Minnesota Excellence in Learning Academy

06/25/2026

If you know MELA, you know how Ms. M. is very important for us! She is a source of laughter, support, kindness, and encouragement for our students, families, and staff.

Back in March, Ms. M. experienced a stroke caused by a heart condition called PFO (a hole in the heart that had gone undetected).

As she focuses on her recovery, we wanted to share an opportunity for those who have been touched by her kindness, that would like to support her and her family.

The halls of MELA are a little less bright while we wait for her return, and we can’t wait to see her back doing what she does best: bringing joy, helping others, and making every day better for those around her.

Thank you for keeping Ms. M in your thoughts and for supporting her recovery in any way you can!

We love you, Ms. M! 💜

On March 22, 2026, Ms. M suffered rare complications from an undiagnosed heart condition,… Eboni Thomas needs your support for Support Ms. M’s Stroke Recovery

05/22/2026

Thank you to all who attended MELA’s Birthday Party yesterday! It was so wonderful to celebrate with all of you!

Our silent auction is open through Sunday!

If you feel comfortable, please share the link with friends, family, and social media!

Silent Auction Link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/happy-10th-birthday-mela-silent-auction

As always, we are so thankful for every member of our MELA family!

Have a beautiful weekend!

02/18/2026

At Minnesota Excellence in Learning Academy, we believe books are treasures… so we turned reading and writing into something magical ✨📚

Yes: we have a Book Vending Machine!

But here’s the twist…
Students don’t use money to get a book.
They use their words.

Each week, students respond to a creative writing prompt. They stretch their imagination, practice their craft, and share their voices. Our weekly winners receive a special token… and that token unlocks a brand new book from our vending machine to take home and keep forever.

We are building:
📖 A love of reading
✍🏽 Confident writers
💡 Creative thinkers
❤️ Joyful learners

Because at MELA, literacy is not just a skill - it’s a celebration.

Watching a student carefully choose their very own book is pure magic. And the pride on their faces? Priceless.

Words open doors. And at MELA… they open vending machines too. 💫

01/22/2026

No school 1/23/26 due to frigid temperatures. Stay safe!

12/10/2025

Due to the forecast of heavy snow and rapidly worsening road conditions, we have made the decision to close school for tomorrow Wednesday, December 10th 2025, to ensure the safety of all our students, families, and staff.

Keeping our community safe is always our top priority. With the expected snowfall and reduced visibility, we want to avoid having students and staff on the roads during the most dangerous hours specially cause tomorrow is already a half day.

Thank you for your understanding and partnership. Please stay safe, and enjoy the extra time indoors with your families.

11/11/2025

Help us congratulate two of our winners from this week’s book competition! Every week, the stories get better and better! Winners receive a book from our Book Vending Machine! We’re so proud of our MELA students!

11/11/2025

Please consider supporting our incredible MELA community so we can continue empowering students to learn, grow, and face the challenges of our world with strength, compassion, and hope.

MELA, "The Little School with the Big Heart," is a joyful learning community that needs your help!

09/26/2025

Our first book fair of the year starts Monday!!! We are very excited!!! Drawing made by one of our 5th grade students!!

09/23/2025

Here are some pictures of our book winners so far!!!

How can students earn a token?

• By meeting a class or individual learning goal
• By winning one of our school competitions
• By being recognized with MELA tickets that build up to a token

We can’t wait to see our students grow as readers and leaders through this fun and rewarding program!

09/11/2025

📚✨ Exciting News! ✨📚

To encourage reading and celebrate positive behavior, we now have a brand-new, beautiful Book Vending Machine at MELA!

Students won’t buy books with money - instead, they’ll use special tokens they earn through their hard work and leadership.

How can students earn a token?
• By meeting a class or individual learning goal
• By winning one of our school competitions
• By being recognized with MELA tickets that build up to a token

Every token is a chance to pick a brand-new book to add to the classroom library OR to take home and keep forever.

We can’t wait to see our students grow as readers and leaders through this fun and rewarding program!