The Summer Scoop With Natalie Waters Seum

MPA robotics team leading the robotics summer campThis 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 are the advantages of starting the application process over the summer?

Starting the process in the summer gives families the gift of time—time to reflect, explore, and ask questions without the usual rush of the school year. It allows us to get to know each other more deeply, and for families to thoughtfully consider the kind of educational experience they want for their child. It’s also when we can offer the most flexible visit options and individualized support.

If a family wants to visit MPA this summer, what’s the best way to do that?

We love summer visits! The best way is to schedule a personal tour through our website or by contacting our Admission Office directly at admission@moundsparkacademy.org. We’re here all summer long and are happy to work around your schedule to help you get a feel for campus and the community.

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

Back To School Image With The Panther 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.

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.

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, Ms. Tricia Quade!

Upper School math teacher Tricia Quade and her familyWelcome to MPA, Ms. Tricia Quade! Ms. Quade is joining the Upper School as a math teacher and we are so eager to introduce her to the MPA community.

From what school/organization are you coming?
I worked for the Stamford American International School in Singapore.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I am an experienced educator with 14 years of international teaching experience in Taiwan, China, South Korea, and Singapore. I hold a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Endicott College. In my career, I have focused on building strong classroom communities, supporting student growth, and contributing to school culture through collaboration. I try to bring a global perspective to teaching, and I value relationships with students, colleagues, and families in the community.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
Coming from an international setting, what drew me to MPA was its strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The school’s values are not just words; they’re visible in the curriculum, community, and life of the school. After my employment was confirmed, from the moment I arrived, every person I met was warm, welcoming, and genuinely kind. It felt less like meeting new colleagues and more like catching up with old friends. That immediate sense of connection and community affirmed that MPA is not only a place of academic excellence but also a place where people truly care about one another.
Read More


Welcome to MPA, Mr. Ryan Dougherty!

Ryan Dougherty, MPA facilities manager.Welcome to MPA, Mr. Ryan Dougherty! Mr. Dougherty takes over as the facilities manager, and we are pleased to introduce him to our community.

From what school/organization are you coming? 
I am coming from Saint Therese Senior Services.

Tell us about your education and past experience. 
I have worked in various settings, most recently as a maintenance director on a senior living campus.

What did you find appealing about MPA? 
My first maintenance position was at St. Paul Academy, and I miss the culture of a school.

What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA and its students? 
I look forward to being a valued member of the team.

What’s your big dream?
To “retire” as a fishing guide. Read More


Welcome to MPA, Ms. Sidney Fellows!

MPA nurse Sidney Fellows.Welcome to MPA, Ms. Sidney Fellows! Ms. Fellows will be joining as the school nurse, and we are so happy to introduce her to our community.

From what school/organization are you coming? 
I am coming from Skyview Middle School in ISD 622.

Tell us about your education and past experience. 
I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in nursing. I maintain several licenses and certifications relevant to school nursing, including a school nurse license, a public health nursing license, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). I have previous healthcare experience working for District 622, Twin Cities Orthopedics, and Davita Kidney Care.

What did you find appealing about MPA? 
MPA stands out as a supportive community where students succeed and thrive. Each student is valued for their own unique talents, and it’s evident how supportive students are of their peers. MPA is a place where people truly care about one another.
Read More


Welcome to MPA, Ms. Nan Wang!

Nan Wang, MPA Upper School Chinese teacher.Welcome to MPA, Ms. Nan Wang! Ms. Wang is set to join as the Upper School Chinese teacher, and we are so excited to introduce her to our community.

From what school/organization are you coming? 
I am coming from Cretin-Derham Hall.

Tell us about your education and past experience. 
I got my bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College, majoring in math and economics, and received a Master’s Degree of Science in actuarial science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I have been teaching beginning to advanced-level Chinese for more than ten years. I love teaching about my native language and culture.

What did you find appealing about MPA? 
What I love the most about MPA is the inclusive culture. All students are happy here, and my daughter loves going to school. Also, all the faculty I met are very open and friendly. Read More


Welcome to MPA, Ms. Emma Stacy ’15!

Emma Stacy '15, MPA Upper School chemistry teacher.Welcome back to MPA, Ms. Emma Stacy ‘15! Ms. Stacy—an MPA Lifer—returns to MPA as an Upper School chemistry teacher, and we are thrilled to welcome her again to the community.

From what school/organization are you coming? 
I worked previously for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Tell us about your education and past experience. 
I got my undergraduate degree in chemistry at Scripps College, where I tutored students in science courses, and my master’s degree in environmental studies from the University of Edinburgh. I’ve worked at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Duluth for the past four years as an analytical chemist working on ecological toxicology studies with fish and frogs.

What did you find appealing about MPA? 
I attended MPA K-12, so it feels like home to me. It’s such a special community where every student is provided the opportunity to explore their passions to the fullest, and where teachers build meaningful relationships with students that foster both academic and personal growth. The students at MPA are uniquely passionate and invested in learning, and I can’t wait to return to share my excitement for science with them.
Read More


The Summer Scoop With Alli Capasso

Two PreK students working together in the gardenThis message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the July 9, 2025 issue of Inside MPA. Click here to get in touch with Admission and learn more!

In this issue of Inside MPA, we’ve connected with Alli Capasso, assistant director of admission, to ask about how her summer is going so far and what the admission process currently looks like in July.

What are the advantages of starting the application process over the summer?

Summer is the perfect time to begin your school search with less stress and more space to reflect. Families who start the application process now have time to explore, ask thoughtful questions, and envision the best fit for their child—without the competing demands of a busy school year. At MPA, the admission team is here all summer to guide you every step of the way.

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

I hope they find a community! Our students are known, seen, and accepted for exactly who they are. I hope our parents find “the village” that will help raise their children to be problem-solvers, risk-takers, and people who will stand for justice and kindness in the world. Read More


A Message From Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon!

Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, MPA's fifth head of schoolfrom Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

Dear MPA community,

I hope this message finds you well, enjoying these long summer days. I love the many ways Minnesotans find joy and energy spending time outdoors, taking in the sun.

It is incredibly exciting to officially arrive at Mounds Park Academy! I would like to extend my gratitude to the Board of Trustees for entrusting me with the responsibility of leading MPA and their continued support as I begin my new role as the school’s fifth head of school.

Thank you also to the faculty, staff, students, families, and alumni for the warm welcome! I have appreciated connecting with many of you throughout this past year at school events. While I always want summer to last as long as possible, I very much look forward to deepening our connections this school year. Read More


A Guide To A Joy-Filled, Learning-Rich Summer

Lower School student listening to instructions at summer camp With the transition from school year to summer, families are presented with a unique chance to reimagine learning beyond the classroom. Summer has the potential for a joyful, enriching season where curiosity, creativity, and growth thrive together, whether it’s through imaginative play, new skills, outdoor exploration, or reflection. An intentional, balanced approach to summer can help children of all ages gain confidence, expand their skills and passions, and return to school feeling ready, refreshed, and inspired.

As parents navigate the summer season, many will ask: How do we make this summer count?

At Mounds Park Academy, we believe summer isn’t just a break, it’s a chance to grow in new ways. It’s still a season for joyful learning while adding outdoor exploration, and building key life skills that carry beyond the classroom. A well-balanced summer should focus on essential skills and goals for the child, blending movement, creativity, independent time, and meaningful experiences that bolster academic success during the school year.

Summer is the time that students can lean into their own interests, either by engaging in more choice reading, enrolling in a specialty sports camp, or taking out their sketchbook while lying under their favorite tree. The beauty of this time is that incorporating purposeful learning does not mean hours of worksheets and practice tests; it is experiential and a little bit more open-ended. Thoughtfully piecing together a summer that includes your child’s interests and needs while also pairing it with concrete goals is the first step to tailoring the perfect summer for your child and family.

A Balance of Movement and Creativity

Children thrive when physical activity is part of their daily rhythm, which is why during the school year, MPA’s Lower School students have physical education every day, and Middle School students have it every other day. During the summer, this could look like riding bikes, swimming, or simply running barefoot through the grass. Movement fuels the body and mind.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that “recess and physical activity are crucial for the health, development, and well-being of children.” Summer is the perfect time to encourage children to head outside and take advantage of the extra time for physical and creative-based movement.

Mounds Park Academy offers some excellent camps where campers engage in activities that revolve around movement, coordination, and teamwork. Offerings span from tennis, volleyball, general physical education, and even pickleball. These can be paired with our Panther Club offerings, which can be either half or full days, where campers will explore creations with cardboard, STEM experiments, or papier mâché.

Summer offers a unique opportunity to pair physical play with rich learning. A morning of volleyball and an afternoon of making cardboard castles—that is a whole-child-focused summer.

PreK students planting in the science garden this summerSkill development

Kids are naturally curious, and summer is the perfect time to try something new while continuing to develop their academic and social skills. Another important type of skill that can flourish in the summer is transferable skills, such as problem-solving and creative thinking. Incorporating these skills together ensures a child is adaptable and can thrive in many different life arenas.

Dr. Deborah Gilboa, youth development expert, explains, “when kids try new activities in the summer, they become more adaptable, creative thinkers…and that carries into their school year.” The impact of these summer learning experiences can be seen in improved student achievement, attitudes, and skills, helping shape the child’s academic and personal success.

Mounds Park Academy’s summer programming is designed to inspire that adaptability, offering meaningful experiences that align with our school’s mission of joyful learning. We encourage incorporating academic skills, such as reading daily for 30 minutes to help build vocabulary and language development, or brushing up on multiplication flashcards, paired with new activities and enrichment. This also promotes balance and encourages flexibility within their activities.

Independent Time

While camps and structured programs offer enrichment, unstructured time at home is equally important. Pediatrician Dr. Michael Rich encourages families to embrace boredom as a pathway to creativity.

“When nothing is scheduled, kids are forced to turn inward, reflect, and create,” he says.

Encouraging independent play and creativity from an early age helps children develop foundational skills and a love for learning. A quiet afternoon spent building a LEGO city, reading in the grass, or dreaming up a backyard obstacle course is a simple moment that builds imagination, self-direction, and problem-solving. In a time when children are scheduled to the minute and a fear of boredom is at the forefront, let children embrace unscheduled time, become comfortable with it, and see what comes from unstructured, self-driven time.

Leadership and Lifelong Skills

Summer is also an ideal time to cultivate leadership. Whether helping a younger sibling, neighbor, leading a nature hike, or volunteering, students gain confidence, purpose, and empathy for others.

Angela Duckworth, psychologist and author of “Grit”, reminds us that “traits like perseverance, empathy, and initiative are more predictive of long-term success than someone’s IQ.”
Student holding up a cardboard construction she made at camp
When children are in a new environment, such as a summer camp, they are encouraged to be themselves. As school social cliques melt away, children are usually outside of their comfortable social circles in the summer, leading to an empowering and growth-filled opportunity.

Additionally, skills that can be done at home, such as setting and clearing the table, taking care of pets, or washing people’s cars, are some activities that encourage leadership and responsibility. To add critical thinking and further leadership, encourage your child to create a business idea, formulate what it would look like, and make flyers to market themselves, even if it is only to close friends and family. It could be as simple as a dog walking business or as complex as a brick-and-mortar store.

By encouraging independence, responsibility, and service, summer helps develop character and leadership that lasts a lifetime. It empowers children to realize the possibilities they hold and how capable they are in their own lives.

A Joy-Filled Summer of Learning

A joyful summer doesn’t need to be packed with back-to-back activities; it simply needs to be intentional. With the right blend of movement, variety, independence, leadership, and academic purpose, summer becomes more than a break; it becomes a bridge to a successful school year, and beyond.