Ever since Minnesota Math and Science Academy opened its doors to the people of St. Paul in 2014, establishing a sense of community has been at the center of its mission. 10 years later, that remains the case.
MMSA kicked off the school year by celebrating its 10-year anniversary with a carnival with its students, their families and various school members. Organizations in the area stepped up for the event that included a dunk tank, a visit from Dill and Pickle (two local llamas), and 45-foot obstacle course.
It was a perfect way to get the ball rolling for what MMSA plans to be another successful year at the school.
“These events are the essence of what it means to be a part of a school community,” said MMSA’s elementary assistant principal Sarah Peterson. “To have families, school staff and local organizations all come together for one large gathering shows the importance of these types of events. We deprive our students and families the essence of what it means to be a school community when we don’t have them.
“This was the best turnout we have had for any school event and it was a lot of fun.”
The carnival, which MMSA has hosted for five years, aligned with the school’s theme this year which is “taking action together”. Members of the St. Paul police and fire departments spoke to MMSA’s students, which they have done every time they have been a part of the event. ParentChild+ also made an appearance in support of the school and its families and has been an important presence every year since the carnival’s inception.
The unity on display was one of the many examples of how MMSA plans to actively “take action together” this year.
“(This year’s theme) is our vision,” said Peterson. “We want to breathe life into this year because we are a team and it takes our students, teachers and (families) at home to come together to take action. I think that’s what we saw at our birthday party.”
MMSA has continued to evolve over the last decade. Peterson knows that what MMSA has to offer is special and looks to build upon its foundation this year––and beyond.
“What excites me for the future is two things,” Peterson said. “The first: we have a legacy here. I’ve watched families grow where younger siblings of past students are walking through our doors. I think that’s a testament to what we offer our families.
“Secondly, I’m very excited for the staff that we have here. Everyone has their heart in the right place when they walk through the door and wants everybody to have their best day possible. Between our students and staff, it just makes you excited for what the next 10 years could look like.”
To learn more about MMSA, visit its website here.
MMSA wants to give a huge thanks to the following organizations for contributing to its fifth annual school carnival: Saint Paul Public Library, Literacy Minnesota, ParentChild+, Sanneh Foundation, Wilder Foundation, Primerica, USA Inflatables, Chef Jamal Hashi, Happy Jolly Llamas, Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, Saint Paul Fire Department and Saint Paul Police Department.