In a recent classroom visit, Ms. Froberg and her Earth Science 6 students were learning about the impact of the increased presence of CO2 and temperature in the ocean and how it affects sea life. Group work, technological simulations, and lab work, what a science class should be.
A big shout out to Karthik U. (class of 2026) for being a finalist for the 2025 US Congressional App Challenge. Karthik created an app called EchoLens, which allows anyone to learn about current political, governmental, and social topics by using AI to track and analyze real-time public sentiments. Karthik was officially recognized by Congresswoman Betty McCollum on January 26th, 2026. The app is still in development, but feel free to check it out at the link below. Congrats Karthik for representing MSA and continuing the tradition!!!
https://echoolens.lovable.app/
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and School Safety
Recent news regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the Minneapolis area has raised concerns within our school community. Math and Science Academy (MSA) remains committed to ensuring that our schools are safe, supportive environments for all students.
All students have a constitutional right to attend public school regardless of immigration status. Schools must remain safe places for teaching and learning.
At this time, there have been no reports of ICE agents approaching students or staff at MSA schools or on school grounds. MSA has established procedures for responding to requests or presence by law enforcement agencies, including ICE, in order to protect the safety, privacy, and well-being of students and staff.
School buildings remain locked during the school day, and all visitors are required to identify themselves before being granted access. Law enforcement officials, including federal agents, are not permitted on school property or in school buildings without a valid judicial warrant. Any request for access to school property must follow district protocols, including compliance with the Visitors to District Buildings and Sites (Policy 903), which outlines required documentation and procedures prior to any contact.
If verified ICE activity or another safety concern occurs near a school, the school may implement a hold to ensure student and staff safety. During a hold, instruction continues while students remain in their classrooms until the hold is lifted.
Students who do not feel safe arriving at or leaving school, or while riding the school bus, may remain at school or on the bus while a parent or family member is contacted.
Staff are trained to prioritize student safety and will not release a student to any individual without proper identification and legally required documentation.
Student Information and Privacy
MSA does not collect or maintain information about the immigration status of students or their families. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of student education records and limits the sharing of personally identifiable information without parental consent or a lawfully issued subpoena or court order.
Families who have concerns or believe their child may need additional support are encouraged to contact the school. Students are also encouraged to speak with a counselor, teacher, or another trusted adult.
Changes in federal immigration enforcement practices do not affect our responsibility to protect the rights and privacy of students, staff, and families.
MSA will continue to follow all district protocols, policies, and applicable state and federal laws, including guidance provided to staff for responding to potential interactions with immigration enforcement officials.
Ms. Flowers and her Spanish 3 students learned about a Spanish tradition known as "Las doce uvas de la suerte" aka "The Twelve Grapes of Luck." It's a tradition where you quickly eat 12 grapes before the final chime (about 1 per second) on New Year's Eve to ensure good luck for all 12 months. MSA students simulated it with Skittles!
MSA's DECA, in their inaugural year, showed up and showed out, bringing home hardware. We're so proud of the students and Mrs. Duce for putting in the work that has launched DECA with so much success. Special shout out to the students below for their well-deserved accomplishments.
District 1st Place winners -
Emily B. , Celina R. , Ishita C., Chaarvi K., Sehana V., Sahasra T., Ify K., Bella A., Rohail G., Arusha B.
2nd Place winners-
Isra A., Rakshana R., Zaara K.
Advanced to State -
Joanna J., Avya C., Adrina N., Erica N., Moksh K., Viplav M., Grishma S.
Join us in congratulating our December Students of the Month recipients. Way to be locked in all year!
6th Grade: Ethan H.
7th Grade: Emma R.
8th Grade: Derrick G.
9th Grade: Sawda H.
10th Grade: Lincoln M.
11th Grade: Natalie B.
12th Grade: Kaia K.
The math is always "mathing" at MSA!!! Check out what our Calc students are up to.
#relatedrates
#relatedrates
It's the last week before Winter break. Check out this week's FNN broadcast.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgnvozdhduU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgnvozdhduU
MSA students have been putting in work all year long. These students have risen to the top and are exemplars of what it means to be a Dragon. We were able to celebrate them as November's Student of the Month with their families. Way to go students, we're all so proud of you!
6th Grade: Ameya D.
7th Grade: Henry W.
8th Grade: Eli L.
8th Grade: Everett L.
9th Grade: Platon T.
10th Grade: Phebe B.
11th Grade: Ellory B.
12th Grade: Ian J.
FNN is back with another incredible broadcast! Check it out:
https://youtu.be/6UCB9dxRq1U?si=kx0ETBYHECRUideY
https://youtu.be/6UCB9dxRq1U?si=kx0ETBYHECRUideY
Ms. Meleck and her CIS Human Physiology, Technology, and Medical Devices (BIOL 1015) students used information about joints to describe a variety of body movements. During the presentations, students used academic vocabulary such as adduction, pronation, supination, and protraction to describe and perform movements found in badminton, popular social media dances, shooting a penalty kick, and doing the macarena.
It's a shortened week, but we'll be OK because FNN's newest broadcast is ready to be viewed! Click on the link below:
https://youtu.be/E8VoP6qaKKg
https://youtu.be/E8VoP6qaKKg
Ms. Seif's World Literature class has been reading Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, which follows Okonkwo, a proud Igbo warrior, and the devastating impact of British colonialism on his traditional village. Throughout the story, the students focused on characterization, which led to an assignment based on character analysis: a character monologue. For the monologue, students reflected on their characterization work to help them "become" their chosen character. Students have been performing these monologues for the class, and have been doing a great job. Way to go Dragons!
MSA is raising funds to assist in expansion. We hope to raise 1 million dollars, the largest amount the school has ever tried to fundraise, over the course of the next year. We are kicking this campaign off with our “Buy a Brick” campaign, where you can donate money and in return get a permanent brick with an engraving on our new outdoor learning patio. To learn more, please scan the QR code or visit donate.mnmsa.org
We recognized our October Students of the Month last week. It's always great to see our MSA families and recognize them and their students for the wonderful things they are doing. Congrats to all of the winners of our October SOTM.
6th - Yahya Sahin
7th - Morgan Skaar
8th - Sebastian Poptelecan
9th - Maila Frias
10th - Olive Onyemeh-Cley
11th - Ian Van Schyndel
12th - Amanda Dsouza
Fire News Network (FNN) releases a new broadcast every Monday. Check out this week's broadcast here:
https://youtu.be/DGW-EPVIYLs?si=jyJ-peXtUI7Ml-W3
https://youtu.be/DGW-EPVIYLs?si=jyJ-peXtUI7Ml-W3
The awesome construction crew has started work on the inside of the building. The progress has been exciting, with the building becoming more like a school every day!
Our first ever Student of the Month breakfast recognition ceremony was a success. The September SOTM are: Hamsika Ganeshkumar (6), Kameel Giwa (7), Isabella Vang (8), Benny Kurni (9), Charles Griffin (10), Sahasra Thodupunoori (11), and Oliver Tonthot (12).
A big shout out to the families that took time out of their busy schedule to join us in celebrating their student. Also, we would like to thank the teachers who came early and shared some kind words. Go Dragons!!!
A big shout out to the families that took time out of their busy schedule to join us in celebrating their student. Also, we would like to thank the teachers who came early and shared some kind words. Go Dragons!!!
Thank you to all of the families that showed up last night. Dr. Tiarks (Elementary Principal) led a packed and energetic MSA Town Hall meeting. We can feel the excitement as we gear up for our elementary program!!!
