Head's Message Archives

December 19, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

As I was greeting parents last Thursday before our Middle School band, orchestra, and vocal concert, Middle School science teacher Courtney Nagle excitedly invited me to see the lights her students had strung in the science garden. It was magical. As darkness descends earlier and earlier and the weather turns increasingly dreary and colder, light, in all its beauty and forms, is both a comfort and a promise.

As we embark on our two-week winter break, we are reminded of the power and symbolism of light during this season. Across many traditions—Christian, Jewish, Kwanzaa, Hindu, Wiccan, and Muslim—light serves as a unifying symbol of hope, renewal, and joy. Whether through the glowing candles of Advent, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, the luminous diyas of Diwali, or the guiding light of understanding and reflection in other spiritual practices, light brings warmth and connection to our shared humanity.

At Mounds Park Academy, light takes on a unique meaning. It reflects our mission as educators and our commitment to lighting a fire within each student. This metaphor captures the very heart of education—not as the passive transfer of information, but as a force that ignites curiosity, inspires passion, and nurtures a love of learning that endures for a lifetime. Read More

Head of School Transition

December 12, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

Many well-meaning people have asked me if I am looking forward to retirement or what it’s like to celebrate the last Founders’ Day. In all honesty, I don’t think about retiring all that much or my remaining days as MPA’s head of school. Many years ago, early in my career at another school, I worked with a long-serving teacher who had a clock that worked backwards, telling him how many days, hours, and minutes he had until he could walk out the door. I remember feeling sad for him and I made a promise to myself, then and there, that I would never put myself in that position. I feel as engaged today as I did when I walked into the school for the first time 12 years ago.

It is natural to feel some uncertainty and anxiety during a change in leadership, but I want to assure you that the process of welcoming our next head of school is unfolding with great care and intention. It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon over the past six months. MPA is fortunate that Dr. Brogdon is close by this year, serving as interim head of school at Groves Academy. We’ve been meeting regularly since the summer, building trust and thoughtfully planning this transition.

I’ve shared many times with colleagues that the more time I spend with Dr. Brogdon, the more I like her, personally and professionally. We share a common set of beliefs and values about education and leadership. I’ve come to appreciate her deep respect for MPA’s mission, her thoughtful approach to leadership, and the wealth of experience she brings to MPA. Her commitment to listening, learning, and working collaboratively with our students, parents, faculty, and staff ensures a bright future for MPA. Without a doubt, I believe that Dr. Brogdon is the right person to lead MPA in its next chapter, and I am committed to ensuring her success.

While Dr. Brogdon continues her work as interim head of school at Groves Academy this year, we are balancing her current responsibilities with opportunities to integrate her into our community. Over the coming months, you will see more of her at MPA events, concerts, and meetings, as she begins to deepen her connections with students, employees, and families. In fact, if you attended the Middle School concert tonight, perhaps you had an opportunity to say hello and extend a warm welcome to her.

I approach each day at MPA as a gift. I am excited each day as I drive to school, and I feel a profound sense of purpose and gratitude as I drive home, no matter how long my day has been. To work with amazing colleagues who care deeply about their students and their vocation inspires and energizes me regardless of how tired I may be. I enjoy getting to know our parents, grandparents, and volunteers who give me strength and resolve through a shared belief in the value of the transformative power of education to change lives and the world. And finally, to encounter joyful, curious, caring students and know I am playing, even a very small way, a role in their growth and development brings joy even on the coldest, cloudiest Minnesota day.

Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your commitment to this extraordinary school. I have no doubt that the best days of MPA lie ahead.

Integrating STEM & A Liberal Arts Curriculum

December 5, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

It was wonderful to see so many families at the annual Founders’ Day Pancake Breakfast! The joyfulness and communal spirit are living testimony to the founding vision of Mounds Park Academy (MPA). Decades ago, Bob Kreischer and Sandy Kreischer Smith, alongside founding board members, established MPA with the belief that education could be both joyful and academically challenging and they purposely grounded the school’s pedagogy in a progressive, whole-child, liberal arts curriculum.

Next week, MPA will join thousands of schools worldwide in celebrating the Hour of Code, a movement introducing millions of students to computer science through one-hour coding activities. Rather than limiting our students to just one hour, MPA will host a week-long celebration of coding and STEM-related activities, demonstrating our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and hands-on learning. The following are just a few of the activities planned for next week:

Lower School students will engage in programming activities during Tech and Library time throughout the week, including time with Upper School computer science class students and Upper School Makerspace class students.
Middle School students will be experimenting with fun STEM and coding-related technology such as the Spero Bolt, Makey Makey, Scratch Labs, and Micro:Bit during B-day advisory classes.
In Upper School, ninth-grade students will learn coding by using Sphero Robotics during seminar time. They will also have access to the arcade games created by computer science students.

At MPA, STEM encompasses science, technology, engineering, math, computer science, coding, robotics, engineering and design, digital literacy, and the Makerspace. Our approach is comprehensive and empowers students across grade levels to explore, create, and apply knowledge in practical, meaningful ways. By integrating STEM into our liberal arts curriculum, we ensure that students are equipped with technical expertise, critical thinking skills, and ethical reasoning, preparing them for both the challenges of today and the unknown opportunities of tomorrow.

STEM within a liberal arts framework aligns perfectly with MPA’s mission of fostering a whole-child education. Technology has become an integral part of modern life, influencing communication, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and the arts. Understanding STEM principles allows students to navigate and shape this dynamic world. At the same time, MPA’s liberal arts curriculum broadens students’ perspectives, cultivating critical thinking, creativity, and ethical awareness. Together, these disciplines prepare students to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

One of the most compelling reasons for incorporating STEM into a liberal arts curriculum is its ability to enhance problem-solving skills. At its core, STEM at MPA is about addressing challenges through logic, creativity, and innovation. Students learn to break complex problems into manageable parts, design algorithms, and test solutions. These problem-solving skills transcend the classroom, equipping students to apply them to real-world scenarios across disciplines.

STEM at MPA also complements the goals of a liberal arts education by fostering critical thinking, creativity, and ethical reasoning. Coding, for example, challenges students to think analytically and refine their approaches. Simultaneously, STEM at MPA is deeply creative, enabling students to design digital art, create games, or build apps that bring their ideas to life. Importantly, a liberal arts framework encourages students to consider the ethical implications of their work. Topics such as data privacy, artificial intelligence, and digital equity are interwoven into the curriculum, ensuring students not only excel technically but also think deeply about the societal impact of their innovations.

STEM at MPA also empowers students as innovators. By learning to code, design, and build—and spending time in the AnnMarie Thomas Makerspace—students transform from passive consumers of technology into active creators. This empowerment fosters entrepreneurship, enabling students to launch their own projects, businesses, or social initiatives. Whether designing a user-friendly app, developing a new product, or solving a real-world problem, students learn to take their ideas from concept to reality. This process cultivates resilience, creativity, and a sense of agency—qualities essential for success in any field.

STEM at MPA is not treated as an isolated discipline but as an integral part of the broader liberal arts curriculum. For instance, eighth-grade students participate in the Future Cities Competition, where they design and build a model of a sustainable city. This project involves engineering principles, research, essay writing, and presenting their work to judges, exemplifying the interdisciplinary connections STEM fosters. Such projects demonstrate the relevance of STEM across areas of study and deepen students’ appreciation for its role in addressing complex challenges.

The benefits of STEM at MPA extend far beyond technical proficiency. By engaging in STEM, students develop essential skills in collaboration and communication. Many projects require teamwork, teaching students how to work effectively with others and leverage diverse perspectives. STEM also emphasizes the importance of explaining technical concepts clearly, ensuring students can communicate ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences. These skills are invaluable in a world where collaboration and communication are key to success.

Finally, STEM at MPA fosters digital literacy, a critical skill in the 21st century. Students learn how technology works and gain insights into its societal implications. They navigate the digital world responsibly, protect themselves from cyber threats, and critically evaluate the role of technology in their lives. This digital literacy not only prepares students for college and careers but also empowers them to be informed, engaged citizens.

Integrating STEM into Mounds Park Academy’s liberal arts curriculum is about more than preparing students for jobs in a technology-driven world—it’s about preparing them for life. By combining technical expertise with creativity, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning, MPA ensures students are equipped to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to society. As technology continues to evolve, MPA graduates are prepared to be thoughtful, compassionate, and visionary leaders.

Igniting Dreams

November 14, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

When I was in middle school, I had a paper route. One advantage to having a paper route was that I had a lot of time to think, and I often dreamed of what I wanted to be when I grew up. I had it down to two options, and as I tossed a paper on each home’s front porch, I alternated between the two: “President, or Pope, President, or Pope…” Like pulling the petals off a daisy, I hoped my future would become clearer with each paper. While my dream was not ultimately realized, I was fortunate to have a number of teachers who encouraged me along the way, igniting other dreams for the future.

As we move through this vibrant season of learning, growth, and discovery, I am asking for your partnership in something truly meaningful: our annual fall giving campaign, taking place from November 17 to November 23. This year, our theme, “Igniting Dreams, One Gift at a Time,” captures our vision and commitment to fostering the potential within each MPA student.

Our theme this year also captures the powerful impact of each individual contribution. Every donation, no matter the size, plays a role in fueling students’ aspirations and helping them achieve their dreams. Each gift acts as a spark, collectively building a foundation of support that enables students to explore their passions, grow academically, and develop into compassionate, engaged individuals.

Election Day At MPA

November 7, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

With a joyful spirit, MPA students went to the polls on election day. The library was transformed into a bustling polling place, with ballots, voting booths, and older students assisting younger ones. Lower School students had fun voting for spirit wear options or “express yourself” clothing on monthly out-of-uniform Fridays, while Middle and Upper School students participated in the presidential vote. Witnessing our students actively engage in this democratic practice was both heartwarming and hopeful, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this meaningful event.

This mock election was part of a larger, month-long focus on civic engagement and civil discourse at MPA. Throughout the fall, we’ve committed to enhancing a culture where students learn to engage thoughtfully, respect diverse perspectives, and analyze information critically. Grounded in MPA’s founding principles and John Dewey’s philosophy of experiential learning, our mission-driven goal has always been to empower students to become well-informed, active participants in society. The Election 2024 Plan, led by teachers Summer McCall and Katie Murr, offered students a variety of opportunities to explore civic engagement, from age-appropriate discussions to civil discourse training, all designed to prepare them for constructive, thoughtful conversations.

The excitement of Tuesday gave way Wednesday to a range of emotions throughout the school as the results of the national election became known. Developmentally, students responded to the news in a variety of ways and teachers were prepared to accompany and support them however they were feeling. We were prepared to offer safe spaces for students to come together to process the election outcome and to address and call out when students were not respectful of one another. I know teachers worked hard yesterday (and will continue) to make sure that every student had a chance to say what they are thinking and feeling while also being aware of the impact their words have on others.

The Seven Senses: Sensory Supports at MPA

October 31, 2024

from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director and director of the Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning

Editor’s Note: Periodically, you will find a guest Head’s Message here from members of the administrative team. We hope you will enjoy reading their thoughts and reflections about life at MPA.

Sir Ken Robinson’s prolific Ted Talk, “Do Schools Kill Creativity?” exquisitely describes the traditional school model’s habit of separating the head from the body. In other words, traditional schooling is unevenly focused on academic skills, leaving out the other side of the human development coin: the body and the senses. The integration of the mind and the body is imperative to the development of a human being and underscores our whole child approach at Mounds Park Academy. Thanks to MPA’s Building Opportunities for Learning Distinction (BOLD) Innovation Fund that families supported during the 2022 Spring Auction, and along with our learning specialist and PreK-5 school counselor, we were able to make the sensory room initiative a reality in the spring of 2024. Repurposing a corner of the Lower School workroom last year, the counselor and I offered short, daily “sensory breaks” for students in the Lower School to find emotional regulation and calm during the bright and busy school days. Since then, we have hired Mx. Lewis as of this September, our student success teaching assistant based in the sensory room who collaborates with the teachers, counselor, and learning specialist in the Lower School.

But you might be asking, what exactly is sensory processing and what is a sensory room? With October marked as Sensory Processing Awareness Month, this is a timely question. And here is where our “seven senses” come in. Yes, we all learned in elementary school that there are five human senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. However, did you know that researchers have more recently discovered two additional senses? Those include the proprioceptive and vestibular senses.
Read More

Your Involvement In Accreditation Is Essential

October 24, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

I am still on a high from last week’s Grandparents and Special Friends Day. It was a joyful event, and I enjoyed the many conversations I had with our guests. To see the pride our students have in their school and the delight in the eyes of their grandparents and special friends warmed my heart. I heard over and over what a wonderful school we are and how special MPA is. One parent shared that their dad never quite understood the value of the school given the cost until he witnessed the extraordinary teachers and warmth of the culture. “His experience was life-giving,” said the parent.

Events like Grandparents and Special Friends Day can serve as a mirror to reflect the school’s mission and values in action and to affirm whether we really are who we say we are. At MPA, we don’t take that for granted and strive to hold ourselves accountable to our mission and values. Our accountability extends to all members of our community: students and their families, faculty and staff, alumni, trustees, and benefactors.

I want to share with you an important process that underscores Mounds Park Academy’s commitment to accountability, improvement, and excellence: our participation in the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) accreditation process. As you may know, Mounds Park Academy is a proud member of ISACS, an organization whose mission is to promote the development of strong learning communities characterized by high academic achievement, social responsibility, and independent governance. ISACS was founded in 1908 and serves more than 240 member schools in 13 states.

What New Families Are Saying About MPA

October 24, 2024

This message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the October 26 issue of Inside MPA. Click here to get in touch with Admission and learn more!

Fall is full of events at MPA, both for students and their families. Through opportunities ranging from volunteering and conferences to discussions on screentime and the election, we love to be in touch with MPA parents and value open, transparent communication to support one another.

Another important step we take in the fall is surveying families who are new to MPA. With a deep commitment to continuous improvement, we want to better understand their experiences with the admission and onboarding processes. Our goal is always to offer the best experience possible, and receiving feedback is essential to doing just that.

With that in mind, we wanted to share some of the noteworthy comments we recently received from surveying our new families:

“We were seeking out a space the was more inclusive than the average private school. Mounds Park Academy has absolutely checked all boxes when it comes to quality education, inclusiveness and a sense of belonging.”
“Our child has had a great transition and we can see a huge difference in her at home when it comes to wanting to attend school and feeling a sense of belonging.
“MPA has been AMAZING at facilitating his transition. We continue to be so impressed with MPAs communication, and found the ‘buddy’ connection particularly helpful.”
“While dissatisfaction with our previous school definitely played a part in our decision-making process, it was the overall reputation of MPA that made it an obvious choice for us. We toured all of the top tier private schools, looked at charter schools with excellent ratings, and also considered moving into a better public school district. When we first toured MPA, we absolutely fell in love. It is such a warm and welcoming environment. When it came time for us to get applications out, we had planned to apply to several schools, but in the end put all of our eggs into the MPA basket. We decided if we didn’t get in this year, we would try again and again. We feel so blessed to be a part of the community!”

Commemorating Indigenous Peoples Day

October 10, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

“Makhoche kin de dakhota thamakhoche.” (Maw-ko-chay keen day dah-ko-tah tah-mah-ko-chay) This is the land of the friendly people, the Dakota.

You may be noticing the school calendar over the next week or so is a bit wonky. This is true for several different reasons, including parent-teacher conferences and the long-standing tradition of taking “MEA days” as a fall break. This year, we are also commemorating Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday, October 14.

As we recognize Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday, we have a unique opportunity to reflect on the profound impact that Native cultures, histories, and contributions have had—and continue to have—on our country. This day calls on us to honor the rich heritage of Indigenous peoples while also acknowledging the struggles they have faced throughout history.

Mounds Park Academy acknowledges the language and history of the Wahpekute and the larger Očhéthi Šakówin nation and its connection to these cultures through the land on which the school resides. Mounds Park Academy acknowledges that our school rests on Dakota homeland and that Indigenous Peoples have the longest relationship to this land. Read More

Preparing Students For A New Workplace

October 3, 2024

There’s a current TikTok trend that involves high school teachers reading emails that they’ve received from their students out loud. They often start with “Hey,” or “Whatsup,” if they contain a salutation. And let’s just say that rarely do they close with a “Thank you.”

While perhaps entertaining, this trend illustrates a disheartening disparity in how young people are being prepared for the workplace of the future. Rapidly changing trends and expectations shape how progressive independent schools like Mounds Park Academy equip students for life beyond the four walls of a classroom.

The trend popped into the head of admission and communications director Natalie Waters Seum recently, when she was chatting a newer MPA student. They were talking about how she might navigate the academic bumps in the road that will inevitably come in a rigorous college-prep school. Natalie encouraged her to reach out to her teacher for clarification and support and asked her if she knew how to do that well. While it shouldn’t have been, her response was pleasantly surprising. She retold with great detail what she had learned during the “How To Write An Email To A Teacher” lesson in Mr. Dean’s ninth-grade seminar class. The lesson covers topics such as formal letter structure, salutations, tone, attachments, and more. Notably, the lesson also teaches MPA students to share the solutions they’ve already tried—helping encourage them to take responsibility for their own academic journeys. This lesson is one of the hundreds of ways that MPA intentionally prepares MPA students for a new workplace daily. Read More