Special Events

Get Your Spring Auction Golden Tickets!

March 4, 2021

This year’s MPA Spring Auction: The Best is Yet to Come has gone virtual! There are multiple ways to get involved and join in the excitement. It could be your chance to win a live auction item by purchasing a Golden Ticket. There are only 100 that will be sold so be sure to get yours today. Enjoy a meal at home and fun swag with your family the night of the event prepared by our very own, Chef Doug with one of our many sponsorship opportunities.

We are still accepting items for our silent auction. The silent auction offers a wide range of exciting experiences and items, be sure to check out the wish list for ways you could contribute.

The Spring Auction is a highlight event every year for the community and we know this year will not disappoint. Join us on April 16 via Zoom to see student performances, a special message from Dr. Hudson, and so much more!

Contact Jennifer Rogers-Petitt at jrogers@moundsparkacademy.org with questions or your donation information.

MPA Through The Decades: 1990’s

March 1, 2021

Much has changed at MPA from the experiences of its first students in 1982 to today. But one thing remains the same: the people who are at the heart of what it means to be a part of the MPA community make it what it is. The teachers, staff, students, parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, and so many others each embody the MPA spirit to make an impact not only in the hallways and classrooms at MPA, but out in the world.

On Tuesday, March 2, we invite you to join with your decade of fellow MPA alumni to support the MPA students of today and tomorrow. This year, participation matters more than ever before as we have two challenges that could provide $20,000 to MPA in matching gifts. From the 80s, 90s, 2000s, 2010s and today, the MPA panther pride remains strong. If your class’ decade reaches 12% participation, you will unlock a $2,500 challenge gift to support MPA’s next generation. If all four MPA decades reach 12% then it will earn an additional $10,000, totaling $20,000 in matching challenge gifts! Alumni through the decades–1980’s, 1990’s, 2000’s, and 2010’s– are sharing why they give in honor of this special day.

Every gift matters, in any amount–your participation is so important to the future of our school and is gratefully received. Thank you for your support of the MPA students of today and tomorrow!

Christine (Boerbon) Gruen ’90
This year has presented more challenges than ever. With the COVID epidemic children are experiencing more stressors than usual. With the lack of socialization and inability to connect with others many people are feeling disconnected with one another. I am a Mounds Park Academy alumnus who graduated in 1990. My family and I lived in San Diego for over eight years. Once COVID hit, things changed. We realized how important it was to be close to our family. We decided to move back to Minnesota. This meant a new school for both of my children. My son, currently a freshman, and my daughter currently in seventh grade we’re both struggling to connect in their new environment. That’s where MPA came into the picture. I realized how important it was for my children to be a part of a smaller learning environment. I did not want them to be a number but rather a respected person their teachers really knew.

This journey to happiness was priceless. At the end of the day, if your children are thriving, your household is happy. Giving back to an educational institution that promotes independent learning creates these whole minded, successful individuals ready to succeed in any situation.

Emily Binstadt ’91
I choose to give to MPA and to send my children there because the values and inclusive culture I experienced at MPA still resonate there today. My children can be part of a community where their individuality is welcomed, their questions are celebrated, and their opportunities to explore abound. The dedication and kindness of teachers and leaders at MPA inspires me and earns my respect and support.

Courtenay Brown ’91
Ever since graduating from MPA, I have been giving back every year since graduation and continue make it key part of my annual giving.  This year, my family and I, we have been trying to support especially those organizations like MPA which could use our extra support due to the pandemic.  It makes it even more meaningful to contribute to MPA because my niece, Holland (4th grade), and nephew, Julian (6th grade), started at MPA this year!

MPA Through The Decades: 2000’s

March 1, 2021

Much has changed at MPA from the experiences of its first students in 1982 to today. But one thing remains the same: the people who are at the heart of what it means to be a part of the MPA community make it what it is. The teachers, staff, students, parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, and so many others each embody the MPA spirit to make an impact not only in the hallways and classrooms at MPA, but out in the world.

On Tuesday, March 2, we invite you to join with your decade of fellow MPA alumni to support the MPA students of today and tomorrow. This year, participation matters more than ever before as we have two challenges that could provide $20,000 to MPA in matching gifts. From the 80s, 90s, 2000s, 2010s and today, the MPA panther pride remains strong. If your class’ decade reaches 12% participation, you will unlock a $2,500 challenge gift to support MPA’s next generation. If all four MPA decades reach 12% then it will earn an additional $10,000, totaling $20,000 in matching challenge gifts! Alumni through the decades–1980’s, 1990’s, 2000’s, and 2010’s– are sharing why they give in honor of this special day.

Every gift matters, in any amount–your participation is so important to the future of our school and is gratefully received. Thank you for your support of the MPA students of today and tomorrow!

Rachel Katkar ’02
I am so committed to MPA’s mission that we just applied for our son to attend the PreK program. MPA provided the confidence, practice, and skills needed for me to thrive in college and my career.
Think independently:  I frequently voiced concern, broader vision, or innovative solutions to problems even when those ideas differentiated from my colleagues or supervisors’ ideas.
Communicate effectively: MPA fostered an understanding of writing that has served me in every capacity from web content and report writing to published articles.
Intellectual Ambition: I won’t ever be “done” learning! I plan to continue Master’s classes and likely a Ph.D. program at the University of Minnesota.
Act with respect and integrity: My contacts frequently comment on my kindness, respectfulness, and ability to be the calm presence in the midst of a storm.
Diverse community:  Throughout my career path, I promoted student diversity through inclusive enrollment or hiring practices, overhaul of policies and procedures, expanded scholarship opportunities, and critical training opportunities.
Global responsibility:  I currently work with an exclusive program for international students who apply to the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.
Joy of learning:  I take advantage of every opportunity ranging from the YWCA Racial Justice training to Wild Turtles class at Como Zoo. I share this joy of learning with my 2 year old son, and have taught hundreds of students about biology and environmental sciences over the years.
MPA was instrumental to helping me become the confident, capable educator and parent I am today.

Victoria Simmonds ’01
I graduated from MPA in 2001 and this academic year we reentered the community as parents of a Kindergartner. After many years away, my heart is full to find all of the things I loved about MPA as a student are still very much alive. The staff’s dedication to their students is remarkable. The school’s mission has not wavered over the years and they have thoughtfully risen to the challenges and adapted to the circumstances of current times. We are thankful to have the opportunity to be part of this community again. This is why we choose to give.

Adi Boeder Risner ’02
Our son loves going to school everyday and we are so proud of his success. We give to MPA so that the school can continue to inspire students with cutting edge tools and resources. Also, we give to help bridge the gap between tuition and the real cost of a MPA education.

Ty Johnston ’04
Given the decades long head start, MPA’s rival schools are so far ahead with Endowments that I see the importance of each of us, as Alumni to keep strengthening the foundation of our young school by maximum participation. Not in dollars, but in headcount–if we can all participate, even in a small way, we can secure the future success and longevity of this institution that gave to us so much in our most formative years. FOMO was the other reason. Selfishly, I want to be able to continue to see MPA grow and remain atop the most desirable schools in the Twin Cities so that my children and my nieces and nephews will know about the school that my 3 sisters and I all attended. I wouldn’t feel right walking through those doors again in the future knowing that I skipped out on participating in the sustainability of a place that gave me so many memories.

Satchel Moore ’04
I give to MPA for a number of reasons.
I give to MPA for the wave of gratitude I feel when I think about my time at MPA.
I give to MPA for the community it welcomed me into that continues to support me decades later.
I give to MPA for the example it sets. Leaders learn from leaders.
I give to MPA to challenge them to learn and grow as they did for me.
I want others to have the same opportunity.

MPA Through The Decades: 2010’s

March 1, 2021

Much has changed at MPA from the experiences of its first students in 1982 to today. But one thing remains the same: the people who are at the heart of what it means to be a part of the MPA community make it what it is. The teachers, staff, students, parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, and so many others each embody the MPA spirit to make an impact not only in the hallways and classrooms at MPA, but out in the world.

On Tuesday, March 2, we invite you to join with your decade of fellow MPA alumni to support the MPA students of today and tomorrow. This year, participation matters more than ever before as we have two challenges that could provide $20,000 to MPA in matching gifts. From the 80s, 90s, 2000s, 2010s and today, the MPA panther pride remains strong. If your class’ decade reaches 12% participation, you will unlock a $2,500 challenge gift to support MPA’s next generation. If all four MPA decades reach 12% then it will earn an additional $10,000, totaling $20,000 in matching challenge gifts! Alumni through the decades–1980’s, 1990’s, 2000’s, and 2010’s– are sharing why they give in honor of this special day.

Every gift matters, in any amount–your participation is so important to the future of our school and is gratefully received. Thank you for your support of the MPA students of today and tomorrow!

Annie Stewart ’11
In the past, I’ve donated during the Alumni Day of Giving as a way to show my gratitude for a physical space, and for the teachers and staff who make that space into a challenging, nurturing and supportive learning environment. Now, as a teacher in my own classroom, I also donate to support current MPA students. Regardless of where they are in their MPA journey, they are well on their way to carving a path for themselves in the community, and the world. For me there is nothing more exciting than being able to support students in dreaming big and achieving their goals.

Nick Dugas ’11
“I give to Mounds Park Academy because I realize more and more, year after year, how essential my time there was in helping me become the person I am today. This ongoing discovery process of realizing how important my MPA education was is a gift that continues to give, and I give back to help future students and alumni have that opportunity.”

Amanda Magistad ’12
I give so that future generations of students can receive the same quality education I did and develop into thoughtful and inquisitive global citizens.

Celebrate MPA Through The Decades By Supporting Your Alma Mater!

February 23, 2021

March 2, 2021 is your time to show your support for MPA students, faculty, and staff by participating in our Alumni Day of Giving. This year, participation matters more than ever before with our largest challenge yet! Through the decades, MPA students and alumni have embodied Panther Pride, and now you can share your gratitude by joining in on the annual day of giving. If your decade reaches 12% participation you will unlock a $2,500 challenge gift to support MPA’s next generation. If all four MPA decades reach 12% then it will unlock an additional $10,000, totaling $20,000 in matching challenge gifts. Schedule your gift today!

Other ways to join in:

  • Share on your social media platforms
  • Contact your fellow alums to participate to ensure challenge gifts are received
  • Send a statement to alumni@moundsparkacademy.org of “Why you give!”
  • Share on facebook, Instagram and with Mounds Park Academy photos of you and your time at MPA

Thank you for your support of the MPA students of today and tomorrow!
Contact Jennifer Rogers-Petitt, director of development and community engagement at jrogers@moundsparkacademy.org or 651-748-5532 with any questions or to discuss your gift.

Save The Date For The 2021 Virtual Spring Auction

January 28, 2021

Spring Auction 2021 LogoSave the date! The 2021 Spring Auction: The Best Is Yet To Come is going virtual! The MPA volunteer planning committee is pleased to share sponsorship packages are now available with amazing perks, at-home meal kits, and great ways to get involved and give back to the school you love. Save the date for April 16 and visit moundsparkacademy.org/springauction to learn more, purchase a sponsorship package today, or donate an auction item from our wish list!

Expect student performances, hear from Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School, and other MPA community members, and bid on and win some amazing silent and live auction items. Proceeds support MPA’s educational programs, new curricular initiatives, COVID-19 response expenses, athletics programs, the arts, and so much more.

Questions? Contact Jennifer Rogers-Petitt, director of development and community engagement at jrogers@moundsparkacademy.org.

MPA Legacy Society Hosts Wealth Management Presentation

January 14, 2021

MPA Legacy society logoMPA’s Legacy Society Committee welcomes you to join MPA alumnus Ty Johnston ’04 for a special presentation on wealth management and creative giving vehicles to benefit important causes you care about. You will learn and gain perspective on tax implications, practical steps you can take, and a variety of giving vehicles you may benefit from. Save the date for January 27, 2021 to join us at 4 PM.

Ty serves as a wealth manager, working directly with his clients to create and maintain a
customized financial plan addressing all aspects of a healthy financial life including investments, tax planning, risk management, retirement, employee benefits and estate planning. Read More

A Sense Of Urgency On Give To The Max Day

November 19, 2020

lower school student building in the makerspaceby Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

I am a procrastinator. A proud procrastinator, no less. It’s not that I am not productive or do not fulfill my responsibilities. I’m not lazy, but I do get distracted. There always seems to be a good article to read that pops up on my newsfeed, a post on Facebook I find intriguing, a conversation to be had with a friend or colleague, or a good book to read. Oftentimes, what helps me most is a firm deadline or knowing that people are depending on me to act.

Today is a deadline of sorts as our Fall Campaign winds down and we celebrate Give To The Max Day, both in support of the MPA Fund. If you haven’t yet made a gift, I strongly encourage you to do so. I feel a particular sense of urgency this year as we together navigate the uncharted waters of the pandemic. The urgency comes as we, the school and parents, join together to ensure our children have what they need to be safe, healthy, and continue to learn and thrive. What I know is that this endeavor costs more—more people, more technology, more infrastructure. Read More

The Foote/Nelson Family Gives Peace Of Mind

November 18, 2020

The Foote/Nelson FamilyDuring the Fall Campaign, we are excited to share stories from our community about the impact the school has made on their children and their family. The Foote/Nelson Family shares the how their child grew more and more confident and comfortable, finding a home at MPA.

How did your family come to MPA?
We were looking at options for a new school for Odin and had a neighbor whose son had gone to MPA. Living in Minneapolis, it made an impression because they were willing to drive far but were so happy. That neighbor’s son became a literal rocket scientist. All of the conversations we had with them as well as Odin’s visit to MPA just seemed like a really great fit.

Our experience has been great. Odin has really transformed. He had been having a really difficult time and it had taken a big hit on his self-esteem. When he visited MPA he felt really welcomed by the students and teachers right away. He felt really supported to do the work in his class and enjoys being recognized for the work he was doing. It is a good balance for Odin – teachers pushing him to do more where they see it while also having a lot of respect for his boundaries and challenges. The biggest thing for us is seeing how the teachers are really empowered to do differentiated instruction. In our conversations with MPA’s teachers regarding past challenges Odin experienced, they listened and then shared that in some instances they may provide instruction differently for Odin and beyond that if they need to adjust, they just do. It’s made such a difference because in all of our previous conversations we didn’t feel heard. Now Odin has teachers that will overcome barriers. Read More

Ms. Dale Gives Belonging

November 13, 2020

ms. dale helping one of her studentsDuring the Fall Campaign, we are excited to share stories from our community about the impact the school has made on their children and their family. Middle School social studies teacher Marina Dale shares the joys and sense of home that MPA gives her and her family on a daily basis.

How did your family come to MPA?
I came to MPA when Hannah was a year old and I needed a change in my teaching career. Over my 20 years at MPA, I have seen the joys of all three divisions, and the sense of home that the faculty and community has created for my children. As a teacher and a parent, I can’t imagine our family being a part of any other community.

Hannah, my oldest, came to MPA in Kindergarten and she graduated as a “lifer.” Through those experiences, she had the freedom to be creative, be herself, ask questions, and fill her insatiable desire to have knowledge and know why. Because we had such a great experience with Hannah, Simon followed soon after in Kindergarten. Simon loved that he could do drama, plays, art, and read whatever he could get his hands on. My youngest, Aiden, followed suit, started at MPA in PreK. I knew we had found the right place for him when I walked into the PreK room one day and the teacher was rocking my three-year-old to sleep when he was having a difficult day. It reinforced once again that this was home for all of us. Read More