Update For Week of November 22, 2024

Dear MSA Families,

I want to personally thank all of you who donated for Give to The Max Day. I am humbled by the support that you provide to MSA both monetarily and with your time. Your generosity is one of the things that makes MSA a great place to work and go to school. Your donations will fund many teacher grant requests, add to our food pantry, and upgrade technology in several classrooms.

Next week we have school on Monday and Tuesday only. We are off Wednesday-Friday for the holiday and Monday, December 2, 2024 is a staff development day so students will stay home. We hope you enjoy the extended holiday weekend and we will see everyone back December 3.

With Gratitude,
Kate Hinton
Executive Director

Update For Week of October 25, 2024

Dear MSA Families,

MSA’s Parent/Teacher conferences will be November 5th and November 7th. Conferences are student-led and must be scheduled in advance. Sign up here. MSA has a goal of 85% parent attendance at conferences with their students.

Monday is the kick-off of spirit week, leading up to our digital day on Friday, November 1st. Please encourage your student to consider showing their MSA spirit next week.

Have a great weekend,
Kate Hinton
Executive Director

Update For Week of October 4, 2024

Dear MSA Families,

This weekend is Homecoming. We have four volleyball games this evening following a rousing 3:00 Pepfest. The high school dance is Friday evening for high school students. This is always an exciting time of the year.

As a reminder, October 16 is the PSAT day for students in grades 9-11. Students in these grades will have bus transportation for the day. All other students will have a digital learning day. All students are off October 17 and 18 for MEA break. Please reach out to Isaac Johnson if you have any questions.

Enjoy these beautiful fall days and have a great weekend,
Kate Hinton
Executive Director

Update For Week of September 27, 2024

Dear MSA Families,

Students are busily engaged in their learning here at MSA. Your student should have grades posted in their classes. Now is a good time to have your child review their progress and grades. If your student is struggling in any classes, encourage them to visit their teacher during office hours.

Our increasing enrollment and bus driver shortage has made parent pick up more challenging. Please follow the directions of the traffic monitors. It is important for student safety that students are picked up in designated areas. In addition, turning right on Pioneer Drive during high traffic times makes the pick up line move much faster.

Finally, Monday is a professional development day for teachers so there is no school.

Enjoy the long weekend,
Kate Hinton
Executive Director

Update For Week of September 13, 2024

Dear Families,

Thank you for an amazing first week. Your students are truly a joy to have on campus. I know transportation has been challenging this week. We have been working with South Washington County Schools to resolve issues. Students who did not get routes or bus cards should be getting them soon. Bus drivers will give students bus cards as they are printed. The entire community has been so patient and understanding with the longer waits and rides. I appreciate your patience.

Thank you,
Kate Hinton
Executive Director

Full newsletter linked below:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KMoYS9a9DefVTcxWVKlwsEcnW0eeHuqS/view?usp=sharing

Update For Week of August 23, 2024

We are just a few short weeks away from the start of the 24-25 school year. This year September 3 is the first day of school for students in grades 6 and 9. All students will attend school starting September 4.

Back to School Night is August 29 from 3:00 to 7:00. Students will pick up their technology, get their schedules, and meet their teachers. Pictures will be taken September 10 and 11 during social studies classes.

Sixth grade night is this Thursday, August 22 from 3:00-5:00 in the gym with PTO sponsored potluck/picnic immediately following from 5:00-7:00.

See you soon,
Dr. Kate Hinton

Update For Week of June 28, 2024

I hope everyone is enjoying summer break. I want to invite you to an expansion Town Hall July 10 at 6:00 in the Great Hall. We have lots of exciting updates to our expansion plan. We would love to share all the news with you.

School supply lists will be posted on the website in July.

Hope to see you at the Town Hall,
Kate Hinton
Executive Director

Update For Week of June 7, 2024

Dear MSA Families,
We are at the end of an action packed school year. Tomorrow, the Class of 2024 graduates and summer break begins for students and most staff. Extra summer practice in math and Spanish will be posted on the website. Students are encouraged to complete this extra practice.

Grades will be posted by Monday June 10 in Skyward. Please review your child’s grades with them. Honor roll certificates will be mailed home.

Most of the office staff and the administration will be working all summer to get ready for the 2024-25 school year. Our offices will have reduced hours which will be posted on the website. If you need to reach someone please call or email.

Finally, we will be doing a lot of work in preparation for expansion. We changed project management teams and the pace of work has picked up. Please keep an eye out for updates and information on Town Halls planned for this summer.

Have a great summer!
Kate Hinton
Executive Director

Update For Week of May 24, 2024

Dear MSA Families,

We are down to seven short days of school left in the 23-24 year. This afternoon we had our Talent Show and Spring Sports recognition. Next week during lunch, we have Cake Day on Thursday and Free Pizza on Friday.

Our board election results were made official on Tuesday night. Congratulations to Kari Koerner, Tamara Brooks and Brian Linzmeier. The new board year begins July 1.

Enjoy the long weekend,
Kate Hinton
Executive Director

Update For Week of May 17, 2024

Dear Families,

Our election has closed today. Although the results are not yet known, I have heard the turnout was great. Thank you for taking the time to make your voices heard. The Board of Directors will send out an announcement to the community on Wednesday with the results.

MSA Staff would like to thank our amazing PTO and student council members for making us feel so appreciated. We have been pampered in the last two weeks and we are thankful.

As the school year wraps up please take time to check your students' grades and encourage them to finish strong. Teachers are still having office hours and are ready to help if needed.

Warmly,
Kate Hinton
Executive Director

Update For Week of May 10, 2024

Dear Families,

We are approaching the end of the school year. It has been exciting to see your children learn and grow this year. We have lots of fun activities planned between now and the end of the school year. Please help your child remember that there is still school work to complete even if we are having fun.

Finally, I would like to wish all our amazing moms a Happy Mother’s Day! You are your child’s first teacher.

Thank you,
Dr. Kate Hinton
Executive Director

Update For Week of May 3, 2024

Dear MSA Families,

Spring has sprung at MSA. We have lots of activities planned for students this spring. A special thanks to our prom committee for securing a larger boat for prom. There is room for students in grades 11 and 12 and their guests (with guest permission) who would still like to attend. Ticket sales will close May 6. Don’t miss out on this opportunity.

We have been alerted that there are some students who are trying to start Nerf Wars at MSA. This is an extremely dangerous game and is not allowed at MSA. Students in other districts have died chasing each other in cars while engaged in this game. Parents please stress the Nerf Wars with your student.

Please remember to vote in our BOD elections.

Happy Spring,
Kate Hinton
Executive Director

Update For Week of April 26, 2024

Dear MSA Families,

We are pleased to announce that in addition to being named the number one high school and number two middle school in Minnesota by US News and World Report we are ranked 120th best school in the nation. We are very proud of the work our staff, students, and parents put in everyday to make this possible. Liz Wynne, our authorizer, also sends her congratulations. She is very proud of this achievement.

Our BOD elections are scheduled to take place May 2-17. Staff and parents are encouraged to vote remotely. Please review the candidate statements by clicking About>Board of Directors>BOD Elections>Candidate Statements (at the top). You will need your Skyward login information to vote. Please contact the office if you need assistance. We look forward to a robust voter turnout.

Students of the Month:
Gray Kellie
Jolyn Ngue
Julia Weber
Irene Kranz
Quinn Bailey
Izzy Girma
Avynne Rivard
Thank you for showing Dragon Fire!

Warmly,
Kate Hinton
Executive Director

Update For Week of April 12, 2024

Dear MSA Families,

We had a great turn out for our Expansion Town Hall last night. Thank you to those who came. I have attached the slides and a link to ask questions if you were unable to attend. We are at an exciting time in our expansion journey. We have identified three properties as potential school sites. One is in Woodbury and the other two are in northern Cottage Grove. Our project team is completing feasibility studies on all three sites. That work will be completed in the next week or two. The board is expected to select a property in May to pursue. Once the property is identified a due diligence period will begin to ensure that site meets all of our guidelines. The slide and feedback form are located under the expansion tab.


We are hosting coffee with the Executive Director April 9 from 8:00-8:45 in the conference room of Building C. I would love for you to stop by for coffee and conversation.

Warmly,
Kate Hinton
Executive Director

Update For Week of March 29, 2024

Dear MSA Families,

Thursday, April 4 MSA will host our second Town Hall on Expansion. The team has been working hard and would like to share the latest information with you. We also have Coffee with the Executive Direction April 9 at 8:00 a.m. I am looking forward to seeing many of you at one or both events.

Monday morning, we had some difficulties with our robocall system. We are currently working on improving the system. If you did not get a call Monday morning about school closing please follow the directions below to opt-in to the robocall system. We will test it Monday, April 1 with an invitation to the Town Hall. Please contact the office you attempted to opt-in and you do not get a call Monday afternoon.

Robo Call Opt in Directions - link in weekly email

Thanks,
Kate Hinton
Executive Director

Update For Week of March 22, 2024

Dear MSA Families,

We have managed to make it all the way to the end of March before we have had to worry much about winter weather. I am hopeful that we will be in school as normal on Monday but if we need to cancel in person school the procedures for e-learning days are below. If ISD 833 cancels or delays the start of the school day, we will have an e-learning day. We will post on all the major news channels, the website, and send out a message if we have an e-learning day.

Warmly,
Dr. Kate Hinton
Executive Director

Potential for Inclement Weather

MDE designates 5 E-learning days for inclement weather for schools.
On e-learning days, students will receive an email from their teachers with a description of the e-learning assignment(s) for the day and look for an e-learning posting on the teacher's Google Classroom by 10:00 am. Teachers will post their office hours along with how to contact them with any questions concerning the assignment(s).

Update For Week of March 15, 2024

Dear MSA Families,

The best part of my day is always the students. MSA is full of amazing, interesting, kind students. We have begun recognizing exceptional students in each grade as Students of the Month.

Our February Students of the Month:

Sammiat Orepekan grade 6
Alex Meyer grade 7
Jade Lawson grade 8
Axel Latuff grade 9
Sylvia Brodd grade 10
Ethan Jones grade 11
Ledia Zewdu grade 12

Their profiles are below. Congratulations to these students and thank you to all our families for choosing MSA.

We are making progress on expansion and would like to share the latest with you at our Expansion Town Hall April 4, 2024 from 6:00-7:30.

Warmly,
Dr. Kate Hinton
Executive Director

Update For Week of March 1, 2024

Dear MSA Families,

Our expansion planning continues to move forward. Our project management team is working on feasibility plans for three sites in district 833. The board is planning to select a site later this spring. I will keep you posted as more information is available.

I hope you all have a restful and enjoyable spring break. Please consider contributing to Pi Day. More information can be found below.

Warmly,
Kate Hinton
Executive Director

Update For Week of February 16, 2024

Dear MSA Families,
Thank you to all of you who ventured out to conferences on the first snowy day of the season. For those of you who have not attended yet we look forward to seeing you on Thursday, February 22. I really appreciate the feedback on our parent surveys. I was humbled by the overwhelming support and excited to move forward on some great suggestions. Your voice is essential in our continued success.
In Partnership,
Kate Hinton
Executive Director

Update For Week of February 2, 2024

Dear MSA Families,

Spring conferences are coming up on February 15 and 22 from 5-8. Please look for more information on how to sign up next week. Middle school conferences are going to be student-led again and high school conferences will have a drop in format. Please plan on attending.

Tuesday, February 13 is our next coffee with the executive director. I would love to have you stop in for coffee and conversation in building C from 8:00-8:45 a.m. I look forward to seeing you.

Warmly,
Kate Hinton
Executive Director

Update For Week of January 26, 2024

Dear MSA Families,
This week we are celebrating our amazing ParaProfessionals. We are lucky to have the best group of paras in the state. I have never met such a dedicated group. MSA would not be the same without each and every one of them.

Monday is a digital learning day. Teachers will have office hours and assignments posted in their Google Classrooms.

If you have not already done so, please take the parent survey. Your feedback is essential to our continued success.

Have a great weekend,
Kate Hinton
Executive Director

Update For Week of January 19, 2024

Dear MSA Families,

Thank you for attending the Town Hall on Expansion Wednesday night. We had a good turnout and lots of great feedback and questions from our community. I have attached a copy of the presentation and the FAQ document. Please look for more information on the website next week.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jo2nvrKlBPQegZjCOuVbGLtbL8e7x-XT/view
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dOArMTzyzVMRQlXiQgPA2a4HlqO_7kxJxZsflJlOJuo/edit

Our parent survey went out Wednesday. Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey. We would love to hear your feedback.
Monday is a no school day. The PTO has planned a fun event for students.

Warmly,
Kate Hinton
Executive Director

**Come to MSA Field and Skate Day on Monday January 22nd 12-2pm. The PTO reserved the indoor field at M Health Fairview Sports Center for MSA students to play soccer, relay games, football or just hang out! The outdoor skating rink will also be open for ice skating, weather permitting.

Update For Week of January 12, 2024

Dear MSA Families,

Next week marks the end of semester 1. Please ask your child to check their grades in Skyward, make sure they have completed their work for the semester, or have a plan to do so. Grades will be finalized the last week of January.

We have been very busy with expansion. We have made an offer on a temporary leased space for students in grades 10-12 this month and will know by the first week of February if they have accepted our offer. The BOD will then make the final decision on the lease. Our real estate agent has identified 10 properties for the new building and the expansion committee was most interested in six of them. They are all in district 833. We are hoping to secure one of them in the next couple of months so that we can begin construction for a Fall 2026 move.

Please join us January 17 for our Town Hall on Expansion. We will meet in the Great Hall at 6:00.

Warmly,
Kate Hinton
Executive Director

Update For Week of January 5, 2024

Dear MSA Families,

Happy 2024! I hope you had a wonderful winter break. I hope to see you at one of our family engagement events this month. All families are invited to attend Coffee with the Executive Director January 9 at 8:00 in Building C. Also, MSA will be hosting an open house on expansion January 17 at 6:00 in the Great Hall. All are also welcome to attend our PTO meeting Monday, January 8 at 6:30 in the Great Hall. I would love to hear what is on your mind and share what is happening here at MSA.

Warmly,
Kate Hinton
Executive Director

Update For Week of December 22, 2023

Dear MSA Families,

All of us here at MSA want to wish you a very Happy Holiday season! We will resume school on January 4. All families are invited to attend Coffee with the Executive Director January 9 at 8:00 in Building C. Also, MSA will be hosting an open house on expansion January 17 at 6:00 in the Great Hall.

Keep safe and warm until we see you again in 2024!

Kate Hinton
Executive Director

Update For Week of December 8, 2023

Dear MSA Families,

This is a busy and exciting time of the year at MSA. Winter events are in full swing. I hope you had the opportunity to come see the band last week, the choir and orchestra perform tonight, the basketball teams are playing often, and there is even the opportunity to catch a nordic meet this weekend. Our Annual Dorkathalon is returning December 21. We are excited about new events and our long time favorites.

In January, I will begin coffee with the Executive Director. Please join me January 9 from 8:00-8:45 in Building C for coffee and conversation. There will not be a formal agenda just and opportunity to share thoughts and ideas.

If you are on campus today, you may see Mr. Hoemann on the roof of Building B. Please give him a wave as he is supporting our Give to the Max campaign.

Warmly,

Kate Hinton
Executive Director

Update For Week of December 1, 2023

Dear MSA Families,

It is hard to believe tomorrow will be December. Please review our winter weather procedures (https://www.mnmsa.org/parents2/weather-policy/). I am hopeful we will not have to close schools this winter but Minnesota weather does not always cooperate.

We have a digital learning day on December 11. Students will have assignments posted in their Google Classrooms. Teachers will be available during office hours. The expectations are posted on the website. https://www.mnmsa.org/parents2/e-learning-vs-digital-learning-day/

Winter Break begins December 22 and we resume classes on January 4.

Warmly,
Kate Hinton
Executive Director

Update For Week of November 17, 2023

Dear MSA Families,

I am humbled and thankful to our MSA community for your continued Give the Max support. We have raised $30,468! I am also very appreciative for the families that give so generously of their time. Our family support is important. Thank you!

I wish you and your family a joyful Thanksgiving.

Humbly,
Kate Hinton
Executive Director

Update For Week of November 10, 2023

Dear MSA Families,

I hope you had an opportunity to Shrek the Musical this weekend. I would like to give a big round of applause to Director Karen Biedermann and the entire cast and crew for an amazing show.

It was great to see so many families at conferences this week. Families play a pivotal role in their child’s success. We will have our next round of conferences in February. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher with any questions or concerns between conferences.

If you have been on campus this week you have seen the roofing project underway on Building A. Thank you for your patience during this project. The work is expected to wrap up on Saturday.

Warmly,
Dr. Kate Hinton
Executive Director

Update For Week of October 27, 2023

MSA Families,
Parent teacher conferences will be held November 6 from 5-8pm and November 7 from 9am-1pm. The conferences will be with your student's advisory teacher and will be student led, meaning student's will be preparing a presentation for you and their advisory teacher about their current classes.

The conferences will be pre-scheduled, and scheduling will open on October 25 at 8:00am for you to sign up with your student's advisory teacher. The link to register for conferences is below https://www.mnmsa.org/conferences-2 and will be made available on the parent dashboard on Oct. 24th.

Registration will open 8:00am on October 25th, and close at Noon on November 3rd.

Have a Great week!

Sincerely,
Randy Vetsch

Update For Week of October 20, 2023

Dear MSA Community,
This week is a short week as we have Fall Break October 19 and 20. Enjoy the fall weather and turning of nature to our fall splendor. Next week will be MSA's first Spirit Week with special dress days.

The week's schedule is:
Monday: PJ Day (let's stay comfy all day)
Tuesday: Blackout Day (wear all black)
Wednesday: Dynamic Duo Day (duo can include twins or well-known duos)
Thursday: Jersey Day (support your favorite team)
Friday: Costume Day (woohoo!)

Have a great weekend!
Randy

Update For Week of October 13, 2023

Dear MSA Community,
Next week, students do not have school from Wednesday, October 18 to Friday, October 20. Teachers have a Professional Development Day on Wednesday and Thursday and Friday are Fall Break. The offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday, October 19 and 20, 2023.

Have a great weekend and Fall Break!

Randy Vetsch

Update For Week of September 22, 2023

Dear MSA Community,
This Friday, MSA has our first pepfest of the school year. At this time, we will be recognizing our students who participate in our fall activities: Volleyball, Cross Country, Soccer, Football, Robotics, and Theater. It is exciting to see how many of our students are also involved in activities and clubs at school. That evening will be the Homecoming Volleyball game for our varsity girls’ team who are having a phenomenal year! Then on Saturday, our high schoolers will be having a Homecoming Dance. An incredible finish to a wonderful week!

Update For Week of September 8, 2023

Dear MSA Community,
The first week of school is almost complete. Students are getting accustomed to their schedules and have started into the curriculum in their classes. Buses are still learning their new routes and soon will be on time. The Drop-off and Pick-up procedures are not quite where we expect them to be but with time and routine, they will be much smoother and efficient. After school sports have started competing. The first week of school is an exciting time. I enjoyed seeing the excitement in our students' faces as they reunited with their friends, entered their classrooms and met with their teachers, and welcomed new students. Math and Science Academy is definitely a very SPECIAL place! This is going to be an extraordinary year!

Sincerely,
Randy Vetsch

Update For Week of August 25, 2023

Dear MSA Families,
The MSA staff is looking forward to seeing everyone at Back to School Night on Thursday, August 31 from 3 to 7 p.m. The 2023-34 school year is going to be a great year! The first day of school is Tuesday, September 5, 2023. If you have any questions or need anything, please contact the school.

Respectfully,
Randy Vetsch
Executive Director

Update For Week of May 26, 2023

Dear MSA Community
As the demand to attend MSA and our space constraints continue, MSA is still committed to expand. There were obstacles this year with raising bond rates and cost of building materials, etc. which drastically impacted our work. The efforts will continue and the Board of Directors and Administration will be hosting a State of the School/Town Hall meeting to update and hear from our stakeholders.

Respectfully,

Randy Vetsch

Update For Week of May 12, 2023

Dear MSA Community,

Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week. During this week we are appreciating all of our staff members. We are so fortunate to have such incredible teachers and staff and Math and Science Academy. Our PTO is spoiling our staff during this week with special days. Take this opportunity to thank a teacher for all that they do.

Warmly,

Randy Vetsch

Update For Week of April 21, 2023

Dear MSA Community,

Since the weather forecast for this weekend does not look very pleasant, this would be a great time to come and be entertained at the MSA theater production of “Much Ado About Nothing”. Tickets are still available on the MSA website or at the door. MSA has some incredibly talented students. Hope to see you there!

Have a great weekend!

Warmly,

Randy Vetsch

Update For Week of April 14, 2023

Dear MSA Community,
This has been a wonderful week. The weather has been such a welcome change.

On Tuesday, sixth through eleventh grade students took the MCA test and then participated in a SEL afternoon that consisted of various activities for students. Students were able to choose 3 different activities throughout the afternoon. These activities consisted of art projects, open gym, a petting zoo, and much more. What an enjoyable day!

Enjoy the weather and have a great weekend!

Warmly,
Randy Vetsch

Update For Week of April 7, 2023

Dear MSA Community,

Spring has sprung...at least according to the calendar. We hope the melting snow, puddles, and potholes provide a sense of hope that warner weather is on its way.

Next week, students in grades six through twelfth will be taking the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment on Tuesday. The MCAs are the state tests that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota's academic standards and meet the federal requirements. Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep and eats a healthy breakfast.

Have a great weekend!

Warmly,
Randy Vetsch

Update For Week of March 31, 2023

Dear MSA Community,

Starting on Monday, April 3, voting will begin for the school board elections. There will be three seats open that will be filled through the election process: 1 - parent seat and 2 - teacher seats. Your vote allows your voice to be heard in the education decision-making process at Math and Science Academy.

Thank you for your continued support and taking the time to vote.

Warmly,
Randy Vetsch

Update For Week of March 24, 2023

Dear MSA Community,
Monday, March 20 was the first day of Spring and the change in climate. We also look forward to the 2023-24 school year and what changes this year will bring to MSA.

At the MSA Board meeting, our high school principal, Dr. Hinton, presented on some of the exciting changes for next year. There will be new electives for our high school and middle school students. High school will see the additions of Forensic Science, African American Studies, Geology, and CIS (College in the Schools) Biology (University of Minnesota credited class). Middle school will be adding Coding/Study Skills, Engineering Design/Robotics, and Environmental Studies/Astronomy.

Respectfully,
Randy Vetsch

Update For Week of March 3, 2023

Dear MSA Community,
MSA will be holding Board of Directors elections later this month. We will have one parent seat open and will be filling it this election. The position will begin on July 1, 2023. It is a 3-year commitment. More information will be coming soon. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Maggie Burggraaff at mburggraaff@mnmsa.org.

I wish everyone a safe, enjoyable, exciting spring break!

Respectfully,
Randy Vetsch

Update For Week of February 24, 2023

Dear MSA Community,
Math and Science Academy continues to be a School of Choice for many residents in Woodbury and the surrounding area as was evident in this year's enrollment period. This past Wednesday, February 15, MSA held its lottery for enrollment for 2023 - 2024. There were 514 applicants for our school. For next year, there will be waiting lists in all grades except for 12th grade.

Have a great week and thank you for your support!

Warmly,

Randy Vetsch

Update For Week of February 10, 2023

Dear MSA Families,
February is Black History Month. Paying tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in America. Teachers at MSA are dong activities in their classrooms to commemorate this month.

An email was sent earlier this week with an update from the Joint Merger Taskforce. A new survey question was included in that email. There is no deadline as this will be an ongoing question. We understand that parents may have questions throughout the process. Thank you for your input.

Have a great weekend!

Respectfully,

Randy Vetsch

Update For Week of February 3, 2023

Dear MSA Community,

As we are halfway through the school year, it is a good time to reflect on the first half of the year. So how do you know if your child is truly prepared for the semester ahead? Obviously, report cards are one of the best indicators. Good grades that are consistent with your child's abilities tend to be a good predictor of future performance if students continue putting forth enough effort. Eighty-five percent of MSA students achieved the grades to make the honor roll. That is quite an accomplishment. With consistent effort and fortitude that number can be even higher in the second semester. The second semester brings the MCA test which is another indicator of success (test scores). MCA’s will take place at the end of March and Apri. These are the top two indicators that schools look to to access. MSA will continue to ensure that our students are achieving to the best of their ability.

Warmly,
Randy Vetsch

Update For Week of January 27, 2023

Dear MSA Community:
There has been much dialogue around expansion and merger as we look into plans for next school year. We have exhausted any remaining space here at our current site and need to look for new locations to continue to provide the high, quality education that we have all come to expect at MSA. With growing bond rates and the cost of building materials, the options have been limited with just expansion. The merger that was brought up this fall in back is back in the mix as a potential option to meet our growing needs while providing many other positive benefits: a K-12 academic offering, better financial stability, consistent enrollment stream, a continual curriculum to drive, and much more. To keep on top of what is happening, visit the school website and enter the Expansion/Merger Tab.

Respectfully,
Randy Vetsch

Update For Week of January 20, 2023

Dear MSA Community,

We are halfway through the 2022-23 school year. This has been an incredible start to a fantastic year. I am impressed with the quality of our teaching staff and the desire, work ethic, and knowledge of our students. There is a definite correlation between the academic results and the climate at MSA. I look forward to the second half of our school year.

Respectfully,
Randy Vetsch

Update For Week of January 13, 2023

MSA Community,
For as early as we are in our winter season, we have definitely had our share of e-learning days in response to weather conditions. So far, we have had 4 days. When making those decisions, we follow the guidance of South Washington Public School #833. However, if it is determined that for the safety of our students and staff, we will make the decision to close if 833 does not.

Warmly,
Randy Vetsch

Update For Week of December 23, 2022

Dear MSA Communities,
On behalf of everyone at Math and Science Academy, I want to offer you our best wishes for the holiday season and for a happy and healthy 2023. I hope that over the break you are able to create amazing memories with family and friends and the opportunity to relax and unwind.

Warmest regards,

Randy

Update For Week of December 9, 2022

Dear MSA Community,

Last night, I had the privilege to attend the MSA Band Concert. The full house in the MSA gym was entertained with musical performances from the Beginning Band to the Wind Ensemble. The four bands that performed were able to showcase their musical talents. I was moved by their ability and music. Congratulations to all the band students and Mr. Sletten on a wonderful concert! MSA is very fortunate to have such an incredible music department.

Next Thursday, December 15, the MSA Choir and Orchestra will be performing at 7 p.m.

Come, Listen and Enjoy!

Warmly,

Randy Vetsch

Update For Week of November 25, 2022

Dear MSA Community,

During the Thanksgiving season, when we traditionally take time to give thanks, I write to express my personal gratitude. Thank you to our parents and guardians for supporting Math and Science Academy and for sending us your beautiful children. Your children come with strong values, respect, tolerance, and appreciation. Thank you for your commitment to ensuring their success and our success.

Thank you to all that have contributed to our Give to the Max fund campaign. We raised over $36,000 which was 60% of our goal. If you would still like to contribute you can go to the Giving Tab at the top of our home page and click "Give to the Max".

Thank you all for your continued support and dedication to our wonderful school!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Randy Vetsch

Update For Week of November 11, 2022

Dear MSA Community,
November is National Native American Heritage Month. This is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. This is also a time to educate and raise awareness about Native people.

Next week is the big MSA Give to the Max drive. With the shortage of bus drivers and the challenges of securing buses to transport our students to extra-curricular activities, Math and Science Academy is raising funds this year to purchase two - 15 passenger vans. These vans would allow our activities the opportunity to transport our students to and from events/games/etc.

Thank you for your continued support!

Randy Vetsch

Update For Week of November 4, 2022

Dear MSA Community,

Are you looking for something exciting to do this weekend? Come to the MSA fall musical, URINETOWN. To get your tickets go to https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/67295. The MSA - “Give to the Max” drive is starting. Learn how you can support our incredible school. To find out how you can give to our fundraising event, go to https://www.mnmsa.org/giving/give-max-day/.

I look forward to seeing your all at our Fall Conferences next week.

Respectfully yours,
Randy Vetsch

Update For Week of October 28, 2022

Dear MSA Community,

Have you purchased your tickets to the MSA Fall Musical? Did you know that MSA is starting an Annual Fund Drive (Give to the Max) to raise money for our school? To find out more and how you can attend and get involved, please read this week's Weekly Communication that is emailed through Skyward. Information for the Fall Musical and Give to the Max can also be found on the school website.

Thank you all for your continued support of our incredible school!

Respectfully yours,

Randy Vetsch
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Update For Week of October 21, 2022

Dear MSA Community,

It is that time of the year: Give to the Max.

With the shortage of bus drivers and the challenges of securing buses to transport our students to extra-curricular activities, Math and Science Academy is raising funds this year to purchase two - 15 passenger vans. These vans would allow our activities the opportunity to transport our students to and from events/games/etc. and not have to rely on parents to take off work, make other arrangements, or for our students to have to drive themselves. They would also allow any and all students the opportunity to participate in activities where transportation have been obstacles in the past. The vans could also be used during the school day to transport students/staff to educational events. MSA is hopeful to be able to offer this service to all our school community, and we hope that you will help us make this happen! Visit our website, www.mnmsa.org and click the "Giving" tab.

Thank you for your support!
Randy Vetsch

Update For Week of September 30, 2022

Dear MSA Community,

We have completed our first month of school. We kick off the month of October with our high school Homecoming Dance on October 1st. I have been so impressed with our students and staff. It is such an honor to be part of this incredible school. There is so much going on right now and it is very exciting to see:

* We received another glowing report from Niche.
* Best Public High School in Minnesota (#1 of 461)
* Best Public High School Teachers in Minnesota (#1 of 461)
* Best Middle School in Minnesota (#1 of 384)
*Our expansion is further along as we interviewed a construction management company last week and we are searching for the home for our new school.
*And we have a new potential opportunity as we discuss the possibility of merging with another charter school. (More information was sent in an email)

Warmest Regards,

Randy Vetsch

Update For Week of September 16, 2022

Dear MSA Community,

What a great couple of weeks we have had at MSA. I have had the opportunity to visit most classrooms and I am impressed with the engagement and focus that I am seeing.

Pizza Day is back! Please check your email for this information and much more from info@mnmsa.org.

Have a great day!

Randy Vetsch

Update For Week of September 9, 2022

Dear MSA Community,

School is back in session! The first week of school is almost over, and the week has been extremely successful. It is great seeing students back in classrooms with their smiles and enthusiasm for learning.

This is a good time to revisit a few areas to make sure we are all clear and school is running efficiently and effectively and that all students are safe. Please check your emails for those details from info@mnmsa.org.

Have a great day!

Randy Vetsch

Update For Week of September 2, 2022

Dear MSA Community,
Last night’s Back to School Night was incredible! I enjoyed meeting our students and families and seeing how excited everyone was to be back at MSA. I am so impressed with the amazing staff that we have at MSA. They all worked so hard planning, training, and preparing for the start of the new school year.

Follow this link for some very important first day information:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/16nZkR8nPPTHFjfUsLrdpoalbpb1ofuGAV1T0hY2nbRU/edit

Respectfully,
Randy Vetsch

Update For Week of August 5, 2022

Dear MSA Community,
Last Week, you received an email with instructions on how to register for the upcoming school year. If you did not receive that email please call the school office. Before you will be able access any of your accounts, you will need to complete the registration. Registration is due August 19, 2022. Also, you can pay any outstanding invoices online as well. Students are now able to register for Fall athletics online. Looking forward to seeing you all at the Back to School Night on September 1, 2022 from 3 to 7 p.m.
Respectfully,

Randy Vetsch

Update For Week of July 29, 2022

Dear MSA Community,
It is hard to believe that August is now here. This summer is going by very fast. Look for an email this next week with information regarding registration, fall activities, Back to School Night, etc. We are all looking forward to seeing everyone very soon. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Respectfully yours,
Randy Vetsch

Update For Week of July 8, 2022

Dear MSA Community,
I hope you all had a great Fourth of July. I have just finished my first week as the new executive director of Math and Science Academy. I am very honored to be part of such a great team and to work with such supportive families and extraordinary students.

This summer, our team will continue to plan and prepare for the upcoming school year to ensure that MSA continues our strong reputation in providing an exceptional education for all of our students. Our goal will be to make MSA even better.

I look forward to meeting and working with all of you. I hope to see you at the Welcome Luncheon on Tuesday, July 12 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Respectfully yours,

Randy Vetsch