Parents Association News & Events September 8, 2022

Wednesday Morning Walks
Wednesdays at 8 AM
The Parents Association invites parents and guardians to get together Wednesday mornings after drop-off with Michelle Mick. We’ll meet at the flagpole near the Lower School entrance. Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School families are welcome. Chat with new parents and connect with friends. Younger children are welcome to walk with us. Questions? Contact Michelle Mick at mwesselyPA@moundsparkacademy.org.

Gardening at MPA: Harvest Days
Saturday, September 10 and Saturday, October 1, 9-11 AM
This Saturday, September 10th will be a gardening day from 9 – 11am. We’ll be harvesting what we’ve grown in the garden along with continuing upkeep. All families are welcome. The second harvest day happens on October 1 from 9 – 11am. Questions? Contact Michelle Mick at mwesselyPA@moundsparkacademy.org.

Gardening at MPA
Thursdays at 8 AM
Enjoy the Monarch butterflies filling up before their long migration down to Mexico — pop into the Library gardens after drop-off and see them flitting around the Liatris (long purple flower). In addition, we are calling all those who want to spend some time outside at MPA in the gardens! You’re invited to spend time tidying up, building, sowing, and spuddling around in the dirt surrounded by beautiful flowers and greenery. Come for a few minutes or stay for an hour or two.

All are most welcome including friends and family. We’ll meet outside under the flagpole at the LS entrance, with gardening tools in hand! No gardening experience is necessary. Questions? Contact Michelle Mick at mwesselyPA@moundsparkacademy.org. Read More


Parents Association News & Events June 2, 2022

Open Garden with Michelle Mick
Saturday, June 4 from 3-6 PM
565 Arlington Avenue West, St Paul, MN 55117

For anyone who would like to wander through a rather wild unruly but fun garden in St Paul, our gardening guru, Michelle Mick has graciously offered a tour of her gardens this Saturday, June 4. All are welcome from 3-6 PM to come on over and wander through her gardens. The irises are starting to bloom, as well as many other lovely plants; many natives share their beautiful colors. For those interested, there are three rain gardens out back, boulevard gardens, and solar on the roof too! If there are seeds around, you are most welcome to have some too!

End of Year Grade Events
Pre-K: Saturday, May 28, 2-3:30 PM, MPA playground. Renee Roach, reneetroach@gmail.com
Kindergarten: Wednesday, June 8 at 11 AM Powers Lake Pavilion, Woodbury
Grade 1: Party has already taken place!
Grade 2: June 6, 3:30-5:30 PM, West Park Pavilion and Playground, White Bear Lake nelsonhe5@yahoo.com, latodero@gmail.com
Grade 3: June 8, 11:00 AM-2 PM, SkyZone in Oakdale, Jumping and lunch! nelsonhe5@yahoo.com
Grade 4: June 11, 9:30 AM-12 PM, 10145 Bush Lake Rd., Bloomington, MN 55438. heatherthurmes@gmail.com
Grade 5: June 30, 2-4 PM, West Park in White Bear Lake adenight@siscovers.com
Grade 6: June 8, 5-7 PM, Lake Elmo Park Reserve, North Pavilion, Lake Elmo darcyjerome@comcast.net
Grade 7: June 8 at 11:30 AM, Wakefield Park Shelter #2, Maplewood, MN
Grade 8: June 8, 11 AM-1 PM, Lake Elmo Park Reserve, North Pavilion, Lake Elmo, chrisandmatt1289@gmail.com
Grade 9: June 8, 11 AM-2 PM, Ojibway Park, Ojibway Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125 juliebixby1@gmail.com
Grade 10: June 8, 2-4 PM, Lake Elmo Park Reserve, North Pavilion, Lake Elmo sbhehe42@icloud.com
Grade 11: June 8, 6-8 PM, Ojibway Park, Ojibway Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125
Grade 12: TBD, Valleyfair Event canceled due to COVID.

Meet Some New Families Over the Summer!
Join us for summer fun and to meet new friends and families. We’ve organized a number of events to bring the MPA community together over the summer. All events are for new and returning families. For all the details, download the pdfs below. Read More


Parents Association News & Events May 26, 2022

We Love our Faculty and Staff!
On Friday, May 20 all Staff at MPA were treated to a Pop-Up Staff Appreciation event. This event also coincided with the release of Harry Styles’ new album, so it also doubled as an album release party. At MPA , we appreciate our great staff and great music.

Eighth Grade Moving-Up Ceremony
Tuesday, June 7 from 1:30-3 PM
Our Middle School days are coming to an end very soon! To celebrate our wonderful rising ninth graders please plan on attending the moving-up ceremony on Tuesday, June 7 from 1:30-3 PM.
We will honor each student during this commemorative event and ask for your help to make sure everyone is included. Each student will have their own slide during the presentation to celebrate just them!

Please send three (3) pictures of your eighth grader:

  1. From when they were young
  2. One that captures their personality
  3. One with middle school buddies

You can provide your THREE (3) pictures two ways:

  1. Upload to the PARENTS ASSOCIATION GROUP (Class of 2026) Schoology Group: Album – Eighth Grade Moving Up Photos. Albums are found on the left-hand navigation when you are in the Class of 2026 Parent Association Group.
  2. Or if it’s easier you can email the photos to Christine Larson, Grade Rep at chrisandmatt@hotmail.com

Your photos are due today. If your eighth grader has a fluid identity, may not want pictures of their youth, or any other worry about photos, they can submit any photos they’d like. We just want everyone to be represented and happy!

If you have any questions or concerns about the ceremony, presentation or photos please connect with Dr. Milam.

Open Garden with Michelle Mick
Saturday, May 28 from 9-11 AM and 3-5 PM
565 Arlington Avenue West, St Paul, MN 55117
For anyone who would like to wander through a rather wild unruly but fun garden in St Paul, our gardening guru, Michelle Mick has graciously offered a tour of her gardens this Saturday, May 28. All are welcome from 9-11 AM and 3-5 PM to come on over and wander through her gardens. The irises are starting to bloom, as well as many other lovely plants; many natives share their beautiful colors. For those interested, there are three rain gardens out back, boulevard gardens, and solar on the roof too! If there are seeds around, you are most welcome to have some too!

The address is 565 Arlington Avenue West, St Paul, MN 55117. You can’t miss it, there is a free-stacked stone wall, very English looking! michelle_wessely@yahoo.com

Gardening at MPA
Thursdays at 8 AM
Calling all those who want to spend some time outside, at MPA, in the gardens! You’re invited to spend time in the gardens tidying up, building, sowing, and spuddling around in the dirt. Come for a few minutes or stay for an hour or two. All are most welcome. We’ll meet outside under the flagpole at the Lower School entrance, with gardening tools in hand!

End of Year Grade Events
Pre-K:  Saturday, May 28, 2-3:30 PM, MPA playground. Renee Roach, reneetroach@gmail.com
Kindergarten: Wednesday, June 8 at 11 AM Powers Lake Pavilion, Woodbury
Grade 1: Party has already taken place!
Grade 2: June 6, 3:30-5:30 PM, West Park Pavilion and Playground, White Bear Lake nelsonhe5@yahoo.comlatodero@gmail.com
Grade 3: June 8, 11 AM-2 PM, SkyZone in Oakdale, Jumping and lunch! nelsonhe5@yahoo.com
Grade 4: June 11, 9:30 AM-12 PM, 10145 Bush Lake Rd., Bloomington, MN 55438. heatherthurmes@gmail.com
Grade 5: June 30, 2-4 PM, West Park in White Bear Lake adenight@siscovers.com
Grade 6: June 8, 5-7 PM,  Lake Elmo Park Reserve, North Pavilion, Lake Elmo darcyjerome@comcast.net
Grade 7: June 8 at 11:30 AM, Wakefield Park Shelter #2, Maplewood, MN
Grade 8: June 8, 11 AM-1 PM, Lake Elmo Park Reserve, North Pavilion, Lake Elmo, chrisandmatt1289@gmail.com
Grade 9: June 8, 11 AM-2 PM, Ojibway Park, Ojibway Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125 juliebixby1@gmail.com
Grade 10:  June 8, 2-4 PM, Lake Elmo Park Reserve, North Pavilion, Lake Elmo sbhehe42@icloud.com
Grade 11: June 8, 4-8 PM, Ojibway Park, Ojibway Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125
Grade 12: TBD, Valleyfair Event canceled due to COVID.

Vote for Next Year’s PA Board
The Parents Association (PA) is an organization formed by and for the MPA parents. Every family is automatically a member and eligible to vote. This is your last week to vote for the PA Board. Look for results in the June 2 Panther Post. Please vote for the Executive PA Board for 2022-23 here!

The board position of Community Development Lead is open. This person helps coordinate the Grade Rep Program, organizes a few community events during the year, and attends monthly board meetings. We would love to have a full voting board for the 2022-23 school year.

We are looking for a Grade Rep for the current fourth/rising fifth grade, as well as some co-grade reps at a couple of grade levels.

The PA will be forming Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School committees next school year to help plan our traditional division-specific events.

Please consider getting involved! It is a great way to meet the school community, show our appreciation to faculty and staff, enrich our children’s school experience, all while making new friends and seeing old ones. A willingness to help is the only experience needed. New families are especially encouraged as it’s a great way to get to know your fellow parents. If you are interested in any of these opportunities or have questions, please contact Staci Banks-Hehenberger (sbhehe42@icloud.com).


Parents Association News & Events May 12, 2022

Microfunding in Action
Recently through a microfunding grant, the PA funded the student-run newspaper, MPA Freethinker, to use the School Newspapers Online, SNO platform which supports and promotes student journalism. PA micorfunding also enabled the third and fourth graders to see eleventh grader Jack Peterson in Diary of a Wimpy Kid at the Children’s Theater. Microfunding provides funds for projects and programs, existing or new. It’s open to student organizations, teachers and parent volunteers.
Gardening at MPA is Back!
Thursdays at 8 AM and Saturday, May 14 from 9-11 AM
Calling all those who want to spend some time outside, at MPA, in the gardens! You’re invited to spend time in the gardens tidying up, building, sowing, and spuddling around in the dirt. Come for a few minutes or stay for an hour or two. All are most welcome. We’ll meet outside under the flagpole at the Lower School entrance, with gardening tools in hand!

Read More


Parents Association News & Events May 5, 2022

Thank You!
A huge thank you to everyone who set up, baked, decorated and delivered cookies to all MPA staff on Tuesday, May 3. The Teaching Kitchen was full of volunteers and the sweet smell of freshly baked cookies in celebration of National Teacher Appreciation Day. All employees could grab a cookie or two during lunch and sign up to get a small box delivered to them later in the day. Most boxes had a heart shaped window to go with the National Teacher Appreciation theme, “Teaching is a Work of Heart”. Again, thank you for joining the Parents Association in this event giving back to our MPA staff. – Bakari, attached are a couple of photos if you can use them

Gardening at MPA is Back!
Thursdays at 8 AM
Calling all those who want to spend some time outside, at MPA, in the gardens! You’re invited to spend time in the gardens tidying up, building, sowing, and spuddling around in the dirt. Come for a few minutes or stay for an hour or two. All are most welcome. We’ll meet outside under the flagpole at the Lower School entrance, with gardening tools in hand!

Vote for Next Year’s PA Board
The Parents Association (PA) is an organization formed by and for the MPA parents. Every family is automatically a member and eligible to vote. Please vote for the Executive PA Board for 2022-23 here!

We are also seeking volunteers for the 2022-23 school year. Please consider getting involved. It’s a great way to meet the school community, show our appreciation to faculty and staff, enrich our children’s school experience, all while making new friends and seeing old ones. A willingness to help is the only experience needed. New families are especially encouraged as it’s a great way to get to know your fellow parents. If you are interested in getting involved or have any questions, please contact Staci Banks Herberger (sbhehe42@icloud.com).

Ballot
Co-Presidents: Christine Larson and Staci Banks
President Elect: Michael Soto
Secretary: Seema Anwar
Treasurer: Adi Boeder Risner
LS Division Lead: Michelle Mick
MS Division Lead: Michelle Mick
US Division Lead: Julie Bixby
Communications: Susan Knapp
Community Development Lead: open


Parents Association News & Events

Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day
Tuesday, May 3
Do you like to bake? Smell freshly baked cookies? Make people happy? Thank a teacher or MPA staff member on National Teacher Appreciation Day, May 3. Sign up to come to the Teaching Kitchen and bake some sweet treats for our staff. The Parents Association will provide everything necessary. Sign up here.

Please adhere to MPA Peanut/Tree Nut Awareness for Beverages and Snacks. No peanuts or tree nuts please. Refer to the MPA Food Allergy Guidelines for more information.

Questions? Please contact Tara Matthews Lafferty, TMattRN@aol.com.

Gardening at MPA is Back!
Thursdays at 8 AM
Calling all those who want to spend some time outside, at MPA, in the gardens! You’re invited to spend time in the gardens tidying up, building, sowing, and spuddling around in the dirt. Come for a few minutes or stay for an hour or two. All are most welcome. We’ll meet outside under the flagpole at the Lower School entrance, with gardening tools in hand!

Birdhouse Gourds Return
If you followed our gardening posts from last year, you’ll know that our accidental planting of birdhouse gourds was a huge success. We’ll be planting them again this year. For the full story, click here.


Parents Association News & Events

LogoBook Festival Update
A huge thank you to all who contributed to this year’s Book Festival. Thank you to the vendors, Valley Bookseller in Stillwater and Usborne Books & More. Valley will donate $775 to our library; they sold 170 books ($3877 total). Usborne sold 79 books ($1046 total) and will provide MPA with a $523 credit to purchase new books. The gently used book sale raised approximately $400. The total raised this year for the library is $1698!

Thank you to all the students, faculty and staff who contributed their time and talents to the reading of stories and poems. Thank you to the many people who made and distributed bookmarks, decorated the library, and coordinated events. Thank you to the IT department, and a huge shout-out to Bakari in Communications, who was instrumental in bringing our ideas to life.

Finally, a whole-hearted and deep thank you to all those who contributed by purchasing books, for their families and for our teachers. It is by your generous contributions that the Book Festival was a great success, even in the virtual format. A sincere and heart-felt thank you from the entire Book Festival committee! Read More


Parents Association Book Festival Details & More

LogoLast Chance for Book Festival 2022
Tuesday, April 5-Sunday, April 17
Just a few more days of MPA’s beloved annual Book Festival! The goal is to promote the joy of reading and connect with the MPA community through our shared enjoyment of reading. Every purchase you make helps support our wonderful library, a great resource for both students and families.

  • Make a Teacher’s Wish Come True: Look at your teacher’s wish list and buy books to donate to the classroom.
  • Add to Your Library: To buy books from Valley Bookseller visit this link to place your order. Mention MPA in the order comments or when purchasing in person and 20% of the order will go back to the MPA Library. Visit this link to place an order with Usborne Books & More. Based on your purchases, the MPA Library will earn 50% of the sales back in FREE BOOKS!
  • Library Poem: Enjoy this short poem by MPA third graders, written to express gratitude for our amazing library. Please download or stream the video here.
  • Stories, Songs and Poems Read by the MPA Community: Our many fun book-centered activities include stories and songs to help unwind in the evening. MPA community members have recorded stories, songs and poems, including a new poem by the third grade! You can find the stories and poems here, and the bedtime stories and songs here. Download these stories and poems for easier viewing or to watch later on, or stream them.
  • More Fun Activities: Check out how to draw a superhero here and then draw your own on the back of your Book Festival bookmark. Liz from Usborne Books gives a sneak peak of a wide variety of books including fiction, non-fiction and activity books here.
  • Share your Favorite Books: We created a padlet board for sharing your favorite read. To add to the padlet board click here.

Read More


Parents Association Book Festival & April Events

LogoBook Festival
Tuesday, April 5-Sunday, April 17
MPA’s beloved annual Book Festival is here! The goal is to promote the joy of reading and connect with the MPA community through our shared enjoyment of reading. This year we have a hybrid model with some on-campus events and online book purchasing from our booksellers, Usborne and Valley Bookseller. If you have any questions, please email michelle_wessely@yahoo.com.

Proceeds from the used book sale and purchases made through the booksellers benefit the MPA library so every purchase you make will help support our wonderful library, a great resource for both students and families. Read More


Parents Association Book Festival Announcement

LogoBook Festival
Tuesday, April 5-Sunday, April 17
MPA’s beloved annual Book Festival is almost here! We’ll have many fun book-centered activities, including stories to help unwind in the evening, and our padlet board for sharing your favorite read. Click here to add to the padlet board. The Book Festival’s goal is to promote the joy of reading and connect with the MPA community through our shared enjoyment of reading. This year we have a hybrid model with some on-campus events and online book purchasing from our booksellers, Usborne and Valley Bookseller, more details coming soon.

Used Book Sale
The Book Festival Committee is asking for donations of gently used books and music that will be available for sale (25 cents for paperbacks, $1 for hardcovers) during the Book Festival. Look for donation carts at the North and South entrances from March 24-April 15. We welcome books for all ages!

Proceeds from the used book sale and purchases made through the booksellers benefit the MPA library so every purchase you make will help support our wonderful library, a great resource for both students and families. 

MPAPA One Book, One Community: Book Club with Dr. Hudson April 14, at 6:30 PM
Please join us for a lively discussion of Station Eleven by Emily St John Mandel! The PA will be purchasing books for those who would like to take part. Let us know if you plan on attending the book club, and whether or not you would like a copy of the book provided to you. Please fill in this google form to order the book and sign up for the book club.