December 4, 2019
MPA fifth grader Maggie M. was recently featured in The Gazette for doing right in the community! When she noticed that her neighborhood didn’t have a caution sign for turtles crossing the road near a local pond, she immediately stepped in to find a solution. Inspired and empowered by her community and peers at MPA, Maggie wrote a letter to Stillwater Mayor Ted Kozlowski.
In her letter, Maggie elaborated why installing a sign was important not only to her, but to the entire neighborhood. She even offered to fundraise for the installation of the sign in order to make sure the problem was solved as soon as possible. Mayor Kozlowski was so impressed by Maggie’s initiative that he wrote back asking to meet and decide where the sign should go! Maggie knew exactly where turtles cross the road by a pond across from the Stillwater Country Club, and also knew it is highly traveled by cars. Today, the sign is now prominently displayed, bringing attention to the turtles passing through, thanks to her.
Maggie’s advice to her peers who also want to make change is to think about what you are able to do, and secondly, what you want to do. “Look for things around you that help you become inspired,” Maggie said.
Due to technical difficulties during a previous screening of “Angst,” MPA will have a re-screening on Wednesday, December 11 at 8:15 AM in the Recital Hall. This screening is for adults only. We hope you will join us! No RSVP is required.
Whether you have holiday errands to do or would like a night to yourself, Panther Club and MPA Robotics has you covered. Drop off your children and enjoy the night! Parents’ Night Out is Friday, December 13 from 6-9 PM. Activities will take place in the Family Commons. All Lower School Students are welcome! With the help of Upper School Robotics, the group will play with Lego Robotics, Minecraft, the Robotics Team’s robot, and watch Big Hero 6. Feel free to bring a pillow to get comfy for movie time. Milk and cookies will be served with the movie.
Congratulations to the MPA debate team on an excellent performance at the final regular season tournament of the year! At the Mankato East Classic Debate Tournament, the team amassed a record of 40 and 24, and seven teams won awards.
MPA Music Teachers, Mari Espeland and John Habermann, have been wanting to create an Alma Mater for MPA for years. But as the 2019-20 school year began, our campus went through many changes, Mr. Habermann gained more experience composing music, and MPA entered its 38th year; the timing just felt right.
Join us in a long-standing tradition at MPA! To show appreciation for faculty and staff during this busy time of year, the PA lends a helping hand and volunteers to wrap their holiday gifts for them. 
With the cold and flu season upon us, please keep the following guidelines in mind when deciding whether to send your child to school. This will help to control the spread of infectious diseases at school and allow your student to be available for learning.
Save the date for the MPA Founders’ Breakfast! On Wednesday, December 11 from 7-8 AM in the Family Commons, come and celebrate MPA’s 38-year history with us while enjoying a community breakfast served by the Board of Trustees. There will be homemade pancakes fresh from the griddle, a variety of delicious toppings, savory sides, coffee, and juice. Come early to visit and avoid the long lines!
Congratulations to MPA sophomore Elissa Frankel and freshman Jack Peterson, who auditioned and were selected to be members of the ACDA-MN 9-10 State Honor Choir! Elissa will sing in the Soprano-Alto Choir under the direction of Brandon Dean from Gustavus Adolphus College while Jack will sing in the Mixed Choir conducted by Aimee Beckmann-Collier from Drake University.
Save the date! The MPA Parents Association Gift Wrapping event is on Monday, December 9 from 8 AM-3 PM. This is another Faculty and Staff Appreciation event where members of the Parents Association and parent volunteers come together to wrap presents for MPA staff. Look for the Sign Up Genius coming next week!