Monday Message
April 18, 2022
Welcome Karen Krampe!
Please welcome the newest member of the Mt. Everest Academy staff! Here’s an introduction from Ms. Krampe:
"Hi my name is Karen Krampe and mom to MEA senior. I’m so excited to be staying at MEA even though my student is graduating, I love the MEA family! I will be supporting teaching and learning on campus in many ways including assisting with ASB meetings and coordinating events, assisting in the Maker Space including coordinating workshops, and helping students.
I'm originally from Kentucky and graduated High School and College in Florida (Go Gators!). I love traveling to National and State Parks, enjoy crafts and sewing, love organizing and getting to know people. I am excited to continue being a part of the community at MEA!"
UPCOMING EVENTS
BIDDING HAS STARTED AND NEW ITEMS ADDED TO ONLINE SILENT AUCTION
Our MEA Online Auction closes Friday, April 29th between 10:00pm and midnight. It is an eBay style auction of goods and services that have been donated by merchants and businesses to help us raise money for our school. Some items will be at the Talent Show and all items will be accepting bids.
Families, friends and the general public can shop online and get some great deals. Share the link, the more bidding the more funds generated to benefit all students at Mt. Everest Academy!
AUCTION TIPS
Bidding: To bid, you will need to register here, enter username and your email address. A registration link will be sent to your email address to complete the process and enter a
password.
Enter Auction Site: Enter the Auction Site once you have registered and are logged in to view all the items.
- Staggered Closing Times: Each item closes at a different time. Plus the time remaining for any item is always displayed.
- Higher Bid email notifications: Auction site automatically emails you when you have been outbid.
- Winner: The winner will receive an email with the happy news and a link to follow to provide payment information and complete the transaction.
- Issues: Contact us at Auction@MEAFoundation.org if you have any problems.
Our online auction is open to the public and all items purchased can be picked up the week of May 9th or we can mail them to you (unless noted). Register and start bidding!
Clothing Swap
April 19, 20, 21
Ally Action's Clothing Swap officially begins tomorrow! We will be on the blacktop from 12-1 on Tuesday and 12-12:30 the following two days. We will be accepting donations through Thursday. Students are also welcome to take clothes without donating!
There is a designated box in the office where you can drop off clothing. Feel free to donate clothing and not exchange any or shop for clothing without having donated any. Our goal is to increase sustainability and decrease the support for fast fashion! All extra clothes that aren't taken home will be donated to the Monarch School. Feel free to email cmoyaspc@gmail.com or theo@themartiens.com with any inquiries.
K-5 students: Join us this Wednesday for C3 hour and help celebrate earth week!
Wednesday, April 20 / 12:30-1:30
Earth Day is this Friday (Earth Day, the annual international event demonstrating support for environmental protection, was established in 1970 and is celebrated in 192 countries each year. It is always celebrated on April 22 and has grown into a full week’s celebration known as Earth Week.)
What better way to celebrate than to plant sunflowers “for the bees”…and plant wheat grass seeds “for these” (our resident chickens, who help remove unwanted pests from the gardens, contribute to the compost tumblers, and are just fun to be around!)
Each student will receive their own sunflower seed packet, and we will find areas in the front gardens and chicken gardens to plant a few seeds. The students may then take the rest of the seeds home!
We will also be creating wheat grass trays (planting seeds) to nurture and grow to keep our chickens healthy!
Please sign your K-5 student in at the front office (enrichment form) and Miss Shannon will greet and walk all students together to the coop.
Make a Mother's Day Gift
Thursday, April 21 / 12:30-1:15 / MakerSpace
Thursday, April 28 / 12:30-1:15 / MakerSpace
ELEMENTARY STUDENTS, come make a guided portrait for your mother that is sure to make her smile on Mother’s Day!
Each workshop is limited to 6 students, PLEASE SIGN UP for one of these Thursdays below:
There will be lunch supervision for elementary students that are already on campus. For other students, please drop them off at the front office and they will be escorted to and from the MakerSpace.
Any students who want to help out, please let Miss Ellie know (esuko@sandi.net).
Blaze Pizza Fundraiser
Thursday, April 21 / 5:00pm - 10:00pm
5604 Balboa Ave.
FIFTY PERCENT!
The MEA Foundation has partnered with Blaze Pizza for a school fundraiser with 50% of sales donated to MEAF. It’s a win-win; help MEAF and enjoy pizza with made-from-scratch dough, artisanal ingredients, and fast-fire’d to crisp perfection.
Simply PRESENT THIS FLYER (printed or on your phone) to the cashier upon ordering.
Academic League at Clairemont High
Thursday, April 21 / 7:00pm
The MEA Academic League will meet at Clairemont High School to compete with their Academic League. Answering a series of questions for all core subjects, the contestants try to outwit and out-maneuver their opponents in a set of matches to reach the finals. Come out and support our team!
Work Due for Month 8
Friday, April 22 completed by 3:00pm
(must arrive by 2pm for enough time to meet with your supervising teacher)
Mt. Everest Academy must follow strict Ed Code policy regarding independent study. We realize turn-in and work samples can be a hassle, however, they MUST be done correctly in order for our program to stay in existence. So, please carefully follow instructions for turn-in and audit. If you are not sure you are doing something correctly, ask your supervising teacher. (And DO NOT write "audit" anywhere on a work sample or subject title.)
Turn in all of your work to your content area teachers
Use this checklist to prepare your work samples (audits)
Go see your supervising teacher for your monthly "check-in". You will review completed work in all of your classes with them and turn in your work samples.
We strongly suggest completing work samples on Tuesday or Wednesday this week so it is not a rush to get it done on Friday!
SSC/SGT Meeting
Date: Wednesday, April 27
Time: 2:00-3:00 pm
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. The meeting agenda will be posted on the SSC/SGT webpage. For questions, please contact Principal Browne at cbrowne@sandi.net
Open Reading Event
Thursday, April 28 / 12:00-12:30 / Room 2
Students in grades 6-12 are invited to come to Dr. Rodenberg's room with a piece of their own writing or an excerpt from their favorite poem/novel to read for this open reading. This event is hosted by the MEA Literary Magazine group.
(To see the newly published first issue Literary Magazine, log in to "Heights" with a sandi.net account, and then click on the “Issues” tab.)
Spring Lunch Concert
Thursday, April 28
12:00pm
MEA Auditorium
Secondary students - come celebrate Spring and enjoy beautiful music played by Nicole Lee and Petunia Rizo!
Talent Show / Silent Auction
Day: Friday, April 29
Time: Doors open at 5:00, Show starts at 5:30
Location: MEA Auditorium
Snacks: $1 each (pizza, cookies, water)
For this event, tickets will be sold both online and at the door.
To purchase online use SchoolCash Online with a Visa/Visa Debit or Mastercard/Mastercard Debit. New users will need to register for an account. Online sales will close a day before the show.
High School Prom
Friday, May 13 / 6:00-10:00pm / Mission Bay Yacht Club
Tickets: $40 until 4/24, $45 from 4/25-5/8, and $50 from 5/9-5/12
Tickets are now available in our online school store for the upcoming High School Prom. No tickets will be sold at the door, so please use the SchoolCash Online system to purchase using Visa/Visa Debit and Mastercard/Mastercard Debit. New users will need to register for an account.
Permission Forms are required for all dance attendees:
- For MEA students, fill out the permission form online when purchasing tickets.
- Each MEA student can bring one guest. For non-MEA guests, download this guest permission form. Fill it out and have it signed by the guest’s school administrator. Then bring the form to the dance and turn it in at the door.
Daily Mindfulness and Meditation
These daily sessions will include about 10 minutes of mindfulness and meditation as well as other activities to foster health and wellness and connectedness in our community. All MEA Community members are welcome!
Zoom: https://sandiegounified.zoom.us/j/88599896023 Passcode: MEA!
- When: Monday through Friday (holidays and scheduled school concerts/events excluded!)
- Why: Optimum Health, Wellness, and Well-Being!
- Who: The whole MEA Community
- Time: 12-12:30 (You must login by 12:00)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Testing & Class Calendar for May 2022
Please be sure to look at the school calendar (or sync it to your personal calendar) to be sure that you do not miss anything. State testing (CAASPP) is extra important this year as we must meet a 95% participation rate or we will be penalized on our ratings. This includes the CA Dashboard site (and all other sites like Greatschools, Niche, etc. that pull their data from the Dashboard.) Student participation cannot be stressed enough!
During the week of May 2 - May 6 there will be no K-8 studygroups or K-8 extracurriculars as all students in grades 3-8 will be taking the CAASPP tests. (There will still be 9-12 studygroups this week.) AP exams will also be taking place May 2 - May 13.
The last day of studygroups will be May 26. From May 31 - June 3, 11th and 12th graders will take the CAASPP. High schoolers can earn community service hours for taking part in the exams.
Please note:
There are multiple days scheduled for testing as students can work at their own pace. Some students may finish in as few as 2-3 days and will not need to attend additional days.
There are no cell phones allowed during testing.
Students should bring a water bottle and a snack.
Students should bring headphones if they have them. If not, the school will provide.
The full testing calendar can be found here. Thank you!
Order Your 2021-22 Yearbook
It’s time to order your yearbook! The deadline to purchase (and customize) a yearbook and have it shipped to the school for free is FRIDAY, APRIL 29.
Purchase and customize YOUR yearbook
School Passcode: 1013183679162246
Talent Show Crew Needed
The Talent Show needs crew! Rehearsals will be Wednesday the 27th at 2:30 pm and Thursday the 28th at 2 pm. We'd ask that you come to the show at 5 pm on Friday the 29th. For any questions, email Theo Martien (theo@themartiens.com) Sign up here.
Clairemont High School Spring Dance
Saturday, April 30 / 6:00-10:00pm
MEA students in grades 8-12 have been formally invited to the Clairemont High School Spring dance on April 30th from 6-10 PM. If interested, students from MEA will be able to purchase their tickets at the CHS campus until 4/22. Their finance department is able to handle all ticket sales from 8AM - 4PM with a lunch break from 1PM - 2PM. Tickets cost $25, and a student contract must be signed prior to purchasing a ticket. Here is a dance packet with all the relevant information.
Service Learning Hours
Miss Shannon is making two days and two different time slots available for anyone who would like to get credit for service learning hours, or just help out in the gardens.
They are:
Tuesday and Thursday
11-12
1:30-2:30
Feel free to drop by any of those times. Stay for as long as you’d like.
Calling all artists and crafters!
The wood slice seed mandalas did not weather well, and they have all been removed.
If any students have a burning desire to create new “art” for the painted pallets by the chicken coop, please see Miss Shannon for a brainstorming session. We might be able to utilize items from the Makerspace.
Wood + seeds + hot glue + several rainstorms = not quite the right fit for the space!
Summer AP Courses
High school students have the opportunity to take AP courses through UC Scout during summer 2022. AP Courses offered through UC Scout this summer are independent study, asynchronous courses.
The courses begin June 21 and conclude August 18. Students work at their own pace but must complete the course before or on the end date of August 18.
Applicable credits will be recorded on students' high school transcripts. AP exam testing will not be offered this summer; however, students wishing to take the AP exam may register to do so during the 2022-23 school year.
UC Scout Teachers facilitate the courses, grade the courses, and provide weekly virtual office hours. There are a limited number of AP seats available in each of the following courses:
- AP Human Geography-Semester 1 and Semester 2
- AP Statistics-Semester 1 and Semester 2
- AP Art History-Semester 1 and Semester 2
- AP Computer Science Principles-Semester 1 and Semester 2
- AP Macroeconomics-Single Semester
If you are interested in earning first-time credit in one of the above AP courses, please fill out this form by Friday, April 29, 2022. Once you express interest, you will receive an email correspondence beginning of May with all information pertaining to how to register through UC Scout.
"Heights" is now published!
After months of preparation and creative initiative, the MEA Literary Magazine has finally published its first issue of Heights!
Please log in to "Heights" with a sandi.net account, and then click on the “Issues” tab. Enjoy this thoughtful compilation of student work!
Class schedule for 2022-2023
For your planning purposes, the class schedule for 2022-2023 is ready! We have done our best to consolidate 9-12th grade classes so that students enrolled in a standard grade level program have classes over 1-2 days as opposed to 3 days. Please check it out here. Please note, this schedule is subject to change until the first day of school, but we always try to limit changes once it has been published.
Supply drive for the homeless population
Students in Mr. Spiegelberg’s History class have formed groups to do different community outreach projects. One of the groups is focusing on the Homeless population, and are asking for donations of toiletries and clothing. The donation drive will begin 4/11 and end 4/22. Boxes for donation will be placed in the front of the school. On 4/25, there will be a school event to donate all of the items to Urban Street Angels. More details about the event will follow in later weeks. Below is a list of requested items:
Hygiene items
Hand Sanitizer • Wet Wipes • Deodorant • Toothpaste/Toothbrush Kit • Comb/Brush • Period products (pads, tampons) • Travel size shampoo and conditioner • etc
Clothing items
Socks • Knit cap • Scarf • Gloves • Business clothing • Shirts • Jackets • other clothing items
Vaccines
Implementation of the student vaccine mandate will begin in August 2022 for the start of the 2022-2023 school year. The vaccine mandate will apply to students who are 16 or older by August 29, 2022, or for those enrolling after that date who are 16 or older on the date of enrollment. Younger students will be required to be vaccinated when full FDA approval is granted for their age group.
Vaccine Clinics within SDUSD are ongoing- with the focus on high schools at this time. Vaccine events hosted by our high schools are open to all. Here is a website with more SDUSD vaccine information.
WACAC College Fair
Saturday, April 23 / 1:00-3:00 / Scripps Ranch High School
Over 160 different colleges from California and all over the world will be attending this fair for families to learn about and meet with their admissions counselors.
- Suggested audience is grades 10 and 11
- The list of attending colleges is on the flyer
- RSVP is suggested using the QR code on the flyer
AmazonSmile
MEA Foundation is fully registered with AmazonSmile as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. When you shop at AmazonSmile, Amazon.com will donate to MEA Foundation at no cost to you,
If you haven't already, log on to smile.amazon.com and designate Mount Everest Academy Foundation as your charity of choice.
- Don't forget to bookmark smile.amazon.com for all of your Amazon purchases.
- Amazon will donate 0.5% of all eligible purchases made via smile.amazon.com to the Foundation.
Senior Requirements Checklist
Upcoming graduation requirements:
- Friday, 4/22 - Turn in Community Service Form (optional) for volunteer hours
- Friday, 4/29 - Complete 2 Senior Surveys
- Thursday, 6/2 - Final schoolwork and work samples due. Textbooks returned. Acknowledge completion of all in Google Classroom.
GOOD STUFF
EXTRACURRICULARS
* * * Click box above for Elementary Extracurricular Schedule * * *
Daily Mindfulness & Meditation
Elementary Art
Music with Mr. Johnson
PALS
“C3” for grades K-5
Wednesday, APRIL 20 / 12:30-1:30
Miss Shannon is offering the Chicken Coop Cooperative (C3) on the first and third Wednesday of every month, from 12:30 until 1:30.
This hour is designed for the K through 5 students to spend some time getting to know the chickens, and hanging out with other students. We will occasionally harvest greens growing from the gardens to offer them as well. We will be mindful of washing hands after interacting with the chickens: food for kids first (if eating on campus), then food for chickens.
Please sign in at the front office and the students can be sent directly to the chicken coop. Students will be walked back to the front office at 1:30.
Mark your calendar for these upcoming Wednesdays!
April 20, May 4, May 18
Chess for Elementary Students
Every Thursday / 12:00-12:45 / Parent Room
The focus of this group is on elementary students, but older students are also welcome. Mr. Martin and MEA student, Sebastian, will be leading these sessions. Here are a couple of free websites for learning chess: (Lichess.org and Chesskid.com). Practice, practice, practice!
Sign your elementary child in at the front office at 11:55 (unless they are in 2nd or 4th grade and already on campus). Students will be walked back to the front gate for parents to pick up at 12:45.
Franz Marc Blue Horse
Mrs. Sink’s elementary art students learned a little about Franz Marc and created their own versions of his "Blue Horse" with chalk pastels.
PALS Tutoring
Wednesdays & Thursdays / 12:30-1:45 / Room 6
Trained tutors are ready to help you get your classwork done. All students grades K-12 who would like some extra help can come to room 6 every Wednesday and Thursday during 4th period (12:30-1:45pm). All grades are welcome, as we have tutors for all grade levels. PALS is a great way to build community and academic skills!
Parents, K-5 students attending PALS must arrive with a check-in form so tutors know what to work on with your child and you receive a report on how things went. (Extra forms will be available when you drop off in case you forget or can't print one at home.)
- K-5 students attending studygroup and PALS on the same day should be signed in when parents drop off at 9am. Parents must indicate if their student is staying for supervised lunch and PALS
- K-5 students attending ONLY PALS on any given day should be signed in outside the front office.
- 6-12 students can report directly to Room 6.
Music classes with Mr. Johnson
These classes are held every Tuesday. Please sign your child in at the front office and note which class(es) they will be attending.
- 8:05- 8:55 - Beginning Band
- 9:05- 9:55 - Choir
- 10:05- 10:55 - Advanced Band
- 11:05 - 11:55 - Music theory (for upper grades)
- 12:30- 1:20 - Advanced Strings (open to secondary)
- 1:35- 2:25 - Beginning Strings
* * * Click box above for Secondary Extracurricular Schedule * * *
Academic League • Ally Action • Anime • Chess • Coop Group • Daily Mindfulness & Meditation • Gaming • German • GSA • Literary Magazine • MathCounts • Mental Health • Music with Mr. Johnson • PALS • Rubik's Cube • Sherpa’s Jam Band • Spanish Conversation • Sports Club • Young Investors Club
GSA Club
Wednesday, April 20 / 12:00-12:30 / Outside of Room 1
GSA Club meets this week! - We are the Gender and Sexuality Alliance! Everyone is welcome! Come hang out with us in an open, accepting, and loving environment - the more the merrier! 12 - 12:30 on every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the work month in the garden outside of Room 1 (for month 8 these dates are April 6th and 20th). Bring your lunch and learn more about the LGBT+ community, plan and participate in actions, and build an inclusive community for all. Allies are encouraged to join. Ms. Mullen and Mr. Nielsen are the facilitators, and the student leaders are Jade Myers and Jody Huege. Hope to see you there!
AROUND CAMPUS
Fitnessgram
Grades 5, 7, and 9 took the Fitnessgram last week. Pictured below is the Pacer test, where students ran back and forth across a 20 meter space that got progressively faster each minute. Whew!
MEA GARDENS & CHICKENS
Coop group is growing!
(Well, at least this week it is or was)
Edel and Lorelei joined the core five (=Miranda, Malia, Devante, Amaya, and Sophia), along with Margaret, to round out a productive coop group meet-up.
The members changed out both water containers, made sure the chicken food was available, raked the entire home, disposed of the green waste, and spent time bonding with the 3 hens over lettuce and dried mealworm treats.
They all had a chance to meet Jim, a local neighborhood resident and mega chicken supporter.
The students were amazed at how responsive the chickens were to Jim’s presence—Chris sprinted out of the coop to get close to him!
We always have a ton of fun, and accomplish husbandry needs for our resident chickens.
Hunting Caterpillars
Coop Group member, Sophia, admiring the raised bed veggies—all grown from seed—and hunting for caterpillars that seem to be nibbling the giant Swiss chard.
HELPFUL INFORMATION
School Spirit Store
Parents are now able to use SchoolCash Online to buy and pay for items using Visa/Visa Debit and Mastercard/Mastercard Debit. We are currently selling school spirit wear and other fundraising items like lanyards, water bottles and DVDs. Simply order online and then come pick up your purchase in the MEA front office.
Please create an account to access our online catalog.
Meet with School Counselor
For students and parents that would like to meet with Mr. Rubin, our school counselor, please sign up for an appointment.
community announcements
K-12 HUNGER ACTION HERO CONTEST
- Feeding San Diego in partnership with the Comic Con Museum invites K-12 students across San Diego County to design their own Action Hero character who helps end hunger.
- The winning submission will have their character brought to life by Allan Lavigne, famous costume and prop designer for the Iron Man and Captain America franchises.
- Submission Deadline: Friday, April 22. Winner announced: Friday, May 13.
Link to contest: https://feedingsandiego.org/hunger-action-hero-art-contest/
SANDAG Youth Opportunity Pass - Pronto Cards
SANDAG has teamed up with MTS, NCTD, and the County of San Diego to connect youth to school, jobs, entertainment, and more! Starting May 1, anyone 18-years-old and younger can ride transit for FREE in San Diego County through the SANDAG Youth Opportunity Pass pilot program. Youth can get unlimited rides on the bus, Trolley, COASTER, and SPRINTER through June 2023 with a Youth PRONTO account. https://youthopportunitypass.sandag.org/
“Heart of a Child” Benefit Concert
Saturday, April 30 / 7:30pm
The Baker-Baum Concert Hall
MEA 12th grader, Malvyn Lai, will be performing in the “Heart of a Child” Benefit Concert on April 30th to support children struggling with life-threatening medical conditions at Rady Children’s Hospital. This annual event has become a premier showcase of young musical talent in San Diego.
ArtReach Charity Art Auction
ArtReach, a San Diego non-profit supporting arts education for youth primarily in schools that don't have the funding or preexisting arts programs, is holding their yearly charity art auction, this time artists were given records to use creatively.
Here’s a video of some of the record art pieces.
- ArtReach is the company responsible for our lovely welcome mural!
- Chloe Moya (MEA 11th grader) who works with ArtReach's mural team created two records for the auction and Nicole Lee (MEA 11th grader) created one as well.
The Auction opens on April 15th with all auction proceeds benefiting ArtReach. You can register to bid & begin bidding at this link. The works will also be on display at the Mission fed Artwalk April 30th-May 1st. Take a look at some of our student's work and consider supporting ArtReach in its goal to bring arts education to all children within the San Diego community!
Problem-Solve Like an Expert
June 20 - July 15 / UCSD Envision MakerSpace
This summer program for high school students is offered through the Jacobs School of Engineering and UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. It is open for all students interested in different technical career paths--including but not limited to those planning to pursue trade school, community college, or a four- year university.
Students will learn to apply advanced problem-solving techniques to hands-on projects and real-world case studies, as well as expand critical thinking skills and engage in challenging problem-solving exercises. No prior experience required!