Monday Message
2/13/17
Middle School Dance
Opera Presentation Pictures
Link to opera presentation pictures
Ms. Janet Williams, a docent from the San Diego Opera, gave a presentation to MEA students on February 9, 2017. Her presentation covered: the basics of opera, the number of people (over 300) it takes for an opera performance to happen (opera singers, orchestra, costume artists, stage setup workers, back stage workers, etc.), and a summary of the Falstaff Opera. Student volunteers had the opportunity to dress in fun costumes and do two short Falstaff skits for the rest of the audience. This was a fun event and a prelude to the MEA Opera Field Trip scheduled for February 16, 2017. (It's not too late to sign up! See Upcoming Activities below.)
Tending the orchard Pictures
Click for pictures of tending the orchard
Students worked on tilling and cleaning up the soil around our young trees. Some of the fruit trees are starting to bloom!
Harvest time!
MEA families - Students' fall plantings are producing some fabulous garden goodies and we need YOU to help harvest! Swing by the garden before you leave campus and pick fresh lettuce, spinach, chard, fennel, chives, broccoli, or dill! It's a great opportunity to explore the garden with your child. Questions? contact Nikki Bradford in room 7 or bradford_nikki@yahoo.com
Environmental Club valentines for sale
Happy Valentine's Day! Tuesday, February 14th, the MEA Environmental Club will be selling handmade Valentine's Day cards and organic candies. Purchase yours tomorrow!
Parent "Apprentice" & Volunteers for Talent Show Needed!
The MEA Annual Talent Show and Silent Auction is scheduled for Thursday, April 13, 2017. We are in need of parent volunteers to ensure this event is a success! Adira Rosen, current MEA senior and MEA theatre Director has graciously offered to organize the show. However, we need a parent who is willing to help run the show in future years to be her “apprentice” this year since she is graduating (sniff, sniff). We also need parents to help with set up and breakdown. If you are interested in helping in any capacity or have further questions, please email Principal Browne at cbrowne@sandi.net. (Remember, the show can’t go on without the help of volunteers!)
Collective Goods Products at MEA
The company "Collective Goods Products" has set up a display of items for sale in the staff break area next to the office. You may stop by and take a look at the items - they are on the bookcase right inside the door. If collectively we spend $300 or more on these products, they will give a gift to Mt. Everest Academy. To make a purchase, fill out an order form (from either the bookcase or attached here) and put your cash or check in the manila envelope. The deadline for ordering is Thursday, February 23. Deliveries will be made on the same day, Thursday, February 23. For questions, please contact Ro_Wellman@collectivegoods.com.
National Honor Society
Mt. Everest Academy has a distinguished National Honor Society chapter. Our students demonstrate community services and leadership that complements their stellar academic performance (must have a GPA of 3.75 or higher). If you are in grades 10, 11, or 12 and think that you may qualify to join our Mt. Everest chapter, visit Dr. Rodenberg's teacher page and download the application form. You may submit your completed application to her (in room 2) until the first "turn in Friday" of semester 2 (Friday, February 24).
Applications are reviewed by a confidential committee of five evaluators and those who are inducted will be announced in the "Monday Message" on March 6.
President Holidays
On Friday, February 17 school will be closed in observance of Lincoln Day. Learn more about Abraham Lincoln.
On Monday, February 20 school will be closed in observance of Washington Day. Learn more about George Washington.
***** UPCOMING EVENTS & ACTIVITIES *****
Vision Screenings
Tuesday, February 14 / 9:00-12:00 / Front Office
Wednesday, February 15 / 9:00-12:00 / Front Office
Nursing staff will conduct vision screening at Mt. Everest Academy during the times listed above. Students brand new to SDUSD and students in grades K, 2, 5 and 8 are the primary focus, but screening is available for all MEA students.
For Parents with Little-Little Ones
Wednesday, February 15 / 9:30 am / Cafeteria
Do you have babies or toddlers or preschoolers in your care while you teach your older students? Join a group of MEA parents in the same situation as you. Come share or learn strategies to keep the little ones busy while you teach your older children. Babies and students are welcome; PALS and extracurricular options coincide with this meeting as well.
Opera Field Trip
* SIGN UP DEADLINE IS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 *
Thursday, February 16 / 5:00-9:30pm / Civic Theatre
MEA is offering a FREE opportunity for 40 of our students and 5 chaperones to attend an opera in downtown San Diego. Transportation will be by school bus and will be chaperoned by staff and parents. Appropriate “theatre” attire is recommended. Please sign up by filling out a fieldtrip form in the office. We are still in need of one parent chaperone, so if you are interested please email Principal Browne at cbrowne@sandi.net. Details are below.
What: The Opera “Falstaff” performed by SD Opera
Where: Civic Theatre downtown SD
When: February 16, 2017, 5:00-9:30 pm. (Transportation is by school bus. Students will meet at MEA at 5:00 and return to MEA at about 9:30)
Who: MEA students grades 5-12
Academic League Competition
Thursday, February 16 / 7:00 pm / MEA Auditorium
The MEA Academic League with Coach Jacobs will meet here at Mt. Everest this Thursday to compete with the Clairemont High School 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! Click for the competition schedule.
Secondary Awards Ceremony
Thursday, March 2 / 3:15 pm / Auditorium
All Mt. Everest Academy families are invited to attend the 1st Semester Awards Ceremony and take part in honoring students in grades 6-12 who have demonstrated excellence in either academics or citizenship. Come celebrate this occasion! Light refreshments will be served.
***** MAKERSPACE *****
Link to Makerspace calendar of activities.
From Tuesday-Thursday, 10:30-2:30, the Makerspace is open for students ready to tinker and create, unless an activity is listed as "participants only" (marked with an asterisk on the calendar). Questions? Contact supervisors: Nikki Bradford (nbradford@sandi.net) or Barb Mulvany (bmulvany@sandi.net)
Make Valentines All Week Long!
We are excited to send our first international Valentines out this week! A parent's visit to Mexico has provided us with a unique opportunity to connect with children at a Mexican orphanage. Come create and share!
2-Liter Bottle Caps Needed
Your 2-liter bottle caps can be used in the Makerspace this month! Drop off anytime. Students are racing to best each other in the "Float Your Boat" challenge and your caps will help us make more boat kits.
Tools and More!
Wednesdays / 12:15-1:30 / Makerspace
The class continues on this week! During part of Mr. Goldwater's class last week, he explained and showed a video of the 4-stroke internal combustion engine.
This week students will learn about instrumentation and the concept of lubrication for moving parts.
***** EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES *****
Used CD's Needed!
The Sewing Crafts class is asking for donations of used CDs, to be used for a weaving project. If you've got some to contribute, please bring them to the MakerSpace (room 7) or the front office. Thanks!
MEA Pokémon Players!
Wednesday, February 22 / 2:00-3:00 / Makerspace
A special event is coming up!
On February 22, 2017 from 2-3 pm we will have our first Casual Pokémon tournament of the year! This tournament will have a relaxed atmosphere, an exciting new format, and everyone will play everyone else once.
We will use the 30-Card Constructed Format. Simply remove 30 cards from your original deck. Also, matches are played with 3 Prize Cards rather than 6. Have your 30-card decks ready to play when you arrive!
If you need to borrow a deck, let Ms. Gail know in advance at gailshingler@yahoo.com.
If you have any gaming questions, send them to Justin H. at mounteverestmusicproject@gmail.com. We hope to see you there!
***** COUNSELING CORNER *****
Evening with UC San Diego
For Middle and High school students interested in UCSD entrance requirements:
Here is an opportunity to hear about what UC San Diego is looking for in a student applicant from people who know! Middle school and high school students and their parents are welcome.
The event will be held: Tuesday, February 21, 2017 6:00-8:00 pm Madison High School Theater 4833 Doliva Dr. 92117
Register at: www.SanDiegoCalSoap.com/events
Scholarships from the Retired teachers association
Dear Seniors,
Here is a scholarship from the Retired teachers association of San Diego for students planning on attending a 4 year university: www.div4.calrta.org
Individual $1,500 checks will be awarded (after college enrollment verification) to students who:
- Have a 3.2 or better GPA
- Demonstrate leadership qualities
- Participate in extracurricular activities
- Have volunteer and/or work experience
Scholarships for Marine Corps and Navy families
Here are scholarships for children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen. Scholarships are for all eligible children and cover career training, trade school, community and 4 year college. Check them out:
Applications: www.mcsf.org/apply
9th grade families: Meet with Mr. Zappala
February 6-24
In February, Mr. Zappala is offering conference times to 9th grade students and parents that would like to discuss their 4-year plan. Appointment times are available from 8:00 am-3:00 pm, Feb. 6-16 and Feb. 21-24.
***** LIBRARY NEWS *****
President Essays from February Contest
Congratulations to Neeku N., Neelu N., Connor S., Lillian R., Ian N. and Jon N. for turning in your library contest entries on time! Your essays about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln are displayed on a poster right outside the library. Stop by the library this week to choose your prize!
Our March contest is coming soon. Check upcoming Monday Messages and the library for details.
***** STUDENT SPOTLIGHT *****
As Mt. Everest Academy offers students the “flexibility to pursue your passion,” our school has many students that are doing just that! To share your child's special activities in the Monday Message, please send an email to Linda Ele at lele@sandi.net. Thank you!
Lucia places 2nd in Go Tournament
Lucia M., grade 6, recently came in second place for the 大道 Youth Go Tournament. Go is an ancient strategy game that developed in China more than 4,000 years ago. Go is currently played by about 60,000,000 people today. If you want to learn to play go, you can come to the MEA go club, which meets in the Makerspace from 10:30-11:30 on Wednesday mornings. It is led by Mr. Terpstra, who is the president of the San Diego Go Club.
MEA students get superior rating at CMEA
Two MEA students received superior ratings at the California Music Educator Association (CMEA) Solo and Small Ensemble Festival for grades 5-12 that took place on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Pacific Beach Middle School. Lucia M. (grade 6) received superior rating for her solo piano performance. Petunia R. (grade 6) received superior rating for her solo flute performance. Both girls earned invitations to the State CMEA Solo and Small Ensemble Festival.
***** COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS *****
MEA Eco Warriors to support Climate Change Action
Calling all performers! Eco Warriors at MEA has been invited to read an open letter to our president calling for action on climate change in a peaceful rally on February 21st. If your child is interested in helping to spread the message about this important topic, please email Megan at megankphelps@gmail.com to learn more.
(K-6) Water Conservation Poster Contest
Calling all 1st through 6th grade students…the City of San Diego Public Utilities Department is looking for the next Michelangelo. This year’s theme: “How Much Water Do I Use Everyday?" Draw a picture showing any way that you use water and how much of it you think you use.
Please turn in your posters to your supervising teacher. The deadline is March 24. Flyer and entry form link
52 Weeks of Science
Thursday, February 16 / 6:00 pm / Madison High School
The Clairemont Mesa Education Foundation and Clairemont Hills Kiwanis are partnering with the Fleet Science Center to bring the science education and community engagement program, 52 Weeks of Science, to the community of Clairemont in 2017.
52 Weeks of Science aims to bring a full year of fun science events and discovery opportunities to the community every week of the year. At 52 Weeks of Science events community members can meet with scientists to talk about their work, look through telescopes and talk to astronomers about the mysteries of space, interact with robots, listen to talks about recent scientific discoveries, explore spectacularly messy science through hands-on demonstrations or learn about the science that goes on around us every single day. The goal is to inspire interest and wonder for community members about science.
Bringing science education opportunities to the community will be enhanced by input from the community. The upcoming meeting will include a presentation from Fleet Science Center about 52 Weeks of Science. The community will be able to give input on the process of developing events and which partners they would like to see brought in for events.
Town Hall Meeting for 52 Weeks of Science
February 16, 2017 at 6:00 pm
Madison High School Performing Arts Center
4833 Doliva Dr.