February 12, 2026
from Paul Errickson, Middle School director
“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” – Buddha
Greetings from the Middle School! As we move along through the month of February, we have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to look forward to. A couple of weeks ago, we held an impromptu Middle School Meeting after a weekend of turmoil and loss. We came together as a community for our community; to recognize that these are particularly hard and challenging times, and, even though the weight may be felt differently by each middle schooler depending on what they are experiencing and hearing, where they live, or how much they and their family are involved.
I shared that our students know how to do hard things. That, at MPA, they know how to Dream Big and Do Right. And that, especially when times are challenging, and folks are more vulnerable, they must live our values; in particular, mutual respect and meaningful service. Our students and our families have stepped up with donations of food and clothing—Mr. Peterson’s advisory clothing drive literally filled his SUV full of clothes to donate!
We also talked in that meeting about how to create space and have grace with each other. We offered students rooms and spaces where they could talk and ask questions about what is going on, and also spaces where they could just be, where they could sit and color, listen to music, or read a book. We wanted to recognize that, when folks are stressed or vulnerable, they don’t always say or do what they mean, and that we need to allow grace and meet each other with empathy and curiosity. And our students have done a wonderful job finding these spaces and seeking out help, when needed, for themselves or their friends.
We also encouraged students to have fun together, to laugh a little more. Ms. Meras put together a game and coloring cart for our Flex block, and we now have students playing cards and Legos together. Ms. McPhail’s advisory hijacked our Middle School Meeting and had all of us up and singing and dancing together. And, we have brought the love and allure of Valentine’s Day with our Grateful Hearts bulletin board in the Middle School “T”.
As you read two weeks ago in my last Panther Post, the state of the Middle School is strong and inclusive, but we are also about allowing kids to be kids and to find places to be curious and celebrate each other.
Coming up, we have our Middle School Talent Show on February 26 (rescheduled from last month) followed by i-Term at the beginning of March. There’s also another installment of Students and Screens (February 24), an Iftar Dinner (February 26), and our Black History Month Celebration on March 4.
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
- Monday, February 16: No Classes, Presidents’ Day
- Monday, February 16: Panther Club/Den Closed
- 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-Friday, February 27: SnoDaze Week
- 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 >
- Wednesday, February 25: MS Meeting, 10-10:30 AM, Recital Hall
- Thursday, February 26: MS Talent Show, 12:30-2 PM, Nicholson Center
- Thursday, February 26: MS Talent Show After Party, 2-3 PM, Family Commons
- Thursday, February 26: Iftar Dinner, 3:30-7 PM, Family Commons, RSVP >
- Friday, February 27: SnoDaze Assembly, 2:20-3, Lansing Sports Center
- Friday, February 27: PA Family Trivia Night, 6-8 PM, Family Commons, Register >
- Monday, March 2-Friday, March 6: MS i-Term
