All School

MPA Students Win 28 Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards!

February 6, 2026

The Visual Arts Department is thrilled to announce that MPA student artists won 28 Minnesota Scholastic Art Awards this year!

Congratulations to the artists for their achievements, and good luck to the Gold Key winners whose work will go on to compete at the national level.

Gold Key Award Recipients

  • Ansel Streier ’26, Ceramics, “Green Jar”
  • Camille Hirsch ’26, Painting, “Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing”
  • Elizabeth Jacobson Faye ’27, Ceramics, “Growth Through Unity”
  • Hazel Pelszynski ’28, Ceramics, “Ceramic Tiles”
  • Jenny Liao ’28, Drawing, “Crimson Rest”

Silver Key Award Recipients

  • Camille Hirsch ’26, Ceramics, “Chimera Fwan (Fawn + Swan)”
  • Camille Hirsch ’26, Painting, “From Sunrise to Sunset”
  • Nicole Kim ’27, Fashion, “Safety Is a Luxury”
  • Jenny Liao ’28, Illustration, “Busy Stroll”
  • Jenny Liao ’28, Painting, “Archangel Saint Michael”

Honorable Mention Recipients

  • Camille Hirsch ’26, Painting, “An Extinction”
  • Camille Hirsch ’26, Drawing, “Moroccan Horse and Wrangler”
  • Camille Hirsch ’26, Painting, “Moroccan Horse and Handler”
  • Camille Hirsch ’26, Painting, “Drawn”
  • Camille Hirsch ’26, Mixed Media, “A Bug’s Eye View”
  • Amy Xiang ’26, Painting, “The Art of Raw”
  • Amy Xiang ’26, Mixed Media, “Broken Space”
  • Yujin Byambatsogt ’26, Drawing, “Feeling Blue!”
  • Yugin Byambatsogt ’26, Painting, “Across Borders”
  • Thomas Dickson ’26, Painting, “The Heron’s Landing”
  • Ash Klann ’26, Painting, “Bleeding Hearts”
  • Alona Vietrova ’26, Painting, “MPLS”
  • Olivia Collister ’27, Ceramics, “Melting Memories”
  • Evie Minear ’27, Drawing, “Architectural Study in Ink”
  • Hazel Pelszynski ’28, Ceramics, “Historical Coil Pot”
  • Leo Stout ’28, Painting, “5-String Bass”
  • Sofia K. ’30, Drawing, “Bubbles”
  • Rosalie M. F.  ’30, Printmaking, Flower Mandala

See an album of their award-winning work here!

State Of The School Report

February 5, 2026

Lower School students enjoying themselves. from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

As I reflect on the first half of the 2025-26 school year and look ahead to what remains, I am filled with pride and gratitude to be part of the Mounds Park Academy community. In recent Panther Posts, our division directors have shared thoughtful reflections on the current strengths and future priorities of the Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School. Today, I invite you to step back with me and consider the broader picture—how these division-level experiences come together to shape a cohesive, meaningful PreK-12 journey for our students, families, faculty, and staff.

On behalf of the faculty and staff, thank you for believing in the educational growth and experience MPA works hard to deliver each and every day. Working in a PreK-12 school is a rare and special experience. Our shared campus creates natural moments of connection—from simple waves of hello and high-fives to impromptu conversations in hallways between students of all ages and adults. There is a shared ownership, appreciation, and respect for the space we all inhabit together throughout the day.

A Community Rooted in Belonging
For many, MPA is a second home—one where students and adults spend more waking hours learning, studying, volunteering, and growing together than they do in their own homes. Community is built everywhere and often. Lower School CHAMP assemblies, along with Middle and Upper School gatherings, provide consistent opportunities to celebrate shared values and reinforce what it means to be part of this community. Read More

Parents Association News And Events February 5, 2026

February 5, 2026

Feature image of two MPA parents chatting. In case you missed it, here is our February edition of the Parent Press.

Join Us At Trivia Night!

Join us for the third annual Parents Association Trivia Night on Friday, February 27, from 6-8 PM in the Family Commons! In a time when community and connection matter more than ever, this evening is the opportunity to come together, get to know fellow parents, and have some fun along the way.

Hosted by the Parents Association, the night will feature dinner and socializing, with a friendly competition for the chance to hold the title of Parents Association Trivia Night champion. Regardless of your trivia knowledge, we hope to see you for this night of connection and competition. Click here to register!

Ways To Contribute

Lower School Valentine’s Day Party

Calling for volunteers from Lower School families! Please sign up to volunteer at the upcoming Lower School Valentine’s Party on February 12!

Basketball Game Concessions

Support the girls and boys basketball teams and MPA Athletics by keeping the crowd happy and fed during the games! No previous experience needed.

Upcoming Events:

Middle School Quarterly Coffee | Thursday, February 12 from 8-9 AM | Porter Conference Room

Mark Your Calendar For Trivia Night!

February 3, 2026

Parents enjoying trivia night at MPA. Join us for the third annual Parents Association Trivia Night on Friday, February 27, from 6-8 PM in the Family Commons! In a time when community and connection matter more than ever, this evening is the opportunity to come together, get to know fellow parents, and have some fun along the way.

Hosted by the Parents Association, the night will feature dinner and socializing, with a friendly competition for the chance to hold the title of Parents Association Trivia Night champion. Regardless of your trivia knowledge, we hope to see you for this night of connection and competition. Click here to register!

Details

  • All parents and guardians of students in PreK-12 are welcome.
  • Upper School and college students are welcome to play trivia with their parents, although this is primarily a parent event.
  • Childcare will be provided for students in kindergarten through sixth grade by Upper School student volunteers. Please note that the Parents Association is unable to provide childcare for children in PreK or younger.
  • Dinner will be provided for parents and children at a cost of $6 per person.
  • You may register and pay in advance using the form below or pay at the door. Registration is appreciated to help us plan food quantities. Registration must be completed in advance for childcare.

Join Us For The 2026 Spring Auction: Rooted In Purpose!

January 30, 2026

A member of the MPA community enjoying the spring auction.Join us for the 2026 MPA Spring Auction: Rooted In Purpose, on Friday, April 17, at the Lowlands in St. Paul! We look forward to gathering as a community to celebrate the mission we share and the people who make Mounds Park Academy such a special place. This joyful evening will bring together families, alumni, staffulty and friends to raise critical support for our school, all while enjoying great company, food, and a little fun along the way.

Sponsorships are now available. This is the perfect time to consider a Business or Family Sponsorship. Sponsorships include:

  • admission to the event for two or more
  • reserved priority seating
  • access to our Sponsorship Pre-Party
  • recognition across event materials
  • interactive auction opportunities, depending on the level
  • early access to our silent auction
  • and the chance to underwrite tickets so our incredible staffulty can attend at no cost.

Family Sponsorships can be purchased here, and Business Sponsorships can be bought here.

We are committed to making this community-building event accessible to all. If ticket pricing presents a barrier to attending, please contact Ashley Goetzke, director of development and community engagement at agoetzke@moundsparkacademy.org to discuss reduced pricing options based on need.

State Of The Upper School: Living, Learning, Thriving

January 29, 2026

Upper School students acting during the Winter Show from Mark Segal, Upper School director

As we reach the midpoint of the school year, our division directors are pausing to reflect on what is thriving, what is evolving, and what lies ahead. These updates reflect the unique character of each division and, together, highlight the shared commitment to learning, belonging, and growth that defines Mounds Park Academy. Watch for a state of the school report with a PreK-12 perspective from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school, in next week’s Panther Post.

At the midpoint of each year, I enjoy setting aside time to examine how the first half of the school year has unfolded and to consider where our focus should be for the months ahead, as we also begin planning for the next school year. Recent data from the Net Promoter Survey, along with student feedback and faculty conversations, affirm that the Upper School continues to thrive as a place of strong academic engagement and personal growth.

Academic Excellence and Preparation

With a well-established culture of exceptional teaching, Upper School students consistently report feeling supported, challenged, and well prepared for the academic demands of college and beyond. Alumni echo this sentiment, often sharing that the habits of thinking, writing, and self-advocacy they developed here served them well as they transitioned to some of the most rigorous colleges and universities in the country.

Class sizes that hold in the mid-teens, along with a thoughtfully structured daily schedule, support meaningful student–teacher relationships. Students have regular opportunities to connect with faculty during prep periods, study halls, and shared involvement in extracurricular activities, many of which meet during the school day. These connections allow teachers to know students well—not only as learners, but as individuals—and to support them in ways that extend beyond the classroom.

Read More

State of the Middle School: Growing, Connecting, Exploring

January 29, 2026

A pair of boys playing floor hockey. from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

As we reach the midpoint of the school year, our division directors are pausing to reflect on what is thriving, what is evolving, and what lies ahead. These updates reflect the unique character of each division and, together, highlight the shared commitment to learning, belonging, and growth that defines Mounds Park Academy. Watch for a state of the school report with a PreK-12 perspective from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school, in next week’s Panther Post.

As I reflect on the year so far, I continue to be inspired by the energy, curiosity, and joy your children bring to Mounds Park Academy’s Middle School each day. Serving 165 students in grades five through eight, our division is a vibrant, student-centered community where intellectual exploration, personal growth, and joyful learning come together in meaningful ways. I’m grateful every day to partner with you as we support the growth of your young adolescents—academically, socially, and emotionally. While it has been a challenging year with a lot going on outside of school, we are so fortunate to have such a safe, inclusive, and joyful school where our middle schoolers can learn and grow.

A Well-Rounded, Engaging Academic Experience

One of the aspects I am most proud of is the richness of our Middle School curriculum. Every student takes art, drama, English, health, math, music, physical education, science, social studies, and world language—every year, in every grade. This ensures that students develop wide-ranging skills and the confidence to try new things. Our concerts and project presentations have been a joy to experience, and our faculty continue to collaborate to create meaningful, authentic experiences for our students.

Our daily structure is intentionally designed to support balance. Students love having a 50-minute lunch and recess period and a 30-minute Flex period, which supports homework completion, clubs, extra help from teachers, and music lessons. This Flex period was restructured and enhanced this year, moving it from the Panther Center to our Family Commons, creating an intentional and productive space and allowing us to add many more clubs. We now have more than 30 extracurricular opportunities—from robotics and sailing to quiz bowl and D&D club! Read More

State of the Lower School: Strong Roots, Clear Steps

January 29, 2026

Two students working together on a film. from James Ewer, Lower School director 

As we reach the midpoint of the school year, our division directors are pausing to reflect on what is thriving, what is evolving, and what lies ahead. These updates reflect the unique character of each division and, together, highlight the shared commitment to learning, belonging, and growth that defines Mounds Park Academy. Watch for a state of the school report with a PreK-12 perspective from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school, in next week’s Panther Post.

We have something very special. And we have work to do to protect it.

A Program Built on Relationships and Breadth

When I step back and look at what I consistently observe, I see a division built on relationships and a real belief in children. Our specialist program stands out as a major asset. Our students get a breadth of experiences that most schools cannot offer, with strong offerings across areas like arts, world language, LMT, robotics, theatre, and daily P.E. That range gives kids multiple entry points to confidence, success, and belonging. Read More

Parents Association News And Events January 29, 2026

January 29, 2026

A student making a Valentine's Day card. Lower School Valentine’s Day Party

Calling for volunteers from Lower School families! Please sign up to volunteer at the upcoming Lower School Valentine’s Party on February 12!

Basketball Game Concessions

Support the girls and boys basketball teams and MPA Athletics by keeping the crowd happy and fed during the games! No previous experience needed.

Upcoming Events:

Middle School Quarterly Coffee | Thursday, February 12 from 8-9 AM | Porter Conference Room

Parents Association Trivia Night | Friday, February 27, 6-8 PM | Family Commons

Contribute To The Do Right Helping Hands Food Drive!

January 26, 2026

An MPA parent helping out at the food drive.We are proud to continue our community-wide effort to support families in need across our local area. Each week from now until spring break, we are collecting and delivering nonperishable food, household essentials, and personal care items to benefit the following:

  • Two local schools
  • Local clinic on the East Side
  • Open Cupboard/Today’s Harvest
  • MPA’s own community pantry, supporting MPA families

If you are able, we invite you to drop off needed items at doors one and seven on any weekday.

Volunteer Opportunity

Volunteers are needed weekly! If you would like to join us on campus to help sort, package, and prepare deliveries for our partner organizations, click here!

Most Needed Items 

Canned Goods:

  • Tuna
  • Chicken
  • Sardines
  • Vegetables
  • Baby Corn
  • Beans
  • Fruit
  • Coconut Milk

Starches:

  • Rice
  • Pasta
  • Mama Brand Instant Noodles
  • Canton Egg Noodles (Dried)
  • Corn Tortillas
  • Maseca (corn flour)

Easy Meals:

  • Mac & Cheese
  • Ramen
  • Soup
  • Hamburger Helper
  • Canned Pasta (ravioli, SpaghettiOs, etc.)
Dried:

  • Beans
  • Lentils

Spices:

  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Chili Powder
  • Cumin
  • Bouillon Cubes

Sauces/Oils:

  • Cooking Oil
  • Sesame Oil
  • Pasta Sauce
  • Black Bean Sauce
  • Oyster Sauce
  • Sriracha
  • Soy Sauce
  • Hoisin Sauce
Household Items:

  • Trash Bags
  • Dish Soap
  • Paper Towels
  • Toilet Paper
  • Laundry Detergent

Personal Hygiene:

  • Shampoo/Conditioner
  • Body Wash/Soap
  • Lotion
  • Deodorant
  • Sanitary Pads
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrush

Other:

  • Diapers
  • Formula
  • Jelly
  • Instant Coffee
  • Cases of Water
  • Shelf Stable Milk
  • Cereal
  • Snacks (chips, cheese crackers, granola bars, fruit pouches, cookie packs, etc.)
  • Applesauce

Please follow MPA’s allergy guidelines and refrain from bringing in anything with peanuts or tree nuts as ingredients or in the precautionary allergen labeling.

If your family needs support, please don’t hesitate to reach out confidentially to Ashley Goetzke at agoetzke@moundsparkacademy.org. We would be honored to assist through our MPA pantry.

If you have any questions about the food drive, please contact MPA Parents Association co-presidents Laura Nicholson at laurahnicholson@gmail.com and Jasmin Stees at jasminstees@yahoo.com.