Thursday, May 29, 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:

Dear parents:


Dear students:
We would like to ask your opinion about our proposed changes for next school year. Please click on this survey link!

PIZZA PARTY, AWARD WINNERS, & LAST CHESS CLUB MEETING, 5 JUNE (1:15-2:30)

Chess players, there will be a celebratory pizza party on our last Chess Club day, Thursday, 5 June. We're celebrating the student chess team victory over the staff during Chess Challenge #2. You all did well (20-16 victory), so we'll celebrate with pizza and games of bughouse chess. 

Don't know what bughouse is? Go to this link: Bughouse Chess

Also, we're pleased to announce the following winners: 

     Sportsmanship Award: Aaron Whistler

     Chess Board winner: Breanna Hisey

Congratulations to Aaron and Breanna!


See you on June 5th.

High School Students, are you interested in making root beer?  Come learn about anaerobic respiration during a hands on laboratory session with Mrs. Gebhart!  The session will include a 1/2 hour presentation on fermentation.  Students who attend will be responsible for completing a work sample.  All completed work samples can be used in place of a DBA or lecture grade for Mrs. Gebhart's class.  This hands on lab will be scheduled for Wednesday June 4th.  Please sign up for one of the two sessions below (maximum of 16 students per session).

Reminders:

8th Grade students need to call the Web Academy and let us know if you are attending Promotion.

Seniors need to send a baby picture and a current picture to clayton2@mewebacademy.org by May 30th

https://docs.google.com/a/mewebacademy.org/spreadsheets/d/1nbDWZzxgDFQ66u-IwWi_iMyY7cqnn35w7BswxVjD6Ag/edit#gid=0

Dr. Donna Beegle will be our graduation speaker on June 10th!  Our high school graduation ceremony will be held at East Hill Church, June 10th @ 7:00 PM.

Donna Beegle
Dr. Donna M. Beegle, is an authentic voice who speaks, writes and trains across the nation to break the iron cage of poverty. She is the author of “See Poverty, Be The Difference,” and “An Action Approach to Educating Students Who Live in the Crisis of Poverty.” Donna’s inspiring story and work have been featured in newspapers around the nation, on local TV and on National programs such as PBS. For 23 years, Donna has worked with educators, justice professionals, health care providers, social service agencies, and other organizations who want to make a difference for those living in the crisis of poverty. She was selected 2008 National Speaker of the Year by the New Mexico State Bar Foundation. In 2010, Portland State University's School of Social Work dedicated the Donna M. Beegle Community Classrooms in her honor. In 2011, she won the Oregon Ethics in Business award.








May student of the month Dax Cozzetto with Ms. Menashe
Students of the Month for May:
Dax Cozzetto
Cheyenne McNutt
Lyndie Gholston
Sabrina Irwin

Most Improved Students for May:
Gabriel Bandle


Ms. Calhoun's Healthy Cooking class!!



Announcements:

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

Research Study:
Cheryl Hagseth is conducting a research study through her doctoral program at Lewis and Clark College.  The study will explore perceptions of virtual learning students.  The purpose of the study is to examine the educational interests, perceptions, and experiences of secondary online learning students enrolled in a virtual school.  She would like to invite your son or daughter to be included in the study.  Participation is voluntary.  Please see letter about student and permission forms that must be signed by parents of students under 18 to participate in the study.  Students over 18 may sign the form without a parent signature.  Forms are to be turned into our office and Cheryl will send link to a brief survey to be filled out by students.  If you choose to participate, thank you for volunteering.  This information is useful to our school as we work to improve the learning environment for our MEWA students.  Please select this link!

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.

Senior Graduation Orders are in. Pick-up Tuesday-Thursday, 9 am-4 pm.

Looking for pictures for the graduation slide show. Send your baby and senior photos to clayton2@mewebacademy.org These do not have to be professional photos. 

Capture your memories in the MEWA yearbook. To order your book go to www.TreeRing.com/validate  Enter our school code: 1013146637663080  Your yearbook has an option to include 2 pages you customize with your own pictures. Softcover books are $20.99, hardcover are $26.99.

Staff Hint: No Trivia Question this week.



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

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

503-258-4790



Friday, May 23, 2014




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:

High School Students, are you interested in making root beer?  Come learn about anaerobic respiration during a hands on laboratory session with Mrs. Gebhart!  The session will include a 1/2 hour presentation on fermentation.  Students who attend will be responsible for completing a work sample.  All completed work samples can be used in place of a DBA or lecture grade for Mrs. Gebhart's class.  This hands on lab will be scheduled for Wednesday June 4th.  Please sign up for one of the two sessions below (maximum of 16 students per session).

Reminders:

8th Grade students need to call the Web Academy and let us know if you are attending Promotion.

Seniors need to send a baby picture and a current picture to clayton2@mewebacademy.org by May 30th

https://docs.google.com/a/mewebacademy.org/spreadsheets/d/1nbDWZzxgDFQ66u-IwWi_iMyY7cqnn35w7BswxVjD6Ag/edit#gid=0

Dr. Donna Beegle will be our graduation speaker on June 10th!  Our high school graduation ceremony will be held at East Hill Church, June 10th @ 7:00 PM.

Donna Beegle
Dr. Donna M. Beegle, is an authentic voice who speaks, writes and trains across the nation to break the iron cage of poverty. She is the author of “See Poverty, Be The Difference,” and “An Action Approach to Educating Students Who Live in the Crisis of Poverty.” Donna’s inspiring story and work have been featured in newspapers around the nation, on local TV and on National programs such as PBS. For 23 years, Donna has worked with educators, justice professionals, health care providers, social service agencies, and other organizations who want to make a difference for those living in the crisis of poverty. She was selected 2008 National Speaker of the Year by the New Mexico State Bar Foundation. In 2010, Portland State University's School of Social Work dedicated the Donna M. Beegle Community Classrooms in her honor. In 2011, she won the Oregon Ethics in Business award.







Student of the month for May, Cheyenne McNutt with Mr. Baker!

Student of the month for May, Sabrina Irwin with Dr. Gray!
Students of the Month for May:
Dax Cozzetto
Cheyenne McNutt
Lyndie Gholston
Sabrina Irwin

Most Improved Students for May:
Gabriel Bandle

Attention 7th and 8th graders!

As many of you know, the State of Oregon is transitioning from the familiar OAKS State Assessments to the new and improved Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBAC) next year.  MEWA has the unique opportunity to pilot the new Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBAC) this year during a short, three week window May-June.  Please note that our school is required to participate in this unique opportunity. Families recently received parent letters with  more explanation.  Your performance on this test will not affect your grades in anyway. Practice Tests will be available online on May 19th.  To thank you for your participation, MEWA will be giving out gift cards of your choice (Cold Stone Creamery, Starbucks, or Big Town Hero) on the last day of your test!  

Seventh and eighth graders, please sign up for your test and your gift card by clicking the links below!
  • 7th grade sign up
    • All seventh graders will take the English/Language Arts SBAC
  • 8th grade sign up
    • All eighth graders will take the English/Language Arts SBAC and the Mathematics SBAC

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

Research Study:
Cheryl Hagseth is conducting a research study through her doctoral program at Lewis and Clark College.  The study will explore perceptions of virtual learning students.  The purpose of the study is to examine the educational interests, perceptions, and experiences of secondary online learning students enrolled in a virtual school.  She would like to invite your son or daughter to be included in the study.  Participation is voluntary.  Please see letter about student and permission forms that must be signed by parents of students under 18 to participate in the study.  Students over 18 may sign the form without a parent signature.  Forms are to be turned into our office and Cheryl will send link to a brief survey to be filled out by students.  If you choose to participate, thank you for volunteering.  This information is useful to our school as we work to improve the learning environment for our MEWA students.  Please select this link!

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.

Senior Graduation Orders are in. Pick-up Tuesday-Thursday, 9 am-4 pm.

Looking for pictures for the graduation slide show. Send your baby and senior photos to clayton2@mewebacademy.org These do not have to be professional photos. 

Capture your memories in the MEWA yearbook. To order your book go to www.TreeRing.com/validate  Enter our school code: 1013146637663080  Your yearbook has an option to include 2 pages you customize with your own pictures. Softcover books are $20.99, hardcover are $26.99.

Staff Hint: No Trivia Question this week.


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


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 5:30 PM at MEWA.  Snacks and refreshments are provided.  The agenda this month will focus on a discussion concerning potential changes to the MEWA program for next year! We will have a drawing to give away a $25 Fred Mayer Gift Card to one lucky attendee.

Sincerely,

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

503-258-4790



Thursday, May 15, 2014




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:

Dr. Donna Beegle will be our graduation speaker on June 10th!  Our high school graduation ceremony will be held at East Hill Church, June 10th @ 7:00 PM.

Donna Beegle
Dr. Donna M. Beegle, is an authentic voice who speaks, writes and trains across the nation to break the iron cage of poverty. She is the author of “See Poverty, Be The Difference,” and “An Action Approach to Educating Students Who Live in the Crisis of Poverty.” Donna’s inspiring story and work have been featured in newspapers around the nation, on local TV and on National programs such as PBS. For 23 years, Donna has worked with educators, justice professionals, health care providers, social service agencies, and other organizations who want to make a difference for those living in the crisis of poverty. She was selected 2008 National Speaker of the Year by the New Mexico State Bar Foundation. In 2010, Portland State University's School of Social Work dedicated the Donna M. Beegle Community Classrooms in her honor. In 2011, she won the Oregon Ethics in Business award.







Students of the Month for May:
Dax Cozzetto
Cheyenne McNutt
Lyndie Gholston
Sabrina Irwin


Most Improved Students for May:
Gabriel Bandle

A Girls Inc representative will be coming to MEWA May 22nd from 11am-12:30pm to show a film called Miss Representation.  After the film there will be a dialog about what sort of need / desire the students have for Girls Inc to put on one or two special groups next year for our MS and HS girls.  See Google slide document below:


Last week Chiavan Chriestenson won the "If I Were Mayor" contest and received an award from the mayor.  She has BIG aspirations for our city of Gresham and introduced her idea on the city's new forum called RAD.  It only takes a minute to sign up and then you can cast 3 of your 10 available votes for Chiavan's idea:  "I'm just a kid, but together we make Gresham amazing!"


MEWA students working hard!







Attention 7th and 8th graders!

As many of you know, the State of Oregon is transitioning from the familiar OAKS State Assessments to the new and improved Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBAC) next year.  MEWA has the unique opportunity to pilot the new Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBAC) this year during a short, three week window May-June.  Please note that our school is required to participate in this unique opportunity. Families recently received parent letters with  more explanation.  Your performance on this test will not affect your grades in anyway. Practice Tests will be available online on May 19th.  To thank you for your participation, MEWA will be giving out gift cards of your choice (Cold Stone Creamery, Starbucks, or Big Town Hero) on the last day of your test!  

Seventh and eighth graders, please sign up for your test and your gift card by clicking the links below!
  • 7th grade sign up
    • All seventh graders will take the English/Language Arts SBAC
  • 8th grade sign up
    • All eighth graders will take the English/Language Arts SBAC and the Mathematics SBAC

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

Research Study:
Cheryl Hagseth is conducting a research study through her doctoral program at Lewis and Clark College.  The study will explore perceptions of virtual learning students.  The purpose of the study is to examine the educational interests, perceptions, and experiences of secondary online learning students enrolled in a virtual school.  She would like to invite your son or daughter to be included in the study.  Participation is voluntary.  Please see letter about student and permission forms that must be signed by parents of students under 18 to participate in the study.  Students over 18 may sign the form without a parent signature.  Forms are to be turned into our office and Cheryl will send link to a brief survey to be filled out by students.  If you choose to participate, thank you for volunteering.  This information is useful to our school as we work to improve the learning environment for our MEWA students.  Please select this link!

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.

Senior Graduation Orders are in. Pick-up Tuesday-Thursday, 9 am-4 pm.

Looking for pictures for the graduation slide show. Send your baby and senior photos to clayton2@mewebacademy.org These do not have to be professional photos. 

Capture your memories in the MEWA yearbook. To order your book go to www.TreeRing.com/validate  Enter our school code: 1013146637663080  Your yearbook has an option to include 2 pages you customize with your own pictures. Softcover books are $20.99, hardcover are $26.99.

"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!"

Staff Hint: No Trivia Question this week.


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.
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.  


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 5:30 PM at MEWA.  Snacks and refreshments are provided.  The agenda this month will focus on a discussion concerning potential changes to the MEWA program for next year! We will have a drawing to give away a $25 Fred Mayer Gift Card to one lucky attendee.

Sincerely,

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

503-258-4790