Middle School

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

MPA Speech Team Qualifies Multiple Students For Nationals!

March 17, 2026

Members of the MPA speech team pose with awardsCongratulations to the Mounds Park Academy speech team, which will again send representatives to the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) national tournament following strong performances at the national qualifying competition!

Several students earned top finishes and secured qualification to the national stage. Ash Klann was named champion in oratory, while Sidd Sastry placed second in international extemporaneous speaking. Kelvyn Boddipalli took third in humor. All three qualified for the NSDA national tournament. In duo interpretation, the team of Kelvyn Boddipalli and Oslo Norcross placed sixth.

Mounds Park Academy also saw multiple semifinalists. Guy Schwieger and Nico Bergh competed in duo interpretation, while Drew Buhr advanced in both international and domestic extemporaneous speaking. Oslo Norcross reached the semifinals in informative speaking, and Andrea Pugh and Kai Nguyen were semifinalists in program oral interpretation. Read More

MPArors Win The Engineering Inspiration Award

March 17, 2026

The MPArors robotics team at a competition. Congratulations to the MPArors, who earned the Engineering Inspiration Award—one of the most prestigious honors in FIRST Robotics—at the Lake Superior Regional competition in Duluth!

The recognition capped off a hard-fought weekend for the team and a bounce back following a slow start. At 0-3 on Friday and ranked 40th out of 42 teams, the MPArors made their move. The team then won seven of its final eight matches to finish with a 7-4 record and climb to 17th place heading into alliance selections.

The top eight alliances selected their playoff partners, while the MPArors waited to learn their next opponent. When Alliance 8 chose them, the team erupted with excitement—validation for months of design, programming, strategy, and teamwork dating back to the start of team meetings in October.

Competing as part of Alliance 8 meant facing the top-seeded alliance in the opening round—an always-daunting challenge. Despite a determined effort, the MPArors fell 247-108, then battled in the lower bracket before a narrow 127-116 loss ended their playoff run.

But the story of the weekend didn’t end there. Rather than heading home, the team stayed to watch the remainder of the competition—a decision that proved meaningful. The playoffs continued as the matches intensified, with faster gameplay, louder crowds, and higher stakes. For newer team members, it was an unforgettable introduction to the energy and scale of a regional event. Read More

Help Us Celebrate Cultural Celebration Day At MPA!

March 11, 2026

Two students drumming along. 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.