’s colleges. Students will be attending schools in urban and rural locations that are near and far. Read More

Parents Association News & Events May 25, 2023

May 25, 2023

All-School St. Paul Saints Game!
Sunday, July 30, 2:07 PM at CHS Field
Join us for a midsummer Saints game! Reconnect with school friends and enjoy America’s favorite pastime. You’ll see the St. Paul Saints vs. the Toledo Mud Hens at CHS Field. This is an all-school event. Tickets cost $16 for students and $17 for adults. Tickets can be picked up at Will Call before the game under the name “MPA Panthers.” We’ll be seated together in section 115. You can see the section here.

End of Year Grade Events
The end of the year is coming soon! Watch your email for all the details from your grade representative.

Pre-K: Details coming soon
Kindergarten: Wednesday, June 7, 11 AM-12:30 PM at Richard Walton Park, Oakdale
Grade 1: Wednesday, June 7, 1-3 PM at Richard Walton Park, Oakdale
Grade 2: Details coming soon
Grade 3: Wednesday, June 7, 3:30-5:30 PM at Richard Walton Park, Oakdale
Grade 4: Wednesday, June 7, 10:30 AM at Seaquest, Roseville
Grade 5: Sunday, June 4, 2:30 PM arrival time, St. Croix Riverboat at Taylor’s Falls,
Grade 6: Wednesday, June 7, 4 PM, at Can Can Wonderland, St Paul
Grade 7: June 7, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, Casey Lake Park, North St Paul (sharing with grades 7,8,9 & 11)
Grade 8: June 7, 10:30-12:30 PM, Casey Lake Park, North St Paul (sharing with grades 7,8,9 & 11)
Grade 9: June 7, 10:30-12:30 PM, Casey Lake Park, North St Paul (sharing with grades 7,8,9 & 11)
Grade 10: June 7, 10:45-12:45 PM, Wakefield Park Community Building, Maplewood
Grade 11: June 7, 10:30-12:30 PM, Casey Lake Park, North St Paul (sharing with grades 7,8,9 & 11)

Vote for Next Year’s PA Board Members

Co-Presidents: Staci Banks and Christine Larson
Vice President/Community Grants: Seema Anwar
Secretary: Cristin Moran
Treasurer: Adi Boeder Risner
Lower School Division Lead: Michael Soto
Middle School Division Lead: Molly Oliver
Upper School Division Lead: Julie Bixby
Communications Lead: Susan Knapp
Staff Development Lead: Tara Lafferty
Grade Rep Coordinator: Open

You may vote here.

Because I Had A Teacher

May 18, 2023

from Bill Hudson, head of school

“Because I had a teacher, I know how good it feels when someone is happy to see me. I know that I can always ask for help. I feel like I have a friend on my side…Because I had you, I learned to believe in me.” From the book, “Because I Had a Teacher” by Kobi Yamada.

If you are like me, you have a favorite teacher who you continue to hold close to your heart. Mrs. Long was my third-grade teacher and had a tremendous impact on me. I attribute to her my curiosity and love of learning. My parents recalled how I would come home from school each day with a list of what “Mrs. Long said…” I would go on and on at the dinner table with all that Mrs. Long said that day, and 50 years later, I still hold her dear.

On Thursday, May 25, we will honor six members of the MPA faculty who are retiring this year or during the years of the pandemic. Together, they have more than 200 years of service to MPA. It is impossible to measure the impact these wonderful teachers have had on their students. Indeed, they have touched the hearts and minds of so many.

Please join us to honor the distinguished careers of MPA retirees from 2020-2023 at the Mounds Park Academy Retirement Celebration. It has been our tradition to celebrate retirees at a reception at the end of the school year. I know that the month of May is busy, but I promise that you will not regret attending. Join us in the Family Commons and Martin Lenz Harrison Library from 4-6 PM, with a brief program at 4:30 PM. Read More

Lower School Division News May 18, 2023

May 18, 2023

from Ann Jurewicz, Lower School director

Important Dates and Upcoming Events

May 19: PreK Family Music, 8:45-9:15
May 26: NO CLASSES, Teacher Professional Development Day
May 29: NO CLASSES, Memorial Day
May 31: Klein’s Grade 3 performance (NOTE! Grade 1 performances moved to June 5)
June 2: Colianni’s Grade 3 and both Grade 4 drama performances
NEW DATE! – June 5: Grade 1 drama performances
June 3: MPA Commencement 2023
June 6: Grade 4 Moving Up Ceremony, 2 PM
June 7: Last Day of School – Early Dismissal 10:15 AM

With great joy and many smiles, we celebrated our final CHAMP Assembly of the school year this past Wednesday. We reviewed the CHAMP characteristics we aspire to be with each other: respectful, mindful, gritty, empathetic, and collaborative. Students then enjoyed playing a heads or tails game and finished the morning with a grade level leapfrog competition. Congratulations go to grade one, who narrowly won the race!

Grade 2 Takes a Field Trip to Learn About Native Americans, Tuesday, May 30
Grade 2 will take a field trip to HOĊOKATA TI, bringing history to life. They will have a chance to sit within a traditional Dakota tipi, touch the hides of animals traditionally hunted by the Dakota people, hear the words of the Dakota language, and more. This immersive and interactive exhibit gives students a better understanding of Mdewakanton lifeways. Read More

Middle School Division News May 18, 2023

May 18, 2023

from Jenn Milam, Middle School director

Important Dates and Upcoming Events

May 22-26: Washington DC, Grade 7 Trip
May 26: No Classes, Teacher Professional Development Day
May 29: No Classes, Memorial Day
May 31: Middle School Track and Field Day, 8:15-11:15 AM
- Inventor’s Fair (Grade 5), 2:20-3 PM
June 2: 5/6 Canoeing Adventure
- 7/8 Valley Fair Performance and Fun Day
June 3: MPA Commencement 2023
June 6: Passion Project Showcase, 1 PM
Middle School Moving-Up Ceremony, 2 PM
June 7: Last Day of School
- Early Dismissal, 10:15 AM

When you receive this issue of News and Notes, there will be 11 and 1/3 days remaining in our 2023-2024 school year! It’s been an amazing year with lots of growth, lots of fun, and plenty of JOY! I hope you’re enjoying all the performances, opportunities to be with us, and are looking forward to a great summer with your family. When someone told me some time ago, “the days are long, but the years go fast,” I didn’t really grasp that meaning – but boy, were they right! This year has flown by, and as a mom of high schoolers, it feels like each year gets a little faster.

Make sure to slow down, savor the sunshine, be present in that last ball game or performance, take in all the smells, the sounds, the sight of your growing young person—before you know it, they’ll be taller than you, and on their way to their next big adventure!

CLASS of 2029—Washington DC Trip–Early Bird Registration Extended to May 19!
All students currently in sixth grade who wish to travel to Washington DC next year (May 2024) should visit the World Strides website and get registered ASAP! If you register and put down your $49 deposit by Friday, an EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT of $125 will be applied to your trip cost! Payment plans are flexible and available.

Please also refer to the email sent for more details, trip number and informational meeting recording! If you have questions, please reach out to Dr. Jenn Milam (jmilam@moundsparkacademy.org).

NOTE: This is the last extension of the early registration discount—please take advantage and get registered! This trip is meant to be for the entire class, so please consider registering and sending your student on this amazing experience. Read More

Upper School Division News May 18, 2023

May 18, 2023

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Looking Ahead

May 19: Class of 2023 Last Day of Classes
May 24: Upper School Vocal Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center
May 25: Senior Performances, 10-11:30 AM, Recital Hall
- Senior Walk, 1-1:45 PM, MPA Campus
- Upper School Awards Assembly, 1:45-3 PM, Nicholson Center
- MPA Retirement Gathering, 4-6:30 PM, Family Commons
May 26: No Classes, Professional Development
May 29: No Classes, Memorial Day
May 30: Upper School Service-Con, 1-4 PM, MPA Indoor Track
May 31: Class of 2023 Senior Dinner, 6:30 PM, Off Campus
June 1: World Language Final Exams, During World Language Classes
June 2: World Language Final Exams, During World Language Classes
- Class of 2023 MANDATORY Graduation Rehearsal, 11 AM-12:30 PM, Nicholson Center
June 3: Commencement, 6 PM, Nicholson Center
June 5: English Final Exams, 8:45–10:15 AM, Locations TBD
- Math Final Exams, 12-1 PM, Locations TBD
June 6: End of Quarter 4/Semester 2
- Social Studies Final Exams, 8:45-10:15 AM, Locations TBD
- Science Final Exams, 12-1 PM, Locations TBD
June 7: Last Day of School
- Yearbook Assembly, 8:15 AM, Nicholson Center
- Dismissal, 10:15 AM

It is hard to believe that the 2022 – 2023 school year is coming to an end. Students in grades PK-11 have 11 class days left before their summer vacations begin. The Class of 2023, however, has their last day of classes tomorrow (May 19). Thirteen years of schooling will draw to a ceremonious close when they, as a group, pull down the boldly written #1 which hangs in the Upper School Commons. Each afternoon the senior class gathers at the end of the day to pull down the handwritten numbers 10 to 1 as they countdown their last days on campus. The emotion expressed and cohesion shown by the group is a joy to witness as they celebrate one of the MPA Rites of Passage as the soon to be graduating class.

The US Center for Disease Control shares that, “school connectedness has long-lasting effects on (students’) health and well-being.” The trusting relationships built between the 60 members of the Class of 2023 have been critical in their emotional educational journeys. They have laughed, danced, played sports, debated, shared stories, and grown together as young adults during their high school years. They have also openly welcomed and accepted new students into their Class and have appreciated the new perspective each brings to the fabric of this special group. The members of the Class of 2023 have experienced so much over their upper school career. Each time a new challenge was presented to them, they rallied around and leaned into each other and kept moving forward.

The next two weeks will be ones of self-discovery for this special class. They will complete assignments and work on their Senior Service Projects for Service-Con—the final items are due before they cross the stage to receive their diplomas on June 3. Thankfully, there is still time for the community to be with them before their special day. You are invited to attend the annual Senior Walk and the Upper School Awards Assembly on Thursday, May 25, and Service-Con on Tuesday, May 30. These events will allow us to publicly recognize the Class of 2023 and witness the impact they have had and legacy they will leave behind. Read More

College Athlete Celebration Day

May 18, 2023

This Monday was an exciting day for Class of 2023 student-athletes and their families! Fifteen members of the class are moving on to participate in college athletics—that’s 25%! The entire Upper School student body gathered in the Lansing Sports Center to celebrate their selections and wish them well. Go Panthers! For the full album of photos, click here.

Congratulations to the following Class of 2023 student-athletes!

Alex Appleton: Rowing at Bates College
Kensi Binstadt: Track at Pomona College
Cameron Collister: Cross Country and Track at Whitman College
Audrey Jakway: Basketball at Haverford College
Owen Lafferty: Track at Macalester College
Nicholas Larson: Track and Cross Country at Colgate University
Michael Mairs: Tennis at St. Olaf College
Gabriel Messner: Rowing at University of Edinburgh
Zoe Mulvihill: Track at Amherst College
Lola Pilon: Volleyball and Softball at Augsburg University
Andrew Platz: Baseball at Hamline University
Freya Rahm: Tennis at Oberlin College
Henry Seum: Sailing at Jacksonville University
Siri Springer: Softball at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Annabelle Vale: Swimming at Grinnell College

Parents Association News & Events May 18, 2023

May 18, 2023

Voting for Next Year’s PA Board Members
Watch for the ballot in next week’s Panther Post.

End of Year Grade Events
The end of the year is coming soon! Watch your email for all the details from your grade representative.

Pre-K: Details coming soon
Kindergarten: Wednesday, June 7, 11 AM-12:30 PM at Richard Walton Park, Oakdale
Grade 1: Wednesday, June 7, 1-3 PM at Richard Walton Park, Oakdale
Grade 2: Details coming soon
Grade 3: Wednesday, June 7, 3:30-5:30 PM at Richard Walton Park, Oakdale
Grade 4: Wednesday, June 7, 10:30 AM at Seaquest, Roseville
Grade 5: Details coming soon
Grade 6: Details coming soon
Grade 7: June 7, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, Casey Lake Park, North St Paul (sharing with grades 7,8,9 & 11)
Grade 8: June 7, 10:30-12:30 PM, Casey Lake Park, North St Paul (sharing with grades 7,8,9 & 11)
Grade 9: June 7, 10:30-12:30 PM, Casey Lake Park, North St Paul (sharing with grades 7,8,9 & 11)
Grade 10: June 7, 10:45-12:45 PM, Wakefield Park Community Building, Maplewood
Grade 11: June 7, 10:30-12:30 PM, Casey Lake Park, North St Paul (sharing with grades 7,8,9 & 11)
Grade 12: Details coming soon

Welcome To MPA, Rudy Ford!

May 17, 2023

We are so excited to welcome Rudy Ford to MPA as our new director of after-school and summer programs. We’re incredibly happy to have him, and we can’t wait to see all of the enhancements and growth he will bring to the program. Rudy will be starting May 31, so make sure to stop by and give him a warm MPA welcome!

What position will you be holding at MPA?
Director of After School and Summer Programs

From what school/organization are you coming?
Sylvan Learning—Twin Cities

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I am a graduate of Williams College and pursued graduate studies at Loyola University (Maryland). I have spent over 30 years in education as a teacher, coach, admissions director, and Middle School principal. Notable stops include Moravian Academy in Bethlehem, PA; Dedham Country Day School just outside of Boston, MA; Charles Wright Academy in Tacoma, WA, and St. Paul Academy and Summit School in St. Paul, MN.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
MPA’s spirit and culture are a match for my background and experience, and those features are tangibly present from the moment you enter the campus. MPA is the only school I’ve encountered that included a demonstration lesson as part of a leadership interview—and that speaks volumes about what is important here. I have never been made to feel more welcome or valued during a school visit.

What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA?
I look forward to bringing new ideas, energy, and growth to the Panther and summer programs—all the while continuing to keep kids safe, happy, and learning. I’d love to see kids choosing to stay for Panther Program events even when they have the option to go home, and I’d love to see the summer program be something that draws kids from all over the twin cities for its vibrant and innovative program.

What’s your big dream?
I see “off hours” from school and summer days as having just as much potential to provide formative, impactful experiences for kids. I look forward to the day when kids return to tell us how much some of their experiences in those times have meant to them.

What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about my family, my ‘extended family’ of great friends, music, and baseball (go Red Sox)! I am passionate about teaching and learning—both of which I have always done and can’t imagine doing without. I love woodworking, cooking, kayaking, and studying music.

What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I recently joined a band based in St. Paul to play bass guitar and sing.