January 29, 2026
State of the Lower School: Strong Roots, Clear Steps from James Ewer, Lower School director
As we reach the midpoint of the school year, our division directors are pausing to reflect on what is thriving, what is evolving, and what lies ahead. These updates reflect the unique character of each division and, together, highlight the shared commitment to learning, belonging, and growth that defines Mounds Park Academy. Watch for a state of the school report with a PreK-12 perspective from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school, in next week’s Panther Post.
We have something very special. And we have work to do to protect it.
A Program Built on Relationships and Breadth
When I step back and look at what I consistently observe, I see a division built on relationships and a real belief in children. Our specialist program stands out as a major asset. Our students get a breadth of experiences that most schools cannot offer, with strong offerings across areas like arts, world language, LMT, robotics, theatre, and daily P.E. That range gives kids multiple entry points to confidence, success, and belonging.
A Lived Culture of Character and Care
I also see a culture that is not performative. It is practiced. “Dream Big. Do Right” shows up as a lived language. CHAMP anchors our community. Mindfulness shows up consistently. Our students learn how to name feelings, repair harm, and contribute to a community rooted in respect and empathy. That character foundation is a real strength of our program, not an aspirational statement.
Learning That Is Visible, Authentic, and Celebrated
I see learning that is visible and worth celebrating. Our students do not just complete tasks. They share, perform, reflect, and showcase growth in authentic ways across CHAMP assemblies, hall displays, performances, and grade-level traditions like Pasta Day, Troll Stories, or the Lower School Humbug Witch Performance.
All. This. Matters.
It builds agency.
It builds pride.
It helps children see themselves as capable learners, not just students who get grades.
Structures That Support the Whole Child
I also see care structures that meet the moment we are in as educators. We have systems for regulation and support that many schools still talk about but have not built. Full-time support roles. Calming corners. A sensory room. Conflict managers. Support teams and collaborative structures that allow adults to respond when students need more. These are not small things. They create stronger conditions for learning for all students.
Teaching Grounded in How Children Learn
And I see teaching that reflects what we know about how children learn best. Our team believes in active, hands-on, and collaborative learning. We explore with experiential and project-based approaches.
That is modern teaching.
That is student-centered practice.
Strengthening the Systems That Protect What We’ve Built
Now here’s where we grow next.
Our greatest opportunities are not about effort or heart. They are about systems. And that is good news—because systems are something we can strengthen together in the service of what already works well.
Consistency in Behavior and Discipline
- We are continuing to tighten shared expectations across common spaces.
- We are clarifying and documenting steps so responses are predictable and fair.
- We are using data to guide our work—not just to record incidents, but to inform support.
A Written, Aligned, and Durable Curriculum
- We are protecting the strong teaching already happening by mapping what we teach and when.
- We are building clearer alignment across grade levels so students experience a true progression over time.
- We are prioritizing time for vertical conversations and shared exploration.
Equity and Belonging, Consistently Lived
- We continue to ask, “Who feels seen here?” and “Who may still be on the margins?”
- We are strengthening cultural teaching so it is developmentally appropriate, accurate, and consistent across spaces.
- We are building staff capacity, so this work lives across our entire division, not in isolated moments.
Looking Ahead
So, here is the story I want us to own as a division.
We have a beautiful, mission-driven program with incredible, authentic learning from all angles. Now we strengthen the systems that hold it together. We tighten behavior structures so every child experiences clarity and fairness. We document and align the curriculum so excellence becomes consistent. We align our equity work so students experience belonging and representation as a lived reality across spaces.
This is not a “fixing” moment.
It is a “build a stronger structure” moment.
And I believe we are ready for it.
We have strong roots and a clear next step.
Let’s keep doing right by kids.
Peace and love,
Mr. Ewer
2026 MPA Spring Auction: Rooted In Purpose
Join us for the 2026 MPA Spring Auction: Rooted In Purpose, on Friday, April 17, at the Lowlands in St. Paul! We look forward to gathering as a community to celebrate the mission we share and the people who make Mounds Park Academy such a special place. This joyful evening will bring together families, alumni, staffulty and friends to raise critical support for our school, all while enjoying great company, food, and a little fun along the way.
Sponsorships are now available. This is the perfect time to consider a Business or Family Sponsorship. Sponsorships include:
- admission to the event for two or more
- reserved priority seating
- access to our Sponsorship Pre-Party
- recognition across event materials
- interactive auction opportunities, depending on the level
- early access to our silent auction
- and the chance to underwrite tickets so our incredible staffulty can attend at no cost.
Family Sponsorships can be purchased here, and Business Sponsorships can be bought here.
We are committed to making this community-building event accessible to all. If ticket pricing presents a barrier to attending, please contact Ashley Goetzke, director of development and community engagement at agoetzke@moundsparkacademy.org to discuss reduced pricing options based on need.
Mark Your Calendars
- Wednesday, February 4: LS/MS Navigating the Transition from Lower to Middle School, 2:15-3:15 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
- Thursday, February 5: No Afterschool PreK Panther
- Thursday, February 5: LS Used Uniform Sale, 3:30-8 PM, LS Hallways
- Thursday, February 5: LS/MS Evening Conferences, 3:30-8 PM
- Friday, February 6: No LS/MS Classes, Conferences
- Friday, February 6: PreK Panther Closed
- Friday, February 6: LS Used Uniform Sale, 8 AM-5 PM, LS Hallways
- Friday, February 6: LS/MS Conferences, 8 AM-5 PM,
- Sunday, February 8: MPA Family Open Gym, 1-3 PM, Lansing Sports Center, Register >
- Monday, February 9: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Agreements Sent
- Tuesday, February 10: ISACS Parent Series – 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People, 6:30-7:30 PM, Virtual, Register >
- Thursday, February 12: MPA PA LS Valentine’s Day Party, 8:30 AM-2:30 PM, Lansing Sports Center
- Friday, February 13: No Classes, Professional Development
- Friday, February 13: Panther Club & PreK Panther Closed
- Monday, February 16: No Classes, Presidents’ Day, PreK Panther & Panther Club Closed
- Tuesday, February 17-Friday, April 17: LS Art Show, Gallery & Rossbach Art Walk
- Wednesday, February 18: LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15 AM-9 AM, Recital Hall
- Wednesday, February 18: Celebration of Lunar New Year, 3:15-6 PM, Family Commons
