Middle School Division News

October 29, 2026

from Paul Errickson, Middle School director There is a particular rhythm to this time of year in the Middle School. The first quarter is behind us, the leaves are nearly down, and the mornings are getting darker and colder. Fall is a season of transition, and you may notice it at home: students who have settled into routines and are now being asked to stretch a little further. That stretch is a good thing. Over these first weeks, I have watched students take on new responsibilities, try new skills, and grow in ways that are easy to miss day to day but obvious when we step back. Our fifth graders are finding their footing, and our eighth graders are showing what it means to lead.

The next few weeks are especially important. From now until Thanksgiving, we have nearly a month of school without a day off. That gives us a stretch of sustained learning time where real momentum can build. A few things that help at home during this season:

• Protect sleep. As the days get shorter, a steady bedtime makes a big difference in focus and mood.
• Check in on the routine. Ask your child how planners, homework, and long-term assignments are going. This is a good moment to adjust what isn’t working.
• Notice the growth. Ask your child what they have gotten better at this fall. Their answers might surprise you.

i-Term Sign-Ups Are Open!

I’m excited to share that i-Term registration is now open. i-Term, held the week of February 22–26, 2027, is one of the signature experiences of our Middle School: one week, one course, no grades, and a chance for students in grades 5–8 to learn alongside experts, explore our community, and make new friends across grade levels.

This year we are offering 13 courses, our widest variety yet, across three areas: Making & Design Thinking, Cultural & Community Explorations, and Creative Arts & Play. Students might spend the week building a woodworking project, writing in the Ink Lab, exploring Twin Cities museums and cultural attractions, snowboarding at Afton Alps, designing skateboard decks, forming a rock band, or baking gluten-free treats. For our seventh and eighth graders, there are also two travel options: dogsledding in Ely and marine science in Key Largo.

Please sit down with your child, look through the i-Term course catalog together, and help them choose three courses they would be excited to take. You should have received an email earlier this week with the catalog and the link for the sign-up form. Class sizes are kept small, so we do our best to place students in their top choices, but please don’t list a course your child would be unhappy to attend. Once placements are confirmed, changes can’t be made.

Sign-ups are due by November 4. 

Course fees cover transportation, field trips, guest experts, and excursions, and will be billed through the Business Office once placements are final. If a course fee presents a financial hardship for your family, please reach out to me directly. I’m happy to talk through options.

Thank you, as always, for your partnership. Enjoy this cozy season with your kids.

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: PA Halloween Book Sale Pop-Up with PaperPie, 7:30 AM-3:30 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
• Friday, October 30: MS G5-6 Halloween Party, 3:15-4:45 PM, Family Commons
• Monday, November 2: Native American Heritage Month Begins
• Saturday, November 7: MS Play Tech Day, 9 AM-1 PM, Black Box
• Tuesday, November 10: DEIB Family Forum, 8:15-9:15 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
• Thursday, November 12: MS Play – Parent Picture Night, 6:30-9 PM, Black Box
• Friday, November 13: MS Play Student Matinee, Black Box
• Friday, November 13: MS Play Performance, 7-9 PM, Black Box
• Saturday, November 14: MS Play Performance, 2-4 PM, Black Box
• Sunday, November 15: MS Play Performance, 2-4 PM, Black Box
• Thursday, November 19: PreK-G12 Give to the Max Day Assembly, 2:20-3 PM, Nicholson Center
• Thursday, November 19: MS Play Pick-Up Rehearsal, 3:15-5:15 PM, Black Box