Then & Now: MPA Summer Programming

Summer fun with Panther Programsfrom Rudy Ford, director of extended day and summer programs

Pursuing the origin story and history of MPA’s summer program has been a bit like unraveling a mystery. There are distant memories of a small group of students gathering in the morning before dispersing to various locations on campus.

  • “What year was it that we gathered in the Gallery?”
  • “There were art classes, basketball and soccer, and a theater class. My small part was rocketry, which got expanded after a few years to include paper gliders.”
  • “When Panther used the current Family Commons, it was called the Kreisher Gym. There was this massive red curtain in there and Panther had this tiny space behind the red curtain…”

In spite of the fascinating details, MPA’s summer story is a common one. As a matter of need, the “extended day” program was first developed in the mid-90s. Starting out in the original lunchroom, the program has run in various locations—including a pair of Upper School classrooms, the Gallery, and behind the red curtain mentioned above! Its growth was driven by family demand, eventually to include summer programming and adopting the “Panther” brand.

As someone who grew up in his town’s “summer playground,” I have a deep understanding of the importance of these programs. In addition to the care and supervision families need, the opportunity is in providing kids the chance to develop new skills, discover new passions, and receive academic and emotional support. The path to my career in education started at the summer playground program, where I had my first job—teaching swimming lessons. Read More


Alumni Award Presented To Mason Ferlic ’11

MasonThe MPA Alumni Association is pleased to announce the 2025 MPA Alumni Association Award recipient, Mason Ferlic ’11! This award honors alumni of outstanding talent pursuing their own creative, intellectual, and professional inclinations while embracing the spirit of MPA’s commitment to community and social outreach. Award recipients are real-world inspirations for both current students and fellow alumni to dream big and do right.

Mason was grateful to have even been among the finalists for the award, leading to more gratitude once he learned he had been selected as the winner for 2025.

“I’m truly honored to have been nominated, let alone selected, for the alumni award,” Mason said. “On receiving the news, I had a moment to pause and reflect on the many fond memories of my time at MPA. It goes without saying that many of my successes since graduating can be attributed to the wonderful teachers, mentors, and coaches who challenged me to think big. Whether it was a science project, history report, or track meet, I feel that my time at MPA was time spent trying to achieve the best version of myself. I credit the environment that MPA has created to allow that mindset to flourish. Thanks again to all those who have supported students like me!”

Mason joins Christa Moseng ’96, Jaye Sinkfield ’12, Pakou Hang ’95, Heather Otto ’97, and Claire Porter ’00 as recent alumni to receive the honor. Congratulations, Mason!


Parents Association News And Events May 29, 2025

A first-grade student reads poetry to her family. 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

Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school, being embraced by students. 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.

Read More


Congratulations, Upper School Students!

Dr. Bill Hudson, head of school, presents an award to Mina Kim '26 during the US Award Assembly. 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

Read More


Honoring Our Retiring Teachers And Staff

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

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

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

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

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