All School

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.

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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.

Parents Association News And Events January 22, 2026

January 22, 2026

Two Upper School students cutting fruitCare For Faculty & Staff!

Once again, the Parents Association will host a conference dinner for the Lower and Middle School divisions on Thursday, and snacks to fuel our teachers on Friday. Sign up to contribute perishable and nonperishable items for our upcoming events. Thank you!

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

Small Acts, Shared Belonging

January 22, 2026

A group of Lower School students cheering. from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

Lately I’ve felt, as I suspect many of you have, a heavier, quieter kind of worry. Over the Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, I took time to reflect on peace, equality, and the lessons my parents taught me about service: that small acts of kindness truly change lives. Hearing our youngest students at their Lower School assembly speak about Ruby Bridges and ways to practice kindness and fairness gave me chills and renewed my hope. I then had the good fortune of walking through the Upper School Commons, where I could see some Upper School students helping one another and connecting across grades, along with their teachers, which makes it very evident to me how our daily choices to connect create belonging.

This week, a group of MPA students, faculty, staff, caregivers, and administrators attended the Pollyanna National Conference: Building Stronger and Kinder Communities. The original plan was to hold the conference in Minneapolis, but organizers pivoted to virtual at the last minute. Though not the same, seeing over 40 schools from across the nation gather and focus on communities offered the encouragement so many of us have been looking for. The conference reminded me why MPA’s commitment to community and deepening relationships matters.

I want to take a moment to offer a few takeaways from two keynote speakers from the conference.

Read More

An Update From Ella Fruchterman ’22

January 20, 2026

Ella Fruchterman '22 riding a horse

Ella Fruchterman ’22 is a senior at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a co-major in digital and social media business applications.

Throughout her college career, she has continued to compete as an elite international equestrian athlete in dressage. This summer, she represented the United States in the Young Rider (U21) and U25 divisions at the North American Youth Championships. She was part of the Region 4 Young Rider team that won gold and also earned a bronze medal in the U25 freestyle.

Last month, Fruchterman appeared on the cover of the Fall 2025 edition of the Dover Saddlery catalog.

The rigor of Mounds Park Academy’s courses, along with leadership opportunities such as serving as co-editor in chief of the yearbook, prepared her to excel in presentations, papers, and exams while balancing a demanding training program.

A Message from Ryan Ghose ’21

January 20, 2026

Alumni Board Member Ryan GhoseHappy New Year! I hope you thoroughly enjoyed however you spent the holidays this year and had time to rest and recharge from a busy 2025.

Reflecting on my brief trip home to Minnesota, I realized that the few moments I had away from my family were spent reconnecting with MPA. Whether playing cards with school friends or catching up with teachers, coaches, and mentors, it amazes me how subconsciously I gravitate back to the people who inspired me at MPA. I can tell those people impacted my life tremendously just by virtue of how much I wanted to return and see what they were up to.

Over the past few months, the Class of 2026 has connected with alumni mentors to learn about life after MPA and the opportunities ahead. Spanning three classes of seminars, seniors have been immersed in the wonderful world of LinkedIn while learning from alumni about different career paths and educational opportunities. Culminating in an in-person meet and greet, students got to hear from professionals spanning game design, the arts, and finance to research and higher education, and many more. To the 75 mentors who served this year, thank you! I remember being a student and being absolutely in awe of my alumni mentors, opening my eyes to the potential we had after graduating with an MPA education. To those who might be interested in being a mentor next year, you can reach out to alumni@moundsparkacademy.org! Read More

Lower School Division News January 15, 2026

January 15, 2026

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

There are times in life when the world feels louder than usual. When things beyond our control create stress, questions, and uncertainty. The last stretch of time has held a few of those moments for some in our community. Through it all, we will keep showing up with love for children and appreciation for one another.

In moments like this, I am asking our community to choose love on purpose.
To lead with patience.
To assume good intent.
To notice one another.

And, we will keep doing the work of school.
We will keep students safe.
We will keep learning strong, joyful, and challenging.
We will be MPA. Read More