Middle School

The Countdown Begins

May 14, 2026

A student pointing towards a bulletin board.from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

Kindergarten students celebrate the 100th day of school. Now, tomorrow marks the final day for the Class of 2026.

Even though the school year follows a familiar rhythm and calendar, these final weeks always seem to arrive more quickly than expected.

Countdowns help us organize time and build anticipation for what lies ahead. At MPA, this season of transition also invites reflection. In conversations across campus, I continue to hear students, families, and colleagues sharing pride in accomplishments, gratitude for meaningful experiences, excitement, and sometimes nervousness about what comes next.

Yesterday, I stood in the courtyard with our seniors as they laughed, talked, and enjoyed the sunshine and each other’s company. Some eagerly shared how ready they feel to begin their next chapter, while others spoke honestly about the uncertainty that can come with change. Both emotions are real, important, and deeply human. The countdown to their time at MPA is nearly complete, and with it comes a mixture of celebration, reflection, and transition. Read More

Middle School Division News May 7, 2026

May 7, 2026

Two students engaging in choreography.from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

As we work our way through our Middle School spring concert season, I want to share with you some advice from our Middle School counselor, Ashley Cooper:

Many of us have noticed that energy drinks have found their way into the Middle School day. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “nearly 33% of teens regularly consume energy drinks, and many of these contain far more caffeine than is recommended. Some popular options range from about 70 mg to over 250 mg of caffeine in a single can, while the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 100 mg per day for teens.”

At these levels, caffeine can make it harder for students to manage emotions and stress, disrupt sleep, increase jitteriness or a racing heart, and even mask hunger. We’re also seeing energy drinks being shared with friends, much like gum or snacks, which can make it easy for students to consume more caffeine than they realize. For some students, especially those taking medications for attention, anxiety, or mood, caffeine can also increase side effects like restlessness or trouble sleeping.

I want to offer some strategies families may find helpful:

  • Encouraging regular meals and snacks every three to four hours when possible
  • Looking ahead at the lunch menu so students can plan for foods they’ll eat and enjoy
  • Prioritizing hydration, with water as the main drink during the day
  • If caffeine is used, pairing it with food rather than having it on an empty stomach
  • Limiting caffeine later in the day to help protect sleep
  • Discouraging students from sharing or providing caffeinated drinks to others
  • Talking with students about energy coming from sleep, food, and hydration (not just drinks)

Read More

Living Our Mission To Its Fullest

April 30, 2026

A group of VMA students and members of the MPA community. 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

Middle School Division News April 23, 2026

April 23, 2026

Three students acting in a musical.from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

With so much going on around school over the final two months, I wanted to take some time to share with you some of the “Thinking Big” that our Middle School faculty did last week, during our professional development time together. In the morning, we continued our school-wide conversation about AI, and departments were asked for their feedback on how they hope to use and limit the use of AI in their classrooms. In the afternoon, our Middle School faculty explored several topics with time to “Dream Big” in these areas. At the end of our time together, they shared their reflections and recommendations.

Some Middle School faculty discussed how we can be more intentional with technology use during both classes and Flex. Teachers shared the importance of setting clearer expectations around when laptops are needed and when they should remain closed, including the possibility of designated storage spots in classrooms when devices are not in use. Faculty also raised the idea of keeping sixth-grade laptops at school—similar to our current practice in fifth grade—to help students build healthy tech habits. In addition, we are exploring updates to our “Flexpectations” in the Family Commons (no-tech Flex) so that laptop use during Flex would only be permitted in classrooms and with faculty permission.

Another group of faculty examined our Middle School advisory program, taking time to articulate what we value most, where we see limitations, and how we might “dream big” about the future of advisory. Teachers highlighted the strong relationships that advisory fosters and the importance of creating more consistency and structure across groups. We also discussed the success of the Dream Big, Do Right Advisory Challenge and identified several promising ideas for strengthening the program, including using Wednesday Flex (opposite Middle School Meeting) as a longer advisory block, incorporating tech-free advisory time, aligning SEL programming between advisory and seminar, and bringing more circle work into our weekly routines. Read More

MPA Speech Team Wins Section 4A Title!

April 22, 2026

 

The MPA speech team wins the section 4A titleCongratulations to the MPA speech team on an incredible performance again, repeating as the Section 4A champions! We’re excited to celebrate our state qualifying entries (students placing third place or higher):

  • Discussion: Finnley Henrikssen-Myers
  • Dramatic Interpretation: Veronica Finc
  • Duo Interpretation: Guy Schwieger and Nico Bergh
  • Extemporaneous Speaking: Sidd Sastry, Andrew Buhr, and Josh Murr
  • Great Speeches: Mina Kim, Tyyna Hall, and Kai Nguyen
  • Humorous Interpretation: Kelvyn Boddipalli
  • Informative Speaking: Oslo Norcross
  • Original Oratory: Ash Klann and LuaClaire Robert
  • Poetry Reading: Warner Reid
  • Prose Interpretation: Lucille Mayer, Hazel Reid, and Andrea Pugh

These students will advance to the state tournament on Saturday, April 25, at Park Center High School. Good luck to all our students advancing—the community is cheering you on every step of the way!

What Does It Mean To Belong?

April 16, 2026

A group of alums and MPA community membersfrom 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

Middle School Division News April 9, 2026

April 9, 2026

A boy holding up a bottlefrom Paul Errickson, Middle School director

As we head into our fourth quarter of the year, my question for our Middle Schoolers is, “How can you make this last quarter your BEST quarter?” Challenging them to reflect on all that they’ve learned so far this year and to finish off the year, over our final eight weeks of school, as strong as possible can be both challenging and rewarding. With so many different opportunities for our students to showcase their learning, from concerts and the musical to their final assessments, papers, projects, and presentations, we will work hard to keep them (and you) well organized, prepared, and balanced for the work ahead.

Caution: Performance Season ahead! The end of April and the month of May provide our families with a plethora of opportunities to see our students perform. On April 23, 24, and 26, we will have Middle and Upper School students performing in “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” (see below for more details). The following week, on Thursday, April 30, we have our Middle School Choral Concert and transition meetings—families arrive at 6 PM so their Middle Schooler can get warmed up (show starts at 7 PM), and families can attend grade level meetings to hear from your childs’ next year teachers about the fun to come. Then we have our Orchestra (May 7) and Band (May 14) concerts on the next two Thursday evenings at 7 PM.

As we head into these busier times, I look forward to seeing you all at a performance or sporting event, on one of our field trips, or at our end of year ceremonies. And, especially at our transition meetings on April 30.

Read More

Join MPA’s Grade 5-12 Sailing Team!

April 9, 2026

Members of the MPA spring sailing team man a boat.

MPA has a highly competitive and successful sailing team! MPA sailors have competed at the regional, national, and collegiate levels annually for many years. No experience or boat is needed to join, and all are welcome from grades five through 12. Sailing is a lifelong sport that is both technical and physical, and it is a great way to make friends from MPA and other schools.

Opti Race Team: Grades 5 & 6

  • Practices are on Mondays and Fridays from 3:30-6:30 PM.
  • Cost is $330 per season and includes coaching and the use of boats and other equipment.
  • Registration and more information can be found here.

420 Race Team: Grades 7-12

  • Practices are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30-6:30 PM.
  • The cost is $630 per season and includes coaching and the use of boats and other equipment.
  • Registration and more information can be found here.

Details:

  • Spring season practices are being held now through May 28 at White Bear Sailing School.
  • Sailing is a spring and a fall sport and can be done in either or both seasons.
  • MPA’s team is coached and practices alongside sailors from Mahtomedi Public Schools, White Bear Public Schools, and other area schools.
  • Regattas are optional but encouraged and held on lakes throughout the Twin Cities and beyond.
  • Some personal gear is required to ensure safety on the water—some gear may be available to borrow.

If you have any questions, please reach out to MPA’s sailing team advisor, Natalie Waters Seum, at nwatersseum@moundsparkacademy.org. We hope to see you on the water!

Remembering Karen Benz

April 2, 2026

Mounds Park Academy's founding members. 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

Middle School Division News March 26, 2026

March 26, 2026

A student painting a project.from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

Springtime brings with it change and renewed growth. It can be one of the most exciting and hectic times in our school year as we work to wrap everything up by the end of the school year and reflect on the growth and achievements of our year of learning together.

It is often during these days in early spring, as a science teacher and naturalist, that I like to share the story of a child and a butterfly. You’ve probably heard it before (I even shared it with our students last year). The short version is that there’s a man who watches a butterfly struggle to emerge from its cocoon and, thinking he is helping, cuts it free—only to discover that without the necessary struggle, the butterfly’s wings never strengthen, leaving it unable to fly. What he didn’t realize is that the difficult process is what prepares the butterfly for life, and the story reminds us of those challenges and obstacles, rather than being burdens, are often exactly what enable us to grow, gain strength, and ultimately soar.

Looking ahead, we have many, many opportunities for growth (and potential discomfort) for our Middle School students. Next week brings the end of our third quarter, and I know that students and teachers are working to finish the quarter strong! In April and May, we have book battles and science fairs, concerts and musicals, MAP testing, and field days fast approaching. Please keep a close eye on our calendar here in Panther Post and communications through your child’s Schoology account for updates and information on all that we have going on. Read More