Lower School Archives

November 17, 2022

from Bill Hudson, head of school

Throughout the day, you have undoubtedly received multiple messages from MPA and other non-profits urging you to make a gift today. Give to the Max Day in Minnesota is a fun and exciting way to maximize your giving to make a tremendous impact on schools and non-profits. For instance, we have an opportunity today at MPA to unlock $100,000 in gifts if we raise $250,000.

In determining your philanthropic priorities, you may ask, “Why give to MPA? Why give philanthropically when I already pay tuition?” That’s a fair question. From one perspective, an MPA education is transactional. Families pay tuition and, in return, receive an excellent education. However, I would venture to say that the relationship between the students, faculty, staff, and families is much more than a simple business transaction. It is transformative, and that is what motivates me more than ever to give to MPA. Read More

Parents Association Book Festival & More

November 17, 2022

December 5-11
This year, the MPA Book Festival will arrive just in time for holiday gifts or Winter Break reading! Usborne will be joining us in the Gallery during the school day with a wide range of books. Come and peruse the selection, chat with Liz, and enjoy the books on display. Valley Bookseller, a local independent bookstore, will also be represented online and via gift cards. Teacher wish lists will be available soon. Come and share the love of books and reading with all of your family. Please contact Michelle Wessely, Michelle_wessely@yahoo.com, with any questions or for more information.

We are asking for donations of books for readers of all ages (hardcover and paperbacks). Carts are located at the Upper and Lower School entrances through December 9 for convenient drop-off. Sales of these used books take place during the Book Festival and the proceeds benefit the library.

December 7 at 6 PM in the MPA Library, the MPAPA will host a book club moderated by Dr. Bill Hudson. This year’s selection is The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. “A remarkable novel about J. P. Morgan’s personal librarian, Bella da Costa Greene, the Black American woman who was forced to hide her true identity and pass as white in order to leave a lasting legacy that enriched our nation.”

MPA Doer: Growing A Sustainable Future

November 16, 2022

We are launching a special story series where we profile Dreamers, Doers, Freethinkers, and Right Makers in the MPA community to inspire one another. Do you have an impactful story to share? Email communications@moundsparkacademy.org!

If you spend time at MPA during the summer, you’ll notice the lavish blooms and abundant vegetables and herbs that sprout about every year. You’ll also notice a particular student tending to the flora, ensuring that it is reaching its full potential and seeking out ways to enhance and sustain it. MPA senior Cassie Atkinson, consistently gives her time, dedication, and creativity to the campus gardens during the summer and throughout the year. She has a love for the outdoors, including a deep knowledge of plants and animals, is a leader of the Upper School E-Club, and inspires those around her to consider the environment with the same care that she does. Her work includes the general caretaking of the outdoor space, but it also careful curation and ingenuity when it comes to environmental efficiency. Cassie’s notable passion for sustainability has even produced amazing features such as the medicine wheel garden, a native botanical practice.

Cassie’s commitment to sustainability does not go unnoticed among our community. In fact, it led to Dr. Jurewicz—the interim Lower School director—approaching the senior, asking if she would take on the task of getting MPA’s old aeroponic tower up and running. Since this tower has been unused in the building for decades, Dr. J saw an opportunity to put it to good use and have an experienced student teach younger peers about an important topic. Shortly after, a senior service project was born, as Cassie agreed to use this growing equipment to teach younger students about aeroponics and sustainable growing. Cassie will show students what the aeroponic tower can grow, how it works, and even have some taste tests from whatever is harvested.

Cassie expressed that this is an incredibly important project, because “sustainable living is the future.”

“Especially for young people, who don’t have the financial liberties to make sustainable choices in their energy consumption,” she said.

Through the awareness Cassie is raising, a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds can have the opportunity to participate in sustainable living by growing their own produce, and protecting wildlife and their habitats. She’s very excited to promote this project and mission to the community.

Although Cassie had plenty of sustainability topics to choose from she says that “aeroponics is becoming increasingly important for humans to acknowledge because the resources and land we live on are critical and limited. Ninety percent of farmland is cultivated for cattle in the U.S.– That is a lot of tallgrass land that should be restored to preserve a natural carbon cycle. It’s also important for people to know that it’s possible to grow your own food in urban settings, with limited or no space for soil. Machines like the aeroponic tower preserve space and make it possible.”

Cassie’s senior service project is one that will impact younger generations to invest in their future through sustainable methods. The project’s initial processes will start this month and take four to six weeks to begin running smoothly.

Lower School Division News November 10, 2022

November 10, 2022

from Ann Jurewicz, Lower School director

Student Performance and Report Cards
As we come to the end of our first trimester, teachers are preparing report cards with scores in various subjects and thoughtful individual comments on student performance. Earlier this week, we sent home our early assessments on your child. These assessments help teachers with understanding each student’s readiness level for learning at grade level this school year. The assessments show both areas of strength in reading and math, as well as areas for growth. In combination with other performance indicators of student performance, if there are areas of concern, we are addressing these early to support students in their best success at MPA this school year. If you have further questions on the early assessments or the report cards when they arrive home on November 21, please reach out to your child’s homeroom teacher.

The Importance of Sleep for Children
Did you know that children spend as much as half of their early years asleep? Sleep promotes healthy brain and cognitive development according to a study from researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Additionally, children undergo significant changes in how they sleep over time, from sleeping up to 20 hours a day as infants to taking periodic naps throughout the day as toddlers. Children phase out of naps at different ages, from as young as 2 to as old as 8 years old. The age a child transitions out of naps is related to brain and memory development rather than age. This means that about 30 percent of children ages 6 to 11 do not get enough sleep. While MPA does not have a routine of napping beyond PreK, perhaps parents might consider an early bedtime as an option. This will support your child with the rich learning experience we have each day at MPA. A well-rested child is a happy and engaged child.

Fall Campaign: Forward Together
This year’s “Forward Together” campaign kicked-off on Monday, November 7, and lasts through November 18. During this time, we ask our community to help us meet the gap between tuition and the cost of an MPA education to help ensure students, families, faculty, and staff have the resources they need. Read More

Parents Association News & Events November 10, 2022

November 10, 2022

Save the Date for the MPA Book Festival
December 5-11
This year, the MPA Book Festival will arrive just in time for holiday gifts or Winter Break reading! This year we’ll be back in person with opportunities for parents to engage in the festivities. Please contact Michelle Wessely, Michelle_wessely@yahoo.com, with any questions or for more information.

Usborne will be joining us in the Gallery during the school day with a wide range of books. Come and peruse the selection, chat with Liz, and enjoy the books on display. Valley Bookseller, a local independent bookstore, will also be represented online and via gift cards. Teacher wish lists will be available soon. Come and share the love of books and reading with all of your family.

Needed! Your Gently Used Books. We are asking for donations of books for readers of all ages (hardcover and paperbacks). Carts are located at the Upper and Lower School entrances through December 9 for convenient drop-off. Sales of these used books take place during the Book Festival and the proceeds benefit the library.

Wanted! Your time. If you would like to sign-up to help out, we would love to have you. Decorate, sell used books, or help LS students shop and create wish lists during library time. Be sure to look through all three tabs on the Signup Genius. Many thanks to those who have already signed-up!

Prepare….for Book Club! During the week of the Book Festival, the MPAPA hosts a book club moderated by Dr. Bill Hudson on December 7 at 6 PM in the MPA Library. This year’s selection is The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. “A remarkable novel about J. P. Morgan’s personal librarian, Bella da Costa Greene, the Black American woman who was forced to hide her true identity and pass as white in order to leave a lasting legacy that enriched our nation.” The PA provides books for those interested in taking part in the evening’s discussion. Sign up for a book using this google form. Questions, email sbanksPA@moundsparkacademy.org

PA Board Meeting
Friday, November 18 at 9 AM
The next MPA PA board meeting will be open to PA members. If you’re interested in attending, email sbanksPA@moundsparkacademy.org for a zoom link and more information.

Upcoming Community Events
If you are interested in signing up for any of these events, please email Staci at sbanksPA@moundsparkacademy.org or Venmo @Staci-Banks-Hehenberger with the name of the event and number attending in the comment line.

MPA at the MIA
November 20 at 1 PM
Join other MPA families to tour the Special Exhibit, Botticelli and Renaissance Florence: Masterworks from the Uffizi. The cost of the exhibition is $20.00 for adults and free for children, and the MPAPA will be picking up the cost of the guided tour.

US Parent Dinner at India Palace
December 3, 8-10 PM
Looking for something to do while your US student dances the night away? Come meet other parents and have dinner at India Palace in Woodbury! They will stay open late for us, so please come and enjoy delicious food and great company.

If you are interested in signing up for any of these events, please email Staci at sbanksPA@moundsparkacademy.org or Venmo @Staci-Banks-Hehenberger with the name of the event and number attending in the comment line.

Middle School Show Tickets On Sale Now

November 3, 2022

This fall will be our first full return to the Black Box, with the Middle School production, “Space Princess Wars” by Don Zolidis. It is a bit ridiculous, at times chaotic, but always a lot of fun! Ms. J and Ms. Mastel have been working with 61 Middle and Upper School students to bring this show to life. Star Wars + The Princess Bride = Space Princess Wars!

Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Friday November 4, for the following days/times:

Friday, November 18 at 7 PM
Saturday, November 19 at 2 PM
Sunday, November 20 at 2 PM

Forward Together

November 3, 2022

from Bill Hudson, head of school

It is nearly impossible not to notice that pumpkin spice has overtaken the grocery aisles. According to NielsenIQ data, pumpkin spice products accounted for more than $231 million in sales over last year, 27% higher than the year before. Someone even noticed a sign at a service station offering pumpkin spice oil changes. While I am not a fan of anything pumpkin spice flavored, it does serve as a reminder of fall and the season of gratitude. It won’t be long before many families and friends gather for Thanksgiving and share with one another. In the midst of passing the gravy and turkey, we will share all the reasons we are grateful this year.

As we move into a season of gratitude, our annual fall fundraising drive launches this Monday, November 7, and continues through Friday, November 18. Give to the Max Day is Thursday, November 17, and includes our own special tradition of a faculty and staff lip sync competition and all-school assembly.

Our fall campaign theme, “Forward Together,” represents the momentum we are experiencing as we come together as a community, both metaphorically and literally. After two and one-half years of isolation, separation, and distancing, our building is full again with parents, grandparents, friends, and special guests, adding even more joy to an already joyful school community.

Last Friday was a good example. If you don’t know, MPA has had a longstanding tradition of Lower School students parading through the halls of the school in their Halloween costumes, much to the delight of Middle and Upper School students who take a break from their studies to join in the celebration. Students, faculty, staff, and parents line the hallways to smile, wave, and applaud the Lower School students. I can never decide what I appreciate more—the faces of the young students on parade or the older students cheering them on! Read More

Parents Association News & Events November 3, 2022

November 3, 2022

Thank You!
A huge thank you to our Lower School Halloween party volunteers! You helped make the celebration a huge success. A special thank you to Jasmin Stees, MPAPA’s community development lead who worked tirelessly to make it happen. Thank you!

PA Board Meeting
Friday, November 18 at 9 AM
The next MPA PA board meeting will be open to all MPA families. If you’re interested in attending, email sbanksPA@moundsparkacademy.org for a zoom link and more information.

Save the Date and Engage With the MPA Book Festival
December 5-11
This year, the MPA Book Festival will arrive just in time for holiday gifts or Winter Break Reading! As we prepare for this fun week, we have opportunities for parents to engage in the festivities. This is a very long-standing and beloved MPA event that families will not want to miss!

First, get ready to tidy up your bookshelves! We will be hosting a Used Book Sale at school during the week of the Book Festival. We are asking for donations of gently used books for readers of all ages (hardcover and paperbacks). Donation carts will be set up at the North and South entrances from October 27- December 9 for convenient donation drop-offs. Families will be able to purchase used books during the weeks of the Book Festival. If you would like to sign-up to help out with the Used Book Sale or other aspects of the Book Festival, we have sign-up times here. Be sure to look through the three tabs! Read More

Host Family Needed For Semester Two

November 3, 2022

Dear MPA Community,

Do you have a desire to expand your family’s perspective of the world? A room to spare? Space in your heart for another family member? MPA is seeking a host family for a new Upper School international students for the second half of the 2022-23 school year and beyond.

As you and your family consider hosting, please review the MPA Host Family Recruitment Flyer and Host Family Application.

STIPEND

A monthly stipend will be directly deposited in installments of $900/month on the first of each month for the previous month, January through June. January and June will be prorated.

TRANSPORTATION

Host families are responsible for providing transportation to and from school and school-related activities.
Host families will work with their student in scheduling rides for social events.

MEALS

All international students will receive the MPA school lunch. Host families and students do not need to pack lunches.
Host families are responsible for providing two meals on all weekdays and three meals on all weekend days.

We hope you’ll consider opening your hearts and homes to one of our international students! Give it some thought, and if interested, please reach out to me for additional information and/or to begin the process of becoming a host family. I would love to have a conversation with you!

Thank you so much for considering,

Cory Becker-Kim
International Student Program Coordinator
Advanced Language and Culture Teacher
cbeckerkim@moundsparkacademy.org

Prioritizing Safety

October 27, 2022

from Bill Hudson, head of school

Like many of you, the first indication of a security issue was the generalized alert I received on my cell phone yesterday morning. MPA did not receive any advance notification or information. The school is fortunate to have a very constructive relationship with the Maplewood Police Department and I was caught off guard by the notification on my cell phone. Fortuitously, MPA has a very detailed and comprehensive emergency preparedness and crisis plan and we have drilled enough times that emergency response is instinctive. We are able to quickly implement a safety and security plan with the information we have available that is also flexible so that we can adapt to an evolving crisis.

Aside from the situation on Tuesday, we had an actual medical lockdown at the end of Grandparents and Special Friends Day on October 19 and a full lockdown drill on Monday, October 17. We are required by the State of Minnesota to hold five lockdown drills each school year. Research by our own current parent, James Densley, professor, author, co-founder of The Violence Project and a national authority on mass shootings, demonstrates that despite the high-profile nature of school shootings, schools remain one of the safest places. Knowing how to respond during a crisis helps everyone stay calm, understand their role, and act as safely and efficiently as possible. Again, balance is essential between being prepared and causing anxiety about something unlikely to occur. Read More