All School Archives

Lower School Division News April 9, 2026

April 9, 2026

from James Ewer, Lower School director

At MPA, we want our students to grow not only as learners but also as thoughtful, empathetic, and courageous human beings. That kind of growth asks something of adults, too. It asks us to keep reflecting, keep learning, and keep widening the stories, voices, and perspectives we center in our community.

During Women’s History Month, our Lower School faculty and staff engaged in reflection around the lives, lessons, and legacies of women who have shaped history and continue to shape the world around us. What emerged from that reflection was powerful. It reminded us that this work is not about celebrating one month and moving on. It is about continuing to build a school community where children learn to see themselves, value others, and understand their role in creating a more just and compassionate world.

Several important ideas stayed with us.

Leadership is not one thing. Sometimes it is bold and public. Sometimes it is quiet, steady, and rooted in deep listening, courage, and integrity.

Representation matters deeply. When children see people from different backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences leading, creating, advocating, and making change, it broadens their sense of what is possible. Read More

Middle School Division News April 9, 2026

April 9, 2026

from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

As we head into our fourth quarter of the year, my question for our Middle Schoolers is, “How can you make this last quarter your BEST quarter?” Challenging them to reflect on all that they’ve learned so far this year and to finish off the year, over our final eight weeks of school, as strong as possible can be both challenging and rewarding. With so many different opportunities for our students to showcase their learning, from concerts and the musical to their final assessments, papers, projects, and presentations, we will work hard to keep them (and you) well organized, prepared, and balanced for the work ahead.

Caution: Performance Season ahead! The end of April and the month of May provide our families with a plethora of opportunities to see our students perform. On April 23, 24, and 26, we will have Middle and Upper School students performing in “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” (see below for more details). The following week, on Thursday, April 30, we have our Middle School Choral Concert and transition meetings—families arrive at 6 PM so their Middle Schooler can get warmed up (show starts at 7 PM), and families can attend grade level meetings to hear from your childs’ next year teachers about the fun to come. Then we have our Orchestra (May 7) and Band (May 14) concerts on the next two Thursday evenings at 7 PM.

As we head into these busier times, I look forward to seeing you all at a performance or sporting event, on one of our field trips, or at our end of year ceremonies. And, especially at our transition meetings on April 30.

Upper School Division News April 9, 2026

April 9, 2026

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

As we enter the fourth quarter of the school year, the pace of the school year shifts noticeably. What began in late August as a marathon of steady progress now becomes a sprint to the finish line with graduation and the last day of school less than two months away.

Research on (student) motivation consistently shows that as people see themselves closer to their goal, effort and focus tend to increase. This phenomenon is known as the goal gradient effect, a concept first introduced by psychologist Clark Hull in 1932 that showed animals accelerated their behavior as they approached an established reward. A 2024 study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology confirmed Clark’s hypothesis, finding that “participants completed demanding tasks more quickly and with greater effort when they knew a reward was close.” For Upper School students, the approaching end of the year brings a clear timeframe of completion with final projects, performances, quarter four final exams, and celebrations. The sense of almost being at the finish line can be energizing, but it also requires students (and educators) to be organized and channel their energy productively.

At the same time, we must also realize that the final stretch of the school year is one of the most demanding periods for teenagers. Studies on academic stress reviewed in “The Journal of Child Psychiatry & Human Development” share that “students report higher heightened levels of pressure as they approach end-of-term deadlines and assessments.” With this comes the need for families to be more engaged and supportive of their students by establishing (or re-establishing) routines, bedtimes, the need for larger tasks to be broken down into more manageable steps, and maintaining the perspective that sometimes completing a task may be easier than striving for perfection. Read More

Parents Association News And Events April 9, 2026

April 9, 2026

In case you missed it, check out the April edition of the MPA PA Parent Press!

Cultural Celebration Day Success!

On Wednesday, April 8, the Parents Association hosted Cultural Celebration Day, an evening celebrating the diversity of backgrounds at MPA with food, artifacts, music, and community.

Some of the highlights of the event were beautiful dance performances by MPA parents and students, colorfully decorated tables set up by the hosts sharing their cultures and cuisines, Boba by Treats, and a Latin dance performance. It was wonderful to experience the energy and engagement of community members. Keep an eye out for pictures in the upcoming May edition of Parent Press. We hope to see you all next year!

A big thank you to the Cultural Celebration Day Planning Committee, cultural booth hosts, MPA staff, MPA student hosts, and event volunteers, who all helped make this event successful.

Announcing The PA Trivia Night Winners

While it’s been a few months, we want to properly congratulate the winners and runner-ups of the Parent Association Trivia Night! Way to go, team “Fish ‘n’ Chips” and “Octopus Squad.” Thanks to all the parents who came out for some friendly competition.

Join MPA’s Grade 5-12 Sailing Team!

April 9, 2026

MPA has a highly competitive and successful sailing team! MPA sailors have competed at the regional, national, and collegiate levels annually for many years. No experience or boat is needed to join, and all are welcome from grades five through 12. Sailing is a lifelong sport that is both technical and physical, and it is a great way to make friends from MPA and other schools.

Opti Race Team: Grades 5 & 6

Practices are on Mondays and Fridays from 3:30-6:30 PM.
Cost is $330 per season and includes coaching and the use of boats and other equipment.
Registration and more information can be found here.

420 Race Team: Grades 7-12

Practices are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30-6:30 PM.
The cost is $630 per season and includes coaching and the use of boats and other equipment.
Registration and more information can be found here.

Details:

Spring season practices are being held now through May 28 at White Bear Sailing School.
Sailing is a spring and a fall sport and can be done in either or both seasons.
MPA’s team is coached and practices alongside sailors from Mahtomedi Public Schools, White Bear Public Schools, and other area schools.
Regattas are optional but encouraged and held on lakes throughout the Twin Cities and beyond.
Some personal gear is required to ensure safety on the water—some gear may be available to borrow.

If you have any questions, please reach out to MPA’s sailing team advisor, Natalie Waters Seum, at nwatersseum@moundsparkacademy.org. We hope to see you on the water!

Remembering Karen Benz

April 2, 2026

from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

The Mounds Park Academy community recently lost one of its earliest founders, Karen Benz, whose vision, generosity, and steadfast commitment helped bring this remarkable school to life.

In my first year at MPA, I have found myself reflecting on the courage it took for those early founders to build something from nothing. Karen Benz was one of those people. She believed in the promise of this school before it existed—and because she did, generations of students have benefited. In many ways, we are all standing on the shoulders of Karen and her fellow founders.

MPA itself began as a dream. In December of 1981, founder Bob Kriescher gathered a small group of friends and parents from Breck School to form the first board of Mounds Park Academy. At that moment, there were no students, no teachers, and not even a building—only a compelling idea: a new kind of independent school rooted in curiosity, strong academics, and an inclusive community.

By the spring of 1982, that dream began to take shape—and one of the people who immediately believed in it was Karen. Read More

Parents Association News And Events April 2, 2026

April 2, 2026

Get involved and plan to be there!

Cultural Celebration Day: “I Am From” | Wednesday, April 8: 3:15-5:30 PM, Family Commons

Cultural Celebration Day is on the horizon! Celebrate the richness of our community by connecting with students, parents, and staff as they share their cultural heritage. Enjoy a delicious variety of sweet and savory dishes from around the world, and experience beautiful music and dance performances that bring each culture to life.

There is still time to participate! Host an informational table on the day of the event—click here to sign up!

Parents Association Book Club with Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon | Thursday, 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!

Parents Association News And Events March 26, 2026

March 26, 2026

Get involved and plan to be there!

Cultural Celebration Day: “I Am From” | Wednesday, April 8: 3:15-5:30 PM, Family Commons

There is still time to participate! Host an informational table on the day of the event—click here to sign up!

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

Lower School Division News March 26, 2026

March 26, 2026

from James Ewer, Lower School director

The final stretch. full of growth, joy, and reflection.

Welcome back from spring break. I hope your family found moments of rest, joy, and renewal. As we step back into the rhythm of school, I find myself deeply grateful for this Lower School community. Every day, we are reminded that schools are at their best when children feel seen, valued, affirmed, and loved for exactly who they are. Thank you for trusting us with your littles, partnering with us in their growth, and helping make this community one rooted in care, belonging, and possibility.

As we move into this final stretch of the school year, families may naturally begin thinking about progress, growth, and what still lies ahead. This is an important time to pause and notice not only what children know, but who they are becoming. You may be wondering where your child has grown in confidence, independence, resilience, or responsibility. You may also be noticing areas where they still need support, practice, and encouragement. That is exactly right for this point in the year. The months ahead are not simply about wrapping things up. They are about helping children stay engaged, finish strong, and recognize that growth is often built one small step at a time.

One of the most meaningful things families can do during this season is create space for simple reflection at home. This does not need to feel formal or heavy. A few thoughtful questions during dinner, on the drive home, or at bedtime can help children make sense of their year and see their own growth more clearly. You might ask: What is something you are proud of from this school year? What is something that used to feel hard but feels easier now? When did you show kindness, courage, or leadership? What is one thing you still hope to accomplish before the year ends? Questions like these help children build confidence, self-awareness, and gratitude. They remind our littles that learning is not only about what happens on paper, but also about how we grow as people and how we care for others along the way. Read More

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