Upper School Archives

Ms. Sonka’s Passion For Sumi-e Sparks Lessons

October 10, 2024

When Renee Sonka, Middle and Upper School visual arts teacher, first started work on her painting “Dancing Flower Collage,” a Sumi-e styled piece, she wasn’t sure how she felt about it.

“I painted the flowers a couple of years ago, and I was unhappy with them, actually. I put them in the cabinet for a long time,” Sonka said before looking at the piece with fresh eyes recently and touching up the piece. “The collage turned it from an okay painting into a more than okay painting.”

Revisiting the artwork proved to be a worthwhile decision as once Sonka was pleased with the piece, it proved to be a winner. “Dancing Flower Collage” was awarded the National Capital Area Chapter Award in the 61st Annual Juried Exhibition, presented by the Sumi-e Society of America.

“Most years, I will get a piece in, but not every year. To get in is an honor, and to get an award beyond getting in is a huge honor,” Sonka said on the achievement, netting her the first National Capital Area Chapter Award of her career. Read More

Upper School Division News October 10, 2024

October 10, 2024

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, October 11: No Classes, All School Conferences, 8 AM-5 PM
Monday, October 14: No Classes, Indigenous Peoples Day
Tuesday, October 15: Election 2024 Through Civil Discourse: A Sample Lesson for MS/US Parents, 6-7 PM, PCR, register here >
Wednesday, October 16: US G12 No Classes
Wednesday, October 16: US G10/11 Pre-ACT & Mock ACT Practice Tests, 8 AM-12 PM (Early Dismissal)
Wednesday, October 16: US G9 Special Programming, 8 AM-3 PM, Off-Campus
Wednesday, October 16: US G10/11 Early Dismissal
Thursday, October 17-Friday, October 18: No Classes, Fall Break
Thursday, October 24: LS/US Blood Drive, 12-6 PM, Gallery
Friday, October 25: G1-9 Bring a Friend to MPA Day, 8 AM-3 PM
Friday, October 25: US Senior Retreat, 8 AM-5 PM, Camp St. Croix
Friday, October 25: US Senior Retreat Dinner, 5-7 PM, US Commons
Wednesday, October 30: US Instrument Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center
Thursday, October 31: End of Quarter 1
Friday, November 1: No Classes, Grading Day

In 2001, I returned to my alma mater to serve as the assistant director of the middle school. For me, my middle school experience was one that I would have much rather forgotten. I was “that kid.” The one who was often moved to the front row from the back of the room as I was busy serving as the class clown and disrupting the learning of myself and others. My relationship with my teachers was, to say the least, strained and my parents and I could have been on a first-name basis with my school administrator. It was extremely ironic that for my first school administrative role, I served on the other side of the figurative and literal desk.

Thankfully, my parents, teachers, and administrators worked in partnership to support me. A similar partnership is also available and strong at MPA. Parent/teacher conferences play a pivotal role in fostering effective communication and collaboration between educators and parents, forming an important relationship in a student’s educational journey. According to KidsHeath.org, “Conferences help students reach their full potential by providing a space for open dialog, collaboration, and support.” They also provide a dedicated space for parents to gain insight into their child’s academic progress, social development, and progress within the school environment. Read More

Commemorating Indigenous Peoples Day

October 10, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

“Makhoche kin de dakhota thamakhoche.” (Maw-ko-chay keen day dah-ko-tah tah-mah-ko-chay) This is the land of the friendly people, the Dakota.

You may be noticing the school calendar over the next week or so is a bit wonky. This is true for several different reasons, including parent-teacher conferences and the long-standing tradition of taking “MEA days” as a fall break. This year, we are also commemorating Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday, October 14.

As we recognize Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday, we have a unique opportunity to reflect on the profound impact that Native cultures, histories, and contributions have had—and continue to have—on our country. This day calls on us to honor the rich heritage of Indigenous peoples while also acknowledging the struggles they have faced throughout history.

Mounds Park Academy acknowledges the language and history of the Wahpekute and the larger Očhéthi Šakówin nation and its connection to these cultures through the land on which the school resides. Mounds Park Academy acknowledges that our school rests on Dakota homeland and that Indigenous Peoples have the longest relationship to this land. Read More

Preparing Students For A New Workplace

October 3, 2024

There’s a current TikTok trend that involves high school teachers reading emails that they’ve received from their students out loud. They often start with “Hey,” or “Whatsup,” if they contain a salutation. And let’s just say that rarely do they close with a “Thank you.”

While perhaps entertaining, this trend illustrates a disheartening disparity in how young people are being prepared for the workplace of the future. Rapidly changing trends and expectations shape how progressive independent schools like Mounds Park Academy equip students with essential workplace skills for life beyond the four walls of a classroom.

The trend popped into the head of admission and communications director Natalie Waters Seum recently, when she was chatting a newer MPA student. They were talking about how she might navigate the academic bumps in the road that will inevitably come in a rigorous college-prep school. Natalie encouraged her to reach out to her teacher for clarification and support and asked her if she knew how to do that well. While it shouldn’t have been, her response was pleasantly surprising. She retold with great detail what she had learned during the “How To Write An Email To A Teacher” lesson in Mr. Dean’s ninth-grade seminar class. The lesson covers topics such as formal letter structure, salutations, tone, attachments, and more. Notably, the lesson also teaches MPA students to share the solutions they’ve already tried—helping encourage them to take responsibility for their own academic journeys. This lesson is one of the hundreds of ways that MPA intentionally prepares MPA students for a new workplace daily. Read More

Coming Home

September 26, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

I’m old enough to remember those nostalgic Folgers coffee commercials in which a son surprises his family by coming home for the holidays. The warmth, laughter, and love conveyed in those moments brought home the idea that “home” is far more than just a physical place—it’s about the emotions, traditions, and connections we share with one another. That commercial tugged at my heartstrings every time, often bringing a tear to my eye.

Within families, traditions arise and are celebrated, nurturing emotions of acceptance that go beyond the concept of a home as a physical or geographical location. Likewise, Homecoming at MPA has a distinctive meaning as a PreK-12 school. Throughout this week, students of all ages have shown their school spirit in countless ways. From the annual Lower School coloring project and the Homecoming-themed CHAMP Assembly to Middle School poster-making and Upper School dress-up days, the energy has been palpable. Our student-athletes have even been greeting everyone with a smile outside door one each morning. The week culminates with a pep fest tomorrow and athletic contests and activities on Saturday, September 28, and all students, regardless of their grade level, are warmly invited to attend and celebrate together.

Merriam-Webster defines homecoming as “the act of returning to your home or to a place that is like your home.” At MPA, we often refer to our school as a second home—a place where both students and adults are known and valued. This sense of belonging is deeply embedded in our school’s DNA, and it is a crucial element of who we are. Research consistently shows that emotional safety and a strong sense of community are essential for personal growth and academic success.

Upper School Division News September 26, 2024

September 26, 2024

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, September 27: PreK-12 Spirit Wear Day
Friday, September 27: G3-12 Homecoming Assembly, 2:30-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center
Friday, September 27: US Homecoming BBQ, 5-7 PM, Courtyard
Friday, September 27: Hall of Fame Dinner, 6-8 PM, Family Commons
Saturday, September 28: Homecoming, information here >
Saturday, September 28: US Homecoming Dance, 8-11 PM, MPA Campus
Tuesday, October 1: US Quarterly Coffee, 8-9 AM, PCR
Tuesday, October 1: School Photo Retakes, 8-10 AM, Indoor Track
Friday, October 4: US Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
Saturday, October 5: Debate Tournament, 7 AM-4 PM, MS & US Classrooms
Tuesday, October 8: HeadSpace: Civil Discourse in a Polarized Society, Election 2024, 7-8 PM, via Zoom >
Wednesday, October 9: US Cum Laude Program, 7:30-8 AM, Recital Hall
Wednesday, October 9: US PSAT Testing, 8 AM-3 PM
Thursday, October 10: All School Evening Conferences, 3:30-8 PM
Friday, October 11: No Classes, All School Conferences, 8 AM-5 PM
Monday, October 14: No Classes, Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Tuesday, October 15: Election 2024 Through Civil Discourse: A Sample Lesson for MS/US Parents, 6-7 PM, PCR, register here >
Wednesday, October 16: Grade 9 Special Programming, 8-3 PM, Off Campus
Wednesday, October 16: Grades 10 & 11 Pre-ACT & Mock ACT Practice Tests, 8 AM-12 PM (early dismissal)
Wednesday, October 16: Grade 12 No Classes, Time Set Aside for College Applications and College Visits
Thursday, October 17-Friday, October 18: No Classes, Fall Break

With Homecoming season upon us, we are approaching a fun and exciting time for students and their families. I find myself reflecting on the possibility of Upper School students being placed into situations where they may have to make difficult decisions, and I want to send this letter to ask you to do all that you can to make it a happy and safe time for your child. Nothing is more valuable to teenagers than their friends, and nothing is more valuable to parents than the safety of their children. Unfortunately, these two don’t always interact well with one another. Statistically, Homecoming weekend has been one of the most dangerous in a high school student’s life. Each year, we lose far too many teenagers to motor vehicle crashes, with an increase in intoxicant-related traffic fatalities on Homecoming Dance Night. Accidents (especially automobile crashes) are the leading cause of death for young adults between the ages of 15-19, and the reality is that many of those deaths are caused by teenage impaired or distracted driving. Sometimes, even the best kids encounter situations where alcohol and drug use occur, and our children could find themselves in an environment with unexpected expectations. As a parent or guardian, you have the opportunity and responsibility to help ensure the safety of your children and others by helping them make the right choices.

Congratulations, National Merit Semifinalists and Commended Students!

September 23, 2024

It all started last fall, with more than 1.3 million juniors in high schools nationwide taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) and then entering the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. Based on PSAT performance, a nationwide pool of about 16,000 Semifinalists was announced recently.

Representing MPA and earning their place among the top one percent of high school seniors, Navreen Biring and Paul Fertig were announced as National Merit Semifinalists! Congratulations to Navreen and Paul, who will now complete an extensive application to proceed further in the competition. They will provide their academic record, an essay, a school recommendation, and SAT or ACT scores that confirm their qualifying performance on the PSAT.

Three additional seniors, Annika Binstadt, Mari Minear, and Amal Sastry, are recognized as Commended Students in the National Merit program. Their scores placed them in the top 50,000 students nationally.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success and notes that they represent a valuable national resource, contributing to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We are so proud of these five MPA students!

Reaffirming Ideals Rooted In Our Founding Principles

September 19, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

Last week, I wrote to you about parental stress, highlighting an advisory issued by the U.S. Surgeon General. The ongoing threat of school shootings and the heated nature of the current political landscape have only heightened parental concerns. These issues, intertwined with children’s mental health, safety, technology, and social media, are pulling apart families and communities. This leaves many feeling hopeless and deepens the fears and cynicism of the old and young alike. Families and communities are being torn apart, leaving many without hope and fueling the fears and cynicism of young and old alike. But there must be a path forward, and I am steadfast in ensuring MPA is part of the solution.

As we approach the 2024 presidential election, Mounds Park Academy is reaffirming its commitment to civil discourse, civic engagement, and respect for diverse perspectives. These ideals are not new to MPA but deeply rooted in our founding principles. In 1981, co-founder Bob Kreischer envisioned a school that would prepare students to be “good citizens capable of dealing with the problems they will face in an ever-changing world.” This vision was heavily influenced by John Dewey’s educational philosophy, focusing on experiential, hands-on learning.

In today’s politically charged climate, it is more important than ever that students learn to navigate differing viewpoints with thoughtfulness and respect. MPA teaches students to analyze information critically, distinguish credible sources, and engage in evidence-based discussions. We model how to address complex issues with understanding, empathy, and inclusivity, equipping students to become well-informed, active participants in society. Read More

Parent Mental Health: An Urgent Public Health Concern

September 12, 2024

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

Many of you have kindly asked how my daughter, Ari, and I are doing. I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness. Ari is diving into her studies and college life and seems to be adjusting well. As for me? I’m still navigating the emotional rollercoaster that comes with dropping your child off at college. Recently, I’ve found myself wishing I had held onto that hug just a little longer. At the time, I tried so hard not to let my anxiety overshadow her excitement. I gave her a typical hug, said I loved her, and walked away. But now, I catch myself wondering if I overreacted or perhaps underreacted. Either way, I’m left questioning how well I managed that moment.

You may hear me mention this transition a few more times because it serves as a reminder: whether your child is starting school for the first time, moving up a grade, joining a new division, or leaving for college, new beginnings are challenging for both children and their parents. Parenting doesn’t become easier as our children grow older—it seems to get even more complex.

The pressure we face as parents has intensified significantly. So much so, that the U.S. Surgeon General recently issued an advisory on the mental health and well-being of parents. According to the advisory, over the past decade, parents have consistently reported higher levels of stress compared to other adults. In 2023, 33% of parents reported experiencing high levels of stress in the past month, compared to just 20% of other adults. Some of the key factors contributing to this include: Read More

Upper School Division News September 12, 2024

September 12, 2024

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, September 13: PA Grade Rep Meeting, 8-9 AM, Family Commons
Sunday, September 15: New Student Admission & Indexed Tuition Applications Open
Tuesday, September 17: US G9/New G10 Students Signs of Suicide Screening
Wednesday, September 18: US G11 Signs of Suicide Screening
Thursday, September 19: US Senior Performances, 8-9:15 AM, Recital Hall
Sunday, September 22: Twin Cities Partnership College Fair, 1-3 PM, Breck School
Monday, September 23-Saturday, September 28: Homecoming Week
Friday, September 27: PreK-12 Spirit Wear Day
Friday, September 27: G3-12 Homecoming Assembly, 2:30-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center
Friday, September 27: US Homecoming BBQ, 5-7 PM, Courtyard, US Commons (rain back-up)
Friday, September 27: Hall of Fame Dinner, 6-8 PM, Family Commons, RSVP here >
Saturday, September 28: Homecoming, information here >
Saturday, September 28: US Homecoming Dance, 8-11 PM, MPA Campus
Tuesday, October 1: School Photo Retakes, 8-10 AM, Indoor Track
Tuesday, October 1: US Quarterly Coffee, 8-9 AM, PCR
Saturday, October 5: Debate Tournament, 7 AM-4 PM, US and MS Classrooms

One of the most wonderful things about being an Upper School administrator is that I get to be a fly on the wall of the social and academic lives of young adults. Having the ability to sit in the Family Commons as they eat lunch, drop into a classroom to listen to their discussions, and casually watch them as they engage with one another in the Upper School Commons is a benefit that comes with the job. This year has been different than past years as students have focused on their interpersonal relationships and in-person communication rather than being distracted by their cellular telephones.

In a recent article for Educational Leadership, classroom teacher Matthew Kays shared, “The focus on and distraction of cell phones took up more and more class time, and had a noticeable (negative) effect on the amount of work students got done.” With this realization, last spring Kays’ school required that students “separated” from their phones. Within just a few weeks, Kays and his colleagues reported that “Students’ production during work periods went back to what we were seeing from 2006-2016. … almost none of our interactions were about managing (and taking) students’ phones.”