Monday Message
January 25, 2021
Work Due for Month 5
Friday, January 29 by 3:00
This Friday is work sample (audit) turn-in for attendance. All work due this week needs to be turned in along with audit samples to your supervising teacher.
PSAT/NMSQT CANCELLED
Unfortunately, the current weather has forced the district to cancel the PSAT/NMSQT exam scheduled for Tuesday, 1/26/21 since our sites are not able to provide the optimal outdoor testing conditions.
SSC/SGT Meeting
Day: Wednesday, January 27
Time: 2:00-3:00
Zoom: https://sandiegounified.zoom.us/j/89056497845
All parents are invited to attend the School Site Committee (SSC) meeting. The SSC is a shared decision-making body composed of parents, staff, and students. Our Council identifies needs for academic programs and sets budgets to support these programs. More information, agendas, and minutes can be found on our SSC/SGT webpage.
For questions, please contact Principal Browne at cbrowne@sandi.net
MEA Online Parent Lounge
Tuesday, February 2 / 5:00-5:30
Friday, February 5 / 11:00-11:30
Hosted by MEA Foundation & Linda Ele
Our online parent lounge kicked off successfully in December and parents had a wonderful time connecting with one another! Our February lounge will be split up in two 30-min sessions to better accommodate everyone's schedules! Please join us either Tuesday, February 2 from 5:00-5:30pm OR Friday, February 5 at 11-11:30am OR both! You can come and go as your availability allows, just like our regular in-person parent lounge!
Breakout Rooms for Elementary, Middle, and High School will be allocated again and you are free to hop from room to room if you have students in multiple grades.
FEEDBACK FROM MEA PARENT
Online Parent Lounge
As the parent of a first-year MEA student, the parent lounge is a great way to gain valuable perspective on the unique experience of our school. Let's face it -- we're all navigating uncharted waters through this pandemic. Having other middle school parents, and even high school parents, to chat with allowed me to get answers to questions I had but felt didn't necessarily rise to the level of an email to a busy teacher, staff, or administrator. It helps to know there is a community of peers to support us as we support our students.
~ Nicole Vargas-Viglotti, 7th grade parent
Club Fair
Wednesday, February 3 / 12:00-12:30
ASB will be holding another club fair for all students on February 3rd from 12-12:30. Many clubs will be represented, so come and explore all the amazing options! You can see what MEA's clubs have been doing during the first semester and join some of them too!
CLUB LEADERS
Please sign up here to have your club participate in the fair. This is for current club leaders as well as those thinking of starting a new club.
Science Presentations
Sponsored by MEA Foundation
Calling all students! UCR Entomology (ranked No. 2 in the world by Center for World University Rankings in 2017) is hosting exciting presentations exclusively for our MEA students. This is great for any budding scientists or gardeners, or for anyone to explore a new subject area! There will be TWO presentations geared towards our various range of students.
Monday, February 8 at 1:00 pm: Primary Students (Grades K-5)
TBD: Secondary Students (Grades 6-12)
If you have a conflict with one but can make the other, feel free to join that one instead (or even both if you prefer), keeping mindful of the presentation differences gearing towards the designated grade groups.
Meeting links to come. Hope to see you there!
Students vs. Teachers Trivia Game
Tuesday, February 9 / 12:00-12:30
On February 9th, ASB will be hosting a Students vs. Teachers Trivia Game! Any students and teachers are welcome to sign up to participate, using this trivia game form.
A zoom link for the event will be coming soon!
* * * * * *
Elementary Art
Students had fun learning about Color and Color Mixing with Mrs. Sink, and then making marbled paper.
Find out what Mrs. Sink will be teaching next month on her Elementary Art website.
Yearbook Cover Contest
All students are invited to enter their art in our yearbook cover contest! The winner will receive a free yearbook and their artwork will be displayed on the front cover! Even if your entry is not used on the cover, it may still be used in other places throughout the book.
2021 Yearbook Theme:
This year’s book doesn’t have a specific “tag line,” but the cover art should reflect the uniqueness of this year, which is unlike any other.
All Entries Due By: March 26, 2021
German Club starts on Feb. 1
Day: Mondays (except turn-in week)
Time: 10:35-12:00
Zoom: https://sandiegounified.zoom.us/j/86759627101
Password: 550343
The first German Club meeting will be on Monday, Feb. 1.
Come join us on Zoom every Monday (except during Turn-In week) from 10:35 until Noon to learn some German, learn about German culture, and to bake German cookies and cook simple German foods!
Humans of MEA
MEA Ally Action will be starting their first project for high school students! Based on "Humans of New York", they will be interviewing teachers and students to learn their story. The interviews will be shared on the Monday Message. The goal of this project is to help show that we all have our own stories!
If you are interested in participating, please fill out this Humans of MEA form.
Virtual Calming Room
Welcome to the SDUSD Virtual Calming Room, created by the Counseling and Guidance Department. This has been created to be a safe space where students and families can find various tools to help with managing their emotions, feelings, and stress.
This link can also be found on the MEA home page.
Yearbook Request: "Staying Active"
This unusual year calls for unusual yearbook pictures!
How have you managed to keep moving during this shutdown? By dancing, lifting weights, jogging, or ____? Help document this very different year by sending in a photo of yourself STAYING ACTIVE for the yearbook. Please include your first name, last name, grade, and caption.
Pictures can be submitted by either:
- Emailing Linda Ele at lele@sandi.net, or
- Using these upload instructions
MEA 7th grader is pictured below.
Special Material Pickups
Pick up times for all days are from 10:00am - 1:00pm
Please note that this week pickups will be on WEDNESDAY, Jan. 27 instead of Tuesday, Jan. 26 and will follow the regular Thursday schedule as well.
- Art supplies for Ms. Battin’s students in grades 6, 7, 8
- Special pickups for Ms. Patterson’s students in grades 5, 6, 7
- Economics textbooks
- Any class changes that require new textbooks
Please contact Suzie Wilson at swilson3@sandi.net if you have any questions, or reach her at 858-627-7381 on Tuesdays through Thursdays. There is no need to email her in advance.
Middle School Art
Below is the Zoom link for the first class of Middle School Art, which will be held on Wednesday, January 27 at 10:40 AM.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://sandiegounified.zoom.us/j/85038210821
For any questions, please contact Mrs. Battin, bkielty@sandi.net
ACT preparation materials
If you are studying for the ACT tests, the library has received a donated set of Practice Questions, Prep Guide, Cram Plan, and Math/Science question/workbooks to our library. The books are used, but still useful for your test preparation. One or more of these books can be checked out during the standard Material Checkout times.
THE GREAT KINDNESS CHALLENGE
January 25 - 29
The Great Kindness Challenge is all about students "practicing kindness" by completing as many acts of kindness as possible using the provided kindness checklist. Unite in kindness with millions of students around the world during the week of January 25th.
The kind acts on the checklist focus on key concepts:
- caring (incl. self-care)
- respect
- gratitude
- inclusiveness
The Great Kindness Challenge is an action-based program and the concepts are internalized through the hands-on experiences. Your KINDNESS MATTERS!
What I Wish My Teachers Knew
Created by the MEA Mental Health Club, this initiative will try and improve the mental health of students by giving us problems to solve. As a completely anonymous form, we ask students to answer questions relating to the topic of “what I wish my teachers knew”. As we get feedback on the emotional health of students, we will try and create programs alongside staff that help lift stressors relating to school. Please fill out the form below, no matter your grade level. You feedback will help our club immensely!
Form: What I wish my teachers knew
Email leenayumi1@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns.
Your Input Needed
Our unique program currently meets the needs of many different families for many different reasons. This data, along with District guidelines, will help inform our decisions moving forward. We thank you for your input.
Senior Portraits
Seniors may have their senior portraits taken at Chula Vista Photo this year, as we are not able to have Lifetouch come on campus. Here is more information about what to expect.
To schedule an appointment, contact the studio at mail@chulavistaphoto.com or 619-422-9281.
Book your appointment soon! Your portrait needs to be taken in either January or February to ensure that it will make it into the 2020-21 MEA Yearbook.
For any questions, please contact Linda Ele at lele@sandi.net
YEARBOOK
The 20-21 school year will be unlike any other. We will be talking about it for the rest of our lives. This year’s yearbook is going to be different too...because it will be crowdsourced and made by YOU!
ASB Instagram
MEA's ASB Instagram account is running again this year! Follow us to get updates on school events, spirit weeks, and more! Account Handle: @mea.asb
* * THE GOOD STUFF * *
Please send in your Good Stuff!
We're bringing back the Good Stuff! We know MEA students and families are involved in so many things outside of school. Do you have something fun or interesting to share? Please send your stories and images to share for "The Good Stuff" in upcoming Monday messages to Linda Ele at lele@sandi.net. We want to hear from you!
** Extracurricular Activities **
CLUBS
- Academic League - led by Kate Papen
- Ally Action - Google Classroom Code - 4pkxv2a
- Art Club - led by Ava G, Renee D, Alexis A.
- Cooking Club - led by Katherine B.
- Drama Club - led by Gabriella Martien
- Engineering Club - led by Matthew S ... Zoom link ... Interest Form
> Mondays, 1:30-2:30 (not turn in) - Film Club - led by Petunia Rizo
- GSA - Google Classroom Code - wtg4opf
- Hack Club - led by Yusuf A....Flyer...Interest Form
- Horror Club - led by Toki
- Mental Health Club - led by Leena Iwamoto
- Musicing Club - led by Malyvn Lai
- Rubik's Cube Club - led by Shawn Zhuang
- Year Enders
- Yoga/Meditation Club - led by Chloe Lutosky
Rubik’s Cube Club
In this video, watch Elijah, grade 4, solve the cube in 9.78 seconds - his personal best time!
Elijah learned how to solve the 3x3 when he was 8 years old, just before he started 3rd grade, so he’s been able to solve for about a year and a half. Elijah had taken a bit of a break with cubing after school started this year, because he was getting burned out practicing by himself, despite his love for cubing. Elijah feels that being able to become a part of the cubing club, and practicing with Shawn has inspired him to work at getting faster times. He is grateful to be able to learn from Shawn who he now looks up to as a mentor.
The Rubik’s Cube Club meets every Friday from 12:00-12:30 and is led by MEA 11th grader, Shawn Z, who is a competitive Rubik’s Cube speedsolver.
PALS Tutoring
Day: Thursdays
Times: 12:30 - 3:00
Zoom: https://sandiegounified.zoom.us/j/85258186771
GRADES K-5:
Come spend some quality time with a MEA secondary student who is ready to listen to you, learn about your homework projects, and offer their guidance. Some of our tutors have experience from tutoring on campus in previous years, and a few brave tutors are new to MEA this year.
This is a great way to take advantage of the wonderful synergy that exists between our older and younger students. And if you'd just like to learn more, feel free to stop by on Thursday afternoons and check them out!
PALS is hosted by staff member Linda Ele
Meet PALS Tutor: Leon
Hi, my name is Leon and I’m in the 7th grade. I have been at Mt. Everest Academy since I was in kindergarten, and I intend to stay here! I like being a PALS tutor and I will be happy to help with any homework. But before being a tutor, I was on the other side of the table - that’s right, I was a tutee. It was a very good experience; I got help with my homework and got to know my tutors.
As for school, my favorite subject is History, and my least favorite is Math. Being a secondary student is not easy; you have coversheets, work, and sometimes extra credit. If I am not swamped in homework I like to play video games. Pokemon and Megaman are my favorites.
So that’s it for About Me, oh, and of course I like to be a PALS tutor! Overall, my PALS experience is great from both sides, although I like being a tutor more. And in an unprecedented time like this one, who couldn’t use some help?
I hope you find PALS to be helpful to you!
PALS interest form
Elementary schoolers who are looking to be tutored, please fill out the form below. Middle and high schoolers who are looking to tutor, also fill out the form below. Thank you!
Ally Action
MEA is continuing our anti-bullying campaign this year! Due to concerns surrounding many of the ideals that ADL stood for, we are no longer associating ourselves with them, and we are officially Ally Action. We are starting the campaign by encouraging all students to sign this pledge to make our school a more welcoming place. Throughout the year, we will host events for all ages to build our school's community. If you're interested in joining our team, you can also tell us that on the pledge. Anyone in 6th-12th grade is more than welcome!!
** COUNSELING CORNER **
Scholarship for Navy or Marine dependents
This scholarship is for students who are Navy or Marine dependents. The scholarship is good for up to $15,000/year for tuition, books, and academic fees for a maximum of 4 years. The Alexander Kreiglowa Navy & Marine Corps Dependents Education Foundation Scholarships are administered by the San Diego Council, United States Navy League. As a former chief petty officer, Mr. Alexander Kreiglowa’s legacy continues through this scholarship program.
Language Other Than English testing
Wednesday, February 3
Most students will satisfy the LOTE (Language Other Than English) requirement by taking two or more years of world languages classes; however, 8th grade students who are already proficient in another language may choose to demonstrate proficiency equivalent to two years of secondary instruction by passing a LOTE Alternative Assessment in their primary language. We will be testing on February 3rd online. At minimum, students need to be able to read in his/her language.
The language acquisition office has sent Mr. Zappala the names of students who might be successful taking the Alternative assessment, and he will be in touch with those students this week. In addition, if you feel like your 8th grader can demonstrate this proficiency, in any of the languages below, please contact Mr. Zappala (rzappala@sandi.net) no later than Monday, February 1st and he will forward you the login information.
Future Seniors Information
JUNIORS!
Getting ready for your senior year and preparing for college applications starts now. Here is some valuable future seniors information for you and your parents.
San Diego Foundation
SENIORS!
The San Diego Foundation Community Scholarship program provides scholarship opportunities for local students to help pursue their educational goals and achieve their higher education dreams. Here are:
All of the San Diego Foundation Scholarships, in addition to their Common Application Scholarship.
Tips for completing applications for scholarships offered through the San Diego Foundation.
Endless Possibilities
Your guide to majors and programs of interest at the San Diego Community College District. They offer endless possibilities for your career journey with a wealth of opportunities for pursuing your education. The SDCCD strives to make their students successful by dedicating their resources to quality instruction and stellar support services.
Class of 2021
Seniors, this Counseling & Guidance Resources webpage was designed with you in mind. From the page you will find helpful resources to support your senior year: understand the college application process, cope with the stressors of transitioning to college and navigate the challenges of senior year.
Spring Community College Dual Enrollment
11th and 12th grade students may take a community college course while enrolled at Mt. Everest Academy. There are many courses offered for dual credit, where students can meet high school graduation requirements while earning college credit. Now is the time to sign up for a Spring semester course!
All students, new and returning, need to submit a community college Supplemental Application each semester. Students can submit their Supplemental Application as of Oct. 26th and open enrollment will begin on December 14th.
Students new to the dual enrollment process will need to complete the CCApply and Registration Applications in addition to the Supplemental Application.
For any questions, please contact Mr. Zappala at rzappala@sandi.net
Challenge to Class Requirements
Students must meet all class requirements prior to being enrolled in community college campus courses. Students can clear prerequisites by challenge exam, transcripts, or petition to challenge.
Challenge Exam offered through testing office: testing@sdccd.edu
If you’ve taken classes similar to the prerequisites in question but not exact equivalents, or if you have applicable work experience, you can petition through the particular Department. For this, download and submit this Petition to Challenge. The submit link is just below the forms.
SAT 2020-21
For those of you thinking about taking the SAT this school year, here is everything you need to know. Although many colleges are not considering the SAT or ACT for admission for the Fall of 2021, some are test optional where the results can be considered for course placement. Reach out to Mr. Zappala with any questions you have about the SAT and ACT.
Women in Computer Science
* * COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS * *
THE LIVE WELL YOUTH SECTOR IS RECRUITING
Apply to Live Well San Diego's Youth Leadership Team for a one year term to represent the voices of youth and young adults ages 16-24 in San Diego County. This is a paid position (minimum wage/$14/hr). Participants in the Youth Sector are young leaders who advise, educate, and organize around youth needs in San Diego County. Applications are open until 1/29/21.
Student Research Internship Opportunity
Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI) offers a Student Research Internship Program for highly motivated high school, undergraduate, graduate and professional students. Interns will work with and learn from a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, who include internationally-renowned investigators in the areas of genomics, bioinformatics, and digital medicine. The primary aim of the internship program is to train and prepare students interested in health sciences, statistics, and computational/computer science to become future leaders in the realm of translational medical research.
Library NExT
Library NExT (Network of Education x Training)
This is a series of workshops for elementary, middle, and high school students on topics including robotics, circuits, and other STEAM subjects. This San Diego Public Library program is a collaboration with UC San Diego Extension and Sally Ride Science.
See 2021 schedule of Virtual Library NExT Programs