Monday Message
January 24, 2022
Your Input Needed
It’s that time of year where we begin to plan our budget for next school year and we need your input! Parents, please complete the survey here by Feb. 2 so that we can incorporate your ideas and recommendations to best support our MEA students. Thank you in advance!
New Mural on campus!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Create a Mandala with Miss Shannon
Thursday, Jan. 27 / 12:30-1:30
Meet in the MakerSpace
FOR GRADES 6-12
Miss Shannon will be helping students create a mandala this Thursday. For students that would like to finish one, and also any new students that haven’t yet created one, please come!
The mandala will be mounted onto the freshly student-painted pallets outside the chickens.
Students must be comfortable using a hot glue gun. It takes about two hours to create just one of these beautiful pieces (can be done in two, one hour sessions).
For questions, please email Miss Shannon at shannon.t.stewart@gmail.com
Seeking help in the garden from grades 6-12
Tuesday, 11:00-12:00
Wednesday, 1:00-2:00
Thursday, 11:00-12:00
* * HUGELKULTUR HELP NEEDED * *
Calling all students in grades 6-12 (willing to work like Mac!)
We would like to keep working on the Hügelkultur bed near the chickens/gardens. The work involves:
- Moving and placing logs
- Carrying buckets of soil and compost
- Placing leaves
If you would like to be part of this “decomposition delight”, meet Miss Shannon in the gardens on Tuesday or Thursday from 11-12, and on Wednesday from 1-2.
- If you have grass clippings (from a lawn that doesn’t use roundup or other pesticides), we will take those as well!
- Have an alfalfa bale laying around? We’d love that too!!!
Huge shout out to Mac for a ton of work!
Watch this video to see how this incredibly fertile garden bed is created!
* * MULCH SPREADING HELP NEEDED * *
Delivery! Fresh eucalyptus mulch near the chickens.
Wanted: Help spreading the mulch (weed prevention) around the new garden beds, by the chickens.
Will provide: Wheelbarrows and pitchforks
Looking for: Excited students in grades 6-12 to help create a beautiful and useful space!
Meet Miss Shannon in the gardens (by the chickens) from 11-12 on Tuesday and Thursday, and from 1-2 on Wednesday (same time as Hügelkultur bed building)!
Coffee with the Principal
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 1
Time: 9:30 am
Zoom: https://sandiegounified.zoom.us/j/5177169155
Bring your own coffee or tea and join Principal Browne to discuss school happenings. This is an informal opportunity to hear about school planning, ask questions, and provide suggestions to improve our program. Hope to see you there!
Art Show and Garden Unveiling
Date: Thursday, Feb. 10
Time: 12:00-2:00
Location: In the garden area (by the chickens)
MEA students and families...Mark your calendar for this memorable event combining student art and a new garden area.
Special guest...Mr. Ron Zappala will “unveil” the serenity garden that he has donated and designed for our MEA community!
More details to follow.
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/7588584792 Passcode: MEA!
Zoom (alternative link): 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
Covid-19 Health & Safety
Please remember to do a symptom check for your student prior to sending them to school and do not send students to school if they are exhibiting any symptoms.
We have had many Covid related absences and will do everything we can to not cancel classes. Please be on the lookout for communications from your teachers through email and google classroom in case of emergencies.
Surgical-grade masks are now required for all employees. Students are still required to wear a mask and are now strongly encouraged, but not required, to wear a well-fitting, non-cloth mask of multiple layers with a nose wire.
We encourage you to sign your student up to get tested on the MEA campus, every Tuesday from 12:00-2:30. Simply follow these steps:
Complete the opt-in process to allow the testers to conduct weekly testing.
Register and consent in the Primary.Health Portal in order to be tested.
For the most up-to-date Covid guidelines, please see the San Diego County’s decision tree. If in doubt, please reach out to the office to answer any questions you may have.
Pfizer Booster for ages 12-15
As of 1/3/22 the FDA cleared the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 booster dose for children ages 12 to 15.
Seeking Cover Art for “Heights”
Thank you to all the students that have submitted their creative work to MEA’s Literary Magazine, Heights! For the time being we are not taking any more work submissions as we finish up preparing the winter issue.
We are now seeking cover art for the “Heights” winter issue! Cover art submission form
All cover artwork is due by February 12th, the theme is home, and the issue is digital, so students should keep that in mind when submitting work. Also, the work should not exceed the size of 8.5 by 11 inches.
For any questions please email the Heights Editor-in-Chief, Jody Huege, at jodyrh0215@gmail.com.
Book Swap & Donate
Heights magazine will be hosting a book swap & donate event during lunch on the 8th, 9th, and 10th of February. Students can bring old and new books that they no longer want or read to trade with their friends. Whatever books are not traded will be donated to the Monarch School so homeless children can have access to good, quality reading material.
Student Feedback Needed
The MEA Mental Health Club is looking for student feedback on two projects we are currently developing. Please read the description and fill out the questions located in the google form below. Feel free to contact Leena Iwamoto at leenayumi1@gmail.com with any questions or comments.
Form link: https://forms.gle/ici7zNwDxLfazBBM7
SDUSD Paid Student Internship for Vision 2030
The San Diego Unified School District is currently looking for high school students to participate with district leadership in the development of Vision 2030.
The application deadline is Tuesday, 1/25/21. Interested students can find more info and how to apply on this flyer
Auditions
Auditions for MEA's Spring Play are coming up! MEA students are finishing up writing the show - title in progress.
"When a natural disaster leads to the disappearance of everyone over the age of 15, a group of kids must band together and attempt to form their own government."
We ask that those auditioning send us a video. We will do in-person callbacks if COVID restrictions allow (date TBD). Fill out this audition application. Email your video audition to enigmareb@gmail.com, theo@themartiens.com, and/or cmoyaspc@gmail.com by January 28th.
You're welcome to use one of the sides in this folder to audition. Alternatively, you're welcome to use your own monologue. If using a scene with two or more characters, please have a friend, parent, or sibling read the other character for you.
Email theo@themartiens.com or cmoyaspc@gmail.com if you have any questions!!
Yearbook Cover Contest
All students are invited to enter their art in our yearbook cover contest! The winner will receive a 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.
Seeking donations of cameras & music gear
The technology and music departments are sending out a call for any working gear that you may consider donating to MEA. The technology department is especially looking for digital and video cameras! The music department is looking to build our instrument library as well. If you have any instruments that you would consider donating we will do our best to place them in the hands of students and use them to expand our offerings. We also have a working rock band on campus if you have microphones, stands, amps, pedals, cables, etc. please consider MEA.
If you have things to donate, please drop them off in the office.
Articulation Meetings for 2022-2023
From February 9 - March 25, students in grades 5-11 will have the opportunity to plan their classes for next school year.
Grades 5, 6, 7
Students will review articulation sheets/course options with Ms. Patterson during English class this month and parents should go over course options with their student(s) at home.
Students must submit the articulation sheet with parent approval to Ms. Patterson through Google Classroom.
Please contact your child’s supervising teacher with questions.
Articulation Sheets:
Grades 8, 9, 10, 11
All 8th -11th graders must make an appointment to meet with Mr. Rubin between February 9 through March 25. Please reserve a conference time at this link to discuss courses for next year, graduation and college entrance requirements, and community college courses.
Incoming 9th graders and their parents can meet with Mr. Rubin for a 4-year planning conference during the time of their articulation meeting.
Parents are encouraged to attend along with their student. If parents cannot attend, they should review the course options with their student at home.
Students do not need to return an articulation sheet, but should be prepared to share their course requests with Mr. Rubin during their appointment with him.
For questions, please contact Mr. Rubin.
Articulation Sheets:
Find all courses being offered next year here: Master Course List 2022-2023
Succulent Arrangements Fundraiser
We still have plenty of succulent arrangements offered at the front of school. This is a fundraiser for our gardens/chickens, as we are always in need of inputs for both areas—food for chickens, worm castings for the gardens, and more!
Valentine’s Day and Easter are coming up—these are great, affordable gifts for your loved ones.
Suggested minimum donation is $5.
There is a box just inside the office, near Ms. Ramos. Please feel free to drop donations there.
The Coop Group students thank you in advance!
Senior Portraits
Dear Class of 2022,
Senior portraits for MEA will be taken at Chula Vista Photo and they have set up two blocks of time for our seniors to have their portraits taken.
PLEASE CALL THE STUDIO AT 619-422-9281 TO BOOK YOUR SESSION WITHIN THESE TIME BLOCKS:
- Friday, January 28, 9:00-10:30am
- Friday, February 4, 9:00-10:30am
- If unable to make these times, please call the studio to arrange a different time.
Link to MORE INFORMATION
Chula Vista Photo Studio / 371 Third Avenue, Chula Vista / 619-422-9281
MEA FOUNDATION
Recording of Brave New World
On 1/10/22 the MEA Foundation in partnership with UCSD Extension offered the workshop “The Brain, Social Media and Gaming Addiction.” For parents that weren’t able to attend, a video of that workshop is now available.
Passcode: MtEverest1!
MEA Foundation
What do we do? The simple answer is, we raise funds to support MEA where funds are not available from the district and we organize volunteer efforts to bring workshops, our talent show, teacher appreciation and so much more. We fund music, art supplies, campus improvements, garden, school events, curriculum support and teacher supplements and grants. Our goal is to raise $10,000 this year for MEA.
Please consider making a donation to MEA Foundation. Check if your employer offers corporate matches to double your donation.
Volunteers are needed for the Foundation. We need help with updating the website, organizing a directory for parents, writing grants and fundraising efforts. Please email info@meafoundation.org for more information.
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!
- First, go to https://smile.amazon.com/ch/84-2089378 and set your charity to "Mount Everest Academy Foundation".
- Then, always start your shopping at https://smile.amazon.com and shop as usual while supporting our school!
GOOD STUFF
EXTRACURRICULARS
* * * Click box above for Elementary Extracurricular Schedule * * *
Daily Mindfulness & Meditation
Elementary Art
Music with Mr. Johnson
PALS
Covid-19 Protocols for Elementary Students
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
AROUND CAMPUS
Hot and Cold Packs
Ms. Patterson’s 6th graders are studying thermal energy as part of Amplify Science. In this project they designed hot and cold packs, and then worked on perfecting the formulas.
Building Bridges
3rd graders are learning about the different forces acting on bridges. In class, they attempted to create a bridge, using only toothpicks and gumdrops, that would support the weight of a textbook. Nice work 3rd graders!!
MEA GARDENS & CHICKENS
Kinders in the garden
Creating a cat grass (wheat grass) seed tray for the chickens!
1st graders in the garden
Selecting seasonally appropriate seeds (cool season crops), planting white icicle radish seeds, and enjoying garden fresh carrots + more mammoth melting snow peas!
2nd graders in the garden
HELPFUL INFORMATION
Parent Workshops
Thursdays 5:30pm to 7:30pm
from January 6 to February 24, 2022
The San Diego Unified School District and Carlsbad Unified School District invite parents to participate in a series of workshops where they will receive up to date information about what happens in our community, helping to raise young people who are successful in school and life in general.
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.
SDUSD Covid Testing Acknowledgement Form
This is a reminder that all families are required to make a choice on Covid testing at the start of the new school year. Every family must complete the form (access link below) and submit their response online at this time for each student. Free Covid testing in school not only helps prevent the spread of the virus, but it also helps more students stay in school and continue their education.
Covid-19 Testing Acknowledgement Form
(Note: A PowerSchool Username and Password will be required to complete the form. If you do not have the Access ID and Password for your student, please contact Ms. Ramos in the front office.)