{"id":30045,"date":"2026-04-09T13:17:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T18:17:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.moundsparkacademy.org\/news\/?p=30045"},"modified":"2026-04-09T13:17:21","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T18:17:21","slug":"lower-school-division-news-april-9-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.moundsparkacademy.org\/news\/2026\/04\/09\/lower-school-division-news-april-9-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Lower School Division News April 9, 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Afrom James Ewer, Lower School director<\/strong><\/p>\n

At MPA, we want our students to grow not only as learners but also as thoughtful, empathetic, and courageous human beings. That kind of growth asks something of adults, too. It asks us to keep reflecting, keep learning, and keep widening the stories, voices, and perspectives we center in our community.<\/p>\n

During Women\u2019s History Month, our Lower School faculty and staff engaged in reflection around the lives, lessons, and legacies of women who have shaped history and continue to shape the world around us. What emerged from that reflection was powerful. It reminded us that this work is not about celebrating one month and moving on. It is about continuing to build a school community where children learn to see themselves, value others, and understand their role in creating a more just and compassionate world.<\/p>\n

Several important ideas stayed with us.<\/p>\n

Leadership is not one thing. Sometimes it is bold and public. Sometimes it is quiet, steady, and rooted in deep listening, courage, and integrity.<\/p>\n

Representation matters deeply. When children see people from different backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences leading, creating, advocating, and making change, it broadens their sense of what is possible.<\/p>\n

Stories matter. Books, poetry, music, and personal narratives help children make meaning of the world. They help build empathy. They help give language to joy, struggle, identity, and hope.<\/p>\n

Self-advocacy matters. Even our youngest learners can begin to understand powerful truths such as: my voice matters, I can ask for help, and I can speak up when something does not feel right.<\/p>\n

Empathy matters. We rarely know all that someone else may be carrying, which is why care, compassion, and shared humanity must remain at the center of our work with children and with one another.<\/p>\n

These reflections will continue to shape how we teach, how we lead, and how we care for students in the Lower School. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with you in raising children who are not only strong academically but also grounded in empathy, courage, and a deep sense of belonging.<\/p>\n

Thank you for being part of that work with us.<\/p>\n

Peace and love,
\nMr. Ewer<\/p>\n

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

Join us for the 2026 MPA Spring Auction: Rooted In Purpose<\/a><\/strong>, on Friday, April 17, at the Lowlands in St. Paul! We will 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>.<\/p>\n

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