Lower School Archives

September 27, 2018

It’s Homecoming! Fall has arrived, campus-wide Homecoming decorations are underway, and the Panther even made a guest appearance at the South Entrance this morning.

We can’t wait for you to join us for a full day of activities and athletic events this Saturday, September 29. The day starts bright and early with our 200M Fun Run at 8:30 AM, followed immediately by our 2-Mile race. Join us in the Lansing Center for coffee and breakfast treats at the Concessions stand, hosted by the MPA Spirit Committee. Head into the Lansing Center at 9 AM to hear our 3rd and 4th graders sing the National Anthem to kick off our annual Volleyball tournament. Go back outside and warm up as you race a friend through the obstacle course bouncy house. Make your way over to the tennis courts to cheer on our Panthers as they compete against Cretin Derham Hall and Woodbury! After tennis, go to the big tent and decorate your face, get a tattoo, pick up a t-shirt, claim a frisbee, or sip from a Homecoming cup. Read More

September 27, 2018

There is still time to join us in thanking the MPA faculty and staff during All School Conferences! During week of October 1, please consider participating in the long-standing MPA tradition of parents and families showing gratitude toward our wonderful staff and faculty. By donating beverages or gift cards, volunteering in the PA Room during the week, and helping staff and plan the evening meals on October 2 and October 4, you are saying “thank you!” in a significant way! Sign up to volunteer here!

Annual MPA Blood Drive

September 27, 2018

Make a difference by donating blood at the annual MPA Blood Drive! Hosted by the Upper School Student Council and the MPA first graders, the blood drive is a tradition that brings the community together for a cause. The drive is Thursday, October 25, from 12-6 PM in the Gallery.

Plus, as a “thank you” for giving blood at the drive, all donors will be automatically entered to win a $500 gift card! Click here for more details and thank you for your support!

School Safety: Reflection, Research, and Action

September 27, 2018

by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

Parenting is tough work. It seems that in today’s world, there are many more things to worry about than 25 years ago. One of those worries is school security. Despite the unlikelihood of a school shooting, the frequency and the publicity of such occurrences have parents and educators alike very concerned. The school shooting in Parkland, Florida last spring still looms large in my memory and has led to further reflection, research, and action on the part of MPA’s administration regarding school safety.

Tragic as it is, it is important to note that less than one percent of violent deaths are “school associated,” yet such instances do indeed feed our fears. No new threat or instance has provoked this communication or MPA’s updated approach that you will read more about below, but rather it reflects our ongoing commitment to keeping our students safe.

First of all, instead of talking only about school security, I would rather focus our efforts and thinking on school safety, a larger umbrella that includes both school security and school culture. It may seem to split hairs, but there is a difference. Security refers to the practices, protocols, hardware, and other such measures and is increasingly referred to as “hard” security. School culture is the set of values and beliefs that connect people to one another. As head of school, my job is to strike the right balance between school security and school culture. Read More

Y’all Come Back Now. You Hear?!

September 20, 2018

by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

I am showing my age and asking you to perhaps share yours. Growing up in the 70s, that phrase is very familiar to me. I heard it an inordinately, embarrassing number of times, sprawled on the living room floor, watching reruns of the “Beverly Hillbillies” television show. It is not proper English for a number of reasons and it may well be a stereotype of the South, but I think it conveys a family-like warmth and means, “We all belong here.”

“We All Belong Here” is the message of homecoming at MPA and the reason we celebrate all next week, culminating in a day-long celebration on Saturday, September 29. At many schools, homecoming pertains only to older students, athletes, and alumni. At MPA, homecoming is an inclusive, community-wide celebration. Throughout the week, and on Saturday, students of all ages will take part in the festivities. Parents, grandparents, and all family members are invited to join in the fun. It is for all of us. Read More

A Homecoming Surprise At The Finish Line

September 20, 2018

There is only one more week until Homecoming, and the joy begins at the starting line of the Homecoming Fun Run on Saturday, September 29! The MPA Cross Country team is hosting a 200M run at 8:30 AM. It’s the perfect opportunity for our younger students to participate in the festivities and run with the Panthers! Immediately following the 200M Fun Run, we are hosting a 2-mile race that is open to the entire community. All run participants will receive a limited edition aluminum MPA water bottle, energizing snacks, and plenty of water!

The Upper School Student Council also designed t-shirts for all our 9th through 12th graders! The Lower and Middle Schoolers will get specially designed t-shirts next week in their classrooms/Advisories. We hope our entire student body will wear their t-shirts in celebration next Friday for our Homecoming Pep Rally! Everyone is invited so please join us at 2:20 PM on Friday, September 28 in the Lansing Center.

Rain or shine, we will celebrate our community with a full day of events. Come to campus to catch up with friends, cheer on our Panther athletes, race against other Panthers in our Fun Runs, jump in a bouncy house, get your picture taken, or play lawn games. This year we’ll be featuring the Panther Beanbag Toss, the game Kubb, and Frisbee Golf. And don’t forget to cool off with a Jonny Pop after you’re done playing and cheering! We hope to see you all there! Click here for the full schedule of events. We still have opportunities available to volunteer at Homecoming 2018, too! You can be a part of making this event special by volunteering your time during the day. Email Ilse Larsen at ilarsen@moundsparkacademy.org with any questions and sign up to volunteer here!

Bringing Mindfulness To The Classroom

September 18, 2018

Parents are all too familiar with navigating the stress of everyday life. From getting children ready for the day and out the door in the morning, to helping with homework at night and everything in between, there is a lot to manage. As a parent, it can be easy to forget that even the youngest people in our lives can become overwhelmed and stressed. In our fast-paced world, learning to cope with challenging situations is just as important as learning how to read and write. Research has shown that mindfulness programs can help students of all ages learn to deal with everyday stress. More schools across the country are integrating mindfulness into their curricula to teach students to be present and better able to identify how they’re feeling in order to manage their stress.

Mindfulness is the intentional practice of maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of a person’s thoughts, feelings and what their body senses. It was first introduced at Mounds Park Academy two years ago. This year, students in the Lower School will be learning about mindfulness through the MindUp curriculum, a program designed specifically for educators to help young students further develop social and emotional skills. Teachers at MPA will integrate mindfulness into lessons throughout the day. Teachers will also use mindfulness strategies during transition times to help students refocus. By practicing mindfulness throughout their school day, students will learn to identify their emotions and understand why they are feeling a certain way. With a stronger understanding of their feelings, students should be able to more appropriately respond to stressful situations. Read More

Save The Date: MPA Talks 2018

September 12, 2018

MPA Talks is an annual, meaningful, and fascinating event that is completely unique to MPA. Featuring presentations by some of our community’s most intriguing members on inspiring and relevant topics, everyone is invited to come, listen, ask questions, and leave with new lengths of knowledge. Held in the fall and in the evening this year, dinner will be provided.

Save the date to join us as four members of our MPA community share their impactful presentations with you on Saturday, November 10, 2018. This event is designed to bring the community together to gain new perspectives from remarkable stories.

Faculty And Staff Appreciation

September 12, 2018

The best part of the MPA experience is our staff and faculty! Let’s thank them!

All School Conferences begin the week of October 1, coinciding with the MPA Parents Association Staff and Faculty Appreciation Week. Please consider participating in the long-standing MPA tradition of parents and families showing gratitude toward our wonderful staff and faculty. Opportunities include donating beverages or gift cards, volunteering in the PA Room during the week, and helping to staff/plan the evening meals on October 2 and October 4. Sign up to volunteer here!

Reflecting On The Past And Embracing The Future

September 12, 2018

by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

Both my Facebook and LinkedIn accounts were abuzz this week, notifying me of a very important anniversary coming up. September 16 is the five-year anniversary of my first day working at MPA. Professionally, and personally, it is an important date for me and one I truly celebrate each year.

It is the date I found a home, a community that embraced my family and me, where I experienced what inclusivity really means.
It is the date that I discovered what I think a school should be and the very best of what education is all about.
It is the date that marks the beginning of a journey that continues to be a source of great joy and fulfillment.