Upper School Archives

Peer Leaders Creatively Make Connections

February 10, 2021

Without being able to gather together this year as they usually do, Upper School Peer Leaders have been creatively connecting with their seventh and eighth grade groups virtually. They met for the first time last week, splitting into groups based on interests, like current events, STEM, social change, and study skills. In the books and movies group, led by seniors Emmet Tanzer-Tragatsch and Ishika Muppidi and sophomore Lucy Cowen, students got to know each other and make connections through their favorite genres, types of media, and what’s trending on Netflix right now.

Peer Leading is based on the belief that teens provide the first source of support for each other. At MPA, the Upper School Peer Leaders are trained to listen, reach out, maintain confidentiality, and be there when needed. Peer Leaders are also trained to know how to access other resources when necessary.

“I remember having my own Peer Leaders when I was in seventh grade, and how even just that interaction with an Upper School student helped me feel more comfortable around them, Ishika recalls. “I believe one of the most critical skills Peer Leaders has taught me is how to interact, communicate, and relate to others around me, essentially teaching me different ways to manage various relationships.” Read More

As We Look To Next Year

February 4, 2021

by Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

On Sunday, we hosted a rather large number of prospective families for a virtual MPA Preview. During a panel discussion, I was asked by moderator Nate Bander, “How do you see the mission statement of MPA playing out every day?”

Truthfully, it was a difficult question to answer because I see the mission in action each day in a multitude of ways. Most of you know that I stand at the south entrance of the school every day to greet students as they enter the building. Admittedly, it is the best part of my day and I often joke that my day goes downhill from there. The joyfulness of students as they enter the building is infectious. They are excited about the day ahead, to connect with their classmates, and see their teachers. At most schools, students are excited to exit the school, for their day to be over.

After my door duty is over, I make the trek to my office at the other end of the building and I see the mission come to life in so many ways:

As I pass by the Makerspace, I may see a Lower School class joyfully problem-solving using manipulatives.
Crossing through the new Family Commons, I might encounter a Middle School science class sprawled across the space excitedly engaged in testing the laws of motion with wind-up cars they built.
I may stop in my tracks along the way to take in the beauty of new art gracing our hallways and stand in awe of the accomplishments of our students.
Sometimes I pause outside the band or orchestra rooms to take in and feel the beautiful music and close my eyes, wishing I had that opportunity when I was young.
I may have to watch where I am walking in the Upper School Commons to avoid interrupting a world history class that is sitting in a circle on the floor in the midst of an intense discussion of Jim Crow laws.
As I finally approach my office, I often hear peals of laughter coming from the Lansing Sports Center of children engaging in some creative, crazy named activity dreamed up to teach important lessons about wellbeing and teamwork. Read More

Get Your Panther Gear During The Spirit Store Sale!

February 4, 2021

Get all of your Panther gear for the upcoming spring athletics season at the next Spirit Store flash sale! This Valentine’s Day-themed sale will start on Friday, February 5 and end on Saturday, February 6 at 11:59 PM EST.

Use the promo code VDAY21 at checkout. This sale offer is 20% off everything in the online store, no minimum order required! As always, items are customizable and come in a variety of sizes and MPA colors. Click here to shop the sale.

February 4, 2021

Upper School (grades 9-12)
Girls and boys track and field practice begins March 29, 2021. Practices are Monday-Friday, 3:30 PM-5:30 PM at MPA.

Girls and boys golf (grades 7-12) practice begins April 12. Practices Practices are Monday-Thursday, 3:30 PM-6:30 PM at various locations.

Girls fastpitch practice begins March 29, 2021. Practices are Monday-Friday, 3:30 PM-5 PM at Goodrich fields.

Boys baseball practice begins March 22, 2021. Practices are Monday-Friday, 3:30 PM-5 PM at MPA.

Girls lacrosse practice beings April 5, 2021. Practices are Monday-Friday, 3:30 PM-5 PM at Henry Sibley. Co-op fees apply.

Boys tennis (grades 7-12) practice begins March 29, 2021. Practices are Monday-Friday, 3:30 PM-5 PM at MPA. Read More

Strategic Planning In A VUCA World

January 28, 2021

by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

One of the highpoints of the fall for me is spending time with our senior class talking about leadership. In a series of four seminars, I walk with them through various leadership theories as well as several definitions and metaphors. One of my favorite leadership metaphors is one I learned from a mentor many years ago.

“Leadership is being in the middle of the herd moving it roughly westward.”

I share it with them at the end of the second session and ask them to think about what it means, how it applies to leadership, and come prepared to our next meeting to discuss. The ensuing conversation is often rather lively and as we unpack the metaphor and it yields many very different interpretations:

Leaders who are too far out in front of the herd may realize too late that they are alone, having forgotten to bring others along with them.
Sometimes a leader needs to be out front to chart a bold and new path.
If a leader is at the tail end, the herd lacks direction. On the other hand, sometimes a leader needs to step back in order to consider lay of the land and craft a broader vision.
Those who lead from the middle are often better in touch with other members of the herd and can nudge them forward in a common direction.
Leaders in the middle can push and pull from within, depending on what is needed. They help others feel valued as a part of the solution as the team moves ahead.
When consensus and buy-in are required for the success of the project, leading from the middle may be best.
From time to time, a leader does need to pull back, trust in the team, in order to consider the whole to refine a vision, and allow others a chance to take the lead.

Save The Date For The 2021 Virtual Spring Auction

January 28, 2021

Save the date! The 2021 Spring Auction: The Best Is Yet To Come is going virtual! The MPA volunteer planning committee is pleased to share sponsorship packages are now available with amazing perks, at-home meal kits, and great ways to get involved and give back to the school you love. Save the date for April 16 and visit moundsparkacademy.org/springauction to learn more, purchase a sponsorship package today, or donate an auction item from our wish list!

Expect student performances, hear from Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School, and other MPA community members, and bid on and win some amazing silent and live auction items. Proceeds support MPA’s educational programs, new curricular initiatives, COVID-19 response expenses, athletics programs, the arts, and so much more.

Questions? Contact Jennifer Rogers-Petitt, director of development and community engagement at jrogers@moundsparkacademy.org.

Community Education: A Check In On Suicide Awareness And Prevention

January 28, 2021

Save the date for Thursday, February 11 at 7 PM, for a Community Education Event: A Check In On Suicide Awareness And Prevention. Families and students in grades 7-12 are invited to virtually attend a mental health education event facilitated by MPA staff and leading school psychology professionals. The conversation will be hosted by Upper School Director of Guidance, Randy Comfort, and Middle and Upper School Counselor, Ashley Cooper, along with a team of school psychologists from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Important topics of mental health will be addressed by MPA parent and professor, Dr. Todd Savage, along with professors Dr. Scott Woitaszewski, and Dr. Anne Zaslofsky. With COVID-19, school stress, and other life challenges, it can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between what is normal and something more serious. During this session, attendees will receive up-to-date information about depression and suicide, discuss how to support someone who may be struggling with their mental health, explore supports available at MPA, and engage in a Q&A session.

Join Via Zoom >
Meeting ID: 986 1824 2972
Password: 218800

“Some Good News” Returns February 5

January 28, 2021

If you loved the first episode of the series “Some Good News,” created by the cast and crew of this year’s Middle School play, stay tuned for episode two on February 5!

Inspired by John Krasinski’s “Some Good News” series, the Middle School students (with Upper School students mentoring) were responsible for pitching ideas, collaborating, and writing stories, interviews, jokes, and sketches to produce four webisodes in the series. This approach allows the cast to go beyond acting, but to be involved in writing, filming, and directing.

The Middle School Theatre Department is proud to offer students and community members meaningful theater experiences year after year. Given the unique challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Middle School production is fully virtual so all community members far and wide can experience the joy of the students involved in this special project. Read More

Math League Finishes With 75 Total Points

January 26, 2021

MPA’s Math League team had their fourth meet this week, finishing with a team total of 75 points.

The top scorers were senior Sean Park and sophomore Qiya Zhang, each earning 10 points out of a possible 14 points, both in the difficult C and D events. Juniors Leo Yu earned nine points and Amy Xiang earned eight points, and senior Lareina Gu earned 8 points as well. Freshman Ella Li earned six points and sophomore Anthony Troullier earned 4 points. Senior Josiah Grabanski, filling in for Amit Manicka (who had a college class at about the same time), earned a solid four points in events C and D.

The team earned 16 points out of a possible 24 points in the team round.

Cretin-Derham Hall, which was leading our section and the state in AA (four points head of MPA and three points ahead of Highland Park), earned 67 points. MPA will be ahead in the State standings after this past meet and might move into the top spot! Congratulations and good luck, Panthers!

Congratulations Ms. Pederson!

January 25, 2021

Lisa Pederson, MPA’s Director of College Counseling, has been named one of the twelve recipients from across the country of the 2021 Counselors That Change Lives Award! This honor is given by Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL), a non-profit organization dedicated to the ideal of a student-centered college search.

Ms. Pederson was nominated by Jill Sauber, Associate Dean of Admissions at St. Olaf
College. “Lisa does not hesitate to recommend colleges based on the best fit for her students rather than those that are based on ranking. I have witnessed the research she does for her students, the insightful questions she asks when on counselor tours, the subtle pushing she does to college reps to get honest answers and a true understanding of the institution,” says Sauber.

Ms. Pederson shined in this spring’s challenging circumstances. Sauber recalls, “When high schools pivoted to distance learning last spring, I heard from numerous families at Mounds Park Academy that Lisa made their seniors feel recognized, appreciated and celebrated from afar. They praised her for the ability to handle the changes positively and thoughtfully.” Read More