{"id":29808,"date":"2026-02-12T13:41:29","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T19:41:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.moundsparkacademy.org\/news\/?p=29808"},"modified":"2026-02-12T16:54:48","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T22:54:48","slug":"middle-school-division-news-february-12-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.moundsparkacademy.org\/news\/2026\/02\/12\/middle-school-division-news-february-12-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Middle School Division News February 12, 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Afrom Paul Errickson, Middle School director<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThousands 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.\u201d –<\/em> Buddha<\/p>\n

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\u2014depending on what they are experiencing, hearing, where they live, and how their families are personally connected\u2014we wanted every student to know they are not carrying that weight alone.<\/p>\n

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\u2014Mr. Peterson\u2019s advisory clothing drive literally filled his SUV full of clothes to donate!<\/p>\n

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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

We also encouraged students to have fun together, to laugh a little more. Ms. Meras put together a game and coloring cart for our Flex block, and we now have students playing cards and Legos together. Ms. McPhail’s advisory hijacked our Middle School Meeting and had all of us up and singing and dancing together. And, we have brought the love and allure of Valentine’s Day with our Grateful Hearts bulletin board in the Middle School \u201cT\u201d.<\/p>\n

As you read two weeks ago in my last Panther Post<\/a>,<\/strong> the state of the Middle School is strong and inclusive, but we are also about allowing kids to be kids and to find places to be curious and celebrate each other.<\/p>\n

Coming up, we have our Middle School Talent Show on February 26 (rescheduled from last month) followed by i-Term at the beginning of March. There\u2019s also another installment of Students and Screens (February 24), an Iftar Dinner (February 26), and our Black History Month Celebration on March 4.<\/p>\n

Join Us For The Next Students & Screens!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Join the upcoming discussion, “Behind the Screens: Teens Talk Tech, AI, and Digital Life” on Tuesday, February 24, from 1:45-3 PM in the Recital Hall! In this session, a panel of MPA Upper School students will share candid insights into how social media and generative AI tools shape their daily lives\u2014both in school and beyond. Click here to RSVP!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Make Plans For The Ramadan Iftar Celebration!<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u2014students, families, alumni, faculty, and staff\u2014to 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. 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. To ensure there is enough food and drink, we ask that people RSVP for the celebration here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

2026 MPA Spring Auction: Rooted In Purpose<\/strong><\/p>\n

Join us for the 2026 MPA Spring Auction: Rooted In Purpose, on Friday, April 17, at the Lowlands in St. Paul!\u00a0 Join us as we gather in celebration of the people and purpose that make Mounds Park Academy such a special community, while raising critical support for our students, staffulty, and programs. Sponsorships and tickets are available NOW! Family Sponsorships can be purchased here<\/a><\/strong>, Business Sponsorships can be bought here<\/a><\/strong>, and tickets can be\u00a0bought here<\/a><\/strong>. (Ticket prices increase to $125 after March 15.)<\/p>\n

Help Make the Evening Unforgettable<\/em>
\nWe are seeking exciting contributions to elevate the event, including:<\/p>\n