

Otter News
September 1, 2023

Welcome To The 2023 - 2024 School Year
Dear UMA Community,
As we return to a new school year, my hope is that you have had an enjoyable summer and that
you are as excited as I am that school has started. Our classroom teachers have been hard at
work this summer getting ready for this school year and I am sure that it is going to be amazing.
I look forward to working closely with all of you to ensure that the enthusiasm continues and
grows at UMA.
This year you will see some new faces:
- Jo Park-Principal/Special Education Director
- Dani Paradis- School Social Worker
- Paige Gartzke- Special Education Teacher
- Cassie Bowen- Special Education Teacher/Animal Husbandry
- Barabara Northenscold-Front Office/Food Service
With several new staff, myself included, it will take us a couple of weeks to make sure we have
all of the daily processes (attendance, busing, food service and medication administration)
running smoothly.
We will also be focusing on continuing the welcoming and inclusive culture of UMA. As one
student put it, “The vibe has changed. Last year it felt angry, this year already feels happy.” I
hope you notice that as your students come home and talk about their day at UMA.
We are so glad that you have chosen to send your students to Upper Mississippi Academy. It’s
going to be a great year!
Anna Braun, Interim Executive Director
Updates & Annoucements
Transportation Reminders
Upper Mississippi Academy switched to Community Stops for the 2023 - 2024 school year instead of the individualized stops that were used during the 2022 - 2023 school year. The majority of Community Stops are located at recreation centers, parks and libraries.
Upper Mississippi Academy students are eligible for MetroTransit Student Passes, we do suggest that Middle School students who receive bus passes ride with an older sibling or friend. Passes are active for the entire school year as long as the student is still enrolled at UMA and can be used outside of school hours which makes this a good option for students with jobs or after school activities. Students who have bus passes can not ride on school buses.
Students who drive themselves to school should park in the 7A Municipal Parking Ramp, we can validate tickets from this ramp so that the cost is only $5 per day.
Students can be dropped off on school days starting at 7:30am. Students should be dropped off on Exchange Street, and picked up either on Exchange Street or on the 2nd floor of the 7A Municipal Parking Ramp, please do not park on Wabasha Street as that space is reserved for school buses.
Beginning Of The Year Paperwork
All families are asked to complete the included paperwork at the beginning of the year, and new families will complete paperwork when they enroll. To ensure that we have accurate information for all of our students we are asking that families complete all of the included paperwork. Students can pick up paperwork from their Advisor, or it can be printed using these links, only the forms labeled optional are optional.
- RCADS-25 Opt-Out Form (Optional)
- Racial and Ethnic Demographic Designation Form
- Minnesota Language Survey (New Families Only, Additional Languages Available Upon Request)
- Immunization Form (You Can Send An Updated List From Your Student's Doctor)
- Application for Educational Benefits Letter
- Application for Educational Benefits
- Student Information Forms
- Middle School Form
- High School Forms
- New Student & Parent Questions (New Families Only)
Application for Educational Benefits
All students at Upper Mississippi Academy will receive one free breakfast and one free lunch per day. Although an Application for Educational Benefits is no longer required for free meals we encourage all families to complete the form, even if you think you may not qualify.
Students who qualify based on their completed form are eligible for reduced costs for Community Days and other UMA activities, will not have to pay for a replacement MetroTransit Student Pass and families can access opportunities in the community including:
- American Swedish Institute
- The Bakken Museum
- Bell Museum
- Children's Theatre Company ACT Pass
- Guthrie Theater Gateway Ticket Program
- Lake Superior Zoo Zoo for All
- Lime Access
- MetroTransit Transit Assistance Program
- Minnesota Historical Society History-Connects
- Minnesota State Parks Library Program
- The Museum of Russian Art
- PCs for People
- Prime Access
- Science Museum of Minnesota Great Tix
- Spin Access
- The Works Museum’s Gateway Program
- Xfinity Internet Essentials
- YMCA Financial Assistance
Accurate numbers of income levels at UMA allows us to apply for and receive grants & donations that benefit all students. Your information will only be seen by the Student Success Coordinator, Food Service Manager & Business Manager.
Animal Husbandry
The animals at UMA would like to welcome everyone back to school!
In the animal husbandry classroom students have been enjoying stopping by to visit and learn about our classroom animals this school year. We have two lionhead bunnies named Valentine and Peaches, two guinea pigs named Leon and Lobo, a Kenyan Sand Boa named Patricia Pumpkin, six rats all named after different types of cheeses, 4 blue death feigning beetles, 3 egyptian spiny mice and a betta fish. Cottage the rat (see picture) hopes everyone has been having a great start of the school year and appreciates the scratches and snacks.
Calendar
Our 2023 - 2024 calendar is available below. In order to be a more inclusive school we have a couple of new holidays, including Yom Kippur, Indigenous Peoples' Day and Eid al-Fitr. As a reminder, there is no school Monday, September 4th.
Student Medications
A Medication Administration Form is required for each medication that a student takes while at Upper Mississippi Academy, including over-the-counter medications. Medications should be brought to the Upper Mississippi Academy office along with a completed form, a doctor's signature is required for all prescription medications. Upper Mississippi Academy staff are unable to give students medications without a completed form and can not give students medications that were not provided by a parent/guardian. Medications will be appropriately disposed of if not picked up at the end of the school year.
Lost Student Items
Upper Mississippi Academy is not responsible for, nor will it investigate, any lost, stolen or damaged personal electronic devices brought onto school property or utilized during school sponsored activities/field trips. To minimize the possibility of theft, we highly recommend that electronic devices be kept on your student's person, locked in their locker, or not brought to school.
Infinite Campus
Please contact Mr. Josh at josh.klimek@umissacademy.org for assistance with Infinite Campus.
Counselor's Corner
Hello and welcome to the 2023-2024 School Year!
We’re so excited to welcome new and returning students to the journey of this year. The UMA staff is looking forward to learning, teaching, and growing with all of you. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Josh Klimek and I’m the school counselor at UMA. I grew up just a few minutes down the road and attended Roseville public schools. I then attended the College of St. Scholastica where I received my BA in Education and went on to the University of Denver for my Master’s degree in School Counseling.
This is my second year at Upper Mississippi Academy and I’m so excited to continue supporting students with their academic, social-emotional, and post-secondary needs. When I’m not at school you can find me reading, playing video games, or lifting weights. Can’t wait for all this year will bring. Please always feel free to reach out to me with any questions, concerns, or support!
Josh Klimek, School Counselor
Lunch Menu
Donation Opportunities
Thank you for all of the wonderful donations.
We will have a variety of donation & fundraising opportunities throughout the 2023 - 2024 school year, including events like our MN State Fair clean-up and monthly drives. Additional ways to give are:
Matching Donations and Volunteer Benefits
Please consider checking with your employer when you make a donation to UMA. Many local employers will match charitable donations made by employees. This process is usually very simple and you can usually find information on your company’s HR site. If you are volunteering with or at the school, record your hours with your company so your generosity is reflected. And look to see if your employer will make a donation in recognition of your efforts. Thank you for supporting UMA!
Amazon Wishlist
UMA staff have created an Amazon Wishlist for the 2023 - 2024 school year. Items purchased from this list will be sent directly to UMA.
GiveMN
Donations can be paid through GiveMN for specific programs (Woodworking, Student Support, Indigenous Education) or for general use.
Community Day Paypal Campaigns
Do you want to donate directly to a Community Day fund? Use these links to donate through our Paypal account for Middle School Community Day and High School Community Day.
School Supply Drive
DonorsChoose Projects
CPR Preparedness for Service Learning by Ms. Sandy
My 6th through 12th grade students are excited about learning emergency preparedness for a wide range of situations from first aid to basic survival skills. Donations to this project will be matched by Allstate Foundation.
Upper Mississippi Academy Weightroom by Mr. Josh
Weightlifting, yoga, fitness and nutrition carry so much importance for not only physical wellness but mental wellness. Students will have a safe place to build their confidence, self-image, and connections with staff and other students.
Think. Write. Erase. Repeat. by Ms. Efteland.
Help me give my students the tools to make their thinking visible! The thin expo markers are long-lasting and work great for showing mathematical ideas. Hydrogen Peroxide wipes clean our tables and boards without ruining the whiteboard surface.
*This project has been fully funded
Inspiring Future Scientists Through Hands-on Exploration by Ms. Katie
In today's rapidly evolving world, it's crucial that we equip our students with more than just theoretical knowledge. We need to cultivate a profound understanding of complex issues such as deadly human diseases.
*This project has been fully funded
Using Games To Uncover Mathematical Ideas by Ms. Efteland
Help me give my students an opportunity to try out a new game, search for the math used to design it, and create their own version of the game using what they've learned.
*This project has been fully funded
Help My Students Be Even More Amazing Woodworkers by Mr. J
We started our wood shop last year, and my 6-12 grade students have proven to be most creative and fearless. Working with wood, they learn problem solving, teamwork, and hands-on woodworking skills. Their projects are absolutely amazing.
*This project has been fully funded
Indigenous Education
Indigenous Education For All
Indigenous Education For All is teaching and learning about Minnesota’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary contributions of the Anishinaabe and Dakota people. The required academic standards include the contributions of Minnesota’s Tribal Nations and Urban Indigenous Communities. This is intended for all students in Minnesota, as well as their teachers and school administrators to better understand their Indigenous peers.
Indigenous Education for All at UMA
- Content: Inclusion of information, including language, history and culture incorporated into all classes taught with a focus on the Dakhóta and Anishinaabe peoples
- Community Days: Indigenous specific information, including field trips (ex. Bdote, Sugar Bush), Native American Heritage Month and American Indian Month
- Support: Indigenous Education Coordinator (Elizabeth McKenna) to support UMA staff with planning & resources, including Lesson Plans & Curriculum
- Professional Development: Reoccurring Professional Development for all staff to include but not be limited to a yearly book study, no less than quarterly inclusion in staff development for all staff, and opportunities outside of UMA
Indigenous Education Calendar
Do you want to know what events are happening in the community? Add our Indigenous Education Calendar to your Google calendar.
Indigenous People Advisory Committee
Upper Mississippi Academy students who identify as Native American, Alaskan Native and/or First Nations, their family members and community members are invited to participate in the Indigenous People Advisory Committee.
2023 - 2024 Meeting Dates
- Wednesday, September 13th
- Wednesday, October 11th
- Wednesday, November 8th
- Wednesday, December 13th
- Wednesday, January 10th
- Wednesday, February 14th
- Wednesday, May 13th
- Tuesday, April 9th (UMA is closed Wednesday, April 11th in recognition of Eid al-Fitr)
- Wednesday, May 8th
Meetings will take place 4:00pm - 4:30pm, with a virtual option for those who can not attend in-person
Costa Rica Spring Break Trip
Volunteer At UMA
UMA On Society6
You can now purchase UMA items through Society6. Let us know if you would like us to add more options.
https://society6.com/uppermississippiacademy
Upper Mississippi Academy PTO Update
It was great to see so many new and returning families stopping by the Welcome table at the UMA Back To School Open House on Friday 18th. We handed out nametags and maps, made cards, built a carpool list, surveyed parents about the PTO, and did our best to answer questions.
We were also pleased to see so many teachers and staff members back at school. The PTO provided breakfast and snacks for staff on their first day of back-to-school training, and delivered Welcome Back cards earlier this week.
Facebook Help Wanted. A parent has suggested an Upper Mississippi Academy Parents Facebook Group. If you know of any active existing groups, or are an experienced Facebook user and willing to share admin responsibilities, or would like to join as a member, email pto@umissacademy.org and let us know.
Next Meeting. We plan to have a PTO meeting later in September to discuss what the PTO should do next, and we hope to see many of you there. In the meantime, email pto@umissacademy.org if you want to contact us.
New & Returning Staff
A few staff have joined us since we included staff bios in our newsletter, learn about our newest staff members.
Anna Braun, Interim Executive Director
Thank you for welcoming me into the UMA family. I am so excited to start the school year with you and learn about all of the innovative things we have at UMA. I have been teaching since 1983. I have taught 7, 8, 9th grade math, 5th and 6th grade, Title 1 Reading, and special education classes. I have been an administrator for the past 12 years, supervising various special education programs. I enjoy being with family, cooking, reading, gardening, hiking and counted cross stitch when I am away from work.
Barbara Northenscold, Food Service Manager & Office Assistant
Dani Paradis, School Social Worker
Hi, my name is Dani and I’ll be the school social worker at Upper Mississippi Academy starting this year. I use she/her pronouns. I moved up to the cities from a small town farm for college and fell in love with the twin cities from there. I went to Hamline University for undergrad and studied criminal justice, psychology, and legal studies. I then took a year off from school and started my career working at an adult homeless shelter. I continued working there through getting my masters in social work from the University of St Thomas. In my spare time I love reading, binge watching shows, going to concerts, and spending time with my pets Prince (my Great Dane puppy) and Galileo (my Maine coon mix cat). I’m excited to meet you all throughout the rest of the school year!
Giovanni Saunders, Special Education Paraprofessional
Jo Park, Director of Special Education & Principal
I graduated from undergrad at Hamline University with a biology and psychology degree. I soon fell in love with social work so I went back to school at the U of MN for my masters in social work. I worked as a clinical social worker for many years-including residential, shelter, group homes, schools, Ramsey County and currently at ChildrensMN hospital (the last 18 years) doing suicide mental health assessments, trauma work and grief work on the weekends. After awhile, I decided to go back and get my educational administrative license at St. Cloud and am licensed as a principal and Special Education Director so that I could impact systems. I have worked in a charter school and traditional public schools as well as a federal setting 4 special education intermediate school.
In terms of me personally, I grew up on a farm and carry that culture with me. My family and I still own that farm, which my brother and his family now farm. I love many things; including reading, gardening, hiking, cross stitching, crocheting, scrapbooking and quilting. I also love connecting with my friends and family and treasure the time we have together. I have 4 adult children, 2 daughters in law and one grandson.
My goal in coming at UMA is to support mental health support for our students, equity in all areas, including discipline, and engage in the development of restorative practices at UMA.
Kelsey Shaw, Autism Spectrum Disorder Teacher
This will be my 6th year teaching Special Education. I worked in Nevada and Oregon as a Autism Classroom Teacher as well as a Behavior Specialist. I have my Masters in Special Education with an emphasis in Autism.
I moved to Minnesota in 2021 with my boyfriend. We have 2 cats, Winston and Franklin. I love anything Halloween and spooky, going to concerts, cooking/baking, and hockey.
Kyle Jason, Special Education Paraprofessional
UMA is a school with flavor and ingenuity and I’m excited to be a part of it. This is my first foray into education, but I have extensive experience with kids/teens, most recently in inpatient adolescent pysch. Outside of work, I like to spend time with my cat, Chance, watching sports, eating food, and doing crossword puzzles. If I could have any superpower, it would be the power to speak and understand any language!
Paige Gartzke, Special Education Teacher
Hi! This is my first year at UMA. I’m a special education teacher and my favorite school subject is anything to do with literature! I’ve been working in special education for the past 6 years and have a deep love for my job. I’m very excited for the school year at UMA!
Whisper McDew, Special Education Paraprofessional
This will be my first full year at UMA & I am so excited to be back! I just moved here in March from Wisconsin and have been a para for three years. I am also in school working on my student affairs degree; hoping to someday become an advisor or director. In my free time I enjoy spending time exploring different parks with my three kids, gaming, or going for walks playing Pokemon Go!
Work At UMA
Full job descriptions are available at umissacademy.org/employment
Board Of Directors
Welcome back, dear families, to another exciting year of growth and learning! Your continued support is the cornerstone of our community, and we're thrilled to have you back with us. As we embark on this journey together, let's create wonderful memories, share enriching experiences, and nurture the bright futures of our students.
Board Elections: Voting is approaching for the open positions on the UMA Board of Directors. Nominations are complete, and we will circulate a list of candidates and hold elections online from September 11th to 15th. Your vote will help shape the future of our school! We encourage all eligible parents, family members and teachers to cast their votes.
Annual Meeting: Our annual school meeting is just around the corner, on September 20 at 5:15pm at UMA and Online. We will welcome newly elected members to join the Board of Directors and give updates on the state of the school. Remote participants can join online at https://meet.google.com/obp-ognr-rwj or dial in at +1 443-429-0984 with PIN: 640 095 750#
Committee Updates: The board and its committees have continued their work updating policies, our handbooks, organizing fundraisers, planning recruitment events, and addressing other needs of the school. Everyone is welcome to attend our board meetings to (or read the minutes) to learn what's happening. Meeting details are posted on the UMA Calendar, and the next meetings are September 6th and September 20th.
UMA Board Committees include:
- Finance Committee
- Handbook Committee
- Personnel Committee
- Policy Committee
- Fundraising Committee
- Marketing & Recruitment Committee
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee
- Graduation Requirements Committee
We are still enrolling students and are excited for our community to continue to grow.
Meet The UMA Board Of Directors
Gordon Paynter, Parent Member
I am a parent member of the UMA Board of Directors, with a student in the Middle School. UMA stands out for me as a parent because of the way that all the staff work as a team to provide unique educational experiences. I also love the individualized support that students receive.
As a board member, I am particularly interested in promoting UMA’s hands-on curriculum, advocating for UMA families, supporting teachers and the amazing special education staff, and improving communication between parents, teachers and the Board.
Originally from Ōpōtiki, New Zealand, I work as Director of Applied Mathematics and Data Science for NextEra Analytics, a renewable energy company headquartered 5 minutes from UMA (and part of NextEra Energy, the largest utility in the US). I have a PhD in Computer Science, and most of my career has been in technology in the USA and New Zealand.
Nicole Still, Parent Member
Nicole Still joined the Board of Directors in January 2023. She has lived in the St. Paul area for over twenty years after moving here due to a career change.
Nicole is the parent to a current UMA sophomore who started last year and a sophomore at Dakota County Technical College. Her children have take disparate educational paths that cover the gamut from Montessori to public high school to language immersion to charter schools. She firmly believes in the power of education and the right of every student to be safe, supported, and respected.
Nicole brings over 20 years of corporate and legal experience to the Board. She has been a practicing attorney, a legal editor, a project manager, and is currently a senior member of the procurement department at U.S. Bank. She is a graduate of Grinnell College and the University of Iowa College of Law.
In the past, Nicole has coached youth sports and been involved in various volunteer groups. In her free time, Nicole knits, reads, builds LEGO sets, and spends time outdoors in all seasons.
Tisa Mitchell, Community Member, Secretary
North Minneapolis born and raised, Tisa Mitchell is currently engaged in obtaining her Doctorate of Philosophy in Education Policy, and Leadership Track of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development at the College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota. Tisa’s additional educational background includes a Master of Arts in Family Studies from Southeast Missouri State University and the University of Minnesota.
Tisa offers over 10 years of training experience on various education and wellness topics, along with extensive research experience around family engagement, cultural competency, family systems, education policy, and interpersonal relationships. In addition, as an educator Tisa has held teaching positions focused on the topics of life skills and relationship building. Tisa believes our unique identities matter within our workspaces because it is through our identities that we experience the world. For Tisa, working in and on diversity, equity, and inclusion is lifelong work. The work is about inviting people to be open to the thought of multiple truths existing concurrently. Tisa strives to support and creating safe spaces, safe environments and empowering all people to begin and/or continue to explore their own identities, cultural patterns and increase their self-awareness first.
When Tisa is not in the classroom or lecture hall, she is involved in community building through athletics. Tisa also provides guidance to young athletes through her role as a basketball Assistant Varsity Coach at the high school level.
Katie Camacho, Teacher Member, Board Chair
Katie went to the University of River Falls Wisconsin to earn her B.S. degree in field biology. She started out with jobs in the field doing research with macroinvertebrates, sediment testing, and water quality as well as working for the Minnesota Conservation Corps. Katie also helped do field reconnaissance and write Environmental Impact Statements for tribal communities. Katie has experience installing and maintaining rain gardens, removing invasive species, and working with great local organizations to research and inventory pollinators. Experience in a greenhouse later fueled her love for plants and turned into a love for herbalism and a set of foraging and wildcrafting skills.
After working as a paraprofessional at Natural Science Academy, she quickly realized her place in the educational community. Katie then went on to earn a special education degree and master’s in special education along with an Autism Spectrum Disorder license. She spent her first two years at UMA in high school and is excited to be joining the middle school team.
Katie also enjoys backpacking, camping, creating art, and taking care of her suburban homestead with her chickens, dog, cat, and amazing daughter.
Andreas Jurewitsch, Teacher Member, Treasurer
Andreas Jurewitsch was born in Hamburg, Germany, and grew up in the most northern part of that country. After serving in the German Air Force, he enrolled at the Universität of Hamburg to study Economic and Social History. In 1988, he came to the United States to study US History at Indiana University, where he received an M. A. in US History. For the past 30 years, he has been married to his wife Blia Thao Jurewitsch. Together they have two grown children, Kathy and Christopher.
After moving to the Twin Cities in 1994, Andreas worked as a manager for a national electronics retailer, before starting his own home service business in 1996. In the fall of 2001, he began studying to become a teacher in the then new Urban Educator program at Metro State University. Since graduating from the program in 2004, Andreas has worked as a Social Studies, Humanities, and Math teacher at different alternative and charter schools in the Twin Cities. In the last six years, Andreas has added building and running woodworking shops with his students to his repertoire. He is excited to continue building his woodshop at UMA this year. This summer, Andreas joined UMA’s Board of Directors. This is the fourth school board that he has served on.
Another passion of Andreas is traveling. Ever since growing up in Germany, he has enjoyed traveling around Europe. He believes that traveling is the best way to learn about the world, and he has shared this passion with the young people he works with, taking them around the state, to Florida, New Mexico, Washington DC, but also far off places like Germany and Laos. In his spare time, Andreas is involved in Scouting, serving as Associate Adult Advisor for BSA Venture Crew 9033 and as Chair of Infinity Youth Group, a non-profit promoting sports and education in underserved communities he co-founded in 2015. Andreas also likes the outdoors, fishing, reading, and watching British crime shows.
Jordan Tyler, Teacher Member
Jordan started teaching at UMA during the 2020-2021 school year. He completed his education training and licensure at St. Olaf before going on to receive a Masters in English from St. Thomas. Before coming to UMA Jordan spent about five years working in various high schools in and around St. Paul.
Jordan has always had a passion for progressive education, and that interest brought him to Upper Mississippi Academy. He likes working here because he knows at UMA students have a chance to engage in project-based learning, enjoy small class size, and absorb themselves in real-world applications. Besides his two English classes, Jordan teaches a number of unique electives including Theater, Film Studies, and Comics and Graphic Novels.
Jordan lives in White Bear Lake with his partner and fellow educator. They love reading, taking outdoor adventures like hiking and kayaking, and travelling to England to visit Jordan’s family. While not at school they enjoying playing fetch with their dog Mr. Growls or chasing their cat Boogers through the garden.
Anna Braun, Interim Executive Director, Ex-Officio Member
Thank you for welcoming me into the UMA family. I am so excited to start the school year with you and learn about all of the innovative things we have at UMA. I have been teaching since 1983. I have taught 7, 8, 9th grade math, 5th and 6th grade, Title 1 Reading, and special education classes. I have been an administrator for the past 12 years, supervising various special education programs. I enjoy being with family, cooking, reading, gardening, hiking and counted cross stitch when I am away from work.
Elizabeth McKenna, Business Manager & Indigenous Education Coordinator, Ex-Officio Member
Elizabeth has 15 years of experience supporting local charter schools and St. Paul Public Schools in a variety of roles, including founding the Augsburg Fairview Academy Indian Education Program.
In 2013 Elizabeth founded the Native American College Fair which brings schools and programs to Native youth in the Twin Cities. This event is a collaboration of programs, organizations and individuals who support Native youth. They provide a setting that allows students to have meaningful conversation with representatives about college life, courses and admission & financial aid requirements. The Native American College Fair also features speaker panels where Native college students & professionals share their personal experiences. Our event will take place on Monday, October 16th and we already have 650 students registered, UMA students should speak with Mr. Josh if they are interested in attending.
Elizabeth considers herself a lifelong learner, spending her time outside of work reading and participating in learning activities. She looks forward to future travel opportunities.
UMA Board Of Directors Elections
Elections will take place online September 11th - September 15th, information will be sent to families, staff and eligible students next week. Eligible voters are all parents and legal guardians of current UMA students, all current UMA Board members, and all current employees of UMA.
The Upper Mississippi Academy Board of Directors is ultimately responsible for the success of the students and the school. From the direction of the school’s strategy and finances to oversight of school activities, the board works to make sure the school continues to operate smoothly and maintains a high priority for student education and well-being.
Seats Available
- Parent Member (Term Ends 6/30/2026)
- Community Member (Term Ends 6/30/2024)
- Community Member (Term Ends 6/30/2026)
Meet Our Parent Candidates
Learn about the nominees running for the Parent Member seat.
Tasha Carpenter
My name is Tasha Carpenter and I am a mother to a 10th grader at UMA and a kindergartner at Cornerstone Montessori. I am from Canada and have lived in Minnesota for 27 years. I currently work as an office manager at a chiropractic clinic for 12 years.
My passion is my kids and speaking up for them. I believe in the cliche saying “children are the future”. It is our duty as parents to provide children with all the tools to live a good life and to be good people. Respecting one another is very important as well as respecting the land we live on. Diversity is another passion of mine. I would like to help facilitate the inclusion of all cultures into daily life at UMA.
Melissa David
My name is Melissa David. I came to Minnesota via Texas over 20 years ago now, but it’s still unclear which state will claim me. I’ve lived in Minneapolis throughout that time, and while I love the city, the schools were unable to serve my youngest. So now we’re at UMA! My kids are 13 and 16. Both are autistic. I am also a clinical social worker. I serve adults with serious and persistent mental illnesses and youth with serious mental health struggles. I also train first responders and law enforcement in managing and deescalating mental health crises. As you can see, mental health is a passion for me, and being engaged in my communities is a priority. When my family toured UMA, we were struck by how it felt and looked welcoming to multiple identities, and I’m excited go join this community and actively contribute to it as well.
Bryan Haza
Bryan is a 12-year resident of St. Paul, MN. Born and raised in Columbus, Indiana, he holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Purdue University and a MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. Bryan has worked at Cummins Inc. for 28 years, holding various roles in engineering, sales and management. He currently works as a Strategic Account Manager for Cummins in its Homes and Small Business generator market.
While living in Columbus, Bryan was part of the Planning Commission for the City of Columbus from 2006-2012. Bryan was elected President of the Planning Commission in January of 2009, and held that position until February of 2012.
Bryan is married to Mary Kate, and has two children, Brandon (13) and Natalie (12). Brandon is currently a student at Upper Mississippi Academy.
Bryan and Mary Kate struggled for years to find a school where Brandon fits in. After trying several schools in St Paul Public Schools and an online charter school, Brandon found his place at Upper Mississippi Academy. Bryan wishes to use his experience and expertise to ensure that UMA continues to be that home for Brandon and all of the other students that struggled to fit in the public school environment.
Bryan is a descendant of the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians (Michigan) and has a special passion for Indigenous studies. He will champion the Indigenous education effort when and where possible.
Enroll At UMA
Upcoming Events
Student Release Day
Friday, Sep 1, 2023, 12:00 AM
Labor Day (UMA Closed)
Monday, Sep 4, 2023, 12:00 AM
Special Board Meeting
Friday, Sep 1, 2023, 05:15 PM
Upper Mississippi Academy at the Uniquely Eastside Festival
Saturday, Sep 9, 2023, 12:00 PM
Upper Mississippi Academy Board of Directors Elections
Elections will take place online through September 15th.
Monday, Sep 11, 2023, 12:00 AM
High School Student-for-a-Day
Tuesday, Sep 12, 2023, 09:30 AM
Middle School Student-for-a-Day
Wednesday, Sep 13, 2023, 01:30 PM
Indigenous People Advisory Committee Meeting
Wednesday, Sep 13, 2023, 04:00 PM
UMA Website Calendar
Want to stay up to date with what is going on at UMA? Add our Website Calendar to your Google calendar.