Thursday, January 30, 2014




A Message from the Principal/CEO:


Thanks to all of the parents/guardians that participated in our parent survey.  We will analyze the results with our staff and work to improve our school!

One theme that was mentioned by several parents is concerning our recent change in lab times. We will examine our open lab times again, but want all of our parents to know that our purpose for changing the open lab schedule is to offer students greater access to teachers.  By reducing the open lab times, we are better able to offer specific labs in math, science, English and all of our programs and courses.  This also opens up teachers' schedules for one-on-one and small group support. We have limited space and classrooms and are working on various methods of supporting our students and meeting student needs. You will see in the near future other opportunities for students to participate in their classes via interactive video through our Adobe Connect and Jigsaw Meeting options, which means that students can be at home and participate in classes or receive one-on-one support.

Another issue that has come up recently is concerning due dates for assignments on weekends.  The following explanation is courtesy of Jennifer Hathaway, one of our outstanding teachers:


You may have noticed that you now have assignments due on weekends and school breaks. This is due to our dynamic scheduling system, which supports individual learning plans. Unfortunately, we cannot change these due dates to regular school dates on a grand scale. But remember that our due dates are guidelines, not necessarily strict requirements.  So, if you are completing assignments within a couple of days of these due dates, you are staying on track.  If you have assignments that are due on Saturday, aim to complete them on Friday. If you have assignments due on Sunday, plan to complete them on Monday.



One new feature of this dynamic scheduling is the ability to select your course end date. While you cannot choose to work later than the end of the school year (June 6th), if you are trying to complete the class early, this is a helpful tool. In your grade book (in your class), you'll see a calendar icon. If you click on it, you will be able to see the target end date that your teacher chose, and could opt to choose an earlier one for yourself.  (See the image below). 



Students working hard in Surf School!

Chess Club!

Mr. Davis at work!


Column: Mom lets teen try Florida Virtual School after all
Tampa Bay Times | Tampa, FL

For the past two years, Kourtnie, my now 16-year-old daughter, has been begging me to enroll her in the Florida Virtual School Program. I repeatedly responded with a decisive no. Until now. I didn't want to encourage quitting something just because she began to wilt through a tough time. And there has (read)


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Students of the Month for January:
Jessica Chase
Aaron Normand
Aaron Whistler
Jessica Chase with Ms. Struyk-Bonn



Most Improved Students for January:
Sarah Campean
Announcements:
More Math Lab Hours!  Ms. Norrander will be hosting math labs on Thursdays from 10:00 - 12:00 in the math room.  Bring your math questions and we'll find a solution! 

Attention Juniors!
It's time to take your OAKS Writing Test!  Please click here, and follow the directions to sign up for an available time slot in FEBRUARY.
Remember, the State of Oregon requires that you take the OAKS Writing Test, and pass the Essential Skill of Writing, in order to graduate.

Please contact Ms. Calhoun (calhoun5@mewebacademy) with questions.

End of Semester -- January 17th -- We will not be sending out report cards!  So, parents, it is important that you access your student's grades through the parent access log in to Genius.  Please do not hesitate to call if you do not know your parent access login or you need technical assistance.  New semester begins January 27th -- new courses will be accessible on Monday! How do I do this? Click on this link!

Have you ever been interested in learning self-defense? GirlStrength will be running a 9 week self-defense class starting Feb. 3rd for Middle School students at MEWA.  You will receive elective credit for participating, but only 12 girls can enroll.  We do ask for a 100% commitment that you come to every class which will be held on Monday's from 3-4:30pm.  Contact Ms. Powell right away if you are interested!  


powell@mewebacademy.org / 971-231-5496
https://docs.google.com/a/gbwebacademy.org/presentation/d/1zoQgSBkl-nUIxA_HIkUeY2h7wyw3_SqZbEdGN3zdZWo/edit?usp=sharing



Have you tried yoga before? Do you want to improve your strength, flexibility and balance? Then join Ms. Norrander on Thursday's from 12:15 - 1:00 for Yoga Time in classroom 2. This is a fun, non-competitive activity for all members of MEWA. Bring a yoga mat or a beach towel. Contact Ms. Norrander if you have any questions, norrander@mewebacademy.org.

MEWA has formed 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 February 19th at 5:00 PM at MEWA.  Snacks and refreshments are provided.  

We now have a new and growing FAQ Page for MEWA students and parents. Here you will see questions, answers, and how-to videos related to a variety of common issues. From our home page, www.mewebacademy.org, find the Student/Parent FAQ on the center button bar.

We want to remind parents and students that are office hours are 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.  Our lab hours follow:


Please arrange for student pick up at the end of the open lab time.

Seniors!! 

Now is the time to get your cap and gown ordered for graduation. Pick up your packet in the office or order directly through Josten's at (503) 255-7120.

We will be holding a MEECA Information Session on February 12th from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM here at the school. 

Mr. Ellsberg has created a youtube channel for his weekly Techtown video cast.  You can follow him every Tuesday here: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ8Gtv4Bpr9SjA33hMRkD5Q

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


Sincerely,

David L. Gray, Ph.D.
Principal/CEO
Metro East Web Academy

503-258-4790