Monday Message
February 14, 2022
Hero Move-A-Thon
The MEA Foundation and MEA ASB have partnered to bring you the
Hero Move-A-Thon fundraising event! Our goal is to have 100% student participation!
Event Date: Tuesday, March 8th, 1:30 to 3:30
Be a HERO and register to participate in the amazingly fun outdoor event supporting our school!
- Participate in person or virtually.
- Enjoy multiple Obstacle Courses for HEROES to traverse, including a giant inflatable course, and
- Many fun field day events to keep you moving and fit.
- Come dressed as any type of Hero to add to the fun and
- Have fun saving the world by raising money for your school at the same time!
- Click on Participants and copy your link.
- Once registered, please share the Personalized Donation Link with family and friends to encourage donations!
AWESOME PRIZES
*** Prize drawing for all participants ***
You don't need to attend the Hero Move-a-Thon to win...anyone who receives donations will qualify for prizes! Additional Prize to individuals, teachers and classes with the most funds raised!
VOLUNTEERS and Supplies Needed. Email info@meafoundation.org for any questions or issues.
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.
The Serenity Garden Unveiling and Art Show
It was great to see everyone at this special event! Thank you to all participants for making this such a success. Please enjoy these pictures and videos!
UPCOMING EVENTS
“Chicken Coop Cooperative” for Elementary Students
First meeting:
Wednesday, Feb. 16
12:30-1:30
Miss Shannon is excited to announce the opening of the chicken coop on the first and third Wednesday of every month, from 12:30 until 1:30.
We are calling this the “Chicken Coop Cooperative,” or C3:
- 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. If a student is already on campus, please indicate on the check in sheet on Wednesdays that they will be attending a C3 session.
Students will be walked back to the front office at 1:30.
First C3 is Wednesday, Feb 16.
- Then March 2 and 16
- April 6 and 20
- May 4 and 18
Mark your calendars!
SSC/SGT Meeting
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 16
Time: 2:00-3:00 pm
Zoom: https://sandiegounified.zoom.us/j/89056497845
All parents are invited to attend the School Site Committee (SSC) meeting. The SSC is a shared decision-making body composed of parents, staff, and students. Our Council identifies needs for academic programs and sets budgets to support these programs. The meeting agenda will be posted on the SSC/SGT webpage. For questions, please contact Principal Browne at cbrowne@sandi.net
Academic League
Thursday, Feb. 17 / 7:00pm
Point Loma High School
The MEA Academic League will meet at Point Loma High School to compete with their 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!
PRESIDENTS’ HOLIDAYS
Friday, Feb. 18 and Monday, Feb. 21
Schools will be closed in honor of Presidents’ Day, also known as Washington's Birthday. The day not only honors George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, whose birthdays are both in February, but honors all the presidents who have served in the United States.
Winter Semi-Formal Dances
Attention Secondary Students!
The MEA ASB is organizing these Winter Semi-Formal Dances for YOU! Come enjoy music, free food, and hanging out with your friends. Each MEA student can also invite one non-MEA guest to this event.
Date: Thursday, March 3
Location: Outdoors
Middle School: 4:00-5:30
High School: 6:00-8:00
Tickets: Purchase Online for both MEA students and guests
Middle School tickets are $10 each; 20 tickets must be sold by February 24th to hold the dance.
High School tickets are $15 each; 30 tickets must be sold by February 24th to hold the dance.
If you purchased a ticket last time, the transaction was reversed and your money refunded; please purchase again.
Permission slips are required for all attendees
- For MEA students, fill out permission form online when purchasing tickets.
- For non-MEA guests, download this guest permission form. Fill it out and have it signed by the guest’s school administrator. Then bring the form to the dance and turn it in at the door.
Pick Music for the Dances!
For students in grades 6-12:
The ASB would like your song suggestions to help put together a playlist for the Winter dances on March 3rd.
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
Monday Message to Students
PARENTS:
If your student in grades 6-12 is not getting the Monday Message sent directly to their personal email, please forward this message to them.
STUDENTS:
Please sign up to receive the Monday Messages directly to your personal email address. This can be helpful, especially for older students, so you can stay informed of what's happening here at Mt. Everest Academy. Your PERSONAL email address is needed (not an @stu.sandi.net email or a parent’s email).
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.
Senior Activity Survey
Hello Class of 2022!
Would you please let the planning team know your thoughts on having a senior activity/trip before you graduate?
Just take this quick Senior Activity Survey.
Your input is needed by the end of today - Monday, Feb. 14. Thank you!
Common Scholarship Application
Hello Seniors,
Here is a link to The San Diego Foundation Common Scholarship Application which will take you to a website with the application and more information.
What is great about this is that you can apply for several San Diego-based scholarships with one application.
Any questions? Please contact Mr. Rubin, arubin@sandi.net
Ace hardware change round-up for MEA
Benefitting MEA Foundation for gardens and chickens
We are excited to announce that the Mt. Everest Academy Foundation will be the recipient of the month of February customer change round-up at Ace Hardware in Clairemont Town Square.
This is a fantastic program to support a small business and simply say “yes, I would love to round up my change” when you buy for your home or garden needs at this store.
Starting February 1 and through the month, encourage your friends and family to shop there, and round up your change!
The amount of money can range anywhere from $1200 all the way up to $3000, or more–it adds up!
Shop local, support our school!
Report Cards only available electronically
The District has sent out emails letting families know about the new Digital Document Delivery System. Semester 1 report cards should be sent via this new system on Friday, Feb. 4 and grades will continue to be viewable in the PowerSchool parent portal.
National Honor Society Applications
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 25.
SENIOR PORTRAIT Make-Ups
For a few seniors that have not yet had their senior portrait taken, Chula Vista Photo has offered us one more opportunity.
Please call the studio at 619-422-9281 to book your session within this time block: FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 9:00-10:30am
Link to MORE INFORMATION
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.
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
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
Quest Club
Wednesday, Feb. 16 / 10:40-12:10 / Maker Space
MEA's Quest Club will be having their next meeting on Wednesday, Feb 16th at 10:40-12:10 in the Maker Space. Our party of adventurers will be heading off on their first quest. If you are interested in joining us, there will be extra characters on hand or visit https://ddb.ac/campaigns/join/25520162445765157 to design one of your own.
GSA Club
Wednesday, Feb. 16 / 12:00-12:30
GSA Club meets this week! - We are the Gender and Sexuality Alliance! Everyone is welcome! Come hang out with us in an open, accepting, and loving environment - the more the merrier! 12 - 12:30 on every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the work month in the garden outside of Room 1 (for month 6. Bring your lunch and learn more about the LGBT+ community, plan and participate in actions, and build an inclusive community for all. Allies are encouraged to join. Ms. Mullen and Mr. Nielsen are the facilitators, and the student leaders are Jade Myers and Jody Huege. Hope to see you there!
Book Swap & Donate
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the book swap organized by the Heights magazine club. MEA students now have some “new” books to read, and all other books are being donated to the Monarch School for homeless children.
Feliz Día de San Valentín
Hoy es lunes, el 14 de febrero, o el día de la amistad (day of friendship). The Spanish Club met last week and made valentines cards for friends and family. ¡Esperamos que tengan un día lleno de amor y chocolate!
May your day be filled with love and chocolate!
Speed-Friending
“Speed-Friending” was organized by Ally Action, giving students an opportunity to have one-on-one conversations and get to know each other better. They were allotted 4 minutes with each person and then rotated to the next participant. Here’s a list of their suggested insightful questions.
MEA GARDENS & CHICKENS
“Saladbration”
Elementary students participated in a Sage Garden Project lesson with Chef Nancy and Miss Shannon. Students learned about eating with the seasons and prepared some very tasty salads. Students used safety knives to cut the fruits and vegetables needed for the recipes. Please enjoy these recipes in your own kitchen!
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
Help Refugee Children
Hello,
My name is Ridwan Galib, an 11th-grade student at MEA. I am working with a volunteer organization, Kind Hearts, which is helping new refugees in San Diego. I am leading an effort to support refugee children by providing toys and school supplies.
We are asking for donations from the MEA community. If you have contributions for Kind Hearts, would you please bring them to a donations bin in the MEA office?
Thank you for your support, and please let me know if you have any questions. Email: ridwangalib921@gmail.com
MEA Native Garden
Wild San Diego (www.wildsandiego.org) is an organization founded by Ria Rizo (10th grader at MEA). As one of the organization’s projects, she is creating a native plant garden at the MEA campus.
The Mt. Everest Academy Native Garden will be a natural, outdoor area on the K-12 school campus. It will provide habitat for local wildlife and plants while connecting students to nature. The garden will be sustainable and water wise, only requiring watering for the first 2 years until the plants are established. Once established, the plants will attract a variety of local and migratory wildlife including Monarch butterflies, Towhees, flycatchers, and possibly the threatened Coastal California Gnatcatchers. Students will be able to connect with nature and develop a lifelong appreciation for nature. Spending time in nature also improves mental health and provides many other health benefits. Visitors will also develop a better understanding of the local ecosystems in San Diego.
For more information, visit our website www.wildsandiego.org/school-garden/, which includes the full master plan for the project.
Donate to support our project
If you would like to support our project, please consider donating.All donations will go to the MEA Native Garden and will be used to purchase plants, mulch, and any other necessary materials. Send any amount to our Venmo account @WildSanDiego. If asked to confirm, our phone number's last 4 digits is 1884.