Lower School Archives

October 5, 2022

What position will you be holding at MPA?
School Counselor

From what school/organization are you coming?
District 622 employee – was at Hill-Murray last 15 years

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I have a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice and a Masters Degree in Counseling and Education. I began my career as a counselor for at-risk youth at St. Joseph’s Home for Children. I then moved to the school setting and worked with middle and high school students. For the last fifteen years, I have been working at Hill-Murray as a Licensed Counselor, led the Peer Listening Program, and was the Head Boys’ and Girls’ Track and Field Coach.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
I wanted to become a member of the MPA community as I found it to be a very welcoming atmosphere. I heard about the emphasis on high academics and support for every student to strive for excellence.

What’s your big dream?
Someday I hope to move to Alaska and live off the grid.

What are you (and your family, if you so choose) passionate about?
I am married and have three grown boys (ages 23, 21, and 18). We are always up for a challenging hike, playing any sport, and enjoy being out in nature. We value spending time together and ending the day with a great meal.

What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
We have a Sun Conure Parrot named Oscar and we let him fly freely in the backyard (weather permitting). When he is ready to come inside he will fly to a branch near our window and chirp until we open it and put him back in his cage.

Tools For A Successful, Happy, And Healthy School Year

October 4, 2022

from Dr. Jules Nolan, MPA school psychologist

Among the excitement and speedy pace of returning to school, we tend to feel a lot of varying emotions. Friendships and routines are re-ignited, new ones are formed, and our students begin to settle in amidst change all around them. This fall, we asked Dr. Jules Nolan, MPA school psychologist, for advice on supporting children in a new school year to equip you and your family with tools for a successful, happy, and healthy year.

Dr. Nolan’s Top Three Tips
First, remember that anytime we experience big changes in our lives (new school year, new house, new baby) our brain goes into “safety” mode and spends thinking resources scanning the environment to ensure safety. This is a largely unconscious process but can manifest in our bodies like nervousness and feeling uncertain. During times like this, we are likely to be forgetful, feel scattered, and have a hard time initiating tasks or persisting when things get tough. In children and teens, this can look like low frustration tolerance, reluctance to try new things, high emotionality, tiredness, and so on. Our brains are calmed by routine, familiarity, pattern, and predictability. It is important to fortify your routines so that you are getting up and going to bed at the same time, eating at the same time, choosing clothes the night before, setting out what you need to remember the night before, etc. Essentially, your brain gets busy with seeking the familiar, and that makes it hard to make small decisions, remember things, and so on. Routine and structure calm the brain and this phase will pass quickly (a few weeks) if you focus on predictability, routine, and structure.

Second, remember that even if you have had a great and smooth “back to school,” after a few weeks of “honeymoon,” you may begin to see changes in your students like loss of motivation, lack of interest in studying, and lower performance. Remember that this is a good time to teach your children about motivation. Some people mistakenly think that intrinsic motivation (feeling motivated by the subject matter or the satisfaction of completing something) is the “good” kind and that extrinsic motivation (using tangibles, activities, or praise) is the “bad” kind. The truth is that people who use both kinds of motivation to do the things they don’t like to do–but must complete–are the most successful. Think of what you use to keep you working on things you despise (taxes, laundry, cleaning, etc). Often, we use external motivators to keep us engaged and that make us successful. The best motivators are those that your children choose themselves, but remember that work always comes first and the “break” time should be no more than a few minutes. We do best with many intervals of working and breaking rather than one long work period followed by a long break.

Third, be careful not to over-schedule your family. All of the activities and experiences we want our children to have can actually hinder development and lower confidence, especially in young children. A child who has structured lessons and coaching in several areas can come to feel that they are not good enough as they are. Dr. Lisa Damour, NYT bestselling author of “Under Pressure” tells us that we should think about what we could do at 100% of our effort, and then scale back to about 75%. Our teens can also easily get overscheduled. If your child’s sleep, eating, or socializing is suffering, you need to pare down their schedule. Read More

Supporting Autonomy

September 29, 2022

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

Is there a cliff involved? It’s a question I frequently ask myself or my husband Ross. It comes from MPA’s former school psychologist, Steve Kahn, and is one of the best pieces of parenting advice I have ever received. In fact, it came up over this past weekend when Ross had reached a point of frustration with our 16-year-old daughter. He was venting over her making time for soccer, friends, and her boyfriend but not for her behind-the-wheel driving experience. “At this rate, she’s never going to get her license!” he exclaimed. Calmly, I looked at him and said, “Is there a cliff involved?”

My article last week focused on forging a strong parent-school partnership and I wrote about parenting being demanding, lonely, and hard. It’s hard to find the balance between allowing our children to have agency and to make their own choices without overparenting, micromanaging them, or preventing them from failing. This is particularly difficult when it comes to school. Many of us have a hard time keeping school performance and homework in perspective.

You’ve heard me say a number of times that parental engagement plays an important role in academic success. Researchers Wendy Grolnick (Clark University) and Eva Pomerantz (University of Illinois/Urbana-Champaign) analyzed decades of research on parent involvement and found that it is “an important and necessary ingredient in children’s academic adjustment” and can contribute to student motivation, engagement, and learning. Studies have found that this is especially true when parents’ role is affectively positive (showing joy, love, and satisfaction helping their children) and when it promotes children’s autonomy.

Many years ago, when I was conducting research for my dissertation and when learning management systems such as Schoology were first introduced, I interviewed a ninth grader who bemoaned the fact that his parents often knew before he got home for school that he didn’t turn in an assignment or was called to the principal’s office. “Geez,” he said, “I don’t even get a chance to take care of it myself before I get in trouble at home.” Sound familiar?! Read More

Lower School Division News September 29, 2022

September 29, 2022

from Dr. Ann Jurewicz, Lower School director

We are very excited to welcome parents for the first round of conferences today. After five weeks in school, our teachers are excited to share how they have gotten to know students and share with parents their ideas for student learning goals.

Individualizing Learning for every MPA Student
MPA has a new program called Fastbridge we are using to help us understand where students are at in reading and math so we can best meet their individual learning needs going forward. This is not a standardized assessment for final measurement of learning, but a way to plan for learning as we move forward through the school year. You will be receiving more information on this program from your homeroom teacher by the end of October.

Learning Support in the Lower School
Research shows that students needing extra support do best when they remain in the classroom and the support teacher “pushes in” to work with students. This also allows support teacher to integrate extra help within the lessons taught by the main classroom teacher. Students form small groups in the classroom and learn with peers. From the information support teachers glean from the classroom environment, “pull out” sessions (i.e. math or reading clubs) can be determined when needed.

CHAMP and Core Values Language
This year the Lower School is working to include Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging into its CHAMP assemblies and activities. Teachers collaborated on combining the CHAMP attributes into five core values we will address as the year unfolds. We strive to educate all MPA Lower School students work “Together” to be:

Respectful (Inclusiveness/Respect/Integrity)
Mindful (Mindfulness/self-control)
Gritty (Perseverance/Courage)
Empathetic (Friendship/Compassion)

Collaborative (Cooperation/Responsibility/Accountability)

Halloween Is Coming
Thanks to the Parent Association, the Lower School students will be enjoying 30 minutes of games and activities at grade level staggered throughout the day. We plan to have a Halloween Parade to finish off the day in celebration. Students are allowed to wear costumes to school, but we respectfully request they are culturally respectful and that we do not have masks, weapons, blood or other excessively scary costumes. Grades 3 and 4 may wear their masks for the parade at the end of the day. More information coming soon!

Panther Club Afterschool Program
Mr. Purdy is highlighting “Lights On After School” with a visit from the Raptor Center. A number of very cool enrichment activities have also been announced including chess club, fencing and more. Students received a pamphlet at school about the variety of choices, so please ask your children about their interest in participating. Here is the link to sign up for afterschool enrichment classes. Karate class is currently full.

Warmly, Dr. Ann Jurewicz

Important Dates Ahead

Wednesday, October 12: 8:15-8:55 AM—CHAMP Assembly – RESPECTFUL
Tuesday, October 18: 6-7 PM—Lights On After School – Raptor Center Presentation
Wednesday, Oct. 19, 8:15-11:30 AM—Grandparents and Special Friends Day
Friday, October 28: Halloween Celebrations!

Parents Association News & Events September 29, 2022

September 29, 2022

Faculty and Staff Appreciation
Thursday, September 29-Thursday, October 6
As the school year at MPA kicks into high gear and we prepare for Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences, the Parents Association is continuing the annual tradition of Fall Faculty and Staff Appreciation Week! With more Faculty and Staff than ever before, the MPA PA invites you to check out this link and consider signing up for a snack or beverage donation. You can also sign up to spend time in the teaching kitchen, serving our staff during this fun week. There are even evening volunteer options for you or, if you are the parent of an US student looking for service hours, students can volunteer at the evening Staff Dinners by showing up or emailing Tara Lafferty at tmattrn@aol.com. Donated items can be placed at PA Carts located just inside the Lower School and Upper School entrances.

Please adhere to MPA’s Food Allergy policy. MPA Food Allergy Information and Snack Safely Website Snack Safely Guide. Questions? Please contact Tara Matthews Lafferty at TMattRN@aol.com

Gardening at MPA: Harvest Day
Saturday, October 1, 9-11 AM
Join us for a gardening day this Saturday from 9-11 AM. We’ll be harvesting what we’ve grown in the garden along with continuing upkeep. All families are welcome. Questions? Contact Michelle Mick at mwesselyPA@moundsparkacademy.org.

Fall Parent Brunch
October 12, 10-12 PM
RSVP by October 5
Parents, please join us for a morning meet-up at Churchill Street in Shoreview. Now that school is back in session, parents deserve a mid-morning break. Head over to this great community gathering spot to meet, connect, and chat with other MPA parents. The PA is covering the cost of the private dining room for the morning, and parents can order what they like and pay for it at the counter. Churchill Street is at 4606 Churchill Street, in Shoreview, MN! Preschool-aged siblings are welcome.

RSVP by October 5 to Staci Banks at sbanksPA@moundsparkacademy.org.

Wednesday Morning Walks Through the Farmers Market
Wednesdays at 8 AM
The Parents Association invites parents and guardians to get together Wednesday mornings after drop off with Michelle Mick. We’ll meet at the Farmers Market at 1850 White Bear Avenue, near the Aldrich Arena. The market currently offers fresh produce, eggs, honey, bakery, cheese, Ayurvedic items, gluten free options, and flowers. We can stroll through the market followed by a longer walk if desired. LS, MS and US families are welcome. Chat with new parents and connect with friends. Younger children are welcome to walk with us. Questions? Contact Michelle Mick at mwesselyPA@moundsparkacademy.org.

Gardening at MPA
Thursdays at 8 AM
Calling all those who want to spend some time outside at MPA in the gardens! You’re invited to spend time tidying up, building, sowing, and spuddling around in the dirt surrounded by beautiful flowers and greenery. Come for a few minutes or stay for an hour or two.

All are most welcome including friends and family. We’ll meet outside under the flagpole at the LS entrance, with gardening tools in hand! No gardening experience necessary. Questions? Contact Michelle Mick at mwesselyPA@moundsparkacademy.org.

Community Grants Initiative, an Exciting Opportunity for Students and Faculty
(Formerly known as Microfunding)
The Parents Association Community Grants Initiative provides grant-based funding for projects and programs, existing or new. The funds are available for use by student clubs and organizations, as well as for teacher-led initiatives that support the mission of the MPA PA. To access these grants, interested groups must fill out an application. Priority will be given to applications received from September 1-October 31. Applications received outside of that window will be reviewed and approved on a rolling basis. Interested in learning more? Review our application and procedures here. Questions? Email Natalie King at nkingPA@moundsparkacademy.org.

A Source Of Stability

September 22, 2022

from Bill Hudson, head of school

It was wonderful to see so many of you over the past week! We had a fantastic turnout at the New Parent Dinners, Curriculum Nights, and Homecoming. I enjoyed the many engaging conversations I had, the strong community spirit, and the beautiful stories about how well the school year has started. The strong partnership between families and the school is something I think is quite unique about MPA. This partnership is crucial for student success, built upon trusting relationships, open and transparent communication, and shared values. Perhaps now, more than ever before.

Parenting is demanding. Because of the VUCA world we live in, research shows that today’s parents are spending more time on child-rearing activities than ever, with mothers spending an average of 104 minutes a day tending to children in 2012 versus only 54 minutes in 1965. Unfortunately, the added time spent with their kids has meant sacrificing their own sense of social fabric, as adults are increasingly unaffiliated and uninvolved with other adults.

Parenting is lonely. Studies found that more than one-third of adults 45 and older felt lonely in 2020, a number that jumped to 71% when it came to Millennials. Adults today report a significant decline in the number of close relationships with friends, neighbors and coworkers and a decrease in involvement in houses of worship.

Parenting is hard. The complexities of child-rearing in today’s world, along with the increasing anxiety many parents are experiencing because of rapid societal change, a racial reckoning, political discord, economic volitivity, and a public health crisis, have left parents feeling acutely vulnerable. Many parents look to schools as a source of stability in this time of uncertainty. Read More

Parents Association News & Events September 22, 2022

September 22, 2022

Faculty and Staff Appreciation
Thursday, September 29-Thursday, October 6
As the school year at MPA kicks into high gear and we prepare for Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences, the Parents Association is continuing the annual tradition of Fall Faculty and Staff Appreciation Week! With more Faculty and Staff than ever before, the MPA PA invites you to check out this link and consider signing up for a snack or beverage donation. You can also sign up to spend time in the teaching kitchen, serving our staff during this fun week. There are even evening volunteer options for you or, if you are the parent of an Upper School student looking for service hours, students can volunteer at the evening Staff Dinners by showing up or emailing Tara Lafferty at tmattrn@aol.com. Donated items can be placed at PA Carts located just inside the Lower School and Upper School entrances.

Please adhere to MPA’s Food Allergy policy. MPA Food Allergy Information and Snack Safely Website Snack S afely Guide. Questions? Please contact Tara Matthews Lafferty at TMattRN@aol.com

Sports Swap, Last Chance!
3-5:30 PM through Friday, September 23
The Sports Swap is here! The PA is selling gently used equipment this week after school in the Atrium. Priced to sell, the funds will be used to purchase playground equipment for LS and MS students and/or the US athletics department. Unsold items will be donated to charity. Questions? Reach out to Christine Larson at clarsonPA@moundsparkacademy.org.

We could still use a few volunteers. To volunteer, please click here. Read More

Homecoming 2022 Recap

September 22, 2022

Homecoming 2022: We Are Panthers was a huge success!

Thank you to students, parents, faculty and staff, volunteers, alumni, and friends of MPA who joined in to make this year’s Homecoming festivities a wonderful time for all. After a week of celebration and school spirit, Saturday was a festive day with MPA athletics, camps, and honoring MPA alumni.

Thank you to Olympian Mason Ferlic ’11 for leading many Lower School students who participated in our cross country clinic, and sharing his experiences as an MPA graduate and Olympian. Students loved the physical activity and joyfully shared their experiences “running a mile” and showing off their new skills.

More than 30 students also participated in the soccer camp led by Mr. Sheehan and Mr. Scinto. We loved watching parents cheering from the sidelines. Read More

Empowering Our Students

September 15, 2022

from Bill Hudson, head of school

“We’re blending the entire history of the American modern property market with climate modeling,” says Parag Khanna, founder and CEO of Climate Alpha. Data on the impact of climate change on specific regions or locales is readily available, but Khanna went deeper, asking “how are cities adapting and investing in infrastructure to protect against climate impacts? Where are jobs growing? Where are people moving now, despite extreme heat or wildfires or sea level rise?” Her innovative app uses machine learning and proprietary algorithms to look at hundreds of variables so that investors, individuals, companies, and government can make informed decisions to plan for the future.

Climate Alpha is an excellent example of the shift from the Information Age to what author and futurist Daniel Pink calls the Conceptual Age. While the Information Age was all about big data, the Conceptual Age is concerned with how to use information in new and novel ways that make the world a better place. I think a lot about what this shift means for our students. What it meant to live, learn, and thrive 25 years ago is much different than what it means today and even more different than what it will mean 25 years from now.

The first priority of 2024ward, our new strategic plan, challenges us to “Empower students to live, learn, and thrive in our increasingly complex and globalized society.” We will do this by creating customized pathways of learning for students through curricular innovation and leveraging advances in educational technology.” In addition to maximizing the use and integration of technology, MPA has been on a multi-year journey to build upon our school’s strengths in hands-on, experiential, project-based learning. Read More

Lower School Division News September 15, 2022

September 15, 2022

from Dr. Ann Jurewicz, Lower School director

Curriculum Night and Homecoming, September 16-17
Thank you to everyone who attended the New Family Dinner and Curriculum Night. It was wonderful to connect with you and we hope you feel more informed about the wonderful learning happening in our lower school classrooms. It is hard to believe this marks the fourth week we have been in school. We are excited that so many of the “normal” traditions have returned, and we continue to increase opportunities to celebrate as a community together.

Assembly
Friday MPA will have its first all-school assembly from 2:20-3 PM celebrating Homecoming. Children in the Lower School should wear the MPA Homecoming t-shirt given to them this week in homerooms to show school spirit that, “We Are All Panthers!” There will also be an opportunity for face painting. Saturday, September 17 is a full day of scheduled events, so come and join in the fun!

Behavior, Social-Emotional, and Academic Support in Lower School
This year, counseling services are providing guidance on early interventions to help teachers and students learn strategies in positive behavior, constructive emotional response, and academic success. This means counselors will be working more directly with all MPA students to support them prior to any direct counseling referral. Counseling faculty now have a dedicated space in the main LS Office next to Dr. J. and will team with Dr. J. in promoting positive behavior and success for all Lower School students. Watch for upcoming information on our next Paret Chat in October in which we invite you to learn more about student support in the Lower School. Read More