Mounds Park Academy

February 19, 2026

Students from Mounds Park Academy earned a record number of placements at a prestigious national speech and debate tournament held on the campus of Harvard University, marking the most successful showing in program history. Below are the results from the tournament:

Sidd Sastry: Octafinals in Impromptu
Kelvyn Boddipalli: Quarterfinals in Humor
Lucy Mayer: Quarterfinals in Oratory
Ash Klann: Quarterfinals in Oratory
Guy Schwieger/Nico Bergh: Quarterfinals in Duo
Kelvyn Boddipalli/Oslo Norcross: Semifinals in Duo
Oslo Norcross: Fifth place in Informative
Ash Klann: Champion in Impromptu

The results represent the highest number of placements Mounds Park Academy has ever achieved at the tournament and continue the program’s strong national momentum. Over the past year, the speech team has earned four National Circuit victories, underscoring its growing presence on the national stage.

MPA Skiers Shine At State Meets

February 19, 2026

Congratulations to the Mounds Park Academy alpine and Nordic ski teams that turned in strong performances at their respective state meets, highlighted by top-10 individual finishes and a fifth-place team result by the boys Nordic team!

During the MSHSL Nordic ski state meet, the boys Nordic team posted its fifth-place finish, led by Soren Winikoff’s third-place showing. Eli Andre added a seventh-place finish, while Ansel Streier (70th), Zane Peterson (81st), and Torsten Lindenfelser (94th) rounded out the rest of the results in pursuit. Carter Short and Max Francois earned 16th in the team sprint to wrap up the team effort at the state meet. Soren and Eli’s placements also secured spots on the podium for the pair.

On the girls Nordic side, Megan Snider starred for the Panthers, placing 23rd individually. Soren, Eli, and Megan’s individual performances earned the trio all-state honors. Read More

Join Us At The Ramadan Iftar Celebration!

February 18, 2026

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.

Ramadan is one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar, marking a period of deep spiritual renewal, reflection, and devotion. It commemorates the month in which the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs to purify the soul, practice self-control, and grow in compassion for those in need. The fast is not only a physical act but also a spiritual one—encouraging mindfulness, patience, and gratitude.

Each evening, the fast is broken with a meal called Iftar, beginning with dates and water, followed by a shared meal with family, friends, and community. Ramadan is also a time for increased prayer, charity, and acts of kindness. It strengthens community bonds and reminds all who observe it of the values of generosity, empathy, and unity.

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. Click here to RSVP!

Announcing The Fund A Need For The MPA Spring Auction!

February 17, 2026

At the 2024 Spring Auction, our community said “yes” to strengthening how we support all learners through the Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning. Teachers were equipped with new strategies and tools to meet students where they are. Classrooms became more flexible, more thoughtful, more responsive. But there is still so much more we can do to not only support neurodiverse learners but all students at MPA.

Over the past two years at MPA, we have watched possibility turn into progress. Last year, teachers partnered with an instructional coach and strengthened their practice through Universal Design for Learning. Flexible seating has entered classrooms. Collaboration across divisions has grown.

And we know we can do more. Read More

Join Us For Rooted: A Black History Month Showcase

February 17, 2026

Join us as we come together as a community to celebrate Black history, culture, and contributions through a powerful, engaging, and student-led experience for Rooted: A Black History Month Showcase on Wednesday, March 4, from 4-6 PM in the Family Commons, Nicholson Center, and Upper School Commons. Throughout February, students across all divisions have been exploring this year’s theme, Rooted, reflecting on history, identity, creativity, excellence, resilience, and community. Their learning and projects will culminate in a dynamic evening celebration that highlights student voice, artistry, and leadership.

The school building will open at 3:15 PM for visitors to tour student projects and displays throughout the divisions. The Family Commons will open at 3:30 PM, where guests can gather, enjoy light soul food prepared by the one and only MPA legend Chef Ronnie, and participate in interactive opportunities connected to this year’s theme. The Nicholson Center doors will open at 4:20 PM, and the showcase will begin promptly at 4:30 PM. Read More

Then & Now: The Band Program

February 16, 2026

From Gavin Thorson ’22

As I look forward to my graduation this May from Montana State University, reflecting on how I’ve grown as an academic and as a human during my time in Bozeman, I have often thought about the version of myself that was in a similar position four years ago, in the waning months of my senior year at Mounds Park Academy. This review of the last four years of my life dredged up some of my fondest memories of that spring of 2022, and perhaps my happiest memories are of playing trumpet in the band.

The band program at MPA is special, and not least because of how it began. In 1983, music educator Sarah Kumagai was looking for a change. She had bounced between schools for years, and in those days when men dominated education, opportunities for serious advancement were nonexistent. A friend steered her in the direction of MPA: “a new, progressive school.” At her meeting with Bob and Sandy Kreischer, Kumagai proposed a band program which stipulated that each band student receive individual lessons. Only through one-on-one lessons would students ever receive the care and attention necessary to improve their musical skills. Other programs often grouped students together, which was detrimental in Kumagai’s view.

The Kreischers were ready and willing to take on a young woman as their band director, and regarding her proposal about lessons, they replied: “Great — do it!”

So began Kumagai’s 18-year tenure at MPA, which saw the school’s enrollment blossom and its music program similarly thrive. Students received individual lessons, and the volume of students eventually required the employment of an additional staff member for the band program. Eventually, Kumagai was working with the drama department on producing Broadway musicals, which provided challenging scores for Kumagai’s students who played in the pit band. MPA grew bigger and bigger and sent its many graduates off into the world with pleasant memories of making music with friends. “Thank you,” is what they say to Kumagai when they see her now. She says to them, “Thank you for playing with me.” Read More

An Update From Kaija Kunze-Hoeg ’22

February 13, 2026

Kaija Kunze-Hoeg ’22 is a senior at Wellesley College and is majoring in international relations and economics while competing on the college’s volleyball team.

She has embraced the challenge of collegiate athletics, earning all-region and All-American honors. She credits her athletic experience at MPA with helping prepare her to compete at the next level.

MPA also laid the foundation for success in Wellesley’s rigorous academic environment. Most importantly, she says, the school taught her how to build meaningful relationships with professors and peers.

She is now planning her path to graduate school, applying to law schools, and considering a year of beach volleyball. She looks forward to what comes next.

A Message From Lizzy Ehren ’14 On Why She Joined The Alumni Board

February 13, 2026

Moving away from Minnesota, I miss a lot—everything from the cross-country ski trails to Caribou Coffee mochas. Yet, one of the largest drawbacks of leaving your home state is losing touch with the communities and places that shaped you. The moment that I entered MPA as an 11-year-old, the change was palpable.

For the first time, I felt fully noticed and embraced by all my teachers. My peers were kinder and more curious. I was encouraged and, subsequently, motivated to join in.

My years at Mounds Park Academy not only prepared me thoroughly for my undergraduate degree, but my time there taught me skills that I still use every day working in higher education: strategic question asking, precise writing, creativity, and more.

Despite the tremendous impact MPA had on my life, I did not feel connected to the school for many years. While living in Ohio, I knew only one other MPA alumnus in the area, and my visits home to Minnesota were always busy, shuffling from family events to meet-ups with friends. I did not have time to visit MPA’s campus anymore. I started working in alumni relations in 2023, and in this position, I managed a few alumni volunteer boards at Ohio State. I saw firsthand how excited everyone was to connect with fellow alumni, how they received updates on initiatives at the school, and how they could give back in small ways.

Seeing these groups inspired me to reconnect and to join the Alumni Association Board. This board has been a perfect way to learn more about MPA’s future plans and to assist where we can as alumni. While this board is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who wants a flexible position to give back to the school, I particularly encourage those who are not in the Twin Cities to consider joining.

There will be an application later this year, but if you have any questions or want to learn more about the Alumni Association Board, don’t hesitate to reach out to Angie Gerstner at agerstner@moundsparkacademy.org.

Lizzy Ehren ’14

Alumni Association Board Member

Welcome, Dr. Julie Winn, Lower School Assistant Director

February 13, 2026

We are delighted to share that Dr. Julie Winn will join Mounds Park Academy as our Lower School assistant director beginning February 17. Dr. Winn comes to MPA from Minnehaha Academy and brings more than 25 years of experience as both an elementary educator and school leader.

Lower School director James Ewer shared, “Julie was the clear choice. The committee held the highest level of confidence in her, and she consistently rose to the top across every part of the process.” He continued, “She brings real energy, a natural connection to our mission, and a sharp vision for how she will contribute right away. She leads with character, reflects with intention, and does not shy away from challenging the status quo in service of kids and community.”

Over the course of her career, Dr. Winn has served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, literacy consultant, curriculum director, and, most recently, director of teaching and learning at Minnehaha Academy. She has worked in public, charter, and independent school settings, leading curricular and program innovation, instructional coaching, and faculty development across PreK-12 environments. She is also the co-founder of RefineEDU, a consultancy consortium that specializes in faculty development, leadership development, and curricular and instructional design for private and independent schools. Read More

Lower School Division News February 12, 2026

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. Read More