Upper School

Details For Fall 2025 Conferences

September 24, 2025

Dear MPA Families,

Fall Conferences will take place in person, on campus, on Thursday, October 9 from 3:30-8 PM, and Friday, October 10 from 8 AM-5 PM (no classes for students). All MPA families may schedule to meet with up to four of their student’s teachers.

LOWER SCHOOL FAMILIES
Lower School homeroom teachers will offer 25-minute conferences. Specialist conferences may be scheduled for 10 minutes per student. Families who would like to discuss more than one child with their specialist teacher(s) should set up separate conference times for each child. Families will have a chance to meet all specialists over the course of the Fall and Winter conferences. Please see the designation for sign-up for Fall Conferences below:

  • PreK: Music and PE
  • K-1: Music, PE, Art
  • Grades 2-4: World Languages, Drama, Technology

MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL FAMILIES
Middle School and Upper School students participate in their conferences and are required to attend. Please check athletic and activity schedules before signing up. If you need private time without the student in attendance, please indicate this at the beginning of the conference. All conferences should be scheduled during conference times slotted.

Read More

Building Belonging: Routines For Joyful Learning

September 22, 2025

Tami Fisher, second-grade teacher at Mounds Park Academy, works on an in-class demonstration. The start of the school year brings fresh routines, expectations, and environments for students of all ages. At Mounds Park Academy, teachers take thoughtful, research-based steps to help learners acclimate and thrive—both as individuals and as a community.

We connected with Ms. Tami Fisher, second-grade teacher, about the intentional routines, language, and classroom structures she uses to create a joyful, respectful, and engaged learning environment in these first critical weeks. The benefit of these intentional routines is that they support both students and the classroom community, fostering responsibility and a positive atmosphere.

How do you set the tone at the beginning of the year so that students know what classroom routines and habits are expected while also being engaged learners?

We use the guiding principles and practices of “Responsive Classroom,” a research- and evidence- based teaching approach. Creating community and incorporating student voices are key. In the first weeks of school, we are doing a lot of “looks like, sounds like, feels like” Y-charts. In terms of the classroom routines and expectations, I like to start with the ‘feels like’ aspect, as that helps us identify what we want and need to see and hear in order to make sure our spaces feel the way we want. We look at routines and materials with intention, never assuming we all know how to use them. We use guided discoveries and modeling as we review available classroom tools: what do we notice about them, how can we use them, how they help us learn, and how we care for them. Read More

Upper School Division News September 18, 2025

September 18, 2025

Upper School students working on a lab in chemistry.from Mark Segal, Upper School director

In today’s world, whether on the sidelines of a game, in the carpool line, or online via email or text, it can feel easier to share frustrations with a friend than to address the concern directly with the person involved. Yet one of the most valuable lessons we can model for our children is the importance of speaking to someone rather than about them. Direct, respectful communication not only strengthens relationships but also builds the foundation of trust, collaboration, accountability, and a sought-after partnership in our school community.

Research consistently shows the power of this practice. A study in the “Journal of Social and Personal Relationships” found that indirect communication, such as gossip or side conversations, often intensifies conflict instead of resolving it. Popular psychologist Dr. Brené Brown shares, “Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.” This is a practice that we at MPA are working on as we realize that speaking openly, even when uncomfortable, shows respect and creates space for genuine understanding.

This lesson is especially important for upper school students, who are still developing the social and emotional skills they will carry into adulthood. A study in the “Journal of Adolescent Development” found that teenagers who practice direct communication with peers and adults demonstrate higher emotional intelligence and better conflict resolution skills. When students see adults model this behavior, they are more likely to approach challenges with courage, compassion, and problem-solving rather than avoidance or blame. Read More

Congratulations, MPA National Merit Semifinalists and Commended Students!

September 18, 2025

Mounds Park Academy's Class of 2026 Merit Award winner, semifinalists, and commended students.More than 1.3 million high school juniors nationwide took the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), beginning their journey into the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. From that group, about 16,000 students—representing the top one percent of seniors—were recently named Semifinalists.

We are thrilled to share that three MPA seniors, Thomas Dickson, Mina Kim, and Liam Kimmerle, are among this group and have been recognized as National Merit Semifinalists! To advance further in the competition, they will now submit an application that includes their academic record, an essay, a school recommendation, and qualifying SAT or ACT scores.

In addition, Boyd Mayfield was honored as a Commended Student, placing among the top 50,000 students nationwide.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation highlights these students as a valuable national resource—future leaders whose academic talent will advance excellence in education and beyond. We couldn’t be more proud of Thomas, Mina, Liam, and Boyd for their incredible achievements!

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

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

Upper School Division News September 4, 2025

September 4, 2025

Students listening in an Upper School class.from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

  • Friday, September 5: Ice Cream Social, 3-4 PM, South Lawn
  • Wednesday, September 10: US Class of 2026 College Counseling Parent Info Meeting, 12-1 PM, Virtual
  • Wednesday, September 10: US G11 College Counseling Family Info Night, 6:30-8 PM, Recital Hall
  • Monday, September 15: Returning Family Indexed Tuition Applications Open (Deadline December 1)
  • Monday, September 15: MS/US G7-12 Spring Musical Lead Character Auditions, 3:30-5 PM, Black Box
  • Tuesday, September 16: MPA PA Grade Rep Meeting, 8-9 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
  • Tuesday, September 16: US G9 and New G10 SOS Depression + Suicide Screenings, 8 AM-3 PM
  • Tuesday, September 16: MS/US G7-12 Spring Musical Lead Character Auditions, 3:30-5 PM, Black Box
  • Wednesday, September 17: US G11 and New G12 SOS Depression + Suicide Screenings, 8 AM-3 PM
  • Thursday, September 18: MS/US International Program Welcome Social Event, 3:30-5 PM, Benz Courtyard
  • Friday, September 19: US Senior Retreat, 8 AM-4:30 PM, YMCA Camp St. Croix
  • Friday, September 19: US Senior Retreat Dinner, 4:30-6 PM, Family Commons
  • Sunday, September 21: MPA at the Twins, 1:10-3:30 PM, Target Field
  • Monday, September 22-Saturday, September 27: Homecoming Week
  • Thursday, September 25: ISACS Parent Series Webinar, 6:30 PM

It was tremendous to see so many Upper School parents and guardians at the Upper School Curriculum Night earlier this week. Your engagement, enthusiasm, and genuine excitement about being part of the MPA community and the year ahead created an atmosphere of collaboration and commitment that truly embodies the MPA spirit. Your presence and participation set a positive tone for the 2025-26 school year.

As we begin a new academic year, it is important to understand the psychological and educational benefits of embracing fresh starts. Research from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School shares that “temporal landmarks” like the beginning of a new school year create natural opportunities for what researchers call the “fresh start effect.” This phenomenon shows that people are more likely to engage in aspirational behavior and pursue their goals following these temporal landmarks, making the beginning of the school year an optimal time for setting new intentions, goals, and patterns. 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!