Monday Message
February 8, 2021
* * black History Month * *
Black History Read-In
The Black History Read-In is a celebration of books, authors, and reading by gathering people together in community to read together and celebrate stories. The San Diego Unified School District is featuring special events including 28 days of Read Alouds with community leaders, interviews and readings with local Black authors, and book give aways for teachers.
Black History Month Library Card
The San Diego Public Library will release a Black History Month library card. The special edition card was designed by 15-year-old Scripps Ranch High School student. You can pick up the library card at the 25 San Diego Public Library locations offering limited in-person or contactless pickup services.
The SDPL also has a full schedule of events this February to celebrate the rich and diverse history of Black Americans through storytimes for children, book discussions, author talks and take-home craft kits.
* * * * * *
Students vs. Teachers Trivia Game
Day: Tuesday, February 9
Time: 12:00-12:30pm
Zoom: https://sandiegounified.zoom.us/j/82390685878
On February 9th, ASB will be hosting a Students vs. Teachers Trivia Game! This fun event will cover many different topics and will be in the style of academic league.
WANT TO PARTICPATE?
Any students and teachers are welcome to sign up to participate, using this trivia game form.
President Holidays
On Friday, February 12 school will be closed in observance of Lincoln's Day. Learn more about Abraham Lincoln.
On Monday, February 15 school will be closed in observance of Washington's Day. Learn more about George Washington.
Spirit Week
ASB is sponsoring the following spirit days during the week of Valentines Day (2/14/2021). Express your creativity and show your school spirit!
- Post Valentines Day - Feb 16: Dress up in red, pink, and/or white!
- Royalty Day - Feb 17: Dress up like royalty with your finest crown, or wear purple and gold
- Fictional Character Day - Feb 18: Dress up like the fictional character you love the most.
It is encouraged that in the spirit of love and self-love, students write a positive love letter to themselves. This can say anything, and there is no need to share it with anyone.
Remember that students who submit photos of themselves to the Spirit Folder of TreeRing will earn Spirit Points for their class! Please include the student's name, grade, and caption with all submissions!
Elementary Art workshop
Thursday, February 18 / 1:00 pm
This month students will make a snowflake garland. They will also decorate a piece of paper to be used during the next class.
Supplies you will need are listed on the Elementary Art webpage.
Virtual Art Show
Day: Friday, February 19
Time: 12:00-1:00
Zoom: https://sandiegounified.zoom.us/j/88197257855
Password: meaarts1
Please join us Friday February 19th from 12 to 1 pm to celebrate our awesome MEA Artists!
Students will be showing off their artwork, videos and projects on a Thinglink live!
We hope to see everyone there!
Elementary students!
Scanned artwork can be emailed to Linda Ele at lele@sandi.net by this Friday, Feb. 12. Please include student name, grade, and title of the piece. Thank you!
Science Presentations
Sponsored by MEA Foundation
Calling secondary 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. We just had the elementary presentation today and it was really fun and we learned so much!
Friday, March 5 at 1:00pm: Secondary Students (Grades 6-12)
Zoom link to follow
If you missed the primary presentation, feel free to join that secondary one, keeping mindful of the presentation differences gearing towards the designated grade groups. Hope to see you there!
Below are the presenters from today: Laura Harmon and Tobias Moyneur
Talent Show Applications
Mark your calendar for our annual Talent Showcase, which will be held virtually on Friday, April 16th. Students, if you'd like to showcase one of your talents, start turning in those applications!
2021 MEA Talent Show Application
Applications are due on Friday, February 26.
* * * * * *
Online Parent Lounge
It was great getting a chance to check in with other parents last week – almost as good as hanging out in the Parent Lounge on campus!
SURPRISE GUESTS
One of our MEA families has two pigs who made an appearance at the Parent Lounge!
- Piggles greets the group, taking a break from sunning on the back patio.
- Piggles and Brewster could not wait for their lunch so the group got to see them eat.
Do you want your student to be included in the yearbook?
We may not have been able to take school pictures on campus this fall, but that’s no reason for your student to be left out of the yearbook! Please provide us with a head-and-shoulders shot of your student by March 5th. . . PORTRAIT INFO
MEA SPIRIT CUP
Starting this semester, ASB will be hosting a schoolwide competition, henceforth titled the Spirit Cup! Each grade level/group (K - 2, and 3 - 4 are combined) will compete with each other for a prize. Students can earn points towards their class in the following ways:
SPIRIT DAYS - Through TreeRing, students can submit pictures of themselves in their Spirit Day costume. They will receive 1 point per spirit day for which they send in a picture demonstrating participation. Here are instructions for submitting photos through TreeRing (use the Spirit Day folder).
EVENTS - Students can earn 3 points for participation in an event, as well as additional points that might be awarded from events (e.g. Extra 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 points may be revealed throughout 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 points earned will earn a $10 Amazon gift card, which will be distributed at the beginning of month 10.
Boyce-Astro DoubleSTARS
The Boyce Astro DoubleSTARS Spring 2021 seminar is beginning soon, and if any MEA students are interested in participating, now is the time to sign up for IntroSTARS! IntroSTARS is a self-paced online course consisting of 5-10 minute videos and a final open book quiz to qualify for DoubleSTARS. The estimated time of the course is 3 hours.
- IntroSTARS sign-up link: http://boyce-astro.org/introstars-your-step-1/
- Orientation for DoubleSTARS is on the 17th.
The DoubleSTARS course is an opportunity for students to learn about astronomy research techniques, remotely use robotic telescopes to gather data, learn how to write a scientific paper, and publish your findings in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. DoubleSTARS will take place starting in February, with student teams presenting their work in mid-May. This spring semester's course will emphasize the research and analysis part of the learning for a more low-pressure experience.
MEA has had multiple students participate with great success in the past. This is a great opportunity! Check out their website for more info.
Choosing classes for 2021-22
Articulation Meetings for 2021-2022
From February 2 - March 19, 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 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 make an appointment to meet with Mr. Zappala between February 2 through March 19. 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. 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
Yearbook Request: "Trips or Travels around town"
This unusual year calls for unusual yearbook pictures!
Getting out of the house is extra special these days, whether it be going out of town or staying local and enjoying San Diego’s beautiful beaches, parks, and nature trails. Help document this very different year by sending in a photo of yourself on TRIPS OR TRAVELS AROUND TOWN for the yearbook. Please include your first name, last name, grade, and caption.
Pictures can be submitted by either:
- Emailing to Linda Ele at lele@sandi.net, or
- Using these upload instructions
MEA 9th and 10th grader pictured below.
National Honor Society
Students who are in grades 10-12 are welcome to apply for the Mt. Everest Academy Chapter of the National Honor Society. Applicants must have been enrolled for a full semester at MEA prior to the application deadline and have a current GPA of 3.5 or higher. There is no cost to apply, but students who are inducted may gain access to scholarship opportunities through the NHS.
Applications are on Dr. Rodenberg's website and are due to her by Friday, February 26..
Special Material Pickups
Tuesday, Feb. 9
Thursday, Feb. 11
Pick up times are from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
- Art supplies for Ms. Pachon’s students in Art 2 and Color & Design 2
“Farewell to Manzanar” for Ms. Patterson’s students
Novels for AP Lit and English Lit students:
- "Pride and Prejudice" (Jane Austen)
- "Jane Eyre" (Charlotte Brontë)
- "Heart of Darkness" (Joseph Conrad)
- "Brave New World" (Aldous Huxley)
- "Wuthering Heights" (Emily Bronte) – only a few copies are available on a first-come, first-served basis
- 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 in advance. However, when there are special distributions ready for check-out, they will be noted here in the Monday Message.
Art Supplies
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.
Multimedia Class Created Websites
Multimedia students have been working on websites for our school over the first semester and they are now officially live! Here are the two main sites:
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
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
Chula Vista Photo
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.
Take Your Own Portrait
Another option would be to take your own Senior Portrait. If you’d like to do this, here are some basic guidelines as a starting point: show head and shoulders, vertical orientation, simple background. Then send the jpeg file to lele@sandi.net
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!
Growing in the Garden
Vasco (grade 2) and Marco (grade 3) have done some plant tending during the shutdown. They've particularly enjoyed propagating succulents and repotting them.
** 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 - use this Google Classroom 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
Drama Club
Who knew that Zoom could be so much fun?!! Director Becca Myers keeps on inspiring our MEA thespians, even from a distance! The MEA Drama Club is led by Gabriella M., grade 10.
WHAT'S GOING ON?
What is being represented by these unusual positions in Zoom?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.
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.
German Club
Day: Mondays (except turn-in week)
Time: 10:35-12:00
Zoom: https://sandiegounified.zoom.us/j/86759627101
Password: 550343
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!
PALS Tutoring
Day: Thursdays
Times: 12:30 - 3:00
Zoom: https://sandiegounified.zoom.us/j/85258186771
GRADES K-5
Elementary students can come to PALS to:
- Hang out with other elementary students and do work together
- Get tutoring help from a secondary student
Feel free to stop by on Thursday afternoons and check PALS out!
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 **
Big Future Days College Fair
CollegeBoard is hosting the BigFuture Days College Fair to help students connect directly with colleges. They'll have a chance to meet with college admissions representatives and current college students, ask questions, and learn more about planning for college. Students can sign up to meet with colleges in each region.
- BigFuture Days Southeast: Tuesday, February 23
- BigFuture Days Northeast: Sunday, March 7
- BigFuture Days Midwest: Thursday, March 11
SD County Citizens’ Scholarship
San Diego County Citizens’ Scholarship Foundation (SDCCSF) has scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000. Seniors must have a demonstrated financial need and plan to attend college in San Diego County. Complete the application that is found at www.sdccsf.org, by March 2.
SD Chinese Women’s Association Scholarships
The San Diego Chinese Women’s Association would like to invite graduating high school seniors of Chinese descent to apply for merit or need based scholarships of $1500 if attending a 4-year college program or $1000 if attending a 2-year community college.
Eligibility information and application forms can be found at http://sdcwa.net/scholarships/
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 * *
Salk Institute Science Week
February 22 - 26
In past years students have gone to this as a field trip with Ms. Pachon.
This 2021 event will transition from a weekend High School Science Day to instead a Virtual High School Science Week. The interactive webinars will give students a glimpse of a day in the life of scientists and provide students with an opportunity to interact with Salk researchers. Rather than strictly teaching content, the interactive webinar will embrace students’ curiosity by letting their questions dictate the discussion. The deadline to register is Wednesday, February 17.
Emotional Well-Being Activities
Find resources for balance and well-being. Build inner strength, navigate difficult feelings, and get support with this collection of videos, games, books, and more. For families with students K-12.
2021 Ninth Circuit Civics Contest
High school students in the Ninth Circuit (made up of nine western states and two Pacific Island jurisdictions) are invited to participate in the 2021 essay and video contests. Students are asked to explore the critical rights conferred on us by the U.S. Constitution and the responsibilities we have to our communities to create a “more perfect Union.”
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