Upper School Archives

Upper School Division News October 9, 2025

October 9, 2025

from Mark Segal, Upper School director

Parent/student/teacher conferences represent a cornerstone of effective educational partnerships, serving as a vital bridge between home and school. As Dr. Joyce Epstein, Director of the Center on School, Family, and Community Partnerships at Johns Hopkins University, notes, “When parents and teachers work together as partners, students are more likely to be successful in school (and in life). Parent-teacher conferences provide structured opportunities for this essential collaboration.”

At MPA, these conferences offer families a meaningful opportunity to gain insight into their student’s academic journey, social development, and overall school experience. Teachers share firsthand observations about engagement, growth, and classroom dynamics; insights that go beyond what can be seen in grades alone. Dr. Karen Mapp of the Harvard Graduate School of Education reminds us that “Strong family-school partnerships are not optional add-ons, but rather fundamental components of effective schools.” Conferences provide the space for the kind of dialogue that strengthens these partnerships and advances shared educational goals.

Parent/student/teacher conferences allow for rich, two-way conversations about academic progress, areas for growth, and strategies for success. Parents gain a deeper understanding of their child’s strengths and vulnerabilities, while teachers benefit from learning more about each student’s experiences and aspirations beyond the classroom. This exchange of perspectives builds a comprehensive support system that ensures home and school are aligned in promoting both academic and social success.

Discover The #2 Private School In MN

October 8, 2025

This message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the October 8, 2025 issue of InsideMPA. Click here to get in touch with Admission and learn more!

Last week, the Niche.com rankings were released, and we are delighted to announce that MPA is the #2 ranked private school in Minnesota! Celebrating this achievement honors our community of dedicated faculty, supportive families, engaged alumni, and curious, joyful students–an essential part of what makes MPA such a special place to learn and grow.

Being recognized as one of the top schools in the state is about more than test scores–it’s about the unique, joyful learning that students experience at MPA every day. Here, they are encouraged to think critically, act with empathy, and embrace challenges with creativity and confidence. Our holistic approach to education fosters not just academic excellence, but also the social and emotional growth that prepares students to thrive in school and in life. Read More

MPA’s Renee Sonka Honored As AEM Educator Of The Year

October 8, 2025

It had been a handful of months since Mounds Park Academy Middle and Upper School visual arts teacher Renee Sonka learned that she had been nominated for a prestigious honor—Art Educator of the Year.

“I received an email in July from the Art Educators of Minnesota saying I had been nominated (for Art Educator of the Year), and that I would need to submit a variety of application materials to be considered,” said Ms. Sonka. “So, I updated my resume for the first time in a LONG time—it is currently my 28th year at MPA—and I threw my hat in the ring.”

The venture to update her resume was worthwhile, resulting in Ms. Sonka’s selection as Art Educator of the Year at the Middle School Level. An educator at both the Upper and Middle School levels, Ms. Sonka, thrilled to be selected, thought the split might hamper rather than help.

“Since the award is specific to Middle School art, I thought the panel of judges might prefer a candidate who has specialized in Middle School only,” she said. “Now, I’m realizing the combination of my Middle School and Upper School teaching experience may have been to my advantage, perhaps showing breadth and versatility in my teaching.”

Growing Global Citizens

September 26, 2025

This message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the September 27, 2025 issue of Inside MPA. Click here to get in touch with Admission and learn more!

MPA nurtures dreamers, doers, and right-makers with academic knowledge that will propel them forward as change agents in the world. Our students embrace the responsibility of being global citizens by advocating for social justice, caring for the welfare of others, and promoting human equality, among other pillars rooted in respect.

“Right-making is a seed that is planted in each student and cultivated as they journey through MPA. Not only do we teach character traits like inclusiveness and integrity, we promote a do-right attitude through our actions and words while we learn and grow together. This inspires us to dream big and impact others positively at home and in the world,” Kristine Petersen, MPA Kindergarten teacher, says about global citizenship. Read More

RSVP To Experience MPA On November 9

September 26, 2025

Discover something remarkable at the PreK-12 MPA Preview on Sunday, November 9, 12:30-2 PM!

MPA Previews are signature PreK-12 events designed to introduce you to the faculty, students, and families who make MPA the exceptional learning community that it is. These events are for family members of all ages to attend together.

You’ll hear from a variety of perspectives, be engaged in conversation with academic leaders, participate in experiences led by expert teachers, explore our signature spaces, and leave with a much better understanding of the MPA way.

The Taste Of Ninth Grade

Prospective ninth graders, you’re invited to the Taste of Ninth Grade immediately preceding the Preview at 11 AM. Join us for lunch and the opportunity to learn more about MPA’s ninth-grade program. Students will engage in a hands-on, collaborative activity while parents participate in a Q&A about life in MPA’s Upper School. When this event concludes, students and families will then join the PreK-12 Preview event.

RSVP today to experience the joy and discover why Mounds Park Academy is an exceptional place to learn and grow.

School Spirit Is Everywhere

September 25, 2025

from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school

On Monday morning, I made my usual right turn from Beebe Road onto the school grounds. Seeing “We. Are. MPA.,” not only brought a smile to my face but also evoked an incredible sense of school pride. I must admit, I was caught by surprise. As a new member of the MPA community, it’s a magical experience to feel school spirit. In so many ways it felt like I was arriving home.

I do not take school spirit for granted. It doesn’t magically appear. Rather, school spirit is the energy that grows from the pride, traditions, and shared experiences left in the form of memories and artifacts from years past, and the voices and actions of those who currently move throughout the campus.

I frequently turn to my Responsive Classroom training and seek to define experiences and goals by asking: What does it look like, sound like, and feel like?

This week, school spirit looks like our students wearing themed clothing and hallways decorated with streamers and colorful posters throughout the building. School spirit sounds like our teams clapping and cheering for our Lower and Middle School students during arrival and standing in the hallway, eagerly planning for an upcoming debate tournament. School spirit feels like the surge of warmth that fills my cheeks with joy when I see students across divisions learning a school chant or reading books—together. And it’s not exclusively created by our students. I see it in the ways our faculty and staff create spaces that foster curiosity. I hear it when a family member says “I love you” to their student at the classroom door. I feel it when someone takes a minute to share with me a special moment they had learning from their colleague. Read More

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.

Building Belonging: Routines For Joyful Learning

September 22, 2025

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

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

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!