CPA Tiger Talk

"I wish I had a refresh button for myself when my brain’s not loading."

– Anonymous

Ever felt that way? Have you ever said, “That makes my brain hurt just thinking about it?”

Imagine how rapidly humanity’s entire knowledge base is expanding. No, don’t. It might give you a headache. Instead, remember this: we have many more demands on our brains than did generations past, and that comes with a certain level of increased responsibility to take care of those brains. So give it a rest. Or give it a mini-vacation. Take five and think about a favorite spot in nature.

Your brain might work a bit better afterward.

Tuesday November 1: Picture Day (details below)

Tuesday November 1: Free Bikes 4 Kidz registration forms due (details below)

Tuesday November 1: Virtual High School Conferences, 4-7pm

Thursday November 3: Virtual Middle School Conferences, 4-7pm

Monday November 7: In-Person Middle School Conferences, 4-7pm

Wednesday November 9: In-Person Elementary Conferences, 4-8pm

Thursday November 10: No School for Elementary Students

Thursday November 10: Virtual Elementary Conferences, 8am-3pm

Friday November 11: No School for Students or Staff

Wednesday November 23-Friday November 25: Thanksgiving Break (no school for staff or students)

Thursday December 1: Picture Retake Day

Last Thursday, CPA staff and students celebrated our 28th annual Dedication Day. Dedication Day is an opportunity for members of the CPA community to rededicate themselves to the core values our school was built on. Classrooms throughout the building streamed the ceremony, which our 4th graders, 8th graders, and 12th graders attended.

The ceremony featured remarks from Executive Director Tim McGowan as well as Student Council members Justin Johnson and Shina Moua, and musical performances by some members of our kindergarten and fourth grade classes and the Academy Choir.

A special shout out to Ms. Emily and Ms. Kate (CPA's music teachers), Sally Reynolds (CPA's accompanist), and Paul Schettner and Mike Anderson (CPA's tech department) for their efforts in making the Dedication Day ceremony a success. Many other staff and students helped as well, and we are thankful for you all!

Make sure you are following CPA on social media to see all the amazing things that are happening at our school!

Follow CPATigers on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to Rusty the CPA Tiger on Youtube!

The generous organization Free Bikes 4 Kidz has pledged to donate a limited number of refurbished bikes to CPA students. If your child is in need of a bike, you are welcome to apply to be one of the recipients. CPA will do a random drawing of all the applicants to select the students who will receive the free refurbished bikes.

Please be aware that if selected, in order to receive a bike your family would need to attend the giveaway event on Saturday, December 10 in Brooklyn Center, MN at the Free Bikes 4 Kidz warehouse. You would need to provide your own transportation to this event in order to receive the bike, and the child receiving the bike must be present.

Paper applications are being sent home with PreK-6 students. Interested 7-12th grade students can pick up a paper copy of the application in the office. You can also complete the application online here. Fill out one application per child. All applications must be submitted online or to the school office by Tuesday November 1.

CPA will reach out to the families that are selected to receive a bike.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Sadie Fischer (English), 651-280-4564, sadief@cpapk12.org

Maikao Lee (Hmong), 651-280-4545

Mariana Majil (Spanish), 651-289-3742

Paw Nay Bu (Karen), 651-280-4591

CPA's picture day is on Tuesday November 1. Families can order photos using the instructions on the envelope that will be coming home with students, or families can order online by visiting mylifetouch.com and entering Picture Day ID EVTQ4P4W3. All students will have their picture taken, regardless of whether the family orders pictures.

Picture day is a free dress day. Please review the free dress day policy (below) as a family and ensure students are dressed accordingly.

On free dress days, students must still wear clothing that is representative of the philosophy of Community of Peace Academy. Clothing, such as shirts or pants that feature pictures, phrases, or statements, must represent or promote peace and a non-violent/healthy lifestyle. All items of clothing must fit comfortably and be school appropriate.

1. Spaghetti straps, off the shoulder tops, halter or strapless tops are not allowed.

2. Coats, jackets, caps, hats, and outerwear must be kept in lockers.

3. Skirts and/or shorts must be mid-thigh or longer.

4. Pants/shorts with holes are not allowed.

5. Clothing items that are transparent or sheer must have clothing worn under that meets the above criteria.

If it is ever a question as to whether or not you may be out of uniform or whether or not your choice of dress is appropriate, please contact your Principal.

CPA is a tight community where relationships are valued. If you ever become aware of any threat to CPA, its students or staff, please contact us immediately. Your cooperation and partnership are key to ensuring a safe school environment. CPA has a Safety Tip Line that anyone can call at 651-280-4609 to anonymously report a safety concern.

Are you looking for an easier way to make payments at school? Create a SchoolPay account!

SchoolPay accounts make it easier to process any payments you need to make to the school, athletics department, or cafeteria. Families can complete the application for free and reduced price lunch through School Pay, and families who receive free or reduced price lunch can also print their determination letter, which can be used to receive discounts at museums, MTC, and more!

Visit the CPA website to learn more and get started!

CPA partrners with Every Meal to provide weekend meal bags for interested students/families. The Every Meal program is available to everyone, regardless of income. You can register by filling out this form or completing the paper application that was sent home with your child.

If you have any questions or need support, please contact the social work team.

It is important that all CPA families compete the Application for Educational Benefits Packet so that CPA receives support and resources for all students, and so that individual families have access to community programs, including free and reduced price lunches.

If you haven't already done so, please complete the application as soon as possible. If you prefer a paper copy, please contact the CPA office.

CPA is still accepting enrollment applications for the 2022-2023 school year. We have openings in Kindergarten and 5th Grade.

If you have any family or friends who are looking to join a new school community, please encourage them to apply and send them this link! Thanks for your support.

This newsletter can be auto-translated using the buttons on the top right of the page.

If you prefer, our liaisons will be happy to translate or explain any announcements in Tiger Talk or answer any questions you have about CPA. Contact Maikao Lee at 651-280-4545 (Hmong), Mariana Majil at 651-289-3742 (Spanish), or Paw Nay Bu at 651-280-4591 (Karen) for support.

Teaching Peace. Building Community. Developing Character.

Email: connect@cpapk12.org
Website: cpapk12.org
Location: 471 Magnolia Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, USA
Phone: 651-776-5151
Facebook: facebook.com/CPATigers