We’re All In This Together

middle school students together on the playgroundby Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

There has been a song running through my mind over the last several weeks as we’ve banded together as a school, nation, and world, to battle COVID-19. It comes from a time-honored and critically acclaimed movie, “High School Musical.” “We’re All in this Together” is one of those catchy, syrupy songs that once you hear it, it’s hard to get out of your head. However, deep down, there is an important message. So much so that I adjusted the lyrics a bit and recorded my own version of the song to inspire (horrify, with my tone-deaf singing) our faculty and staff.

The simple truth is that we are in this together, and it is through community that we will emerge successfully, and stronger, on the other side of this crisis. Expressions of community and the affinity members of the MPA community feel for one another abound these days. As a community, we’ve come together to provide stability and continuity for our students. Parents have come together as well, through formal and informal channels, to support, counsel, and learn from one another.

In less than a week, we have an opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate our shared values and aspirations. Our annual Spring Auction was to take place on the top floor of a warehouse in Lowertown St. Paul overlooking the lights of the city. While that will not be possible, we will still come together, virtually, to celebrate the best of MPA. Through Zoom, we have the opportunity to join with one another from our kitchens and dining rooms across the metro area and raise both our spirits and the necessary funds to support MPA. Read More


MPA’s First Ever Virtual Spring Auction

MPA virtual spring auction logoSave the date for MPA’s first ever virtual Spring Auction! Since the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic and MPA’s shift to virtual learning, so much of our world has changed! One thing that has remained the same throughout all of this is the importance of our connection to one another, especially as we work together to overcome whatever challenges or obstacles may be in our way.

In this spirit, our volunteer Spring Auction committee is pleased to announce that this year’s 2020 MPA Spring Auction: Light Up the Night is going virtual! Join us on Friday, April 17 for a fun evening filled with inspirational stories, fun auction items to bid and win, and the most important element that makes MPA so special: community.

We need you now more than ever to ensure every student, family, and staff member has what they need to dream big, do right, and light up the world. Learn more about the event, including answers to some frequently asked questions and the changes to expect this year. Check your email inbox this weekend with more details and ways you and your entire family can get involved! Questions? Contact Jennifer Rogers-Petitt at 308-765-0524 or via email at jrogers@moundsparkacademy.org.


Light Up The Night At The Spring Auction

MPA Alumni at the 2019 spring auctionDon’t miss out on your chance to purchase tickets to the 2020 MPA Spring Auction: Light Up the Night! The event is right around the corner and Alumni tickets are only $50!

In case you missed it, the Spring Auction is MPA’s biggest fundraising event of the year, and raises nearly $200,000 to support students, teachers, and special projects. Your ticket or sponsorship includes parking on the night of the event, a hosted bar, appetizers and a plated dinner, and a wonderful night out with like-minded friends. Learn more about this year’s Fund a Need renovation project on our event website.

We are still accepting items for our silent auction and games. We are in need of additional bottles of wine (at any value), gift cards, and any items you think would be right for the auction. Contact Jennifer Rogers-Petitt at jrogers@moundsparkacademy.org with questions or your donation information.


MPA Alumni Left Their Mark!

lower school students hold up thank you for alumniThe MPA Alumni Day of Giving on March 3, 2020 was dedicated for alumni to show their continuous Panther Pride and support for MPA students, faculty, and staff. MPA alumni and parents of alumni rallied together yesterday to raise an incredible $40,692 in support of students and teachers! A total of 106 alumni and parents of alumni made a gift, and the Classes of 1991 and 2004 tied with 20% class participation. Their gifts ensure students can receive:

  • Scholarships and Financial Assistance: MPA prides itself on its diverse and inclusive community. Help us to ensure that Panthers from all backgrounds can benefit from a life-changing education. Your gift will support the more than $2 million in financial assistance MPA provides to families each year.
  • Programmatic Enhancements: Thanks to the AnnMarie Thomas Makerspace, experiential learning opportunities, a robust performing and visual arts program, and no-cut athletics, MPA offers a whole-child education for an ever-changing world. Your gift will help us to continue to provide top-notch educational opportunities across these important academic content areas.

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Limited Auction Golden Tickets And Sponsorships!

light up the night spring auction 2020Don’t miss out on your chance to purchase a Golden Ticket, Sponsorship, and tickets to the 2020 MPA Spring Auction: Light Up the Night! The event is right around the corner! Just 13 Golden Tickets remain, Host Sponsorship packages are SOLD OUT, and only two Community Sponsorship packages remain. Join your friends and fellow MPA parents in support of the school. Hurry before Spring Break to secure your spot today.

In case you missed it, the Spring Auction is MPA’s biggest fundraising event of the year, and raises nearly $200,000 to support students, teachers, and special projects. Your ticket or sponsorship includes parking on the night of the event, a hosted bar, appetizers and a plated dinner, and a wonderful night out with like-minded friends. Learn more about this year’s Fund a Need renovation project on our event website. Read More


Alumni, March 3 Is The Day To Leave Your Mark!

prep students in the library with thank you signs for alumniby Mike Velin ’06, MPA Alumni Association Chairperson

A 6 AM email from me may have seemed a little early, but it’s never too early to begin an important day of giving in support of MPA students, faculty, and staff. Today, I hope you’ll join me and other alumni and Parents of Alumni from our generous community to ensure MPA students and teachers today have the resources they need. Your gift will support:

  • Scholarships and Financial Assistance: Did you know MPA provides over $2 million each year to families who dream of an MPA education, but can’t afford the price tag? Your gift can make sure every promising student can benefit from a top-notch education, regardless of their ability to pay.
  • Programmatic Enhancements: An MPA education is the magic that happens inside the classroom, and in the clubs, sports, teams, and enrichment activities before, during, and after the school day. Make sure that students don’t miss out on what makes MPA truly great: the arts, athletics, music, student groups, and enhanced learning through innovative classroom experiences and the AnnMarie Thomas Makerspace.

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Tell Us Who To Invite To Upper School Grandparents Day

grandparent visiting upper school studentInvite your Upper School student’s Grandparent or Special Friend for a day at MPA on Wednesday, April 22!

Grandparents and Special Friends Day has grown to include an event designed especially for Upper School! Visitors will receive a unique glimpse inside our older students’ life at MPA.

If you would like your child’s Grandparent or Special Friend to receive an invitation in the mail to attend, let us know by sharing their contact information through this form by March 6, 2020. Doing so does not register them for the event, but rather lets us know who you would like us to invite. Read More


Introducing The Martin Lenz Harrison Library

Ingrid cutting the ribbon to the libraryThank you to our generous and kind community for helping us unveil the brand new Martin Lenz Harrison Library yesterday! Martin Lenz Harrison was a member of MPA’s first graduating class. His memory and legacy will live on for generations of Panthers as they read, learn, and grow in their beautiful library.

His surviving parents Alfred and Ingrid Lenz Harrison and members of the first graduating class joined us on campus for the ribbon cutting and celebration. Thank you to our donors, volunteers, and community members!


Join Us At The Spring Auction Preview Event

auction committee chairsStop by the Family Commons during drop off time for drinks and snacks and to learn more about this year’s Spring Auction! You can ask questions, purchase tickets, and talk to the volunteer planning committee members about the event. In addition, if you bring wine, gift cards, or a silent auction item to donate, you will be entered in a door prize drawing to win one of our coveted Golden Tickets for your chance to win one of this year’s fabulous live auction items.

MPA Spring Auction 2020: Light Up The Night Preview
Friday, February 14, 2020
7:30-8:30 AM in the Family Commons


Golden Tickets Go On Sale Saturday!

spring auction 2020 logoDon’t forget! Golden Tickets for the 2020 Spring Auction: Light Up the Night go on sale this Saturday, February 1. Only 100 tickets will be sold, and the winner will receive the live auction item of their choice! Don’t miss your chance to win one of these fabulous prizes.

Family and Business sponsorships are a great way to get your tickets for the event this year, and receive additional perks such as reserved premium seating, a free Golden Ticket, and helping to underwrite the cost of tickets for MPA teachers and staff to attend the event for free! A limited number of business and family sponsorships remain.

Contact Jennifer Rogers-Petitt, Director of Development and Community Engagement with questions or to learn more.