Lower School Archives

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 with essential workplace skills 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

Please Welcome Ms. Mwaniki To MPA

October 1, 2024

MPA is delighted to announce the hiring of Ms. Juliet Mwaniki as a year-round PreK faculty member starting October 7, 2024! Please take some time to get to know Ms. Mwaniki.

From what school/organization are you coming?
Breakthrough Twin Cities/Minerva University

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in arts, humanities, and social sciences from Minerva University. Throughout my academic journey, I studied in six countries, gaining a global perspective and a deep appreciation for diverse cultures.

My professional experience includes roles as a teaching fellow at Breakthrough Twin Cities, a program coordinator at Minerva University, and a college counseling advisor at Equity Group Foundation. These experiences have equipped me with strong skills in curriculum development, classroom management, student assessment, and building inclusive learning environments.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
I was drawn to Mounds Park Academy’s commitment to nurturing the human spirit, fostering social justice, and promoting critical thinking. The school’s innovative education model, which fosters a joy of learning and encourages students to be enthusiastic and self-driven, aligns perfectly with my own educational philosophy. Additionally, I was impressed by the opportunities for professional development and collaboration within the PreK teaching team. Read More

Coming Home

September 26, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

I’m old enough to remember those nostalgic Folgers coffee commercials in which a son surprises his family by coming home for the holidays. The warmth, laughter, and love conveyed in those moments brought home the idea that “home” is far more than just a physical place—it’s about the emotions, traditions, and connections we share with one another. That commercial tugged at my heartstrings every time, often bringing a tear to my eye.

Within families, traditions arise and are celebrated, nurturing emotions of acceptance that go beyond the concept of a home as a physical or geographical location. Likewise, Homecoming at MPA has a distinctive meaning as a PreK-12 school. Throughout this week, students of all ages have shown their school spirit in countless ways. From the annual Lower School coloring project and the Homecoming-themed CHAMP Assembly to Middle School poster-making and Upper School dress-up days, the energy has been palpable. Our student-athletes have even been greeting everyone with a smile outside door one each morning. The week culminates with a pep fest tomorrow and athletic contests and activities on Saturday, September 28, and all students, regardless of their grade level, are warmly invited to attend and celebrate together.

Merriam-Webster defines homecoming as “the act of returning to your home or to a place that is like your home.” At MPA, we often refer to our school as a second home—a place where both students and adults are known and valued. This sense of belonging is deeply embedded in our school’s DNA, and it is a crucial element of who we are. Research consistently shows that emotional safety and a strong sense of community are essential for personal growth and academic success.

Lower School Division News September 26, 2024

September 26, 2024

from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, September 27: PreK-12 Spirit Wear Day (LS students wear uniform bottoms)
Friday, September 27: G3-12 Homecoming Assembly, 2:20-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center
Friday, September 27: Hall of Fame Dinner, 6-8 PM, Family Commons
Saturday, September 28: Homecoming, information here >
Tuesday, October 1: LS Parent Coffee, 8-9 AM, Gallery
Tuesday, October 1: School Photo Retakes, 8-10 AM, Indoor Track
Tuesday, October 8: HeadSpace: Civil Discourse in a Polarized Society, Election 2024, 7-8 PM, via Zoom >
Wednesday, October 9: LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-8:45 AM, Family Commons
Thursday, October 10: All School Evening Conferences, 3:30-8 PM
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 >

It’s been a busy but fun few weeks since our last Panther Post. This is the point that we are almost finished with the “first six weeks of school,” a crucial time for children as they solidify the new routines and expectations that come along with a new academic year. Routines require a particular set of characteristics for children to be most developmentally supportive: predictability and accessibility. Children benefit from relationships and environments that are predictable to them. Routines like the process of getting ready for school, the daily schedule of fun activities encountered at school, and evening settling-down routines at home help children:

feel in control of their environment;
feel safe, secure, and comfortable;
know what is happening now and what comes next;
know how to do an activity or task; and
engage in learning.

Soon, these new routines will become second nature, equipping your child for success with the rest that the year has in store!

Reaffirming Ideals Rooted In Our Founding Principles

September 19, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

Last week, I wrote to you about parental stress, highlighting an advisory issued by the U.S. Surgeon General. The ongoing threat of school shootings and the heated nature of the current political landscape have only heightened parental concerns. These issues, intertwined with children’s mental health, safety, technology, and social media, are pulling apart families and communities. This leaves many feeling hopeless and deepens the fears and cynicism of the old and young alike. Families and communities are being torn apart, leaving many without hope and fueling the fears and cynicism of young and old alike. But there must be a path forward, and I am steadfast in ensuring MPA is part of the solution.

As we approach the 2024 presidential election, Mounds Park Academy is reaffirming its commitment to civil discourse, civic engagement, and respect for diverse perspectives. These ideals are not new to MPA but deeply rooted in our founding principles. In 1981, co-founder Bob Kreischer envisioned a school that would prepare students to be “good citizens capable of dealing with the problems they will face in an ever-changing world.” This vision was heavily influenced by John Dewey’s educational philosophy, focusing on experiential, hands-on learning.

In today’s politically charged climate, it is more important than ever that students learn to navigate differing viewpoints with thoughtfulness and respect. MPA teaches students to analyze information critically, distinguish credible sources, and engage in evidence-based discussions. We model how to address complex issues with understanding, empathy, and inclusivity, equipping students to become well-informed, active participants in society. Read More

A Message From Tim Koerner ’03

September 17, 2024

“The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back,”—Wendy Wunder, ‘The Probability of Miracles’

I remember leaving the MPA campus on June 4, practically locking up the building ourselves after a festive kindergarten graduation party at the playground. My graduate and I drove straight to Valleyfair for the day, and our family carried on exploring and engaging with new experiences all over the map across a fulfilling (and exhausting) three months away from MPA.

Then, suddenly, it was time to return.

We now find ourselves back on campus, reconnecting with treasured MPA friends and faculty, forging new connections to those who will become equally as important to us in the months and years ahead, with Wendy Wunder’s astute observation ringing true.

Parent Mental Health: An Urgent Public Health Concern

September 12, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

Many of you have kindly asked how my daughter, Ari, and I are doing. I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness. Ari is diving into her studies and college life and seems to be adjusting well. As for me? I’m still navigating the emotional rollercoaster that comes with dropping your child off at college. Recently, I’ve found myself wishing I had held onto that hug just a little longer. At the time, I tried so hard not to let my anxiety overshadow her excitement. I gave her a typical hug, said I loved her, and walked away. But now, I catch myself wondering if I overreacted or perhaps underreacted. Either way, I’m left questioning how well I managed that moment.

You may hear me mention this transition a few more times because it serves as a reminder: whether your child is starting school for the first time, moving up a grade, joining a new division, or leaving for college, new beginnings are challenging for both children and their parents. Parenting doesn’t become easier as our children grow older—it seems to get even more complex.

The pressure we face as parents has intensified significantly. So much so, that the U.S. Surgeon General recently issued an advisory on the mental health and well-being of parents. According to the advisory, over the past decade, parents have consistently reported higher levels of stress compared to other adults. In 2023, 33% of parents reported experiencing high levels of stress in the past month, compared to just 20% of other adults. Some of the key factors contributing to this include: Read More

Lower School Division News September 12, 2024

September 12, 2024

from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, September 13: PA Grade Rep Meeting, 8-9 AM, Family Commons
Sunday, September 15: New Student Admission & Indexed Tuition Applications Open
Friday, September 20: LS Duty-Free Lunch with Parent Volunteers, 11:40 AM-12:40 PM, Playground & Family Commons
Friday, September 20: PA Rainbow Club Meeting, 12-1 PM, Panther Center
Monday, September 23-Saturday, September 28: Homecoming Week
Monday, September 23-Friday, September 27: G2-4 MAP Testing
Wednesday, September 25: Homecoming-Themed LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-8:45 AM, Family Commons
Friday, September 27: PreK-12 Spirit Wear Day (LS students wear uniform bottoms)
Friday, September 27: G3-12 Homecoming Assembly, 2:30-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center
Friday, September 27: Hall of Fame Dinner, 6-8 PM, Family Commons, RSVP here >
Saturday, September 28: Homecoming, information here >
Tuesday, October 1: School Photo Retakes, 8-10 AM, Indoor Track

What a great beginning we’ve had since starting school! From creating fairy houses on the playground to conflict manager training to exploring the art and self-portraits of Frida Kahlo, our learners have been quite busy. Please read on for some insights for the next few weeks:

MPA Parents Association Quarterly Coffees

We will soon kick off another season of Quarterly Coffees in the Lower School in collaboration with our MPA Parent Association. The date of the first coffee will be confirmed soon! Read More