December 14, 2023
from Jenn Milam, Middle School director
Mark Your Calendars
- Friday, January 12: Class of 2028 Parent Coffee, 8-9 AM, PCR
- Thursday, December 14: Middle School (Grades 6-8) Band, Orchestra and Choir Concert, 7 PM
- Tuesday, December 19: Class of 2028 Parent Coffee, 6:30-7:30 PM, PCR
- Wednesday, December 20: 5/6 Feed My Starving Children/Bowling Field Trip
- Thursday, December 21-Tuesday, January 2: No Classes, Winter Break
- Wednesday, January 3: Classes Resume
As we count down the days to winter break, it is important to remember that not all of us, even our own children, look forward to two weeks away from the routine, structure, support, and friendships. This can be a good time to pause and check in with your student (and yourself!) to ensure you’re managing stress, expectations, and change healthily. As young people begin to anticipate a change in routine, it’s not uncommon for them to become more restless, anxious, or stressed. There may also be increased feelings of grief and sadness, particularly for those who lost a loved one or experienced big life changes over the past year. Read More
from Mark Segal, Upper School director
Thank You!
Each year, the Governance Committee of MPA’s Board of Trustees identifies, considers, and invites a small number of people within the MPA community to become new trustees. In soliciting and evaluating nominees, the Board seeks to match the board’s needs with the nominees’ professional and leadership skills and broad personal, cultural, and experience backgrounds. Before becoming trustees, many members first served in various capacities at MPA, such as on school committees, committees of the Board, in the Parents Association, or in other volunteer positions where they have been able to demonstrate and share their capabilities, personal experiences, and leadership skills.
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!
from Bill Hudson, head of school
Holiday Gift Wrapping
Who We Are And What We Do 
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.