Here is a quick update on a few of things going on at MPK.

Super Sunday – We have a Super Sunday Black Belt training scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 24, from 5-6:30 pm. We only had one Super Saturday this month because of the holidays so this will be a good opportunity to get your training in.

Colored Belt Test – Our next test is scheduled for the week of Feb. 15-19. The test schedule will be the same as the last test, and we’ll send that detail as it gets closer. If you have enough classes (minimum 40 for up to Red and 80 for Brown) and plan to test, be sure to sign up for stripe testing times on Saturdays to make sure you have all your colored stripes ahead of time.

Scarves on State – We have an MPK family involved in this organization to help Madison’s homeless population, and there is a great need for donations with the cold weather. Warm clothing for men, women, and children in all sizes are welcome, but there are a few things in high demand. If you can help with new or used items, bring them to MPK by Thursday of this week, and they’ll be picked up for delivery to those in need. Here are some items in high demand:

• Warm men’s socks (size 9-12)
• Men’s gloves and hats
• Hand warmers
• Men’s boots or sturdy walking shoes (even better if they’re waterproof)
• Men’s coats, fleece, and sweatshirts in large sizes
• First aid kits (travel size)
• Personal hygiene products in travel size (no mouthwash or hand sanitizer, please)
• Sleeping bags, tents, tarps, blankets
• Bags – large purses, backpacks, or duffels
• Women’s and kid’s winter clothing

$5 Referral – We have 50 referral dollars to hand out in $5 bills for those of you referring new students. We’ll give it away to the first ten people/families who refer someone who signs up for any of our programs.

Quick reminder that Monday, January 18, there is NO SCHOOL. And, Friday, January 22, is a two-hour early release day. Short week!

• If your child will not be attending MPK on any given day, please let us know.
• If you need to pick up your child at a certain time/earlier then normal, please let us know in advance.
• Please wash uniform/t-shirt each weekend and send it with your child to School following week. If you need to purchase more uniforms, t-shirts, see front desk.
• There is still a lot of Lost and Found items – snow pants, sweatshirts, hats, pink rubber rain boots, etc. Please take a look when picking up your child to see if it belongs to you/child. We’ve asked the students and we get the same response – not mine! It’s spread out kitty corner behind the counter.
• 4th grade – Middle School students: If your child is in 4th grade this year, going into 5th grade next year and for all Middle School students who plan to attend MPK After School Program next year, please email me. Mr. Armstrong is thinking ahead to have a plan for next year transportation and we are trying to get an idea who might return next year. Please think about it/talk about it and I’ll ask you again in couple of months.

We’ll be having two more students starting with us soon. One next week and another one in February. That puts our A+ student head count at 68!! That is awesome! This is our 5th year for After School Program and I’m proud to be a part of MPK family. I love my job, working with the staff, students, and families. That shows what kind of a Martial Arts Program we have and the families who are truly dedicated to our program. It’s so great to see the students grow when they started out as a white belt to where they are at now. What a great accomplishment as individuals and as a whole team. They make new friends from all four Schools. Never, ever give up, push them till the end and they’ll earn their black belt. 🙂

— Melinda Huber

Hey everyone, we have a lot of winter gear that’s been left here at the studio, and with the cold weather, we want to make sure kids get it back. We have several pairs of snow pants and boots, a winter coat and several lighter jackets and fleece, along with some hats, gloves, and sweatshirts. Some of it has been here for quite a while.

Can you please take a look next time you’re here and see if you recognize anything? It’s all next to the front desk, just ask and we’ll show you what we have.

Stay warm!

Hope you all had a great Christmas and are enjoying a Happy New Year! Here’s what is happening in January. Please note these important dates with regards to our A+ After School program:

Monday, Jan. 11 – Pom Pon Squad Clinic at Yahara Elem. (3:45-5:30pm, grades K-4)
Monday, Jan. 18 – NO SCHOOL – Staff Development
Friday, Jan. 22 – ALL SCHOOLS – Two-Hour Early Release
Tuesday, Jan. 26 – WES Variety Show, PAC (5:30pm)
Saturday, Jan. 30 – DAHS – Dad/Daughter Dance, North Gym (6-9pm)

Happy New Year!

With the holidays upon us we have a modified class schedule, and there are still plenty of opportunities come get in for a workout. With school closed there is no A+ After School program, but A+ students are welcome to attend any of the available evening classes for their belt rank and age.

Wed 12/23 – normal evening classes

Thu 12/24 – Sun 12/27 – CLOSED – Merry Christmas!

Mon 12/28, Tue 12/29, and Wed 12/30 – normal evening classes (Tuesday is sparring)

Thu 12/31 and Fri 1/1 – CLOSED – Happy New Year!

Sat 1/2 – Open gym only, 9-10:30am – no normal classes, no Super Saturday

Evening class times:
5:00 – Little Kickers
5:30 – White, Gold, Orange, Green, and Purple – Juniors and Adults
6:15 – Blue, Red, and Brown – Juniors and Adults
7:00 – Masters Black Belt Training M and W