Upper School Archives

Upper School Division News May 2, 2024

May 2, 2024

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, May 3: US Parent Quarterly Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, PCR
Friday, May 3: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Room 150-151
Friday, May 3: New Family Panther Party, 4-5:30 PM
Friday, May 3: PreK-12 After School Library Hours, 4-5:30 PM, Library
Saturday, May 4: US Prom, 8-11 PM, American Swedish Institute
Monday, May 6: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, 2-3 PM, Library
Tuesday, May 7: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, Alumni, & Parents of Alumni, 11 AM-12 PM, Zoom, see email for link to join
Tuesday, May 7: US Speech Showcase, 7-9 PM, MPA Campus
Wednesday, May 8: MS/US Orchestra Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
Thursday, May 9: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, 2-3 PM, Library
Friday, May 10: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, Alumni, & Parents of Alumni, 11 AM-12 PM, Zoom, see email for link to join
Friday, May 10: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Room 150-151
Thursday, May 16: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, 2-3 PM, Library
Thursday, May 16: MS/US Band Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, May 17: Head of School Candidate Meet & Greet: Current Parents & Caregivers, Alumni, & Parents of Alumni, 11 AM-12 PM, Zoom, see email for link to join
Friday, May 17: Class of 2024 Last Day of Classes
Friday, May 17: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Room 150-151
Friday, May 17: US Robotics Season-End Banquet, 3-7 PM, Family Commons
Wednesday, May 22: US Choral Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, May 24: US Senior Class Meeting, 8-9 AM, Recital Hall
Friday, May 24: Senior Performances, 10 AM, Recital Hall
Friday, May 24: US Senior Lunch and Alumni Panel, 11 AM-1 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, May 24: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Room 150-151
Friday, May 24: Senior Walk, 1-1:45 PM, South Entrance
Friday, May 24: Upper School Awards Assembly, 1:45-3 PM, Nicholson Center
Monday, May 27: No Classes, Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 28: US World Language Finals
Tuesday, May 28: US Senior Service Fair, 1-4 PM, McKeown Track
Wednesday, May 29: US World Language Finals
Wednesday, May 29: LS/US Grade 4 Introduction to the Instruments Concert, 10:30-11:20 AM, Panther Center
Wednesday, May 29: Madrigal Singers Auditions, 3-6 PM, Recital Hall
Thursday, May 30: Retirement Gathering, 4-6 PM, Library
Friday, May 31: US Math Finals
Friday, May 31: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20 AM-12 PM, Room 150-151
Friday, May 31: US English Finals, 12-1:30 PM
Monday, June 3: MS/US End of Quarter
Monday, June 3: US Science Finals, 8:45-10:15 AM
Monday, June 3: US Social Studies Finals, 12-1:30 PM
Tuesday, June 4: Last Day of School, All School Yearbook Assembly and Signing, 8-10:30 AM
Wednesday, June 5: US Senior Dinner, 6-8 PM, Dellwood Country Club
Friday, June 7: Madrigal and Concert Choir Rehearsal, 10-11 AM, Nicholson Center
Friday, June 7: US Mandatory Commencement Rehearsal, 11 AM-1 PM, Nicholson Center
Saturday, June 8: US Commencement, 6-7 PM, Nicholson Center

As seniors prepare for the end of the school year and their transition into adulthood, they (and their families) face a whirlwind of emotions. The American Psychological Association shares that, “while excitement about newfound independence and future opportunities can be exhilarating, it’s often accompanied by stress and anxiety.” The pressure to make significant life decisions about careers, relationships, and college can feel overwhelming. Psychologists, however, emphasize the importance of establishing and using coping mechanisms like mindfulness, self-reflection, and seeking the support of trusted adults and peers.

Yesterday was a day where members of the Class of 2024 may have felt additional pressure. The College Counseling department hosted their annual celebration for the graduating class as most of the students made their college selections “official.” Even though a small number of students have yet to make their final decision because of a delay in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and extended deadlines, it was tremendous to see the class’ interaction with and reliance upon one another as they worked through this stressful time of their lives. Educational psychologist Erik Erikson suggests that, “working through decisions is crucial for adolescents to develop a sense of self and purpose.” As they work to decide, students (and their families) grapple with questions about their values, beliefs, and aspirations which help shape their identities for the future. Read More

There Is An Increasing Anxiety In U

May 2, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

I’ve been an educator for over thirty years and have accompanied countless students and parents through the college search process. I’ve written numerous college recommendations. I’ve been the head of two college preparatory schools for 12 years. But when it matters most, accompanying my own daughter, I give myself a failing grade. Well, maybe a D. Yet my daughter succeeded largely because of her own initiative (for which I credit her middle school years at MPA). Many times throughout the last three years, I wished she could have benefitted from the outstanding college counseling program at MPA.

Yesterday, our PreK-12 school celebrated College Choice Day, and joined together to revel in the success of our seniors in gaining admission to their “right-fit” college or university. We purposely avoid celebrating the particular school they chose as much as we celebrate the culmination of a thoughtful process that resulted in a match of each individual student’s interests, abilities, and aspirations and provides opportunities for further growth and accomplishments. I am extremely proud of our seniors and their choices.

There seems to be an increasing anxiety in U.S. culture around the college search process, driven in part by an inflated importance of attending the “best” college instead of the “right-fit” college. The best fit for one student is not the right fit for the next, even among high-achieving, academically strong, and otherwise talented students. In his book, “Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be: An Antidote to the College Admissions Mania,” author and former New York Times columnist Frank Bruni attempts to refocus the college search process. Bruni hopes to “restore the excitement of going off to college, which should be a time for taking intellectual and social chances, for finding or confirming a passion, and for discovering yourself,” rather than getting caught up with getting into the colleges and universities perceived as elite.

The mission of the MPA College Counseling Office is to provide information, structure, and attention to each class as a whole, as well as to each student individually. We share a common goal—a college choice that fits each child well and provides opportunities for further growth and accomplishments. Our integrated and multi-faceted approach includes our seminar and advisory programs, individual student and family meetings, special speakers and events, test-prep resources, and practice test opportunities.

Like our approach to education, the college admissions selection process at MPA is grounded in the whole child. College selection is driven by a student’s unique set of interests, preferences, and aspirations. Students also explore their own learning styles, personality, and ideas about career possibilities. Just as MPA balances arts, academics, and athletics, we encourage our students to strive for academic excellence and become well-rounded individuals through artistic pursuits and extra-curricular involvement.

Carefully considering each student’s individual interests, priorities, and aspirations and balancing that with the current college admission landscape takes time and reflection. With this in mind, students are led through a personalized and thoughtfully designed curriculum that starts in ninth grade and continues through junior and senior years. In each grade, MPA integrates developmentally appropriate elements of career exploration and college counseling through our advisory program and seminar programs, mindful of where the students are on their educational journey.

I often wish that I had access to the college counseling available at MPA when I was in high school. It was clear that my parents expected me to go to college, but I lacked the support at home or at school to engage in the kind of search afforded to students at MPA. In retrospect, I enjoyed a solid undergraduate education complete with incredible opportunities to grow and discover who I am, my strengths, and my passions. I was fortunate. I “fell into” my college rather than embracing a choice after a thoughtful and deliberate process.

According to the American School Counselor Association, the national student-to-school counselor ratio in 2022-23 was 1:385. The National Association for College Admission Counseling reports that of the many responsibilities of high school counselors, post-secondary admission counseling accounts for only 22% of their time. At MPA, students benefit from two full-time college counselors whose sole responsibility is advising and guiding students through the college search, application, admission, and selection process.

I want to encourage you to shake off any anxiety you may have about college admissions: you’re already well positioned for the college search adventure by having your child attend MPA. With the wisdom, experience, and guidance of our faculty and our outstanding college counselors, the college search can indeed be an exciting opportunity to dream big and do right, to embrace their individual interests and talents, and to become the people they are meant to be.

To see photos from College Choice Day, click here.

History Day Success

April 25, 2024

Congratulations to tenth graders Nom-Ujin Byambatsogt and Cosmo Vanzyl, who participated in the annual History Day state competition over the weekend! Out of hundreds of submissions, Cosmo received fourth place and Nom-Ujin received seventh! Picking a different theme each year, this edition of History Day settled on “Turning Points in History,” where students nationwide select a topic to research. Following the decision on the subject, students entering the event must pick different formats, including a 1500-2500-word research paper, a 500-word exhibit, a 10-minute documentary, a website, or a 10-minute performance.

“I have all my tenth-grade students write the research paper in the fall, and they have the option of whether or not they want to participate in the History Day competition,” said Summer McCall, teacher and longtime supporter of the event.

Deciding to enter and advancing to state on April 20, Cosmo and Nom-Ujin were interviewed by four judges about each of their papers before hearing about their top-10 placements. Despite barely missing out on trips to nationals, with only the top two moving on, McCall had some encouraging words for what Cosmo and Nom-Ujin had accomplished.

“The organizers at History Day said the kids competing at the competition represented the top six percent of the competitors in the state,” McCall said. “Super cool and so fun to represent our school in that way.”

State Champions!

April 25, 2024

Tanner Sunderman, coach of the Mounds Park Academy speech team, may have gotten a peek behind the curtain at what the competition thinks of the school’s ability.

“I had a Mounds Park competitor in my round… those kids are machines,” Tanner overheard.

The comment did not come without warrant as the machine marched on with the Panthers claiming another speech team title, defending its championship from 2023 during the Class A state competition this weekend in Shakopee. The championship was the third in the team’s last four years. With 53 team points in the event to edge out Melrose Area, MPA now owns the top three spots for the highest team total in Class A history. MPA also now sits third all-time in Minnesota history with 49 total state individual champions, behind Apple Valley and Eagan, and fifth overall with 203 state medalists. Of every team in the state, MPA qualified more students than anyone else, with 21. Nine of those students advanced to the final round, and six others finished in ninth place or were tie-broken from the final round.

The state champions from MPA were Paul Fertig (Extemporaneous Speaking) and Pahwa Yang (Prose). Pahwa successfully defended her individual title and scored straight 1s (perfect scores) in the final round. Runner-ups include Akshay Somayajula (second, Great Speeches), Zainab Lodhi (second, Informative), and Annika Binstadt (second, Poetry). Nico Bergh (Humorous), Rowan Mulrooney (Informative), Zoya Nayak (Oratory), Nabila Artan (Oratory), Lucy Mayer (Poetry), and Maggie Banks (Storytelling) all finished in ninth place or were tie-broken from the final round. Finalists include Ash Klann (sixth, Oratory), Mina Kim (sixth, Great Speeches), Greta Hanson (fifth, Prose), Amal Sastry (third, Extemporaneous Speaking). Pahwa and Akshay earned their third medal overall, Greta and Amal earned their second, and Ash, Mina, Zainab, and Annika earned their first.

The MPA machine now moves on to their final two tournaments of the year: The NIETOC National Tournament in Bellevue, Nebraska, in May and the NSDA National Tournament in Des Moines, Iowa, in June.

Summer Strength Opportunities

April 18, 2024

Ready to boost your child’s fitness and skills this summer? Look no further than our Panther Speed and Strength Programs and Fitness Foundations, all guided by the expertise of MPA Strength Coach Sean Ryther!

Panther Speed and Strength Programs
Want your child to excel in sports or simply enhance their physical abilities? Our 7-week sessions, running from June 11 to August 1, are designed for incoming grade 9-12 students (Session 1) and incoming grades 6-8 students (Session 2). Held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, these programs focus on agility, speed, endurance, and strength development. Led by Coach Ryther, they provide a supportive and dynamic environment where your child can improve their performance, boost their confidence, and foster a lifelong love for fitness.

Session 1: Incoming 9-12th graders. Register here!
Session 2: Incoming 6-8th graders. Register here!

Fitness Foundations Program
Building a solid fitness foundation is crucial for long-term health. Our 7-week session, also from June 11 to August 1, is tailored for incoming grade 3-5 students. Held on Tuesday and Thursday, this program introduces fundamental movement skills, enhances coordination, and promotes an active lifestyle. Under Coach Ryther’s guidance, your child will engage in fun and age-appropriate activities, setting them on the path to a healthier, happier life. Register here!

See photos from last year here!

Let’s champion the next generation of healthy, active Panthers together! #PantherPride #MPAStrong #YouthFitness

Support MPA From Home This Weekend

April 18, 2024

While we wish everyone could join us for the MPA Spring Auction: Together We Can Move Mountains event this year, we’re happy that every supporter can join in from afar!

Thanks to the generosity of our community, we have nearly 200 auction packages for you to bid on and win, even if you can’t join us in person. The silent auction opened earlier this week and will remain open until Saturday, April 20, at noon. Check out our “buy it now” option on some of our most popular packages.

Visit the Silent Auction Page.
Click Login/Register. Create a new account if you have yet to be a part of our auction in the past or log in if you have!
Save, bid, and win amazing items, all while supporting MPA students and teachers.

Learn more about this year’s auction, including purchasing one of our Golden Tickets, which will be drawn on Friday night. You could be the winner of the live auction package of your choice. You don’t need to be present to win!

For questions, contact Jennifer Rogers-Petitt, director of development and community engagement, at jrogers@moundsparkacademy.org.

Upper School Division News April 18, 2024

April 18, 2024

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, April 19: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20-12 PM, Room 150-151
Friday, April 19: Pairing Assembly, 2:20-3 PM
Friday, April 19: MS/US Grade 5-12 Speedracer Video Tournament, 3-5 PM, Room 150-151
Friday, April 19: Spring Auction, 6:30-11 PM, Dellwood Golf Club, bid from home >
Wednesday, April 24: Spring Musical Preview Performance, 1:35-3 PM, Nicholson Center
Wednesday, April 24: HeadSpace “Inspiring Global Responsibility,” 3:15-4:15 PM, Library
Thursday, April 25: LS/US Haiti Cultural Celebration, 1-3 PM, Family Commons, Gallery
Friday, April 26: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20-12 PM, Room 150-151
Friday, April 26: Spring Musical Performance, 7-9 PM, Nicholson Center, tickets >
Saturday, April 27: Spring Musical Performance, 7-9 PM, Nicholson Center, tickets >
Sunday, April 28: Spring Musical Performance, 2-4 PM, Nicholson Center, tickets >
Friday, May 3: US Parent Quarterly Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, PCR
Friday, May 3: Connect With MPA’s New Middle School Director, 8:15 AM, Library
Friday, May 3: US BIPOC Affinity Group Meeting, 11:20-12 PM, Room 150-151
Friday, May 3: New Family Panther Party, 4-5:30 PM, volunteer >
Saturday, May 4: Grades 10-12 Prom, 8-11 PM, Off Campus
Wednesday, May 8: MS/US Orchestra Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
Thursday, May 16: MS/US Band Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, May 17: Class of 2024 Last Day of Classes
Wednesday, May 22: US Choral Concert, 7-8 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, May 24: Senior Performances, 10 AM, Recital Hall
Friday, May 24: Senior Walk, 1 PM, MPA Campus
Friday, May 24: Upper School Awards Assembly, 1:45-3 PM, Nicholson Center
Tuesday, June 4: Last Day of School, All School Yearbook Assembly and Signing, 8-10:30 AM
Tuesday, June 4: Early Release, 10:30 AM

Springtime brings a wave of positive energy as students shed their winter clothing (let’s be honest, they don’t wear winter coats, only a heavier hoodie sweatshirt) and embrace the longer and warmer days of sunshine, spending time in the outdoor spaces that become bustling hubs of activity. The Journal of Environmental Psychology shares, “Spending time outdoors during the spring can enhance cognitive function and reduce stress levels among adolescents, thus contributing to better academic performance.” Basically, they are saying that being outside and experiencing exposure to natural light can positively impact one’s mood and productivity. I couldn’t agree more!

This past week, I was able to step away at a “reasonable time” to watch two MPA baseball games, admire the high jump skills of members of the track team, and witness a third set, tie-break victory for our boys tennis team. I also saw members of the Upper School gearing up to work on the science garden where they, once it awakens, will prepare it for the summer months of growing. A member of the English department starts several of their classes with a mindfulness activity that late last week included a nature walk to center students for their class discussion. Read More

Parent Engagement Strengthens Our School Community

April 17, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

Spring is a season of renewal, a time when both nature and our school community come alive with energy and activity. At MPA, spring is particularly vibrant, filled with concerts, performances, games, meetings, celebrations, and cherished traditions like the Moving Up Ceremony, the Senior Walk, and the First Grade Poetry Picnic.

As we embark on this busy season, I want to ensure that all parents and guardians are fully informed and engaged. You can expect to receive invitations to a variety of special events and gatherings in the coming weeks. I encourage you to stay connected by regularly reading Panther Post and the division news linked from it and keeping an eye on your email for important updates and announcements. We are committed to communicating with you in a timely and effective manner and we hope that’s helpful—especially during seasons like this.

While I understand that everyone leads busy lives, we believe that parent engagement is vital to the success of our school community. Your participation in events and activities enriches the educational experience for your child and strengthens our overall community. I value your input and involvement and want to make it as easy as possible for you to participate in the ways that work best for you.

Here are a few upcoming events where I hope to see you …

Connect With MPA’s Incoming Middle School Director
I am excited to welcome Paul Errickson, our incoming Middle School director, to MPA May 2-3. Paul will be meeting with teachers, students, and administrators during his visit. Parents are invited to join Paul for coffee on Friday, May 3 at 8:15 AM in the Library. He will also be in attendance at the transition meetings, dinner, and concert the evening of May 2. Read More

Global Responsibility: A Pathway to a Connected Future

April 11, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

Over spring break, I traveled to South Korea and China to meet with parents, students, teachers, and educators in both countries. The trip’s purpose was to further enhance our school’s commitment to global responsibility and awareness. I first traveled to South Korea with Cory Becker-Kim, MPA’s international student program coordinator, to establish a stronger presence in the Korean educational marketplace and introduce MPA to interested students and parents. Our goal there was to showcase the unique approach to education that defines MPA: a holistic, experiential, liberal arts education that nurtures the whole child.

In China, I had the privilege of visiting eight schools and one university and met with a number of school leaders and educational officials. Throughout my visit, I enjoyed engaging in profound discussions about the future of education and the importance of global citizenship. I was struck by the genuine interest in our educational approach, particularly our focus on fostering global responsibility and citizenship.

Global responsibility is a key anchor of our school’s mission statement. It is also part of the first priority of 2024ward, our strategic plan: “Empowering students to live, learn, and thrive in today’s complex, global society.” This commitment is rooted in our belief that we must prepare our students for the world that awaits them—a world that demands global thinking, effective communication, and responsible contributions.

MPA Artists Receive 26 MSAA Awards

April 11, 2024

The Art Department is thrilled to share the list of students honored in the 2024 Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards:

Zephyr Bulera ’24, Painting, Honorable Mention, “Ziibi”
Clara Deneault ’25, Drawing, Honorable Mention, “Fragmented Still Life”
Arlo Dickson ’26, Drawing, Honorable Mention, “Kaleidoscope”
Leo Eakin ’24, Drawing, Honorable Mention, “Manhattan Bridge”
Paul Fertig ’25, Painting, Honorable Mention, “Poisoning Mother Nature”
Grace K. ’27, Painting, Gold Key, “Untitled”
Aixa Kellermann ’24, Digital Art, Honorable Mention, “Coyotes Are Invading New York!”
Aixa Kellermann ’24, Drawing, Honorable Mention, “Great Blue Heron”
Aixa Kellermann ’24, Mixed Media, Gold Key, “Watcher”
Nicole Kim ’26, Fashion, Gold Key, “Dress with Red, Blue, and Yellow”
Nicole Kim ’26, Fashion, Silver Key, “The Color of the Earth”
Ash Klann, ’26, Painting, Honorable Mention, “Actuality”
Ash Klann ’26, Painting, Honorable Mention, “Mechanized”
Ellie L. ’27, Drawing, Silver Key, “Shading Practice”
Ellie L. ’27, Drawing, Honorable Mention, “Autumn Feast”
Lilly Liao ’26, Drawing, Silver Key, “Charcoal Drapery”
Elena M-S. ’27, Drawing, Honorable Mention, “Still Life in Yellow”
Elena M-S. ’27, Painting, Silver Key, “Winter Scene”
Elena M-S. ’27, Photography, Gold Key, “Anni”
Lia Sonka ’24, Ceramics, Honorable Mention, “Lotus and Lily”
Lia Sonka ’24, Ceramics, Silver Key, “Cacti”
Lia Sonka ’24, Painting, Honorable Mention, “Wildflowers on Repeat”
Yuhan Zou ’25, Drawing, Silver Key, “Duomo di Milano”
Yuhan Zou ’25, Painting, Honorable Mention, “White Bird”
Yuhan Zou ’25, Painting, Honorable Mention, “Pieta”
Yuhan Zou ’25, Painting, Honorable Mention, “Breathe”

The Scholastic Art Awards is a highly competitive, nationally recognized competition for students ages 13-18. Gold Key awards will go on to competition at the national level.
The list of awards represents a variety of mediums, styles, and techniques, as well as countless hours of work over the course of years of skill development. We are so proud of the accomplishments of these artists! See an album of their award-winning work here.