HBP & MEC Newsletter
November 20 2020
Principal's Message
Dear MEC and HBP Families,
It is hard to believe that we just concluded our second week of school within the Qtr 2 term - time moves forward without delay. Last week went quick with PT Conferences, while this week returned to a normal five-day routine. Next, we are headed into a short 3-day week of school followed by a long weekend. This Thanksgiving holiday, we get an opportunity to spend time with family and close friends, and reflect on what we are thankful for. Of course, please take proactive measure to keep yourself and others safe. Meanwhile, our continued focus at MEC is that of staff supporting each other in providing care and connection for each and every student. I ask for your partnership in assuring your child's success in learning, as well as expressing all that your family is thankful for. We wish to share our Thanks to you -
Personally, I hope to express my gratitude one more time for the family feel that is Miller Education Center. I have spent time in google classrooms, and am impressed with the enthusiasm and effort that staff are putting toward student learning. It is refreshing to see and hear questions and responses from students - both in the chat box, with un-muted mic, as well as participation in various digital app activities. This week marks my second week at MEC, not a veteran staff, however still amazed by the engagement and rich learning opportunities I am observing. Well done on all accounts.
I look forward to continued involvement in the MEC community. Please reach out to me regarding any scholastic matter as I hope to partner with you to make a great school even better.
Sincerely,
Roger Fink
Interim Administrator
Miller Education Center
MEC/HBP updates from Teachers:
Connie Saul
- Physics--Learning patterns and interpreting graphs
- Chemistry--Kinetic Molecular theory and properties of solids, liquids and gases.
- Biology--Biomolecules and their application to Biological processes.
- Leadership--Big Picture learning
Sarah Coyle
- My update for 401s/Seniors: Seniors will begin individual focus plans for post-graduation this week. Our goal is to use our time together this year to be as ready as possible for those next steps! As the students' plans begin to take shape, I will connect with parents one-on-one to adjust and modify as needed.
Therese Rice:
Spanish 1 students are learning Spanish Pronouns and will be describing themselves soon. Students are learning new Spanish words through songs!
Our Spanish 2 class got off to a great start with brave students willing to take risks and speak in Spanish!
US History students are discussing why it is important to analyze history and will begin to learn about the Great Depression.
HBP's 201 students continue to think about their visions and goals for this school year. We are discussing how to be more efficient learners and how to be successful in distance learning.
Penelope Wynns:
Oh! The 2nd Quarter is off to a Fresh start. And when I say Fresh, I mean freshmen. Last Quarter I had the pleasure of getting to know much of the senior class, but this Quarter is all about the freshmen. I’m trotting the globe and traveling through time in World Cultures as a Co-Teacher with Sarah. Oh, the Places! (They'll) GO!
Sara Franklin:
Future Focused Month continues! We are still celebrating Future Focused Month and have more events for students and families to attend:
HSD Virtual Scholarship Night Recordings:
On November 17th, HSD hosted a virtual scholarship night for families wanting to learn how to access free money for college and trade school tuition. All sessions were recorded and can be found on the following link: HSD Virtual Scholarship Night Recording
FAFSA and ORSAA Season!
- A friendly reminder to the class of 2021 families to complete the FAFSA or ORSAA as soon as possible! These free applications will tell you how much financial aid your student is eligible for, and some funds are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reach out to Sara Franklin at Franklis@hsd.k12.or.us if you have questions or need assistance.
Kate Welch:
In Algebra 1 and Geometry, we’re kicking off the new quarter by reviewing some basics, including everyone’s favorite—fractions!
In Financial Algebra, we’ve started our Savings unit with a closer look at Income and budgeting.
In 101 Leadership, we’re continuing to explore career options, and starting to brainstorm ideas for our cumulative projects that will be presented in January at the end of the semester!
Trevor Smith:
- Academic Options: All students have been enrolled in at least one PLATO class. Directions on how to log in can be found on the google classroom.
- Strength Training: The first week is in and while we look at alternatives to the traditional lifting of weights, our focus is on general physical activity and its relationship to overall Health.
- Health: We are beginning our class with the concepts of Wellness. We will be working to understand the links between mental, physical and social Health.
Return to school planning
News and updates from Oregon Health Authority and the Governor's Office are being announced more frequently than this weekly newsletter can keep current. Please see the Hillsboro School District's website for timely and more informative news.
***Check the Hillsboro School District’s website for any updates***
***Consulte la página web del Distrito Escolar de Hillsboro para ponerse al día***
Academic, Wellness & School to Career Counseling Updates
Annie's Update (Academic and Wellness Counselor)
If you or your student would like to make an appointment with our Academic & Guidance Counselor, Annie Wynne, you can make contact her via email at wynnean@hsd.k12.or.us
Community: Washington County Crisis Line (503-291-9111)
Oregon YouthLine (CALL 877-968-8491; TEXT ‘teen2teen’ to 839863 or CHAT oregonyouthline.org)
The Hawthorn Walk-In Center (503-846-4555)
Also, the HSD Care Coordinators help families find a good fit with counseling support in the community. Learn more about HSD's suicide prevention plan and resources here
Sara's Update(School to Career - STC)
November is Future Focused Month!
Traditionally, MEC celebrates Future Focused Month every November, and this year we are bringing all the events to the comfort of your own home. For the last two weeks in advisory classes, students have been preparing by learning about finding a job, creating a resume, what makes a successful job interview, and various postsecondary options.
There are many events for you and your student to participate in this month. Check out this calendar for a complete list. The MEC specific events are below:
- Application Day
- Your student can get 1:1 help filling out any post-secondary application (ex: college, trade school, apprenticeship, etc.)
- Drop-in hours will be from 10am-12pm and 1pm-2pm
- Google Meet joining info
https://meet.google.com/vnc-neyw-nez
Or dial: +1 615-581-1460 PIN: 217 779 727#
School Calendar 2020-21 School Year
Email: mosquedt@hsd.k12.or.us
Website: https://www.hsd.k12.or.us/Page/75
Location: 440 Southeast Oak Street, Hillsboro, OR, USA
Phone: 503-844-1685
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HillsboroSchools/
Twitter: @hillsboro_sd
Upcoming Events
Nov. 26 & 27 No School - Thanksgiving and Non-Contract Day
Dec. 21- Jan 1 No School - Winter Break
Cares Act Community Wide Childcare Grant
CARES Act Community Wide Childcare Grant from Washington County available to all HSD families and community members that are essential workers or have been negatively impacted by Covid 19. Please review the flyer for additional information on how to apply for this grant.
What does Lunch or Meals Look like this Fall?
FREE MEALS FOR ALL STUDENTS
During Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL), all meals will be delivered via bus routes. Deliveries will take place Monday through Friday on school days and will include both breakfast and lunch.
Students will receive their meals free of charge.
To find out the location and time of the meal delivery for your student, visit the MyBus Student Route Look-up tool on our website.
In addition to bus routes, there will be 6 locations where students can pick up their meals from 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.: RA Brown, Century, Lincoln Street, Poynter, South Meadows, and Evergreen.
***Please Bring a bag to carry lunches is as the weather starts to get cold and rainy***
Technology Pick Up
What do I do if I need a chromebook?
Connect with your advisor or call 503-844-1680
You can come by MEC West between 9-2 during the school week
What do I do if my chromebook broke over the summer?
You will return it at one of the times listed above and we will get you a new one
Safety Updates
INTERNET ESSENTIALS
INTERNET ESSENTIALS
Families qualifying for free or reduced lunch are eligible to receive a code good for six months of internet access through Comcast Internet Essentials. This is the fastest and most stable way to connect. Hotspots are also available to any family that needs an internet connection. Please inform your teacher during Welcome Back conferences or complete the Request for Resources form to indicate your interest.
TESTING - ACT/SAT/STATE TESTING & GED Testing
GED Testing - they have started to Pilot Online Secure Testing -at this time students can be 16,17 or 18 to take the GED test. They have to also pass a practice test with a specific score prior to being approved to take the official test. There are strict computer hardware and software guidelines as well. Please connect with your GED Teacher for more guidance and information. We are working on hosting testing at MEC West starting sometime after Nov. 10th
STATE TESTING - That is in the Spring Time
Hillsboro School District: Form to Request Resources / Distrito Escolar de Hillsboro: Formulario para solicitar recursos
During Comprehensive Distance Learning, please use this form if you would like to access resources from the closest HSD hub site near you. We will do our best to support families during this time, but we cannot guarantee a response to all requests.Use this link Request Family Resources
You will be contacted once your resources are located and ready for pick-up.
If you need assistance filling this survey out please contact:
Family and Community Engagement Office
503-844-1475 (Spanish/English Speaking Assistance)