"Tuesday" Message
February 22, 2022
REGISTER NOW & Enjoy the Fun!
ALL students with donations will be entered in drawing to win prizes.
Check out the PRIZE LIST.
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!
*** 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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Academic League
Thursday, Feb. 24 / 7:00pm
MEA Auditorium
The MEA Academic League will compete here at Mt. Everest Academy with the Mission Bay High School 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!
Work Due for Month 6
Friday, Feb. 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!
“C3” for grades K-5
Wednesday, Mar. 2 / 12:30-1:30 / At the Coop
The K-5 students enjoyed their first Chicken Coop Cooperative (C3) session last Wednesday. Not only did the students help provide a variety of nutritious greens for the chickens, they also learned about the difference between treats and “regular food” for them. Every student was also able to experience picking up Zira, our only tactile-tolerant chicken.
C3 sessions are offered on the first and third Wednesday of each month, from 12:30-1:30. We hope to see more K-5 students next week!
Winter Semi-Formal Dances
More ticket purchases are needed by THIS THURSDAY, FEB. 24. in order to hold these dances.
Dear 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.
Relax with Crafts & Games
The MEA Mental Health Club is creating a COMMUNITY SPACE for grades 6-12. Students can relax, do different types of crafts, and play games together. So secondary students, stop by the garden and enjoy some leisurely activities at these times:
Tuesday, Mar. 8 / 11:30-12:30
Thursday, Mar. 10 / 11:30-12:30
Student Planning Meeting
Tuesday, Mar. 8 / 12:00-12:30
Location TBD
Seniors and any interested high schoolers are invited to this Yearenders meeting to give their input on prom and end-of-year events. Planning for the prom will start soon, so this is a meeting where student concerns and ideas will contribute greatly to making decisions. High schoolers - and especially seniors - are greatly encouraged to come!
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
MEA Students Win First Place
Congratulations to a team of three 2020-21 MEA students who won 1st place in the worldwide 2021 Jacobs Teen Innovation Challenge: Alex Papen, Kyra Boyd, and Athena Frederick. Special recognition goes to their teacher, Mr. Nielsen.
1st Place: The Space Umbrella
Team: Poverty Preventers
CLICK HERE to learn about the challenge and see The Space Umbrella video.
The San Diego County Engineering Council will be recognizing Team Poverty Preventers during their awards ceremony on 2/20/22 at the Marina Village Conference Center.
The MEA team and their teacher Mr. Nielsen have chosen to donate their $1000 first place prize to Helping Other People (HOPe).
Theo Martien receives VAPA award
Theo Martien, grade 11, has been selected to receive the VAPA Spotlight Creative Leadership Award as part of SDUSD’s VAPA Spotlight Awards. Theo was nominated by Mr. Nielsen for his success in the visual and performing arts here at Mt. Everest Academy.
Theo will be honored at the awards event held in the San Diego Civic Theatre on 3/13/22. His award includes a $250 cash prize. Congratulations Theo!
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.
Wanted: Stage Crew
The MEA Theatre Company is looking for students to volunteer for the crew for this year's show! The roles stretch from assistant stage manager to costumes and everything in between. If you're interested in joining the crew please fill out this Stage Crew form.
Elementary Art Month 7 Sign Up
If your elementary student would like to participate in the month 7 art classes on March 1, 8, and 15, please SIGN UP HERE.
Fill out a new form for each child you would like to enroll. PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP IF YOUR CHILD CANNOT COMMIT TO THE ENTIRE MONTH.
There are limited spaces available. If the class is full, please email Mrs. Sink (vsink@sandi.net) to get on the waitlist.
Large Boxes requested for Shoe Drive
MEA Ally Action is asking for your cardboard box donations. They are in the process of organizing a shoe drive through Soles4Souls, a non-profit organization that puts unwanted shoes to good use around the world. Boxes are needed to collect and then mail the shoes to Soles4Souls.
The boxes need to be fairly large (minimum 24” by 24” by 24”) to accommodate multiple pairs of shoes—up to 30 pairs per box! Please drop your donated boxes off at the front office. For any questions, please contact Ally Action member Nicole at nicolelee9523@gmail.com. And thank you for helping get this shoe drive started!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
Rose Canyon Volunteer
Raquel Amelang, 9th grade, spent her entire Sunday morning volunteering for the "Friends of Rose Canyon" organization. She and others planted native plants in Rose Canyon to replace the non-native, invasive plants that have taken over large parts of the canyon. Pictured below, she is assembling "plant protectors" out of plastic sheets. She and others used these to protect the newly planted native plants from rabbits and other hungry animals.
EXTRACURRICULARS
* * * Click box above for Elementary Extracurricular Schedule * * *
Daily Mindfulness & Meditation
Elementary Art
Music with Mr. Johnson
PALS
Covid-19 Protocols for Elementary Students
Black History Month
During Library Time, elementary students reviewed Black History Month books with Ms. Iwamoto.
Van Gogh Flowers
In Elementary Art with Mrs. Sink, students learned a little about Vincent Van Gogh, then learned how to draw sunflowers in his style. Liquid watercolor paint was used to paint the flowers.
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
Fan Factory
Mr. Spiegelberg's history students enacted the Industrial Revolution by running a Fan Factory Simulation. The workers made about $1.89 for 18 hours of work (simulated 10 hours during the day and 8 hours at night). As the entrepreneur, Mr.Spiegelberg took 50% of the total value produced, paid the workers the remainder, and said "They need to work faster and produce more!"
MEA GARDENS & CHICKENS
HELPFUL INFORMATION
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.
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
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.