School Calendar
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September 2010 |
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Upcoming Events- Board of Directors Meeting
September 20, 2010
- End of First Quarter
October 01, 2010
- Early Dismissal - 12:30pm
October 01, 2010
- R&R Weekend
October 08, 2010 - October 09, 2010
- Fall Break - No School
October 11, 2010 - October 15, 2010
- PSAT Exam (10th & 11th Grade)
October 16, 2010
- Early Dismissal - 12:30pm
October 18, 2010 - October 22, 2010
- Parent Teacher Conferences
October 18, 2010 - October 22, 2010
View Full Calendar
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Home  About Mesa Prep F.A.Q.s 2010 - 2011 FAQ SHEET
2010 - 2011 FAQ SHEET FAQ
We would like to stress that it is important for families to carefully read the MPA Family Handbook to address any further questions they may have. If you are unable to find the answer to your question(s) in either document, please feel free to contact the office or the Headmaster, Mr. Robert Wagner, for assistance.
- What sports and fitness opportunities will be offered at MPA, and what time of year will they be available?
For specific information regarding practice schedules, game schedules, and coaches, please click on the Athletics link located on the site's main page. - What fine arts organizations will be open to the students at the school?
See our clubs offerings under About Mesa Prep, Extracurricular. - What clubs/extracurricular activities will be available at MPA?
Science & Robotics Club (6th-12th) This is the science club at MPA. This organization conducts a wide variety of activities, from participating in science bowls to designing and constructing robotics for competition. The club also provides a venue for students to participate in science fairs, as well as offering exposure to careers in science. Students will be working alongside one of our science teachers as well as a Boeing engineer.
Speech and Debate (6th-12th) MPA Forensics provides the opportunity for students to compete with schools from around the state in various speaking events. Students can write and deliver their own speeches on topics of interest to them. They can also utilize excerpts from literature plays, novels or poetry and reenact them for the listeners.
Photography/Yearbook Committee (6th-12th) Students with a strong desire to make a major contribution to the yearbook may apply to be selected for the Yearbook Committee, consisting of editors and assistants who select, edit, and shape the contents of the book and produce it in its final form.
Latin/Classics Club (6th-12th) Students interested in the Latin language and Roman culture participate in the Arizona Junior Classical League monthly meetings, and have contests and social events with other schools. Club members also attend and assist in the organization of the annual JCL State Conference. Chess Club (6th-12th) Both beginning and advanced players could participate in this club, where they would have the chance to compete with other students and/or faculty.
- What is the Tax Credit Program?
MPA families benefit from the State of Arizona's Tax Credit Program. These contributions support extra curricular activities, and families receive a direct state tax credit up to $200 for individuals, and up to $400 for married couples filing jointly. Anyone can give to MPA and receive a tax credit; the donors do not have to have a student attending MPA. We encourage everyone to make use of this valuable resource for the school. It is beneficial for everyone who has an Arizona tax liability. - Is tutoring assistance offered at MPA?
Tutoring is available by appointment. Teachers are available before school (7:45 to 8:20) and after school (3:15 to 3:45) on most days; teachers will announce specific days and times for tutoring at the beginning of the year. There are set tutoring times for such subjects as Math, Latin, etc. Please see the specific course syllabi for details. Students may also make an appointment with a particular teacher. - What is the hot lunch program?
Students are not permitted to leave the campus during lunch, but hot lunch organized by the Parent Organization is available for students to purchase. Lunches can be ordered online through Orderlunches.com. - What is Academic Field Day?
This is an official school day in which students participate in academic games and quiz bowl type activities with the faculty. These are team activities. (Details about the Academic Field Day will be sent home with your student prior to the event). - What is Athletic Field Day?
This is an official school day in which students participate in light athletic activity, similar to an Olympics. The students are divided into teams; Field Day is held on the MPA Campus, or at a local municipal park near the school. (Details about the Outdoor Field Day will be sent home with your student prior to the event.) - What is the Annual Community Investment Program?
The Annual Community Investment Program is an important way parents participate in the financial well being of the Academy. Giving is voluntary, and all donations are tax deductible. MPA families are encouraged to participate according to their ability to do so, as MPA spends considerably more per student on education than the school receives from the state as public funding. Parents will receive information on the Annual Community Investment Program from time to time from the Board of Directors, the Headmaster, and the Great Hearts Development Director. - What Happened to Project Week?
The format of project week has changed. Each student at every grade level will still compete a significant research project but it will be integrated into the regular curriculum. Students will not longer need to complete their project over winter break. - What is an R & R Weekend?
R&R weekends are weekends that the school schedules occasionally to give the students a break from homework. Please refer to the MPA Family Handbook, for more details. The dates for the R & R Weekends will be noted on the school calendar. - What is the Spring Fine Arts Festival?
This is a mandatory event where the students showcase their artistic and musical talents. They prepare for their performances within their fine arts classes. It is also a time to bring the community together for socializing, and fun. - What is the MVP/Student Mentoring Program?
The student mentoring program at Mesa Preparatory Academy is designed to help ease the transition for new students into our challenging curriculum. High School Mentors are first screened during our rigorous selection process which includes a teacher recommendation, several essays and an interview. We look for students that are not only bright, but exhibit strong moral character and a spirit of service. Each mentor is then assigned a few new students whom they contact before the school year even begins and then continue to work with them throughout the first semester. Among other responsibilities, mentors help new students with: study skills, campus orientation, the academy honor code, socialization and organization. The select few who are chosen to become mentors have the opportunity to learn the value of beneficence while acquiring leadership skills. - How do I find out about carpooling?
The MPA Parent Organization provides a carpool map through its website (www.mpapo.org), so parents are encouraged to register there and provide their family's contact information to participate in the carpool. - How do textbook deposits and donations work?
Families pay a deposit of $35 per book for hardbound textbooks that are owned by the school. The deposit can be returned at the end of the year or rolled over to next year's deposit if the books are returned in reasonable condition.
Families are asked to purchase softbound consumable texts (workbooks and literature classics) for the student each year. These texts are available for purchase online (www.greatheartsbooks.com), or they may be purchased elsewhere as long as families are careful to purchase the exact ISBN listed on the school textbook list.
Please see the MPA Family Handbook or the Textbook portion of this website for more information. - What takes place at school assemblies?
At assemblies the students may listen to high-caliber guest speakers on topics related to the curriculum, observe fine art performances by students, or participate in pep rallies for the school sports teams. - What types of school supplies will my child need?
We recommend your student wait until they have completed their first day of school before they make major purchases. Each teacher will inform the students what types of supplies are required in his or her class. On the first day of school they should bring a notebook with paper and a pen. - What is the Study Skills Workshop and who is it for?
At this workshop, presentations are given to students by student mentors on note-taking, organization, and time management. These seminars will be available to students during classtime. - What should I do if I have concerns about my student?
If your concerns are about a student's particular class, please speak to their teacher. Issues can also be addressed through meeting with Mr. Wagner . Please call (480)222-4233 to make an appointment to see him. - How can I become involved at MPA?
There are many ways to become involved in your student's school. Please attend one of the coming Parent Organization meetings (listed on the Calendar) if you would like to participate or contact the school office. You can also find information on the MPA Parent Organization website ( www.mpapo.org). - What is Curriculum Night?
Curriculum Night is one of the most important events of the school year. Parents will have the opportunity to meet all of their student's teachers and be introduced to the heart of MPA's curriculum and mission. The Headmaster strongly encourages at least one parent from each family to attend.
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