On Friday, December 1, all MPA sophomores will take the PLAN, which is a great preparation test for the ACT.  The testing will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Nicholson center and will be completed by 11:00 a.m.  All students will be required to bring pencils and a calculator to the test.  Preliminary information about the PLAN was distributed to all sophomores during the week of November 13.  The PLAN includes test sections in English, mathematics, reading, and science as well as a career interest inventory.  If you have any questions about the PLAN testing on December 1, please contact Phil Trout, Director of College Counseling, at 651.748.5520. 

This year’s semi-formal dance will be held on Saturday, December 2^nd from 8:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.  This dance will take place at Central Park in Woodbury, 8595 Central Park Place, 651.714.3583.  All students in grades 9 – 12 are invited to attend.  Tickets to the dance are $15, and must be purchased in advance.  Tickets will be on sale during lunch for one week before the event.  All non-MPA student guests must be registered in the Upper School office by Friday, December 1.  This is a formal occasion and students should dress accordingly, No tuxedos necessary.  Although this event takes place off-campus, it is a school activity and as such must be a drug- and alcohol-free event.  Students are expected to abide by all school rules.  Additionally, once students arrive at the dance, they must remain at the dance.  Once a student leaves the dance he or she will not be readmitted.  Students must arrive by 10:00 p.m. in order to be admitted.  If any student does not arrive by 10:00 p.m. we will contact parents.  This should be a great time for everyone! 

I would like to invite all 10^th grade parents to a meeting before the Instrumental Concert on Thursday, Dec. 7, at 6:00 p.m. in the Recital Hall.   This meeting will be a chance to talk about how 10^th grade is going, answer any questions, and share information about the 10^th grade Deep Portage trip in February – a three-day retreat in northern MN.  John Edmundson, who has organized the trip for over 20 years, will be there to talk about the experience.