November 27, 2013
A Message from the Principal/CEO: 
-What we need is a school where we are welcomed, and valued for who we are, where there are many talents that are recognized and praised.
-We need a place where we are encouraged to try new things, take risks, and making mistakes is accepted as normal learning.
-What we need is a place where there is lots of celebrating and fun, where there is a ready hand for those who need a boost, and an open ear for those with something to say.
-Parents are involved here and seen as experts on their kids.
-We are all learning together, rooted to the community in which we live by our connection to our neighbors both young and old, because everyone is included here and someone is checking to see that no one is forgotten, and nothing is left out.
-This is the knowledge that is in our hearts. We all know what we need, and all the policies and procedures, meetings, mission statements, and even these words that you now read cannot give it to us.
-What we need is the best in each other, and if we can find it, and if we can give it, the rest will follow, the children will blossom, and we will all get what we need.
Former principal, Hershel Olmstead
Weather related school closures and late start:
As we transition into the winter season, it is important for parents and students to know where to get information concerning our closures and two-hour late starts. MEWA will follow the Gresham-Barlow School District decision-making process. Please watch for media alerts from Gresham-Barlow School District and monitor their web page. If the district closes schools, our office will be closed. Our students will still be expected to work on closure days and teachers will continue with teaching and communication. If the district decides to have a late start, then we will begin our day at 11:00 AM.
As we transition into the winter season, it is important for parents and students to know where to get information concerning our closures and two-hour late starts. MEWA will follow the Gresham-Barlow School District decision-making process. Please watch for media alerts from Gresham-Barlow School District and monitor their web page. If the district closes schools, our office will be closed. Our students will still be expected to work on closure days and teachers will continue with teaching and communication. If the district decides to have a late start, then we will begin our day at 11:00 AM.
Announcement:
New open lab hours beginning Monday December 2nd:
· Wednesday: 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
· Thursday: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
We have changed the open lab time so that we may give teachers an opportunity to work with students individually by appointment and/or do scheduled synchronous small and large group instruction in person or via video conferencing. Lab sessions are open to all content areas and student specific support. Teachers will schedule special sessions for specific content support. Teachers’ schedules and office hours will not change. Feel free to schedule appointments with your teachers. All of our clubs and activities for students will continue, but some times may change.
Science test prep session, Wednesday, December 4th from 1-2
Science test prep session, Wednesday, December 4th from 1-2
The Oregon Virtual Schools organization is sponsoring a Capital Day in Salem on February 4th to meet with legislators and advocate for virtual schools. More information can be found on http://www.oregonvirtualschools.org/.
iPod Drawing Winners for Student Attendance and Engagement:
Carl Behunin -- 8th Grader
Miriam Lupeiu -- 10th Grader
Check out our web page -- we now have a button in the top right corner labeled "How are we doing?". We care about what our parents and students feel about our school. Please let us know your thoughts.
Box Tops for the Box Tops for Education program:
Box Tops for Education® is one of the nation’s largest school fundraising loyalty programs and has been helping schools succeed since 1996. With over 250 participating products, it’s an easy way for schools to earn cash for the things they need.
- Over 90,000 K-8 schools participate nationwide
- Each Box Tops coupon is worth 10¢ and they add up fast!
- Schools can use their Box Tops cash to buy whatever they need most, from books to field trips to playgrounds.
- So far, America’s schools have earned over $525 million from Box Tops…and counting.*
Please bring in your box tops. More information is available at http://www.boxtops4education.com/all-about-boxtops
The CSU (Christian Student Union) club will be collecting toys for the KGW Great Toy Drive this year. Please drop off unwrapped toys and we will get them to KGW.
Immunizations!!! This clinic is available to provide the required immunizations for school attendance:
December 18, 2013
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Rosa Parks School
8960 N. Woolsey
Portland, OR 97203
No School 11/27 - 11/29
Parents and students – check Genius for Student Progress Reports (Call your mentor or counselor if you need help locating the reports).
MEWA is starting a parent booster/advocacy group. Participation in this group is open to all MEWA parents, grandparents, guardians, and staff members. The focus of this group will be to organize and support activities that promote our school and provide enrichment and growth opportunities for students and staff. The next meeting is December 11th at 5:30 PM at MEWA. Snacks and refreshments are provided.
Upcoming Field Trips:
Field Trip to the Portland-Milwaukie Lite Rail Project site (4 Dec 2013, 11 am - 3 pm)
Join us on a great opportunity to explore a current real-world, large project going on in Portland -- it's the Portland-Milwaukie Lite Rail Project Site -- West Segment. We'll bus from MEWA, departing at 11 am, returning at 3 pm.
What you'll experience:
1. Learn about a real life, dynamic, major project environment that is located in our backyard (Portland).
2. Discover interesting and rewarding career fields that span all levels of academic credentials (i.e., It takes blue collar and white collar folks to pull off a project like this.)
3. Gain a unique perspective with which to view the benefits of math.
Here are a few important links:
Permission Form:
Stacy & Witbeck Lite Rail project site: http://www.stacywitbeck.com/projects/lightrail/pmlrtp-west/
We make many announcements and provide additional information concerning our program and activities available for students on our social media sites. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter at the following links:
Sincerely,
David L. Gray, Ph.D.
Principal/CEO
Metro East Web Academy
503-258-4790
