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A Message From Beth (Larson) Fewing ’08

September 15, 2025

The MPA Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2024There’s something truly special about Homecoming at MPA. The energy on campus in the fall is unique—it’s fresh, full of anticipation, and rooted in traditions that unite our community. For me, Homecoming has always been more than just a weekend – it’s the unofficial start of the new year, a chance to come together, celebrate our Panther pride, and look forward to all the amazing memories ahead.

When I think back on my Homecoming experiences, my clearest memories are tied to the tennis courts. We’d arrive early on those chilly fall mornings that always seemed to come too soon, ready for a full day of matches. Parents and friends always showed up eager to cheer us on and found creative ways to show their support. My favorite was always the tennis balls spelling out “MPA” and “Panthers” along the fence, which provided the perfect backdrop for us to celebrate our wins in the mini round-robin tournament.

What made the weekend even more memorable was how all the fall sports teams came together and supported each other. Despite their busy schedules, players from different teams always took the opportunity to cheer each other on. It never felt like we were competing as separate teams—we were one community, and that spirit of encouragement has stayed with me ever since.

Last year, I had the privilege of returning to MPA in a new way as an inductee into the MPA Hall of Fame. Walking back onto campus, I was amazed at how quickly the memories returned. I loved having the chance to reconnect with teachers who had once guided me, coaches who had pushed me, and classmates who had shared those unforgettable seasons. I also really enjoyed meeting current student-athletes and seeing firsthand how they carry forward the same traditions of hard work, support, and pride that shaped my own experience. I was reminded that Homecoming isn’t only about sports and competition; it’s about being part of a vibrant community that continues to grow. MPA has always been a place that balances excellence with heart, and my fellow teammates and I were incredibly fortunate to be shaped by that.

This year’s Homecoming will once again be a full day of celebration. I encourage you, whether it’s been years since you’ve visited or you just graduated, to consider making your way back for the weekend. From morning matches to afternoon games, families, alumni, and students will gather across campus to cheer on the Panthers. You can watch tennis, volleyball, and soccer in action, stop by for lunch from the grill, and enjoy the opportunity to reconnect with classmates and friends. There’s something for everyone, whether you want to watch a competition or soak in the atmosphere. Still, most importantly, it’s a chance to celebrate our history and support the Panthers of today.

Homecoming was a highlight of my time as a student and returning as an alumna made it even more meaningful. I hope many of you take advantage of the chance to reflect on your time at the school, share stories and laughter, and re-experience that undeniable MPA spirit.

Happy Homecoming and go Panthers!

 

Beth (Larson) Fewing ’08

MPA Athletics Hall of Fame Member

Setting & Maintaining Routines In A New School Year

September 11, 2025

Two Lower School students working on art. from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

This week marks our first full week of the 2025-26 school year. Typically, the start of the school year is filled with both excitement and nerves. For some, returning to a typical school day is easy, while for others, transitions can take time.

Being in a PreK-12 community provides all of us with the opportunity to be part of our students’ most formative years of growth and development. As adults, we know that students move along a curve of academic, emotional, and physical growth that allows for the strengthening of skills that foster independence, communication, and self-awareness. At the start of a new school year, we know most students need time to adjust to new and familiar faces, daily schedule, and movement patterns throughout the building, and managing the influx of information coming their way within and outside of the classroom setting. Whether your student is age three or 18, there is a lot to absorb, process, and respond to throughout the day. As an adult, I certainly know the same is true for myself, and perhaps you can relate! Read More

Parents Association News And Events September 11, 2025

September 11, 2025

A parent and her child at the Ice Cream Social. We were so pleased to launch the MPA PA Parent Press last week! This new monthly newsletter will highlight opportunities for families to connect, get involved, and stay informed through the MPA Parents Association. In case you missed it, revisit the September edition today!

Help show appreciation to our MPA faculty and staff! Join one of our in-person volunteer opportunities or sign up to bring a perishable food item for one of our upcoming events. Volunteering at an appreciation event is a great way to meet other MPA parents and show our collective appreciation for faculty and staff.

Upcoming Opportunities To Join In

  • Friday, September 12: Lower School Family Forum (monthly version of Quarterly Coffee), 8:15-9:45 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
  • Monday, September 15: Parents Association Board Meeting, 8 AM, Room 42 at MPA
  • Tuesday, September 16: PA Grade Rep Meeting, 8-9 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
  • Tuesday, September 30: Middle School Quarterly Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, MPA Gallery
  • Wednesday, October 1: Upper School Quarterly Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, Porter Conference Room

2025 Hall of Fame Inductee: Olivia (Lansing) Herrick ’06

September 9, 2025

MPA Hall of Fame Inductee Olivia (Lansing) Herrick '06Launched in 2023 to celebrate MPA’s rich athletic tradition, MPA is proud to announce the 2025 Hall of Fame inductees: David McGaha, longtime coach and mentor; Lauren LaRoche ’99, alum athlete; and Olivia (Lansing) Herrick ’06, alum athlete. Please take a moment to read about Olivia (Lansing) Herrick ’06!

What was your greatest accomplishment during your time as an athlete at MPA?
Technically, it was probably getting runner-up at the state tournament, but I would argue that seeing the girls on my golf teams make it to state was even more rewarding.

What is your happiest memory of your time at MPA?
I have so many positive memories of my time at MPA—I remember the thrill of two-a-day soccer practices in August. Running sprints to the fence at the track. I truly don’t have a lot of memories of wins—or losses—but I remember the feeling of working towards something together, as a group. I remember the way the soccer field felt in the fall or the Kreischer Gym felt in the winter. I remember bus rides and laughter and the pure elation (and heartbreak) that only sports can capture.

When you look back on your time at MPA, what is one thing you would change or do differently?
I appreciated my time at MPA in the moment and recognize how lucky I was, but I wish I had just sat in that a bit more. And, I may have swapped in cross-country skiing for a winter sport in my last two years now that I enjoy it a lot as an adult.

How did your time at MPA shape your future?
MPA had an incredible impact on my future by setting me up for success in life, not even necessarily academically, but just as a steward of the world and someone who seeks to understand others. MPA athletics taught me the value of teamwork, respect, delayed gratification, and the discipline of showing up and giving your all with no promise of success— all of which have served me well in life. Read More

2025 Hall of Fame Inductee: Lauren LaRoche ’99

September 9, 2025

Lauren LaRoche '99 MPA Hall of Fame InducteeLaunched in 2023 to celebrate MPA’s rich athletic tradition, MPA is proud to announce the 2025 Hall of Fame inductees: David McGaha, longtime coach and mentor; Lauren LaRoche ’99, alum athlete; and Olivia (Lansing) Herrick ’06, alum athlete. Please take a moment to read about Lauren LaRoche ’99!

What was your greatest accomplishment during your time as an athlete at MPA?
My most significant athletic achievements throughout my years at MPA in cross country and track and field include winning the 400-meter dash at the state track & field meet in 1996 as a wide-eyed, eager freshman.

When you look back on your time at MPA, what is one thing you would change or do differently?
Not a single thing. While I excelled in athletics, MPA provided me with many opportunities to be a well-rounded student, pushing me outside my comfort zone and instilling the confidence and belief that I could achieve anything.

In what ways did the school support you during your time at MPA?
MPA focuses on each student and unconditionally supports them during their formative years. The school fosters a culture of safety and opportunity, promoting individualism while demonstrating the importance of collaboration. During my time at MPA, I always felt the teachers and staff only wanted the best for me, encouraging me to voice my opinions and push boundaries. When a student graduates from MPA, it’s these attributes they carry with them that are woven throughout the rest of their lives. Read More

2025 Hall of Fame Inductee: David McGaha

September 9, 2025

MPA Hall of Fame Inductee David McGahaLaunched in 2023 to celebrate MPA’s rich athletic tradition, MPA is proud to announce the 2025 Hall of Fame inductees: David McGaha, longtime coach and mentor; Lauren LaRoche ’99, alum athlete; and Olivia (Lansing) Herrick ’06, alum athlete. Please take a moment to read about David McGaha!

How did your time at MPA shape your future?
I was fortunate to apply and land in what was then a new private school in 1983, the second year of MPA’s existence. I knew from seventh grade what I wanted to do when I grew up. Bob and Lois Kreischer had a vision of what a school should be. Now retired, I have so many fond memories of the faculty and of the many students that I was able to work with. Again, I was fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful school.

What is one piece of advice that you would share with MPA athletes?
As a young athlete, you have one opportunity to be the best that you can be. Once you graduate from high school—knowing that you committed yourself to getting the most out of your abilities in your chosen sport or sports—you will move on with an inner satisfaction you never lacked in effort. You control your effort and commitment.

In what ways did the school support you during your time at MPA?
One of the reasons that MPA is such a successful school stems from the freedom that teachers and coaches have to teach and guide students in what they believe to be the right direction. I always felt supported by the administration. Coming to school each year, each day, I visualized what I wanted my classes and teams to accomplish. I always felt that the administration appreciated my efforts. It was challenging and not always easy, but it resulted in a very rewarding career. Read More

Parents Association News And Events September 4, 2025

September 4, 2025

A teacher and an MPA parent chatting. Did you know Mounds Park Academy is a place for parents, too? The MPA PA (Parents Association) is your place to directly build community, continue traditions, support faculty and staff, and find resources as an MPA family. Each year, the PA is looking for volunteers!

Check out our current calls to help out below:

If you are interested in volunteering to help make these events happen, please email PA@moundsparkacademy.org.

Stay tuned for more details about upcoming events, opportunities to volunteer and more through the weekly Panther Post and the MPA PA Parent Press, our inaugural monthly newsletter for parents from parents!

Upcoming Opportunities To Join In

  • Friday, September 12: Lower School Family Forum (monthly version of Quarterly Coffee), 8:15-9:45 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
  • Tuesday, September 16: PA Grade Rep Meeting, 8-9 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
  • Tuesday, September 30: Middle School Quarterly Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, MPA Gallery
  • Wednesday, October 1: Upper School Quarterly Coffee, 8-9:30 AM, Porter Conference Room

Lower School Division News September 4, 2025

September 4, 2025

Lower School students enjoying classtime. from James Ewer, Lower School director 

Mark Your Calendars

  • Friday, September 5: Ice Cream Social, 3-4 PM, South Lawn
  • Wednesday, September 10: LS/MS G3-5 Author Visit, 8-9:30 AM, Recital Hall
  • Friday, September 12: LS Family Forum, 8-9:45 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
  • Monday, September 15: Returning Family Indexed Tuition Applications Open (Deadline December 1)
  • Tuesday, September 16: MPA PA Grade Rep Meeting, 8-9 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
  • Friday, September 19: LS Duty-Free Lunch with Parent Volunteers, 11:30 AM-12:40 PM, Playground and Family Commons
  • Sunday, September 21: MPA at the Twins, 1:10-3:30 PM, Target Field
  • Monday, September 22-Saturday, September 27: Homecoming Week
  • Wednesday, September 24: LS Homecoming Assembly, 8:15-9 AM, Family Commons
  • Thursday, September 25: ISACS Parent Series Webinar, 6:30 PM

Dear MPA families,

We did it—our first week together is officially in the books! I want to begin by thanking you for committing to being in concert with us this year. Walking the halls and being in classrooms these past few days has reminded me why we are here: to value, affirm, and love each of our students every single day.

Already, your littles have shown us just how loving, resilient, and engaged they are. From the way they welcome one another at morning arrival (I’ve gotten a lot of fist bumps and hugs), to the persistence they’ve shown when tackling new routines and learning, to the joy they bring into every corner of our community—it has been inspiring. Their energy fills me with hope for all we’ll do together this year.

Thank you for entrusting us with your children and for walking alongside us in this work. Read More

Upper School Division News September 4, 2025

September 4, 2025

Students listening in an Upper School class.from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

  • Friday, September 5: Ice Cream Social, 3-4 PM, South Lawn
  • Wednesday, September 10: US Class of 2026 College Counseling Parent Info Meeting, 12-1 PM, Virtual
  • Wednesday, September 10: US G11 College Counseling Family Info Night, 6:30-8 PM, Recital Hall
  • Monday, September 15: Returning Family Indexed Tuition Applications Open (Deadline December 1)
  • Monday, September 15: MS/US G7-12 Spring Musical Lead Character Auditions, 3:30-5 PM, Black Box
  • Tuesday, September 16: MPA PA Grade Rep Meeting, 8-9 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
  • Tuesday, September 16: US G9 and New G10 SOS Depression + Suicide Screenings, 8 AM-3 PM
  • Tuesday, September 16: MS/US G7-12 Spring Musical Lead Character Auditions, 3:30-5 PM, Black Box
  • Wednesday, September 17: US G11 and New G12 SOS Depression + Suicide Screenings, 8 AM-3 PM
  • Thursday, September 18: MS/US International Program Welcome Social Event, 3:30-5 PM, Benz Courtyard
  • Friday, September 19: US Senior Retreat, 8 AM-4:30 PM, YMCA Camp St. Croix
  • Friday, September 19: US Senior Retreat Dinner, 4:30-6 PM, Family Commons
  • Sunday, September 21: MPA at the Twins, 1:10-3:30 PM, Target Field
  • Monday, September 22-Saturday, September 27: Homecoming Week
  • Thursday, September 25: ISACS Parent Series Webinar, 6:30 PM

It was tremendous to see so many Upper School parents and guardians at the Upper School Curriculum Night earlier this week. Your engagement, enthusiasm, and genuine excitement about being part of the MPA community and the year ahead created an atmosphere of collaboration and commitment that truly embodies the MPA spirit. Your presence and participation set a positive tone for the 2025-26 school year.

As we begin a new academic year, it is important to understand the psychological and educational benefits of embracing fresh starts. Research from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School shares that “temporal landmarks” like the beginning of a new school year create natural opportunities for what researchers call the “fresh start effect.” This phenomenon shows that people are more likely to engage in aspirational behavior and pursue their goals following these temporal landmarks, making the beginning of the school year an optimal time for setting new intentions, goals, and patterns. Read More

Middle School Division News September 4, 2025

September 4, 2025

Middle School students enjoying time on the playground.from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars 

  • Friday, September 5: Ice Cream Social, 3-4 PM, South Lawn
  • Monday, September 8: MS Play Auditions, 3:15-5:30 PM, Black Box
  • Tuesday, September 9: MS Play Auditions, 3:15-5:30 PM, Black Box
  • Wednesday, September 10: LS/MS G3-5 Author Visit, 8-9:30 AM, Recital Hall
  • Wednesday, September 10: MS Show Callbacks, 3:15-5:15 PM, Black Box
  • Monday, September 15: Returning Family Indexed Tuition Applications Open (Deadline December 1)
  • Monday, September 15-Friday, September 19: MS G5-8 MAP Testing
  • Monday, September 15: MS/US G7-12 Spring Musical Lead Character Auditions, 3:30-5 PM, Black Box
  • Tuesday, September 16: MPA PA Grade Rep Meeting, 8-9 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
  • Tuesday, September 16: MS/US G7-12 Spring Musical Lead Character Auditions, 3:30-5 PM, Black Box
  • Wednesday, September 17-Friday, September 19: MS G5 Osprey Wilds
  • Thursday, September 18: MS/US International Program Welcome Social Event, 3:30-5 PM, Benz Courtyard
  • Sunday, September 21: MPA at the Twins, 1:10-3:30 PM, Target Field
  • Monday, September 22-Saturday, September 27: Homecoming Week
  • Monday, September 22-Friday, September 26: MS G5-8 MAP Testing
  • Thursday, September 25: ISACS Parent Series Webinar, 6:30 PM

Here, every other week, I will share new information, important dates, and upcoming items that require your attention. This is a rich resource designed to help you and your student(s) plan for upcoming events and stay abreast of all the exciting events and activities we have planned for Middle School parents and students.

We are so excited to welcome you to the Middle School this year! Please know that we are here to help you and your child have the best year yet. As we head into the second week of school, I start to feel the end of the beginning. All summer long, we’ve been planning and tweaking, and scheduling (and re-scheduling), and ultimately looking for ways to make your middle schooler’s experience even better here at MPA.

This year, we are looking at improvements for our Flex block, allowing for a more structured time for students to get work done, along with better use of our extra help and club opportunities. There have been innovations to our lunch “flow” and announcements. And, for our fifth and sixth graders, you will notice a new rotation that includes art, drama, and either seminar or health. This will run the entire school year and allow those students to get approximately 30% more art and drama (and a little less seminar and health). Read More