Mounds Park Academy

Then & Now: Tradition Of The Senior Walk

May 19, 2025

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

from 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

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

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

Five Things To Know About MPA From Aili R.

May 14, 2025

A lot of things make MPA special, but for eighth grader Aili, these are the top five things that stand out the most!

1. MPA allows students to express themselves.

There is a large variety of after-school activities and electives available for us to choose from. There are instrumental groups, theatre productions, sport teams, and so much more. Everyone is welcome to join, and all are very welcoming and friendly.

2. We have fun assemblies and social events.

MPA has many assemblies, such as Give To The Max Day and pairing assemblies, and events throughout the school year, such as concerts and shows, that allow us to interact with peers and students from other grades. During these events and assemblies, we get the opportunity to participate and support our friends.

3. I love that MPA is PreK-12.

As a PreK-12 school, I am able to have friends of all ages and grades. This allows me to be able to have friends from Upper School through extracurriculars instead of only students in my grade. Read More

The Power Of PreK-12

May 13, 2025

What is it about a PreK-12 learning environment that is uniquely powerful? Beyond just academics, this type of community fosters a sense of continuity, belonging, and deep-rooted connection that enriches the student experience. From the first day of school to graduation, students are surrounded by a familiar group of peers who nurture their growth and support their dreams. At MPA, this all-encompassing model creates a dynamic environment where meaningful relationships flourish, learning is intentionally built upon, and students are empowered to thrive.

Social Benefits

An amazing part of attending a PreK-12 school is that students are able to foster long-term, meaningful relationships with their peers (across all grades and divisions) and the adults in the building who know them well. Most adults can easily tell you about a teacher who impacted their lives–imagine if those teachers could stay in your life for an extended period of time and watch you grow. At the end of the year, after our seniors celebrate their last day of classes with each other in the Upper School commons, the next place they often head is to the Lower School to see the teachers who were fundamental in the foundation of their academic journey.

We often say it takes a village. When students truly find their village, they find a home here where they are supported, known, and seen for exactly who they are. And we have seen what happens to students who spend time in the MPA village. They blossom into confident, self-assured, generous students who dream big and do right.

Academic Benefits

At MPA, we have a comprehensive and cohesive curriculum because we are a PreK-12 space. Because we all work in the same building, we know what comes next and how to prepare students for the next step in their education. Communication between teachers and divisions allows for a smooth transition. Our faculty members are able to have conversations about where they have found success with each student and some challenges that each student might encounter in the future. Those conversations allow students and parents to come into a new grade or division without feeling like they are completely starting over each year. We are able to build and add to what we already know about a student. Read More

A Project About People

May 8, 2025

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

At Mounds Park Academy, we often speak about creating a school where every student feels seen, valued, and safe. But it’s not enough to say it—we must live it. That’s why I want to share something close to my heart: our initiative to provide additional inclusive, all-gender restrooms specifically in the Upper School.

This project is not just about construction or facilities—it’s about people. It’s about honoring the dignity of every student, employee, and guest who walks through our doors. It’s about ensuring that our school reflects the values we teach: empathy, respect, and belonging.

All-gender restrooms are becoming common in schools across the country because they work. They provide privacy, safety, and affirmation. For some of our students, these spaces are essential to feeling like they belong. For all of our students, they are a lesson in how we care for one another in community.

The renovated restrooms outside of the head’s suite in Upper School will feature fully enclosed stalls and updated designs that prioritize comfort and privacy. This is not just a step forward for some—it’s a benefit to everyone.

We are just $42,000 away from making this vision a reality, and we need your help to cross the finish line.

Lower School Division News May 8, 2025

May 8, 2025

from Jennifer Le Varge, Lower School director

Mark Your Calendars

Tuesday, May 13: LS Duty-Free Lunch with Parent Volunteers, 11:40 AM-12:40 PM, Playground and Family Commons
Friday, May 16: LS PreK Music Share, 8-11 AM, Panther Center
Friday, May 16: LS G3 State Showcase, 2-3 PM, Family Commons
Wednesday, May 21: LS CHAMP Assembly, 8:15-8:45 AM, Family Commons
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: 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

We have been fortunate to have had such beautiful weather, and our Lower Schoolers are enjoying the sun as much as possible! We are also in the season of end-of-year events. Thank you for continuing to check Schoology for messages about plays, performances, and get-togethers as we celebrate a wonderful academic year. Recently, we hosted our final Lower School Parent Coffee of the school year. Special thanks to all parents who attended and added to our vibrant discussion, and to Dr. Audrey Wells, sleep expert, who shared her research and tips for home. Here are some reminders and updates:

Lower School CHAMP Updates
At our last CHAMP assembly on May 7, we invited some Upper School friends who shared the colleges that they will attend next year. Our third graders presented their amazing state billboard projects and Ms. Petersen’s kindergarten class helped us celebrate the 143rd day of school (“I love you” day). We also counted the number of CHAMP stickers awarded to the children since we started our CHAMP positive behavior challenge, and the number is 561! The final CHAMP assembly of the school year will take place from 8:15-9 AM on Wednesday, May 21. Read More

Middle School Division News May 8, 2025

May 8, 2025

from Paul Errickson, Middle School director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, May 9: MS G5/6 Service Day, 8-11:30 AM, Off Campus
Friday, May 9: MS G8 Field Trip, 9 AM-1:30 PM, Off Campus
Friday, May 9: MS Robotics Gathering, 3:30-5:30 PM, Family Commons
Monday, May 12-Friday, May 16: MS G5/8 MAP Testing
Wednesday, May 14: MS G7/8 Affinity Group Meeting, 2:30-3 PM, Panther Center
Thursday, May 15: MS/US Band Concert, 7-8:30 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, May 16: MS G5/6 Student Council Event, 3:30-5 PM, Family Commons
Monday, May 19-Friday, May 23: MS G7 Washington DC Trip
Friday, May 23: US Senior Walk, 1-1:45 PM, MPA Campus
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

As we enter our final month of school and trade our headlights for sunglasses on the commute into school in the morning, I’m reminded just how hard spring can be for many of our students. Students are balancing end-of-year performances and athletic matches and meets with the change of seasons and routines as they prepare for summer and the possibility of moving into a new grade or division. There’s a lot of outward joy and laughter in our hallways, but that can hide inner uncertainty and anxiety around change.

Recently, Dr. Hudson reminded our faculty to share grace, space, and kindness with each other. “People need grace most when they appear to need it least,” he shared. He talked about how grace looks like leading with patience and forgiveness, flexibility, and compassion. Space is needed for growth to take root, and it looks like giving each other (and our students) the emotional breathing room needed for this growth to occur. And that kindness and forgiveness are gifts that give back to yourself when you offer them to others. He reminded us to lead with curiosity and empathy and to consider treating others not how we want to be treated, but how they want to be treated.

The month of May brings with it so much joy and so much emotion. Leaning into these coming days with grace, space, and kindness will help all of us share in the joys of the end of the school year together.

Upper School Division News May 8, 2025

May 8, 2025

from Jay Dean, assistant Upper School director and Panther Post guest contributor

Mark Your Calendars

Wednesday, May 14: US Constitutional Law Oral Arguments, 6-8 PM, PCR, Recital Hall, and Martin Lenz Harrison Library
Thursday, May 15: MS/US Band Concert, 7-8:30 PM, Nicholson Center
Friday, May 16: US Class of 2025 Last Day of Classes
Friday, May 16: US Senior Sunset, 7:30-9:30 PM, South Lawn
Monday, May 19: Senior GCD Presentations, 3:15-5 PM, Martin Lenz Harrison Library
Wednesday, May 21: US Vocal Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center
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: Lunch Alumni Panel with Class of 2025, 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, 1:45-3 PM, Nicholson Center
Monday, May 26: No Classes, Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 27: Senior Service-Con, 1-4 PM, McKeown Track
Wednesday, May 28: 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: US World Language Finals

“3,600 hours…and counting!”

One of the MPA graduation requirements is for students to complete 60 hours of community service over four years, including a 30-hour Senior Service Project. While in Upper School, all students engage in service in our surrounding Twin Cities’ communities, in other places across the country, abroad, and even right here on campus. Through service, our students live our key core values as “involved and engaged” citizens through the experiential learning opportunities that community service provides.

In my three years here, most students easily reach the requisite number of service hours, and many go well beyond it during their time at MPA. For example, the Class of 2025, collectively, has amassed a total of more than 3,600 hours (and counting)!

Each May, we host “Senior Service-Con” (the name inspired by the popular ComicCon), an event for members of the MPA and the surrounding community, in which seniors present their senior service projects. The Class of 2024 developed a mission statement for this event, which we have continued to use: “MPA’s Senior Service-Con creates a culture of service and communicates MPA’s values of volunteerism and community involvement. Meant to serve both MPA and external communities, Service-Con is an opportunity for seniors to demonstrate the importance of service.” What strikes me each year is the variety of projects, and this year’s crop is no different. Read More