Back To School Details
We are getting ready for the 2026-27 school year, and we hope that you are as excited as we are! Below you will find all of the details about each Back To School event. If you have any questions, please reach out to your division director or the Office of Communications at communications@moundsparkacademy.org.
Events for All Families
Thursday, August 20
Back To School Open House | 4-7 PM
Come when you can, stay as you please!
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Lower School
Lower School students are invited to bring their school supplies, settle into their homeroom classrooms, and visit their specialist teachers. This is a great opportunity to get familiar with the school environment, meet teachers, and start the year with confidence and excitement.
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Middle School
Middle School students are encouraged to bring their school supplies, organize their lockers, and walk through their class schedules. This is a great opportunity to meet teachers, get oriented with the building, and feel prepared for the year ahead.
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Upper School
Upper School students are encouraged to walk through their schedules, meet their teachers, locate their lockers, and get organized for the year ahead. This is a great opportunity to settle in, ask questions, and start the school year with clarity and confidence.
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Parents/Guardians
To further enhance the safety and security of our campus, we will use the Raptor VisitorSafe kiosk to create your 2026-27 reusable nametag. Please bring an ID to create yours during the Back To School Open House. All parents and guardians accessing the building will need to do this as we transition back this year. Other opportunities will be provided as well.
Please note: Due to feedback from families, school photos will not be taken at the Back To School Open House. School photos will be during the school day on August 28 and retakes will be on September 30, both of which are non-uniform days in Lower School. Slow Road continues to be our vendor.
Monday, August 24
Parents Association First Day Of School Coffee | 8-9:30 AM, South Entrance
You’re invited! Please join us for a First Day of School Coffee gathering hosted by the MPA Parents Association. After you drop off your child, stop by for a warm welcome, a hot cup of coffee, and a chance to connect with fellow parents as we kick off a new school year together. Whether you’re a returning family or brand new to the community, we can’t wait to see you there!
Events for New Families
New families are considered those with students who are just joining our school PLUS all returning families with a student in grade PreK, K, 5, or 9 this fall.
Friday, August 21
PreK-12 New Parent Orientation | 8 AM-12 PM, Family Commons
8-8:30 AM | Refreshments and connection with Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school
8:30-10:30 AM | Division Breakout Sessions (highly recommended for returning families with a student in grade PreK, K, 5, or 9, too) Important information from division leadership and Schoology training. Bring your phone and laptop if Schoology access help is needed.
10:30 AM-12 PM | PreK-12 New Parent Orientation Topics (optional for returning families with a student in grade PreK, K, 5, or 9) This will include topics such as safety/security, Allergy Aware Guidelines, communications, and more.
Friday, August 21
PreK-9 New Student Orientations | Times Vary By Grade
All New + Returning PreK Students
8 AM-12 PM | Programming will include time in the homeroom classroom getting to know the teachers, learning the classroom routines, and enjoying free play time. Families are welcome to linger together on the playground after 12 PM. Uniforms are not required this day. Panther Club is not available afterward.
All New Grades K-4 Students + Returning K Students
8 AM-12 PM | Programming will include time in the homeroom classroom, getting to know the teachers, learning the classroom routines, as well as visiting specialist teachers and other key campus locations. Uniforms are not required this day.
12-6 PM | Panther Club is available at no cost for grades K-4. Please send a lunch that follows MPA’s peanut and tree nut guidelines: mpa.link/foodallergies. Sign-up is required by August 17 at mpa.link/orientationpanthercare.
All New Grades 5-8 Students + Returning Fifth-grade Students
8 AM-3 PM | Programming will include Advisory time, technology onboarding, social activities, Makerspace activities, Library visits, building tours, recess, lunch, and more.
3-6 PM | Panther Den is available at no cost for grades 5-8. Sign up by August 17 at mpa.link/orientationpanthercare.
All New + Returning Ninth-grade Students
8 AM-12 PM | Programming will include community building, technology onboarding, activities, building tours, lunch, and more.
