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Upper School Division News April 23, 2026

April 23, 2026

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Over the next couple of weeks, Mounds Park Academy is excited to welcome eight students and two adults from our partner school, Vanke Meisha Academy in Shenzhen, China, to campus. During their time in Minnesota, our guests will fully engage in the life of the Upper School, attending classes alongside MPA students and participating in the grades 10-12 Upper School Prom scheduled for the first weekend in May. In addition to campus life, the group will visit college campuses and cultural landmarks throughout the Twin Cities, offering them a firsthand experience of our local communities and region.

International exchange experiences like this play a meaningful role in preparing students for an increasingly interconnected world. Research consistently shows that students who participate in global learning opportunities develop stronger cultural competence, adaptability, perspective taking, and communication skills, qualities that colleges, employers, and MPA (think about our mission statement that refers to global responsibility) identify as critical for success. Exposure to different educational systems and cultural norms helps students move beyond stereotypes, deepen empathy, and better understand the global context in which they live and learn. These exchanges enrich the academic experience by extending learning beyond the classroom and grounding it in real-world relationships.

Importantly, the benefits of international exchanges extend to both travelers and host communities. Visiting students gain confidence, independence, and a broader worldview, while host students sharpen their intercultural communication skills and learn to see familiar routines through new perspectives. For school communities, these partnerships foster meaningful relationships, strengthen global citizenship, and affirm the idea that learning is enriched when diverse voices and experiences are welcomed into shared spaces. Hosting students from Vanke Meisha Academy allows our community to practice curiosity, hospitality, and respect, all values central to MPA’s mission.

Middle School Division News April 23, 2026

April 23, 2026

from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

With so much going on around school over the final two months, I wanted to take some time to share with you some of the “Thinking Big” that our Middle School faculty did last week, during our professional development time together. In the morning, we continued our school-wide conversation about AI, and departments were asked for their feedback on how they hope to use and limit the use of AI in their classrooms. In the afternoon, our Middle School faculty explored several topics with time to “Dream Big” in these areas. At the end of our time together, they shared their reflections and recommendations.

Some Middle School faculty discussed how we can be more intentional with technology use during both classes and Flex. Teachers shared the importance of setting clearer expectations around when laptops are needed and when they should remain closed, including the possibility of designated storage spots in classrooms when devices are not in use. Faculty also raised the idea of keeping sixth-grade laptops at school—similar to our current practice in fifth grade—to help students build healthy tech habits. In addition, we are exploring updates to our “Flexpectations” in the Family Commons (no-tech Flex) so that laptop use during Flex would only be permitted in classrooms and with faculty permission.

Another group of faculty examined our Middle School advisory program, taking time to articulate what we value most, where we see limitations, and how we might “dream big” about the future of advisory. Teachers highlighted the strong relationships that advisory fosters and the importance of creating more consistency and structure across groups. We also discussed the success of the Dream Big, Do Right Advisory Challenge and identified several promising ideas for strengthening the program, including using Wednesday Flex (opposite Middle School Meeting) as a longer advisory block, incorporating tech-free advisory time, aligning SEL programming between advisory and seminar, and bringing more circle work into our weekly routines. Read More

Lower School Division News April 23, 2026

April 23, 2026

from Julia Ross, Lower School learning specialist

It is hard to believe that the end of the year is quickly approaching! As we get closer to the final FastBridge assessment of the school year, which begins on May 11, we’re excited for students to have the opportunity to show how much they’ve grown over the course of the school year.

At school, homeroom teachers will be talking with students about how this assessment is a chance to show what they know, reflect on their growth, and put forth their best effort. We remind students to take their time, not to overthink, and to trust all the learning they’ve done this year.

Continuing this conversation at home can be incredibly helpful. As it gets closer, encouraging your student to simply try their best and feel confident in their progress can make a big difference in how they approach taking the test. It is also important, as always, to make sure they get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast on testing days to help them feel focused and ready to try their best!

We are so proud of the growth our students have made and look forward to celebrating all they’ve learned. Please reach out to me, Julia Ross, Lower School learning specialist, with any questions!

from Dana Distad, Lower School counselor

As we reach the end of another school year, it’s hard not to pause and reflect just how much growth has taken place—not only academically, but socially and emotionally. Our students have spent the year learning how to name their feelings, navigate friendships, repair when things feel hard, and advocate for what they need. These are skills that don’t always show up on report cards, but they are the foundation for everything else. Read More

MPA Speech Team Wins Section 4A Title!

April 22, 2026

Congratulations to the MPA speech team on an incredible performance again, repeating as the Section 4A champions! We’re excited to celebrate our state qualifying entries (students placing third place or higher):

Discussion: Finnley Henrikssen-Myers
Dramatic Interpretation: Veronica Finc
Duo Interpretation: Guy Schwieger and Nico Bergh
Extemporaneous Speaking: Sidd Sastry, Andrew Buhr, and Josh Murr
Great Speeches: Mina Kim, Tyyna Hall, and Kai Nguyen
Humorous Interpretation: Kelvyn Boddipalli
Informative Speaking: Oslo Norcross
Original Oratory: Ash Klann and LuaClaire Robert
Poetry Reading: Warner Reid
Prose Interpretation: Lucille Mayer, Hazel Reid, and Andrea Pugh

These students will advance to the state tournament on Saturday, April 25, at Park Center High School. Good luck to all our students advancing—the community is cheering you on every step of the way!

Parents Association News And Events April 16, 2026

April 16, 2026

Current Upper School parents and Class of 2030 (rising ninth grade) parents are warmly invited to join us for the final Parents Association Upper School Quarterly Coffee of the year on Monday, May 4, at 8 AM in the PCR.

This gathering will center on an “If I knew then what I know now” theme, with current Upper School parents sharing insights, reflections, and practical advice from their personal experiences to help families early in their Upper School journey and/or those preparing to enter Upper School.

In addition, Upper School director Mark Segal will share important information about the end-of-year Upper School calendar, along with key details related to graduation.

We hope you’ll join us for this helpful and community-building conversation as we wrap up the school year and look ahead!

What Does It Mean To Belong?

April 16, 2026

from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

What does it mean to belong? I think about this a lot. I often think about questions such as: What provides comfort? What creates space to develop confidence and pride? How does an environment affect one’s ability or willingness to share their own story?

Belonging. It’s something I believe we all want to say we feel in most, if not all, places and spaces we inhabit. According to The Kids Mental Health Foundation, kids who feel like they belong, “Do better academically, are less focused on being bullied or excluded, build friendships easier, and learn new skills.” While my motto will always be students first, I believe it is fair to say that those reasons and outcomes apply to adults as well.

Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting MPA alums in the Bay Area. As my time at MPA grows, and I meet more alumni, there is a consistent theme I am able to pull from my conversations—MPA left a lasting impression because somewhere within their time as students within our community, each alum could name a place, space, event, or teacher that created the validity of belonging within the community. It’s a moving experience to hear people’s stories, and to learn of what made moments special, and sometimes hard. Just like my time in New York, it felt like I was catching up with old friends. To be welcomed into that opportunity for reflection and conversation is a privilege and one that I do not take lightly. Read More

An Update From Mirdalys Tweeton ’08

April 14, 2026

Mirdalys Tweeton ’08 is making an impressive impact in the legal and business operations space as a fractional COO with SMB Team, a firm that supports more than 250 law firms nationwide. In her role, she partners with law firm owners to streamline operations, restore profitability, and build businesses that run predictably—without requiring the owner to be involved in every decision.

Recently, Mirdalys was selected as a keynote speaker for SMB Team’s quarterly workshop in Puerto Rico, where she shared her expertise on setting effective quarterly goals to drive growth and long-term success. This recognition highlights her leadership and the value she brings to her clients and organization.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mirdalys is a proud mother of four, an Army veteran, and will begin law school this fall as a JD candidate.

We are always looking for more alumni stories to feature. We’d love to hear about your journey since graduating from MPA! Share your updates with us by emailing alumni@moundsparkacademy.org.

A Message From Cooper Olson ’16

April 13, 2026

Each year, we look to bring on new members to the MPA Alumni Association Board, and I know from experience that most people are not totally sure what that actually involves. I was in the same position before I joined two years ago. If you have ever been looking for a low-stakes way to stay connected to MPA or to give back to the MPA community, I wanted to share a quick look at what the alumni board experience has been like for me and why it might be worth considering.

If I had to use three words to describe my experience with the alumni board thus far, it would be low-stakes, gratifying, and warm.

Low-stakes: The commitment is very manageable. We meet once every other month on a weeknight for about an hour. Outside of our meetings, we occasionally have a small task or two to complete, which don’t take more than an hour at most. With how busy all of our lives can be, this is a critical benefit of the board. It’s something the team is extremely mindful of to ensure it continues to be a place where alumni can make an impact without needing to overstretch.

Gratifying: I’ve always loved MPA and its community. It was a second home for me throughout my years as a student, and a place I’m incredibly grateful for. The alumni board has offered me an easy opportunity to continue to support the school and help it positively impact more students the same way it impacted me.

Warm: The alumni board is a fantastic group of people. From Angie and the development team all the way down the list of board members, everyone is lovely, welcoming, and great to collaborate with. Of course, we’d expect nothing else from a group of MPA alumni… but nonetheless, this board is a great every-other-month reminder of how wonderful the MPA community is.

In addition to sharing those highlights, I also know there are a few common hesitations that come up when people think about joining, so I wanted to quickly address those:

You do not need to be based in Minnesota. Everything is set up so you can easily participate from anywhere.
You do not need any specific professional experience or skill set. If you care about MPA and want to stay involved, you’re a great fit.
You do not need a ton of free time. As I mentioned, the commitment is light, with a short meeting every other month and just a few small tasks (at most) in between.
It is not just about fundraising. The board focuses on building connections within the alumni community in a variety of ways.

If you’ve read this far and are not already on the Alumni Association Board, you probably should be. If you are interested or just want to learn more, feel free to reach out to me with any questions about my experience, or connect with Angela Gerstner at agerstner@moundsparkacademy.org.

Cooper Olson ’16

Alumni Association Board Member

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.