Lower School Archives

Welcome, Dr. Julie Winn, Lower School Assistant Director

February 13, 2026

We are delighted to share that Dr. Julie Winn will join Mounds Park Academy as our Lower School assistant director beginning February 17. Dr. Winn comes to MPA from Minnehaha Academy and brings more than 25 years of experience as both an elementary educator and school leader.

Lower School director James Ewer shared, “Julie was the clear choice. The committee held the highest level of confidence in her, and she consistently rose to the top across every part of the process.” He continued, “She brings real energy, a natural connection to our mission, and a sharp vision for how she will contribute right away. She leads with character, reflects with intention, and does not shy away from challenging the status quo in service of kids and community.”

Over the course of her career, Dr. Winn has served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, literacy consultant, curriculum director, and, most recently, director of teaching and learning at Minnehaha Academy. She has worked in public, charter, and independent school settings, leading curricular and program innovation, instructional coaching, and faculty development across PreK-12 environments. She is also the co-founder of RefineEDU, a consultancy consortium that specializes in faculty development, leadership development, and curricular and instructional design for private and independent schools. Read More

Lower School Division News February 12, 2026

February 12, 2026

from James Ewer, Lower School director

This Black History Month, our team has been grounding ourselves in a set of speeches that do not just inspire. They instruct. From Sojourner Truth’s refusal to be erased, to Frederick Douglass’s demand that a nation tell the truth about itself, to Thurgood Marshall’s reminder that rights only matter when they are enforced, the message stays consistent. Integrity without action is not enough.

We listened to Malcolm X and heard strategy and accountability. We listened to Shirley Chisholm and heard what it sounds like to lead without asking permission. We listened to Angela Davis and heard how quickly systems can criminalize voice, and why we must defend dignity with clarity. We listened to James Baldwin and heard that denial is not neutral—it shapes outcomes. We listened to Nina Simone and heard a charge that still applies to every adult in a school building: reflect the times, tell the truth, and do not hide when it gets uncomfortable. We listened to Michelle Obama and heard discipline, not softness. Keep your character, keep your standards, and do not let someone else’s behavior set the temperature for the room. We listened to Jesse Jackson and heard coalition as a real practice, not a slogan. Read More

Welcome To MPA, Dr. Julie Winn!

February 11, 2026

We are thrilled to share that Dr. Julie Winn will be joining us starting on Tuesday, February 17, as the MPA’s first Lower School assistant director! Please read more about Dr. Winn and her background below.

From what school/organization are you coming?
I am coming from Minnehaha Academy.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
Over the past 25 years, I have had the privilege of working as both an elementary classroom teacher and an administrative leader. I have worked in public, charter, and independent school settings, teaching across multiple grade levels and serving as an instructional coach, literacy consultant, curriculum director, and, most recently, director of teaching and learning at Minnehaha Academy. I have led curricular and program innovation, instructional coaching, and leadership and faculty development for PreK-12 settings, and have presented at both local and national professional conferences. I am also the co-founder of RefineEDU, a consultancy consortium that specializes in tailored faculty development, leadership development, and curricular and instructional design for private and independent schools. I earned a Bachelor of Arts from St. Olaf College, a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from Gordon College, and a Doctor of Education in educational leadership from Bethel University.

What did you find appealing about MPA?

Dream Big. Do Right. Could it get better than that? From the very first conversation, it was clear the MPA was a special place, exuding a warmth, connection, and community I immediately wanted to be a part of. I have always considered myself a builder, which requires creativity, high standards, and a willingness to think outside the box and push past the status quo. I am all about big dreams that lead to the highest and best outcomes for students, families, and our faculty, and I feel such resonance with this community and the mission and vision it pursues.

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

Join Us For The 2026 Spring Auction: Rooted In Purpose!

January 30, 2026

Join us for the 2026 MPA Spring Auction: Rooted In Purpose, on Friday, April 17, at the Lowlands in St. Paul! We look forward to gathering as a community to celebrate the mission we share and the people who make Mounds Park Academy such a special place. This joyful evening will bring together families, alumni, staffulty and friends to raise critical support for our school, all while enjoying great company, food, and a little fun along the way.

Sponsorships are now available. This is the perfect time to consider a Business or Family Sponsorship. Sponsorships include:

admission to the event for two or more
reserved priority seating
access to our Sponsorship Pre-Party
recognition across event materials
interactive auction opportunities, depending on the level
early access to our silent auction
and the chance to underwrite tickets so our incredible staffulty can attend at no cost.

Family Sponsorships can be purchased here, and Business Sponsorships can be bought here.

We are committed to making this community-building event accessible to all. If ticket pricing presents a barrier to attending, please contact Ashley Goetzke, director of development and community engagement at agoetzke@moundsparkacademy.org to discuss reduced pricing options based on need.

State of the Lower School: Strong Roots, Clear Steps

January 29, 2026

from James Ewer, Lower School director

As we reach the midpoint of the school year, our division directors are pausing to reflect on what is thriving, what is evolving, and what lies ahead. These updates reflect the unique character of each division and, together, highlight the shared commitment to learning, belonging, and growth that defines Mounds Park Academy. Watch for a state of the school report with a PreK-12 perspective from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school, in next week’s Panther Post.

We have something very special. And we have work to do to protect it.

A Program Built on Relationships and Breadth

When I step back and look at what I consistently observe, I see a division built on relationships and a real belief in children. Our specialist program stands out as a major asset. Our students get a breadth of experiences that most schools cannot offer, with strong offerings across areas like arts, world language, LMT, robotics, theatre, and daily P.E. That range gives kids multiple entry points to confidence, success, and belonging. 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.

Lower School Division News January 15, 2026

January 15, 2026

from James Ewer, Lower School director

There are times in life when the world feels louder than usual. When things beyond our control create stress, questions, and uncertainty. The last stretch of time has held a few of those moments for some in our community. Through it all, we will keep showing up with love for children and appreciation for one another.

In moments like this, I am asking our community to choose love on purpose.
To lead with patience.
To assume good intent.
To notice one another.

And, we will keep doing the work of school.
We will keep students safe.
We will keep learning strong, joyful, and challenging.
We will be MPA. Read More

Save The Date For The 2026 Spring Auction: Rooted In Purpose!

January 9, 2026

Mark your calendars for Friday, April 17, 2026! MPA’s largest and most spirited fundraising event of the year is back, and this time we’re bringing the party to Lowlands in St. Paul!

This year’s theme, Rooted in Purpose, is a celebration of everything that grounds us—our values, our community, and our unwavering commitment to empowering students to dream big and do right.

Enjoy an unforgettable evening with:

Delicious food and hosted bar
Live and silent auctions packed with can’t-miss experience
A lively crowd of parents, alumni, and friends who care deeply about MPA
And plenty of surprises along the way!

Many sponsorship packages with special perks are available! Visit moundsparkacademy.org/springauction to purchase your family or business sponsorship package!

For questions or to donate an auction item, contact Ashley Goetzke, director of development and community engagement, at agoetzke@moundsparkacademy.org or 651-748-5536.

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