Thursday, April 24, 2014

Principal's Message




Our Mission:
The Metro East Web Academy provides a technology-rich 21st century learning model that ensures student success in a rapidly evolving learning, work, and community environment. 

A Message from the Principal/CEO:

It is that time of year to think about Graduation!!

Graduation is set for June 10th at East Hill Church in Gresham.  8th grade promotion will begin at 5:00 PM and high school graduation will begin at 7:00 PM.  8th graders, please RSVP to Kari Clayton at 503-258-4792.

Seniors, rehearsal for graduation will be held at 12:00 noon in East Hill Church. We will serve pizza to all those in attendance.  In addition, the senior group photo will be taken at this time.  

New this year for the seniors who attend rehearsal and the graduation ceremony: During rehearsal, we will draw one name for a $500 scholarship and at the graduation ceremony, we will draw one name for a $1,000 scholarship. You must be present at rehearsal and graduation to win. You must be attending college or a career and technical training school the following year to receive the scholarship.  Checks will be written in your name to that school or program.


Metro East Web Academy
Summer School Opportunity 

Are you or anyone you know interested in taking a summer school course for either original credit or credit recovery? 

If so, please visit our website to register: www.mewebacademy.org and click on the summer school registration link located in the upper left corner of the main page

Registration is now open

Classes run from June 23rd to July 25th


Please feel free to call 503-258-4790 with any questions

"Heads up all students--it's time for the 2nd Annual Checkmate the Staff Chess Challenge! (And, this year you can participate online from home!)

Why should you participate? It's been a year that the student body has grieved over the great loss heard around the world. Yes, the staff had their way in a classic win last year. However, the student body has become stronger since then, with many new students joining the school, and more chess training during chess clubs on Thursdays. In addition, we have some staff who really don't know how to play very well, so even the most inexperienced student has a good chance at a win. Now is the time for you to step up. Your chances of victory have never been better. 

To participate, please complete our RSVP form:  Chess Challenge RSVP

Hope to see you on May 22nd!"



Othello Field Trip

Interested in seeing a live Shakespearean play? Come see Portland Center Stage's production of Othello with MEWA! "Set in 17th century Venice, this is Shakespeare’s profound tragedy of the power of love and jealousy. A highly esteemed general serving the state of Venice, Othello, secretly marries Desdemona, the daughter of a senator. As their marriage is revealed, jealousies around their love match and Othello’s rise to prominence are unleashed, piling secret upon secret, and betrayal upon betrayal. A society seething with intrigue sets the stage for the ultimate tragedy—when love does not trust, and power is prized above all things." Note: this play does contain violence and sexual references-- if it was a movie, it would be considered PG-13 (Learn more at http://www.pcs.org/othello/).

This field trip will take place on April 30. You must be at the school by 10:15 am. Expect to arrive back at the school around 4:15 pm. We will take the MAX to Portland Center Stage. There is a $15 fee for attending the field trip. If you would like to attend but cannot pay the $15 fee, please contact Ms Hathaway for alternate arrangements. 

Interested? Fill out this field trip permission form and pay the $15 fee by April 25. Space is limited, so get your form in ASAP! Contact Ms Hathaway with any questions.




Staff Hint: Gallup Poll!

Ms. Calhoun's Healthy Cooking Class!

Students love hanging out in Ms. Powell's art class.
Notice that they are communicating with each other via text! 
More healthy cooking!









Seniors in need of reading or writing work samples should come in Monday, April 28th from 1-3 and get them done! 

Seniors: Now's the time to turn in your Senior pictures for the yearbook. Photos should be a head shot or upper body. Grab a friend to take your picture and have some fun. If sending from a smart phone, use the medium size (121kb) Send pictures to Kari Clayton at clayton2@mewebacademy.org

Please note that it is time for students to begin their state testing (OAKS) and show up for scheduled tests and time!  Attending and taking the test is required and very important as the school is evaluated on student results and attendance in the state report card.  Being present for the test is included in the contract that many parents and students signed during your welcome meeting.  Failure to take the test can affect your enrollment status at MEWA.

HAVEN'T PASSED THE OAKS YET? Well, this one's for you. The math department is offering Work Samples (and Local Performance Based Assessments) every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. If you are a Senior (or Junior) and have struggled to pass the OAKS test, you will want to make one of these sessions. Passing the math OAKS OR two math Work Samples is one requirement for graduation. Seniors should especially heed this advice as they prepare for graduation. Contact Mr. Kitchens or Mrs. Riehl for further information, or click on "Work Sample Sign UP" below to go to the RSVP (sign up) form and sign up for a date: 


Stay connected through Facebook and Twitter.  We share informative and valuable messages daily.
March most improved student Markquise Lucas with Ms. Struyk-Bonn

Students of the Month for April:
William Johnson


Most Improved Students for April:
Jeremy Mitchell
Announcements:


MAY TESTING: Measures for Academic Progress (MAP)

As you may recall, you had taken the Measures for Academic Progress (MAP) assessment in the areas of Math and Reading earlier this year.  
The MAP Assessment is required 3 times each year per your agreement at the time of enrollment at the Web Academy and is one of many powerful tools our staff is able to use to identify your current skill levels, support your academic experience, and improve your overall success.   

The purpose of this assessment is to Measure Academic Progress and determine your academic growth.  In order for our staff to measure that growth, you will be taking the test(s) again in May.    

Schedule Your Test(s):

  • Please click here, and follow the directions to sign up for test time in our online calendar.
  • Tuesdays/Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.  OR Thursdays at 1:30 p.m.
  • Please allow for about 1 - 1.5  hours for each subject.
  • You may take both subjects in one testing session or schedule each subject at separate times.

Please feel free to contact Michelle Lefevre with any questions regarding your test.  


Our science teacher and new student Surfmaster, Mr. Barrentine, has started a science blog at scottssciencestuff.blogspot.com, which will be updated every school day (usually before lunch) with something cool from the scientific community. Start your afternoon with some science!


Metro East Early College Academy (MEECA) Information Session 
When: Wednesday, May 7, 2014 
Time: 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Where: Metro East Web Academy
Come learn more about why early college might be right for you. Bring a friend. 

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.

Local Performance Based Assessments (formerly Work Samples) are offered every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. If you are a senior without a math class in need of passing the Essential Skill in Math in order to graduate then you will want to plan on attending one of these. Contact Mr. Kitchens or Mrs. Riehl for further information.


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! 

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 May 21st at 5:00 PM at MEWA.  Snacks and refreshments are provided.  The agenda this month will focus on a discussion concerning our upcoming Open House and what do we desire the parent group to become.  We will have a drawing to give away a $25 Fred Mayer Gift Card to one lucky attendee.

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.

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



Friday, April 18, 2014

Principal's message




A Message from the Principal/CEO:

Othello Field Trip

Interested in seeing a live Shakespearean play? Come see Portland Center Stage's production of Othello with MEWA! "Set in 17th century Venice, this is Shakespeare’s profound tragedy of the power of love and jealousy. A highly esteemed general serving the state of Venice, Othello, secretly marries Desdemona, the daughter of a senator. As their marriage is revealed, jealousies around their love match and Othello’s rise to prominence are unleashed, piling secret upon secret, and betrayal upon betrayal. A society seething with intrigue sets the stage for the ultimate tragedy—when love does not trust, and power is prized above all things." Note: this play does contain violence and sexual references-- if it was a movie, it would be considered PG-13 (Learn more at http://www.pcs.org/othello/).

This field trip will take place on April 30. You must be at the school by 10:15 am. Expect to arrive back at the school around 4:15 pm. We will take the MAX to Portland Center Stage. There is a $15 fee for attending the field trip. If you would like to attend but cannot pay the $15 fee, please contact Ms Hathaway for alternate arrangements. 

Interested? Fill out this field trip permission form and pay the $15 fee by April 25. Space is limited, so get your form in ASAP! Contact Ms Hathaway with any questions.


Food Drive: MEWA is sponsoring our Spring Food Drive to benefit Snow Cap Community Charities.  Each of our three advisory teams (Team Awesome, Klickitat, and No Name) and the office staff are competing for a pizza party for the winning team.  All of our students and staff belong to one of these teams. The team that brings in the most food items will win a pizza party paid for by MEWA!  Food items may include, can and dry goods and other non-perishable commercially produced food as well as diapers and other items that may benefit a young family.  The deadline is April 25th.  Help support your team!!

Staff Hint: Tech Devices!





Ms. Struyk-Bonn, our famous author!

Our famous team of science teachers!

Our wonderful office manager, Rachel!

Mr. Harris our school founder enjoying a hotdog!
Our Open House was a huge success!!!  We estimate that over 150 people attended and almost 100 hotdogs were consumed. We would like to thank all the staff and the parent and student volunteers for their hard work and support in setting up for and working this event.  We would also like to thank all the students, parents, prospective students and parents, and the business community for attending and making this event a success.

Seniors: Now's the time to turn in your Senior pictures for the yearbook. Photos should be a head shot or upper body. Grab a friend to take your picture and have some fun. If sending from a smart phone, use the medium size (121kb) Send pictures to Kari Clayton at clayton2@mewebacademy.org

Please note that it is time for students to begin their state testing (OAKS) and show up for scheduled tests and time!  Attending and taking the test is required and very important as the school is evaluated on student results and attendance in the state report card.  Being present for the test is included in the contract that many parents and students signed during your welcome meeting.  Failure to take the test can affect your enrollment status at MEWA.

HAVEN'T PASSED THE OAKS YET? Well, this one's for you. The math department is offering Work Samples (and Local Performance Based Assessments) every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. If you are a Senior (or Junior) and have struggled to pass the OAKS test, you will want to make one of these sessions. Passing the math OAKS OR two math Work Samples is one requirement for graduation. Seniors should especially heed this advice as they prepare for graduation. Contact Mr. Kitchens or Mrs. Riehl for further information, or click on "Work Sample Sign UP" below to go to the RSVP (sign up) form and sign up for a date: 


Stay connected through Facebook and Twitter.  We share informative and valuable messages daily.
March student of the month, Sarah Cummins with Ms. Menashe!
Students of the Month for April:
William Johnson


Most Improved Students for April:
Jeremy Mitchell
Announcements:

Our science teacher and new student Surfmaster, Mr. Barrentine, has started a science blog at scottssciencestuff.blogspot.com, which will be updated every school day (usually before lunch) with something cool from the scientific community. Start your afternoon with some science!


Metro East Early College Academy (MEECA) Information Session 
When: Wednesday, May 7, 2014 
Time: 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Where: Metro East Web Academy
Come learn more about why early college might be right for you. Bring a friend. 

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.

Local Performance Based Assessments (formerly Work Samples) are offered every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. If you are a senior without a math class in need of passing the Essential Skill in Math in order to graduate then you will want to plan on attending one of these. Contact Mr. Kitchens or Mrs. Riehl for further information.


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! 

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 May 21st at 5:00 PM at MEWA.  Snacks and refreshments are provided.  The agenda this month will focus on a discussion concerning our upcoming Open House and what do we desire the parent group to become.  We will have a drawing to give away a $25 Fred Mayer Gift Card to one lucky attendee.
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.

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

Friday, April 11, 2014

Principal's message




A Message from the Principal/CEO:

Celebrating One Year


As you may or may not have heard, we are celebrating the 1 year anniversary of the Metro East Web Academy on April 16th, at 6:00pm.  The celebration will be held on the MEWA campus and all teachers, staff, parents, guardians, family members, and students are invited to attend.  Now, in order to alleviate any confusion, it’s important to clarify one thing: the Gresham-Barlow Web Academy was founded in 2009; however, GBWA changed its name to Metro East Web Academy last year when the curriculum and program was updated.  Therefore, while the Web Academy is five years old, MEWA is turning one.

If families bring 3 cans of food for Snow Cap to Open House, they will receive a stamp in their passport. The team who brings the most items will win a pizza party!

Food Drive: MEWA is sponsoring our Spring Food Drive to benefit Snow Cap Community Charities.  Each of our three advisory teams (Team Awesome, Klickitat, and No Name) and the office staff are competing for a pizza party for the winning team.  All of our students and staff belong to one of these teams. The team that brings in the most food items will win a pizza party paid for by MEWA!  Food items may include, can and dry goods and other non-perishable commercially produced food as well as diapers and other items that may benefit a young family.  The deadline is April 25th.  Help support your team!!

Open House:  MEWA is hosting our one-year anniversary open house on April 16th at 6:00 PM.  We will have giveaways and other prizes as well as hotdogs and refreshments for all those in attendance.  Our staff will have stations set up for you to receive more information concerning our programs and courses as well as provide you with an opportunity to meet and speak with our teachers.

 Please note that our Spring Break begins on March 24th.  In the Brain Honey student assignment calendar, there are assignments due during this week.  Please note that we cannot change this as explained below regarding our dynamic scheduling system.  So, our suggestion is that some of the assignments be completed prior to the break and some can be completed after the break to stay on pace.  Of course a student may choose to work during this period, but know that staff will be unavailable.  We have corrected the system relative to assignments showing due dates on weekends.  We are working with Brain Honey to resolve this issue for next school year.

Friday morning lab!

Brandon working in our photo development lab!



Seniors: Now's the time to turn in your Senior pictures for the yearbook. Photos should be a head shot or upper body. Grab a friend to take your picture and have some fun. If sending from a smart phone, use the medium size (121kb) Send pictures to Kari Clayton at clayton2@mewebacademy.org

Please note that it is time for students to begin their state testing (OAKS) and show up for scheduled tests and time!  Attending and taking the test is required and very important as the school is evaluated on student results and attendance in the state report card.  Being present for the test is included in the contract that many parents and students signed during your welcome meeting.

HAVEN'T PASSED THE OAKS YET? Well, this one's for you. The math department is offering Work Samples (and Local Performance Based Assessments) every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. If you are a Senior (or Junior) and have struggled to pass the OAKS test, you will want to make one of these sessions. Passing the math OAKS OR two math Work Samples is one requirement for graduation. Seniors should especially heed this advice as they prepare for graduation. Contact Mr. Kitchens or Mrs. Riehl for further information, or click on "Work Sample Sign UP" below to go to the RSVP (sign up) form and sign up for a date: 


Stay connected through Facebook and Twitter.  We share informative and valuable messages daily.

Students of the Month for March:
Gabriel Detles
Sarah Cummins


Most Improved Students for March:
Markquise Lucas
Jeremy Mitchell
Announcements:

Our science teacher and new student Surfmaster, Mr. Barrentine, has started a science blog at scottssciencestuff.blogspot.com, which will be updated every school day (usually before lunch) with something cool from the scientific community. Start your afternoon with some science!

Metro East Early College Academy (MEECA) Information Session 
When: Wednesday, May 7, 2014 
Time: 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Where: Metro East Web Academy
Come learn more about why early college might be right for you. Bring a friend. 

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.

Local Performance Based Assessments (formerly Work Samples) are offered every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. If you are a senior without a math class in need of passing the Essential Skill in Math in order to graduate then you will want to plan on attending one of these. Contact Mr. Kitchens or Mrs. Riehl for further information.


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! 

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 May 21st at 5:00 PM at MEWA.  Snacks and refreshments are provided.  The agenda this month will focus on a discussion concerning our upcoming Open House and what do we desire the parent group to become.  We will have a drawing to give away a $25 Fred Mayer Gift Card to one lucky attendee.
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.

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