All School Archives

Middle School Division News October 9, 2025

October 9, 2025

from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

Greetings and happy fall! As student routines and habits of mind continue to be cultivated, I feel as though we are finding the flow of the school year. Our flex block is fully up and running, offering students alternating days of extra-help with their teachers and nearly 20 clubs and activities to be involved with, from reading and coding clubs to new student-led gymnastics and D&D clubs. And, we are developing critical organization and executive function skills as students learn to optimize the use of their planner and how to balance school work with athletics and other outside commitments.

As we look ahead, there are a few busy weeks between us and the end of quarter one on October 31. I hope to see a lot of you here for our fall conferences on Thursday and Friday this week. Next Monday, October 13, will be no classes for students as faculty will have a professional development day; and on Wednesday, October 15, we will host our annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day. All will be off for our Fall Break on October 16 and 17. Heading into the following week, our eighth graders will take their orientation trip up to Wolf Ridge from October 22-24. And the last week of October brings our sixth-grade trip to Eagle Bluff from October 29-31.

I also want to put another important date on your October calendars (Tuesday, October 21, 1:45-3 PM) as we will kick off our Students and Screens community discussion series this year with Dr. James Densley. Please see more information below about Dr. Densley’s session on “Navigating the Dark Side of the Internet.” Read More

Upper School Division News October 9, 2025

October 9, 2025

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Parent/student/teacher conferences represent a cornerstone of effective educational partnerships, serving as a vital bridge between home and school. As Dr. Joyce Epstein, Director of the Center on School, Family, and Community Partnerships at Johns Hopkins University, notes, “When parents and teachers work together as partners, students are more likely to be successful in school (and in life). Parent-teacher conferences provide structured opportunities for this essential collaboration.”

At MPA, these conferences offer families a meaningful opportunity to gain insight into their student’s academic journey, social development, and overall school experience. Teachers share firsthand observations about engagement, growth, and classroom dynamics; insights that go beyond what can be seen in grades alone. Dr. Karen Mapp of the Harvard Graduate School of Education reminds us that “Strong family-school partnerships are not optional add-ons, but rather fundamental components of effective schools.” Conferences provide the space for the kind of dialogue that strengthens these partnerships and advances shared educational goals.

Parent/student/teacher conferences allow for rich, two-way conversations about academic progress, areas for growth, and strategies for success. Parents gain a deeper understanding of their child’s strengths and vulnerabilities, while teachers benefit from learning more about each student’s experiences and aspirations beyond the classroom. This exchange of perspectives builds a comprehensive support system that ensures home and school are aligned in promoting both academic and social success.

Parents Association News And Events October 9, 2025

October 9, 2025

Thank you for showing up in support of the MPA school community through back-to-school events, division coffees, faculty & staff appreciation, parent-led groups, and more.

Read more about these happenings and give your input for the best “time of day” for the inaugural PA All School Meetings by October 24, via our MPA PA Parent Press: October Edition.

Ways To Help Make Halloween A Hit At MPA!

The MPA PA will be hosting a costume drive in anticipation of Lower School Halloween celebrations on October 31. All MPA families are welcome to donate new or gently used costumes from 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. Read More

MPA’s Renee Sonka Honored As AEM Educator Of The Year

October 8, 2025

It had been a handful of months since Mounds Park Academy Middle and Upper School visual arts teacher Renee Sonka learned that she had been nominated for a prestigious honor—Art Educator of the Year.

“I received an email in July from the Art Educators of Minnesota saying I had been nominated (for Art Educator of the Year), and that I would need to submit a variety of application materials to be considered,” said Ms. Sonka. “So, I updated my resume for the first time in a LONG time—it is currently my 28th year at MPA—and I threw my hat in the ring.”

The venture to update her resume was worthwhile, resulting in Ms. Sonka’s selection as Art Educator of the Year at the Middle School Level. An educator at both the Upper and Middle School levels, Ms. Sonka, thrilled to be selected, thought the split might hamper rather than help.

“Since the award is specific to Middle School art, I thought the panel of judges might prefer a candidate who has specialized in Middle School only,” she said. “Now, I’m realizing the combination of my Middle School and Upper School teaching experience may have been to my advantage, perhaps showing breadth and versatility in my teaching.”

Meet Four Of Our PA Board Members

October 7, 2025

We asked board members how long their family has been at MPA, the names and grades of their children, one of their favorite MPA traditions, and if they could swap with their kid for one day at MPA, what they would look forward to the most. Keep an eye out for more board member bios next month!

Jasmin Stees | Co-President & Middle School Division Lead

Hi everyone, my name is Jasmin Stees, and this is my second year serving as the co-president and Middle School division lead on the Parents Association Board. This is my family’s fifth year at MPA, and I have two children in the school—Pierson, who is in seventh grade, and Teddy, who is in PreK. One of my favorite MPA traditions is getting to attend all of the wonderful choral and instrumental concerts. Whether it is the Lower School Art and Music Show or the combined Middle and Upper School Band Concert, the music program is simply outstanding!

If I could swap places with one of my kids for the day, I would pick a day in the PreK classroom. I would look forward to all of the fun, hands-on learning projects like baking break or taking a turn to pick some fresh produce in the PreK garden. Read More

RSVP To Experience MPA On November 9

September 26, 2025

Discover something remarkable at the PreK-12 MPA Preview on Sunday, November 9, 12:30-2 PM!

MPA Previews are signature PreK-12 events designed to introduce you to the faculty, students, and families who make MPA the exceptional learning community that it is. These events are for family members of all ages to attend together.

You’ll hear from a variety of perspectives, be engaged in conversation with academic leaders, participate in experiences led by expert teachers, explore our signature spaces, and leave with a much better understanding of the MPA way.

The Taste Of Ninth Grade

Prospective ninth graders, you’re invited to the Taste of Ninth Grade immediately preceding the Preview at 11 AM. Join us for lunch and the opportunity to learn more about MPA’s ninth-grade program. Students will engage in a hands-on, collaborative activity while parents participate in a Q&A about life in MPA’s Upper School. When this event concludes, students and families will then join the PreK-12 Preview event.

RSVP today to experience the joy and discover why Mounds Park Academy is an exceptional place to learn and grow.

School Spirit Is Everywhere

September 25, 2025

from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

On Monday morning, I made my usual right turn from Beebe Road onto the school grounds. Seeing “We. Are. MPA.,” not only brought a smile to my face but also evoked an incredible sense of school pride. I must admit, I was caught by surprise. As a new member of the MPA community, it’s a magical experience to feel school spirit. In so many ways it felt like I was arriving home.

I do not take school spirit for granted. It doesn’t magically appear. Rather, school spirit is the energy that grows from the pride, traditions, and shared experiences left in the form of memories and artifacts from years past, and the voices and actions of those who currently move throughout the campus.

I frequently turn to my Responsive Classroom training and seek to define experiences and goals by asking: What does it look like, sound like, and feel like?

This week, school spirit looks like our students wearing themed clothing and hallways decorated with streamers and colorful posters throughout the building. School spirit sounds like our teams clapping and cheering for our Lower and Middle School students during arrival and standing in the hallway, eagerly planning for an upcoming debate tournament. School spirit feels like the surge of warmth that fills my cheeks with joy when I see students across divisions learning a school chant or reading books—together. And it’s not exclusively created by our students. I see it in the ways our faculty and staff create spaces that foster curiosity. I hear it when a family member says “I love you” to their student at the classroom door. I feel it when someone takes a minute to share with me a special moment they had learning from their colleague. Read More

Parents Association News And Events September 25, 2025

September 25, 2025

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS!

Thank you to everyone who volunteered to donate a perishable snack to nourish our faculty during autumn conferences in early October. New items have been added to supplement the dinner we will provide faculty. Your generosity is appreciated!

As you finalize your family’s conference schedule, please consider volunteering to help set up or clean up for the conference dinner on Thursday, October 9, and/or keep our snacks replenished during the day on Friday, October 10. Guidance will be provided, and it only takes a few minutes to refill items and tidy up. Thank you MPA parents and caregivers for your hospitality!

SEPTEMBER GRADE-LEVEL SOCIAL GATHERINGS
Hosted by MPA PA Grade Reps

On-Campus

PreK families are invited to attend Homecoming festivities together on Saturday, September 27. We will meet on the playground from 9-10 AM for coffee, treats, and playtime. We will then walk over to the family-friendly Homecoming activities that will include face painting, bounce houses, and Touch a Truck.

Off-Campus

Grade 2 families are gathering on Sunday, September 28 from 9-11 AM at Madison’s Place Playground in Woodbury.
Grade 7 families are invited to attend an off campus gathering on Saturday, September 27. We will meet at the pavilion at West Park in White Bear Lake for some food, visiting with other families, games, and beach time.

Details For Fall 2025 Conferences

September 24, 2025

Dear MPA Families,

Fall Conferences will take place in person, on campus, on Thursday, October 9 from 3:30-8 PM, and Friday, October 10 from 8 AM-5 PM (no classes for students). All MPA families may schedule to meet with up to four of their student’s teachers.

LOWER SCHOOL FAMILIES
Lower School homeroom teachers will offer 25-minute conferences. Specialist conferences may be scheduled for 10 minutes per student. Families who would like to discuss more than one child with their specialist teacher(s) should set up separate conference times for each child. Families will have a chance to meet all specialists over the course of the Fall and Winter conferences. Please see the designation for sign-up for Fall Conferences below:

PreK: Music and PE
K-1: Music, PE, Art
Grades 2-4: World Languages, Drama, Technology

MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL FAMILIES
Middle School and Upper School students participate in their conferences and are required to attend. Please check athletic and activity schedules before signing up. If you need private time without the student in attendance, please indicate this at the beginning of the conference. All conferences should be scheduled during conference times slotted.

Lower School Division News September 18, 2025

September 18, 2025

from James Ewer, Lower School director

We’re settling into the school year, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the energy and spirit your littles bring each day. As we move deeper into our routines, I’ve noticed three powerful things unfolding across our community:

First, students are rising to the challenge of increased academic rigor. They’re stretching their thinking, leaning into harder problems, and showing persistence when learning feels tough. The growth mindset on display is inspiring.

Second, friendship is alive and well. Whether it’s a kind word on the playground, a helping hand in the Family Commons, or laughs shared in the hallways, our students are actively building an inclusive community where every child belongs.

And third, our teachers are doing the same—collaborating and sharing their expertise with one another across grades and departments. This spirit of collective growth not only strengthens our team but also ensures your children are learning in a place where creativity, care, and excellence thrive side by side.