February 12, 2026
from James Ewer, Lower School director
This Black History Month, our team has been grounding ourselves in a set of speeches that do not just inspire. They instruct. From Sojourner Truth’s refusal to be erased, to Frederick Douglass’s demand that a nation tell the truth about itself, to Thurgood Marshall’s reminder that rights only matter when they are enforced, the message stays consistent. Integrity without action is not enough.
We listened to Malcolm X and heard strategy and accountability. We listened to Shirley Chisholm and heard what it sounds like to lead without asking permission. We listened to Angela Davis and heard how quickly systems can criminalize voice, and why we must defend dignity with clarity. We listened to James Baldwin and heard that denial is not neutral—it shapes outcomes. We listened to Nina Simone and heard a charge that still applies to every adult in a school building: reflect the times, tell the truth, and do not hide when it gets uncomfortable. We listened to Michelle Obama and heard discipline, not softness. Keep your character, keep your standards, and do not let someone else’s behavior set the temperature for the room. We listened to Jesse Jackson and heard coalition as a real practice, not a slogan.
Here is how we are taking this into everyday work with kids. We will keep building classrooms where students feel safe, loved, valued, and affirmed, and where we also push for academic and social growth with high expectations. We will keep tightening our systems so that access to challenge, support, and belonging does not depend on who a child is, who speaks up, or who knows the rules. We will keep teaching students how to use their voices with skill, how to disagree with respect, and how to stand up for others without losing themselves. And we will keep holding ourselves accountable to the outcomes we say we want, especially for students who have historically been asked to carry more.
Thank you for trusting us with your children. Thank you for partnering with us as we do this work with courage and consistency.
Peace and love,
Mr. Ewer
Join Us For The Next Students & Screens!
Join the upcoming discussion, “Behind the Screens: Teens Talk Tech, AI, and Digital Life” on Tuesday, February 24, from 1:45-3 PM in the Recital Hall! In this session, a panel of MPA Upper School students will share candid insights into how social media and generative AI tools shape their daily lives—both in school and beyond. Click here to RSVP!
Make Plans For The Ramadan Iftar Celebration!
The MPA Muslim Student Association (MSA) and families have the honor of hosting a Ramadan Iftar Celebration. The MSA warmly invites all members of the Mounds Park Academy community—students, families, alumni, faculty, and staff—to come together in the spirit of unity and reflection. The Iftar will be held on Thursday, February 26, 5-8 PM in the Family Commons. The celebration will include a variety of Halal authentic dishes, drinks, guest speakers, and opportunities for reflection and connection. All are welcome to join in this celebration and support the community as it comes together to share in the joy and meaning of Ramadan. To ensure there is enough food and drink, we ask that people RSVP for the celebration here.
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! Join us as we gather in celebration of the people and purpose that make Mounds Park Academy such a special community, while raising critical support for our students, staffulty, and programs. Sponsorships and tickets are available NOW! Family Sponsorships can be purchased here, Business Sponsorships can be bought here, and tickets can be bought here. (Ticket prices increase to $125 after March 15.)
Help Make the Evening Unforgettable
We are seeking exciting contributions to elevate the event, including:
- MPA Exclusive Silent Auction items
- Live Auction Experiences
- Spirits and Wine Donations
- Curated Gifts and Experiences
Your support helps create a joyful, meaningful evening while making a lasting impact on MPA.
Visit the event website or contact Ashley Goetzke, director of development and community engagement, at agoetzke@moundsparkacademy.org to learn more or get involved.
Mark Your Calendars
- Friday, February 13: No Classes, Professional Development
- Friday, February 13: Panther Club/Den Closed
- Friday, February 13: PreK Panther Closed
- Monday, February 16: LS Art Show Begins, Gallery & Rossbach Art Walk
- Monday, February 16: No Classes, Presidents’ Day
- Monday, February 16: Panther Club/Den Closed
- Monday, February 16: PreK Panther Closed
- Wednesday, February 18: LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-9 AM, Recital Hall
- Wednesday, February 18: Celebration of Lunar New Year, 3:30-6 PM, Family Commons
- Friday, February 20: Returning Family Re-Enrollment Deadline
- Monday, February 23: Fireside Chat with the Head of School, 4-5 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
- Tuesday, February 24: Students & Screens, 1:45-3 PM, Recital Hall, RSVP >
- Thursday, February 26: Iftar Dinner, 3:30-7 PM, Family Commons, RSVP >
- Friday, February 27: G3-4 SnoDaze Assembly
- Friday, February 27: PA Family Trivia Night, 6-8 PM, Family Commons, Register >
- Thursday, March 5: LS G1 Troll Story Celebration, 8-9 AM
