Coming Home

Heads Messagefrom 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.

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Upper School Division News September 26, 2024

US Division Newsfrom 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.

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Congratulations, National Merit Semifinalists and Commended Students!

MeritIt 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

Headsmessagefrom 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

Headsmessage 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

US Division Newsfrom 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.”

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Reflecting on Safety and Community In Light Of The Recent Tragedy

Campusfrom Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

The recent school shooting in Georgia has deeply affected me, both as a parent and as the head of our school. The tragedy of losing innocent lives in a place of learning is heart-wrenching and fills me with profound sadness. My thoughts are with the families of the students and teachers who were killed and with the Apalachee High School community.

In the wake of such events, it’s natural to have concerns about the safety and security of our own children at school. I want to assure you that I have full confidence in our security measures and a deep trust in the strength of our school community. Nonetheless, we remain vigilant and committed to continuous improvement. I’d like to outline our approach to ensuring safety and security at MPA.

Our focus is not solely on security but also on fostering a positive school culture—a broader concept that encompasses both security measures and the values we uphold as a community. While security involves physical protocols and practices—what some might refer to as “hard” security—school culture encompasses the values and relationships that connect us all. Balancing these aspects is a crucial part of my role as head of school. Read More


Join MPA’s Grade 7-12 Sailing Team

FallSailingDid you know that MPA has a highly competitive and successful sailing team? While sailing is not an MSHSL sport and is run as a club at MPA, our sailors have competed at the regional, national, and collegiate levels annually for many years. No experience or boat is needed to join, and all are welcome from grades seven through 12. In fact, it’s free for the first week! Sailing is a lifelong sport that is both technical and physical, and it is a great way to make friends from MPA and other schools.

Details:

  • Practices are held September 3-October 24 (weather permitting) at White Bear Sailing School.
  • Attendance is free September 3-5—come try out the sport!
  • MPA’s team is coached and practices alongside sailors from Mahtomedi Public Schools, White Bear Public Schools, and other area schools.
  • Practices are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30-6:30 PM.
  • Potluck and parent night Saturday, September 7 at 7 PM.
  • Parent information meeting slides can be found here.
  • Regattas are optional but encouraged and held on Saturdays on lakes throughout the Twin Cities.
  • Sailing is a spring and/or fall sport and students can participate in one or both seasons.
  • Some personal gear is required to ensure safety on the water—some gear may be available to borrow.
  • The cost is $550 per season and includes coaching and the use of boats and other equipment.

Registration and more information can be found here. If you have any questions, please reach out to MPA’s sailing team advisor, Natalie Waters Seum at nwatersseum@moundsparkacademy.org. We hope to see you on the water!


Get Ready For The Ice Cream Social!

ice creamLet’s celebrate the start of an incredible year! Make plans to join us for a beloved MPA tradition, the Ice Cream Social on Friday, September 6, from 3-4 PM on the South Lawn! This is an all-school opportunity to connect with one another, enjoy a sweet treat, and meet our new families.

Details For Lower School Families
If you are planning to attend, please meet your child at their classroom door and notify your child’s homeroom teacher in advance. Otherwise, we will send your child on the bus or to the drive thru lane as usual. All Lower School students must be directly supervised by an adult to get their ice cream.

Details For All Families
A sundae bar with all of the fixings will be available for students and their families. The ice cream will be peanut and tree nut free and provided by YoYo Donuts. All of the sundae bar toppings will be peanut and tree nut free and provided by SAGE. JonnyPops Organic Freezer Pops will be available at a separate station for food-allergic students. This should be safe for all MPA students, but it is not guaranteed. Ingredients will be available for review by parents or can be found at the link above. Because any frozen treat could be messy on a bus, bus riders will be sent home with allergy-friendly Partake cookies (free of top-9 allergens, gluten-free, vegan, OU Kosher). All students at Panther Club and Panther Den will be taken outside for a treat and supervised accordingly by Panther staff. Middle School students may navigate the event with or without a parent. If they are without a parent, they should be able to manage any allergies they may have.

If you have any questions or would like more information about ingredients, please contact communications@moundsparkacademy.org. See you there!


Emotional Milestones

headsmessagefrom Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

Welcome (back) to MPA and another fantastic school year!

Whether you’re a returning family or a family with one of the 103 new students joining the MPA community this year, it’s a fresh start and a new beginning for all of us.

First, I apologize for not being with you last week for Back To School Night. Instead, I was in Tucson, dropping my daughter off at the University of Arizona for her first year of college. I managed to keep my emotions in check—until we returned home, and I passed by her bedroom. The door was open, her bed was made, and her room was spotless—three things that had never been true before. After 34 years in education, helping launch hundreds of students into their futures, I knew saying goodbye would be hard. I just didn’t realize how hard.

Dropping a child off at college for the first time is a deeply emotional milestone for parents. In many ways, it parallels the experience of entrusting your child to a new school or, even for returning students, beginning a new school year. You and I are likely navigating similar emotions right now—moments that signify significant transitions in the parent-child relationship and mark our children’s growing independence. There’s also the natural anxiety about how our children will adapt to a new environment, whether it’s the magical world of kindergarten, a new grade, or the independence of college. Rest assured, our exceptional faculty and staff are dedicated to ensuring a successful transition and making a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of our students every single day. Read More