Lower School

Setting & Maintaining Routines In A New School Year

September 11, 2025

Two Lower School students working on art. from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

This week marks our first full week of the 2025-26 school year. Typically, the start of the school year is filled with both excitement and nerves. For some, returning to a typical school day is easy, while for others, transitions can take time.

Being in a PreK-12 community provides all of us with the opportunity to be part of our students’ most formative years of growth and development. As adults, we know that students move along a curve of academic, emotional, and physical growth that allows for the strengthening of skills that foster independence, communication, and self-awareness. At the start of a new school year, we know most students need time to adjust to new and familiar faces, daily schedule, and movement patterns throughout the building, and managing the influx of information coming their way within and outside of the classroom setting. Whether your student is age three or 18, there is a lot to absorb, process, and respond to throughout the day. As an adult, I certainly know the same is true for myself, and perhaps you can relate! Read More

Announcing The Promotion Of Josh Wiger!

September 11, 2025

Josh Wiger, MPA's new operations assistant. Congratulations to Mr. Josh Wiger for his recent promotion to operations assistant! Josh’s promotion will be effective September 22, and we are thrilled. Read more about him below!

From what school/organization are you coming?
I worked previously for Walser Automotive.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I graduated from Stillwater Area High School in 2024 and participated in Bethel University’s PSEO program from 2022-24. I am currently pursuing my degree at Southwest Minnesota State University. My background includes both academic and professional experiences that have emphasized responsibility, collaboration, and adaptability. Through my work in the automotive industry, I’ve gained valuable skills in operations, customer service, and teamwork, all of which I am excited to bring with me to MPA.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
I was drawn to MPA because of its strong sense of community and its commitment to both academic excellence and personal growth. The school’s emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and empowering students stood out to me, as these values closely align with my own experiences in education and the workplace. I admire how MPA encourages everyone to “Dream Big. Do Right.” and I wanted to be part of an organization that not only supports its students but also challenges them to reach their full potential. Read More

Welcome, 101 New Panthers!

September 8, 2025

Upper School students greeting a kindergarten student on the first day of school

This message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the September 9, 2025 issue of Inside MPA. Click here to get in touch with Admission and learn more!

While each student, parent, teacher, and community member experiences the first day of school in their own unique way, a shared sense of hope, wonder, and anticipation for what’s to come brings us all together. At MPA, the start of the new school year brings:

  • The honor of welcoming 101 new students to MPA. We’re already seeing them beginning to explore their passions, make new friends, join clubs, try different sports, and challenge themselves.
  • Celebrating growth while embracing the subtle changes. There is comfort in a predictable schedule and familiar faces, but they are coupled with new opportunities, relationships, classes, and discoveries. And while there is so much joy in welcoming the community back, everybody is a little different from the last time you saw them.
  • An unforgettable first day for students and parents. At MPA, the first day includes so much happiness in seeing friends and teachers, the anticipation of an amazing year ahead, and the comfort of knowing you are celebrated for the person you are.

Read More

Lower School Division News September 4, 2025

September 4, 2025

Lower School students enjoying classtime. from James Ewer, Lower School director 

Mark Your Calendars

  • Friday, September 5: Ice Cream Social, 3-4 PM, South Lawn
  • Wednesday, September 10: LS/MS G3-5 Author Visit, 8-9:30 AM, Recital Hall
  • Friday, September 12: LS Family Forum, 8-9:45 AM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
  • Monday, September 15: Returning Family Indexed Tuition Applications Open (Deadline December 1)
  • Tuesday, September 16: MPA PA Grade Rep Meeting, 8-9 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
  • Friday, September 19: LS Duty-Free Lunch with Parent Volunteers, 11:30 AM-12:40 PM, Playground and Family Commons
  • Sunday, September 21: MPA at the Twins, 1:10-3:30 PM, Target Field
  • Monday, September 22-Saturday, September 27: Homecoming Week
  • Wednesday, September 24: LS Homecoming Assembly, 8:15-9 AM, Family Commons
  • Thursday, September 25: ISACS Parent Series Webinar, 6:30 PM

Dear MPA families,

We did it—our first week together is officially in the books! I want to begin by thanking you for committing to being in concert with us this year. Walking the halls and being in classrooms these past few days has reminded me why we are here: to value, affirm, and love each of our students every single day.

Already, your littles have shown us just how loving, resilient, and engaged they are. From the way they welcome one another at morning arrival (I’ve gotten a lot of fist bumps and hugs), to the persistence they’ve shown when tackling new routines and learning, to the joy they bring into every corner of our community—it has been inspiring. Their energy fills me with hope for all we’ll do together this year.

Thank you for entrusting us with your children and for walking alongside us in this work. Read More

Welcome To MPA, Ms. Aemah Iqbal!

August 28, 2025

Upper School counselor Aemah IqbalWelcome to MPA, Aemah Iqbal! Ms. Iqbal started prior to the school year as an Upper School counselor and we are pleased to introduce her to the community. 

From what school/organization are you coming?
I am coming from Phoenix Counseling.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I did all my schooling in Pakistan and came to St. Cloud State University for college, where I did my undergrad in psychology and am currently pursuing a double master’s in counseling. I have had vast experience working with kids on the spectrum, as well as working at Boys & Girls Clubs and Kidstop through undergrad. More recently, I have worked with elementary and middle schoolers at different private schools.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
The culture and the inclusivity—I love it. Also, the rigor and the way the kids have such an unconventional approach to learning.
Read More

Defining Our Excellence

August 28, 2025

Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school, welcomes students on the first day of school.from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

Welcome back to the 2025-26 school year! It was wonderful to see both returning and new families at Back to School Open House, New Family and Student Orientation Day, and the first day of school! It is an absolute joy to see the smiles, hear the laughter, and feel the connections as everyone settles into the rhythm of a new school year.

After yesterday’s tragic news, nothing lifted my spirits more than walking campus and observing students connecting with one another, with their teachers, and with the content at hand. I am so grateful for the supportive and nurturing environment we all work together to create. Let me assure you that the energy on campus matches the sunny autumn-like weather we are enjoying this first week—bright, warm, and comfortable.

Since my arrival in July, I have met with a variety of stakeholders to learn about MPA, its strengths, and hopes for the future. It is evident that at the heart of it all, maintaining our sense of community is a priority. It was also clear that there is a strong desire to further define our identity and explore new opportunities. Thus, it seems most appropriate that our theme for this year should be:

Defining Our Excellence: honoring the past, living in the present, and planning for the future.

As we seek to live our mission every day, MPA’s strength is founded on intentional partnering, living our shared values, building community, and growing together with grace and compassion. We remain committed to creating an environment where students and adults feel as though they belong.

This sense of belonging doesn’t happen without the input and support of the members within our community. Throughout the year, I invite you to reach out for coffee and conversation or attend a scheduled Fireside Chat. I look forward to hearing from you and working together for the continued success and growth of your children and of MPA.

Please remember to check the school calendar for upcoming events, including the Ice Cream Social on September 5, and Homecoming Weekend on September 26-27. Let’s start the school year off celebrating MPA with Panther Pride!

I am excited to get to know you. I am excited for what lies ahead. And I hope you are just as excited as I am to be home!

Safety and Security Update

August 28, 2025

A Lower School Parent walking his student inside. THANK YOU to all of the parents and guardians who are already in the habit of wearing their nametags!

It is MPA’s number one priority to provide the safest campus environment possible for you and your children. We ask that you share this critical information with all of the drivers in your home and others who may provide transportation for you.

Drive-Thru Lanes
In the interest of safety, courtesy, and efficiency, we ask that drivers refrain from pulling in front of another car or “leap-frogging” to the front. To make the process as efficient as possible, please pull up all the way to the crosswalk to allow maximum space in the drive-thru lanes. Please help ensure no gaps are present in the drive-thru lanes, even if that means your child needs to wait or walk further to enter the vehicle.

Entering and Exiting the Car
Children may only enter and exit the car from the right/curbside in the drive-thru lanes. If you need to leave the vehicle to help your children in or out, please park in the lot and walk them in, using the appropriate crosswalks. No Lower School student should cross the crosswalk into the parking lot without an adult caregiver by their side. Read More

Join Us For The Ice Cream Social!

August 28, 2025

Middle School students at the Ice Cream Social. Let’s celebrate the start of an incredible year! Make plans to join us for a beloved MPA tradition, the Ice Cream Social on Friday, September 5, from 3-4 PM on the South Lawn! This is an all-school opportunity to connect with one another, enjoy a sweet treat, and meet our new families.

Details For Lower School Families
If you are planning to attend, please meet your child at their classroom door no later than 3 PM and notify your child’s homeroom teacher in advance. Otherwise, we will send your child on the bus or to the drive-thru lane as usual. All Lower School students must be directly supervised by an adult in order to receive their ice cream.

Details For All Families
A sundae bar with all of the fixings will be available for students and their families. The ice cream will be peanut and tree nut free and provided by YoYo Donuts. All of the sundae bar toppings will be peanut and tree nut free and provided by SAGE.

JonnyPops Organic Freezer Pops will be available at a separate station for food-allergic students. This should be safe for all MPA students, but it is not guaranteed. Ingredients will be available for review by parents or can be found at the link above.

Because any frozen treat could be messy on a bus, bus riders will be sent home with allergy-friendly Partake cookies (free of top nine allergens, gluten-free, vegan, OU Kosher).

All students at Panther Club and Panther Den will be taken outside for a treat and supervised accordingly by Panther staff. Middle School students may navigate the event with or without a parent. If they are without a parent, they should be able to manage any allergies they may have.

If you have any questions or would like more information about ingredients, please contact communications@moundsparkacademy.org. See you there!

Welcome To MPA, Mr. Deshawn Woods!

August 18, 2025

Deshawn Woods, A Panther Club program assistant.Welcome to MPA, Deshawn Woods! Mr. Woods joined the community as a Panther Club program assistant, and we are eager to introduce him. 

From what school/organization are you coming?
I previously worked for Saint Paul Public Schools.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I am a first-generation college grad, master’s degree recipient, and lifelong learner. I have been serving educational institutions since 2013. I aspire to become a special education teacher with an emphasis in ASD.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
The strong sense of community. Everyone takes the time to greet and build organic relationships with each other.
Read More

Welcome To MPA, Ms. Eleanor Schuebel!

August 18, 2025

Eleanor Schuebel, a new addition to the Panther ClubWelcome to MPA, Eleanor Schuebel! Ms. Eleanor Schuebel recently joined us as a Panther Club program assistant, and we are thrilled to introduce her to our community.

From what school/organization are you coming?
I am currently attending Bethel University.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I started working with kids at a daycare for my first job when I was 16, and I am in my last year of college to get my English education degree.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
The sense of community and core values of the school.
Read More