Lower School Archives

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.

RSVP To Experience MPA On A School Day

November 13, 2024

The school day PreK-12 MPA Preview is Friday, December 13, 8:30-10 AM! With community members as your hosts, you’ll visit classrooms to see students and teachers in action and end the morning with an opportunity to ask any specific questions you may have. If you will be bringing a child, please do let us know!

MPA Previews are signature PreK-12 events designed to introduce you to the faculty, students, and families who make MPA the exceptional learning community that it is. You’ll hear from a variety of perspectives, be engaged in conversation, experience what a day in the life of an MPA student is like, and leave with a much better understanding of the MPA way. Read More

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

Lower School Division News October 31, 2024

October 31, 2024

from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, November 1: No Classes, Grading Day
Sunday, November 3: PreK-G12 MPA Preview, 12:30-2 PM
Saturday, November 16: LS PA Rainbow Club Family Fun Day, 2-4 PM, Lakewood Hills Park White Bear Lake
Sunday, November 17-Saturday, November 23: Fall Campaign
Thursday, November 21: Give to the Max Day
Thursday, November 21: Give to the Max Day Assembly, 2-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center

The first quarter of the academic year has passed by so quickly, and we have enjoyed many bright learning moments since September. What has been your favorite learning moment so far? As of this year, the Lower School has shifted to semesterly reports. Formerly, these reports were sent each trimester. Our move to semesterly reporting puts us in alignment with the Middle and Upper Schools. The semester 1 reports will be sent home in January.

Reminder that there are no classes on Friday, November 1. Please read on for more updates! Read More

Please Welcome Ms. Staydohar To MPA!

October 24, 2024

MPA is excited to announce the hiring of Ms. Santina Staydohar as an assistant to the Lower School director! She started on October 9, and we are thrilled to introduce her to the community!

From what school/organization are you coming?
I am coming from Children’s Minnesota Hospital, where I worked on the St. Paul campus.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I previously worked as an assistant for almost three years and as a health unit coordinator in the Children’s Minnesota Hospital Emergency Department.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
I found the community aspect of MPA to be the most appealing. Everyone was super nice and helpful during my interview.

What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA and its students?
I plan to always be a helping hand and a warm face to the students and teachers at MPA.

What’s your big dream?
I would love to travel to Bali! 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.

Lower School Division News October 10, 2024

October 10, 2024

from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, October 11: No Classes, All School Conferences, 8 AM-5 PM, Panther Care >
Monday, October 14: No Classes, Indigenous Peoples Day
Wednesday, October 16: LS/MS Grandparents and Special Friends Day, 8 AM-3 PM, information here >
Wednesday, October 16: LS/MS Grandparents and Special Friends Day Performance, 11 AM-12 PM, Nicholson Center
Wednesday, October 16: LS PA Rainbow Club, 6-8 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
Thursday, October 17-Friday, October 18: No Classes, Fall Break, Panther Care >
Tuesday, October 22: LS Duty-Free Lunch with Parent Volunteers, 11:40 AM-12:40 PM, Playground and Family Commons
Thursday, October 24: LS/US Blood Drive, 12-6 PM, Gallery
Friday, October 25: Bring a Friend to MPA Day, 8 AM-3 PM
Wednesday, October 30: LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-8:45 AM, Family Commons
Thursday, October 31: End of Quarter 1
Thursday, October 31: MPA PA LS Halloween Parties, 8:30 AM-2:30 PM, Lansing Sports Center
Thursday, October 31: LS Halloween Parade, 2:30-3 PM, Hallways
Friday, November 1: No Classes, Grading Day

We are excited to welcome parents to campus for our Fall Conferences this week to celebrate all the learning and growth that the children have experienced since the start of the academic year. As you prepare for these conferences, the following questions highlighted by Harvard’s Making Caring Common article, “15 Questions to Ask Your Child’s Teacher That Aren’t About Grades” may be helpful:

Can you tell me about a time my child showed empathy or helped another student?
How does my child resolve conflict with their peers? Do they communicate effectively?
Is my child comfortable participating in group activities and collaborating with others?
How does my child react when they make mistakes? Do they check in and take responsibility?
Are there any areas where I can support my child’s social-emotional development at home?

Reminder that the following days are non-school days: Monday, October 14 (Indigenous Peoples Day); Thursday and Friday, October 17-18 (Fall Break). Please read on for more updates! Read More

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