Upper School Archives

January 22, 2026

Dear MPA Community,

We have been closely monitoring the forecasted temperature and windchill. Unfortunately, we have made the decision to cancel all classes, activities, practices, and events tomorrow, Friday, January 23.

This cancellation includes the 7 PM performance of the Winter Show. If you purchased a ticket and would like a refund, please contact James Lekatz at jlekatz@moundsparkacademy.org. Otherwise, your ticket purchase will be treated as a donation to the theatre program.

All after-school activities and events today will proceed as scheduled.

This is not a decision we take lightly, as we carefully balance the safety of our students and families with our commitment to students’ time in class. Safety, however, is always our highest priority.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back on campus on Monday. Stay warm!

Sincerely,
Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon
Head of School

Small Acts, Shared Belonging

January 22, 2026

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.

Upper School Division News January 15, 2026

January 15, 2026

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

As we draw the first semester to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the true strength of our Upper School community. A strong, supportive community isn’t just a “feel-good” phrase—it’s a vital foundation that helps every student, teacher, and family thrive, especially during challenging times. Whether it’s academic pressure, personal stress, or unexpected life events, knowing you are part of a warm, caring, and nurturing community can make all the difference in how you navigate those moments. Educational research shows why these matter. Studies have found that “school connectedness (the feeling that students are supported, respected, and valued by their peers and adults at school) acts as a protective factor that promotes resilience and positive outcomes even when students face adversity. (Development and Psychopathology, Cambridge University Press, November 15, 2021)”

This aligns with our own experiences at MPA. When students feel connected, whether through supportive friendships, strong relationships with teachers, engagement in school athletics and activities, or simply knowing that a community member cares, they are more likely to persevere through challenging times and reach their full potential. As Coretta Scott King wisely said, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” That compassion, which is shown in everyday acts of kindness, support, and genuine care, transforms our upper school into more than a loose group of individuals—it makes it a resilient, uplifting, and unified community. Read More

Save The Date For The 2026 Spring Auction: Rooted In Purpose!

January 9, 2026

Mark your calendars for Friday, April 17, 2026! MPA’s largest and most spirited fundraising event of the year is back, and this time we’re bringing the party to Lowlands in St. Paul!

This year’s theme, Rooted in Purpose, is a celebration of everything that grounds us—our values, our community, and our unwavering commitment to empowering students to dream big and do right.

Enjoy an unforgettable evening with:

Delicious food and hosted bar
Live and silent auctions packed with can’t-miss experience
A lively crowd of parents, alumni, and friends who care deeply about MPA
And plenty of surprises along the way!

Many sponsorship packages with special perks are available! Visit moundsparkacademy.org/springauction to purchase your family or business sponsorship package!

For questions or to donate an auction item, contact Ashley Goetzke, director of development and community engagement, at agoetzke@moundsparkacademy.org or 651-748-5536.

Entering The New Year With Purpose

January 8, 2026

from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

Though we have only been back in school for nearly one week, it seems like winter break was a long time ago. Much has happened in our world since the start of 2026. It is difficult for me to personally reconcile between the joy I felt at times over break with the heaviness of events and stress that continues to surround us. Until recent years, I was accustomed to winter breaks and New Year’s events reaping more joy and peace. However, I have also learned that even through difficult times, it is essential to appreciate those moments of joy, for they should not be forgotten, and instead be held onto.

My relatively newfound appreciation for the unpredictability of winter break has also spread its way into how I look at New Year’s resolutions. For as long as I can remember, every winter season commercial and marketing material reminds me to think of resolutions that fit the motto, “New Year. New You!” Several years ago, I abandoned that idea of creating a new me. The anxiety and self-induced pressure to set goals on something usually bigger than I would ever actually attain typically led me to feel a sense of failure. Instead, I now follow a different motto, “New Year, a continued growing version of me.” And based on some current articles and websites, it looks like I may not be alone. A recent article in Edutopia.org was titled, “New Year’s Resolutions: Don’t Do it!” On Heart.org, the author recommended making healthy resolutions modest and manageable. Finally, on lefbrainbuddha.com, the article “A Mindful Approach to New Year’s Resolutions” focused on intentions, process, and alternatives to approaching resolutions. Read More

Five Things To Know About MPA From Holland Brown

December 22, 2025

Mounds Park Academy gives Holland the space to grow her interests while pushing her academically. Keep reading for the five things she thinks you should know about the MPA.

1. Our athletic programs are a great way to make friends.

This was my second year as part of the Upper School volleyball program, and I have met some of my closest friends at MPA through the program. Playing sports is such a great way to meet people in different grades and make new friends, especially because it is a smaller community.

2. The teachers are helpful and supportive.

Transitioning into Upper School can seem intimidating academically, but all the teachers are super helpful. If you need extra help with an assignment or understanding a concept, they are always willing and happy to help you.

3. MPA is a PreK-12 school with leadership opportunities.

Being a PreK-12 school is one of my favorite things about MPA. There are a ton of opportunities to connect with other grades throughout the year. It is always so fun being able to support the lower grades in things like pairing assemblies. I am with a second-grade reading buddy, and I love being able to build a connection with her. Read More

Join Us For The MPA Preview On January 22

December 19, 2025

The final PreK-12 Preview of the school year will take place on Thursday, January 22, from 5-7 PM, and we warmly invite you to join us on campus.

This evening event offers a unique opportunity to experience Mounds Park Academy outside the traditional school day. Guests will enjoy a guided tour of campus, connect with faculty, staff, and students, and explore interactive experiences throughout the building that reflect our academic program, student life, and community culture. A light meal will be provided, allowing families to settle in, ask questions, and enjoy a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Seeing MPA in the evening offers a different perspective on our school—one that highlights the energy, warmth, and sense of belonging that define our community. Whether you are just beginning to explore independent school options or deepening your understanding of MPA, this Preview is designed to help you envision what life as a Panther could look like for your family.

RSVP today to discover why Mounds Park Academy is the #2-ranked private school in Minnesota.

RSVP Today

How We Learn

The Admission Process

Upper School Division News December 18, 2025

December 18, 2025

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

As Upper School students and the MPA community head into winter break, the importance of keeping the mind active cannot be overstated. Breaks are an important and sought-after time to rest and recharge, but they can also lead to a loss of academic momentum if the brain goes entirely unused (like how a muscle atrophies when not in use). One simple and effective way to stay intellectually engaged is to follow the advice a prior school administrator regularly shared before long breaks: read for pleasure.

Reading keeps the brain active while still feeling restorative. It strengthens creativity and critical thinking skills, which are vital not only for academic success but also for lifelong learning. Reading for leisure also allows students to explore new ideas, cultures, and perspectives, broadening their understanding of the world beyond the classroom. Whether through novels, short stories, essays, or nonfiction, reading invites us to step into different experiences and develop empathy by seeing the world through the eyes of others.

In addition to these cognitive and emotional benefits, reading for pleasure naturally supports vocabulary growth and stronger writing skills. Exposure to diverse voices, styles, and structures enhances students’ own communication abilities in ways that feel organic rather than instructional.

Each year, well-respected educator, former principal, and educational consultant Kim Marshall shares a thoughtfully curated list of “best books,” drawing on recommendations from “the School Library Journal.” The list includes a wide range of genres and reading levels, ensuring there is something to spark interest for every reader. Families and students can access the list here. Read More

NEW! MPA Ski & Snowboard Club

December 18, 2025

We are very excited to announce MPA’s Ski & Snowboard Club for grades seven through 12 at Afton Alps! If 15 students—who don’t already have season passes—sign up, we will be eligible for Ski Club discount tickets. If we can hit our goal, lift tickets will be $39 and rentals will be $37. Click here to sign up!

We plan to go every other Friday, after school. Students and families will need to provide their own transportation. Permission forms are available for anyone who would like to coordinate a carpool.

Waivers and rental forms must be completed in advance. Please fill out these forms and either send them to Sean Andrews at sandrews@moundsparkacademy.org or drop them off in the tech office on campus.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Sean Andrews at sandrews@moundsparkacademy.org!

Join Us For MPA Family Open Gym!

December 18, 2025

We are excited to welcome back the MPA Family Open Gym—a long-standing tradition returning for the first time since before the pandemic! Please join us on January 11, January 18, January 25, and February 8 from 1-3 PM in the Lansing Sports Center for one or more of the open gyms. Click here to register!

Important Notes:

Arrive between 1-1:15 PM at Door 7 on the north end of campus. Doors will be locked outside of the arrival window, and fobs will not work.
Please wear your MPA nametag or bring an ID to check in and receive a name tag.
Supervision will not be provided. Upper School students may attend on their own, but Lower and Middle School students must attend and remain with a parent or guardian.
More concession stand volunteers are needed. Sign up here!

We look forward to gathering together for an afternoon of fun and community. We hope to see you there!