Welcome, 101 New Panthers!

September 8, 2025

Upper School students greeting a kindergarten student on the first day of school

This message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the September 9, 2025 issue of Inside MPA. Click here to get in touch with Admission and learn more!

While each student, parent, teacher, and community member experiences the first day of school in their own unique way, a shared sense of hope, wonder, and anticipation for what’s to come brings us all together. At MPA, the start of the new school year brings:

  • The honor of welcoming 101 new students to MPA. We’re already seeing them beginning to explore their passions, make new friends, join clubs, try different sports, and challenge themselves.
  • Celebrating growth while embracing the subtle changes. There is comfort in a predictable schedule and familiar faces, but they are coupled with new opportunities, relationships, classes, and discoveries. And while there is so much joy in welcoming the community back, everybody is a little different from the last time you saw them.
  • An unforgettable first day for students and parents. At MPA, the first day includes so much happiness in seeing friends and teachers, the anticipation of an amazing year ahead, and the comfort of knowing you are celebrated for the person you are.

Read More

Parents Association News And Events September 4, 2025

September 4, 2025

A teacher and an MPA parent chatting. Did you know Mounds Park Academy is a place for parents, too? The MPA PA (Parents Association) is your place to directly build community, continue traditions, support faculty and staff, and find resources as an MPA family. Each year, the PA is looking for volunteers!

Check out our current calls to help out below:

If you are interested in volunteering to help make these events happen, please email PA@moundsparkacademy.org.

Stay tuned for more details about upcoming events, opportunities to volunteer and more through the weekly Panther Post and the MPA PA Parent Press, our inaugural monthly newsletter for parents from parents!

Upcoming Opportunities To Join In

  • Friday, September 12: Lower School Family Forum (monthly version of Quarterly Coffee), 8:15-9:45 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
  • Tuesday, September 16: PA Grade Rep Meeting, 8-9 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
  • Tuesday, September 30: Middle School Quarterly Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, MPA Gallery
  • Wednesday, October 1: Upper School Quarterly Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, Porter Conference Room

Lower School Division News September 4, 2025

September 4, 2025

Lower School students enjoying classtime. from James Ewer, Lower School director 

Mark Your Calendars

  • Friday, September 5: Ice Cream Social, 3-4 PM, South Lawn
  • Wednesday, September 10: LS/MS G3-5 Author Visit, 8-9:30 AM, Recital Hall
  • Friday, September 12: LS Family Forum, 8-9:45 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
  • Monday, September 15: Returning Family Indexed Tuition Applications Open (Deadline December 1)
  • Tuesday, September 16: MPA PA Grade Rep Meeting, 8-9 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
  • Friday, September 19: LS Duty-Free Lunch with Parent Volunteers, 11:30 AM-12:40 PM, Playground and Family Commons
  • Sunday, September 21: MPA at the Twins, 1:10-3:30 PM, Target Field
  • Monday, September 22-Saturday, September 27: Homecoming Week
  • Wednesday, September 24: LS Homecoming Assembly, 8:15-9 AM, Family Commons
  • Thursday, September 25: ISACS Parent Series Webinar, 6:30 PM

Dear MPA families,

We did it—our first week together is officially in the books! I want to begin by thanking you for committing to being in concert with us this year. Walking the halls and being in classrooms these past few days has reminded me why we are here: to value, affirm, and love each of our students every single day.

Already, your littles have shown us just how loving, resilient, and engaged they are. From the way they welcome one another at morning arrival (I’ve gotten a lot of fist bumps and hugs), to the persistence they’ve shown when tackling new routines and learning, to the joy they bring into every corner of our community—it has been inspiring. Their energy fills me with hope for all we’ll do together this year.

Thank you for entrusting us with your children and for walking alongside us in this work. Read More

Upper School Division News September 4, 2025

September 4, 2025

Students listening in an Upper School class.from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

  • Friday, September 5: Ice Cream Social, 3-4 PM, South Lawn
  • Wednesday, September 10: US Class of 2026 College Counseling Parent Info Meeting, 12-1 PM, Virtual
  • Wednesday, September 10: US G11 College Counseling Family Info Night, 6:30-8 PM, Recital Hall
  • Monday, September 15: Returning Family Indexed Tuition Applications Open (Deadline December 1)
  • Monday, September 15: MS/US G7-12 Spring Musical Lead Character Auditions, 3:30-5 PM, Black Box
  • Tuesday, September 16: MPA PA Grade Rep Meeting, 8-9 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
  • Tuesday, September 16: US G9 and New G10 SOS Depression + Suicide Screenings, 8 AM-3 PM
  • Tuesday, September 16: MS/US G7-12 Spring Musical Lead Character Auditions, 3:30-5 PM, Black Box
  • Wednesday, September 17: US G11 and New G12 SOS Depression + Suicide Screenings, 8 AM-3 PM
  • Thursday, September 18: MS/US International Program Welcome Social Event, 3:30-5 PM, Benz Courtyard
  • Friday, September 19: US Senior Retreat, 8 AM-4:30 PM, YMCA Camp St. Croix
  • Friday, September 19: US Senior Retreat Dinner, 4:30-6 PM, Family Commons
  • Sunday, September 21: MPA at the Twins, 1:10-3:30 PM, Target Field
  • Monday, September 22-Saturday, September 27: Homecoming Week
  • Thursday, September 25: ISACS Parent Series Webinar, 6:30 PM

It was tremendous to see so many Upper School parents and guardians at the Upper School Curriculum Night earlier this week. Your engagement, enthusiasm, and genuine excitement about being part of the MPA community and the year ahead created an atmosphere of collaboration and commitment that truly embodies the MPA spirit. Your presence and participation set a positive tone for the 2025-26 school year.

As we begin a new academic year, it is important to understand the psychological and educational benefits of embracing fresh starts. Research from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School shares that “temporal landmarks” like the beginning of a new school year create natural opportunities for what researchers call the “fresh start effect.” This phenomenon shows that people are more likely to engage in aspirational behavior and pursue their goals following these temporal landmarks, making the beginning of the school year an optimal time for setting new intentions, goals, and patterns. Read More

Middle School Division News September 4, 2025

September 4, 2025

Middle School students enjoying time on the playground.from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars 

  • Friday, September 5: Ice Cream Social, 3-4 PM, South Lawn
  • Monday, September 8: MS Play Auditions, 3:15-5:30 PM, Black Box
  • Tuesday, September 9: MS Play Auditions, 3:15-5:30 PM, Black Box
  • Wednesday, September 10: LS/MS G3-5 Author Visit, 8-9:30 AM, Recital Hall
  • Wednesday, September 10: MS Show Callbacks, 3:15-5:15 PM, Black Box
  • Monday, September 15: Returning Family Indexed Tuition Applications Open (Deadline December 1)
  • Monday, September 15-Friday, September 19: MS G5-8 MAP Testing
  • Monday, September 15: MS/US G7-12 Spring Musical Lead Character Auditions, 3:30-5 PM, Black Box
  • Tuesday, September 16: MPA PA Grade Rep Meeting, 8-9 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
  • Tuesday, September 16: MS/US G7-12 Spring Musical Lead Character Auditions, 3:30-5 PM, Black Box
  • Wednesday, September 17-Friday, September 19: MS G5 Osprey Wilds
  • Thursday, September 18: MS/US International Program Welcome Social Event, 3:30-5 PM, Benz Courtyard
  • Sunday, September 21: MPA at the Twins, 1:10-3:30 PM, Target Field
  • Monday, September 22-Saturday, September 27: Homecoming Week
  • Monday, September 22-Friday, September 26: MS G5-8 MAP Testing
  • Thursday, September 25: ISACS Parent Series Webinar, 6:30 PM

Here, every other week, I will share new information, important dates, and upcoming items that require your attention. This is a rich resource designed to help you and your student(s) plan for upcoming events and stay abreast of all the exciting events and activities we have planned for Middle School parents and students.

We are so excited to welcome you to the Middle School this year! Please know that we are here to help you and your child have the best year yet. As we head into the second week of school, I start to feel the end of the beginning. All summer long, we’ve been planning and tweaking, and scheduling (and re-scheduling), and ultimately looking for ways to make your middle schooler’s experience even better here at MPA.

This year, we are looking at improvements for our Flex block, allowing for a more structured time for students to get work done, along with better use of our extra help and club opportunities. There have been innovations to our lunch “flow” and announcements. And, for our fifth and sixth graders, you will notice a new rotation that includes art, drama, and either seminar or health. This will run the entire school year and allow those students to get approximately 30% more art and drama (and a little less seminar and health). Read More

Parents Association News And Events August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

An MPA Family on the first day of school.Welcome to the Parents Association and happy first week of school! It was great to connect with members of our community at our First Day of School Coffee.

In case you missed it:

Find more information on the MPA website, Instagram, or email PA@moundsparkacademy.org. Stay tuned for more details about upcoming events, opportunities to volunteer, and more through the weekly Panther Post and the MPAPA Parent Press, the inaugural monthly newsletter for parents from parents!

Upcoming Opportunities To Join In

  • Friday, September 12: Lower School Family Forum (monthly version of Quarterly Coffee), 8:15-9:45 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
  • Friday, September 12: Parent Association Board Meeting, 8 AM, Parent Association Room at MPA
  • Tuesday, September 16: PA Grade Rep Meeting, 8-9 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
  • Tuesday, September 30: Middle School Quarterly Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, MPA Gallery
  • Wednesday, October 1: Upper School Quarterly Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, Porter Conference Room

Welcome To MPA, Ms. Aemah Iqbal!

August 28, 2025

Upper School counselor Aemah IqbalWelcome to MPA, Aemah Iqbal! Ms. Iqbal started prior to the school year as an Upper School counselor and we are pleased to introduce her to the community. 

From what school/organization are you coming?
I am coming from Phoenix Counseling.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I did all my schooling in Pakistan and came to St. Cloud State University for college, where I did my undergrad in psychology and am currently pursuing a double master’s in counseling. I have had vast experience working with kids on the spectrum, as well as working at Boys & Girls Clubs and Kidstop through undergrad. More recently, I have worked with elementary and middle schoolers at different private schools.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
The culture and the inclusivity—I love it. Also, the rigor and the way the kids have such an unconventional approach to learning.
Read More

Defining Our Excellence

August 28, 2025

Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school, welcomes students on the first day of school.from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

Welcome back to the 2025-26 school year! It was wonderful to see both returning and new families at Back to School Open House, New Family and Student Orientation Day, and the first day of school! It is an absolute joy to see the smiles, hear the laughter, and feel the connections as everyone settles into the rhythm of a new school year.

After yesterday’s tragic news, nothing lifted my spirits more than walking campus and observing students connecting with one another, with their teachers, and with the content at hand. I am so grateful for the supportive and nurturing environment we all work together to create. Let me assure you that the energy on campus matches the sunny autumn-like weather we are enjoying this first week—bright, warm, and comfortable.

Since my arrival in July, I have met with a variety of stakeholders to learn about MPA, its strengths, and hopes for the future. It is evident that at the heart of it all, maintaining our sense of community is a priority. It was also clear that there is a strong desire to further define our identity and explore new opportunities. Thus, it seems most appropriate that our theme for this year should be:

Defining Our Excellence: honoring the past, living in the present, and planning for the future.

As we seek to live our mission every day, MPA’s strength is founded on intentional partnering, living our shared values, building community, and growing together with grace and compassion. We remain committed to creating an environment where students and adults feel as though they belong.

This sense of belonging doesn’t happen without the input and support of the members within our community. Throughout the year, I invite you to reach out for coffee and conversation or attend a scheduled Fireside Chat. I look forward to hearing from you and working together for the continued success and growth of your children and of MPA.

Please remember to check the school calendar for upcoming events, including the Ice Cream Social on September 5, and Homecoming Weekend on September 26-27. Let’s start the school year off celebrating MPA with Panther Pride!

I am excited to get to know you. I am excited for what lies ahead. And I hope you are just as excited as I am to be home!

Safety and Security Update

August 28, 2025

A Lower School Parent walking his student inside. THANK YOU to all of the parents and guardians who are already in the habit of wearing their nametags!

It is MPA’s number one priority to provide the safest campus environment possible for you and your children. We ask that you share this critical information with all of the drivers in your home and others who may provide transportation for you.

Drive-Thru Lanes
In the interest of safety, courtesy, and efficiency, we ask that drivers refrain from pulling in front of another car or “leap-frogging” to the front. To make the process as efficient as possible, please pull up all the way to the crosswalk to allow maximum space in the drive-thru lanes. Please help ensure no gaps are present in the drive-thru lanes, even if that means your child needs to wait or walk further to enter the vehicle.

Entering and Exiting the Car
Children may only enter and exit the car from the right/curbside in the drive-thru lanes. If you need to leave the vehicle to help your children in or out, please park in the lot and walk them in, using the appropriate crosswalks. No Lower School student should cross the crosswalk into the parking lot without an adult caregiver by their side. Read More

Join Us For The Ice Cream Social!

August 28, 2025

Middle School students at the Ice Cream Social. Let’s celebrate the start of an incredible year! Make plans to join us for a beloved MPA tradition, the Ice Cream Social on Friday, September 5, from 3-4 PM on the South Lawn! This is an all-school opportunity to connect with one another, enjoy a sweet treat, and meet our new families.

Details For Lower School Families
If you are planning to attend, please meet your child at their classroom door no later than 3 PM and notify your child’s homeroom teacher in advance. Otherwise, we will send your child on the bus or to the drive-thru lane as usual. All Lower School students must be directly supervised by an adult in order to receive their ice cream.

Details For All Families
A sundae bar with all of the fixings will be available for students and their families. The ice cream will be peanut and tree nut free and provided by YoYo Donuts. All of the sundae bar toppings will be peanut and tree nut free and provided by SAGE.

JonnyPops Organic Freezer Pops will be available at a separate station for food-allergic students. This should be safe for all MPA students, but it is not guaranteed. Ingredients will be available for review by parents or can be found at the link above.

Because any frozen treat could be messy on a bus, bus riders will be sent home with allergy-friendly Partake cookies (free of top nine allergens, gluten-free, vegan, OU Kosher).

All students at Panther Club and Panther Den will be taken outside for a treat and supervised accordingly by Panther staff. Middle School students may navigate the event with or without a parent. If they are without a parent, they should be able to manage any allergies they may have.

If you have any questions or would like more information about ingredients, please contact communications@moundsparkacademy.org. See you there!