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Parents Association News And Events May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Faculty And Staff Appreciation Round Up!

Thank you to all parents and MPA community members who helped with faculty and staff appreciation during the 2024-25 school year. A special thank you to the grade reps who put on creative hats and came up with fun ideas to celebrate the MPA faculty and staff community in new ways this year.

We had desserts with worms to celebrate spring, a soup bar, candle-making, and more hosted by all of the grades in MPA this year. Our appreciation wasn’t just about grade-level events—we hosted conference snacks and dinners, a welcome back to school event in August, and are ending the year with one more workshop snack break next week after school is out.

Thanks to the MPA community for coming together to celebrate our MPA faculty and staff!

Call For Volunteers

Sign up to help with the final faculty and 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!

End of Year Parties!

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.

I Will Always Be Cheering You On

May 29, 2025

from Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school

When I walked through the doors of Mounds Park Academy for the first time as head of school, I was filled with a sense of awe for this extraordinary institution and immense gratitude for the opportunity to lead it. Today, as I write my final head’s message, I find myself feeling those same emotions once again.

MPA is not just a school. It is a place where dreams are nurtured, voices are heard, and people are known, deeply and truly. It is a place where belonging isn’t just a value on a poster, but a daily practice. It is a place where students grow not only in intellect and skill, but in empathy, courage, and character. It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to walk alongside you—students, families, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, and friends—as together we lived out the mission to dream big and do right.

Over the past 12 years, we have celebrated many milestones: the construction of new learning spaces like the Martin Lenz Harrison Library and the Family Commons; the launch of transformative programs in competency-based learning, diversity and belonging, and global partnerships; the growth in enrollment, philanthropy, and student support; and perhaps most meaningfully, the everyday moments of discovery, laughter, resilience, and care that happen in classrooms, hallways, and on playgrounds.

Congratulations, Upper School Students!

May 28, 2025

Upper School students at Mounds Park Academy dedicate tremendous time and energy to their work, embodying the values that make our community proud. In recognition of their accomplishments, MPA held the Upper School Awards Assembly on Friday, May 23 in the Nicholson Center. The event celebrated students who earned distinctions in areas such as Academics, National Merit, Scholarships, Yearbook, Choir, Band, Orchestra, Visual Art, Math, English, Science, Social Studies, Forensics, French, Spanish, Drama, Athletics, the Spirit of ’86, Certificates of Distinction, and the Alumni Association. Join us in congratulating these outstanding students! View the full photo gallery from the awards here.

Cum Laude Inductees

Annika Binstadt
Navreen Biring
Paul Fertig
Henry Korbach
Srina Lakkundi
Zainab Lodhi
Marlaina Minear
Zoya Nayak
Amal Sastry
Samaya Thomas

Valedictorian

Annika Binstadt
Paul Fertig

Salutatorian

Samaya Thomas

Honoring Our Retiring Teachers And Staff

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. Read More

Parents Association News And Events May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

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

from 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

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.

Lower School Division News May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

from 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

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!