Lower School Archives

April 30, 2026

from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

At Mounds Park Academy, our mission calls us to, “… teach students to think independently, communicate effectively, and act with respect and integrity in a diverse community that models intellectual ambition, global responsibility, and the joy of learning.” Our deep belief in our mission provides us with the momentum and desire to develop meaningful ways to live our mission to its fullest.

Over the next two weeks, we are honored to welcome a small group of students and administrators from our partner school, Vanke Meisha Academy (VMA) in Shenzhen, China, into our community. Their presence in our classrooms, hallways, and homes enriches the daily experience of learning, not only for them, but for all of us. These moments remind us that education extends far beyond textbooks; it is found in shared conversations, new perspectives, and the courage to connect across cultures. During their time here, the VMA students and administrators will also spend time visiting notable sites in the Twin Cities, as well as visiting college campuses. We hope to send interested MPA students to visit VMA in the spring of 2027.

This exchange is also part of a broader commitment to global partnership. We are excited to continue this journey next year with an exchange program with La Escuela Italiana in Mendoza, Argentina. Students from La Escuela Italiana will visit MPA in the fall, with an opportunity for students in our Spanish program to travel to Mendoza for two weeks over spring break. These opportunities reflect our belief that global responsibility is not an abstract idea. We practice this through relationship building, creating shared experiences, and further stretching our understanding of cultures different than our own. 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

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

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

Remembering Karen Benz

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

Lower School Division News March 26, 2026

March 26, 2026

from James Ewer, Lower School director

The final stretch. full of growth, joy, and reflection.

Welcome back from spring break. I hope your family found moments of rest, joy, and renewal. As we step back into the rhythm of school, I find myself deeply grateful for this Lower School community. Every day, we are reminded that schools are at their best when children feel seen, valued, affirmed, and loved for exactly who they are. Thank you for trusting us with your littles, partnering with us in their growth, and helping make this community one rooted in care, belonging, and possibility.

As we move into this final stretch of the school year, families may naturally begin thinking about progress, growth, and what still lies ahead. This is an important time to pause and notice not only what children know, but who they are becoming. You may be wondering where your child has grown in confidence, independence, resilience, or responsibility. You may also be noticing areas where they still need support, practice, and encouragement. That is exactly right for this point in the year. The months ahead are not simply about wrapping things up. They are about helping children stay engaged, finish strong, and recognize that growth is often built one small step at a time.

One of the most meaningful things families can do during this season is create space for simple reflection at home. This does not need to feel formal or heavy. A few thoughtful questions during dinner, on the drive home, or at bedtime can help children make sense of their year and see their own growth more clearly. You might ask: What is something you are proud of from this school year? What is something that used to feel hard but feels easier now? When did you show kindness, courage, or leadership? What is one thing you still hope to accomplish before the year ends? Questions like these help children build confidence, self-awareness, and gratitude. They remind our littles that learning is not only about what happens on paper, but also about how we grow as people and how we care for others along the way. Read More

Help Us Celebrate Cultural Celebration Day At MPA!

March 11, 2026

The MPA Parents Association invites you to Cultural Celebration Day on Wednesday, April 8, from 3:15-5:30 PM in the Family Commons! Engage with community members who will be sharing their cultural heritage, enjoy sweet and savory foods from around the world, and experience beautiful music and dance performances!

Go home with some cool body art from two expert henna artists, try your hand at global crafts, and chat with community members who will have booths set up to share the culture and/or offer samples of their cuisine.

New this year—all food and drinks, including boba tea, are complimentary. Hilal, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are available.

Interested in hosting an informational table on the day of the event? Sign up by clicking here!

If you would like to help host, plan, or have any questions, please email laurahnicholson@gmail.com or jasminstees@yahoo.com.

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

Welcome To MPA, Mr. Baker!

February 26, 2026

Welcome to MPA, Mr. Michael Baker! Mr. Baker will be joining us as a part-time school nurse through District 622, taking over for Ms. Deb Stone, who will be retiring in March. We are so thankful to Ms. Stone for her time with us, and are excited to introduce Mr. Baker!

From what school/organization are you coming?
I am coming from ISD 622.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I earned a registered nursing degree from Century College, a law degree from William Mitchell College of Law, a master’s degree in education from City College of New York, and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Minnesota. I also served with the United States Army, spent six years teaching elementary, and 40 years as a business owner, before I went to nursing school.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
MPA has a great mission statement and is educating leaders for tomorrow.

Lower School Division News February 26, 2026

February 26, 2026

from Julia Ross, Lower School learning specialist

As we get closer to spring break, I encourage you to keep your student reading! Even 15-20 minutes a day can make a big difference in maintaining progress and confidence. This can look like reading books your child chooses, listening to audiobooks, and following along with the text, practicing sight words, or taking turns reading aloud to each other.

If you are traveling over the break, here are some easy (and fun) ways to keep the reading up:

Pack a reading bag with a few books your child chooses to read.
Listen to an audiobook together and ask your child questions.
Have your child read signs, maps, menus, and more.
Start a vacation journal and write (and read back) a few sentences about what they did each day.
Keep the routine of reading a few minutes before bedtime.

All the small moments add up, and keeping reading part of the routine, even in simple ways, helps maintain the strong progress your child is making!

from Dana Distad, Lower School counselor

As we head into spring break, I want to wish your family a moment in time filled with rest and renewal. Breaks are a wonderful opportunity for children (and adults!) to reset routines, reconnect with family and friends, and truly relax. Whether your plans include travel, time outdoors, or simply slower mornings at home, these moments help children recharge socially and emotionally. Encourage plenty of play, fresh air, conversation, and downtime. A little extra connection and calm can go a long way in supporting a strong finish to the school year.

Wishing you all a peaceful and joyful spring break! Read More