Meet Alumni Board Member, Katie (Ditmore) Sinaikin ’97

November 12, 2021

Katie (Ditmore) Sinaikin, 1997

For what grades did you attend MPA?
K-12

Why did you choose to pursue a position on the Alumni Association Board?
MPA gave so much to me; I’d like the opportunity to give back to the MPA community

In what ways do you see yourself as a supporter of MPA and its mission?
I give, financially, but have also always advocated for the value an MPA education brought to my life.

What are you currently doing, professionally and/or personally?
I work in the biotech/pharma space helping bring oncology drugs to patients who need them most. Personally, I am the mother to 2 sons who keep me quite busy 🙂

How did you get to where you are in your career? Did you attend college and if so, where? Are there some career moves or other key experiences or relationships that have inspired you?
I attended Wellesley College and received my MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. My first role out of undergrad was in Strategy consulting where I worked with a number of small biotechnology companies, and that inspired me to continue to work in that field. All of my work is grounded in knowing “how” to think and not just “what” to think – that’s something that MPA fostered in me from the beginning.

How did your MPA experience prepare you for your life today? How did MPA help you dream big and do right?
MPA allowed me the opportunity to try everything. New languages, new sports, new extracurriculars. I was not the best runner or cross country skiier, but I always had a place on the team and I appreciate that even more now as I’m raising my own children and trying to figure out how to give them those same opportunities to “dream big and do right”

What do you to see happen during your time on the Alumni Association Board?
I would just love to see the MPA community – alumni and current students – grow and thrive and continue to develop a new generation of thinkers and doers

Please share your favorite MPA story.
Oh this is hard! When I was in my senior year of track and field something “clicked” and I was running my best times. I ran multiple PRs and was able to be part of the 4x800m relay team that went to Sectionals. Being able to share that success with a team that had been with me for 6 years (Because I was able to join the team as a 7th grader!) and especially with Mrs. Docherty who had been coaching me that entire time was incredibly special.

November 11 Lower School Division News

November 11, 2021

from Renee Wright, Lower School Director

Trimester 1 Comes To An End November 18
Trimester report cards will be sent to you electronically through email on Monday, November 22. Report cards are a valuable tool for reporting progress, but can sometimes feel intimidating to students as well as parents. Report cards describe students’ learning progress based on grade level expectations. In addition, report cards inform parents about their child’s learning success and guide improvements. Positive communication about the report card is important and should send the message that school is important. Below you will find some tips for how to make report card time meaningful and guide your child to success.

Value the Report Card: At MPA we acknowledge that report cards do not tell the whole story about a student’s abilities, work habits, and intelligence, but they do provide critical information and evidence about a child’s academic effort and progress. The report card can be used to initiate conversations with your child or your child’s teacher.
Share the Report Card with Your Child: Meet privately with your child, without distractions and have a relaxed discussion. Sharing the report card with your child is beneficial as it provides an opportunity for your child to share his/her thoughts on school and share highlights in each subject area. Make sure to read through teacher comments with your child. These often provide additional insights and ideas for future success.
Offer Praise for Successes: Praise your child for strong effort and recognize progress. Make sure to let your child know that you are proud of his/her accomplishments.
Encourage Your Child to Self-Evaluate: Ask your child if he/she is satisfied with the grades in each subject area. This provides time to reflect on strengths and challenges.

Welcome To Holli Richgels
Lower School welcomes Holli Richgels as the new Lower School Administrative Assistant. She comes to us with much professional experience as a receptionist and admin assistant. She brings much school experience and a true love for children. If you need to contact the Lower School Office for any reason please send an email to hrichgels@moundsparkacademy.org or call her at 651-748-5562. Read more about her!

Parent and School Partnership

Reading Aloud Can Help Produce Better Readers
Most of us know the benefits of reading aloud to our children in the early years. More and more research reveals that reading aloud is important for older children too and a meaningful way for families to discuss difficult topics. Reading aloud as a family has been known to help people reduce stress, build hope, develop resilience, and bond as a family. Reading aloud can be fun and also expose children to a variety of genre such as classic novels, graphic novels, picture books, poetry, historical fiction, fiction, or non-fiction. In essence, reading aloud is not only about literacy, but also a tool for helping children and families learn to love books and even navigate the world.

Gathering The Community Together

November 11, 2021

from Jennifer Rogers-Petitt, Director of Development and Community Engagement

I was fortunate enough to join the MPA community in 2018 as the director of development and community engagement. And to top it off, my two kids fell in love with the school right along with me and joined as new students at the same time. As with many things from the pre-pandemic world, it’s hard to imagine ever being able to predict how my role would change, let alone education and all of society due to COVID-19.

I’ve loved seeing the direct impact hard work has had on our students and community:

building our new Family Commons and the Martin Lenz Harrison Library thanks to the generosity of our donors;
hosting joyful events for grandparents, special friends, extended family members, and the local community;
building a foundation for the future through legacy giving;
providing parents the opportunity to volunteer and connect with one another;
engaging alumni and parents of alumni around the globe;
and ensuring our teachers and students have the supplies they need every year through the annual fund.

None of these accomplishments would be possible without our community joining together to make them happen. For this guest spot, I initially thought I would focus on the impact our community’s giving has had. But after being fortunate enough to witness the tremendous effort of this week’s Vaccination Clinic in our building, I couldn’t think of a more perfect representation of what it means to me to be a part of this community.

The Fall Campaign Is Underway!

November 11, 2021

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Let’s Join Together Fall Campaign Kick-off last Friday! It was a wonderful time to connect, meet new friends, and celebrate the impact giving has on MPA.

Don’t forget, participation is what matters most. Our goal is to reach 70% participation for each grade. When your student’s grade reaches this level, they earn a fun “40 Minutes Free” party in honor of the school’s 40th Anniversary.

If you haven’t marked your calendars yet, don’t forget next Thursday is Give to the Max Day! Look in your email inbox soon for more details. Hint: it includes some of your favorite MPA teachers in the annual tradition of a lip sync battle!

For questions or more information, contact Jennifer Rogers-Petitt, director of development and community engagement, at jrogers@moundsparkacademy.org.

Learn more about the Fall Campaign >
Make a gift >

Meet Our New Lower School Assistant

November 10, 2021

Please welcome Holli Richgels to MPA. You may reach her for all of your Lower School needs at hrichgels@moundsparkacademy.org or 651-748-5562.

What position will you be holding at MPA?
Lower School Administrative Assistant

From what school/organization are you coming?
Nova Classical Academy

Tell us a little bit about your education and past experience.
I have a bachelor’s degree in musical theatre and performance from Minnesota State University, Moorhead. After graduating from college I have worked as a front desk receptionist or administrative assistant at various medical centers and schools. At my last job while being district receptionist I also worked closely with operations (transportation and technology), business office, HR and facilities taking on numerous tasks.

What did you find appealing about MPA during the interview process?
I loved how they said MPA is a big family. I also appreciated how respectful and cheerful everyone was. I also loved touring around the school and seeing all of the wonderful aspects of the school. It was amazing!

What’s your big dream?
To continue working at a school because I believe in helping our new generation be as successful as possible. Otherwise I dream to be involved in more musicals and start a family.

What are you (and your family, if you so choose) passionate about?
Theatre and dance have been in my life since I was two years old and I couldn’t imagine my life without it. To be able to get up on stage and portray different character or dance until I have no more breath is so gratifying for me. I am also passionate about my family. I love my family and am excited to continue to grow with my boyfriend and start our own family (he has two kids) with fun and adventurous traditions.

What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
Right now I am in the rehearsal process of the musical White Christmas at Lakeshore Players in White Bear Lake. It’s going to be a great show!!!

Parents Connect

November 10, 2021

Parents Connect

Spruce Up, Date Change
Saturday, November 20 from 2-4 PM is the new day and time to help spruce up Mr. Thomsen’s outdoor area. It will involve more tidying up, removing weeds, saplings, and helping to improve the access to MPA’s prairie and pond for students to learn and enjoy. Meet near the Upper School entrance. If you have any questions, please email Michelle Mick at michelle_wessely@yahoo.com.

Saturday Morning Parent Meet Up!
Join us this Saturday, November 13 from 9-10:30 AM at Swede Hollow Cafe, 725 East 7th Street, St Paul, MN. Dropping Upper Schoolers off at debate or sports? Running errands during Saturday activities? Drop in and make some connections with other MPA parents. We will meet outside, weather permitting, or in the upper conference room. Email Staci Banks at sbhehe42@icloud.com with questions. Hope to see you there!

PA LS Co-Lead Position Open
The PA Board is looking for an additional member. The Lower School Co-Lead position is currently open. As a Lower School lead, you would be working in tandem with Michelle Mick to create community and connect people throughout MPA. Lower School Leads also attend and vote at monthly board meetings, oversee and support the Lower School Parents Association events, and serve as conduit between families and school administration. Contact Michelle Mick at michelle_wessely@yahoo.com if you are interested.

Help Create This Year’s Middle School Café
The PA invites you to envision the Middle School Café. This is a remarkable opportunity to help host the event at school, get into the building to catch a glimpse of your kid and meet new parents! The Middle School Café is a program aimed at building community within the Middle School and is anticipated the week of January 24 this coming year.

We’re forming the Middle School Café planning committee now which will brainstorm ways to use the $3,000 budget allocated by the PA Board. The planning committee will meet weekly from November 8-January 14 to brainstorm the Café theme and organize the plan to deliver the Café. During the week of January 17 the committee and volunteers will create the Café. Volunteers will also be asked to host the event and debrief during the week of January 24.

If you’re interested in being on the Middle School Café planning committee please email Christine Larson, PA MS Co-Lead at chrisandmatt1289@gmail.com. If you can’t commit to the committee, no worries, there will be advertised opportunities closer to the Café.

Microfunding Grants Available
Microfunding provides funds for projects and programs, existing or new. It is open to student organizations, teachers and parent volunteers. Requests must benefit the mission of the MPA PA. Requests that are recurring from year to year are discouraged. This program is supported by the Parents Association dues, which are paid by MPA families. The PA encourages student groups to use these funds. We look forward to supporting MPA student organizations, and classrooms for many years to come. Please fully review the procedure and application forms before submitting. Applications are available below here

Follow-Up Vaccination Clinic: November 29

November 9, 2021

MPA will be hosting a follow-up on-campus vaccination clinic on Monday, November 29 from 4-8 PM. We will be offering first or second Pfizer vaccinations for anyone age five or older (including adults), first or second Moderna vaccinations, as well as Pfizer or Moderna booster shots for those who are eligible.

In addition to welcoming MPA community members, this clinic will be open to anyone and is being offered in partnership with Health Care Strong. Please help us spread the word by sharing this page with your network. You do not have to have attended the first clinic to attend this clinic.

LEARN ABOUT HEALTHCARE STRONG >

ADVANCED REGISTRATION REQUIRED HERE >

PRINT, COMPLETE, AND BRING CONSENT >

DETAILS FOR ALL

Please download above, print, complete, and bring the consent form for all those who will be receiving vaccinations. This will help the process move along more quickly and efficiently.
Bring your vaccination card (if applicable).
All injections will be provided by a highly-trained medical professional and the 15-minute observation period will be staffed by medical professionals as well.
Please enter at door 2, the Atrium, which is to the left of the flag pole near the south entrance.
COVID-19 vaccinations are free and do not require insurance.
Do not attend the clinic if anyone in your household has had COVID-19 within the past 14 days, has any symptoms of COVID-19, or is currently quarantining due to close contact exposure.

DETAILS FOR CHILDREN

Any student or adult age five (on the day of the clinic) or older may be vaccinated at this event with their first or second vaccination.
Students to be vaccinated should wear short-sleeved shirts and be rested. They should have had something to eat prior to arriving.
Students younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and must present a vaccination consent form (download above, print, complete, and bring).

DETAILS FOR ADULTS

Students 18 or older do not need parental consent to be vaccinated.
Click here to determine your eligibility for a booster.

We’re grateful to share that approximately 60% of our newly-eligible unvaccinated children received their first vaccination at the clinic on November 8. We strongly urge you to consider vaccinating your children so that they may remain healthy, safe, and happy on campus.

If you are unable to attend this clinic, please visit mn.gov/vaxforkids to learn more about other options and get information.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to covid@moundsparkacademy.org should you have any questions or need any additional information or resources.

FDA RESOURCES & INFORMATION >

Emergency Use Authorization Ages 5-11 >

Emergency Use Authorization Ages 12+ >

Meet Alumni Board Member Adi Boeder Risner ’02

November 5, 2021

Adi Boeder Risner ’02

For what grades did you attend MPA?
K-6 and 10-12 (relocated to Belgium 7-9)

Why did you choose to pursue a position on the Alumni Association Board?
Over the last year, my interest in the Alumni Association peaked as I noticed more and more alumni choosing Mounds Park Academy for their children. As a member of the Parents Association at MPA, connecting with all parents is a delightful part of my role, but I especially enjoy relating to other alumni parents given our shared experiences and values. Last year, the Kindergarten class was composed of 20% children of alumni! I pursued a position on the Alumni Association Board to better serve as a bridge between alumni and current and/or prospective parents.

In what ways do you see yourself as a supporter of MPA and its mission?
Well, I send my kids to MPA!

What are you currently doing, professionally and/or personally?
My husband and I were married in 2014 in Estes Park, CO, and we now have two sons and a bulldog together. We moved back to the Twin Cities from Denver in 2018 to be closer to family and for the boys’ education. I’m currently a Statistician at 3M. I recently re-entered the corporate workforce after staying home with my youngest son for 3 years. Fun fact, I also make soap – lots and lots of soap!

How did you get to where you are in your career? Did you attend college and if so, where? Are there some career moves or other key experiences or relationships that have inspired you?
After graduating from MPA in ’02, I received my bachelor’s at St. Olaf College in both mathematics and economics. I worked at an actuarial firm for several years before relocating to Denver in 2011, for the mountain lifestyle. Here, I completed my master’s in business intelligence at the University of Denver, Daniels College of Business. In the years to follow, I worked at a major healthcare company, building statistical models and training data scientists on predictive modeling techniques. I find that I’m most inspired when I accept the challenge to change perspective. For example, the best move that I ever made (both personally and professionally) was taking some time off to stay home and focus on family. The change was scary and uncertain, and no-one thought it was a suitable role for me, but ultimately taking that leap was an extremely gratifying decision that continues to provide benefits. Finding fulfillment at home changed my perspective of who I was and what I can contribute to the world. Not only did I soak up the quality time with my kids but I was also able to recalibrate my goals for the future. I think that anytime you allow yourself to change perspective you’re given the opportunity to grow.

How did your MPA experience prepare you for your life today? How did MPA help you dream big and do right?
At MPA I felt regularly encouraged, challenged, and respected in my approaches to problems, without fear, judgement, or social pressure. Most importantly, I think that MPA provided me with a safe environment to pursue a wide-range of multiple disciplines and to make balanced choices about my interests. The emphasis that I felt on exposure and balance over perfection prepared me for an evolving future full of choices that I didn’t yet know existed.

What’s next? Any aspirations—personal or professional—that you’d like to share?
I’m really excited to wear multiple hats this year – Alumni Board Member, Parent’s Association Grade Rep, MPA parent, and full-time working mom. Fun times!

Please share your favorite MPA story.
I vividly recall, as a high schooler, spending most of my free time in Ms. Buck’s classroom, working on my ceramics projects. There was always some detail that needed fine-tuning or some creative process to map out, or maybe I just loved the smell of the clay. Either way, her classroom was always open and I knew that I could expect her cheerful smile. This was my favorite part of the day.

Let’s Join Together

November 4, 2021

from Bill Hudson, Head of School

Helen Keller, one of the great American authors, activists, and advocates, said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” These are such simple, yet enlightened words, that illustrate the profound power of community collaboration. I believe, from the bottom of my heart, that schools should be epicenters of deep collaboration—among students, faculty, staff, families, alumni, and other community members.

Just this week on campus, students, faculty, and staff came together to do so very much:

Upper School physics students worked in small lab groups using a bicycle wheel to understand rotational motion by feeling it between their hands.
STEM Ed Club students created curriculum for and hosted a Nature Event for their Lower School friends.
Student Council members organized a Nitro-Ball Tournament to benefit future projects in a fun and joyful way.
Volleyball players rallied the student body to show up for them at sections and show their support in a huge way.
AP Spanish students worked in discussion groups, debating topics such as regional/cultural/religious differences, after having only been in class for two days.
Middle School students lined the hallways in small groups, using marshmallows and spoons to investigate math and science in a three-dimensional, dynamic way.
Lower School faculty Mari Espeland and Heather Mastel collaborated on their annual second grade production of “The Tales of Anansi the Spider” for the sixth year in a row.
Staff designed and implemented a COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic on campus in just 24 hours, benefitting the MPA community and beyond.
Faculty and staff brought concerts back to MPA with both a successful livestream and an in-person way to engage with the Instrumental Concert.
Eighth grade faculty collaborated on the Future City project, providing an interdisciplinary approach for students designing a waste-free city 100 years in the future utilizing a circular economy.

I could go on and on, but none of the above would be possible without collaboration, connectedness, and community.

Now, its our turn to come together—literally and figuratively—to show our support of MPA and the experiences created here each day. This year’s Fall Campaign, “Let’s Join Together,” launches November 8 and lasts until November 19, culminating with our Give to the Max Day of Giving on November 18. A very special, in-person kick off, will be held outdoors on Friday, November 5, from 2-4 PM. Come to campus, come together, and celebrate the start of this very special time at MPA.

This year’s Fall Campaign is particularly meaningful because it coincides with the 40th anniversary celebration of the founding of our school. Our goal this year is to raise $350,000 to support students, teachers, and to bridge the gap between tuition and the cost of an MPA education—tuition only covers approximately 80 percent of MPA’s expenses. Your gift will ensure students, faculty, and staff have the tools, resources, and support they need to come together today and tomorrow to do so much.

I want every family, especially our new families, to know that giving at MPA takes on many forms. Every gift is valued and participation at any level is deeply appreciated. Sentiment matters more than size and we encourage every family to give at the level that is right for them.

Joining together at MPA may look a little bit different for a little bit longer, but whether we’re together in spirit or in person, we can accomplish so much. You can learn more about the Fall Campaign and what the MPA Fund supports by visiting moundsparkacademy.org/support-mpa.

Connecting With The Parents Association This November

November 4, 2021

Thank You!
The PA extends hearty thanks to Renee Roach and Leslie Todero for organizing a wonderful Lower School Halloween Party! Thanks, also, to all of you who helped Leslie and Renee organize the party and to all the party-day volunteers! So much goes into planning these events, and it is awesome to have such great help. Well done, all!

Spruce Up, This Saturday Afternoon
Help spruce up Mr. Thomsen’s outdoor area. Saturday will involve more tidying up, removing weeds, saplings, and helping to improve the access to MPA’s prairie and pond for students to learn and enjoy. Saturday, November 13, 2-4 PM, meeting near the Upper School entrance. If you have any questions, please email Michelle Mick at michelle_wessely@yahoo.com.

Saturday Morning Parent Meet Up!
Join us Saturday, November 13 from 9:00-10:30 AM at Swede Hollow Cafe, 725 East 7th Street, St Paul, MN. Dropping Upper Schoolers off at debate or sports? Running errands during Saturday activities? Drop in and make some connections with other MPA parents. We will meet outside, weather permitting, or in the upper conference room. Hope to see you there!

Help Create This Year’s Middle School Café
The Parents Association invites you to envision the Middle School Café. This is a remarkable opportunity to help host the event at school, get into the building to catch a glimpse of your kid and meet new parents! The Middle School Café is a program aimed at building community within the Middle School and is anticipated the week of January 24 this coming year.

If you’re interested in being on the Middle School Café planning committee please email Christine Larson, PA Middle School Co-Lead at chrisandmatt1289@gmail.com. If you can’t commit to the committee, no worries, there will be advertised opportunities closer to the Café.

PA LS Co-Lead Position Open
The PA Board is looking for an additional member. The Lower School Co-Lead position is currently open. As a Lower School lead, you would be working in tandem with Michelle Mick to create community and connect people throughout MPA. Lower School Leads also attend and vote at monthly board meetings, oversee and support the Lower School PA events, and serve as conduit between families and school administration. Contact Michelle Mick at michelle_wessely@yahoo.com if you are interested.