Upper School Archives

A Guide To A Joy-Filled, Learning-Rich Summer

June 26, 2025

With the transition from school year to summer, families are presented with a unique chance to reimagine learning beyond the classroom. Summer has the potential for a joyful, enriching season where curiosity, creativity, and growth thrive together, whether it’s through imaginative play, new skills, outdoor exploration, or reflection. An intentional, balanced approach to summer can help children of all ages gain confidence, expand their skills and passions, and return to school feeling ready, refreshed, and inspired.

As parents navigate the summer season, many will ask: How do we make this summer count?

At Mounds Park Academy, we believe summer isn’t just a break, it’s a chance to grow in new ways. It’s still a season for joyful learning while adding outdoor exploration, and building key life skills that carry beyond the classroom. A well-balanced summer should focus on essential skills and goals for the child, blending movement, creativity, independent time, and meaningful experiences that bolster academic success during the school year.

Summer is the time that students can lean into their own interests, either by engaging in more choice reading, enrolling in a specialty sports camp, or taking out their sketchbook while lying under their favorite tree. The beauty of this time is that incorporating purposeful learning does not mean hours of worksheets and practice tests; it is experiential and a little bit more open-ended. Thoughtfully piecing together a summer that includes your child’s interests and needs while also pairing it with concrete goals is the first step to tailoring the perfect summer for your child and family. Read More

MPA Speech Shines at 2025 Nationals

June 22, 2025

Mounds Park Academy’s speech team delivered an extraordinary performance at the 2025 National Speech and Debate Tournament, showcasing the power of dedication, collaboration, and Panther pride on the national stage.

Leading the way was Kelvyn Boddipalli, who captured the title of National Champion in Storytelling, earning top honors in a highly competitive field. His outstanding achievement reflects not only his incredible talent but also the collective spirit of the entire MPA team. In fact, Kelvyn’s success was both an individual and a team victory. Each night and between rounds, his teammates worked alongside him to refine his piece, offering feedback and helping him adapt his performance for the final round. As Coach Sunderman shared, “There were bits and pieces of each student on that trip in the performance. It was truly a team effort.”

As a sophomore, this achievement is particularly noteworthy and after many years of strong teams, Kelvyn is MPA’s first national champion.

All of the MPA students at nationals distinguished themselves:

Paul Fertig finished tenth in the nation in United States Extemporaneous Speaking.
Amal Sastry advanced to the quarterfinals in International Extemporaneous Speaking.
Ash Klann reached the octafinals in Original Oratory.
Mari Minear made it to the double octafinals in Poetry.
Annika Binstadt did not advance, but she was next out of octafinals, finishing top 65.

Then & Now: MPA Summer Programming

June 16, 2025

from 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

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

Living Out Our Mission

May 22, 2025

This message is from MPA’s Office of Admission from the May 22 issue of Inside MPA. Click here to get in touch with Admission and learn more!

Since our founding, MPA’s mission statement has been simple, but powerful: “We teach students to think independently, communicate effectively, and act with respect and integrity in a diverse community that models intellectual ambition, global responsibility, and the joy of learning.” One of the most significant parts of the MPA experience is service learning. Designed to help students grow through acts of compassion and contribution, service learning at MPA encourages them to use their energy and talents to make a real impact–not for reward or recognition, but because it’s the right thing to do and helps improve our community both locally and globally.

“I learned that I really like to help people. I realized that it made me happy when I got to feel like I was being helpful, when I was given a task to do that would benefit others,” says MPA senior Lizzie Moldan about her work with Solid Ground. “I also really like working with kids, and this opportunity to tutor made me realize that even more than I did before.”

MPA students complete at least 60 hours of service during their four years of Upper School, including a capstone Senior Service Project that lets them dive deeper into a cause they care about. By giving back, students strengthen their connection to the many communities they’re part of and learn the power of empathy, leadership, and building positive relationships. Read More

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

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

Reflections From The MPA Class Of 2025 Lifers

May 22, 2025

Approaching 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

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