Upper School Archives

Upper School Division News March 27, 2025

March 27, 2025

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

Monday, March 31: No Classes, Eid al-Fitr
Tuesday, April 1: US World Language Finals
Tuesday, April 1: Coffee & Conversation With The Heads, 7:45-8:45 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
Wednesday, April 2: US World Language Finals
Wednesday, April 2: US Boys Basketball Banquet, 5:30-8:30 PM, Family Commons
Thursday, April 3: US Science Finals, 8:45-10:15 AM
Thursday, April 3: US English Finals, 12-1:30 PM
Friday, April 4: End of Quarter 3
Friday, April 4: US Math Finals, 8:45-10:15 AM
Friday, April 4: US Social Studies Finals, 12-1:30 PM
Saturday, April 5: ACT Test Date
Monday, April 7: MS/US Students & Screens Parent Meeting, 1:45-3 PM, Recital Hall
Wednesday, April 9: PA Cultural Celebration Day, 3-6 PM, Family Commons
Thursday, April 10: Senior Service Project: Empty Bowls, 4:30-6:30 PM, Family Commons & Peacock Family Teaching Kitchen
Thursday, April 10: HeadSpace: Personalized Pathways Through Universal Design For Learning, 7-8 PM, Virtual Meeting
Monday, April 14: No Classes, Professional Development
Wednesday, April 16: US G10 College Counseling Parent Night, 6:30-7:30 PM, Recital Hall

What do you get when you have 27 MPA community members traveling together on a Spring Break trip to Morocco and Spain? This is the question that went through my mind as I boarded the Delta airliner on Saturday, March 8.

The diverse group of travelers, comprised of 9-12 grade students, parents, and faculty chaperones, embarked on a remarkable educational and social expedition through the enchanting cities of North Africa and Southern Spain. Beginning our journey in Morocco, we explored the historic streets of Casablanca, wandered through the ancient medina of Fes, and discovered the coastal charm of Tangier. Our journey continued north as we crossed the Strait of Gibraltar, bridging the cultures (and continents) to immerse ourselves in the rich history of the captivating Spanish cities of Grenada, Seville, Cordoba, and Madrid. Read More

Join Us For Cultural Celebration Day At MPA!

March 27, 2025

The MPA Parents Association invites you to Cultural Celebration Day on Wednesday, April 9 from 3:15-5:30 PM in the Family Commons! Engage with community members who will be sharing their cultural heritage. Enjoy sweet and savory rice dishes from around the world, an international tea bar, and experience beautiful music and dance performances!

Go home with some cool body art from an expert henna artist, try your hand at global crafts, learn how to make masala chai (spiced tea from India), master the steps to Bhangra, a traditional Punjabi folk dance, and chat with community members who will have booths set up to share their culture and/or offer samples of their cuisine.

Food and drink tickets ($1 each) will be sold at the event. Zabiha, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are available. Read More

Eid Mubarak, Honoring Eid al-Fitr, And Celebrating Inclusion At MPA

March 27, 2025

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

As we approach the joyous celebration of Eid al-Fitr, I’d like to reflect on the significance of this holiday and the shared values it uplifts—especially within our Mounds Park Academy community. Eid marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, self-reflection, and compassion. It is a time for gratitude, generosity, and joyful connection—values that resonate deeply with our mission and culture at MPA.

Here at MPA, we strive to cultivate a school where every student, family, and faculty member feels respected and celebrated. Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths—it creates a vibrant environment for learning, growth, and deeper understanding. Celebrating cultural and religious traditions, such as Eid al-Fitr, is essential to fostering an inclusive community and honoring the unique identities of all who make up MPA.

On Tuesday evening, I had the privilege of joining over 100 members of our community—students, families, and faculty—for Iftar, the meal to break the fast at sunset. This beautiful evening was organized by our Upper School Muslim Student Association and MPA art teacher, Samah Fahmy. Students shared their beliefs, sang the call to prayer, and led the Maghrib prayer before we all enjoyed a delicious potluck meal together. I was truly honored to be part of such a meaningful celebration of faith, culture, and togetherness. Read More

The Right School Fit

March 19, 2025

This message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the March 22 issue of Inside MPA. Click here to get in touch with Admission and learn more!

As parents ourselves, we realize that a child’s educational journey only happens once, and that the goal is to find a place where they will love learning, be challenged, feel supported, and continue to be inspired.

We also understand that choosing the right private school fit for your family is a big decision. You’re balancing the importance of finding a community that aligns with your family’s values, a school’s academic and educational approach, the opportunities and offerings, and the overall feelings you have.

The “right school” will mean something different for every family. But above all, your children should feel seen, supported, and empowered at school. Whether it’s through experiential learning or myriad extracurricular opportunities, a warm, inclusive community or a small class size, a school’s culture has a significant role in shaping your child’s confidence, curiosity, and sense of belonging. You’re considering all of these things to ensure your child finds a school community where they will truly thrive.

As you and your family navigate the school selection process, we encourage you to explore our blog post, “Ten Things To Consider When Choosing A Private School.” Through insights from our current community members, this article will help you explore the cultural, communal, and pedagogical aspects that matter most when choosing a private school.

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Five Things To Know About MPA From Elizabeth Jacobson Faye

March 12, 2025

Leadership opportunities, getting to explore her passions in the arts, and bonding as a class–these are the five things Elizabeth ’27 wants you to know about MPA.

1. Tenth grade takes an annual trip to Deep Portage.

Every year the sophomore class gets to go to Deep Portage together. It was so fun riding the bus and doing activities while getting to know my grade a bit better.

2. Creativity is encouraged.

In concert choir, we do a competition between sections where our section leaders take a popular song, change the lyrics to make them choir-related, and then we perform for a panel of faculty judges. This year my section (the altos) won, which was exciting.

3. MPA has a variety of offerings.

MPA offers lots of different art classes. Personally, as someone who loves art, it is really cool to try things I’ve never done before like ceramics. Read More

MPA Host Families Needed!

March 7, 2025

We are so fortunate to welcome international students from around the world to MPA through our International Student Program. A $10,000 per student stipend is paid to host families to cover the cost of room, board, and transportation from August to June. Typically, families host for at least one full year and sometimes for a student’s entire MPA experience. As you warmly welcome this student into your home, you will gain a first-hand understanding of another culture, a lifelong relationship with your students, and so much more.

If you are interested …
Contact Cory Becker-Kim, international student program director, at international@moundsparkacademy.org or 651-748-5541. Get started on the host family application form here.

If you know someone outside our community who is interested …
Please share mpa.link/host with them. When they reach out, share your name, and become an approved host family, you will receive a $200 referral bonus in the form of a Visa gift card.

Thank you in advance for your interest and/or for recommending this opportunity to your friends, neighbors, and colleagues.

MPA Spring Sailing: All Are Welcome, Grades 7-12!

March 6, 2025

Join the MPA Spring Sailing Team! Practices will be held from 3:30-6:30 PM, Tuesday through Thursday, plus races on Saturdays from April 1, 2025-June 1, 2025.

Teams of students from area schools, including White Bear Lake, Mahtomedi, Mounds View, Mounds Park Academy, Hill-Murray, and more, are coached out of White Bear Sailing School! No experience is necessary to join the team, and all equipment is provided. The focus of high school sailing is on building competitive sailors and teams who compete at the local, regional, and national levels each year. Students are allowed to sail for three days before registering to test out the program and find their love for sailing. Register here!

Need more information? Contact Natalie Waters Seum, MPA team advisor, at nwatersseum@moundsparkacademy.org.

Coming Together With Kindness, Generosity, And Community

March 6, 2025

from Ashley Goetzke, director of development and community engagement

Editor’s Note: Periodically, you will find a guest Head’s Message here from members of the administrative team. We hope you will enjoy reading their thoughts and reflections about life at MPA.

When I started at Mounds Park Academy, it was the week of the 2016 MPA Spring Auction: Night at the Museum. I was immediately immersed in the energy and excitement of this incredible event. The development office buzzed with anticipation, but more than anything, I felt a profound sense of togetherness, the kind that defines MPA.

Experiencing my first Spring Auction was unlike anything I had been part of before. I was thrown into the whirlwind of planning, met incredible people, and saw firsthand what makes MPA so special. That night, I went home to my husband, Matt, and told him, “This is where I want to be.” That feeling of warmth, generosity, and joy has stayed with me ever since.

For me, the Spring Auction is, above all, about community. It is an evening where parents, alumni, employees, grandparents, and friends come together in celebration and support of our students and the future of MPA. It is a night filled with laughter, generosity, and the shared love we all have for this school. Read More

The Joy Of Being A PreK-12 Family

March 5, 2025

This message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the March 9 issue of Inside MPA. Click here to get in touch with Admission and learn more!

To close out the month of February, we gathered together in the Family Commons for “Remember the Time: A Black History Month Showcase.” The event was a wonderful reflection of connections forged between students of all ages–a distinctly PreK-12 experience.

Ahead of the event, students were immersed in research, combining prior knowledge with new findings and growing their appreciation and understanding. Older students mentored younger ones, guiding them through these discoveries, while they brought fresh perspectives that reminded us all of the joy in curiosity.

Then, the evening opened with a gallery-style viewing of student work displayed throughout campus. In Lower School, a model of the historic Tremé neighborhood in New Orleans and Basquiat-inspired artwork. In Middle School, educational videos describing biographies of influential inventors, scholars, activists, and artists. In Upper School, the halls were lined with a timeline of Black History in America. And so much more. Read More

Five Things To Know About MPA From Emily Baker

March 4, 2025

What five things do you need to know about MPA? MPA tenth grader Emily Baker is here to tell you. We’re so happy to see the campus pond and native gardens made her list!

1. Athletic teams are no-cut.

Don’t be afraid to join a team; MPA welcomes all skill levels! Whether you’ve been playing for years or just starting out, there’s a place for you. I’ve made so many amazing friends on the soccer team and have grown so much as a player.

2. Student ambassadors are here to help.

As the Middle School representative on our student ambassador leadership team, I get to help welcome new students and make their transition to MPA as smooth and fun as possible. It’s such a great way to connect with others and make everyone feel at home!

3. We have a lot of school spirit.

MPA is all about lifting each other up. This photo captures the amazing turnout at our last Homecoming soccer game, an early morning match where the community’s energy helped push us to a dub! Read More