Dear MPA Community,
A special little boy named Michael Sparkman attended Kindergarten and First Grade at Lorain Gifted Academy (The school closed and Menlo was "birthed" shortly thereafter. A number of families from LGA helped start MPA). Several of MPA's students were in Michael's class. During his first grade year, Michael was diagnosed with cancer. The school rallied around this special family, but he sadly lost his battle at the beginning of MPA's first school year. His sister, Keona, joined MPA that year as a member of the first KG class.
The Sparkman family is moving to Texas in June and we are planting a tree in Michael's honor. He and his family always be a part of our MPA family.
Anyone in the MPA Community is welcome to join us for this dedication.
DATE: Wednesday, June 1
TIME: 1pm
PLACE: Menlo Park Academy
Menlo Park Academy
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Menlo Park Boys Basketball Team - interested?
Menlo Park has the opportunity through the efforts of an incoming Kindergarten (2011-2012 school year) parent to participate in the West Suburban boys’ Basketball League with a team of 5/6th grade boys representing Menlo Park.
Willie Littlejohn has been coaching boys’ basketball for many years as a volunteer, winning “Coach of the Year” last season.
Willie has obtained his employer, Sunnyside Audi, as a sponsor for the program and most of the cost will be covered by their donation (including cost of uniforms). Depending on practice facilities there may be a small cost incurred by parents.
Practices will be twice per week beginning the end of October. Season runs through end of February. Games will be on Saturdays at locations on the Westside of Cleveland (Middleburg Hts, Fairview Park, Midpark High School, Brookpark, N.Olmsted)
We are currently working with the YMCA West Park branch to utilize their facility for practices as they are in close proximity to Menlo Park school.
All boys interested in participating will need to tryout. There will be 11 spots on the team roster and all boys who make the team will play.
Over the course of the summer, we will host a clinic for skill building and have a meeting for parents and students to meet the coach and ask questions.
A registration form for the basketball team was included in last week's family e-mail. For more information please contact:
connie.lindemann@menloparkacademy.com
OR feel free to phone Coach:
Willie Littlejohn
216.287.8786
Willie Littlejohn has been coaching boys’ basketball for many years as a volunteer, winning “Coach of the Year” last season.
Willie has obtained his employer, Sunnyside Audi, as a sponsor for the program and most of the cost will be covered by their donation (including cost of uniforms). Depending on practice facilities there may be a small cost incurred by parents.
Practices will be twice per week beginning the end of October. Season runs through end of February. Games will be on Saturdays at locations on the Westside of Cleveland (Middleburg Hts, Fairview Park, Midpark High School, Brookpark, N.Olmsted)
We are currently working with the YMCA West Park branch to utilize their facility for practices as they are in close proximity to Menlo Park school.
All boys interested in participating will need to tryout. There will be 11 spots on the team roster and all boys who make the team will play.
Over the course of the summer, we will host a clinic for skill building and have a meeting for parents and students to meet the coach and ask questions.
A registration form for the basketball team was included in last week's family e-mail. For more information please contact:
connie.lindemann@menloparkacademy.com
OR feel free to phone Coach:
Willie Littlejohn
216.287.8786
Friday, May 20, 2011
SPIRIT WEEK is Coming!!! May 23-27
It’s time to ditch your uniform & show your school spirit! Come to school dressed each day for the themes below. Prizes will be awarded so leave your inhibitions at home, get creative & have fun!
MONDAY: Groovy 70’s
We’re flashing back to the 70’s – a funky time of peace, love, tie-dies, long hair, braids, afro hair styles, bell-bottom jeans, macrame belts, go-go boots, beads, sandals, long flowing tops…get groovy!
TUESDAY: Fake an Injury Day
When do you get to “plan” your own injury? Think make-up, bandages, splints and anything else you can imagine -- black-eyes, stitches, head injury bandages, broken bones.
WEDNESDAY: Field Day
Blue vs. Orange – Wear your field day t-shirt (to be provided by the school) & get ready for some fun competition at Lakewood Park!
THURSDAY: Multiplicity Day
The more the merrier!! Try to get as many people as possible to dress alike - 2, 3,4….or even 10! That will certainly turn heads in the hall!
FRIDAY: Fashion Disaster
Raid your closet & drawers to pull together the worst outfit you can imagine! Tacky, wacky, weird, inside out, backwards – anything goes!! This is one day you want your parents to say “You’re wearing THAT to school?”
MONDAY: Groovy 70’s
We’re flashing back to the 70’s – a funky time of peace, love, tie-dies, long hair, braids, afro hair styles, bell-bottom jeans, macrame belts, go-go boots, beads, sandals, long flowing tops…get groovy!
TUESDAY: Fake an Injury Day
When do you get to “plan” your own injury? Think make-up, bandages, splints and anything else you can imagine -- black-eyes, stitches, head injury bandages, broken bones.
WEDNESDAY: Field Day
Blue vs. Orange – Wear your field day t-shirt (to be provided by the school) & get ready for some fun competition at Lakewood Park!
THURSDAY: Multiplicity Day
The more the merrier!! Try to get as many people as possible to dress alike - 2, 3,4….or even 10! That will certainly turn heads in the hall!
FRIDAY: Fashion Disaster
Raid your closet & drawers to pull together the worst outfit you can imagine! Tacky, wacky, weird, inside out, backwards – anything goes!! This is one day you want your parents to say “You’re wearing THAT to school?”
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Peace Corps Volunteer Visits MPA to Share Her Year in Kenya
Margaret Callahan, a Peace Corps volunteer, will be visiting Menlo Park Academy on Monday, May 23rd. She just returned from a year in the Peace Corps teaching high school math in Kenya. She has a large collection of fascinating pictures and many stories to tell about the lifestyle in Kenya.
Mrs. Janeyth Eby, MPA's middle school science teacher is tying this visit into a unit on ecosystems and biomes, but also wants students to learn about a culture and way of life that is totally different from their own. She wants them to learn about the extraordinary lengths that young people go to in Africa to try to get an education. The kids will also learn about a place where electricity is available only sporadically so people rely mainly on solar power - a much more "green" way of living!
All are welcome to drop by and listen from 8:30-9:30 on Monday, May 23rd.
Mrs. Janeyth Eby, MPA's middle school science teacher is tying this visit into a unit on ecosystems and biomes, but also wants students to learn about a culture and way of life that is totally different from their own. She wants them to learn about the extraordinary lengths that young people go to in Africa to try to get an education. The kids will also learn about a place where electricity is available only sporadically so people rely mainly on solar power - a much more "green" way of living!
All are welcome to drop by and listen from 8:30-9:30 on Monday, May 23rd.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Enrollment Information 2011-2012 School year
- Every grade (K-6th) has a waiting list
- THERE ARE ONLY 5 spots left in 7/8 Grade for next year!!!!
- Any questions or concerns regarding your enrollment status for next year can be directed to admissions@menloparkacademy or to Nancy Colby our awesome staff member who coordinates Admissions.
2011 Duct Tape Festival Parade
Real Fans “Stick” Together:
Saturday, June 18 @ 10:00AM
________________________________________________
Menlo Park is once again planning a fun float to build our Menlo Park Community and have some fun after the school year.
Please let me know if you are interested in helping in any of the following ways:
I have a trailer the school could use
I have building skills and would help build
We will help cover with Duct Tape
(afternoons: 6/5, 6/12 : 6/13-6/17)
We can attend and participate in the parade
Thanks, Christine Masgras
Friday, May 6, 2011
ADVOCACY ALERT: Gifted Funding - NEXT STEPS
Thanks to your calls and emails, we won a victory for gifted funding!
The following updates came Ann Sheldon from the Ohio Association of Gifted Children:
1. "Against the wishes of the House Finance Chair and Vice Chair, Rep. Maag introduced a floor amendment for gifted maintenance of effort. The amendment passed 56 - 42! Gifted isn't saved, but it is in a better position as we move to the Senate!!!
2. "Good work, Medina parents. The Speaker (from Medina) voted for the amendment when the majority of his caucus did not!!!! On to the Senate...." We've won a victory, but the battle continues...
NEXT STEPS: Please reach out to Senator Obhof. It will only take 3 minutes to do the following:
Send an email to Senator Obhof (Email: SD22@senate.state.oh.us):
· In the subject line, type “Gifted Amendment - Senate Support"
· Discuss how gifted services have been cut in our district
· Ask that he support the amendment for gifted funding that was just passed in the House with the support of Speaker Batchelder
Make phone calls to the Senator Obhof (Phone: (614) 466-7505):
· You will likely get voice mail or an aide who will answer.
· Ensure you leave a message. As always, please be polite.
· Ask him to support the amendment for gifted funding that was just passed in the House with the support of Speaker Batchelder
Thank you so much for your continued support.
Parents (voters) do make a difference.
The following updates came Ann Sheldon from the Ohio Association of Gifted Children:
1. "Against the wishes of the House Finance Chair and Vice Chair, Rep. Maag introduced a floor amendment for gifted maintenance of effort. The amendment passed 56 - 42! Gifted isn't saved, but it is in a better position as we move to the Senate!!!
2. "Good work, Medina parents. The Speaker (from Medina) voted for the amendment when the majority of his caucus did not!!!! On to the Senate...." We've won a victory, but the battle continues...
NEXT STEPS: Please reach out to Senator Obhof. It will only take 3 minutes to do the following:
Send an email to Senator Obhof (Email: SD22@senate.state.oh.us):
· In the subject line, type “Gifted Amendment - Senate Support"
· Discuss how gifted services have been cut in our district
· Ask that he support the amendment for gifted funding that was just passed in the House with the support of Speaker Batchelder
Make phone calls to the Senator Obhof (Phone: (614) 466-7505):
· You will likely get voice mail or an aide who will answer.
· Ensure you leave a message. As always, please be polite.
· Ask him to support the amendment for gifted funding that was just passed in the House with the support of Speaker Batchelder
Thank you so much for your continued support.
Parents (voters) do make a difference.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
The Mighty Tigues are Giggin' at "The Hooley"
MPA's own Marysa Tigue & The Mighty Tigues are giggin' at "The Hooley" ("party" in Irish) at Kamm's Corner on Sat May 14. It's a HUGE event. Kid friendly, food, drinks, booths with wares - right here in West Park. About 2,000 people will be roaming the blocked off streets. The Mighty Tigues will be in full band form (incl. drums and possibly keys) & taking the main stage from 6-7:30pm. It's really fun! If you need a break from roaming the streets, there's tons of bars/restaurants to pop into, sit down, eat, drink, people watch, and enjoy!!!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Earn $500 for MPA - Act BEFORE May 7th!
Earn $500 for your charter school!
In honor of National Charter Schools Week, we're giving one lucky charter school $500for a technology project.
Nominating a school is easy:
1) Visit our SchoolOne Facebook page and click the "Like" button.* (No spaces in SchoolOne)
2) Write a post** on our wall that includes your city, state, and the full name of your charter school.
$$$$ The school with the most posts by midnight eastern time on May 7th wins. $$$$
In honor of National Charter Schools Week, we're giving one lucky charter school $500for a technology project.
Nominating a school is easy:
1) Visit our SchoolOne Facebook page and click the "Like" button.* (No spaces in SchoolOne)
2) Write a post** on our wall that includes your city, state, and the full name of your charter school.
$$$$ The school with the most posts by midnight eastern time on May 7th wins. $$$$
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