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

January 
1/16 - Lower School Winter Festival
1/20 - MLK Day: No School
1/21 - Teacher In-service: No School
1/23 - Science Fair
1/31 - Upper School Winter Dance 

Save the dates....
2/10/14 - Group Photo Day for Yearbook
2/21/14 - Invention Convention
2/22/14 - MPA night @ the Lake Erie Monsters
3/14/14 - MPA K-4 Math/Pi Night, 6:30 pm 
Enjoy Winter Break!                    

Enjoy the family time, the downtime, and all the seasonal treats you can eat!
We look forward to welcoming another great New Year, and to seeing everyone return rested, healthy, and happy.

Happy Holidays, and see you back in school on Monday, January 6, 2014!
Important Announcements
The latest news from MPA
Safety and Security 
It is vitally important for all car drivers to obey the traffic cones throughout the parking lot.
Because we have morning outside time, outdoor recess, and the entire 4th grade located in the modular units, the parking cones and good general parking lot behavior are necessary for the safety of all children. 

This is also true for the cones located on the Grapeland side of the parking lot and building. Drivers are absolutely NOT to move the cones for either entrance to or exit from the general parking lot. Please take the extra moment to go around to the entrance on Orchard Street.

We appreciate everyone's partnership in keeping our parking lot safe for the students of Menlo Park Academy.

Keeping Healthy
Virus season has arrived, and MPA students have had an unfortunate run of strep and stomach bugs.
Please remember that if your child has a fever, or if they are sent home from school with one, they must be fever free for a full 24 hours before returning. The particular stomach virus that has been circulating is very quick acting, so please be extra aware of complaints about tummy aches.
Wishing everyone a healthy winter break!
 
Yearbooks On Sale 
It is time to order your 2013-14 MPA Yearbook. Don't miss out on this important keepsake.
Yearbooks can be ordered online or you can pick-up an order form at the front desk. 

Order online
Go to: ybpay.lifetouch.com
Enter Yearbook ID: 10096814
Follow the simple steps and pay!
Kudos Corner
 
Menlo Park Academy Families
Thank you !!!
 
As we pause for a brief moment between one year and the next, we would like to extend our deep appreciation of the tremendous amount of time, effort, and heart you share with
Menlo Park Academy.
 
As the school continues to grow, the role parents play is as meaningful today as it was on our first. Thank you for your help with the school day, with electives, with events, with hot lunches, with fundraising, with extracurricular activities, with field-trips, with copying, with office work, and all the various and sundry things we ask of you and you provide. 
 
Never doubt that we value the tireless effort you put forth to help. Have a wonderful and restful holiday season. 
School Events
There is always something wonderful around the corner!
 
Winter Parties
Tomorrow!
 
It's time to celebrate family and friends, and enjoy some much earned rest!
Let's end the calendar year with a fun day of celebrating together. 
 
Lower School
Lower school classes are celebrating the winter festivities by having individual classroom parties. Room parents have been coordinating with teachers and other families. If you have any questions about how you can support the fun, please contact the Room Parent committee.
Upper SchoolThe girls and boys basketball team are going to square-off against a team of their favorite teachers and administrators for a chance of glory and bragging rights.  Parents are welcome to come and cheer on their favorite team. The game will start in the cafetorium at 2 p.m.  See you there!
Volunteer Central - MPA Needs You!

Lend a Hand with Community Service Learning Programs
The second trimester Community Service Learning Program advisory classes are looking for parent volunteers to help work under the direction of the teacher and with the students around their chosen community service project.  Parent volunteers would need to come in on Thursday mornings from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m., from January 6th through February 27, 2014.  

The classes will also need volunteer chaperons on field-trips in January and February to the Community Service organizations or destinations. 
 
Interested volunteers can download more information here. 
Volunteers must have BCI and have attended a volunteer training session
Support MPA                    

Annual Fund Appeal
As you plan your holiday and year-end giving, please keep Menlo Park Academy in mind.
The Annual Fund at MPA plays an important role in helping meet the needs of our students and school. Every gift of every size makes a positive difference!  Donate Today.

Box Tops
Keep cutting and sending in your Box Tops! The child who has turned in the most Box Tops by January 31st will receive 2 free tickets to the MPA Night with the Monsters, and will be the winner of the Zamboni ride at the game!
 
Student Council Update           
                                       
Lower School Winter Festival
The Student Council will sponsor a family-friendly festival on Thursday, January 16, 2014 from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. at MPA and in St. Mel's Church hall. 
 
The Winter Festival is geared for MPA kindergarten through 4th grade classes, and will feature fun activities, crafts, and performers. Family members are encouraged to attend but not required.
 
If you would like for your child to attend the festival, a signed permission slip must be returned to the school by January 13, 2014. 
 
If you would like to serve as a parent volunteer for this event, please contact Ms. Nicole Yousef.
 
Keeping on Top of Academics                    

School Newsletters
Learn more about what is going on in the classrooms!
 
 
 
Extracurricular Activities                     
Boy Varsity Basketball  
The Varsity team kicks-off playing in their new league in January. The games are always free, so come out and support our Varsity Wizards!
 
Saturday, January 4, 2014
North Olmsted H.S.
10:50 a.m. vs. Magic
Saturday, January 11, 2014
MH Junior High
3:30 p.m. vs. Grizzlies
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