Middle School Archives

Middle School Division News September 4, 2025

September 4, 2025

from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, September 5: Ice Cream Social, 3-4 PM, South Lawn
Monday, September 8: MS Play Auditions, 3:15-5:30 PM, Black Box
Tuesday, September 9: MS Play Auditions, 3:15-5:30 PM, Black Box
Wednesday, September 10: LS/MS G3-5 Author Visit, 8-9:30 AM, Recital Hall
Wednesday, September 10: MS Show Callbacks, 3:15-5:15 PM, Black Box
Monday, September 15: Returning Family Indexed Tuition Applications Open (Deadline December 1)
Monday, September 15-Friday, September 19: MS G5-8 MAP Testing
Monday, September 15: MS/US G7-12 Spring Musical Lead Character Auditions, 3:30-5 PM, Black Box
Tuesday, September 16: MPA PA Grade Rep Meeting, 8-9 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
Tuesday, September 16: MS/US G7-12 Spring Musical Lead Character Auditions, 3:30-5 PM, Black Box
Wednesday, September 17-Friday, September 19: MS G5 Osprey Wilds
Thursday, September 18: MS/US International Program Welcome Social Event, 3:30-5 PM, Benz Courtyard
Sunday, September 21: MPA at the Twins, 1:10-3:30 PM, Target Field
Monday, September 22-Saturday, September 27: Homecoming Week
Monday, September 22-Friday, September 26: MS G5-8 MAP Testing
Thursday, September 25: ISACS Parent Series Webinar, 6:30 PM

Here, every other week, I will share new information, important dates, and upcoming items that require your attention. This is a rich resource designed to help you and your student(s) plan for upcoming events and stay abreast of all the exciting events and activities we have planned for Middle School parents and students.

We are so excited to welcome you to the Middle School this year! Please know that we are here to help you and your child have the best year yet. As we head into the second week of school, I start to feel the end of the beginning. All summer long, we’ve been planning and tweaking, and scheduling (and re-scheduling), and ultimately looking for ways to make your middle schooler’s experience even better here at MPA.

This year, we are looking at improvements for our Flex block, allowing for a more structured time for students to get work done, along with better use of our extra help and club opportunities. There have been innovations to our lunch “flow” and announcements. And, for our fifth and sixth graders, you will notice a new rotation that includes art, drama, and either seminar or health. This will run the entire school year and allow those students to get approximately 30% more art and drama (and a little less seminar and health). Read More

Welcome To MPA, Ms. Aemah Iqbal!

August 28, 2025

Welcome to MPA, Aemah Iqbal! Ms. Iqbal started prior to the school year as an Upper School counselor and we are pleased to introduce her to the community.

From what school/organization are you coming?
I am coming from Phoenix Counseling.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I did all my schooling in Pakistan and came to St. Cloud State University for college, where I did my undergrad in psychology and am currently pursuing a double master’s in counseling. I have had vast experience working with kids on the spectrum, as well as working at Boys & Girls Clubs and Kidstop through undergrad. More recently, I have worked with elementary and middle schoolers at different private schools.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
The culture and the inclusivity—I love it. Also, the rigor and the way the kids have such an unconventional approach to learning.
Read More

Defining Our Excellence

August 28, 2025

from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

Welcome back to the 2025-26 school year! It was wonderful to see both returning and new families at Back to School Open House, New Family and Student Orientation Day, and the first day of school! It is an absolute joy to see the smiles, hear the laughter, and feel the connections as everyone settles into the rhythm of a new school year.

After yesterday’s tragic news, nothing lifted my spirits more than walking campus and observing students connecting with one another, with their teachers, and with the content at hand. I am so grateful for the supportive and nurturing environment we all work together to create. Let me assure you that the energy on campus matches the sunny autumn-like weather we are enjoying this first week—bright, warm, and comfortable.

Since my arrival in July, I have met with a variety of stakeholders to learn about MPA, its strengths, and hopes for the future. It is evident that at the heart of it all, maintaining our sense of community is a priority. It was also clear that there is a strong desire to further define our identity and explore new opportunities. Thus, it seems most appropriate that our theme for this year should be:

Defining Our Excellence: honoring the past, living in the present, and planning for the future.

As we seek to live our mission every day, MPA’s strength is founded on intentional partnering, living our shared values, building community, and growing together with grace and compassion. We remain committed to creating an environment where students and adults feel as though they belong.

This sense of belonging doesn’t happen without the input and support of the members within our community. Throughout the year, I invite you to reach out for coffee and conversation or attend a scheduled Fireside Chat. I look forward to hearing from you and working together for the continued success and growth of your children and of MPA.

Please remember to check the school calendar for upcoming events, including the Ice Cream Social on September 5, and Homecoming Weekend on September 26-27. Let’s start the school year off celebrating MPA with Panther Pride!

I am excited to get to know you. I am excited for what lies ahead. And I hope you are just as excited as I am to be home!

Safety and Security Update

August 28, 2025

THANK YOU to all of the parents and guardians who are already in the habit of wearing their nametags!

It is MPA’s number one priority to provide the safest campus environment possible for you and your children. We ask that you share this critical information with all of the drivers in your home and others who may provide transportation for you.

Drive-Thru Lanes
In the interest of safety, courtesy, and efficiency, we ask that drivers refrain from pulling in front of another car or “leap-frogging” to the front. To make the process as efficient as possible, please pull up all the way to the crosswalk to allow maximum space in the drive-thru lanes. Please help ensure no gaps are present in the drive-thru lanes, even if that means your child needs to wait or walk further to enter the vehicle.

Entering and Exiting the Car
Children may only enter and exit the car from the right/curbside in the drive-thru lanes. If you need to leave the vehicle to help your children in or out, please park in the lot and walk them in, using the appropriate crosswalks. No Lower School student should cross the crosswalk into the parking lot without an adult caregiver by their side. Read More

Join Us For The Ice Cream Social!

August 28, 2025

Let’s celebrate the start of an incredible year! Make plans to join us for a beloved MPA tradition, the Ice Cream Social on Friday, September 5, from 3-4 PM on the South Lawn! This is an all-school opportunity to connect with one another, enjoy a sweet treat, and meet our new families.

Details For Lower School Families
If you are planning to attend, please meet your child at their classroom door no later than 3 PM and notify your child’s homeroom teacher in advance. Otherwise, we will send your child on the bus or to the drive-thru lane as usual. All Lower School students must be directly supervised by an adult in order to receive their ice cream.

Details For All Families
A sundae bar with all of the fixings will be available for students and their families. The ice cream will be peanut and tree nut free and provided by YoYo Donuts. All of the sundae bar toppings will be peanut and tree nut free and provided by SAGE.

JonnyPops Organic Freezer Pops will be available at a separate station for food-allergic students. This should be safe for all MPA students, but it is not guaranteed. Ingredients will be available for review by parents or can be found at the link above.

Because any frozen treat could be messy on a bus, bus riders will be sent home with allergy-friendly Partake cookies (free of top nine allergens, gluten-free, vegan, OU Kosher).

All students at Panther Club and Panther Den will be taken outside for a treat and supervised accordingly by Panther staff. Middle School students may navigate the event with or without a parent. If they are without a parent, they should be able to manage any allergies they may have.

If you have any questions or would like more information about ingredients, please contact communications@moundsparkacademy.org. See you there!

Welcome To MPA, Ms. Eleanor Schuebel!

August 18, 2025

Welcome to MPA, Eleanor Schuebel! Ms. Eleanor Schuebel recently joined us as a Panther Club program assistant, and we are thrilled to introduce her to our community.

From what school/organization are you coming?
I am currently attending Bethel University.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I started working with kids at a daycare for my first job when I was 16, and I am in my last year of college to get my English education degree.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
The sense of community and core values of the school.
Read More

The Summer Scoop With Natalie Waters Seum

August 6, 2025

This message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the August 11, 2025 issue of Inside MPA. Click here to get in touch with Admission and learn more!

In this issue of Inside MPA, we’re catching up with Natalie Waters Seum, director of admission and communication, as she reflects on summer and offers advice for those considering MPA for this fall. Whether you’re just starting your school search or already planning a visit, this conversation is full of insights and helpful next steps.

What’s one way the MPA community supports new families and students?

Our new families are embraced from the start—through summer social events, buddy families, and ongoing communication from both the division office and the Office of Admission. But perhaps the most meaningful support comes from the everyday moments once the family is on campus: a division director picking up the phone to check in, a teacher offering reassurance, a student inviting a new friend to sit by them at lunch. That’s just who we are.

What do you hope every new family experiences in their first year at MPA?

I hope they feel truly seen and supported—long before day one, actually. Our community is remarkably warm and welcoming, and I want every family to feel that they’ve found a place where their child will thrive, not just academically but socially and emotionally. I also hope they feel a growing sense of partnership with their child’s teachers and a sense of joy about their school choice. Read More

Back To School Details

July 22, 2025

We are getting ready for the 2025-26 school year, and we hope that you are as excited as we are! Below you will find all of the details about each Back To School event. If you have any questions, please reach out to your division director or the Office of Communications at by clicking here.

EVENTS FOR ALL FAMILIES

Thursday, August 21

Back To School Open House | 3:30-6 PM

Come when you can, stay as you please!

LOWER SCHOOL

Lower School students are invited to bring their school supplies, settle into their homeroom classrooms, and visit their specialist teachers. This is a great opportunity to get familiar with the school environment, meet teachers, and start the year with confidence and excitement.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Middle School students are encouraged to bring their school supplies, organize their lockers, and walk through their class schedules. This is a great opportunity to meet teachers, get oriented with the building, and feel prepared for the year ahead.

UPPER SCHOOL

Upper School students are encouraged to walk through their schedules, meet their teachers, locate their lockers, and get organized for the year ahead. This is a great opportunity to settle in, ask questions, and start the school year with clarity and confidence.

PARENTS/GUARDIANS

To further enhance the safety and security of our campus, we will use the Raptor VisitorSafe kiosk to create your 2025-26 reusable nametag. Please bring an ID to create yours during the Back To School Open House. All parents and guardians accessing the building will need to do this as we transition back this year. Other opportunities will be provided as well.

Please note: Due to feedback from families, school photos will not be taken at the Back To School Open House. School photos will be during the school day on September 4 and retakes will be on October 1, both of which will be non-uniform days in Lower School. Sibling photos will not be available. Slow Road continues to be our vendor.

Tuesday, August 26

Parents Association First Day Of School Coffee | 8-9:30 AM, South Entrance

You’re invited! Please join us for a First Day of School Coffee gathering hosted by the MPA Parents Association. After you drop off your child, stop by for a warm welcome, a hot cup of coffee, and a chance to connect with fellow parents as we kick off a new school year together. Whether you’re a returning family or brand new to the community, we can’t wait to see you there!

EVENTS FOR NEW FAMILIES

New families are considered those with students who are just joining our school PLUS all returning families with a student in grade PreK, K, 5, or 9 this fall.

Monday, August 25

PreK-12 New Parent Orientation | 8-11 AM, Family Commons

8-8:30 AM | Refreshments and connection with Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

8:30-9:30 AM | Division Breakout Sessions (highly recommended for returning families with a student in grade PreK, K, 5, or 9, too) Important information from division leadership and Schoology training. Bring your phone and laptop if Schoology access help is needed.

9:30-11 AM | PreK-12 New Parent Orientation Topics (optional for returning families with a student in grade PreK, K, 5, or 9) This will include topics such as safety/security, Allergy Aware Guidelines, communications, and more.

Monday, August 25

PreK-9 New Student Orientations | Times Vary By Grade

ALL NEW + RETURNING PREK STUDENTS

8-11 AM | Programming will include time in the homeroom classroom getting to know the teachers, learning the classroom routines, and enjoying free play time. Families are welcome to linger together on the playground after 11 AM. Uniforms are not required this day.

ALL NEW GRADES K-4 STUDENTS + RETURNING K STUDENTS

8-11 AM | Programming will include time in the homeroom classroom, getting to know the teachers, learning the classroom routines, as well as visiting specialist teachers and other key campus locations. Uniforms are not required this day.

11-6 PM | Panther Club is available at no cost for grades K-4. Please send a lunch that follows MPA’s peanut and tree nut guidelines: mpa.link/foodallergies. Sign-up is required by August 18 at mpa.link/newstudentfirstday.

ALL NEW GRADES 5-8 STUDENTS + RETURNING FIFTH-GRADE STUDENTS

8 AM-3 PM | Programming will include Advisory time, technology onboarding, social activities, Makerspace activities, Library visits, building tours, recess, lunch, and more.

3-6 PM | Panther Den is available at no cost for grades 5-8. Sign up by August 18 at mpa.link/newstudentfirstday.

ALL NEW + RETURNING NINTH-GRADE STUDENTS

8 AM-12 PM | Programming will include community building, technology onboarding, activities, building tours, lunch, and more.

Note: The first day of school for new students in grades 10-12 is Tuesday, August 26. Email admission@moundsparkacademy.org if an additional building walk-through would be helpful.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE >

Welcome To MPA, Mr. Matthew Quade!

July 22, 2025

Welcome to MPA, Matthew Quade! Mr. Quade will be joining us this fall as a Middle School physical education and health teacher, and we are thrilled to introduce him to our community.

From what school/organization are you coming?
I am coming from Stamford American International School, located in Singapore.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2011. Since then, I have taught physical education for 14 years at four different international schools in Taiwan, China, South Korea, and Singapore.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
I’m incredibly excited to join the Mounds Park Academy community next year! What appealed to me most was the strong sense of belonging. Also, I’m eager to contribute to the experiential learning environment where students truly engage with their education. The balance of academics, arts, and athletics resonates deeply with my values, and I look forward to supporting students in all areas. Most importantly, I’m thrilled to be part of a school prioritizing sustained wellness, ensuring everyone thrives. I can’t wait to become a part of this dynamic and supportive community. Read More

Welcome to MPA, Ms. Cait Osell!

July 22, 2025

Welcome to MPA, Ms. Cait Osell! Ms. Osell comes to MPA as a Middle School English teacher, and we are happy to introduce her to our community.

From what school/organization are you coming?
I worked for Hired, a non-profit organization.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I graduated from the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University in 2014 with a degree in English and secondary education. During my time there, I was also able to spend six months in Ireland attending the University College Cork. My teaching career started in Shakopee Public Schools from 2015-2023, from which I moved to something a little different, doing adult education with a Minneapolis nonprofit, Hired. I love English Language Arts and getting others to love it, too!

What did you find appealing about MPA?
MPA immediately stood out to me because of the agency and autonomy it gives to students. It’s important to me that students have a say in their education and environment, and that, paired with a supportive, fun, and welcoming staff, made me realize MPA was exactly where I wanted to be. I believe in doing good and dreaming big as well, and that’s exactly what I plan to do!
Read More