Lower School Division News
October 29, 2026
from Julia Ross, Lower School learning specialistWe’re a few months into the school year, and all students have been busy practicing new skills, tackling challenges, and making more and more connections each day. Their brains are hard at work, strengthening pathways through constant practice, curiosity, and even mistakes they make across all different settings at MPA.
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- What is something you can do now that felt tricky at the beginning of the year?
- What is something you are still working on at school?
- What helps you when learning feels hard?
- What is something you are proud of yourself for trying?
Asking these questions helps children recognize their growth, continue to build their confidence, and have a better understanding that learning is a process. At this point in the school year, learning can start to feel harder as expectations are growing and students are taking on new challenges. This is all normal, and letting your child know that is important. When something feels tricky, it means their brain is working hard to build those new connections and skills!
Keep noticing all of those little wins your child is making along the way. There is so much wonderful learning happening at MPA every day!
from Erika Beernink, Lower School assistant
As temperatures begin to drop, now is a great time to check that your child has everything needed to stay comfortable, active, and ready to learn throughout the school day.
Visit the Lost & Found: Missing a favorite sweatshirt, water bottle, or jacket? Our Lower School Lost & Found is located in the Lower School Office. We encourage families to stop by and take a look. You might be surprised by what you find!
Label Everything: Please label all personal items, including sweaters, sweatshirts, coats, lunch boxes, water bottles, shoes, hats, and gloves. A simple name tag dramatically increases the chances that lost items make it back home.
Prepare for Outdoor Recess: Lower School students enjoy outdoor recess every day with very few exceptions. Fresh air and active play are an important part of the school day, but they are much more enjoyable when students are dressed for the weather.
Please make sure your child comes to school prepared for changing Minnesota conditions, from chilly winds to wet snow. Hats, gloves, coats, snow pants, boots, and even an extra pair of socks can make a big difference. After all, nothing distracts from learning quite like cold, wet feet!
Questions about dress code requirements or where to purchase MPA fleeces and sweatshirts? Click here.
from Dr. Julie Winn, Lower School assistant director
One of the best parts of working at MPA is the partnership and commitment of parents in this community. While we spend a significant amount of time with your children each school day analyzing and responding to their learning needs, social and emotional development, and developmental levels, parents hold the larger picture of who their child is at their core. As educational partners, we both have the same high hopes for your child’s future, and we are working in tandem every day with you to help them bloom into the best version of themselves!
By this point in the year, fatigue begins to set in for us all, and the natural reaction to the changing seasons is to put things into cruise control and just hope for the best. This is true for kids, too. Their brains are tired, the newness has worn off, and they quite naturally start looking for shortcuts and loopholes. Perhaps you have noticed it at home as well? The great news is that this is a beautiful opportunity to teach stick-to-it-iveness, resilience, and character. The clear message we can all send is: This is important. You can do it. We are all here to help.
By encircling our kids, holding them accountable to common, high expectations, and continuing to be in close partnership with each other, we will help them rise to new heights every day.
from Sarah Hong, Lower School counselor
As we have settled into the routines of life at MPA, we also begin to experience many changes outside of school this time of year. The days become shorter, the weather gets colder, and there are many holidays and celebrations on the horizon. These changes can bring a wide range of emotions and shifts in mood. On one hand, children may feel excited, engaged, and grateful. On the other hand, they may experience feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, disappointment, or simply feel a little stir-crazy as opportunities for outdoor play and sunlight decrease.
Children do not always have the words or self-awareness to fully understand and express these feelings, especially when the changes are happening gradually around them. This is where the adults and trusted people in their lives can have a tremendous impact. Paying attention to shifts in your child's mood, energy, or behavior can help build their emotional awareness and understanding. Simple observations and open-ended questions can go a long way. Comments such as, “I’ve noticed you seem a little more tired lately,” or “How do you think the colder weather affects your mood?” can help children pause, reflect, and connect their feelings to what is happening around them.
As we move through the fall and into the winter months, approaching your child's emotions with curiosity can strengthen their self-awareness and emotional growth. Creating opportunities for connection through family routines, conversations, outdoor movement, and moments of gratitude can also help children feel supported during this season of change. Sometimes the greatest support we can offer is simply making space for children to share what they are feeling and reminding them that all emotions are welcome.
from James Ewer, Lower School director
Four voices. One message.
This time of year asks more of our kids. The days are shorter. The work is harder. The newness is gone. That is exactly when growth happens, and exactly when they need us most.
Ms. Sarah reminds us to notice how our children feel. Ms. Ross invites us to help them see how far they have come. Dr. Winn asks us to keep expectations high and stay close while they meet them. And Ms. Erika makes sure cold, wet feet never get in the way of learning.
Here is my ask. Pick one question from this post and use it at dinner this week. Then listen. You will learn something about your child. Your child will learn that you are paying attention.
We see the effort your children bring every day. We see yours too. Thank you for partnering with us through this stretch of the year.
Important Notes
Opportunities To Share MPA: Community member recommendations are the most important way new families come to MPA! When a new student completes the MPA application process based on a recommendation from a current family, the current family will receive a $500 credit toward the following year's tuition. If the new student is accepted and the family enrolls, an additional $500 credit will be applied.
We have some fantastic events coming up that are the perfect way to share MPA with a friend, neighbor, or family member! If you know someone who is exploring schools or is interested in MPA, please share the information below. Thank you for sharing MPA!
- Taste Of Ninth Grade | November 15, 11 AM-12:15 PM: Students will experience collaborative, hands-on learning while parents connect with members of the MPA community to learn more about ninth-grade, Upper School life, and the opportunities ahead. Families will enjoy lunch together before continuing on to the PreK-12 MPA Preview. Families can RSVP here!
- PreK-12 MPA Preview | November 15, 12:30-2 PM: Families discover what makes MPA such a special place to learn and grow at the PreK–12 MPA Preview. They have a chance to meet school leaders, faculty, and current parents, tour campus with MPA students, and experience signature learning opportunities while getting a firsthand look at the people, programs, and spirit of the MPA community. Families can RSVP here!
Please contact the Office of Admission at admission@moundsparkacademy.org or 651-748-5577 if you have any questions.
A Look Ahead
- Friday, October 30: PA Fall Food Drive
- Friday, October 30: LS Costume Day/Spirit Day
- Friday, October 30: LS MPA Grade-Level Parties
- Friday, October 30: PA Halloween Book Sale Pop-Up with PaperPie, 7:30 AM-3:30 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
- Friday, October 30: LS October Birthday Lunch & Family Feast Day, 12:10-12:40 PM, Family Commons
- Friday, October 30: LS Halloween Parade, 2:30-3 PM
- Monday, November 2: Native American Heritage Month Begins
- Tuesday, November 10: LS G3 Bell Museum ExploraDome, Lansing Sports Center
- Tuesday, November 10: DEIB Family Forum, 8:15-9:15 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
- Friday, November 13: LS Family Forum, 8:15-9:30 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
- Wednesday, November 18: LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-9 AM, Nicholson Center
- Thursday, November 19: PreK-G12 Give to the Max Day Assembly, 2:20-3 PM, Nicholson Center
