January 15, 2026
from Paul Errickson, Middle School director
Greetings, Middle School families!
There is so much good going on around the Middle School that I want to share to help balance all that our students and families are navigating in the world outside of school.
During our Middle School Meeting this week, we had an inspiring presentation from our Middle School BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color) group about January being Muslim American Heritage Observance Month and the upcoming Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. They shared the story of Yarrow Mamout, an African American Muslim former slave who overcame great adversity, purchasing his own freedom and becoming a Washington financier. They also shared some quotes from Dr. King and a segment of his “I have been to the mountain top” speech (his final speech prior to his assassination) to remind us of how Dr. King dreamed big and did right for others.
We are also quickly coming to the end of our first semester/second quarter this Friday. Students have worked very hard, and as we wrap up the first half of our school year, we encourage you to review their accomplishments, comments, and grades in Schoology to help your child celebrate their learning and identify one or two areas to improve. We will have our second round of family conferences coming up in early February (evening of February 5 and all day on February 6). Our signups for those conferences will come out very soon. Read More
We are so fortunate to welcome students from around the world to MPA through our International Student Program. Each year, we need dedicated host families to care for these exceptional students. A $10,200 per student stipend is paid to host families to cover the cost of room, board, and transportation from August to June. Typically, families host for at least one full year and sometimes for a student’s entire MPA experience. As you warmly welcome this student into your home, you will gain a first-hand understanding of another culture, a lifelong relationship with your students, and so much more.
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!
from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school
from Paul Errickson, Middle School director
We are very excited to announce MPA’s Ski & Snowboard Club for grades seven through 12 at Afton Alps! If 15 students—who don’t already have season passes—sign up, we will be eligible for Ski Club discount tickets. If we can hit our goal, lift tickets will be $39 and rentals will be $37. 
The MPA SAGE dining team has earned FARECheck Silver certification through FARE-approved Serve It Safely training, a nationally recognized mark of excellence in food allergy awareness and safety.
