February 14, 2019
Join us for the Spring Auction Preview on March 5, from 7:30–9 AM in the Gallery! The Spring Auction Committee is inviting the community to stop into the Gallery after drop-off to preview the Spring Auction as we count down to the big day and be the first to hear our exciting announcement!
Not only will you see some of the fabulous items that will be up for bid, but you can donate some yourself and be entered to win a fabulous prize! Bring a gift card, a bottle of wine/liquor, or something for the silent auction we’ll enter your name into the drawing. Grab some coffee and breakfast treats and start your day off with a little celebration! If you cannot come in for the preview but would still like to donate you can drop it off in the Development Office prior to March 5 and be entered in the drawing for the door prize.
Sponsors are so important to the success of Once Upon a Time–MPA Spring Auction 2019. Your support allows MPA to extend its mission even further. As a sponsor, you will have the opportunity to raise awareness of your company to our parent, alumni, and alumni parent community and receive special recognition on the website and printed materials. You will be invited to the exclusive pre-party where you will have special access to the silent auction, great gatherings, and games. You will also support Mounds Park Academy’s faculty and staff by allowing us to provide them with complimentary tickets to the event. We can’t wait to see you there on May 11, 2019 at the Vadnais Heights Commons.
We are excited to announce that 
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
Happy Give To The Max Day! As of noon, MPA families have raised an incredible $48,565. If we reach $75,000, a generous family will give a bonus gift of $25,000 to get us to the goal of $100,000 today! Incredible!
Save the date for the annual Pancake Breakfast, hosted by the Board of Trustees! On Wednesday, December 5 from 7-8 AM in the Cafeteria, come celebrate MPA’s 37-year history with us while enjoying a community breakfast served by the Board of Trustees. There will be homemade pancakes fresh from the griddle, a variety of delicious toppings, savory sides, coffee, and juice! You are also invited to explore MPA’s past with the Pancake Breakfast history display!
Laurel Schwartz ’11 will be discussing stories passed down through generations, and how they tell us about the past and also shape the future. As human beings we are predisposed to sharing our life and our histories with others. For so long, the narratives in the news, in books and on the big screen have highlighted a single story that often left many people and identities in the margins. Now, every person has the capacity and the platform to be a storyteller with an audience. And, with that, comes our ability to change the world.
Kelly Turpin ’04’s talk will be covering her journey as an opera singer to artistic activist, which is how Arbeit Opera Theatre came to be. She has always wanted to make a difference, be at the forefront of change and societal progress, but only recently discovered how she could do that with her background in opera.
For years, MPA senior Julia Portis saw Breakthrough’s offices she passed them in the hallway; however, before her junior year she did not know what the program entailed. Upon learning about Breakthrough’s mission and curriculum, she excitedly applied to be a teaching fellow. The 9-week program brought several things to her attention: there are serious flaws in the educational system, and Minnesota suffers from one of the highest opportunity gaps in America. She believes it is imperative that we bring attention to this issue and start a conversation.
MPA Senior Gabby Law is going to talk about education–if education is the “key to success in life,” why is the system failing so many people? As a teaching fellow for Breakthrough Twin Cities, Gabby saw the incredible students in our community that the education system is leaving behind. Through her experience, Gabby will explain how we can make school a place for everyone and show just how powerful and joyful learning is for those who need it the most.
This article is the fourth in a series called “The Fall Campaign Stories of Impact: Five Weeks, Five Stories, Five Reasons to Give.”