Middle School Archives

February 27, 2023

What position will you be holding at MPA?
Extended Day and Summer Program Site Manager

From what school/organization are you coming?
Public schools and a private tutoring center.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
My journey as an educator started back in my home country of Kenya. I volunteered as a Sunday School teacher, nanny, and substitute teacher for two terms at the elementary grade levels. I then received a diploma in Early Childhood and started working as an assistant teacher with various school clubs in international and private schools. I acquired more diplomas in Special Education, Software Applications, and soon after, a Bachelor’s in Education and Counseling with Geography and English.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
MPA has an international feel. The students are wonderfully respectful, curious, and love to learn. The staff body is warm, engaging, appreciative, helpful, and present professionalism in their roles towards students and colleagues. I have experienced schools of different backgrounds here in America but MPA’s motto, mission, and values make me feel that my skills and experiences are appreciated more.

What’s your big dream?
My dream is to continue my studies while positively impacting the world, especially those in underprivileged situations. I have a passion for education accessibility for school-age children and a passion for healthy, accessible nutrition and stable shelter for the at-risk elderly population.

What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I love elephants! They’re my favorite animals. Even though I’ve seen them face to face, I try not to squeal loudly in excitement whenever I see a sculpture, picture, or video of elephants.

The Challenge And Inspiration of Change

February 23, 2023

from Lamar Shingles, director of equity and belonging

Editor’s Note: Periodically, you will find a guest Head’s Message here from one of MPA’s administrators. We hope you enjoy reading their thoughts and reflections about life at MPA.

If you ask anyone who knows me well, I have a deep fascination with understanding how things work. My mother recalls many instances where her home and possessions became a canvas for me to explore my mechanical inclination, two of which would define me above all others. She loves to reminisce about how I used to take apart working kitchen appliances and put them back together before I was old enough for kindergarten. Infamously, there was the time she came home from shopping with a friend to find that her ambitious high schooler had rendered her car unroadworthy, determined to find the issue, and fix it. As she looked precariously upon the bevy of unidentifiable parts strewn across the front lawn, instinctively, her mind searched for ways to fix her car—and me. However, as she observed and allowed initial emotions to subside, she recognized the most important thing to do was embrace my intrinsic motivation to “work the problem.” Not only did this establish the necessary conditions for learning to occur in the moment, but it also expanded my capacity to identify and resolve problems in the future.

While I ultimately did not become the NASA engineer my mother probably assumed I would be, the lessons I learned influenced my career path, nonetheless. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) work is uniquely challenging. It is intentionally disruptive of the status quo. It is difficult to define, and few standards exist to guide the way. Progress and success can be even more difficult to identify as they are predicated on both individual and collective exploration and growth. I often think of the work as an iceberg, 10% is what everyone can see, while 90% exists below the surface.

2024ward outlines a strategic vision that defines the guiding principle of DEIB work: “Deepen our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging and ensure it is reflected in our policies, programs, and practices and in the life and culture of the MPA community.” Such a commitment requires an approach that must be as unique as MPA itself. It will also require resilience, creativity, empathy, and participation from all within our community.

This year has marked real progress in our DEIB journey. At the core, we are continuing to build our capacity to define and sustain this work while building off previous work. Administration has participated in True Colors and Intercultural Development Inventory trainings that enhance our ability to collectively and effectively lead MPA. Student support has been significantly elevated with the addition of assistant director of equity and belonging, Samantha Sanchez. Faculty have begun training in Culturally Responsive Teaching practices that will help us understand and address implicit bias in the classroom. Employee affinity groups have emerged. A faculty and staff equity and belonging committee has been established that is working to define shared language and equity standards that will dovetail with our curriculum review process. The MPA Parents Association established a DEI committee and paved the way for the creation of affinity groups for parents of LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse students, and the ability to form more groups going forward. We have also recognized and are actively working to improve how we address the needs of our international students and provide greater support for our host families, who selflessly open their homes to our international students.

Implementation is and will continue to be a multifaceted journey with many destinations. Guy Kawasaki once stated, “Ideas are easy. Implementation is hard.” I have been asked many times, “why do you do this work?” My response brings me back full circle to the intrinsic motivation my mother helped to cultivate. This is challenging work. But most importantly, it is work with purpose that is inseparable from my internal desire to leave MPA better than I found it.

Middle School Division News February 23, 2023

February 23, 2023

from Jenn Milam, Middle School director

Important Dates and Upcoming Events
February 21-24: SnoDaze Week
February 27-March 3:     iTERM 2023
March 6-17: MPA Spring Break
March 20: Classes Resume
March 31: End of Quarter 3
April 3: GRADING DAY – No Classes

A special thank you to all who joined us at Badlands for Middle School Snow Tubing this year! Fun was had by all, and I am especially grateful to Christine Larson and our Parents Association for their coordination of a fantastic group of parents to start our bonfire, order our food truck, and coordinate all the tiny details required to pull off a full-divisional outing!

Look for more opportunities soon to gather and build connections in the Middle School.

iTERM 2023—Travel, Play, Dream, and Learn!
In just a few days, iTERM 2023 will begin – a week of passion-driven, inquiry and exploration in a chosen area, alongside peers from all grades in the middle school, and led by a teacher (or two!) and maybe even a tour guide! Your students have been entered into Schoology courses where they will get updates, information, announcements, and other key information for their week.

New Articles from Freethinker
The latest edition of the MPA Upper School online newspaper, the Freethinker, is available. Please take a moment to see what’s new here.

iTerm Expectations
Students have lunch as usual, each day, just as they always do! Your student should plan to bring lunch or eat at school (if they have a purchased lunch plan) unless otherwise told by their instructor/course leader. Some of the courses involve cooking, field trips to markets in the city, or other excursions, but for the most part, lunch is at MPA right after recess, every day.

The day begins at 8 AM and ends at 3 PM, just like always! You should follow regular drop-off and pick-up procedures.
Their iTERM course leader will tell them what they need to bring if anything. They should wear comfortable clothes and shoes and plan not to change for PE.
They can bring snacks, water bottle, and any other creature comfort they normally use. Please follow the dress code, per usual.
The days are full, active, engaged, and so much fun – expect a tired middle schooler at the end of the day.
Behavior and conduct expectations remain high and students are expected to show up, participate, engage, and be a good and contributing member of our community.
If your student is traveling to Ely for Dogsledding or to Quebec or Costa Rica, your course leaders have been in touch with details about travel, packing lists, and more. Please read thoroughly all communication in preparation for these trips!
The best part about this week is there is no homework assigned, no schedule, no grades—it’s a week of learning and exploring, for the fun of it!
We encourage students to be caught up, as much as possible, by the end of this week, as there is no time for school assignments during this week. Projects, outstanding assignments, and other schoolwork, should be completed at home and submitted prior to spring break to avoid missing the two-week grace period to submit late assignments.
There is NO study hall offered after school during iTERM week – because there no homework!
School dismisses promptly at 3 PM on Friday to head into Spring Break!

Parents Association News & Events February 23, 2023

February 23, 2023

Thank You!
A big thank you to everyone who brought in snacks and drinks for this week’s Faculty and Staff Appreciation.

MS Snow Tubing Food Drive
Extended through Friday, February 24
It’s your last chance to participate! Bring non-perishable food items to your advisory. The items will be donated to the North St. Paul Food Shelf. Since 1979, the food shelf has been dedicated to helping families in need of food. Food shelves have been especially strained with rising food prices. Let’s put our MPA values into action and support our local food shelf!

Dessert and Dialogue with Mr. Segal
Tuesday, February 28, 6:30-8 PM
Upper School parents, please join us in the Porter Conference Room for Dessert and Dialogue with Mr. Segal. In lieu of a quarterly parent coffee for US parents, Mr. Segal will be hosting an evening where he’ll update families on the latest happenings in US, and will open it up for questions and dialogue. Meet other parents, hear school updates and engage in great discussions. RSVP required. Please RSVP to: jbixby@me.com.

MPA All-School Gluten-Free Cooking Class with Kate Thrane Has Been Rescheduled
New Date: April 13, 5:30-7 PM
MPA alum Kate travels here from Boston, and we do not want her to be caught in the storm. Please join us on the new date to learn all about the joy of cooking gluten-free. In the meantime, you can catch her recipes on Instagram at @theglutenlessmaximus.

2023-24 MPAPA Strategic Planning Meeting
March 1, 2-3 PM, in the Porter Conference Room
Are you a parent who would like to be more involved in volunteering at MPA? The MPAPA will be meeting to discuss planning for the 2023-24 School Year. Please join Dr. Bill Hudson, Jennifer Rogers, and the PA Board to share your feedback about events and be part of the planning process for the upcoming school year. We hope to see you there! Read More

Eighth Grade Engineers Demonstrate The Spirit Of Collaboration

February 22, 2023

This year’s Future Cities project has produced some incredibly impressive work. After winning accolades at the state level, MPA’s VAXA team—Josh M., Carter S., Julia A., Finley H., and Grace K.—had the honor of competing at the national level in Washington, D.C. this week. Two other MPA teams flourished at the regional level as well, earning MPA three special awards: Engineering Excellence, Outstanding Essay, and Best Infrastructure System. Read more about MPA’s success at the state competition here.

Team VAXA arrived safely in Washington, D.C. last Saturday. Though their Future City model arrived in less-than-ideal condition, it was rebuilt with Mr. Braafladt and Mr. Milam’s guidance and assistance to all its former glory. Judging for the Main Event and Special Awards took place, and VAXA presented three times, back-to-back, to three different panels of judges. This process was a diligent and arduous experience that tested the students’ skills, preparation, and knowledge. Though we were not recognized formally this year, Dr. Milam expressed that “being chosen to represent the state of Minnesota at Nationals in Washington D.C. is this year’s award for hard work, creativity, and innovation.” This level of accomplishment for the Future Cities project is a first for MPA, “but I feel certain it won’t be the last time we make our mark in the Capitol city,” she says. Beyond the competition and Future Cities Discovery-E activities, Ms. Murr was able to coordinate with some MPA alumni in the D.C. area and they joined Team VAXA for public viewing of the models at the competition venue. They then ventured out that evening for dinner together. Having MPA students together, current and former, was true MPA magic! Team VAXA also took time to visit the African American History Museum, Aerospace Museum, and walk around the National Mall while in D.C. We’re so appreciative of our alumni coming to support and connect with our current students!

A very special thank you goes to all who supported the students’ work, and very heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Milam, Mr. Braafladt, and Ms. Murr for traveling to D.C. with this incredible group of young engineers. Additional kudos to the awesome eighth grade team, Ms. Atchison, Ms. MacPhail, and Ms. Phillips, who all played important roles in Team VAXA’s success.

Mr. Milam recounted his experience and said, “To end this six-month Future Cities journey surrounded by MPA alumni, parents, board members, teachers, and students was among the most incredible experiences of my professional career. All my eighth graders dreamed big and did right!”

Finally, a huge shout-out to this incredible eighth-grade class, Class of 2027! They worked hard, supported each other, rallied together to polish Team VAXA’s model and presentation before D.C., and truly demonstrated the MPA spirit of collaboration, teamwork, and joyful learning. View the full album of photos from the trip here.

The Evolution Of Our Science Curriculum

February 16, 2023

from Bill Hudson, head of school

In high school, science was not my strong suit. Although I did well, I was only really passionate about science in my senior year when I discovered physics. It was a watershed moment for me, and physics helped me to develop a genuine interest in and true passion for science. I only wish I had it earlier in my academic career. Forty years later, I’m happy that today’s students have opportunities I didn’t.

The Upper School science curriculum has undergone a well-planned, research-based evolution over the last four years. The new science curriculum is a comprehensive program that coordinates mathematics with science as a coherent whole with a distinct view of how each concept builds a framework upon previous learning. Physics, traditionally taught in twelfth grade, is now taught in the ninth-grade year. Biology is taught in the sophomore year and chemistry in the junior year. This new sequence now allows for a series of science electives to be offered in the senior year, building upon this new scope and sequence. The new electives give students a choice and the ability to go deeper into a particular field of science. Read More

Parents Association News & Events February 16, 2023

February 16, 2023

Thank You!
A big thank you to everyone who brought in snacks and drinks for this week’s Faculty and Staff Appreciation.

MS Snow Tubing Food Drive
Extended through Friday, February 24
Bring non-perishable food items to your advisory. The items will be donated to the North St. Paul Food Shelf. Since 1979, the food shelf has been dedicated to helping families in need of food. Food shelves have been especially strained with rising food prices. Let’s put our MPA values into action and support our local food shelf!

Calling all Cooks!
Thursday, February 23, 5:30 PM
Please join MPA Alum and Instagrammer Kate Thrane for an evening of Gluten-Free Cooking tips! Kate will share information about living gluten-free, and we will bake some delicious gluten-free cookies! Hope to see you in the MPA Teaching Kitchen on February 23, 5:30 PM. Please RSVP to Staci Banks, sbhehe42@icloud.com, so we can be sure to get enough ingredients for the event.

We’re Looking for a Middle School Division Lead
The MPAPA is actively seeking a Middle School Division Lead/Co-Leads to join the it’s Board of Directors through June 1, 2023. The MS Division Lead partners with the Board and Dr. Jenn Milam to support the PA’s mission as well as carrying out MS traditions through the end of this school year. This parent/guardian will be asked to contribute in the following ways:

Support MS Grade Reps in hosting grade level socials and End-Of-Year Parties (share ideas and coordinate efforts to maximize community building)
Meet quarterly with the MS Division Director
Be an inclusive resource for MPA families seeking information about PA events and initiatives
Support faculty and staff during Conference Weeks and other special events as requested by the MS Division Director
Meet monthly for a PA Board of Directors meeting
Host monthly summer community gatherings of your choice

Interested in learning more? Please contact Staci Banks or Christine Larson, MPAPA Co-Presidents at sbankspa@moundsparkacademy.org or clarsonpa@moundsparkacademy.org.

Kindness Is In Our DNA

February 9, 2023

from Bill Hudson, head of school

Several weeks ago, I spent over an hour on the phone trying to clear up an issue with the automatic payment for our cell phone. We suspected possible fraud and had canceled the credit card on file, but I forgot to update my payment method with the service provider. I like to think of myself as easygoing and patient. Still, my frustration grew to anger as I tried to navigate the online customer service portal. Later, after spending more time than I had on hold, I wasn’t very kind to the customer service representative I spoke with. It wasn’t my best moment.

In a recent Harvard Business Review article, Christine Porath of Georgetown University says there’s been a definite increase in angry, uncivil, and obnoxious behavior in many workplaces around the world, including businesses, hospitals, restaurants, airlines, hotels, stores, and schools. In a 2005 survey, about half of workers said they were treated rudely at work at least once a month. In 2011, the percentage rose to 55%, in 2016 it was 62%, and in 2022 it was 76%, with 78% saying they witnessed incivility in their workplace at least once a month. Incivility is harmful both physically and mentally.

The number one cause of incivility? Stress. In a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) world, complete with social and political divisiveness, it’s not a surprise. According to Porath, the antidotes to incivility in the business world are hiring well, training and coaching, empathy, recognizing and rewarding civility, and modeling. These interventions are similar to what might occur in a school community. It is my experience after working with, and in many different schools, the culture of kindness at MPA is the strongest I’ve encountered. I believe it is in the cultural DNA of MPA. Read More

Middle School Division February 9, 2023

February 9, 2023

from Jenn Milam, Middle School director

This time of year can seem like a never-ending series of not-so-exciting repetitive routines and recurring tasks, especially when the weather is cold, we spend most of our days indoors, and schedules get busy. This is why we have strategically placed a good bit of our “fun” at this time of year. More, Middle school students, like their younger peers in Lower School, also need opportunities to play, even if that play looks different. One thing we all do, all students PreK-12, is have recess! Recess is important (and required!) part of your student’s day (think VITAMIN D and social time!) and I encourage you, to encourage them to bring appropriate outerwear to be outside. Students are not allowed to “opt out” of recess or choose to stay indoors.

You can read about the importance of play for Middle School students in this great article from the Hechinger Report.

We are looking forward to a few weeks of excitement in the Middle School as we get ready for our snow tubing event, look toward iTERM, and send our Minnesota State Future Cities champions off to Washington DC to compete in the national competition.

Join Us! Middle School Matters: A Community Book Study!
Middle School is a time of rapid changes, new experiences, and sometimes, perplexing encounters in a new world in which we (parents!) did not grow up! In partnership with Ms. Cooper, our school counselor, and Ms. Meras, our new Middle School Dean, I will be hosting a community book study this spring. We will do a shared reading of “Middle School Matters: The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond—and How Parents Can Help” by Phyllis L. Fagell.  

We will meet four times, to align with the four major sections of the text, via zoom, to discuss, share, wonder, worry, ponder, and problem-solve alongside teachers, experts, and other community members the mystery and magnificence of the middle school years. We invite you to have dinner with your family, put your feet up, pour a drink of something you enjoy, and meet us online, the following dates at 7:30 PM, from the comfort of your living room! 

Wednesday, February 22, 2023 (Values and Integrity) 
Thursday, March 23, 2023 (Social Skills) 
Wednesday, April 19, 2023 (Learning) 
Thursday, May 18, 2023 (Empowerment and Resilience)

We will have guest speakers and experts for each of the four sections of the text and will share our own personal journey in raising spirited, well-balanced, resilient, kind, and good humans.   Read More

Parents Association News & Events February 9, 2023

February 9, 2023

Thank You!
A big thank you to everyone who brought in snacks and drinks for this week’s Faculty and Staff Appreciation.

Show Your Love, Volunteer for the Lower School Valentine’s Day Party
February 14, 8:30 AM-2:30 PM
The LS Valentine’s Day party is coming up! This year’s festivities will take place in the Lansing Sports Center. Join us for the day or during your student’s assigned party time. Sign up to volunteer here.

MS Snow Tubing in 2023
Thursday, February 16, 2-4:45 PM
Additional guest registration is due February 13. All Middle School students and their families are invited to this year’s snow tubing community event at Badlands Snow Park, 772 Kinney Road Hudson, WI 54016. Outside winter gear is a must (no scarves). Bring a helmet if you’d like and cash for snacks.

Registration
Parents can meet us at the snow park for fun and fellowship. We ask that students begin departing at 4:45 PM. If you cannot meet us at the park, your student can return to MPA via bus where you can pick them up at 5 PM. Please indicate your additional ticket needs and
transportation plans here.

Additional Guests
All family members are encouraged to attend! The Parents Association is sponsoring the cost of MS students to tube. Adults and sibling guests are welcome to tube from 2-4:45 PM at $15 per guest. Please pay for your additional tubers: Read More