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Parents Association News And Events November 6, 2025

November 6, 2025

In case you missed it, stay in the loop with the Parent Press: November Edition!

Save The Dates!

Below is a preview of exciting opportunities for families to build community at MPA through the winter. Don’t miss your chance to volunteer, donate, and/or show up for the fun!

Monday, December 1: Community-Wide Parents Association Meeting
Monday, December 8- Friday, December 12: Book Festival!
Friday, January 23: Family Trivia Night!
Thursday, February 12: Lower School Valentine’s Day Parties!

More details to come. We look forward to seeing you around school in the coming months! Please email PA@moundsparkacademy.org with any questions.

Upcoming Events

Friday, November 14: Lower School Family Forum, 8-9:45 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
Tuesday, November 18: Coffee & Connections With The Head of School, 8-9 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
Tuesday, December 9: Middle School Quarterly Coffee, 8-9 AM, PCR
Friday, December 12: Upper School Quarterly Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, PCR
Thursday, December 18: PA Book Club with Dr. Brogdon, 6-7:30 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library, RSVP here >

Where Every Gift Shapes Tomorrow

November 6, 2025

from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

When interviewing for the head of school role at MPA, I remember meeting with various members of the community who shared with me their “MPA moment.” Some were tied to a specific experience, while others were connected to a feeling or overarching theme. Now, as a member of the community, it’s a beautiful feeling to be able to share my own MPA moment, or moments, as it seems I experience a new and memorable one each day!

One of my favorites thus far has been hearing from our seniors their own MPA moments. Much like when I interviewed, they share the significance of experiences such as an overnight school trip, a class or club that ignited a new interest, or the friendships made from playing in the band, on a team, or being part of the musical. What I love most is that their memories span from Lower School through senior year.

These MPA moments, and those to come, would not be possible without the incredible support of our community. From November 16-22, we will honor MPA’s mission by coming together to support the 2025 Fall Campaign: MPA, Where Every Gift Shapes Tomorrow.

Your gift toward the fall campaign makes it possible for each member of our community—current and future—to experience their own MPA moment. From curricular and extracurricular experiences to supporting our incredible faculty, staff, and facilities, your generosity ensures the continuity of our impressive program, as well as the school’s ability to turn new dreams into reality. Read More

Meet Your PA Board!

November 4, 2025

Meet the remaining PA board members! We asked board members how long their families have been at MPA, the names and grades of their children, one of their favorite MPA traditions, and if they could swap with their child for one day at MPA, what they would look forward to the most.

Adi Boeder Risner ’02 | Treasurer

This is my eighth year at MPA with my own family, but as an alum, I’ve actually been part of the community for 18 years. My children, Luke (fifth grade) and Levi (second grade), love being part of MPA as well. One of my favorite traditions is the pairing assemblies—I still remember having a fourth-grade buddy when I was in kindergarten, and it’s incredibly special to see my kids enjoy the same experiences. If I could swap places with them for a day, I’d most look forward to going to the library. Having dedicated time to discover new books in a peaceful setting sounds wonderful—and, of course, I wouldn’t miss lunch! These kids are so lucky.

Lower School Division News October 30, 2025

October 30, 2025

from James Ewer, Lower School director

As October comes to a close, we enter a season that calls us to slow down, notice, and give thanks. This is the time of year when students begin to settle into routines and friendships deepen. It’s also a perfect moment to pause and help our children reflect on the people and experiences that fill their lives with meaning.

Gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you.” It’s about recognizing how others contribute to our joy and growth. When families take time to name moments of kindness—big or small—it helps children understand empathy at a deeper level. They begin to see the world not only through their own eyes but through the experiences of others.

Try weaving gratitude into your family rhythm. At dinner or bedtime, ask your child:

Who made your day better today, and how?
What’s one thing you’re grateful for that you didn’t notice yesterday?
When did you make someone else’s day better?
What did you learn about yourself through something that didn’t go as planned?

These moments of reflection help our children grow in compassion, humility, and joy. Gratitude grounds us. It reminds us that even in a busy world, connection is what matters most.

Peace and Love,

Mr. James

SEL in the Classrooms
Lower School students will take part in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons every other week. These lessons will help students build skills in self-awareness, empathy, communication, and problem-solving. In addition, we’ll be offering small groups and lunch bunch opportunities to further support students’ social growth and connection within our school community. Read More

Middle School Division News October 30, 2025

October 30, 2025

from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

And just like that, we are at the end of October and the end of our first quarter of school! As we wrap up our first quarter of the school year, I want to encourage you all to practice the art of reflection. With our students, we want them to reflect on their learning and look for ways to honor their hard work and accomplishments, while also looking for potential areas of growth. With our faculty, we have been reflecting on what we have learned about our learners (through providing them feedback on assignments, getting to know them better on our orientation trips, and even looking at their MAP data) during the first quarter and looking for ways to help them grow and improve. And, as a division, we are always looking for ways to help support our families and provide you with the information and resources you may need to be able to dream big and do right with your child(ren).

Your i-Term Forms Are Due By Friday, October 31!

Last week, we announced our i-Term 2026 courses to all students and emailed Middle School parents our i-Term course brochure and sign-up form. Those forms need to be filled in by the end of the day on Friday so we can start to build course rosters and move forward on planning these courses. We are so excited to have a wide breadth of new and returning favorite courses to offer to our students this year, and we will work hard to ensure that each student gets one of their top choices. Read More

Upper School Division News October 30, 2025

October 30, 2025

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

As we draw to the end of the first academic quarter, it is important for students (and their families) to reflect on their achievements and challenges experienced during the first quarter of the 2025-26 school year. Looking ahead to the second quarter of the school year presents an opportunity for students to celebrate their first quarter successes while at the same time identifying areas of challenge they can improve upon during their subsequent quarters, starting with the second quarter.

Education expert and champion of progressive education John Dewey shared that, “we do not learn from experience…we learn from reflecting on experience.” Taking time to assess what has been learned can lead to greater motivation moving forward. Transitioning into the next quarter requires a mindset reset. Students should consider what strategies worked well for them and which may need a little more attention or “adjustment.” They can (and should) spend time evaluating their study habits, seeking and using additional resources, and establishing goals for the upcoming quarter. Carol Dweck, a psychologist known for her work on mindset, shares, “The view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you lead your life.” Embracing a growth mindset can empower students to look ahead to the new quarter with renewed energy.

As students reflect on their first quarter, it is important to engage with peers, teachers, parents, and administrators. Collaborative discussions can provide new perspectives and valuable insights that can help in setting realistic goals for the upcoming quarter. Building a strong support network fosters an environment where students can thrive personally and academically. As students (and their families) prepare for the second quarter, it is important to remember that growth often comes from the challenges we face and the support we give (or receive) from one another. Read More

Parents Association News And Events October 30, 2025

October 30, 2025

Halloween Pop-Up Book Fair On October 31 From 7 AM-4 PM! Shop around Halloween Parties, before, or after school. Local bookseller, Liz, will be selling a variety of books in the Martin Lenz Harrison Library. Preview the books or shop online at BookBizLiz.com. All proceeds benefit our library!

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, November 18: Coffee & Connections With The Head of School, 8 AM – 9 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
Monday, December 1: Community-Wide PA Meeting, 8-9 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
Monday, December 8-Friday, December 12: Annual MPA Book Festival, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
Thursday, December 18: PA Book Club with Dr. Brogdon, 6-7:30 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library | We will be reading “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt. Please look for our RSVP form in the upcoming Parent Press!

Parents Association News And Events October 23, 2025

October 23, 2025

Ways To Help Make Halloween A Hit At MPA!

Contribute To The MPA PA Costume Drive | In anticipation of Lower School Halloween celebrations on October 31. All MPA families are welcome to donate new or gently used costumes between October 20-30. Donation bins will be located at Doors 1 and 7. Costumes will be displayed for families to “shop” in the atrium by the second and third grade classrooms from October 21-31.
Volunteer At The Lower School Halloween Party! | Help with a variety of activities during students’ P.E. time between 8:30 AM-2:20 PM. Parent volunteers are welcome to stay for as little or as long as they can. We need all the help we can get!
Check Out The Halloween Pop-Up Book Fair | On October 31, from 7 AM-4 PM, shop around Halloween Parties, before, or after school. Local bookseller, Liz, will be selling a variety of books in the Martin Lenz Harrison Library. Preview the books or shop online at BookBizLiz.com. All proceeds benefit our library!

Deep And Meaningful Connections

October 23, 2025

from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

As I reflect on the past two weeks, the theme that stands out most to me is connection. The foundation of Mounds Park Academy’s community rests on the deep and meaningful connections developed among our students, families, faculty, staff, and alumni.

Last Monday, before taking a deep dive into our ISACS work for MPA’s upcoming re-accreditation, most of our faculty and staff spent several hours in the Manitou Forest. This time was dedicated to appreciating the opportunity to be outdoors, where we could connect with nature and each other. The results of our time together were seen in the smiles, heard in the songs faculty and staff sang as they walked the leaf-covered paths, and felt in the warm sunshine and crisp air. The experience filled everyone with cheer and levity.

The week continued with an incredible Grandparents and Special Friends Day, where classrooms and hallways were filled with students beaming with pride as they shared MPA with their loved ones, further deepening the connection between their school and home lives. Read More

Alumni Update: Kristen Bourne ’13

October 18, 2025

After graduating from MPA, I went on to get a bachelor’s degree in sports science from Northern Michigan University and a master’s degree in exercise physiology from The College of Saint Scholastica.

I’m currently a World Cup Coach for the US Cross Country Ski Team. I work with the top athletes on the national team as we prepare for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milano/Cortina in February. My job takes me all over the world, from New Zealand to Scandinavia and anywhere in Europe that has snow. I coach many athletes on the national team, including Julia Kern, a two-time World Championship medalist and individual World Cup podium athlete.

Much of my love for coaching and high performance came from the wonderful coaches I had throughout my time at MPA. My passion for elevating women in sport came from having head coach, Bev Docherty, as a role model and example of the power of women in leadership roles. Much of my coaching philosophy comes from the coach-athlete experience with her.

I currently live in Truckee, California. When I’m not traveling, I’m running in the mountains with my corgi, Pico.