Monday Message
APRIL 19, 2021
Shannon Stewart has been hired to lead our garden education and MakerSpace programs. This will be her first week on campus. We hope you get to meet her during our Earth Day events!
Shannon Stewart is a former professional animal trainer-turned garden educator.
After almost two decades in the animal theme park industry, she discovered her love for and connection to gardens...and guiding students through the “growing food and pollinator gardens” formula.
She’s a former collegiate (Biology degree) soccer player with a love for anything outdoors, kids, animals, and gardens—not necessarily always in that order.
She’s a mom to an active 10 year old boy, lives in the Clairemont community, and is beginning her 3rd year of teaching Sage Garden Project curriculum at two local elementary schools.
She is also a National Geographic Certified Educator.
If she isn’t working in the gardens, you’ll find her writing grants to support all the items needed to keep every garden healthy and vibrant, walking neighbor’s dogs with her son, or enjoying the amazing outdoor spaces around San Diego...and beyond.
She’s excited to be a part of the close-knit, garden-loving Mt. Everest community!
Covid-19 Safety Expectations for On-Campus Learning Opportunities
If your student is attending one of our on-site learning opportunities, please be sure:
1) You have discussed Covid-19 safety procedures with them.
2) Your student arrives with a signed copy of the Parent acknowledgement of student on-site learning form. (This only needs to be brought on the first day.)
3) Your student brings the Daily Student Symptoms Checklist that is filled out at home before coming to school, or you can complete the daily symptom checklist online at the ClearPass web portal using your child’s district ID and pw. Then a screenshot on your phone can be shown at check-in that this has been completed. (Grades 6-12 can do this on their own phones.)
Some of the expectations for on campus attendance:
✔ Parents must take their child's temperature before coming to school. (Thermometers will be provided for any families needing one for home.)
✔ Students must arrive at the appropriate gate entrance on time at the beginning of the session. Students may not enter gates after this time. Pick up on time afterward is also strictly enforced.
✔ At the entrance, parents must arrive with a completed form (which can be done on paper or online) verifying their child does not have a temperature or any signs of illness.
✔ Parents/other adults are not allowed on campus past the gates.
✔ Masks must be worn at all times.
✔ Everyone will remain socially distanced at all times
✔ Playground/outdoor play will be allowed during each grade's allotted time.
✔ Eating will not be allowed on campus (no snacks).
✔ Extra air filtration devices will be in each classroom.
✔ Windows and doors will remain open. We will also schedule some of the activities to be outdoors.
✔ If you or your child have any signs of illness, please stay home. Any students showing signs of illness at school will be isolated in another location until parents can pick them up.
On-Campus Opportunities
If your student is signed up to attend our "Unplugged" sessions, you should have received a detailed message with procedures and expectations. Part of the elementary parking lot will be coned off for students/families to line up by grade level. Please park and line up with your child in their grade level line.
- Students must be checked in between 12:00 and 12:15 (note new time!)
- Students must be picked up at 2pm. (Please wait in your grade level line until your student is released to you.)
6-12 "Study Zone"
One of the things families and students have said they miss the most about being on campus are the impromptu conversations they have with others in the MEA community. We will try to re-create this in the Study Zone, where students in grades 6-8 and 9-12 will have opportunities to study with their peers and meet with available teachers. The auditorium and lunch court will be open during specific times for middle school and high school, following protocols outlined above. We may offer additional opportunities based on student input. ASB members, clubs, gardening, and the Coop Group may possibly also have meetings within the Study Zone timeframe. Students must sign up ahead of time to attend and sign ups will occur weekly. Please sign up here. Each student can sign up for up to two sessions per week, although three are offered. Please see schedule below. Students may be in Study Zone while attending a studygroup online.
Students attending Study Zone must check-in at the front entrance of school by the office.
* * UPCOMING ACTIVITIES * *
MEA Foundation General Meeting
Day: Tuesday, April 20
Time: 4:00pm
Zoom:
https://sandiegounified.zoom.us/j/81982416813
Password: Library
(Hosted by our wonderful librarian!)
The last MEA Foundation General Meeting of the school year is tomorrow/Tuesday, April 20 at 4pm. All MEA families and staff are invited!
Earth Day
Please join us to celebrate Earth Day during a “Planting for our (Food) Future” event led by our newest MEA Family member, Ms. Shannon Stewart! Younger students will learn about native pollinators and help plant seeds for the school garden. Older students will have the opportunity to prep the garden space and plant seeds.
Thursday, April 22
- Grades K-5 - Attend a morning (10:15-11:15) or afternoon (12:45-1:45) session by signing up here (check in and out will be the same as for “Unplugged”)
- Grades 6-12 - Sign up to attend Study Zone that day to attend the Earth Day event (times will overlap)
Work due for Month 8
Friday, April 23 by 3:00 pm
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.)
We strongly suggest completing audit samples on Tuesday or Wednesday this week so it is not a rush to get it done on Friday!
- Work must be submitted online to all of your content area teachers by 3:00 pm
- Work (Audit) samples must be submitted online to your supervising teacher by 3:00 pm
- Campus remains closed. Everything is done online!
Mental Health Workshop
Day: Thursday, April 29
Time: 12:00-12:50
Meeting ID: 982 1995 6669
Passcode: 001691
The MEA Mental Health Club is hosting a workshop with UCSD Health! On Thursday, April 29th, Dr. Shapiro and Kiley Rucker will come host a discussion with MEA students on test anxiety and burnout. Available to all high schoolers, please join us in this interactive workshop!
Skribbl.io match
Wednesday, May 5 / 12:00
Prepare your drawing skills, ASB is planning a schoolwide skribbl.io match on May 5th at 12pm. More info to come soon.
* * * * * *
Oh, what a show!!!!
The Zoom chat was flooded with accolades over the video performances of these talented, skilled students. And the Masters of Ceremonies, Grant Bonebrake and Colton Sink, kept the virtual audience informed and entertained. What a spectacular, uplifting event!
THANK YOU STUDENTS (and their supportive parents)!!
Link to screenshots of each act
Art show
"Unplugged"
Elementary students that signed up for "Unplugged" were very excited to see their classmates and teachers! (It made the staff happy too!) In rotating shifts, students played outdoors and created projects for this week's Art theme.
"Unplugged" schedule change
Starting this week, Tuesday, April 20 the Unplugged sessions have increased by 15 minutes. Students must now be dropped off between 12:00-12:15 pm for Unplugged sessions. Classes will begin at 12:15 pm. Pick-up time remains the same at 2:00 pm.
Smiling eyes in the Study Zone
Well, we couldn't see the smiles behind their masks - but students' eyes were smiling! Secondary students that signed up for the socially distanced Study Zone were very happy to see fellow students and some of their teachers. For new students, this was the first time getting to meet live and in-person!
The MEA Podcast
Hosted by MEA seniors, Toki and Toler
In the sixth episode of the second season, we have Ronald Zappala come on and talk about school counseling, music, and some of his plans after retirement.
Humans of MEA
In this episode, Nicole L. interviews Leena I. (grade 10).
If you're interested in being interviewed, fill out the Humans of MEA form!
* * ANNOUNCEMENTS * *
619-605-8700
Along with an internet upgrade, MEA now has a new phone system. Please note that we now have a new phone number, 619-605-8700. The old number will continue to work for the next few months to allow for a transition and all communications will soon list our new number.
DVDs of "A Wrinkle in Time"
We have some DVDs left from our last theatre production in March 2020: A Wrinkle in Time. They will be on sale at the discounted price of $7 each. We have a limited quantity, so it is first come first serve. For information to buy one, please call miss Maria at the main office at (619) 605-8700.
UCSD STEAM/TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Brought to you by MEA Foundation
High School Students
Sign up for a free UCSD Extension FUTURES program in business and engineering/programming by filling out this form. We only have 2 spots left, first come, first serve. There may be other opportunities in the future as well.
PIB Engineering Workshop
The workshop will be held on Saturday, May 15 12-3pm. Please email info@meafoundation.org if you have registered but have not received a confirmation email yet!
Exploring the Science of Harry Potter
Friday, April 30 3:00-4:30pm
Zoom links have been emailed out to registrants! There are still a few spots left--sign up here!
Parent Workshops
We are currently scheduling for a parent workshop! Based on popular vote, the first topic will be Understanding Giftedness, Talent and Dual Exceptionality. Please fill out this quick form if you're interested.
Summer Community College Classes
For Sophomores and Juniors wanting to take a community college class in the Summer, please note that the Summer 2021 college class schedule release has been postponed to April 19, 2021. You can view the Summer online class schedule after April 19.
Students need to apply to the community college district if they have not done so. In addition to this, students will also need to complete and submit this online Supplemental Application. Once submitted, students will be scheduled by the community college. Summer classes begin June 7th.
Here is general Mesa College Summer information.
Adjusted Material Checkout Times
With the reopening of campus, pick up times are changed for the rest of the year to:
- Tuesdays: 10:00-12:00
- Thursdays: 10:00-12:30
Please continue to come to the North facing door of the auditorium.
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 in advance. However, when there are special distributions ready for check-out, they will be noted here in the Monday Message.
Book Returns
Want to return MEA books that you no longer need? There will be a drop-off box underneath the Marquee sign (sunny days only!) on Tuesdays and Thursday from 9:00-3:00.
Report Cards
We continue to follow the district procedures for COVID19 and all staff is working remotely, therefore report cards are not being mailed home. You may access students’ grades and unofficial transcripts on your PowerSchool parent portal. If you need help accessing the parent portal, please contact Maria Ramos at mramos3@sandi.net”
ORDER YOUR YEARBOOK
Click to Purchase Your 2020-21 MEA Yearbook
- School Passcode: 1013183679162246
This year's book gives each student 2 free pages to fill with their own photos and memories.
Senior Reminders
This senior letter and graduation checklist was sent to seniors and their parents on 2/19/21.
Upcoming deadlines:
- Community Service Hours form - 4/23
- Two Surveys - 4/30
Class of 2021 Graduation Ceremony
Day: Friday, June 11
Time: 5:00pm
Place: Mt. Helix Park Outdoor Amphitheater
Please send in your 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!
Beach Clean Up
Nature Photography
** Extracurricular Activities **
CLUBS
- Academic League - led by Kate Papen
- Ally Action - use this Google Classroom code to join: 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 .
> Mondays, 1:30-2:30 (not turn in) - Film Club - led by Petunia Rizo
German Club – led by Meredith A., Sam M.
GSA – Google Classroom link…GC code to join: wtg4opf
Hack Club - led by Yusuf A.
- 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
ASB Students sharing their work
- Link to ASB Website
- ASB Instagram: @mea.asb
- Link to School Site
Ally Action Website
Ally Action Officially has a website! Here you can get information on our club, see our events, and even watch recordings of some of them. We have also linked resources to external events, petitions, and ways to reach out. The entire site was built by students. You can find the link to it here.
What I Wish My Parents Knew
The MEA Mental Health Club is asking all students to fill out this form titled “What I Wish My Parents Knew”. This form is for students of all ages to voice their feelings, both positive and negative, to help instigate conversation between students and parents. Later this year, the club will host a panel for parents to ask questions and discuss the topic of “what I wish my parents knew". The responses from this form will be used and read aloud during the panel. Dates for the panel will be released in the coming weeks.
THE MEA SPIRIT CUP
ASB is hosting an ongoing school-wide competition, henceforth titled the Spirit Cup! Each grade level/group will compete with each other for a prize (for the sake of fairness, K - 2 and 3 - 4 are combined into groups). Students can earn Spirit Points towards their class's total in the following ways:
EVENTS - Students can earn three Spirit Points for participation in an event, as well as additional Spirit Points that might be awarded from the event (e.g. Extra Spirit Points might be earned from placing in the top three in a schoolwide kahoot). To earn these points, students must fill out a short form sent out during the event.
Other ways to earn Spirit Points may be revealed through the year.
The points earned by each class will be tallied up and displayed in the Monday Message at the beginning of each month. Members of whichever class has the most points at the end of month 9 will win the Spirit Cup and associated bragging rights. They will also be rewarded with certificates for 5 oz of free yogurt from YogurtLand, and the student with the most Spirit Points earned will earn a $10 Amazon gift card, which will be distributed at the beginning of month 10.
Humans of MEA
Based on "Humans of New York", Ally Action will interview teachers and high school 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.
** COUNSELING CORNER **
Choosing classes for 2021-22
Articulation Meetings for 2021-2022
Students in grades 5-11 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 their Supervising/PE teacher through Google Classroom during Month 6.
Please contact your child’s supervising teacher with questions.
Articulation Sheets:
Grades 8, 9, 10, 11
All 8th -11th graders must email Mr. Zappala at rzappala@sandi.net to schedule a time to discuss courses for next year, graduation and college entrance requirements, and community college courses. If students do not meet with Mr. Zappala before the end of April, he will schedule them into their 2021-22 classes.Incoming 9th graders and their parents can meet with Mr. Zappala 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. Zappala during their appointment with him.
For questions, please contact Mr. Zappala.
Articulation Sheets:
Find all courses being offered next year here: Master Course List 2021-2022
Email Mr. Zappala at rzappala@sandi.net to schedule a meeting time.
Mental Health Resource Survey
Have you utilized mental health resources that Mr. Zappala has made available either through teacher websites or in Monday Messages?
Please answer ONE or TWO questions in this anonymous Mental Health Resource Survey. Thank you.
JUNIORS: Poli. Sci. CCAP options for next year
Mesa has offered another CCAP option for our students. In addition to math 150 and 151, Seniors next year can take Poli. Sci. 102 and 121 to meet the Government and Economics graduation requirements. However, I have met with many of this year’s juniors for articulation before knowing this was an option, so I would like for the juniors who have already met with me to know that they can email me to change to the Poli. Sci options for next year and for those who have not met with me to be aware of this option.
- Mr. Zappala, rzappala@sandi.net
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.
* * COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS * *
Stress and Resilience Workshops
Monday, May 3 / 6:00-6:45 pm
Monday, May 10 / 6:00-6:45 pm
Zoom: 940-2643-7772
Passcode: 023139
Brought to you by Kaiser Permanente, resilience Actor-Educators focus on the physiological effects of stress, ways to manage stress for families, and tools to build resilience. In this series, parents can:
- Make a schedule that works for their family to help reduce stress
- Learn Meditation and self-regulation techniques for the whole family
- Learn to identify stress triggers by creating a stress diary
- Understand how trauma affects learning, and how to support your child’s learning at home
Kaiser Permanente’s Educational Theatre (ET) has served Southern California since 1986.