Middle School Archives

November 2, 2023

from Bill Hudson, head of school

We had a marvelous turnout for Grandparents and Special Friends Day with more than 450 guests. I received a handwritten thank you note from a grandparent that expresses much of what I heard from multiple grandparents/special friends throughout the day. It read, “It truly was a morning to remember. My grandchildren are thriving at MPA, and it is easy to see why—the nurturing, caring, high-standard environment you and all the teachers and staff have created was a joy to behold.”

Joy isn’t always associated with education. In an era of emphasis on high-stakes testing, rote learning, and fears about falling behind academically, the importance of joy in education is often overlooked. Or worse, students working (occasionally laughing) together on a project, joyfully carving a pumpkin, excitedly creating a play from scratch, singing with gusto, or delighting in the music they create from their musical instrument isn’t considered “real learning.” What is real, however, is the declining mental health and increased anxiety our children are experiencing, which is being called the “crisis of our times” by United States Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. Read More

Parents Association News and Events November 2, 2023

November 2, 2023

Thank You, Lower School Parent Volunteers
The PA wishes to thank Cathi Murray and Megan Brogger for leading the planning and coordination of the Lower School Halloween Festivities! If you would like to learn how to get involved, you can email msotoPA@moundsparkacademy.org to learn about upcoming opportunities.

Thank You to Our Community Coffee Hosts
Thank you to our gracious coffee hosts for the Neighborhood/Community Coffees this past weekend: Staci Banks-Herberger, Christine Larson, Seema Anwar, Erika Beernink, and Michaela Jahnke. Stay tuned for more coffees in different neighborhoods in 2024!

Thank You
Last Friday, the Parents Association thanked the College Counseling Office and Upper School Faculty for all of their hard work on letters of recommendation for our seniors applying to college.

MPA Book Club with Dr. Hudson
Tuesday, November 7, 6 PM in the MPA Library
Please join Dr. Hudson and fellow MPA parents for a great discussion of David Grann’s bestseller, “Killers of the Flower Moon”. This non-fiction page-turner that reads like a novel. Read More

A Love Note To Parents

October 26, 2023

from Dr. Jenn Milam, Middle School Director

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.

Being a parent means wearing a million and one hats, managing endless lists of appointments, practices, and playdates, all while working hard to instill what we believe are all of life’s most important lessons. As they say, the days are long, and the years are short. And while we’re wrapped up in the day-to-days, it can be easy to find ourselves, as grown-ups, running on autopilot, giving very little thought to our well-being and sense of balance and awareness. When we arrive in these moments, tending to others’ needs before our own, it can lead to frustration, feelings of anxiousness, maybe even loneliness and disconnection, or worse, a sense of spinning and dysregulation that lends itself to burnout and exhaustion.

Parenting is, without a doubt, one of the most challenging adventures of adult life. To be sure, navigating our young people’s lives while attempting to find balance in our own and to model what it means to be a wholly authentic person, a kind human being, and a productive citizen requires, too, a commitment to caring for ourselves, developing skills to process emotions, and sharing fully our own learning and growth, even when we mess up. Ashley Cooper, MPA school counselor, always speaks from an affirming position about emotions and emotional regulation, reminding us that “all emotions are normal and deserve to be acknowledged.” This is why, today, as we make our way through fall and into the busy holidays, the dimmer days of winter, and more rigorous days of school, I’m writing to you, parents and caregivers, to remind you of the importance of caring for yourself emotionally and mentally. Moreover, I hope to illuminate the importance of self-care as a means by which you may teach your young people, through living, intentional modeling, and purposeful discussion, how to develop healthy and proactive skills to practice positive emotional regulation. Read More

Middle School Division News October 26, 2023

October 26, 2023

from Dr. Jenn Milam, Middle School director

A Look Ahead

Friday, October 27: 5/6 Halloween Carnival, 3:15-4:30 PM, Family Commons
- 7/8 Fall Dance, 7-9 PM, Family Commons
Tuesday, October 31: Halloween at MPA, Middle School students may wear costumes to school!
Friday, November 3: End of Quarter 1
Thursday, November 16: Give to the Max Day, Lip Sync Competition, 2:20 PM, Lansing Sports Center
Friday, November 17: Bring A Friend to MPA Day, register here
Friday, November 17-Sunday, November 19: Middle School Play, Puss ‘n Boots, Black Box
Wednesday, November 22-Friday, November 24: No Classes, Thanksgiving Holiday Break
Wednesday, November 29: MS Grade 7/8 BIPOC Affinity Group, 2:20-3 PM, Former Library Space
Monday, December 4-Friday, December 8: MPA Book Festival
Wednesday, December 6: Founders’ Day Community Breakfast, 7-8 AM, Family Commons

We are just a few days from the end of Quarter 1, which means that we will experience our first “full-court-press” of the year as we seek to support students in submitting all assignments (even the late ones!), demonstrating their learning on assessments, and continuing to refine positive organization and self-management skills.

Please help us at home by checking in on Schoology, ensuring all missing/late assignments are submitted, offering encouragement toward responsibility and attention to detail, and if you have specific questions, reaching out to the appropriate teacher. As a reminder, Middle School does not send home report cards, but you will receive a note from me at the end of the first quarter outlining how to access grades and how to have a constructive conversation about progress and adjustments that may need to be made as we move into the second quarter.

It’s Playoff time: Athletic Practice and Game Schedules
A special shout out to our 7/8 BOYS SOCCER and 5/6 BOYS SOCCER (WHITE) team for advancing in their sectional journey. The older guys play today at Cretin Durham Hall at 6:15 PM, and our younger team plays tomorrow (Friday) at St. Odilia at 5:50 PM. I know both teams would love a spirited sideline if you’re available to take in a game! ? Roll Pants! ?

Please bookmark the MPA Middle School Athletics website and select the sport for your student! You can also find Upper School Athletics schedules, as well, on our MPA website!

If your student is interested in a WINTER sport and has not registered, please reach out to Dawn Zimmerman at dzimmerman@moundsparkacademy.org to share your interest!

Tardies Are Not Cool!
As I have shared in many conversations, notes, and newsletters, tardies create an issue not just for your student but for others and the flow of instruction. All Middle School students should be on campus between 7:45 and 7:50 AM, allowing for enough time to visit their locker, use the restroom, fill a water bottle, and tend to any unfinished business before the school day. Please work with your students and family to make necessary adjustments that prioritize being on time and ready to learn each day!

#IAmNotACostume: A Note about Cultural Appropriation
As our young people begin selecting costumes for this favorite October tradition, it is important that we are sensitive to issues of cultural appropriation. “Cultural Appropriation is the act of taking significant elements (symbols, dress, words, practices, etc.) from a culture that is not your own and removing all original context or meaning, usually with the goal of using these elements for entertainment, marketing, or exploitation.” (http://www.lspirg.org/costumes) When selecting a costume for Halloween, I would ask that you engage your student in a conversation about the purpose of their costume (Is it just for fun? Or is there an underlying message behind it?), ask them to consider if anyone may take offense to their costume and the representation it suggests (Is it possible that others may view the costume as a mockery of a particular culture? Does the costume seek to make a token of traditional cultural symbols not held by your family culture?) and encourage them to reflect upon the way that their costume may be experienced by those around them, thus seeking to build empathy and critical thinking—two values we hold dear here at MPA.

We want Halloween to be a fun, imaginative, and magical celebration of the fall season in a way that not only values the childhood experience but, so too, those cultures, (re)presentations, symbols, and traditions deeply held and honored by each of us in our unique lived experiences.

For more information on cultural appropriation and Halloween costumes, you might find some of these links helpful:

Change to Halloween at MPA—Tuesday, October 31
While we will still have our 5/6 carnival and our 7/8 dance this Friday, October 27, we have elected to move our costume-wearing day to share the excitement with Lower School and their parade! All Middle School students are invited to wear their Halloween costumes to school on Tuesday, October 31. We ask that it limit distractions from learning and that “big kids” be mindful of our younger friends when selecting costumes. Students may not wear masks that cover their entire face or bring any type of weapon to school, even if it is part of a costume.

The Halloween carnival is for grade five and six students and is held immediately after school on Friday, October 27, from 3:15-4:30 PM. The cost to attend the event is $20. Your students may bring their money to the office or on the day of the event. The fee covers pizza, snacks, drinks, and goodies.

The 7/8 Fall Dance is also being held on Friday, October 27, from 7-9 PM. The cost to enter the dance is $10 for each student.

NOTE: If either of these events poses a financial hardship for your family, please reach out to the Middle School office. We do not want anyone to miss if they want to attend!

Weather Is A Changin!
As a reminder, we have recess daily! We also go outside every day unless it is raining, or the temperature is below -10 degrees. It is time for you to make sure that your middle schooler has a coat, gloves, hats, and all other weather gear to be outside—even if they won’t always wear them!

That’s all for now. Take care of each other and be well.

PS: I hope you will take the time to read my guest Head’s Message this week, which can be found here.

MPA Athletic Updates

October 26, 2023

MPA Panthers Qualify for State Cross Country Meet

On a very rainy day earlier this week, Megan Snider, Eddie Snider, and Ben Murr qualified to race at the State Cross Country Meet! Megan and Eddie were both Section Champions, with Megan setting a new school record by almost 15 seconds! Ben will run in his first Cross Country State Championship to cap off his senior year. The boys team also had a strong third-place finish. Congratulations to the entire team and their coaches, alums Declan Dahlberg and Ellie Quam, and Middle School science teacher Courtney Nagle. Go Panthers!

MPA Rowers Compete in Boston Boston At The Head of the Charles

MPA students David Steinberger and Andy Taylor competed in the world’s largest international regatta at the Head of the Charles in Boston, placing 22nd out of 47 teams in the Men’s Youth 4x+. The boys masterfully executed their race plan and went stroke for stroke against the best rowers in the world. This top-half placement secures an automatic bid next year at this world-renowned rowing race. Up next for MPA rowers is The Head of the Hooch in Tennessee, where Abby Appleton, David Steinberger, Andy Taylor, and Bella Carson will continue their dominance in representing the best of Minnesota rowing! Read More

MPA Students Selected For Art Invitational

October 26, 2023

Please join the art department in congratulating the following artists, who had work selected for inclusion in the Shattuck St. Mary’s 18th Annual Art Invitational.

Their work will be part of a juried exhibition at Shattuck St. Mary’s School. The exhibition opens October 26 and runs through November 14.

Leo Eakin: Drawing, 3^rd Place Award
Aixa Kellermann: Drawing
Teagan Swanson: Art and Design
Thura Zaw: Drawing
Yuhan Zou: Drawing

Parents Association News and Events October 26, 2023

October 26, 2023

Thank You!
The Parents Association would like to thank everyone who donated items and participated in the Fall Staff Appreciation Week. We are grateful to our community for helping to keep our staff fed and hydrated during conference week.

Community Coffees This Weekend!
Saturday, October 28, 9-11 AM
The MPA Parents Association invites parents to stop in to a neighborhood community coffee being held throughout the Twin Cities this Saturday, October 28! Please join the one nearest to you anytime between 9 AM and 11 AM. There will be MPA table signage at each of the coffee shops so families can identify the MPA group. Stay tuned for additional locations to be added later this year.

North Oaks: Taste of Scandinavia
845 Village Center Dr, North Oaks, MN 55127, hosted by Christine Larson
Woodbury: Dunn Bros
10060 City Walk Dr, Suite 104, Woodbury, MN 55129, hosted by Staci Banks-Hehenberger
Stillwater: You & Me Cafe
826 4th St. S, Stillwater MN 55082, hosted by Seema Anwar
South Minneapolis
4908 Washburn Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410, hosted by Erika Beernink at her home
St Paul
1916 Fairmount Ave, St. Paul MN 55105, hosted by Michaela Jahnke at her home

A huge thank you to all of our gracious hosts! If you have any questions, please contact Julie Bixby at jbixbyPA@moundsparkacadem y.org. We hope to see you there!

Lower School Halloween Party Volunteers
We are seeking volunteers to help out during the LS Halloween Party in the Lansing Center. Kids will enjoy games, crafts, activities, and an obstacle course. Join us for part of the day or the whole day. Sign up to volunteer here by Friday, 10/27. The LS Halloween parade will follow the party at 2:30 PM. Should you have any questions, please email msotoPA@moundsparkacademy.org.

Volunteer in the MPA Garden!
We are looking for volunteers to help with the MPA garden before the weather gets too cold. No previous gardening experience is necessary. No long term commitment is necessary either. We typically meet either Thursday or Friday mornings after drop off, but can also meet at other times as well. If interested, please contact Sara Carroll at smtanaka@gmail.com or Tenia Kalogeropoulou at tenia2@yahoo.com. Read More

Your Gift, Their Future, Bethany Branan ‘98

October 23, 2023

Dear MPA Alumni,

School is in full swing, and it’s the perfect time to reflect on the lasting impact of our alumni community and the incredible potential we have to make a difference. Mounds Park Academy has always been a place where students are nurtured, dreams are dreamt and realized, and leaders for positive change are encouraged. As MPA alumni, we’ve experienced firsthand the power of education, the joy of a diverse and inclusive community, and what it means to dream big and do right.

It’s in that spirit of nostalgia and giving that you are invited to join us in the 2023 “Your Gift, Their Future” Fall Campaign. With your support, we can ensure MPA students, faculty, and staff have the tools, resources, and support they need for a bright future.

Please Save The Date
The Fall Campaign will be November 11-November 18, culminating with Give to the Max Day on November 16. This one week is a pivotal time when we can all come together to help achieve MPA’s fundraising goal of $500,000 to support teachers, students, and the entire community. Your gift, regardless of its size, holds the potential to make a profound impact and will play a vital role in shaping the future of our school.

Why I Give
As an alumna and MPA parent of two, I’m continually amazed and inspired by the passion my daughters have for school and education. They are not just students; they are young learners who are constructively challenged every day. Whether it’s the rigors of Singapore math, the imaginative wonders of Makers Space STEM projects, the character-building assemblies, or even the thrill of authoring their first book with vibrant illustrations, MPA is all about fostering curiosity and understanding.

MPA students are taught to seek the “whys” and the “hows,” to embrace their mistakes as stepping stones to improvement, to practice kindness and thoughtfulness, and to appreciate the sheer joy of learning for learning’s sake. It’s a truly unique and special environment.

What is also extraordinary is the community that flourishes here. When I reunite with fellow MPA alumni, there’s an immediate camaraderie, an unspoken understanding that transcends the years. We all share a common bond, an acknowledgment that we’ve been gifted a treasure chest of tools and the skills to use those tools to make the world a better place.

My donation to MPA is not just an investment in the school but also in future leaders, thinkers, and dreamers. To support exceptional education that empowers students to explore, grow, and impact the world.

Choose Your Impact & and Make A Gift
This year, I encourage you to choose your impact and direct your gift in one or all of the following ways: Academic Innovation, Access, Arts, Athletics. Contribute to the areas that resonate with your heart and experiences.

Please visit moundsparkacademy.org/support or reach out via email at giving@moundsparkacademy.org to learn about different giving options.

Thank you for your support of Mounds Park Academy. Together, we can make an impact and ensure the legacy of our alma mater continues to thrive.

Explore The PreK-12 MPA Preview Sessions

October 17, 2023

The MPA Preview on November 5 is a signature PreK-12 event 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 with academic leaders, experience mini-lessons taught by expert teachers, and leave with a much better understanding of the MPA way.

Explore the mini-lesson sessions at each division level that will be taught at the Preview on November 5, 2023! Read More

Sharing Our Experiences

October 12, 2023

from Bill Hudson, head of school

I first heard of Mounds Park Academy from a neighbor whose son attended MPA. That was over 25 years ago, and although I wouldn’t have imagined at the time that I would become the head of school, MPA captured my imagination. The school they described seemed too good to be true, but upon further research, and now from my first-hand experience as a parent and head of school, I know it is true.

October is Share MPA Month, a way for our community to come together and show our support for MPA by spreading awareness of our school. It is human nature to want to share that which has had an impact on us. Whether it is a new movie, TV show, book, or podcast—even a school—we are naturally inclined to want to share our experience with others. Sharing your love of MPA with those who may not yet be familiar with our school is, by nature, a generous act of kindness—you are trying to help the prospective family find a wonderful school community and a second home.

Community member referrals are the most important way that new families come to MPA. Current families have vast networks of people, including friends, colleagues, neighbors, extended family members, acquaintances through activities, and more. When a family comes to us via a community member referral, we know they are mission-aligned and likely to be an excellent fit. Read More