Mounds Park Academy

Middle School Division News March 26, 2026

March 26, 2026

from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

Springtime brings with it change and renewed growth. It can be one of the most exciting and hectic times in our school year as we work to wrap everything up by the end of the school year and reflect on the growth and achievements of our year of learning together.

It is often during these days in early spring, as a science teacher and naturalist, that I like to share the story of a child and a butterfly. You’ve probably heard it before (I even shared it with our students last year). The short version is that there’s a man who watches a butterfly struggle to emerge from its cocoon and, thinking he is helping, cuts it free—only to discover that without the necessary struggle, the butterfly’s wings never strengthen, leaving it unable to fly. What he didn’t realize is that the difficult process is what prepares the butterfly for life, and the story reminds us of those challenges and obstacles, rather than being burdens, are often exactly what enable us to grow, gain strength, and ultimately soar.

Looking ahead, we have many, many opportunities for growth (and potential discomfort) for our Middle School students. Next week brings the end of our third quarter, and I know that students and teachers are working to finish the quarter strong! In April and May, we have book battles and science fairs, concerts and musicals, MAP testing, and field days fast approaching. Please keep a close eye on our calendar here in Panther Post and communications through your child’s Schoology account for updates and information on all that we have going on. Read More

Upper School Division News March 26, 2026

March 26, 2026

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

As we approach the end of quarter three on Friday, April 3, final exams provide an important opportunity for students to pause, reflect, and demonstrate the learning they have built throughout the term. By using a process called retrieval practice, research in cognitive science consistently shows that revisiting and recalling previously learned material strengthens long‑term understanding. University of Minnesota Center for Educational Innovation studies on cumulative assessments have found that larger assessments, those that ask students to connect ideas across a unit or course, “support deeper learning and longer retention compared to studying information only once or for short‑term recall.” In this way, final exams significantly improve long-term knowledge retention and information that students will rely on in future courses.

While the words “final exam” can sound intimidating, MPA Upper School exams are designed to function much like larger unit assessments, rather than high‑pressure, “make‑or‑break” and “all or nothing” tests. Educational research in Springer Nature Link emphasizes that, “when exams are aligned with what students have already practiced through classwork, discussions, and prior assessments, they serve as a meaningful extension of learning instead of a surprise or stand‑alone event.” In our upper school courses, teachers prioritize clear expectations, review opportunities, and familiar question formats so that students can approach exams with confidence and preparation.

Final exams also play an important role in helping students synthesize ideas and see connections across a full quarter (nine weeks) of learning. This process mirrors how learning works in the real world, building on prior knowledge, applying skills in new contexts, and thinking across topics. Rather than emphasizing memorization, our exams focus on reasoning, problem‑solving, and demonstrating understanding in ways that align with the course and students’ academic goals. Read More

MPA Speech Team Qualifies Multiple Students For Nationals!

March 17, 2026

Congratulations to the Mounds Park Academy speech team, which will again send representatives to the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) national tournament following strong performances at the national qualifying competition!

Several students earned top finishes and secured qualification to the national stage. Ash Klann was named champion in oratory, while Sidd Sastry placed second in international extemporaneous speaking. Kelvyn Boddipalli took third in humor. All three qualified for the NSDA national tournament. In duo interpretation, the team of Kelvyn Boddipalli and Oslo Norcross placed sixth.

Mounds Park Academy also saw multiple semifinalists. Guy Schwieger and Nico Bergh competed in duo interpretation, while Drew Buhr advanced in both international and domestic extemporaneous speaking. Oslo Norcross reached the semifinals in informative speaking, and Andrea Pugh and Kai Nguyen were semifinalists in program oral interpretation. Read More

MPArors Win The Engineering Inspiration Award

March 17, 2026

Congratulations to the MPArors, who earned the Engineering Inspiration Award—one of the most prestigious honors in FIRST Robotics—at the Lake Superior Regional competition in Duluth!

The recognition capped off a hard-fought weekend for the team and a bounce back following a slow start. At 0-3 on Friday and ranked 40th out of 42 teams, the MPArors made their move. The team then won seven of its final eight matches to finish with a 7-4 record and climb to 17th place heading into alliance selections.

The top eight alliances selected their playoff partners, while the MPArors waited to learn their next opponent. When Alliance 8 chose them, the team erupted with excitement—validation for months of design, programming, strategy, and teamwork dating back to the start of team meetings in October.

Competing as part of Alliance 8 meant facing the top-seeded alliance in the opening round—an always-daunting challenge. Despite a determined effort, the MPArors fell 247-108, then battled in the lower bracket before a narrow 127-116 loss ended their playoff run.

But the story of the weekend didn’t end there. Rather than heading home, the team stayed to watch the remainder of the competition—a decision that proved meaningful. The playoffs continued as the matches intensified, with faster gameplay, louder crowds, and higher stakes. For newer team members, it was an unforgettable introduction to the energy and scale of a regional event. Read More

An Update From Emma Cohen ’21

March 13, 2026

Emma Cohen ’21 graduated from Wellesley College in May with a degree in peace and justice studies and environmental studies. After graduation, she traveled to Nepal to work with activist and scholar Ram Bhandari, a contact from her time with the University Network for Human Rights. Bhandari is a leader of the Nepali victim and survivor movement, a two-decade struggle for truth and justice following the 1996 to 2006 armed conflict.

Among other transitional justice-related projects, Cohen worked with Bhandari to launch the Center for Human Rights and Victims of Violations, an academic center at the Kathmandu University School of Arts focused on survivor-led change.

Cohen left Nepal in October and traveled for a time while continuing to work with the CHRV team virtually. She recently spent time working on a farm in New Zealand.

Help Us Celebrate Cultural Celebration Day At MPA!

March 11, 2026

The MPA Parents Association invites you to Cultural Celebration Day on Wednesday, April 8, from 3:15-5:30 PM in the Family Commons! Engage with community members who will be sharing their cultural heritage, enjoy sweet and savory foods from around the world, and experience beautiful music and dance performances!

Go home with some cool body art from two expert henna artists, try your hand at global crafts, and chat with community members who will have booths set up to share the culture and/or offer samples of their cuisine.

New this year—all food and drinks, including boba tea, are complimentary. Hilal, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are available.

Interested in hosting an informational table on the day of the event? Sign up by clicking here!

If you would like to help host, plan, or have any questions, please email laurahnicholson@gmail.com or jasminstees@yahoo.com.

Five Things To Know About MPA From Sean Barker

March 9, 2026

From fine arts to an opportunity for creative outlets, Mounds Park Academy pushes Sean Barker while allowing him space and individualized attention to grow. Read on for Sean’s top-five things to know at MPA!

1. MPA has an excellent fine arts program.

I have done choir at MPA for four years and orchestra for six. The fine arts program gives all students the resources and the chance to unlock and enhance their musical capabilities.

2. The small student-to-teacher ratio allows for more individualized learning.

Everybody learns in different ways, and having fewer students at MPA compared to teachers allows for a more individualized learning environment.

3. The Makerspace class gives students an opportunity to use their creativity.

I took the Makerspace class this year and had a very enjoyable time. It gives you the tools and the skills to learn or enhance craftsmanship. Also, all projects in the class give the opportunity to add a creative touch and make it your own.
Read More

Parents Association News And Events March 5, 2026

March 4, 2026

In case you missed it, here is the March edition of Parent Press!

Upcoming Events

Lower School Family Forum | Friday, March 6: 8:15-9:45 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library

Come and welcome our new Lower School assistant director, Dr. Julie Winn!

Community-Wide Parents Association Meeting | Thursday, March 26: 3-4 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library

Please join us for a preview of upcoming Parents Association–sponsored events and volunteer opportunities as we look toward the end of the school year and beyond.

During our time with administration, Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon and Mr. Paul Errickson will share information about MPA’s nine competencies and what they mean for our school community.

Parents Association Book Club with Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon | Wednesday, April 16: 6 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library, RSVP >

Please join Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon and fellow book-loving parents at the MPA library for a discussion of Richard Osman’s “We Solve Murders.” Blending sharp humor, clever twists, and heartfelt moments, We Solve Murders delivers the same irresistible charm and smart plotting that fans of “The Thursday Murder Club” love—with a fresh new cast and a thrilling, modern edge. Perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries with both laughs and layered intrigue. We hope to see you there!

Stronger Each Time We Rise

March 2, 2026

from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending an event sponsored by St. Catherine University in connection with the Manitou Fund, featuring Kelly Hall-Tompkins, world-renowned violinist and entrepreneur. Watching and listening to her play arrangements from “Fiddler on the Roof” and other pop and classical pieces gave me goosebumps. Her music transported my mind into an imaginary space of wonder and creativity.

Following her performance, she and Sarah Hicks, also world-renowned for her orchestral conducting, came together to reflect on their past, present, and future experiences as female leaders. Together, they spoke about the importance of knowing and creating one’s own sense of belonging. During the Q&A, Kelly Hall-Tompkins shared a reflection that resonated deeply with me as I think about education, our students, and the world we are preparing them to navigate. I will do my best to paraphrase what she offered:

“There is no doubt that you will fall or fail. It’s how quickly you get back up and try again that will determine your ability to succeed. You might see what you believe to be the result in the distance, but if you don’t get there, what did you learn along the way? Where did the journey take you?”

Her words lingered with me, and I see that same message reflected in our own community.

Last Friday afternoon, I attended our annual Upper School SnowDaze event. It had been nearly 15 years since I last wore a pair of ice skates. With the help of a “walker,” I made it around the rink once before deciding it might be better for me to cheer and observe others as they confidently (and sometimes nervously) made their way across the ice. Students of all levels took to the rink. I watched them encourage one another, hold hands, laugh, fall, and get back up again. Read More

Welcome To MPA, Mr. Baker!

February 26, 2026

Welcome to MPA, Mr. Michael Baker! Mr. Baker will be joining us as a part-time school nurse through District 622, taking over for Ms. Deb Stone, who will be retiring in March. We are so thankful to Ms. Stone for her time with us, and are excited to introduce Mr. Baker!

From what school/organization are you coming?
I am coming from ISD 622.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I earned a registered nursing degree from Century College, a law degree from William Mitchell College of Law, a master’s degree in education from City College of New York, and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Minnesota. I also served with the United States Army, spent six years teaching elementary, and 40 years as a business owner, before I went to nursing school.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
MPA has a great mission statement and is educating leaders for tomorrow.