Middle School Archives

Middle School Division News May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, May 23: MS G7 Washington, D.C. Trip
Monday, May 26: No Classes, Memorial Day
Wednesday, May 28: MS Field Day, 12:30-3 PM, Varsity Field
Thursday, May 29: MS Field Day (Rain Day), 12:30-3 PM, Varsity Field
Thursday, May 29: MS G5 Science Fair, 2:30-3 PM, MS Hallways and Room 128
Friday, May 30: MS G5/6 Canoe Trip, Off Campus
Friday, May 30: MS G7/8 Music Trip, Valleyfair
Tuesday, June 3: End of Quarter 4
Tuesday, June 3: MS G4 and 8 Moving Up Ceremony, 1:30-3 PM, Nicholson Center
Tuesday, June 3: G8 Lock-In, 6 PM
Wednesday, June 4: Last Day of School/Early Release, 10:30 AM
Wednesday, June 4: Yearbook Assembly, 8:15-9:45 AM, Nicholson Center

It is hard to believe that this is my last Panther Post of the school year. Are we really wrapping this school year up in the next two weeks? This year has been filled with so much joy; it is hard to capture it all in one post. One of the things I am most proud of is the fact that every Middle School student was able to “Dream Big” or “Do Right” this year through our Dream Big, Do Right Advisory Challenge.

This year, we made sure to meet, as a Middle School, once or twice a month in our Middle School Meetings. This time was meant to bring us together as a community, reflect on the year, and have students make announcements and share their work—from poetry to prose, Spanish skits and music performances, we had play previews and i-Term highlights shared. One constant throughout our Middle School meetings was the Dream Big, Do Right Advisory Challenge. At each meeting, a new advisory was chosen to do something for our MPA or the broader Twin Cities community, either by dreaming big or doing right.

Reflections From The MPA Class Of 2025 Lifers

May 22, 2025

Approaching the end of their final year roaming the halls of MPA as students, we had the honor of interviewing many of the MPA Class of 2025 Lifers about their experiences at MPA, the only school they’ve attended for their entire academic careers.

All incredibly talented students with well-versed backgrounds in the arts, athletics, and academics shared memories and reflections of MPA past and present, looking toward the future well prepared by MPA. Ari Williams, Henry Schwartz, Camdyn Magnuson, Quentin Hawley, Navreen Biring, Lucia Braith, and Rowan Mulrooney are all set to graduate on May 31, joining the Joanne Olson Club, reserved for students whose entire K-12 or PreK-12 journey has taken place here at MPA.

Choosing a school for 13 years means becoming part of a close-knit community where every child is truly seen and supported. So we asked: How has MPA’s community supported and shaped you as a student, a human being, and a young person?

Henry: The teachers get to know you really well. Recently, Ms. Murr in class made a recommendation for a book that I might like based on how she knows me. I know you wouldn’t get that anywhere else. It’s really cool. It teaches you how to ask questions because the teachers have that kind of connection with you, and it’s not scary to go up to them, even if it’s your first year having this teacher.

Rowan: My entire identity has been shaped by Mounds Park Academy, but especially when referring to the college application process, I would not nearly have been able to do what I did without the help of Dr. Quam. Especially hearing from other schools, their systems that they have set up for college health are not nearly the same. Especially with teachers, it’s very one-on-one and very helpful. Read More

Portrait Of A Founder

May 15, 2025

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of Jim Gardner, a founding board member of Mounds Park Academy, alumni parent, alumni grandparent, and generous benefactor. Jim lived a life of quiet impact, marked by deep love for his family, steadfast generosity, and tireless commitment to the institutions and communities he believed in, including MPA, YMCA Camp Widjiwagan, and the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Jim and Joan enrolled their son, Matt, at MPA before we had a building, a curriculum, or even teachers. They were drawn to Bob and Sandy Kreischer Smith’s vision of a school that would see their child as a whole person and nurture him as an engaged learner. On the car ride home from his admission interview in May 1982, they made the decision to enroll. That act of faith—choosing an idea over certainty—helped bring MPA to life.

When Matt tragically passed away in 2006, Jim and Joan created the Matthew Gardner Scholarship, which continues to support students of modest means. That legacy—like their son—is deeply woven into the fabric of this school.

Jim’s contributions didn’t stop there. A friend and board member, Karen Benz, recruited Jim early on to help with MPA’s first budget. He was a banker, a property manager, and, at the time, one of the few people with a home computer capable of creating spreadsheets. He once joked, “For some reason, at this point, I was put on the board and made treasurer of an organization that looked like it might go broke.” But Jim knew that if we were to build trust with families, we had to finish our first year in the black. And under his careful watch, we did. Read More

Five Things To Know About MPA From Aili R.

May 14, 2025

A lot of things make MPA special, but for eighth grader Aili, these are the top five things that stand out the most!

1. MPA allows students to express themselves.

There is a large variety of after-school activities and electives available for us to choose from. There are instrumental groups, theatre productions, sport teams, and so much more. Everyone is welcome to join, and all are very welcoming and friendly.

2. We have fun assemblies and social events.

MPA has many assemblies, such as Give To The Max Day and pairing assemblies, and events throughout the school year, such as concerts and shows, that allow us to interact with peers and students from other grades. During these events and assemblies, we get the opportunity to participate and support our friends.

3. I love that MPA is PreK-12.

As a PreK-12 school, I am able to have friends of all ages and grades. This allows me to be able to have friends from Upper School through extracurriculars instead of only students in my grade. Read More

The Power Of PreK-12

May 13, 2025

What is it about a PreK-12 learning environment that is uniquely powerful? Beyond just academics, this type of community fosters a sense of continuity, belonging, and deep-rooted connection that enriches the student experience. From the first day of school to graduation, students are surrounded by a familiar group of peers who nurture their growth and support their dreams. At MPA, this all-encompassing model creates a dynamic environment where meaningful relationships flourish, learning is intentionally built upon, and students are empowered to thrive.

Social Benefits

An amazing part of attending a PreK-12 school is that students are able to foster long-term, meaningful relationships with their peers (across all grades and divisions) and the adults in the building who know them well. Most adults can easily tell you about a teacher who impacted their lives–imagine if those teachers could stay in your life for an extended period of time and watch you grow. At the end of the year, after our seniors celebrate their last day of classes with each other in the Upper School commons, the next place they often head is to the Lower School to see the teachers who were fundamental in the foundation of their academic journey.

We often say it takes a village. When students truly find their village, they find a home here where they are supported, known, and seen for exactly who they are. And we have seen what happens to students who spend time in the MPA village. They blossom into confident, self-assured, generous students who dream big and do right.

Academic Benefits

At MPA, we have a comprehensive and cohesive curriculum because we are a PreK-12 space. Because we all work in the same building, we know what comes next and how to prepare students for the next step in their education. Communication between teachers and divisions allows for a smooth transition. Our faculty members are able to have conversations about where they have found success with each student and some challenges that each student might encounter in the future. Those conversations allow students and parents to come into a new grade or division without feeling like they are completely starting over each year. We are able to build and add to what we already know about a student. Read More

A Project About People

May 8, 2025

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

At Mounds Park Academy, we often speak about creating a school where every student feels seen, valued, and safe. But it’s not enough to say it—we must live it. That’s why I want to share something close to my heart: our initiative to provide additional inclusive, all-gender restrooms specifically in the Upper School.

This project is not just about construction or facilities—it’s about people. It’s about honoring the dignity of every student, employee, and guest who walks through our doors. It’s about ensuring that our school reflects the values we teach: empathy, respect, and belonging.

All-gender restrooms are becoming common in schools across the country because they work. They provide privacy, safety, and affirmation. For some of our students, these spaces are essential to feeling like they belong. For all of our students, they are a lesson in how we care for one another in community.

The renovated restrooms outside of the head’s suite in Upper School will feature fully enclosed stalls and updated designs that prioritize comfort and privacy. This is not just a step forward for some—it’s a benefit to everyone.

We are just $42,000 away from making this vision a reality, and we need your help to cross the finish line.

Middle School Division News May 8, 2025

May 8, 2025

from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, May 9: MS G5/6 Service Day, 8-11:30 AM, Off Campus
Friday, May 9: MS G8 Field Trip, 9 AM-1:30 PM, Off Campus
Friday, May 9: MS Robotics Gathering, 3:30-5:30 PM, Family Commons
Monday, May 12-Friday, May 16: MS G5/8 MAP Testing
Wednesday, May 14: MS G7/8 Affinity Group Meeting, 2:30-3 PM, Panther Center
Thursday, May 15: MS/US Band Concert, 7-8:30 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, May 16: MS G5/6 Student Council Event, 3:30-5 PM, Family Commons
Monday, May 19-Friday, May 23: MS G7 Washington DC Trip
Friday, May 23: US Senior Walk, 1-1:45 PM, MPA Campus
Monday, May 26: No Classes, Memorial Day
Wednesday, May 28: MS Field Day, 12:30-3 PM, Varsity Field
Thursday, May 29: MS Field Day (Rain Day), 12:30-3 PM, Varsity Field

As we enter our final month of school and trade our headlights for sunglasses on the commute into school in the morning, I’m reminded just how hard spring can be for many of our students. Students are balancing end-of-year performances and athletic matches and meets with the change of seasons and routines as they prepare for summer and the possibility of moving into a new grade or division. There’s a lot of outward joy and laughter in our hallways, but that can hide inner uncertainty and anxiety around change.

Recently, Dr. Hudson reminded our faculty to share grace, space, and kindness with each other. “People need grace most when they appear to need it least,” he shared. He talked about how grace looks like leading with patience and forgiveness, flexibility, and compassion. Space is needed for growth to take root, and it looks like giving each other (and our students) the emotional breathing room needed for this growth to occur. And that kindness and forgiveness are gifts that give back to yourself when you offer them to others. He reminded us to lead with curiosity and empathy and to consider treating others not how we want to be treated, but how they want to be treated.

The month of May brings with it so much joy and so much emotion. Leaning into these coming days with grace, space, and kindness will help all of us share in the joys of the end of the school year together.

Navigating A Complex, Often Challenging Digital Landscape

May 1, 2025

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

Looking for something to watch over spring break, I happened upon “Adolescence” on Netflix. Once I started watching it, I was hooked. Set in a northern English town, the series centers on 13-year-old Jamie Miller, who is arrested for the murder of a female classmate. The series delves deep into the psychological and social factors that could lead an ordinary teenager to commit such a heinous act. Rather than focusing on a traditional “whodunit” approach, “Adolescence” explores the “whydunit,” examining the influences of online radicalization, toxic masculinity, and societal neglect.

The four-part series is unsettling and deeply thought-provoking, shining a powerful light on some of the complex realities young people face today. While fictional, “Adolescence” captures an urgent truth: the internet is not just a place of harmless entertainment; it’s also shaping how young people see themselves, each other, and the world. “What struck me about the show is that it wasn’t really made for teens at all, but for us adults—to spark conversations about how easily young people can get lost in curated realities online,” said Dr. James Densley, MPA parent and internationally recognized criminologist, bestselling author, and thought leader on violence prevention. (James will be leading a discussion at MPA on Monday—see details below.)

One growing area of concern within the internet is the rise of the manosphere—a network of online spaces where young men and boys are often exposed to unhealthy, even harmful, ideas about masculinity, gender, and identity. What begins as advice about fitness, confidence, or success can quickly spiral into narratives that promote anger, blame, and misogyny. These messages are often hidden in gaming communities, social media influencers’ posts, and algorithm-driven content that adolescents encounter every day.

Come Sail With Us!

April 30, 2025

Students in first through sixth grade from Mounds Park Academy are invited to experience the excitement of sailing—for free—during a special introductory event hosted by White Bear Sailing School just for MPA!

The event will be held Saturday, June 7, from 12:30 to 2:30 PM at the White Bear Sailing School! Participants will have the opportunity to meet coaches, learn new skills, and get out on the water.

Sailing is offered at Mounds Park Academy as a club sport beginning in seventh grade, with activities in both the fall and spring. The club is coached and hosted by White Bear Sailing School.

White Bear Sailing School also offers a variety of summer camps for youth of all experience levels, ranging from beginner Opti camps for ages seven to 11, to advanced racing programs for teens up to age 18. Programs include all-day camps, learn-to-race sessions, and competitive race teams.

Students and families interested in participating in the June 7 event can sign up here! Or, if interested in a summer camp, find more information and register online by clicking here.

Music And The Brain

April 29, 2025

At Mounds Park Academy, music is much more than an extracurricular activity. It plays a vital part in a child’s cognitive and emotional development by engaging the brain in ways few other disciplines can. It sharpens memory, strengthens attention, and boosts language skills. But beyond academic growth, music also nurtures empathy, creativity, and social and emotional intelligence through composing, performing, or simply listening. This is why music plays an essential role in Mounds Park Academy’s whole child, progressive, college-preparatory curriculum, PreK through grade 12.

In a time when standardized testing is heavily emphasized and there are rising concerns about math and science scores within our nation, parents might question MPA’s emphasis on arts education. From the school’s founding, our curriculum has reflected an intentional balance between academics and the arts. Through new and emerging research, we now know they were correct.

Cognitive Benefits of Music Education

The Frontiers in Neuroscience article, “How Musical Training Affects Cognitive Development,” states that children exposed to musical training have better verbal memory, language pronunciation and accuracy, reading ability, and executive functions, because of how the brain processes sound. Nina Kraus, author of “Of Sound Mind,” said “People think of the hearing brain as being a silo within the brain. In fact, our hearing engages our cognitive, sensory, motor, and reward systems.” Music learning is so powerful because it engages every one of the above systems into a single activity. Kraus asks us to consider playing the violin. “To play the violin, a student coordinates their motor, cognitive, and sensory system to be able to put their fingers on the correct strings and move the bow at the right time; to read musical notes on a sheet of music and know what sounds they represent; and to hear if the pitches and rhythms are correct and coordinating with other players at the same time,” she goes on to say that this elicits a certain feeling from the student playing the music, which triggers the reward system within the brain. Engaging these different systems makes learning music one of the richest and deepest brain activities humans can perform. Simply put, “Teachers resoundingly tell me that children who participate in creating music do better in school,” Kraus states. Read More