The Meyzeek Mystique
From the Desk of the Principal
Healthy Minds and Happy Hearts
The last three weeks have presented challenges that we could never have imagined. Our world is facing an unprecedented event that has stretched us in many ways and caused us to create a new normal. A new normal for learning means creating a virtual platform for students to stay connected with their teachers and peers, have access to core instruction grounded in core content standards, while continuing to benefit from support services from our Administrative Team, Counselors, Mental Health Practitioner and Youth Services Center. We are fortunate that advanced technology enables us to provide face-to-face instruction and gives teachers the flexibility in providing differentiated and personalized instruction to students. The faculty and staff at Meyzeek are eager to be fully reconnected with our students and to make learning come to life through the wonders of technology.
Although our physical building has been closed, our administrative team has continued to work tirelessly on preparing and planning for Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) for this year, while simultaneously preparing for the return to school next year. Many of our teachers, while not required to do so, have posted lessons and project based learning opportunities through Google Classroom. This speaks to the dedication and commitment of the Meyzeek faculty to our students. While our district and school continue to stabilize planning for the beginning of NTI, I wanted share a few updates with you:
Getting Started with NTI (Non-Traditional Instruction)
NTI for students will begin on Tuesday, April 7th. Students should log into their Google Classroom on Tuesday morning to receive important information about how NTI works. Teachers will provide support with instruction, getting students acclimated to the digital environment, and sharing internet safety expectations. We recognize that technology sharing may be necessary in some households, therefore our teachers have modified their lessons to be accessible to all students. Our staff is committed to operating with sensitivity and flexibility. Our singular goal is to ensure that every student feels supported and that our practices support healthy minds and happy hearts. Additionally, parents are encouraged to utilize the amazing NTI Parent Toolkit created by JCPS in order to become more comfortable with Google Classroom and some of the many program options available to students. Check out the video clip below for a tour of the JCPS NTI Parent Toolkit.
Counselor’s Corner Webpage
Our counselors have created the Counselor’s Corner webpage accessible through the newly constructed Meyzeek website. This is a one-stop shop for our students to stay connected with what is happening in their grade level. You can access information about instructional resources, Backpack of Success Skills, Individual Learning Plans (ILPs), and much more. We recognize that coping with the abundance of information through various media outlets, coupled with the transition to a virtual learning environment, can cause anxiety for many of our students. Our counseling team has also included tools and strategies to help students manage stress and find ways to adapt to learning and thriving in a new learning environment. You have received a message through school messenger on how students can access this page. If you have not, please email your grade level counselor.
Chromebooks
JCPS is working with families to provide Chromebooks for students who need technology support. If you have questions about how to request a Chromebook, call 313-HELP.
Related Arts Requests
We have already begun working of related arts scheduling for next school year. Students have received a Related Arts Request form in their Google Classroom along with a description of each course offered. Students should complete the form as soon as possible and submit.
As we work through the logistical nuances of creating an optimal virtual learning environment, we appreciate your patience.
If you have ideas of how we can improve our virtual support services, please contact our School Technology Leader (STC) at Katherine.mastronicola@jefferson.kyschools.us. We appreciate and value your input. #BearPRIDE #MeyzeekStrong
Stay well Meyzeek family,
Dr. Ronda E. George
Bear Bravos!
7th grader, Audrey Bruce has done it again! Audrey was an entrant in the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation Student Art Contest and was selected to receive an award for her amazing artwork. Audrey will be recognized when the Kentucky Derby Festival Association reschedules the event. Way to go Audrey!
Vaugh Ramirez was recognized by 10 of the 12 dance instructors and won the DANCER OF THE YEAR AWARD. This honor allows him to participate in all dance conventions for Hollywood Vibe in 2020-2021. Additionally, he will be one of the assistants to the dance instructors and will qualify for free entry into the national dance competition, and interview in Las Vegas with an LA dance talent agency. The arts matter at Meyzeek! Way to go Vaughn!
On Friday, March 6th and Saturday, March 7th, Masao Tamiya competed in the 17th Annual Arnold Schwarzenegger Fencing Classic in Columbus, OH. Held each winter, this 3-day championship regional competition boasts Forty-eight events, as part of the Arnold Schwarzenegger Sports Festival, the largest multi-sport festival in the world. With hundreds of fencers in attendance, this tournament serves as one of the qualifying paths to the National Championships that will be held in July 2020 at Louisville Convention Center. Masao finished 13th out of 34 in Youth-12 Foil category on Friday. Masao demonstrated a great deal of mettle, focus and determination in this event. Way to go Masao!
Congratulations to Jilly Choi and Will Birkby for winning 1st Place in the Sumobot Regional Tournament! Congratulations to Hayden Fineisen, Henry Martin, and Abby McDonald for winning 1st Place in the RCX Regional Tournament! Both 1st place teams qualified for the state tournament on April 9th! Congratulations to Aalya Jha, Aksita Arasakumar, Sree Paladugu, Emma Hatfield, and Prisha Shah for winning 3rd Place in the RCX Regional Tournament! Congratulations to all Sumobot and RCX teams that competed in the Robo Rumble for an outstanding performance!
Bear Team Bravos!
Congratulations to the Meyzeek Tennis Team for being the winner of the 2020 State Championship!
Congratulations to Jilly Choi and Will Birkby for winning 1st Place in the Sumobot Regional Tournament! Congratulations to Hayden Fineisen, Henry Martin, and Abby McDonald for winning 1st Place in the RCX Regional Tournament! Both 1st place teams qualified for the state tournament on April 9th! Congratulations to Aalya Jha, Aksita Arasakumar, Sree Paladugu, Emma Hatfield, and Prisha Shah for winning 3rd Place in the RCX Regional Tournament! Congratulations to all Sumobot and RCX teams that competed in the Robo Rumble for an outstanding performance!
Meyzeek Chess Team
Meyzeek Boys Basketball
Tennis State Championship Winners
Meyzeek Bear Teacher Testimonial: Taking Learning Beyond the Classroom
Every Monday, my 3rd period Reading Acceleration class watches the KET News Quiz video and then reads and answers the quiz questions. After we're finished, we get on their website and answer the "Opinion Question" and submit it. A few weeks ago, the question was "Who do you admire the most and why?" and Keyon Hobbs said he admired the KET News Quiz host Kelsey Starks the most. She sent this special video to us as a thank you and shout out!!
Carrie Cross, 6th Grade ELA Teacher
Stand Up and Be Counted: Meyzeek Bears and the Census
The Innovator students applied their math skills and made predictions and connections using census data from 1950 - 2010. Students completed one of three different activities. One activity allowed students to analyze the population growth in five states over 60 years to create a linear model and interpret the slope and y-intercept. A second activity, students were able to create a scatter plot relating median annual income to years of education to understand how bivariate data can be simplified to derive an approximate equation for a line. The final activity, had students perform operations with numbers in scientific notation to allow them to work with large numbers in a way they could understand. These students were able to express ratios and create and interpret a scatter plot.
Technology and Data Go Together
Collaborating and Tabulating
Making Meaning from Trend Data
Science Fair Students 2020
Visit https://meyzeek.stemwizard.com/ to see a list of student winners on the bottom of the stem wizard page.)
STEM Night at Meyzeek
Splitting Water Using Electrolysis
Does the Garlic Compound Allyl Sulfide Improve Age Associated Memory Impairment?
The Effects of Sugar Stimulants an an Ants' Speed
Spreadsheet Pixel Art
The Demonstration of Anticoagulation
The pH Levels of Branded Water
PTSA: Order Your Meyzeek Yearbook Now!
If you think you want more than one book, you must order that many at this time because you cannot go back and order a second after you have ordered your initial book. Because we do not know if we will be back in school there may not be a possibility of purchasing books during lunch hours like we have historically done. Therefore, if you want a yearbook, ordering on line will be your best option. If you cannot order online for any reason, please email Joni Pardue at jlpardue1@gmail.com to discuss other options, if any.