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Upper School Division News February 23, 2023

February 23, 2023

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Looking Ahead
February 23: Upper School Band & Orchestra Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center (postponed)
February 24: Upper School SnoDaze Snow Tubing, 4-7 PM, Green Acres Snow Tubing Lake Elmo
February 25: Grades 7-12 PlayMo Diorama Competition, 12-2:30 PM, Makerspace
February 27: Upper School Band & Orchestra Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center
February 28: Dessert & Dialogue, 6:30-8 PM, PCR
March 1: Upper School Vocal Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center
March 3: Spring Break Begins at 2:50 PM
March 20: Classes Resume at 8 AM
March 25: Grades 7-12 PlayMo Diorama Competition, 12-2:30 PM, Makerspace
March 28: World Language Final Exams, during World Language classes
March 29: World Language Final Exams, during World Language classes
March 30: Science Final Exams, 8:45-10:15 AM, Various Locations on Campus
English Final Exams, 12-1:30 PM, Various Locations on Campus
March 31: Math Final Exams, 8:45-10:15 AM, Various Locations on Campus
Social Studies Final Exams, 12-1:30 PM, Various Locations on Campus
April 3: No Classes, Professional Development Day
April 4: Quarter 4 Begins

I realize that what I am about to share may be an unpopular opinion. Winter is my favorite season! As an avid alpine skier, the thought of a fresh snowfall brings a huge smile to my face. There is, however, another side of winter that I dislike. Even though I have lived most of my life in the Twin Cities, my family and I have never invested in a snow blower and are reliant on a sturdy shovel and our strong backs. With the recent winter storm this week, I found myself outside with my trusty shovel in hand. Even though it was cold and there was a stiff breeze blowing from the north, there was something peaceful about being out there. A 2016 University of Kentucky study found that, “snow has acoustical properties which absorb sound – up to 60% of noise.” This quiet, in the middle of a winter storm, has a positive impact that can help us feel calm and centered. According to the University of Sussex, “the peacefulness of the snow also helps us focus in on the sounds of the breeze, the breaking of a branch or the pitter patter of a small animal—and when we hear the sounds of nature, our brain activates the centers which control rest and relaxation.” I realize I may be making lemonade out of lemons, but when looking at the work and expectations that upper school students (faculty and administrators, too) are managing in the weeks leading up to Spring Break, I see time clearing our driveways as beneficial to our mental and physical health. So, when things are hectic, and a little serenity is what each of us needs, shoveling snow can be just the solution we seek.

I look forward to seeing you on campus soon,

February 23, 2023

Thank You!
A big thank you to everyone who brought in snacks and drinks for this week’s Faculty and Staff Appreciation.

MS Snow Tubing Food Drive
Extended through Friday, February 24
It’s your last chance to participate! Bring non-perishable food items to your advisory. The items will be donated to the North St. Paul Food Shelf. Since 1979, the food shelf has been dedicated to helping families in need of food. Food shelves have been especially strained with rising food prices. Let’s put our MPA values into action and support our local food shelf!

Dessert and Dialogue with Mr. Segal
Tuesday, February 28, 6:30-8 PM
Upper School parents, please join us in the Porter Conference Room for Dessert and Dialogue with Mr. Segal. In lieu of a quarterly parent coffee for US parents, Mr. Segal will be hosting an evening where he’ll update families on the latest happenings in US, and will open it up for questions and dialogue. Meet other parents, hear school updates and engage in great discussions. RSVP required. Please RSVP to: jbixby@me.com.

MPA All-School Gluten-Free Cooking Class with Kate Thrane Has Been Rescheduled
New Date: April 13, 5:30-7 PM
MPA alum Kate travels here from Boston, and we do not want her to be caught in the storm. Please join us on the new date to learn all about the joy of cooking gluten-free. In the meantime, you can catch her recipes on Instagram at @theglutenlessmaximus.

2023-24 MPAPA Strategic Planning Meeting
March 1, 2-3 PM, in the Porter Conference Room
Are you a parent who would like to be more involved in volunteering at MPA? The MPAPA will be meeting to discuss planning for the 2023-24 School Year. Please join Dr. Bill Hudson, Jennifer Rogers, and the PA Board to share your feedback about events and be part of the planning process for the upcoming school year. We hope to see you there! Read More

Eighth Grade Engineers Demonstrate The Spirit Of Collaboration

February 22, 2023

This year’s Future Cities project has produced some incredibly impressive work. After winning accolades at the state level, MPA’s VAXA team—Josh M., Carter S., Julia A., Finley H., and Grace K.—had the honor of competing at the national level in Washington, D.C. this week. Two other MPA teams flourished at the regional level as well, earning MPA three special awards: Engineering Excellence, Outstanding Essay, and Best Infrastructure System. Read more about MPA’s success at the state competition here.

Team VAXA arrived safely in Washington, D.C. last Saturday. Though their Future City model arrived in less-than-ideal condition, it was rebuilt with Mr. Braafladt and Mr. Milam’s guidance and assistance to all its former glory. Judging for the Main Event and Special Awards took place, and VAXA presented three times, back-to-back, to three different panels of judges. This process was a diligent and arduous experience that tested the students’ skills, preparation, and knowledge. Though we were not recognized formally this year, Dr. Milam expressed that “being chosen to represent the state of Minnesota at Nationals in Washington D.C. is this year’s award for hard work, creativity, and innovation.” This level of accomplishment for the Future Cities project is a first for MPA, “but I feel certain it won’t be the last time we make our mark in the Capitol city,” she says. Beyond the competition and Future Cities Discovery-E activities, Ms. Murr was able to coordinate with some MPA alumni in the D.C. area and they joined Team VAXA for public viewing of the models at the competition venue. They then ventured out that evening for dinner together. Having MPA students together, current and former, was true MPA magic! Team VAXA also took time to visit the African American History Museum, Aerospace Museum, and walk around the National Mall while in D.C. We’re so appreciative of our alumni coming to support and connect with our current students!

A very special thank you goes to all who supported the students’ work, and very heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Milam, Mr. Braafladt, and Ms. Murr for traveling to D.C. with this incredible group of young engineers. Additional kudos to the awesome eighth grade team, Ms. Atchison, Ms. MacPhail, and Ms. Phillips, who all played important roles in Team VAXA’s success.

Mr. Milam recounted his experience and said, “To end this six-month Future Cities journey surrounded by MPA alumni, parents, board members, teachers, and students was among the most incredible experiences of my professional career. All my eighth graders dreamed big and did right!”

Finally, a huge shout-out to this incredible eighth-grade class, Class of 2027! They worked hard, supported each other, rallied together to polish Team VAXA’s model and presentation before D.C., and truly demonstrated the MPA spirit of collaboration, teamwork, and joyful learning. View the full album of photos from the trip here.

Campus Closed Wednesday and Thursday

February 21, 2023

Due to the impending snowstorm, campus will be closed on Wednesday, February 22 and Thursday, February 23 in the interest of safety for the entire community. Based on the developmental needs of the children at each division level, these two days will be handled differently:

In Lower School, we will observe Wednesday as a snow day, and there will be no virtual learning or additional assignments. On Thursday, Lower School teachers will provide optional activities via their Schoology pages for students to access if they are able and wish to do so. We encourage Lower School students to take this opportunity to read a good book, help around the house, and play outside in the snow!
In Middle School, we will observe Wednesday as a snow day, and there will be no virtual learning or additional assignments. Students will be expected to complete homework or project work that has already been assigned. On Thursday, Middle School teachers, at their discretion, may provide virtual learning assignments or opportunities for students in grades six through eight via their Schoology pages. Students in grade five may visit their Schoology pages, if they are able, for some optional activities. In addition to doing school work, Middle School students should also take this opportunity to read a good book, help around the house, and play outside in the snow!
In Upper School, students can expect to find a clear plan for each class of their day in Schoology by 8 AM on Wednesday and by 8 AM on each subsequent day. Classes may be held synchronously or asynchronously, as determined by the teacher. If synchronous, the class would be on Zoom or Teams, whichever the teacher prefers, and links will be provided. Upper School study halls will not meet while off campus.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your division director or teacher. Please stay safe and warm at home, and we’ll hope to see everyone back on campus on Friday.

The Evolution Of Our Science Curriculum

February 16, 2023

from Bill Hudson, head of school

In high school, science was not my strong suit. Although I did well, I was only really passionate about science in my senior year when I discovered physics. It was a watershed moment for me, and physics helped me to develop a genuine interest in and true passion for science. I only wish I had it earlier in my academic career. Forty years later, I’m happy that today’s students have opportunities I didn’t.

The Upper School science curriculum has undergone a well-planned, research-based evolution over the last four years. The new science curriculum is a comprehensive program that coordinates mathematics with science as a coherent whole with a distinct view of how each concept builds a framework upon previous learning. Physics, traditionally taught in twelfth grade, is now taught in the ninth-grade year. Biology is taught in the sophomore year and chemistry in the junior year. This new sequence now allows for a series of science electives to be offered in the senior year, building upon this new scope and sequence. The new electives give students a choice and the ability to go deeper into a particular field of science. Read More

Parents Association News & Events February 16, 2023

February 16, 2023

Thank You!
A big thank you to everyone who brought in snacks and drinks for this week’s Faculty and Staff Appreciation.

MS Snow Tubing Food Drive
Extended through Friday, February 24
Bring non-perishable food items to your advisory. The items will be donated to the North St. Paul Food Shelf. Since 1979, the food shelf has been dedicated to helping families in need of food. Food shelves have been especially strained with rising food prices. Let’s put our MPA values into action and support our local food shelf!

Calling all Cooks!
Thursday, February 23, 5:30 PM
Please join MPA Alum and Instagrammer Kate Thrane for an evening of Gluten-Free Cooking tips! Kate will share information about living gluten-free, and we will bake some delicious gluten-free cookies! Hope to see you in the MPA Teaching Kitchen on February 23, 5:30 PM. Please RSVP to Staci Banks, sbhehe42@icloud.com, so we can be sure to get enough ingredients for the event.

We’re Looking for a Middle School Division Lead
The MPAPA is actively seeking a Middle School Division Lead/Co-Leads to join the it’s Board of Directors through June 1, 2023. The MS Division Lead partners with the Board and Dr. Jenn Milam to support the PA’s mission as well as carrying out MS traditions through the end of this school year. This parent/guardian will be asked to contribute in the following ways:

Support MS Grade Reps in hosting grade level socials and End-Of-Year Parties (share ideas and coordinate efforts to maximize community building)
Meet quarterly with the MS Division Director
Be an inclusive resource for MPA families seeking information about PA events and initiatives
Support faculty and staff during Conference Weeks and other special events as requested by the MS Division Director
Meet monthly for a PA Board of Directors meeting
Host monthly summer community gatherings of your choice

Interested in learning more? Please contact Staci Banks or Christine Larson, MPAPA Co-Presidents at sbankspa@moundsparkacademy.org or clarsonpa@moundsparkacademy.org.

Upper School Artists Receive Scholastic Recognition

February 15, 2023

The Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards were announced, and the following students had work recognized this year. We’re congratulating Upper School artists for their work being featured this year! Gold Key work will be featured in an exhibition at the Regis Gallery at the University of Minnesota, and the work will advance to compete at the national level. Silver Key and Honorable Mention work will be part of an online exhibition. Congratulations to Maxwell Spencer, Alexx Tolstad, Elise DeBruzzi, Tasos Dimopoulos, Aixa Kellermann, and Ema Santibanez for their excellent artwork!

Elise DeBruzzi (11)—Mixed Media Still Life Honorable Mention Mixed Media
Tasos Dimopoulos (11)—Bones Honorable Mention Drawing
Aixa Kellermann (11)—Berries Silver Key Painting
Ema Santibanez (11)—Colorful Spine Honorable Mention Drawing
Maxwell Spencer (12)—In Stasis 2021 Honorable Mention Painting, Wind Dragon Honorable Mention Painting, Cold Familiarity Gold Key Painting, Beware False Prophets Honorable Mention Printmaking, Cycles of Fire and Ash Silver Key Drawing
Alexx Tolstad (12)—Self Portrait Honorable Mention Drawing, Fall Leaves Honorable Mention Drawing

Kindness Is In Our DNA

February 9, 2023

from Bill Hudson, head of school

Several weeks ago, I spent over an hour on the phone trying to clear up an issue with the automatic payment for our cell phone. We suspected possible fraud and had canceled the credit card on file, but I forgot to update my payment method with the service provider. I like to think of myself as easygoing and patient. Still, my frustration grew to anger as I tried to navigate the online customer service portal. Later, after spending more time than I had on hold, I wasn’t very kind to the customer service representative I spoke with. It wasn’t my best moment.

In a recent Harvard Business Review article, Christine Porath of Georgetown University says there’s been a definite increase in angry, uncivil, and obnoxious behavior in many workplaces around the world, including businesses, hospitals, restaurants, airlines, hotels, stores, and schools. In a 2005 survey, about half of workers said they were treated rudely at work at least once a month. In 2011, the percentage rose to 55%, in 2016 it was 62%, and in 2022 it was 76%, with 78% saying they witnessed incivility in their workplace at least once a month. Incivility is harmful both physically and mentally.

The number one cause of incivility? Stress. In a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) world, complete with social and political divisiveness, it’s not a surprise. According to Porath, the antidotes to incivility in the business world are hiring well, training and coaching, empathy, recognizing and rewarding civility, and modeling. These interventions are similar to what might occur in a school community. It is my experience after working with, and in many different schools, the culture of kindness at MPA is the strongest I’ve encountered. I believe it is in the cultural DNA of MPA. Read More

Lower School Division News February 9, 2023

February 9, 2023

from Ann Jurewicz, Lower School director

When we think about learning to read, we think of it as something we learn in school. But did you know, there are very important ways parents can set the foundations for literacy, and these activities and simple and easy to work into your daily interactions with your child. Thank you to Mari Espeland for providing this relevant article on how parents can nurture children on their journey to becoming avid readers. The five big take-aways are:

Verbally engage your child with reciprocal and dynamic interactions. This means ask questions, give directives, use your voice in enthusiastic and personalized ways, and use lots of words.
Learning takes time and space. Children need lots of repetition to learn words, and they need periods of time between repeated sessions to absorb learning fully.
Make lessons personal to the child. Talk about things the child likes. Give them a role in your stories and ownership of elements of the learning.
Be a cheerleader. Praise a child for their hard work, determination and accomplishments. Be sure to offer specific and descriptive words to what they have done and how they have done it.
Model how to find a answer when you don’t know one. It is OK to say you don’t know, and then show your child how to search for answers and use tools to learn what you don’t know

Enrichment opportunities
The Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth (MITY) is offering families of high potential, high achieving and intellectually curious students in grades 1 – 4 opportunities for enrichment learning this spring. Financial aid is available for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. Spring sessions are listed at the bottom of this MITY website.

If you are unfamiliar with Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth (MITY), they are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization established in 1967 to provide academic enrichment opportunities to gifted and talented students. Their Saturday morning elementary program draws roughly 100 students from over 50 different schools each session, bringing together a diverse group of kids in a welcoming and fun environment. They also host free speakers to help families navigate parenting a gifted child. Read More

Middle School Division February 9, 2023

February 9, 2023

from Jenn Milam, Middle School director

This time of year can seem like a never-ending series of not-so-exciting repetitive routines and recurring tasks, especially when the weather is cold, we spend most of our days indoors, and schedules get busy. This is why we have strategically placed a good bit of our “fun” at this time of year. More, Middle school students, like their younger peers in Lower School, also need opportunities to play, even if that play looks different. One thing we all do, all students PreK-12, is have recess! Recess is important (and required!) part of your student’s day (think VITAMIN D and social time!) and I encourage you, to encourage them to bring appropriate outerwear to be outside. Students are not allowed to “opt out” of recess or choose to stay indoors.

You can read about the importance of play for Middle School students in this great article from the Hechinger Report.

We are looking forward to a few weeks of excitement in the Middle School as we get ready for our snow tubing event, look toward iTERM, and send our Minnesota State Future Cities champions off to Washington DC to compete in the national competition.

Join Us! Middle School Matters: A Community Book Study!
Middle School is a time of rapid changes, new experiences, and sometimes, perplexing encounters in a new world in which we (parents!) did not grow up! In partnership with Ms. Cooper, our school counselor, and Ms. Meras, our new Middle School Dean, I will be hosting a community book study this spring. We will do a shared reading of “Middle School Matters: The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond—and How Parents Can Help” by Phyllis L. Fagell.  

We will meet four times, to align with the four major sections of the text, via zoom, to discuss, share, wonder, worry, ponder, and problem-solve alongside teachers, experts, and other community members the mystery and magnificence of the middle school years. We invite you to have dinner with your family, put your feet up, pour a drink of something you enjoy, and meet us online, the following dates at 7:30 PM, from the comfort of your living room! 

Wednesday, February 22, 2023 (Values and Integrity) 
Thursday, March 23, 2023 (Social Skills) 
Wednesday, April 19, 2023 (Learning) 
Thursday, May 18, 2023 (Empowerment and Resilience)

We will have guest speakers and experts for each of the four sections of the text and will share our own personal journey in raising spirited, well-balanced, resilient, kind, and good humans.   Read More