In this edition
Upcoming Dates
Academic Information
School Events
Important Announcements
Volunteer Central
Student Council
Kudos Corner
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Upcoming Dates                     
 
December  
December 23 - January 3: Winter Break

January 
1/20 - MLK Day: No School
1/21 - Teacher In-service: No School 

TBD - Lower School Winter Festival and Upper School Dance

Save the dates....
2/22/14 - MPA night @ the Lake Erie Monsters
3/14/14 - MPA K-4 Math/Pi Night, 6:30 pm 

Upcoming Hot Lunches
12/10 & 12/12 - Taco Plate, Pasta 
Keeping on Top of Academics                    

Gradebook
Did you remember that you can set up your Gradebook account to receive notifications about your student's grades? In Gradebook, you have the option to enable email notices that will automatically update you if your learner's grades fall below certain ranges, as well as alerting you about missing assignments. 
 
The Alert feature is located on the left-side navigation bar.
    
School Newsletters
Learn more about what is going on in the classrooms!
 
 
 
School Events
There is always something wonderful around the corner!
 
Winter Concert is Today!
It is finally time for the MPA "Holly Jolly Holiday" winter concert! From learning lines to gathering goodies, the students, teachers, families, and staff have all worked hard to make this year's winter celebration the best one yet!

The concert will be held again at Magnificat High School. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for a preview of the raffle baskets, and the concert will begin at 6:30 p.m.  All family and friends are welcome.
 
Important Student Information: 
Band and Theater Students - Please have your student to the Magnificat auditorium by 5:45 p.m. to allow them the opportunity to work through their scenes with technical support on the stage. 

See the Raffle Baskets and Auction Items 
From one of a kind personalized experiences to decadent baskets, the Winter Concert raffle and auction has something to tantalize and tempt everyone! 
 
Here is a sneak peak at the wonderful offerings.

Cookies Still Needed for Winter Concert
Concerts and cookies go hand in hand! With over 500 people expected, cookie donations are still needed. If you able to bring cookies, please sign up here.

Please be sure to label your tray if you would like it returned. Also, be sure to label any items that have allergy concerns (ie. nuts, coconut etc.). 
Important Announcements
Don't miss out on the latest news from MPA
Last Call for Hot Lunch Sign-Up
This is your last chance to sign your child/children up for Hot Lunch program. If your family would like to participate in the Hot Lunch options, please fill out the form and return it to school in an envelope marked Hot Lunch. 

Each lunch option is only $13.75 for the remainder of the year! Checks should be made payable to MPA Boosters. If you have questions, please contact Boosters.                           

Volunteer Central - MPA Needs You!

Browns Game Volunteers
We need your help for the final Browns home game on 12/15/13! If you are interested in signing up to help staff the MPA concession stand, please sign up here. This is a great chance to mingle with other MPA parents, witness the excitement of the game, log some volunteer hours, and secure your child a dress down pass. 
 
School Day Support
If you have extra time in your schedule, please consider helping in one of these important areas:

Afternoon Carline
Afternoon carline is consistently short on help on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. We are looking for 1 additional person to help on each of these days. If you have never helped with carline,
Mr. Kennedy is happy to train you. 
 
Lunch and Recess Support
With wintry weather looming, indoor recess will occur more often. Having extra support in the busy cafetorium is very appreciated.

To volunteer for either of these important spots, please contact School Day Support
Extracurricular Activities                     
Basketball Season
It's Wizards Time!
 
MPA started its basketball program just two short seasons ago. Now we have two girls teams and two boys teams to cheer on! Both Boys and Girls teams will be playing in the West Suburban Basketball league, playing in various schools across the West Side of Ohio.
 
Make time in your family schedule to come and support our basketball athletes!

Boys Basketball
There are 2 openings for spots for the Boy's Varsity (7th-8th grade) Basketball team. The season starts on Jan 11th so interested students need to make a decision to play by December 13th in enough time to order and receive a uniform.
 
Interested parents looking for more information may contact Coach Willie.
 
Boys JV Schedule  
The Menlo Park Academy Boys JV winter season starts on December 7th. The JV program has grown with players, and we now have two teams -- JV Blue and JV White. 
  
BLUE TEAM
Hunter C., Jacob L., Matt H., Sam P., Miles M., Jacob D., Jack H., Brendan A.

WHITE TEAM
John H., Magnus G., Alex G., Dylan C., Talon B., Ben R., Laith A., Logan C.

BLUE TEAM DECEMBER SCHEDULE:
  • Game #1 - 12/7/13 vs. Strongsville Longhorns @ 2:30 at MH Junior High
    (formerly Midpark High School in Middleburg Hts)
  • Game #2 - 12/14/13 vs. Columbia Coleman @ 12:30 at MH Junior High
WHITE TEAM DECEMBER SCHEDULE: 
  • Game #1 - 12/7/13 vs. Berea T'wolves @ 12:30 at Berea High School
  • Game #2 - 12/14/13 vs. Blue Devils @ 1:30 at MH Junior High
 
Girls Basketball 
The Wizard girls teams are ready to take the court this weekend!
ORANGE TEAM   
Asia G., Charlotte M., Eliana M., Janna J., Maeve K., Natalie C., Olivia W., Taylor H., 
Zella B.
 
WHITE TEAM
Katey F., Katie L., Katie M., Leanne W., Lillie R., Nadia D., Olivia S., Alex T., Julia C.,

Alaina K. 
ORANGE TEAM DECEMBER SCHEDULE:
Game #1 - 12/7 vs. Berea Mystics @ 2:30 at MH Junior High
Game #2 - 12/14 vs. WHITE TEAM!  @ 1:30 at MH Junior High

WHITE TEAM DECEMBER SCHEDULE:
Game #1 - 12/7 vs. Cuyahoga Heights @ 3:30 at MH Junior High
Game #2 - 12/14 vs. ORANGE TEAM!  @ 1:30 at MH Junior High
 
Ski Club
Skiers and Snowboarders
The deadline for Ski Club is rapidly approaching; you only have until Dec. 20th to sign up!
For more information, go to 
BMBW.com. Our user name for the club membership page is Skadiski, and the password is Member. Please contact Ms. Basiewicz with any questions.
 
Young Rembrandts 
Young Rembrants is now accepting enrollment for their January classes. Learn More.
Student Council Update           
                                       
Update
The Student Council would like to announce that the Winter Dance has been moved to allow for greater time in planning and increased attendance. 
 
Please watch for information and fundraising opportunities for the Lower School Winter Festival and the Upper School Winter Dance after the start of the New Year.
Kudos Corner
 
Way to Go Tennis Players!
Two Menlo Park Academy Students won FIRST places in their divisions in the Towpath Tennis Center 33rd Annual Thanksgiving Tennis Tournament.

Congratulations to Melissa K., Girls' 12, winner and Shaira B., Girls' 10, winner!

Long Distance Accomplishment
Caleb C. earned his Boy Scout Cycling Merit Badge by completing a series of long distance rides, culminating in a 50 mile bike ride on November 3rd! Congratulations on this accomplishment.  

Check Mate
The MPA Chess Teams did very well at the Ohio Grade Level Championship Tournament, held on November 23 at KSU. We're running out of space for all the trophies! 

Here are the highlights:
Dae K. won the 6th place trophy for 1st grade.
2nd grade team brought home the 3rd place team trophy. 
3rd grade team brought home the 1st place team trophy. 

Individual trophies were givne to:
Vigelis A., Young K., Karthik O., and Dominic M.

Dylan L. did a great job in a very tough competition level.

Great job, MPA!
Have Something for the Newsletter?
Information can be submitted via email to: communications@menloparkacademy.com for review and inclusion in the weekly update. Submissions are subject to Director approval.
This email was sent to avonhokie@yahoo.com by menlopark@menloparkacademy.com  
Menlo Park Academy | 14440 Triskett Avenue | Cleveland | OH | 44111