Save The Date! Homecoming 2021
May 17, 2021
Save the date to celebrate MPA Homecoming 2021 on Saturday, October 2!
Homecoming weekend is a wonderful way to celebrate who we are, where we come from, and where we are going together. We are thrilled every year to welcome alumni back at home to celebrate a milestone reunion and reconnect with friends. This is an opportunity for all of us to support and celebrate MPA! Come home to connect with us and one another, and to celebrate MPA.
The MPA Spring Auction Is Tomorrow!
April 15, 2021
Spring Auction time is one of our favorites every year! We feel the excitement every day, from gathering donations from those within our very own community who want to share their time and talents, to the local businesses that have partnered with us for many years, to all of our new donors– the energy is palpable. With more than 200 items to bid on and a special Fund-A-Need, we are excited for you to participate in whatever way is right for you. You won’t want to miss out! Because this is a virtual event, when you join our live Zoom program Friday evening at 6:30 PM, be ready for our very own MPA student co-emcees, some amazing guest speakers, and live performances that are sure to impress. This event is open to all whether near or far, so be sure to share an invite for this once-a-year fundraiser within your network of family and friends! The more the merrier as we build community to fund important needs for our students, faculty and staff, and incredible school. We can’t do what we are able to without your unbelievable support and the love we share for MPA.
Thank you,
The MPA Development Team
April 8, 2021
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
I’m generally not a competitive person—unless it is a board game or cards. So much so that my family will no longer let me play Sorry or Uno with them. They say I turn aggressive and vindictive, like Inigo Montoya in the “Princess Bride,” intent on exacting vengeance on someone for having played a “Draw Four” card. Auctions bring out my competitive side as well, and I find myself throwing reason to the wind as I get caught up in a bidding war, much to the chagrin of my husband Ross. For the last several years, I’ve tried repeatedly to “win” a piece of artwork from alumni parent Heidi McKeown whose art I deeply admire and appreciate. Repeatedly, I fail. Fortunately, I will have another chance in just a few days.
Yes, it is that time of year with the annual MPA Spring Auction just a little more than a week away. On Friday, April 16, we will gather virtually from around the Twin Cities, the nation, and perhaps even the globe for our premier auction. More than just a fundraising event, the MPA Spring Auction is about celebrating our community, joining together to build relationships, and honoring every member of our community. There is so much to celebrate after a very trying and difficult year. A year ago, I promised that if we joined together and drew upon our MPA can-do spirit, we would emerge stronger and more resilient. As the end of the pandemic draws near and our school and society open up again, we know for certain that “The Best is Yet to Come.” Read More
The MPA Virtual Spring Auction Is Coming Up!
April 8, 2021
The MPA Virtual Spring Auction: The Best is Yet to Come is a fun-filled opportunity for the community to celebrate everything we’ve accomplished together this year, and all of the continued joy just around the corner. Register today >
Get Your Golden Ticket Today!
Back by popular demand, we are thrilled to offer our Golden Ticket raffle again this year! Ticket holders purchase a 1 in 100 opportunity to win the Live Auction item of their choice. The drawing will be held during our live MPA Virtual Spring Auction: The Best is Yet to Come on Friday, April 16 at 6:30 PM. Purchase and win a dream package for just $150 per ticket. Thank you for your support! Purchase your golden ticket >
Premier Auction Preview
If you purchase a Golden Ticket, you are entered to win the fabulous premier auction package of your choice! All other Premier Auction items will be available to bid and win beginning on April 16. Below are previews of two amazing packages that could be yours! Read More
Register For Virtual Upper School Grandparents & Special Friends Day!
March 25, 2021
Upper School Grandparents and Special Friends is Wednesday, April 28! Although campus is still closed to outside visitors, that won’t stop us from connecting with the people we hold near and dear to us! We have some fun things in store leading up to the “event”. Just one example, a card writing activity wherein your student will write to their grandparent or special friend to share their reasons why this person is so special to them. The cards will then be mailed upon completion!
To register, please provide the name(s) of the grandparent or special friend along with their address, email, and an uploaded photo of your student with the person(s) you register! The uploaded photo(s) can be emailed to agerstner@moundsparkacademy.org. Registration ends Friday, April 23! Click here to register.
Thank you for participating in this year’s Virtual Grandparents and Special Friends Day!
Registration For Spring Auction Bidding Is Open!
March 25, 2021
Registration for bidding is now open for the MPA Virtual Spring Auction: The Best is Yet to Come! Bidding opens on April 14. The Spring Auction is an annual, fun-filled opportunity for the community to celebrate everything we’ve accomplished together this year, and all of the continued joy just around the corner. Register today!
Don’t miss your chance to purchase a Golden Ticket! Back by popular demand, we are thrilled to offer our Golden Ticket raffle again this year! Ticket holders purchase a 1 in 100 opportunity to win the Live Auction item of their choice. The drawing will be held during our live MPA Virtual Spring Auction: The Best is Yet to Come on Friday, April 16 at 6:30 PM. Purchase and win a dream package for just $150 per ticket. Thank you for your support!
Don’t Miss Your Chance To Win!
March 16, 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.
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.