MPA Weekly Update - 5/2/13

In This Issue Dates to Remember Middle School Dance Shop with Scrip Field Day Volunteers Boosters Election Crushers Game - Fun For All Embrace the World Extravaganza Event Title Parent Online Survey Shop with Scrip FYI: Dates to Remember May 5/3 - Friday - Middle School Dance 5/6-5/10 - 6th Mohican Trip 5/10 - Friday - Inservice Day, no school for students 5/11 - Saturday - Invention Convention Regional Competition 5/13-5/17 - Young Author's Week 5/18- Saturday - Soapbox Derby 5/23 - Thursday - Extravaganza, 4-7pm 5/24 - Friday - Power of the Pen Competition 5/27 - Monday - School Closed for Memorial Day 5/30 - Thursday - Field Day; Kindergarten Promotion 5/31 - Friday - 8th Grade Graduation    June 6/2 - Sunday - MPA night at the Crushers baseball game Volunteer Hours Please be sure to update your volunteer hours log. We will be celebrating our volunteers at the Embrace the World Extravaganza, and we want to be sure to recognize all of our parents for their helping hands! Middle School Spring Dance TIKI TIKI TANGO Friday, May 3 6:00-7:00 (7 & 8 Grade Only) 7:00-8:30 (5-8 Grade) The last middle school dance of the year will be held on Friday, May 3.  The students decided on a Hawaiian theme with casual clothing. Shop with Scrip Sunday by 7pm  Don't forget to purchase Scrips to support MPA at no additional cost to you!   Big news for families who use ScripNow products!  On May 20th, the company will be offering some of the highest rebates ever offered from some of your favorite ScripNow retailers.  This is a one-day event, so make sure to mark your calendar and have PrestoPay set up on your account before then!   The "top secret" list of participating retailers will be revealed at 12:01 am on May 20th.  But you don't have to wait until then to help support MPA!  To help out, shop at the Scrip site, and pay with Presto Pay for additional entries to the MPA gift card raffle every time you shop!  And don't forget to check their "What's New" page to see all the latest companies that support MPA with extra $$$ when you purchase their scrip cards.  A whole list of additional rebates goes into effect on Saturday, including increased rebates on Scrip from Home Depot, Buca de Beppo, LL Bean, Subway, Petco, and iTunes! Field Day Volunteers Needed Thursday, May 30 Our fabulous end of year field day is coming up.  This is a great way to fulfill numerous volunteer hours and have fun doing it.  Please complete the attached volunteer form and send it to school with your child.    FIELD DAY FORM   Boosters Elections    To be held Wednesday, May 8th at 6pm Remember, the final Boosters meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 8th @ 6pm. Officers will be elected at this meeting. If you are interested in either the President, Vice President, Secretary or Treasurer position, please submit your name for consideration to boosters@menloparkacademy.com MPA Night at the Crushers Game Sunday, June 2nd at 5pm The MPA afternoon with the Lake Erie Crushers is quickly approaching on June 2nd @ 5:05pm! Don't miss your chance to purchase tickets to celebrate the close of the 2012/2013 school year. Tickets are $9 each and can be ordered using this flyer.  All ticket orders are due by Monday, May 6th, in order to be guaranteed seats in the MPA section. Labels, Box Tops and Bottle Tops Keep on clipping - they really add up! THANK YOU to all of the parents who have sent in Campbell's Labels, Coke bottle tops and ink cartridges!!! Because of you we were able to purchase a TON of field day, recess and gym supplies as well as many necessities for the teachers lounge! The Box Tops competition has come to a close. Congratulations goes out to both Mrs. Curkowicz & Mrs. Nagy's classrooms! Mrs. Curkowicz's class sent in a total of 2066 Box Tops and Mrs. Nagy's class was close behind with 2034! Since these classes were so close, both will receive a popcorn party as a reward! Although the year is coming to a close, please continue to send in your Box Tops, we can use them for next year!  Recognition Corner Congratulations to sixth grader Olivia M., who won the Scholastic /Scopes  "Sit-In" Essay contest.      Also, Teresa S. (7th), Emily C. (7th) and Marika O. (8th) will be representing MPA at the state Power of the Pen Writing Tournament in Wooster, Ohio on May 24.  Best of luck, ladies! Weekly Update - 5/2/13 Quick Links Menlo Park Academy Website MPA on Facebook Shop with Scrips by 7pm on Sunday Report your volunteer hours School calendar  Classroom Websites (click on Classroom Websites tab) Inservice Day on Friday, May 10     No school - let the kids stay home and enjoy the weather while the teachers learn something! Embrace the World Extravaganza Thursday, May 23 from 4:00-7:30  Spring is in the air, and preparations for the first-annual MPA "Embrace the World" Extravaganza are well under way. This event will feature games, a student art show, crafts, tasty treats, music and fun for the whole family!   It's a way for our students to have fun while we honor the volunteers who have made this such a great year.  All families that have logged their volunteer hours online this year will be sent game and food tickets that can be used at the Extravaganza. We will also have some special recognition for volunteers throughout the evening.     Meanwhile, we need your help to make this fun event a success!   Bake Sale  The Boosters will be having a bake sale at the upcoming World Extravaganza event on May 23rd (4-7pm). If you are interested in donating baked goods for this event, please email boosters@menloparkacademy.com    Basket Contributions Thank you to everyone that has brought in contributions for classroom/advisory baskets! The deadline has been extended, since the baskets will be used at the Embrace the World Extravaganza. The new deadline is May 15, and students that contribute to their classroom's basket may dress down on that day. For specific details on your student(s)'s classroom basket theme, please *click here*     Carnival Games Please let Melissa Adell, Development Coordinator, know if you have any carnival games or crafts that can be used as booths for our carnival. Items that we are seeking to borrow include: Caricature artist (do you have skills or have a friend willing to donate?) Balloon animals (do you have skills or have a friend willing to donate?) Karaoke CDs Stamps shaped like kisses Large Plastic container (ex: bulk pretzel container) Snow cone machine Cotton Candy Machine Ring toss set Spin-a-wheel (like Wheel of Fortune) Magnetic or Velcro dart set Folding Tables Rubber Ducks Packing Peanuts Any other activities that would bode well for a school carnival! If you have any of these materials that you would like to lend or donate, please reach out to Melissa Adell (melissa.adell@menloparkacademy.com; (216) 539-0422) Please reach out to Melissa Adell if you have any questions or ideas to make this event a success- melissa.adell@menloparkacademy.com; (216) 539-0422) Seeking volunteers for Thursday, May 23 from 2-8 pm at MPA. Day-of volunteers will be helping with: Prize table Silent auction/raffle Serving food Various game and activity booths We also need help before the event with: Building games Classroom basket assembly Click Here:  Sign Up to Help    Student Performers We are seeking student musicians to perform at various locations throughout the Embrace the World Extravaganza. Students can sign up to perform at:    http://menloparkacademycleveland.bringit.bz/public/42b949. Please let Ms. Adell or Mrs. Padrutt know if you have any questions. Physical Education 2013-2014 Your Feedback Needed   Menlo Park has been parntering with the YMCA to provide Physical Education opportunities for your children.  Together we are reworking the course offerings to better meet student needs.  Please take a few minutes to complete this brief survey.    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1KJXo5SZhjZ4yhaMqtWz8HZhYCAZYLP0yF8tMUudBlhs/viewform    Boys' Basketball Results Congratulations to JV and Varsity teams for a great season! Last Saturday, the JV boys lost 19-13 to the Sonics in Lakewood. The team finished their Spring Season with a 6-2 record, good for a 2nd place finish and the boys will receive runner-up trophies.  Congratulations on a successful season, guys! The Varsity boys rebounded from 2 tough Saturday losses to win 2 exciting games on Sunday in the 2013 Midwest Spring Slam basketball tourney. In Game #1 on Sunday, the boys trailed 20-15 late in the second half, but used a 7-0 run to close out the game and win 22-20 over Geauga. The parents and family of the players jumped for joy as the buzzer sounded, but we quickly had a second game at the Rocky River Rec Center just 2 hours later. In Game #2, the Wizards jumped out to a 9 point lead in the first half, let the lead drop down to 2 early in the second half, but the defense stood strong and they beat Ridgewood 40-33. The win placed the boys in the Top 5 of the tourney standings, will receive medals for their accomplishment and will be remembered as the first MPA Basketball team to medal in an AAU tourney (which is a tough accomplishment for any team). Congrats Varsity Wizards on a huge effort!!!! MPA Students Bring Home the Brick Trophies! Congratulations to our 2013 LEGO OLYMPIAD WINNERS: OPEN PRE K - 1 Third Place: Faith A., Ssaanvi S., Robin K., Josie M. OPEN 2ND GRADE Second Place: Jake P., Aidan S., Will G., Lilian V., Ananya M. OPEN 2ND GRADE Third Place: Eitan E., Antonio R., Brenna L., Lewis F. OPEN 3RD GRADE First Place: Mary M., Alexander S., Alyssa T., Ian M., Connor K. OPEN 4TH GRADE First Place: Rahul S., Krish S., Suneal S., Andrew K OPEN 5TH GRADE Third Place: Dylan C., Miles M., Talon B. THEME GRADE 5 First Place: Sam P., Liya E., Joey C., Chloe V., Hazen D. PEOPLE'S CHOICE : Rahul S., Krish S., Suneal S., Andrew K    Thanks again to all the volunteers who helped the teams train, acted as chaperons, and cheered our builders on at the event!   If you borrowed Legos from the school to participate in this event, please make sure that you return them!  We're still missing a few tubs of bricks ... MPA Parent Online Survey   Your Insight Matters It has been a year of growth for Menlo Park.  We have come a long way but have much left to do.  Your insights on what has been successful and what should be a focus in 2013-2014 is incredibly valuable!  Please take a few minutes to complete the parent survey  posted online at the American Educational Consultants website.  The survey will be available for completion begining Thursday, April 18 and will remain open until Friday, May 3.  You may access it at:   http://www.edconsults.org   Annual Appeal Help us meet our goal of 100% family participation in this important fundraiser The 2012-13 school year is coming to an end, but it's not too late to make a tax exemptcontribution to the Annual Family and Friends Appeal. We would like to remind you, as a supporter of MPA that your contributions matter and play a significant role in helping us to provide challenging, rewarding educational experiences to all of our gifted learners: more than 335 students from over 40 school districts spread across 6 counties in Northeast Ohio - learning and growing together at MPA.   Please demonstrate your commitment to Menlo Park Academy by making a gift in support of the AFFA. Don't miss the opportunity to give a tax-deductible donation right now, or send a check to: Menlo Park Academy ATTN: Annual Fund 14440 Triskett Road Cleveland, Ohio 4411 Information can be submitted via email to: communications@menloparkacademy.com for review and inclusion in the weekly update. Submissions are subject to Director approval.

MPA Weekly Update - 4/25/13

In This Issue Dates to Remember Recognition Corner Middle School Dance Shop with Scrip Embrace the World Extravaganza Field Day Volunteers Parent Online Survey Earth Day Lunch Challenge4 Boosters Election MPA Photos & Video Needed Crushers Game - Fun For All FYI: Dates to Remember April 4/26 - Friday - Spelling Bee 4/27 - Saturday - State Chemistry Challenge 4/29 - Monday - Girl Scout meeting after school    May 5/6-5/10 - 6th Mohican Trip 5/11 - Invention Convention Regional Competition 5/13-5/17 - Young Author's Week 5/18- Soapbox Derby 5/23 - Extravaganza, 4-7pm 5/30 - Field Day 5/30- Kindergarten Promotion 5/31 - 8th Grade Graduation    June 6/2 - Sunday - MPA night at the Crushers baseball game Recognition Corner Congratulations to 6th grader Olivia M., who won an essay contest sponsored by Scholastic.  Great job! MSpring Dance TIKI TIKI TANGO   Friday, May 3 6:00-7:00 (7 & 8 Grade Only) 7:00-8:30 (5-8 Grade) The last middle school dance of the year will be held on Friday, May 3.  The students decided on a Hawaiian theme with casual clothing. *Chaperones needed*  Please contact Mrs. B-W if you are willing to attend. Shop with Scrip Sunday by 7pm  Don't forget to purchase Scrips to support MPA at no additional cost to you! We've earned $1,870.00 with 40 families participating, including grandparents, extended family & friends. To help out, shop at the Scrip site, and pay with Presto Pay for additional entries every time you shop!  And don't forget to check their "What's New" page to see all the latest companies that support MPA with extra $$$ when you purchase their scrip cards.  You can earn extra support for the school by shopping at JCPenney, Panera, Lands End, and more! Weekly Update - 4/25/13 Quick Links Menlo Park Academy Website MPA on Facebook Shop with Scrips by 7pm on Sunday Report your volunteer hours School calendar  Classroom Websites (click on Classroom Websites tab) Embrace the World Extravaganza Thursday, May 23 from 4:00-7:30  Spring is in the air, and preparations for the first-annual MPA "Embrace the World" Extravaganza are well under way. This event will feature games, a student art show, crafts, tasty treats, music and fun for the whole family!   It's a way for our students to have fun while we honor the volunteers who have made this such a great year.  All families that have logged their volunteer hours online this year will be sent game and food tickets that can be used at the Extravaganza. We will also have some special recognition for volunteers throughout the evening.     Meanwhile, we need your help to make this fun event a success!    Basket Contributions We are asking each student to contribute a NEW item (about $5+ value) to their class themed gift basket, which will be used to raise funds at the event. These funds will help to purchase apps for our new lower school iPads as well as build a leveled book room for MPA that will enhance our ability to differentiate language arts curriculum. These baskets have been very popular in the past because they are made up of items from our students and families.   Collection boxes are now available in each homeroom Feel free to partner with another parent in your child's homeroom to contribute a bigger item. Items may be split into multiple baskets.  For specific details on your student(s)'s classroom basket theme, please *click here*  The deadline for contributing items is April 26th. We need 100% participation in order to make this a success. Thank you in advance for your support!    Carnival Games Please let Melissa Adell, Development Coordinator, know if you have any carnival games or crafts that can be used as booths for our carnival. Items that we are seeking to borrow include: Karaoke machine Ping pong ball Polaroid camera and film Snow cone machine Kiddie pool Rubber Ducks Ring toss set Face painting kit Spin-a-wheel (like Wheel of Fortune) Bean bag toss Temporary crazy color hair spray At home bowling set Magnetic or Velcro dart set Folding tables A large tent (20x30)  Any other activities that would bode well for a school carnival! Please reach out to Melissa Adell if you have any questions or ideas to make this event a success- melissa.adell@menloparkacademy.com; (216) 539-0422)    Click Here:  Sign Up to Help Run Games    Student Performers Students who would like to perform musically or artistically throughout the event are encouraged to consider performance pieces.  Sign up for student performance will be in a future newsletter.   Field Day Volunteers Needed Thursday, May 30 Our fabulous end of year field day is coming up.  This is a great way to fulfill numerous volunteer hours and have fun doing it.  Please complete the attached volunteer form and send it to school with your child.    FIELD DAY FORM    MPA Parent Online Survey   Your Insight Matters It has been a year of growth for Menlo Park.  We have come a long way but have much left to do.  Your insights on what has been successful and what should be a focus in 2013-2014 is incredibly valuable!  Please take a few minutes to complete the parent survey  posted online at the American Educational Consultants website.  The survey will be available for completion begining Thursday, April 18 and will remain open until Friday, May 3.  You may access it at:   http://www.edconsults.org   Zero Waste Lunch Challenge Winners 2-4 Grade  Monday, April 22 - Earth Day   Congratulations to the 2-4 grade lunch, who produced the least amount of trash on our zero waste lunch day.  They have earned a dress down day on Monday April 30.  All the grades did a fabulous job and the difference in waste by lunch was quite small.   Boosters Elections    To be held Wednesday, May 8th at 6pm Calling all parents! The Boosters elections will take place in May. If you are interested in running for President, Vice President, Secretary or Treasurer, please email your name to boosters@menloparkacademy.com by Monday, May 6th. Elections will take place at the last Booster meeting of the year, May 8th @ 6pm.  Our thanks go out to everyone on the Boosters for helping make this such a great year for the MPA students and staff! MPA Movies  Intern To Promote Menlo Mrs. B-W's daughter, Maya, will be completing her senior project at MPA,making movies that communicate and promote our programming (Perhaps you saw the Invention Convention Video she produced at the last recognition assembly?)  She will be on campus throughout the month of May.  Photos and video clips are needed for this endeavor. If you have any footage you would like to share, please email it to Mrs. BW at paige.bw@menloparkacademy.com.   MPA Night at the Crushers Game Sunday, June 2nd at 5pm The annual Menlo Park Academy night with the Lake Erie Crushers will take place on Sunday, June 2nd at 5:05pm versus the Joliet Slammers. Menlo Park students will sing the National Anthem. Come join us for an evening of fun and friends!  Tickets are $9 each and can be ordered using this flyer.  All ticket orders are due by Monday, May 6th, in order to be guaranteed seats in the MPA section. Hot Lunch Options for Next Year - Boosters seek new ideas for menus The students have voiced their desire for some new hot lunch options for next year. We recently received a Corn Dog petition and several other students have stated their opinions. If you or your student have an idea for a hot lunch option next year, please email boosters@menloparkacademy.com for consideration. Information can be submitted via email to: communications@menloparkacademy.com for review and inclusion in the weekly update. Submissions are subject to Director approval.

MPA Weekly Update - 4/20/13

In This Issue Dates to Remember Middle School Dance Peer Play Study Shop with Scrip Volunteers Recognized Spelling Bee Parent Online Survey Earth Day Lunch Challenge4 Boosters Election MPA Photos & Video Needed Crushers Game - Fun For All Raffle Basket Contributions FYI: Dates to Remember April 4/22 - OAA (3-8 Reading) 4/23 - OAA (3-8 Mathematics) 4/24 - OAA (5 & 8 Science) 4/26 - Friday - Spelling Bee 4/27 - Saturday - State Chemistry Challenge 4/29 - Monday - Girl Scout meeting after school    May 5/6-5/10 - 6th Mohican Trip 5/11 - Invention Convention Regional Competition 5/13-5/17 - Young Author's Week 5/18- Soapbox Derby 5/30 - Field Day 5/30- Kindergarten Promotion 5/31 - 8th Grade Graduation    June 6/1 - MPA Crushers Night Recognition Events Promotions/Graduations Kindergarten Promotion Thursday, May 30 6:00 at the St. Mel's Hall 8th Grade Graduation Friday, May 31 12:00 Luncheon Hosted by 7th Grade 1:00 Ceremony 2:00 School Wide Clap Out 8th Grade Parents are asked to send photos (past and present) of their child to Ms. Wilson,lynn.wilson@menloparkacademy.com for a special commemoration.       MSpring Dance TIKI TIKI TANGO   Friday, May 3 6:00-7:00 (7 & 8 Grade Only) 7:00-8:30 (5-8 Grade) The last middle school dance of the year will be held on Friday, May 3.  The students decided on a Hawaiian theme with casual clothing. *Chaperones needed*  Please contact Mrs. B-W if you are willing to attend. Event1k  Peer Play Study  Permission Due    Would you like your child to participate in the k-1 study with Case Western Reserve University?  Packets are due back by Friday, April 26.             Shop with Scrip Sunday by 7pm  Don't forget to purchase Scrips to support MPA at no additional cost to you! We've earned $1,870.00 with 40 families participating, including grandparents, extended family & friends. To help out, shop at the Scrip site, and pay with Presto Pay for additional entries every time you shop!  And don't forget to check their "What's New" page to see all the latest companies that support MPA with extra $$$ when you purchase their scrip cards.  You can earn extra support for the school by shopping at JCPenney, Panera, Lands End, and more! Girl Scouts           GS Troop 70029 would like to Thank ALL MPA Families for supporting our FP Foodbank Drive. We will be delivering all the food collected to the Foodbank to help families in need!! Meeting Schedule until end of the year: 4/22 Bronze Girls Meet 4/29 Regular GS Meeeting      5/6 Regular GS Meeting 5/10 Bronze Girls meet off site 5/13 Bronze Girls meet 5/20 LAST GS Meeting Weekly Update - 4/20/13 Quick Links Menlo Park Academy Website MPA on Facebook Shop with Scrips by 7pm on Sunday Report your volunteer hours School calendar  Classroom Websites (click on Classroom Websites tab)  Ohio Achievement Assessment  Grades 3-8 This week students in grades 3-8 will be participating in the Ohio Achievement Test (OAA).  Testing will take place from 8:30-11:00 each day.  The testing schedule is: Monday:  Grades 3-8 Reading Tuesday:  Grades 3-8 Math Wednesday:  Grades 5 & 8 Science Alternate Testing:  April 29-May 1 Please help us to make this a successful three days.  Parents can assist in the following manner: 1.  Make sure students are on time each day.  Students who arrive late WILL NOT be testing with their peers to avoid disruption.  Student who are tardy will be tested on alternative test dates and will miss instructional time. 2. Encourage students to get a good nights rest.  3. Eat a good breakfast.  4. Bring a reusable water bottle to keep hydrated.  Earth Day is Monday.  We encourage students to bring a reusable water bottle to class so that they can stay hydrated throughout the morning and make a difference for the environment at the same time. 5.  Speak with your child about testing.  MPA understands the reality of state achievement testing but does not want this experience to stress your child in any way.  Please talk about the upcoming experience and reassure your child that this is just one of many ways that academic growth is reviewed.  Your help in this matter will be most appreciated. Musical Canceled  "Embrace the World Extravaganza"  Thursday, May 23 from 4:00-7:30   Due to production difficulties, MPA has canceled this year's spring musical.  But, an exciting new Menlo Park Tradition is in the making!  Come join us for an end of year celebration like no other.     YOUR HELP NEEDED:  Take advantage of this end of year celebration to fulfill your volunteer hours and have fun in the process. We need family members who can:    Build Create Run Plan    Sign Up online at:  MPA Extravaganza    STUDENT PERFORMANCES Students who would like to perform musically or artistically throughout the event are encouraged to consider performance pieces.  Sign up for student perfromance will be in next week's newsletter.   VOLUNTEERS RECOGNIZED at EXTRAVAGANZA Free Games and Food @ Carnival    Your time is appreciated and MPA wants you to honor you.  All families that have logged hours online this year will be sent game and food tickets to the end of year Extravaganza.  We will also have some special recognitions throughout the evening.  What you do every day makes such a difference in the lives of children.  Thank you for your commitment to MPA.      If you haven't volunteered yet, we need you!  Upcoming events such as:    Field Day - May 30 Graduation & Promotions - May 30 & May 31 End of Year Field Trips Lunch & Recess (11:00-12:45) Math Tutoring (anytime you are in the building) Carline morning (8:00-8:30 and 3:00-3:45)    We hope you will take part in the fun over the next few weeks.       Please log your current volunteer hours online, either on the netbook near the sign-in at school, or at home. We are not using the paper logs to record hours anymore - all hours MUST be entered into the computer if you want credit for them    Listen for the buzz ...  All-School Spelling Bee will be Friday, 4/26 Haul out those dictionaries - qualifying rounds for the spring spelling bee will be held in classes this week, with winners for each classroom being eligible to participate in the school-wide spelling bee.  Students who qualify for the school-wide bee will receive word study lists on Thursday, March 21st, and their parents will receive e-mails at that time with more information about the event.   Then on Friday, April 26th, the spelling bee begins at 8:45am in the Multi-Purpose Room.  Parents, friends, and family members are welcome to come cheer on the competitors.  Bring your cameras - there's nothing cuter than our pint-size spellers nailing words that are longer than they are! MPA Parent Online Survey   Your Insight Matters It has been a year of growth for Menlo Park.  We have come a long way but have much left to do.  Your insights on what has been successful and what should be a focus in 2013-2014 is incredibly valuable!  Please take a few minutes to complete the parent survey  posted online at the American Educational Consultants website.  The survey will be available for completion begining Thursday, April 18 and will remain open until Friday, May 3.  You may access it at:   http://www.edconsults.org   Zero Waste Lunch Challenge    Monday, April 22 - Earth Day   PACK A NO WASTE LUNCH! To honor the day, Mrs. Eby's advisory is holding a "zero waste lunch" contest. The trash generated from each lunch period will be weighed and compared and each lunch period will be competing to see who can waste the least amount of food and packaging.   We will have a food waste collection bucket in the cafeteria during lunch periods for such items as; apple cores, banana peels, orange peels, etc. If your family has a compost collection at home and would be interested in picking up the "remains" at the end of lunch (or end of the day) we'd be happy to hold them for you. If you're interested in this "earth-while" duty, please contact Julie Kovalik atjulie.kovalik@menloparkacademy.com to make arrangements.   To help students waste as little as possible, please pack their lunches in reusable containers and encourage them to finish all  their food. They may bring home any whole foods they do not consume, such as an uneaten apple or a sandwich half. Hopefully this will generate awareness about food waste and show student how little actions can add up to a big difference!    Boosters Elections    To be held Wednesday, May 8th at 6pm Calling all parents! The Boosters elections will take place in May. If you are interested in running for President, Vice President, Secretary or Treasurer, please email your name to boosters@menloparkacademy.com by Monday, May 6th. Elections will take place at the last Booster meeting of the year, May 8th @ 6pm.  Our thanks go out to everyone on the Boosters for helping make this such a great year for the MPA students and staff! MPA Movies  Intern To Promote Menlo Mrs. B-W's daughter, Maya, will be completing her senior project at MPA,making movies that communicate and promote our programming (Perhaps you saw the Invention Convention Video she produced at the last recognition assembly?)  She will be on campus throughout the month of May.  Photos and video clips are needed for this endeavor. If you have any footage you would like to share, please email it to Mrs. BW at paige.bw@menloparkacademy.com.   MPA Night at the Crushers Game Sunday, June 2nd at 5pm The annual Menlo Park Academy night with the Lake Erie Crushers will take place on Sunday, June 2nd at 5:05pm versus the Joliet Slammers. Menlo Park students will sing the National Anthem. Come join us for an evening of fun and friends!  Tickets are $9 each and can be ordered using this flyer.  All ticket orders are due by Monday, May 6th, in order to be guaranteed seats in the MPA section. Boys' Basketball Results Junior Varsity Last Saturday, the JV team won two games defeating the Suns 21-11 and then defeating the Pacers 19-15. In the victory over the Suns, the team was led by 5th graders Jacob L, and Matt H, and 4th grader Alex G. Also scoring baskets were 4th graders Jack H and Joey C.   Varsity Meanwhile, the Varsity team also improved to 5-1 (and they have won 5 in a row) by winning a 34-33 overtime thriller last Saturday.    Game #1 - Saturday, April 20th @ Berea High School at 4:30pm vs Lake Erie Storm Game #2 - Saturday, April 20th @ Berea High School at 6:45pm vs SMAC Premier Game #3 - Sunday, April 21st @ Independence Field House at 9:00am vs SPA Shooters (6354 Selig Drive Independence, 44131) So, whether you want to support the JV team in Lakewood or the Varsity team in Berea, come show your support for the Wizards this weekend! They have worked so hard and are playing great and exciting basketball. Don't miss a chance to see the boys in action before the school year ends!!!! Embrace the World Extravaganza Basket Contributions See link below for class basket themes   Spring is in the air! The end of year EXTRAVAGANZA will be held, May at Menlo Park Academy. This is a whole-school event and MPA is asking each student to contribute a NEW item (about $5+ value) to a "themed" gift basket to be used to raise funds at the event. These funds will help to purchase apps for our new lower school iPads as well as build a leveled book room for MPA that will ehance our ability to differentiate language arts curriculum. These baskets have been very popular in the past because they are made up of items from our students and families.  Collection boxes will be placed in each homeroom starting on March 25th. Feel free to partner with another parent in your child's homeroom to contribute a bigger item. Items may be split into multiple baskets. The deadline for contributing items is April 26th. We need 100% participation in order to make this a success. Thank you in advance for your support! For specific details on your student(s)'s classroom basket please *click here* As always, thank you for support and generosity! Information can be submitted via email to: communications@menloparkacademy.com for review and inclusion in the weekly update. Submissions are subject to Director approval.