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Dear MPA Families,
My heart is heavy this morning, following the news in Minneapolis. It reverberates in our hearts and reminds us of how committed we are to caring for our students, families, and entire school community. We are in communication with the Maplewood Police Department and they are not advising any immediate on-campus safety measures. We will have extra adults on the playground and at dismissal, and if their guidance changes, we will communicate again.
In addition, I’m writing today to provide information about our approach to safety and resources for families.
Our Approach To Safety & Support
The safety and emotional well-being of your child is always our top priority. We build that foundation through consistent routines, trauma‑informed practices, and the individual care that comes from knowing one another deeply. When our community feels whole and seen, we weave strength and resilience into our culture. In addition, we train and drill regularly to ensure that we all have deep muscle memory in how to handle a similar situation, should that ever be required. Please take a moment to read about our approach.
Practical Reminders For Daily Life On Campus
Your partnership on this front as visitors is vital, and we’d like to provide some friendly reminders:
- Please wear your MPA parent nametag while on campus. Outside of drop-off and pick-up times, sign in upon arrival so that we know you are in the building in case of an emergency. If you forget your nametag, pick one up when you sign in.
- If you see something that doesn’t sit right, speak up. Our faculty and staff are trained and ready to listen. Every voice matters.
- Hold doors responsibly. Avoid allowing someone to enter without confirming they’re part of our community.
Supporting Families And Children
While we know that it is incredibly rare, when violence happens, especially in schools, it is natural and expected for children to have questions and fears. They will look to the adults in their lives for guidance and cues regarding how to react. It is important that families help children feel safe by ensuring lines of communication remain open and reassuring children that they are safe and loved, both at home and at school. Some recommendations include:
- Lean into your daily routines. Familiar rhythms bring comfort and safety.
- Limit news exposure and monitor what your children see and hear. Keeping media filtered helps reduce anxiety.
- Be honest and age‑appropriate. Share just enough detail—enough to answer questions and reassure.
- Create space to talk—or not talk. Let children guide the conversation. Listening—even in silence—sends strength.
- Assure safety. Remind them they are cared for, that adults are working tirelessly to keep them safe—both at home and at school.
For assistance with talking to your child or children about violence, resources are available on MPA’s mental health page. In addition, here are some specific resources for your family:
If your child would benefit from accessing MPA’s mental health services, please contact your division director. If you have any questions, please contact Natalie Waters Seum at communications@moundsparkacademy.org.
As a school community, we draw strength from our closeness, from routines renewed, and from compassion shared. Together, we ground our children in clarity, calm, and connection—reminding them, with every word and action, that they are seen, safe, and deeply loved.
With care and partnership,
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