May 22, 2025
from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school
As the school year draws to a close, we enter a season of reflection—celebrating the growth of our students, the resilience of our community, and the extraordinary commitment of the educators and staff who make MPA such a remarkable place to learn and grow.
It is my great privilege to honor three exceptional individuals who are concluding their formal chapters at Mounds Park Academy: our retiring faculty and staff. Their impact cannot be measured solely in years—though their collective experience spans more than a century—but in the countless lives they’ve touched with wisdom, compassion, and care.
Anne Devout Atchison: 42 Years of Service
In May 1982, even before MPA opened its doors, Anne wrote a letter to founder Bob Kreischer expressing her hope to teach at a school “that adheres so closely to my own teaching philosophy.” She added, “I would enjoy working with a staff who shared my enthusiasm and desire to create a school which challenges each individual to become the best of themselves.” More than four decades later, it is clear that Anne didn’t just find that school—she helped build it.
Throughout her distinguished career, Anne has exemplified all that makes MPA special. A gifted classroom teacher and insightful leader, she responded to the evolving needs of students by creating the fifth-grade seminar class—a program that continues to support students in developing critical social and emotional skills. Her classroom became a sanctuary of ideas and imagination, where students were challenged to write with clarity, think deeply, and read for the sheer joy of discovery.
Mike Scinto: 38 Years of Service
From his first days at MPA, Mike stood out not only as a talented coach, but as an educator who saw and nurtured the potential in every student. Whether working with a state-bound athlete or a student new to physical education, Mike created a space that was firm, fair, and full of heart.
To say Mike was born to teach and coach is no exaggeration—it is a sentiment echoed by generations of students, colleagues, and alumni. He believed that excellence was rooted in daily habits, not just in game-day victories. His practices were purposeful, his teams played with joy, and the lessons they learned extended far beyond the gym or soccer field. Known for his humility, humor, and steadfast loyalty, Mike leaves behind a legacy not just of championships but of lives forever shaped by his mentorship and care.
Roy Timm: 39 Years in Education, Four at MPA
Though Roy joined MPA more recently, his decades-long career in education and immediate impact on our campus community were undeniable. As facilities manager, Roy brought a quiet professionalism, exceptional organization, and deep commitment to the daily life of the school.
Whether managing overlapping schedules between MPA, the Japanese School, and Breakthrough Twin Cities, or responding to a heating issue with a warm chuckle and swift solution, Roy exemplified calm, capable leadership. He approached each task—big or small—with grace, generosity, and a commitment to making MPA a safe, functional, and welcoming space for all. His student-centered mindset and ability to meet a wide range of needs made him an invaluable member of our team
Each of these remarkable individuals has lived out MPA’s mission in profound ways: believing in students even before they believed in themselves, making the pursuit of knowledge joyful and meaningful, and modeling the kind of curiosity and character we hope every student will carry into the world.
These exceptional educators have written the school’s alma mater and coached state-bound teams. They have taught Shakespeare and pickleball, fixed leaky roofs, and inspired kindness and critical thinking. They’ve welcomed students at the classroom door and supported them through hard days and joyful ones. Simply put, they have loved this place—and its people—deeply and well.
To retire from MPA is not to step away from impact, but to leave behind a legacy that lives on in the hearts and minds of students, colleagues, and families. The classrooms, hallways, and fields may feel quieter without their presence, but the echoes of their influence will carry forward for generations to come.
On behalf of the entire MPA community—past, present, and future—I offer my deepest gratitude and heartfelt congratulations. We celebrate you, we honor your contributions, and we thank you for making MPA a better, brighter place.
May the years ahead bring these outstanding educators rest, joy, and the same sense of wonder and fulfillment that you’ve inspired in all of us.
Please join us in honoring all of our retirees on Thursday, May 29, 3:30-5 PM, in the Family Commons.
Editor’s Note
As you are most likely aware, Dr. Hudson is retiring as well. Not wanting to overshadow the celebration of Anne, Mike, and Roy, and in his humility, Bill failed to include himself in this message.
After 12 years of visionary leadership, Dr. Bill Hudson is retiring as head of school at Mounds Park Academy. His time at MPA has been marked by a deep commitment to students and the school’s mission—and a legacy that will be felt for years to come.
During his tenure, Dr. Hudson guided the school through remarkable growth in both enrollment and philanthropy. He championed innovative academic programs like competency-based learning, Singapore Math, and science-based literacy, and was instrumental in launching the Center for Inclusive Teaching and Learning. He also prioritized student wellness, expanded support services, and deepened the school’s work around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Dr. Hudson’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the wake of George Floyd’s murder was defined by steadiness, empathy, and moral clarity. Under his direction, the campus itself evolved with the addition of spaces like the AnnMarie Thomas Makerspace, Outdoor Classroom, Martin Lenz Harrison Library, Family Commons, Hart and Mudge Tennis Courts, and a modern outdoor track facility.
A respected voice in independent education, Dr. Hudson served on six ISACS accreditation teams and built meaningful connections through the Malone Schools Online Network and international partnerships. Yet what people will remember most is how he led with humility, kindness, and unwavering hope. He reminded all of us that education is not just about academics, but about nurturing character, resilience, and a true sense of belonging.
