Monday Message
March 21, 2022
The Abysmal Monstrous Normal
BRAVO! BRAVO!
Congratulations to the cast and crew of "The Abysmal Monstrous Normal" for providing the MEA community with three excellent performances last week! This thought-provoking show was brilliantly written by our very own MEA 11th grade playwrights, Theo Martien and Chloe Moya.
Enjoy these photos from the show!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Habit Burger Grill Fundraiser
Wednesday, March 23 / 10:30 am - 10:00 pm
4175 Genesee Ave.
The MEA Foundation has partnered with The Habit Burger Grill for a school fundraiser with 20% of sales donated to MEAF. It’s a win-win; help MEAF and enjoy delicious charburgers, signature sandwiches, fresh salads and more!
Simply PRESENT THIS FLYER (printed or on your phone) to the cashier upon ordering.
Academic League
Thursday, March 24 / 7:00pm
MEA Auditorium
The MEA Academic League will compete here at Mt. Everest Academy with the Madison High 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!
Pictured below, our Academic League is competing with Mission Bay High School. Our Novice and Junior Varsity teams lost, but our Varsity team won 220-105. Go MEA!
Work Due for Month 7
Friday, Mar. 25 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!
Spring Break
School will be closed for Spring Break from March 26–April 3, and will re-open on Monday, April 4.
MEA FOUNDATION GENERAL MEETING
MEA Foundation General Meeting - Save the Date
Date: Wednesday, April 6
Time: 5:30 pm
Link: TBA
All MEA parents and guardians are invited to attend this MEA Foundation General Meeting. We will discuss goals and future projects to benefit our school community. We look forward to seeing you there! Any questions please email info@meafoundation.org.
Class of 2022 Group Photo
Thursday, April 7 / 10:25 / Outside Mr. Cate’s room
Calling all seniors! The Class of 2022 group photo will be taken on Thursday, April 7. Please meet on the grass outside Mr. Cate’s room at 10:25a.m.
Chess for Elementary Students
Every Thursday / 12:00-12:45 / Parent Room
First meeting: Thursday, April 7
Welcome all to Chess Club! The focus will be on elementary students, but older students are also welcome if interested in learning or having an additional venue to practice. Mr. Martin and MEA student, Sebastian, will be leading 45 minute sessions every THURSDAY 12-12:45. There will likely be many different levels, but to make the most of this short once-a-week session, it is highly recommended to help your kids get familiar with pieces and how they move. There are a couple of free websites online that can definitely help (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.
SILENT AUCTION / TALENT SHOW
Friday, April 29 / MEA Auditorium
Preparations are beginning for our annual upcoming Talent Showcase & Silent Auction! Both ASB and MEA Foundation are working to create the best show ever!
TALENT SHOWCASE
Students, start thinking about acts you'd like to perform. Sign ups for auditions will be opening in a couple of weeks. And if you'd like to participate in another way, we'll also be looking for student stagehands and MC's. This will be a great opportunity to share your talents for a grand evening of entertainment! If you are a parent that would like to help during this event please email info@meafoundation.org.
SILENT AUCTION CONTRIBUTIONS
As well as being entertained by our talented students, part of the fun of this annual event is bidding on exciting gift baskets and certificates. Auction items include online bidding so this is open to friends and family. And if you own a business and would like to donate a service or basket item, please let us know by emailing auction@meafoundation.org!
Disneyland Senior Trip
Monday, May 23 - leave MEA at 8:00am
Hello Seniors!
If you’d like to be part of the MEA Senior Trip going to Disneyland, please sign up by WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23.
Here’s the trip flyer, and you’ll need to fill out this waiver form.
- Departure time is 8:00am from MEA on 5/23 in designated chaperone vehicles
- $105 payment via Venmo or a check made out to Mt Everest Academy Foundation is needed by end of day Wednesday March 23.
You can reach out to the MEA Foundation with any questions at info@meafoundation.org.
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)
YEARBOOK
Student Standouts
It’s time to vote for this year’s High School Student Superlatives! Winners will be featured in the 2021-2022 MEA yearbook. All students in grades 9-12 are allowed to vote, and all votes must be cast by April 8.
We have questions ... you have answers!
Want to add your voice to the yearbook? Then please take a few minutes to answer some of the lighthearted questions found in this survey:
Senior Quotes & Baby Pictures
This is YOUR year to submit quotes and baby pictures for the yearbook! Readers will ponder your memorable sayings and try to guess who's who in the pictures.
Please send these in by March 25; here's the submission link.
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.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CA School Parent Survey
The CalSCHLS system was created by the California Department of Education (CDE) in 1997 to efficiently and cost-effectively provide school districts and their partner communities with quality local data which can be used to improve student academic performance and social-emotional, behavioral, and physical health of all youth. It assesses key indicators linked to success in school, career, and life. The majority of districts in California now use CalSCHLS data as Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) indicators.
There are three surveys that are used in SDUSD:
California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) for grades 5, 7, 9, and 11
California School Staff Survey (CSSS)
California School Parent Survey (CSPS)
MEA is asking that ALL parents complete the California School Parent Survey (CSPS) by March 25, 2022. Parents can access the California School Parent Survey at the link below:
Students in grades 5, 7, 9, and 11 will have an opportunity to complete the survey at school. If you have any questions regarding the survey or need any additional assistance, please reach out to Principal Browne at cbrowne@sandi.net.
Talent Showcase Application
The 2022 MEA Talent Show will take place on Friday, April 29. Students, if you have a talent that you’d like to showcase, please submit an application as soon as possible. If your talent cannot be performed live on stage, then you may enter a video as your act. Completed applications with linked video auditions are DUE APRIL 7.
MEA students’ art highlighted at District Exhibit
Several of Ms. Pachon’s art students currently have their work on display at the San Diego Unified District Art Exhibit: Aleeza V, Ammara A, Anna W, Emma B, Loretta P, Lucas B, Sophia T, and Zohal H. This year was the first time our MEA students participated in this event! Ms. Pachon attended the Artist's Reception last week and took pictures of her students' work:
Link to MEA Student Art on display
The District Art Exhibit is located at the SDUSD Education Center, and will remain open through April 8.
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 will be asking for your donations to collect supplies. Below is a list of requested items; more details to follow.
Food items
Bottled water • Breadsticks with cheese • Beef sticks • Almonds • Candy • Granola bars • Tuna and crackers • Other non-perishable snacks
Hygiene items
Hand Sanitizer • Wet Wipes • Deodorant • Toothpaste/Toothbrush Kit • Comb/Brush • Period products (pads, tampons) • Travel size shampoo and conditioner
Clothing items
Socks • Knit cap • Scarf • Gloves • Business clothing • other clothing items
Miscellaneous/Other
Duffel bag/backpack • Sleeping bag • Throw blanket • Masks
Vote for Prom Theme
All high school students are encouraged to vote for this year's prom theme. The theme will dictate the decorations and food - it's not a dress code.
Please rank your favorites in this Prom Theme survey.
Calling all bucket brigade helpers!
Miss Shannon and Mr. Shane made a trek out to San Pasqual Valley Soils in Escondido to acquire 6 cubic yards of compost.
It is now near the chicken garden, and Miss Shannon needs help moving the compost into the back 3 beds…using buckets!
If you are in need of service hours, or just want to see the garden beds completed (so we can plant and grow more wonderful crops!), please reach out to Miss Shannon (shannon.t.stewart@gmail.com) or find her on campus.
What’s a bucket brigade, you ask?
“A bucket brigade or human chain is a method for transporting items where items are passed from one person to the next. The method was important in firefighting before the advent of hand-pumped fire engines, whereby firefighters would pass buckets to each other to extinguish a blaze.”
Senior Letter
Dear MEA Class of 2022 Students and Guardians:
This SENIOR LETTER contains important reminders about graduation and end-of-year information. Please read it carefully and mark your calendar with the important dates and deadlines.
Looking for semester service hours?
Look no further than our multiple garden spaces. We have tons of weeds… And tons of mulch.
The hour sessions go by quickly when you’re having fun in the gardens!
Please reach out to Miss Shannon to schedule a time.
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
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.
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
“C3” for grades K-5
Wednesday, APRIL 6 / 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 6, April 20, May 4, May 18
Painting Royalty
In Elementary Art with Mrs. Sink, students learned a little about Georges Rouault, an artist who painted and printed royal figures. Then they created their own version of “The Old King” with tempera paints and a printed background.
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
Leprechauns on Campus
The traps were sprung, but alas, no leprechauns were captured.
When the second graders entered their classroom last Thursday, they faced quite a mess!
Ropes, pulleys, and footprints showed evidence of the Leprechauns’ attempts at stealing the gold.
But the students’ pots of sticky glue and stuck coins proved to be too much work for the Leprechauns to deal with, so many pots were left behind. The loose coins were taken, but chocolate coins were left in their place. They were kind enough to leave little trophies for each trap, too, for the students’ worthy attempts. As kind as that was, they still managed to put the classroom in disarray with pencil boxes and chairs thrown about. They even used silly string to cover the traps!
Well, back to the drawing board. There is always next year.
Writing Short Stories
Ms. Patterson's grade 5 students reached into a bin without looking and picked two characters for their in class short story writing. Then they worked on character and setting development with dialogue while writing their expositions. Lots of fun creative story ideas were shared with some serious typing.
MEA GARDENS & CHICKENS
"Hello" from Cleopatra
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.
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.)
Community Announcements
Volunteer for EarthFair 2022
Sunday, April 24
More than 300 volunteers participate and make the EarthFair an enormous success. Events like this don't happen without individuals stepping forward to do what's needed. There are LOTS of different jobs we need to fill to make EarthFair happen. Please join us on Sunday, April 24, 2022, to help put on a celebration and transform lives!