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Parents Association News And Events April 2, 2026

April 2, 2026

Get involved and plan to be there!

Cultural Celebration Day: “I Am From” | Wednesday, April 8: 3:15-5:30 PM, Family Commons

Cultural Celebration Day is on the horizon! Celebrate the richness of our community by connecting with students, parents, and staff as they share their cultural heritage. Enjoy a delicious variety of sweet and savory dishes from around the world, and experience beautiful music and dance performances that bring each culture to life.

There is still time to participate! Host an informational table on the day of the event—click here to sign up!

Parents Association Book Club with Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon | Thursday, April 16: 6 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library, RSVP >

Please join Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon and fellow book-loving parents at the MPA library for a discussion of Richard Osman’s “We Solve Murders.” Blending sharp humor, clever twists, and heartfelt moments, We Solve Murders delivers the same irresistible charm and smart plotting that fans of “The Thursday Murder Club” love—with a fresh new cast and a thrilling, modern edge. Perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries with both laughs and layered intrigue. We hope to see you there!

Parents Association News And Events March 26, 2026

March 26, 2026

Get involved and plan to be there!

Cultural Celebration Day: “I Am From” | Wednesday, April 8: 3:15-5:30 PM, Family Commons

There is still time to participate! Host an informational table on the day of the event—click here to sign up!

Parents Association Book Club with Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon | Thursday, April 16: 6 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library, RSVP >

Lower School Division News March 26, 2026

March 26, 2026

from James Ewer, Lower School director

The final stretch. full of growth, joy, and reflection.

Welcome back from spring break. I hope your family found moments of rest, joy, and renewal. As we step back into the rhythm of school, I find myself deeply grateful for this Lower School community. Every day, we are reminded that schools are at their best when children feel seen, valued, affirmed, and loved for exactly who they are. Thank you for trusting us with your littles, partnering with us in their growth, and helping make this community one rooted in care, belonging, and possibility.

As we move into this final stretch of the school year, families may naturally begin thinking about progress, growth, and what still lies ahead. This is an important time to pause and notice not only what children know, but who they are becoming. You may be wondering where your child has grown in confidence, independence, resilience, or responsibility. You may also be noticing areas where they still need support, practice, and encouragement. That is exactly right for this point in the year. The months ahead are not simply about wrapping things up. They are about helping children stay engaged, finish strong, and recognize that growth is often built one small step at a time.

One of the most meaningful things families can do during this season is create space for simple reflection at home. This does not need to feel formal or heavy. A few thoughtful questions during dinner, on the drive home, or at bedtime can help children make sense of their year and see their own growth more clearly. You might ask: What is something you are proud of from this school year? What is something that used to feel hard but feels easier now? When did you show kindness, courage, or leadership? What is one thing you still hope to accomplish before the year ends? Questions like these help children build confidence, self-awareness, and gratitude. They remind our littles that learning is not only about what happens on paper, but also about how we grow as people and how we care for others along the way. Read More

Middle School Division News March 26, 2026

March 26, 2026

from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

Springtime brings with it change and renewed growth. It can be one of the most exciting and hectic times in our school year as we work to wrap everything up by the end of the school year and reflect on the growth and achievements of our year of learning together.

It is often during these days in early spring, as a science teacher and naturalist, that I like to share the story of a child and a butterfly. You’ve probably heard it before (I even shared it with our students last year). The short version is that there’s a man who watches a butterfly struggle to emerge from its cocoon and, thinking he is helping, cuts it free—only to discover that without the necessary struggle, the butterfly’s wings never strengthen, leaving it unable to fly. What he didn’t realize is that the difficult process is what prepares the butterfly for life, and the story reminds us of those challenges and obstacles, rather than being burdens, are often exactly what enable us to grow, gain strength, and ultimately soar.

Looking ahead, we have many, many opportunities for growth (and potential discomfort) for our Middle School students. Next week brings the end of our third quarter, and I know that students and teachers are working to finish the quarter strong! In April and May, we have book battles and science fairs, concerts and musicals, MAP testing, and field days fast approaching. Please keep a close eye on our calendar here in Panther Post and communications through your child’s Schoology account for updates and information on all that we have going on. Read More

Upper School Division News March 26, 2026

March 26, 2026

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

As we approach the end of quarter three on Friday, April 3, final exams provide an important opportunity for students to pause, reflect, and demonstrate the learning they have built throughout the term. By using a process called retrieval practice, research in cognitive science consistently shows that revisiting and recalling previously learned material strengthens long‑term understanding. University of Minnesota Center for Educational Innovation studies on cumulative assessments have found that larger assessments, those that ask students to connect ideas across a unit or course, “support deeper learning and longer retention compared to studying information only once or for short‑term recall.” In this way, final exams significantly improve long-term knowledge retention and information that students will rely on in future courses.

While the words “final exam” can sound intimidating, MPA Upper School exams are designed to function much like larger unit assessments, rather than high‑pressure, “make‑or‑break” and “all or nothing” tests. Educational research in Springer Nature Link emphasizes that, “when exams are aligned with what students have already practiced through classwork, discussions, and prior assessments, they serve as a meaningful extension of learning instead of a surprise or stand‑alone event.” In our upper school courses, teachers prioritize clear expectations, review opportunities, and familiar question formats so that students can approach exams with confidence and preparation.

Final exams also play an important role in helping students synthesize ideas and see connections across a full quarter (nine weeks) of learning. This process mirrors how learning works in the real world, building on prior knowledge, applying skills in new contexts, and thinking across topics. Rather than emphasizing memorization, our exams focus on reasoning, problem‑solving, and demonstrating understanding in ways that align with the course and students’ academic goals. Read More

MPA Speech Team Qualifies Multiple Students For Nationals!

March 17, 2026

Congratulations to the Mounds Park Academy speech team, which will again send representatives to the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) national tournament following strong performances at the national qualifying competition!

Several students earned top finishes and secured qualification to the national stage. Ash Klann was named champion in oratory, while Sidd Sastry placed second in international extemporaneous speaking. Kelvyn Boddipalli took third in humor. All three qualified for the NSDA national tournament. In duo interpretation, the team of Kelvyn Boddipalli and Oslo Norcross placed sixth.

Mounds Park Academy also saw multiple semifinalists. Guy Schwieger and Nico Bergh competed in duo interpretation, while Drew Buhr advanced in both international and domestic extemporaneous speaking. Oslo Norcross reached the semifinals in informative speaking, and Andrea Pugh and Kai Nguyen were semifinalists in program oral interpretation. Read More

MPArors Win The Engineering Inspiration Award

March 17, 2026

Congratulations to the MPArors, who earned the Engineering Inspiration Award—one of the most prestigious honors in FIRST Robotics—at the Lake Superior Regional competition in Duluth!

The recognition capped off a hard-fought weekend for the team and a bounce back following a slow start. At 0-3 on Friday and ranked 40th out of 42 teams, the MPArors made their move. The team then won seven of its final eight matches to finish with a 7-4 record and climb to 17th place heading into alliance selections.

The top eight alliances selected their playoff partners, while the MPArors waited to learn their next opponent. When Alliance 8 chose them, the team erupted with excitement—validation for months of design, programming, strategy, and teamwork dating back to the start of team meetings in October.

Competing as part of Alliance 8 meant facing the top-seeded alliance in the opening round—an always-daunting challenge. Despite a determined effort, the MPArors fell 247-108, then battled in the lower bracket before a narrow 127-116 loss ended their playoff run.

But the story of the weekend didn’t end there. Rather than heading home, the team stayed to watch the remainder of the competition—a decision that proved meaningful. The playoffs continued as the matches intensified, with faster gameplay, louder crowds, and higher stakes. For newer team members, it was an unforgettable introduction to the energy and scale of a regional event. Read More

An Update From Emma Cohen ’21

March 13, 2026

Emma Cohen ’21 graduated from Wellesley College in May with a degree in peace and justice studies and environmental studies. After graduation, she traveled to Nepal to work with activist and scholar Ram Bhandari, a contact from her time with the University Network for Human Rights. Bhandari is a leader of the Nepali victim and survivor movement, a two-decade struggle for truth and justice following the 1996 to 2006 armed conflict.

Among other transitional justice-related projects, Cohen worked with Bhandari to launch the Center for Human Rights and Victims of Violations, an academic center at the Kathmandu University School of Arts focused on survivor-led change.

Cohen left Nepal in October and traveled for a time while continuing to work with the CHRV team virtually. She recently spent time working on a farm in New Zealand.

Help Us Celebrate Cultural Celebration Day At MPA!

March 11, 2026

The MPA Parents Association invites you to Cultural Celebration Day on Wednesday, April 8, from 3:15-5:30 PM in the Family Commons! Engage with community members who will be sharing their cultural heritage, enjoy sweet and savory foods from around the world, and experience beautiful music and dance performances!

Go home with some cool body art from two expert henna artists, try your hand at global crafts, and chat with community members who will have booths set up to share the culture and/or offer samples of their cuisine.

New this year—all food and drinks, including boba tea, are complimentary. Hilal, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are available.

Interested in hosting an informational table on the day of the event? Sign up by clicking here!

If you would like to help host, plan, or have any questions, please email laurahnicholson@gmail.com or jasminstees@yahoo.com.

Parents Association News And Events March 5, 2026

March 4, 2026

In case you missed it, here is the March edition of Parent Press!

Upcoming Events

Lower School Family Forum | Friday, March 6: 8:15-9:45 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library

Come and welcome our new Lower School assistant director, Dr. Julie Winn!

Community-Wide Parents Association Meeting | Thursday, March 26: 3-4 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library

Please join us for a preview of upcoming Parents Association–sponsored events and volunteer opportunities as we look toward the end of the school year and beyond.

During our time with administration, Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon and Mr. Paul Errickson will share information about MPA’s nine competencies and what they mean for our school community.

Parents Association Book Club with Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon | Wednesday, April 16: 6 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library, RSVP >