Middle School

Welcome To MPA, Mr. Baker!

February 26, 2026

MPA's new nurse, Michael BakerWelcome 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.

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Middle School Division News February 26, 2026

February 26, 2026

A pair of students reading togetherfrom Paul Errickson, Middle School director

With i-Term 2026 quickly approaching, we are excited to wrap up February in fine fashion. Here in the Middle School, students have been working to honor our Black History Month, we’ve had some exciting Middle School Meetings, and we just hosted an amazing Middle School talent show this afternoon.

For i-Term this year, we will have students creating podcasts, skateboard decks, and new characters in D&D, dogsledding, enjoying racquet sports, golf, snowboarding, climbing, learning the customs and culture of Quebec and Scandinavia, and fixing all sorts of broken things, along with just trying to survive in the Middle School (Survivor i-Term). We are excited for the plethora of options and the opportunity to take a break from our classrooms. Please join us next Friday, March 6, from 2-3 PM in the Family Commons and Middle School T for the i-Term Fair.

On Wednesday, March 4, from 4-6 PM, we are excited to join our Upper School BSU in celebrating Black History Month in the Family Commons. The theme this year is “Rooted”—this theme invites us to consider the foundations that ground us, the histories that shape us, and the communities that sustain us. Read More

A Chance To Experience MPA On A School Day!

February 20, 2026

Two students working on a project togetherThe school day PreK-12 MPA Preview is Friday, April 24, 8:30-10 AM! With community members as your hosts, you’ll visit classrooms to see students and teachers in action. The event will end with an opportunity to connect with school leadership and ask any questions you may have—both about the year ahead and what the MPA journey can look like in the years to come. This event is designed for the adult members of your family—if you will be bringing a child, please do let us know.

MPA Previews are signature PreK-12 events designed to introduce you to the faculty, students, and families who make MPA the exceptional learning community that it is. You’ll hear from a variety of perspectives, be engaged in conversation, experience what a day in the life of an MPA student is like, and leave with a much better understanding of the MPA way.

RSVP today to discover why Mounds Park Academy is the #2-ranked private school in Minnesota.

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The Center For Inclusive Teaching And Learning

February 19, 2026

An MPA student working on a labfrom Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

Two years ago, when interviewing for the head of school role at MPA, I remember learning about the formation of the Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning (CITL). Diagnosed with a fair share of learning differences myself, I connected deeply with the concept. Learning about the CITL made me excited to hear that MPA wanted to further its goal of supporting and knowing each child for who they are and what they bring to school each day, inside and out.

Since arriving at MPA, I have seen evidence of the efforts developed through phase one, including the use of common language, awareness, and implementation of Universal Design for Learning in the classroom. Conversations supporting all students—with and without learning differences—occur on a daily basis. Students have greater agency in their learning environment-choosing where to sit, how to help regulate their bodies and minds, and what technology tools may help expand their ability to absorb and process information.

As Ashley Goetzke shared in her recent communication for this year’s Spring Auction paddle raise, “Phase Two of the Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning is about creating a space that reflects who we are as a school and who we want to become. Not a space for ‘some’ students. A space for all students. A space for focus and testing, for tutoring and enrichment, for collaboration and creativity. A space where rigor and support exist together. A space that signals to current and prospective families that MPA understands how students learn in 2026 and beyond.” Read More

MPA Speech Success At Harvard!

February 19, 2026

The MPA Speech team at Harvard University. Students from Mounds Park Academy earned a record number of placements at a prestigious national speech and debate tournament held on the campus of Harvard University, marking the most successful showing in program history. Below are the results from the tournament:

  • Sidd Sastry: Octafinals in Impromptu
  • Kelvyn Boddipalli: Quarterfinals in Humor
  • Lucy Mayer: Quarterfinals in Oratory
  • Ash Klann: Quarterfinals in Oratory
  • Guy Schwieger/Nico Bergh: Quarterfinals in Duo
  • Kelvyn Boddipalli/Oslo Norcross: Semifinals in Duo
  • Oslo Norcross: Fifth place in Informative
  • Ash Klann: Champion in Impromptu

The results represent the highest number of placements Mounds Park Academy has ever achieved at the tournament and continue the program’s strong national momentum. Over the past year, the speech team has earned four National Circuit victories, underscoring its growing presence on the national stage.

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MPA Skiers Shine At State Meets

February 19, 2026

The MPA ski teams state entrants. Congratulations to the Mounds Park Academy alpine and Nordic ski teams that turned in strong performances at their respective state meets, highlighted by top-10 individual finishes and a fifth-place team result by the boys Nordic team!

During the MSHSL Nordic ski state meet, the boys Nordic team posted its fifth-place finish, led by Soren Winikoff’s third-place showing. Eli Andre added a seventh-place finish, while Ansel Streier (70th), Zane Peterson (81st), and Torsten Lindenfelser (94th) rounded out the rest of the results in pursuit. Carter Short and Max Francois earned 16th in the team sprint to wrap up the team effort at the state meet. Soren and Eli’s placements also secured spots on the podium for the pair.

On the girls Nordic side, Megan Snider starred for the Panthers, placing 23rd individually. Soren, Eli, and Megan’s individual performances earned the trio all-state honors. Read More

Join Us At The Ramadan Iftar Celebration!

February 18, 2026

MPA's Iftar celebration in the Family Commons.The MPA Muslim Student Association (MSA) and families have the honor of hosting a Ramadan Iftar Celebration. The MSA warmly invites all members of the Mounds Park Academy community—students, families, alumni, faculty, and staff—to come together in the spirit of unity and reflection. The Iftar will be held on Thursday, February 26, 5-8 PM in the Family Commons.

Ramadan is one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar, marking a period of deep spiritual renewal, reflection, and devotion. It commemorates the month in which the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs to purify the soul, practice self-control, and grow in compassion for those in need. The fast is not only a physical act but also a spiritual one—encouraging mindfulness, patience, and gratitude.

Each evening, the fast is broken with a meal called Iftar, beginning with dates and water, followed by a shared meal with family, friends, and community. Ramadan is also a time for increased prayer, charity, and acts of kindness. It strengthens community bonds and reminds all who observe it of the values of generosity, empathy, and unity.

The celebration will include a variety of Halal authentic dishes, drinks, guest speakers, and opportunities for reflection and connection.

All are welcome to join in this celebration and support the community as it comes together to share in the joy and meaning of Ramadan. Click here to RSVP!

Announcing The Fund A Need For The MPA Spring Auction!

February 17, 2026

A pair of MPA students working on a lab.At the 2024 Spring Auction, our community said “yes” to strengthening how we support all learners through the Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning. Teachers were equipped with new strategies and tools to meet students where they are. Classrooms became more flexible, more thoughtful, more responsive. But there is still so much more we can do to not only support neurodiverse learners but all students at MPA.

Over the past two years at MPA, we have watched possibility turn into progress. Last year, teachers partnered with an instructional coach and strengthened their practice through Universal Design for Learning. Flexible seating has entered classrooms. Collaboration across divisions has grown.

And we know we can do more. Read More

Join Us For Rooted: A Black History Month Showcase

February 17, 2026

An MPA Black History Month showcase. Join us as we come together as a community to celebrate Black history, culture, and contributions through a powerful, engaging, and student-led experience for Rooted: A Black History Month Showcase on Wednesday, March 4, from 4-6 PM in the Family Commons, Nicholson Center, and Upper School Commons. Throughout February, students across all divisions have been exploring this year’s theme, Rooted, reflecting on history, identity, creativity, excellence, resilience, and community. Their learning and projects will culminate in a dynamic evening celebration that highlights student voice, artistry, and leadership.

The school building will open at 3:15 PM for visitors to tour student projects and displays throughout the divisions. The Family Commons will open at 3:30 PM, where guests can gather, enjoy light soul food prepared by the one and only MPA legend Chef Ronnie, and participate in interactive opportunities connected to this year’s theme. The Nicholson Center doors will open at 4:20 PM, and the showcase will begin promptly at 4:30 PM. Read More

Middle School Division News February 12, 2026

February 12, 2026

A pair of Middle School boys doing an experiment.from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” – Buddha

Greetings from the Middle School! As we move through February, we find ourselves holding both gratitude and anticipation. A couple of weeks ago, following a weekend marked by turmoil and loss, we gathered for an impromptu Middle School Meeting. We came together as a community to support one another and to acknowledge that these are challenging times. While the weight of current events is felt differently by each middle schooler—depending on what they are experiencing, hearing, where they live, and how their families are personally connected—we wanted every student to know they are not carrying that weight alone.

I shared that our students know how to do hard things. That, at MPA, they know how to dream big and do right. And that, especially when times are challenging, and folks are more vulnerable, they must live our values; in particular, mutual respect and meaningful service. Our students and our families have stepped up with donations of food and clothing—Mr. Peterson’s advisory clothing drive literally filled his SUV full of clothes to donate!

We talked in that meeting about how to create space and have grace with each other. We offered students rooms and spaces where they could talk and ask questions about what is going on, and also spaces where they could just be, where they could sit and color, listen to music, or read a book. We wanted to recognize that, when folks are stressed or vulnerable, they don’t always say or do what they mean, and that we need to allow grace and meet each other with empathy and curiosity. And our students have done a wonderful job finding these spaces and seeking out help, when needed, for themselves or their friends. Read More