Beth Larson (11) and Carl Runge (10) were selected through audition to participate in next year’s Minnesota All-State Band program.  Beth (bassoon) was selected to be a member of the All-State Concert Band, and Carl (trumpet) was selected to be a member of the All-State Jazz Band.  They will participate in a week-long summer camp at St. Cloud University in August and will perform at Orchestra Hall next February in conjunction with the Minnesota Music Educator’s Mid-Winter In-service Clinic. 

Ninth Grade and Tenth Grade Parent Meetings

On Wednesday, May 16th, before the US Vocal Concert, there will be parent meetings to discuss some highlights of next year.  Grade 9 parents will meet in the Large Conference Room, and Grade 10 parents will meet in the Recital Hall.  The meetings will begin at 6:00 p.m.  (Note:  The 9th Grade Parent Meeting originally scheduled for Monday, May 21st has been moved to May 16th.)

Prom

The 2007 Prom will be held on Saturday, May 5th, 8:00–11:30 p.m. at the Stillwater Historical Courthouse located at 101 West Pine Street, Stillwater, MN.  Only 10th, 11th, and 12th graders may attend the Prom.  Here is a copy of our updated dance policies:

·     All guests must be pre-registered before 3:00 p.m. the day of the dance.  The registration forms require a high school administrator’s signature.  All guests must be currently enrolled in high school.  The only exceptions to this are MPA graduates of the previous graduating class (2006).

·     For all dances, both on and off campus, there will be a police officer in attendance with a Breathalyzer.

·     All students must arrive by 9:30 p.m. No student will be allowed to enter after that time. 

·     Once a student leaves a dance, they may not return.

·     All coats and bags will be given to a chaperone for safe keeping until the end of the dance.

·     Students may not bring in any drink containers to the dance.  Water and pop will be sold at the dance by the Student Council.

·     As this is a school event, students are expected to dance and behave appropriately.

SAT Prep Course

Many of you may not be aware that MPA runs a summer school program for students of all ages.  Two courses offered to Upper School students are the SAT Math Preparation and SAT Verbal Preparation.  If you would like more information, please check on our website or stop by the reception offices for a copy of all Upper School summer course offerings.

2007-2008 Registration

All current students are beginning the process of registration for next year’s classes.  Each student has received a registration sheet, which covers the six required classes:  English, science, physical education, social studies, math, and world language.  Each student needs to check with her/his current math, world language, and science teachers to find out what the proper placement is for next year.  The current teachers must initial the registration form to show that the placement has been discussed with the student.  This form was due in the Upper School office by Thursday, April 12.

Each student can also take fine arts and electives.  On Monday, April 30th, there will be class meetings for grades 9–11.  Students will hear from fine arts teachers about the classes that will be offered next year.  Students may also go online and check out the course description booklet.  Students who have returned their 07-08 contracts will sign up for fine arts by grade level – current 11th graders have priority – on May 11th.

The master schedule is not usually finished until sometime in June.  The data gathered during the registration process is used to build the best master schedule possible.  This does not always mean that each student gets her/his “ideal” schedule.  Your understanding and flexibility are appreciated.

Class of 2007 College Choice Display

A special bulletin board has been created at MPA to profile the college and university enrollment plans of the Class of 2007.  Look for it next to rooms 146 and 148.  We plan to have this display of pennants and photos up for the month of May.