Head's Message Archives

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

Stronger Each Time We Rise

March 2, 2026

from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending an event sponsored by St. Catherine University in connection with the Manitou Fund, featuring Kelly Hall-Tompkins, world-renowned violinist and entrepreneur. Watching and listening to her play arrangements from “Fiddler on the Roof” and other pop and classical pieces gave me goosebumps. Her music transported my mind into an imaginary space of wonder and creativity.

Following her performance, she and Sarah Hicks, also world-renowned for her orchestral conducting, came together to reflect on their past, present, and future experiences as female leaders. Together, they spoke about the importance of knowing and creating one’s own sense of belonging. During the Q&A, Kelly Hall-Tompkins shared a reflection that resonated deeply with me as I think about education, our students, and the world we are preparing them to navigate. I will do my best to paraphrase what she offered:

“There is no doubt that you will fall or fail. It’s how quickly you get back up and try again that will determine your ability to succeed. You might see what you believe to be the result in the distance, but if you don’t get there, what did you learn along the way? Where did the journey take you?”

Her words lingered with me, and I see that same message reflected in our own community.

Last Friday afternoon, I attended our annual Upper School SnowDaze event. It had been nearly 15 years since I last wore a pair of ice skates. With the help of a “walker,” I made it around the rink once before deciding it might be better for me to cheer and observe others as they confidently (and sometimes nervously) made their way across the ice. Students of all levels took to the rink. I watched them encourage one another, hold hands, laugh, fall, and get back up again. Read More

The Center For Inclusive Teaching And Learning

February 19, 2026

from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

Two years ago, when interviewing for the head of school role at MPA, I remember learning about the formation of the Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning (CITL). Diagnosed with a fair share of learning differences myself, I connected deeply with the concept. Learning about the CITL made me excited to hear that MPA wanted to further its goal of supporting and knowing each child for who they are and what they bring to school each day, inside and out.

Since arriving at MPA, I have seen evidence of the efforts developed through phase one, including the use of common language, awareness, and implementation of Universal Design for Learning in the classroom. Conversations supporting all students—with and without learning differences—occur on a daily basis. Students have greater agency in their learning environment-choosing where to sit, how to help regulate their bodies and minds, and what technology tools may help expand their ability to absorb and process information.

As Ashley Goetzke shared in her recent communication for this year’s Spring Auction paddle raise, “Phase Two of the Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning is about creating a space that reflects who we are as a school and who we want to become. Not a space for ‘some’ students. A space for all students. A space for focus and testing, for tutoring and enrichment, for collaboration and creativity. A space where rigor and support exist together. A space that signals to current and prospective families that MPA understands how students learn in 2026 and beyond.” Read More

State Of The School Report

February 5, 2026

from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

As I reflect on the first half of the 2025-26 school year and look ahead to what remains, I am filled with pride and gratitude to be part of the Mounds Park Academy community. In recent Panther Posts, our division directors have shared thoughtful reflections on the current strengths and future priorities of the Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School. Today, I invite you to step back with me and consider the broader picture—how these division-level experiences come together to shape a cohesive, meaningful PreK-12 journey for our students, families, faculty, and staff.

On behalf of the faculty and staff, thank you for believing in the educational growth and experience MPA works hard to deliver each and every day. Working in a PreK-12 school is a rare and special experience. Our shared campus creates natural moments of connection—from simple waves of hello and high-fives to impromptu conversations in hallways between students of all ages and adults. There is a shared ownership, appreciation, and respect for the space we all inhabit together throughout the day.

A Community Rooted in Belonging
For many, MPA is a second home—one where students and adults spend more waking hours learning, studying, volunteering, and growing together than they do in their own homes. Community is built everywhere and often. Lower School CHAMP assemblies, along with Middle and Upper School gatherings, provide consistent opportunities to celebrate shared values and reinforce what it means to be part of this community. Read More

Small Acts, Shared Belonging

January 22, 2026

from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

Lately I’ve felt, as I suspect many of you have, a heavier, quieter kind of worry. Over the Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, I took time to reflect on peace, equality, and the lessons my parents taught me about service: that small acts of kindness truly change lives. Hearing our youngest students at their Lower School assembly speak about Ruby Bridges and ways to practice kindness and fairness gave me chills and renewed my hope. I then had the good fortune of walking through the Upper School Commons, where I could see some Upper School students helping one another and connecting across grades, along with their teachers, which makes it very evident to me how our daily choices to connect create belonging.

This week, a group of MPA students, faculty, staff, caregivers, and administrators attended the Pollyanna National Conference: Building Stronger and Kinder Communities. The original plan was to hold the conference in Minneapolis, but organizers pivoted to virtual at the last minute. Though not the same, seeing over 40 schools from across the nation gather and focus on communities offered the encouragement so many of us have been looking for. The conference reminded me why MPA’s commitment to community and deepening relationships matters.

I want to take a moment to offer a few takeaways from two keynote speakers from the conference.

Entering The New Year With Purpose

January 8, 2026

from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

Though we have only been back in school for nearly one week, it seems like winter break was a long time ago. Much has happened in our world since the start of 2026. It is difficult for me to personally reconcile between the joy I felt at times over break with the heaviness of events and stress that continues to surround us. Until recent years, I was accustomed to winter breaks and New Year’s events reaping more joy and peace. However, I have also learned that even through difficult times, it is essential to appreciate those moments of joy, for they should not be forgotten, and instead be held onto.

My relatively newfound appreciation for the unpredictability of winter break has also spread its way into how I look at New Year’s resolutions. For as long as I can remember, every winter season commercial and marketing material reminds me to think of resolutions that fit the motto, “New Year. New You!” Several years ago, I abandoned that idea of creating a new me. The anxiety and self-induced pressure to set goals on something usually bigger than I would ever actually attain typically led me to feel a sense of failure. Instead, I now follow a different motto, “New Year, a continued growing version of me.” And based on some current articles and websites, it looks like I may not be alone. A recent article in Edutopia.org was titled, “New Year’s Resolutions: Don’t Do it!” On Heart.org, the author recommended making healthy resolutions modest and manageable. Finally, on lefbrainbuddha.com, the article “A Mindful Approach to New Year’s Resolutions” focused on intentions, process, and alternatives to approaching resolutions. Read More

Advancing Learning For All

December 11, 2025

from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

As we approach winter break, our school days feel especially full of both celebration and meaningful learning. This time of year is filled with performances, competitions, culminating academic projects, and the excitement of new seasons for athletics and clubs. Students, faculty, and staff are working hard to finish strong before winter break, while many families navigate an active calendar of events and begin planning for the weeks ahead. Amid this energy, I find it equally important to pause and reflect on the ways our community continues to learn, grow, and support one another.

Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking at the inaugural Community-Wide Parents Association Meeting. With parents, caregivers, faculty, and staff from all three divisions gathered, the meeting was a beautiful reminder of the strength of our community. It also provided an opportunity to recognize the Parents Association board, their incredible efforts, and the many volunteers whose time and care have brought so many joyful moments to life since the start of the school year. Read More

A Give To The Max Day Message From Dr. Brogdon

November 20, 2025

What an incredible week it has been! On behalf of MPA, I am grateful for the overwhelming participation and generosity of our community. From the Twin Cities to around the world, so many current and past families, alumni, and community members have demonstrated their commitment to MPA by participating in this year’s annual giving campaign. MPA’s strength and ability to dream big and do right come from the unwavering support provided to our students, faculty, staff, and program. Thank you!

Today’s Lip Sync Battle brought our student, parent, and staffulty community together through music, laughter, and joy. What a beautiful way to celebrate MPA, together! Congratulations to all our participants on a job well done! Like every day, today is a great day to be a Mounds Park Academy Panther!

The day is not over! So far, we have raised $270,967, but we are still asking for your help for the final push to $400,000. We have already unlocked $40,000 in matching funds. Let’s keep the progress going! Join me in shaping tomorrow at MPA!

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Learn More About The Fall Campaign

Shaping A Future Where Curiosity, Compassion, And Courage Thrive

November 13, 2025

from Tiffany Scott Knox, chair, board of trustees

When I think about Mounds Park Academy, I’m reminded that what makes this place so special isn’t just what happens today—it’s how every moment, every act of kindness, and every gift shapes what’s possible for tomorrow.

This year’s Fall Campaign theme, “MPA, Where Every Gift Shapes Tomorrow,” captures that beautifully. Each contribution—large or small—fuels the dreams of our students and supports the incredible work of our faculty and staff. Together, we’re shaping a future where curiosity, compassion, and courage thrive.

As a parent and board chair, I’ve had the privilege of being part of the MPA community for nearly a decade. Since Alex and Ava started in kindergarten, it’s been incredible to watch how this community encourages them to take risks, lead with heart, and think deeply. That same spark shines in every student across campus. Read More

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

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