Honoring Our Retiring Teachers And Staff

May 22, 2025

The MPA campus on a sunny day. 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. Read More

Parents Association News And Events May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

Upper School Director Mark Segal and Teacher Katie Murr enjoying the Asian American/Pacific Islander Celebration.End of Year Parties Are Happening!

Come together before summer break begins! Gatherings are listed by grade below. Be sure to catch more details in communications directly from your grade reps.

  • Kindergarten: June 4, after dismissal until 12 PM, MPA Playground
  • First Grade: May 31, 9-11 AM, Boyd Park (Vivie’s Playground)
  • Second and Third Grade: June 4, after dismissal until noon, MPA Playground
  • Fourth Grade: May 29, right after school, The Burrows
  • Fifth and Sixth Grade: June 4, 12 PM, Lakewood Hills Park (White Bear Lake)
  • Seventh Grade: June 2, right after school, Richard Walton Park North Picnic Shelter, Oakdale
  • 9th-11th Grade: June 4, 11 AM-1 PM, North Oaks Recreation Center
  • 12th Grade: Senior Overnight

We hope to see your families there! Contact your grade reps and/or PA@moundsparkacademy.org with questions.

Call For Volunteers

Sign up to help with the final Faculty & Staff Appreciation event of the 2024-25 school year. We are looking for a handful of volunteers to help set up snacks in the teaching kitchen after drop-off on Wednesday, June 4. Thank you!

Upper School Division News May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

Two members of the Class of 2025 during the senior prankfrom Mark Segal, Upper School director

Mark Your Calendars

  • Friday, May 23: US Senior Class Meeting, 8:30-10 AM, Recital Hall
  • Friday, May 23: US Senior Performances, 10-11 AM, Recital Hall
  • Friday, May 23: US Senior Lunch and Alumni Panel, 11 AM-12:30 PM, Recital Hall
  • Friday, May 23: LS/US Band/Orchestra G4 Concert, 11:30 AM-12:10 PM, Panther Center
  • Friday, May 23: US Senior Walk, 1-1:45 PM, MPA Campus
  • Friday, May 23: US Awards Ceremony, 1:45 PM-3 PM, Nicholson Center
  • Monday, May 26: No Classes, Memorial Day
  • Tuesday, May 27: US Senior Service-Con, 1-4 PM, McKeown Track
  • Tuesday, May 27: US Boys Tennis Banquet, 6:30-8 PM, Family Commons
  • Wednesday, May 28: US Madrigal Singer Auditions, 3-6 PM, Choir Room and Recital Hall
  • Wednesday, May 28: US Class of 2025 Dinner, 6-8 PM, Dellwood Country Club
  • Thursday, May 29-Friday, May 30: US World Language Finals
  • Friday, May 30: US Mandatory Commencement Rehearsal, 11 AM-12:30 PM, Nicholson Center
  • Saturday, May 31: Commencement, 6-7:30 PM, Nicholson Center
  • Monday, June 2: US English Finals, 8:45-10:15 AM
  • Monday, June 2: US Science Finals, 12-1:30 PM
  • Monday, June 2: US Girls Softball Banquet, 5-6:30 PM, Family Commons
  • Tuesday, June 3: End of Quarter 4
  • Tuesday, June 3: US Social Studies Finals, 8:45-10:15 AM
  • Tuesday, June 3: US Math Finals, 12-1:30 PM

One would think that after nearly three decades in the education field, I have become an expert, or at the very least knowledgeable, in saying goodbye to students at the end of the year. After spending the school year building relationships based on trust, shared values, and lived experiences, it is no easier today than it was in 1995 to bid students farewell as the school year draws to a close. I have found that toward the end of each May, when stress, fatigue, and emotion are running high, the opening lyrics to the Doors song “The End” come to mind. In the epic 1967 song, the band’s lead singer Jim Morrison shares, “This is the end, beautiful friend, this is the end, my only friend the end…”

Although the song was initially written about the breakup of Morrison and his girlfriend, I see it as a wonderful piece of poetry that helps draw a close to the school year. I reflect and focus on the positive interactions and experiences shared with students throughout the year. Although this practice eases the inevitable, I still get sad thinking about not having those students as part of the day-to-day community and how quiet the building will be over the summer. I am looking forward to the Senior Walk and Upper School Awards Assembly tomorrow, where we will witness the smiles, exuberance, and accolades expressed by the community. Having the Class of 2025 back on campus after their carnival-themed prank earlier this week will be joyful. Read More

Middle School Division News May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

The seventh graders take in the view of Washington, D.C.from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars 

  • Friday, May 23: MS G7 Washington, D.C. Trip
  • Monday, May 26: No Classes, Memorial Day
  • Wednesday, May 28: MS Field Day, 12:30-3 PM, Varsity Field
  • Thursday, May 29: MS Field Day (Rain Day), 12:30-3 PM, Varsity Field
  • Thursday, May 29: MS G5 Science Fair, 2:30-3 PM, MS Hallways and Room 128
  • Friday, May 30: MS G5/6 Canoe Trip, Off Campus
  • Friday, May 30: MS G7/8 Music Trip, Valleyfair
  • Tuesday, June 3: End of Quarter 4
  • Tuesday, June 3: MS G4 and 8 Moving Up Ceremony, 1:30-3 PM, Nicholson Center
  • Tuesday, June 3: G8 Lock-In, 6 PM
  • Wednesday, June 4: Last Day of School/Early Release, 10:30 AM
  • Wednesday, June 4: Yearbook Assembly, 8:15-9:45 AM, Nicholson Center

It is hard to believe that this is my last Panther Post of the school year. Are we really wrapping this school year up in the next two weeks? This year has been filled with so much joy; it is hard to capture it all in one post. One of the things I am most proud of is the fact that every Middle School student was able to “Dream Big” or “Do Right” this year through our Dream Big, Do Right Advisory Challenge.

This year, we made sure to meet, as a Middle School, once or twice a month in our Middle School Meetings. This time was meant to bring us together as a community, reflect on the year, and have students make announcements and share their work—from poetry to prose, Spanish skits and music performances, we had play previews and i-Term highlights shared. One constant throughout our Middle School meetings was the Dream Big, Do Right Advisory Challenge. At each meeting, a new advisory was chosen to do something for our MPA or the broader Twin Cities community, either by dreaming big or doing right.

Read More

Lower School Division News May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

A Lower School student cheers on her projectfrom Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director 

Mark Your Calendars

  • Friday, May 23: LS/US Band/Orchestra G4 Concert, 11:30 AM-12:10 PM, Panther Center
  • Friday, May 23: LS G1 Poetry Picnic, 2-2:45 PM, Playground
  • Monday, May 26: No Classes, Memorial Day, Panther Club, and PreK Closed
  • Wednesday, May 28: LS Field Day, 8:30-11 AM, Varsity Field
  • Thursday, May 29: LS Field Day (Rain Day), 8:30-11 AM, Varsity Field
  • Tuesday, June 3: End of Quarter 4
  • Tuesday, June 3: MS G4 and 8 Moving Up Ceremony, 1:30-3 PM, Nicholson Center
  • Wednesday, June 4: Last Day of School/Early Release, 10:30 AM
  • Wednesday, June 4: No Afternoon Panther Care or PreK
  • Wednesday, June 4: Yearbook Assembly, 8:15-9:45 AM, Nicholson Center
  • Wednesday, June 4: LS Kindergarten Graduation, 9:30-11 AM, Nicholson Center
  • Wednesday, June 4: LS K, G2, and G3 End of Year Party, 10:40 AM-12 PM, Playground

Welcome to the end of a wonderful and magical school year! Please read on for more updates!

Spirit Wear Day: Friday, May 23
All Lower School students are invited to wear their MPA spirit wear on Friday, May 23 to celebrate our graduating seniors and the Senior Walk.

Express Yourself Friday: May 30
Our final Express Yourself Friday of this school year will be held on May 30!

Lower School CHAMP Updates
At our final CHAMP assembly for the academic year, held on Monday, May 19, we celebrated AAPI Heritage Month. We also revisited our CHAMP theme for the year, Ubuntu, “I am because we are,” or “humanity to others.” Lastly, we celebrated the memory of our beloved hamster Teddy and introduced Teddy’s Garden, which is located just outside the kindergarten doors on the playground. Read More

Reflections From The MPA Class Of 2025 Lifers

May 22, 2025

The Mounds Park Academy Class of 2025 LifersApproaching the end of their final year roaming the halls of MPA as students, we had the honor of interviewing many of the MPA Class of 2025 Lifers about their experiences at MPA, the only school they’ve attended for their entire academic careers.

All incredibly talented students with well-versed backgrounds in the arts, athletics, and academics shared memories and reflections of MPA past and present, looking toward the future well prepared by MPA. Ari Williams, Henry Schwartz, Camdyn Magnuson, Quentin Hawley, Navreen Biring, Lucia Braith, and Rowan Mulrooney are all set to graduate on May 31, joining the Joanne Olson Club, reserved for students whose entire K-12 or PreK-12 journey has taken place here at MPA.

Choosing a school for 13 years means becoming part of a close-knit community where every child is truly seen and supported. So we asked: How has MPA’s community supported and shaped you as a student, a human being, and a young person?

Henry: The teachers get to know you really well. Recently, Ms. Murr in class made a recommendation for a book that I might like based on how she knows me. I know you wouldn’t get that anywhere else. It’s really cool. It teaches you how to ask questions because the teachers have that kind of connection with you, and it’s not scary to go up to them, even if it’s your first year having this teacher.

Rowan: My entire identity has been shaped by Mounds Park Academy, but especially when referring to the college application process, I would not nearly have been able to do what I did without the help of Dr. Quam. Especially hearing from other schools, their systems that they have set up for college health are not nearly the same. Especially with teachers, it’s very one-on-one and very helpful. Read More

Then & Now: Tradition Of The Senior Walk

May 19, 2025

A member of the Class of 2023 embarks on the Senior Walk. from Tim Koerner ’03

If you are reading this, you have your own, distinct memories of what it was like to graduate from MPA and your senior year. The auditorium, the proud friends and family, receiving your diploma, and taking pictures on the campus lawn in your cap and gown…

While the classic elements of an MPA graduation have remained the same for more than four decades, a new, poignant element was introduced to the graduation season in 2017—the Senior Walk.

MPA’s director of college counseling, Lisa Pederson, describes the event:

“The Senior Walk debuted in 2017, bringing the whole school community together to honor the graduating class. Seniors process through campus in their graduation gowns, stopping for quick hugs and high-fives from cheering teachers, parents, and friends from other grades. Led by Dr. Hudson, the parade emerges from the Lower School entrance—where some seniors started their MPA education—and follows the sidewalk west to finish at Door 4, near the Black Box. It’s become a fun and beloved tradition for the MPA community, while as a teacher and parent of recent MPA alums, I’ve found it to be a poignant moment as well.”

This year’s Senior Walk will take place on Friday, May 23, at 1 PM, and you can catch last year’s Senior Walk for the Class of 2024 here.

Watching the Senior Walk is often a culmination of sorts for younger Panther classes, who interact with and are exposed to the Seniors and their college selection process throughout the year. Read More

Why I Coach At MPA From Wade Peterson ’87

May 19, 2025

MPA alum, Wade Peterson '87from Wade Peterson ’87

When I relocated back to the Twin Cities in 2007, I was looking to get involved in coaching quiz bowls, as I had done at the school where I was teaching in Eugene, Oregon. That summer, I contacted the Upper School director, Roberta Seum, and asked her if I could get involved. She told me the previous coach had just left the school and asked me to come in for an interview.

Over the last 18 years, I have coached a lot of things at Mounds Park Academy. I have coached Middle and Upper School quiz bowl, Middle School soccer, Middle School baseball, and even a few years of the Future Problem Solvers (FPS) team. I am still coaching soccer, baseball, and Middle School quiz bowl. In fact, I coached a tournament for Middle School quiz bowl recently, and I enjoyed it as much as I did when I first started in 2007.

I love working with MPA students and love the passion they bring to activities. It is a truly wonderful part of my life. It is amazing that I have been associated with Mounds Park Academy as a student, coach, and in various other roles since 1983. When I first visited as a potential student in the spring of my eighth-grade year, I never realized that I would be associated with the school in such an enduring way. MPA is an amazing place, and I am grateful to be a part of it!

Parents Association News And Events May 15, 2025

May 15, 2025

A Lower School student inspects a plant closely. End of Year Parties Are Around The Corner!

Your grade reps have organized an opportunity to come together one last time in the 2024-25 school year before summer break. Gatherings are listed by grade below. Be sure to catch more details in communications directly from your grade reps.

  • PreK: May 17, 9:30 AM, Silver Lake Park (North St. Paul)
  • Kindergarten: June 4, after dismissal until 12 PM, MPA Playground
  • First Grade: May 31, 9-11 AM, Boyd Park (Vivie’s Playground)
  • Second and Third Grade: June 4, after dismissal until noon, MPA Playground
  • Fourth Grade: May 29, right after school, The Burrows
  • Fifth and Sixth Grade: June 4, 12 PM, Lakewood Hills Park (White Bear Lake)
  • Seventh Grade: June 2, right after school, Richard Walton Park North Picnic Shelter, Oakdale
  • Eighth Grade: May 19, right after school until 6 PM, Pinz (Please RSVP, Carpool Option)
  • 9th-11th Grade: June 4, 11 AM-1 PM, North Oaks Recreation Center
  • 12th Grade: Senior Overnight

We hope to see your families there! Contact your grade reps and/or PA@moundsparkacademy.org with questions.

Portrait Of A Founder

May 15, 2025

Jim Gardner, a founding board member, and his wife. from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of Jim Gardner, a founding board member of Mounds Park Academy, alumni parent, alumni grandparent, and generous benefactor. Jim lived a life of quiet impact, marked by deep love for his family, steadfast generosity, and tireless commitment to the institutions and communities he believed in, including MPA, YMCA Camp Widjiwagan, and the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Jim and Joan enrolled their son, Matt, at MPA before we had a building, a curriculum, or even teachers. They were drawn to Bob and Sandy Kreischer Smith’s vision of a school that would see their child as a whole person and nurture him as an engaged learner. On the car ride home from his admission interview in May 1982, they made the decision to enroll. That act of faith—choosing an idea over certainty—helped bring MPA to life.

When Matt tragically passed away in 2006, Jim and Joan created the Matthew Gardner Scholarship, which continues to support students of modest means. That legacy—like their son—is deeply woven into the fabric of this school.

Jim’s contributions didn’t stop there. A friend and board member, Karen Benz, recruited Jim early on to help with MPA’s first budget. He was a banker, a property manager, and, at the time, one of the few people with a home computer capable of creating spreadsheets. He once joked, “For some reason, at this point, I was put on the board and made treasurer of an organization that looked like it might go broke.” But Jim knew that if we were to build trust with families, we had to finish our first year in the black. And under his careful watch, we did. Read More