Friday, January 30, 2015

MEWA Principal's Announcements


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. 

Students and families,
Remember, while enrolled at MEWA, all students are required to take 3 personalized assessments each year, called NWEA/MAPS tests.  These are not optional, and must be taken in the three following subjects:  Math6+, Reading 6+, and Language.    Beginning 1/26, all students will sign up for and complete their MAPS tests in the Mentor Seminar.  These tests will take about 45 minutes each, and they can be taken either from the school, or at home.  Sign up and login details will be provided in the Mentor Seminar next week!





Need a job?
Cold Stone Creamery is hiring!
For those of you over 16 years old, Cold Stone is starting their hiring process. Many of their team members are high school students just like you. See the attached flyer for more information about the online application process.




And the winner of the $100 Best Buy gift card is...Bruce Baird!  Congratulations Bruce, you can pick up your gift card at the front desk.  Big thanks to all of those who donated food.


Writing and Reading work samples
Juniors and seniors, if you have not passed the reading or writing state test, we have another option for you. Come to school on Thursday, February 5th from 9-11 A.M. and let’s get those
work samples completed!
~Christina Struyk-Bonn


Seniors: Now is the time to send in your Senior and baby or young child picture. Grab a friend, take some shots and send one in.
Cap and gown packets are still available for order. Order at www.jostensportland.com or come in and fill out your order at the school.


Attend the next parent meeting Feb. 3rd 10:00am, at MEWA
Topic: Legislation

Hi Parents,
This link was set up by a parent and is run by our parent Susan Robideau.
Please like it...read it and join in!

Parent Coalition News

Dear Virtual School Families,

If you’re looking for a way to teach your children about state government and demonstrate your support for virtual public education then I hope you will join me, and hundreds of other virtual school parents and students, in Salem for Virtual Public Schools Capitol Day on Thursday, April 16.

Every year, virtual public school families travel to the Oregon State Capitol to express their support for virtual public education.  Capitol Day is an opportunity to recognize our legislative champions, show our support for virtual public schools and talk to legislators about protecting this important education option.  Students will have the opportunity to participate in educational activities and tour the Capitol Building.

There’s a lot happening in the state legislature this year, including proposed legislation that would cut funding for virtual public schools.  Now is the time to make sure your voice is heard in the halls of the Capitol.  I hope you will join us in Salem for Oregon Virtual Public Schools Capitol Day on Thursday, April 16.  If you have your red t-shirt or gold scarf from a previous Capitol Day, please wear it again this year to show your support.

Here’s the plan:

9:30AM – 10:00AM – Registration at the Mission Mill Museum
1313 Mill St., SE, Salem (2 blocks from State Capitol Building – free on-site parking available)

10:00AM – 10:10AM – Welcome

10:10AM – 11:10AM – Education program for students

11:10:AM – 11:25AM – Legislative Update

11:25 – 12:10 – Lunch

12:10 – Walk to the Capitol

12:30PM – Legislator Awards Ceremony on the Capitol Steps

1:00PM – Drop in on your state legislators

Capitol Day is your opportunity to meet other virtual school families, teach your children about state government, and tell your state legislators why virtual public education is an option that needs to be protected.

Please click here to register for Capitol Day, Thursday, April 16.  If you have any questions, please email us at info@oregonvirtualschools.org.

See you in Salem on April 16.

Sincerely,


Steven Isaacs
President

www.oregonvirtualschools.org
info@oregonvirtualschools.org

Please go to this website for the upcoming schoolwide, statewide event just for you!
http://www.oregonvirtualschools.org

There are upcoming legislation bills that could have a negative impact on charter schools and one bill is a direct hit on funding and virtual schools.  One way to help support our voice in legislation is for parent and community participation to strengthen our (virtual schools) presence at the capitol.  

To create change here is what works:
  • Parents calling, writing, or personal contact with THEIR​ legislator
  • Students sharing their experiences and stories
  • ​S​ocial media that is directed to parents​ join out new https://www.facebook.com/virtualschoolswin
  • E​ducating parents how legislation works.
    • Attend the next parent meeting Feb. 3rd 10:00am, at MEWA

​Please ask your students if they would be willing to write their personal stories of why they have chosen an alternative way to be educated.  
Please attend the next parent meeting Feb. 3rd, 10:00a.m. at MEWA for more information on how to become aware and take an active part in forming education for Oregon’s future generations.
Visit: http://www.oregonvirtualschools.org and sign up to keep informed.
Also mark your calendars for this important day at the capital: http://www.oregonvirtualschools.org/capitol-day

We have the ability to make change together!

One of our science teachers, Mr. Barrentine, will be running a blog about interesting science topics that updates every Tuesday and Thursday at scottssciencestuff.blogspot.com 

We think of the stars as moving around us, but really it's the Earth that's moving!

Check it out, and feel free to get involved in the comments section! You can also submit any cool science videos or ideas that you'd like to know more about to barrentine@mewebacademy.org


Gaming Club with Mr. Barrentine and Mr. Sanstrum continues in the new year. Come talk video games and play new card and board games with us every Tuesday at 3pm; everyone is welcome!
Literary Journal

This is the first call for literary journal submissions in poetry, short fiction, creative nonfiction, photography, and art. If you would like to submit a piece for consideration in the 2014/2015 literary journal, please email your work to struyk@mewebacademy.org.


Our Virtual Parent Group went well, 3 parents were able to log in to Zoom, a new virtual space we are utilizing for meetings. I look forward to parent feedback and questions, as well as any additional ideas and/or topics for future meetings.
We had a brief tutorial, went over some upcoming dates/events. We will continue to have parent groups meetings….
1st Tuesday, February 3rd, at MEWA from 10:00 am-11:30 pm
 Refreshments will be provided
Topic “Legislation Updates”
http://www.oregonvirtualschools.org
3rd Thursday of the month Virtually (reminders with log in each month)
We encourage and welcome parent involvement, please feel free to contact me with any questions. We have many upcoming events and ways for parents to be involved whether from home or in-person.
Feel free to contact me anytime,
Nichole Steele
Parent Resource Advocate
Metro East Web Academy
1394 NW Civic Dr.
Gresham, OR 97030
503-258-4790 (main)

  • Students of the Month for December:
Gene Gillespie -- High School
Conlan Behunin -- High School
Holly Thorn-- Middle School

  • Most Improved Students for December:
Jacob Chis -- High School

Student of the Month and Most Improved Students receive a certificate, t-shirt, and a prize. Come by the office for your photo op and awards.


College Now!
As we work on expanding our College Now courses, I would like to engage students in talking with me about the option. Would you please include the following: 

Metro East Web Academy's College Now Dual Credit Program 

College Now provides high school students with the opportunity to complete both a high school and college course simultaneously and receive credit from both schools. The coursework is equivalent to taking a course on the Mount Hood Community College Campus. 

All the dual credit courses are taught by MEWA instructors approved by the community college. If you are a junior or senior, please contact Sam May-Varas at 503-258-4790 to discuss this great opportunity. 
  • Now available on our website:

    We can now accept payments via PayPal (and Amazon Payments soon) for fees or donations.  If you would like to donate to our school, we use the money to pay for scholarships and activities such as field trips, incentives, and other extras that we provide our students and programs. As we are a 501 (c) (3), all donations are tax deductible and we will furnish you with a letter with our federal tax ID #.
    • Parent Requirement:
    Every week parents will complete the “parent weekly check-in” accessible on the MEWA website under the Parent Resource Page. It is a “live form” that asks for your name, the student/s name, and whether your child/s has completed the MINIMAL requirement for the previous week. 

    The MINIMAL requirement is at least 1 assignment per class per week. The parent weekly check in needs to be completed by Monday for the previous week, we understand some students may work through the weekend.

    Parent Weekly Check-In Cheat Sheet

    1. Access the “live link” which can also be found on the….
    2. The Parent Resource Page (MEWA website)
    3. MEWA app (NOW Available)
    4. Email reminders (link included)
    5. Complete the check-in for the previous week.
    6. Follow up with Parent Resource Advocate if you have any questions, concerns, or need additional support.

    Nichole Steele 503-258-4790 (main), 503-660-8413 (work cell), or email steele@mewebacademy.org 

    Please go to the following link and fill out the parent check-in by 4:30 pm each Monday: Parent Check-In Link  The link can also be accessed through our MEWA app!

    Safe Spaces is up and running once again for the 2014-15 school year.  If you have questions or you are interested in participating in the group, please contact Mr. Cochran or Ms. Powell for more information.
    MEWA Lunch Program

    Metro East Web Academy
    School Lunch Program

    Metro East Web Academy will be offering school lunch for the 2014-15 school year.

    What: MEWA School Lunch Program

    Where: CAL Lunch Room - Meet in the front of the CAL school or in the MEWA lobby at 10:40am and sign in with a MEWA staff member and the group will walk into CAL as a group.

    When: Tuesday – Friday (Beginning September 2, 2014)
                10:40am – 11:00am

    High School Lunch Prices: 2014-15

    Full Price: $2.50
    Student Reduced Prices: $.40

    Please have cash available to pay for your lunch unless you have qualified for free lunch.
    If you wish to set up an account, please contact nutrition services at 503-261-4590 to discuss options.


    Get our app now and stay tuned to important announcements:


    Download your app for your iPhone or Droid from iTunes and Google Play by selecting the following:


     
     
    Select for iPhone                                                                                                   





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

    https://www.facebook.com/metroeastwebacademy



    Friday, January 23, 2015

    MEWA Principal's Announcements


    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. 

    Students and families,
    Remember, while enrolled at MEWA, all students are required to take 3 personalized assessments each year, called NWEA/MAPS tests.  These are not optional, and must be taken in the three following subjects:  Math6+, Reading 6+, and Language.    Beginning 1/26, all students will sign up for and complete their MAPS tests in the Mentor Seminar.  These tests will take about 45 minutes each, and they can be taken either from the school, or at home.  Sign up and login details will be provided in the Mentor Seminar next week!


    FREE NEXT Friday, January 30, 2015 from 10am-5pm
    MEWA will participate in National School Choice Week 2015  
    Health & Safety Fair
    Free for everyone all ages!
    Health Exams 10:00-3pm: Free eye exam, diabetes testings, blood pressure, Safety Cards, Expert Educators in Health and Safety and more!
    National School Choice Week is a non-partisan, non-political effort that raises awareness about the importance of effective education options for students.
    More than 9,000 events are being planned across the country to celebrate National School Choice Week. For more info go to http://schoolchoiceweek.com/about
    Our special event will feature a Health & Safety Fair, including School Choice Week themes and school options as well as community resources related to Health & Safety within our community. FREE and Open to students, families, and surrounding community members!!!
     
    Some ​of the health professionals include: Lions, OSU|OHSU College of Pharmacy, Gresham Community Police, Engine 71 and crew, ​Center for Advanced Learning, Mt. Hood Community College, Aware, Safe Kids, amongst various others (updates coming soon). Coordinated by Debi Lorence and Nichole Steele
    Nichole Steele- Parent Resource Advocate
    Metro East Web Academy 1394 NW Civic Dr. Gresham, OR 97030 503-258-4790 (main) 503-660-8413 (work cell)











    Due to the Health and Safety Fair the Open Lab will be cancelled on Friday, January 30th.























    Ms. Norrander receiving treatment and grading student work.  Julie is doing well and the prognosis continues to be excellent!


    Attend the next parent meeting Feb. 3rd 10:00am, at MEWA
    Topic: Legislation

    Hi Parents,
    This link was set up by a parent and is run by our parent Susan Susan Robideau.
    Please like it...read it and join in!

    Parent Coalition News

    Dear Virtual School Families,

    If you’re looking for a way to teach your children about state government and demonstrate your support for virtual public education then I hope you will join me, and hundreds of other virtual school parents and students, in Salem for Virtual Public Schools Capitol Day on Thursday, April 16.

    Every year, virtual public school families travel to the Oregon State Capitol to express their support for virtual public education.  Capitol Day is an opportunity to recognize our legislative champions, show our support for virtual public schools and talk to legislators about protecting this important education option.  Students will have the opportunity to participate in educational activities and tour the Capitol Building.

    There’s a lot happening in the state legislature this year, including proposed legislation that would cut funding for virtual public schools.  Now is the time to make sure your voice is heard in the halls of the Capitol.  I hope you will join us in Salem for Oregon Virtual Public Schools Capitol Day on Thursday, April 16.  If you have your red t-shirt or gold scarf from a previous Capitol Day, please wear it again this year to show your support.

    Here’s the plan:

    9:30AM – 10:00AM – Registration at the Mission Mill Museum
    1313 Mill St., SE, Salem (2 blocks from State Capitol Building – free on-site parking available)

    10:00AM – 10:10AM – Welcome

    10:10AM – 11:10AM – Education program for students

    11:10:AM – 11:25AM – Legislative Update

    11:25 – 12:10 – Lunch

    12:10 – Walk to the Capitol

    12:30PM – Legislator Awards Ceremony on the Capitol Steps

    1:00PM – Drop in on your state legislators

    Capitol Day is your opportunity to meet other virtual school families, teach your children about state government, and tell your state legislators why virtual public education is an option that needs to be protected.

    Please click here to register for Capitol Day, Thursday, April 16.  If you have any questions, please email us at info@oregonvirtualschools.org.

    See you in Salem on April 16.

    Sincerely,


    Steven Isaacs
    President

    www.oregonvirtualschools.org
    info@oregonvirtualschools.org

    Please go to this website for the upcoming schoolwide, statewide event just for you!
    http://www.oregonvirtualschools.org

    There are upcoming legislation bills that could have a negative impact on charter schools and one bill is a direct hit on funding and virtual schools.  One way to help support our voice in legislation is for parent and community participation to strengthen our (virtual schools) presence at the capitol.  

    To create change here is what works:
    • Parents calling, writing, or personal contact with THEIR​ legislator
    • Students sharing their experiences and stories
    • ​S​ocial media that is directed to parents​ join out new https://www.facebook.com/virtualschoolswin
    • E​ducating parents how legislation works.
      • Attend the next parent meeting Feb. 3rd 10:00am, at MEWA

    ​Please ask your students if they would be willing to write their personal stories of why they have chosen an alternative way to be educated.  
    Please attend the next parent meeting Feb. 3rd, 10:00a.m. at MEWA for more information on how to become aware and take an active part in forming education for Oregon’s future generations.
    Visit: http://www.oregonvirtualschools.org and sign up to keep informed.
    Also mark you calendars for this important day at the capital: http://www.oregonvirtualschools.org/capitol-day

    We have the ability to make change together!

    Literary Journal

    This is the first call for literary journal submissions in poetry, short fiction, creative nonfiction, photography, and art. If you would like to submit a piece for consideration in the 2014/2015 literary journal, please email your work to struyk@mewebacademy.org.


    Our Virtual Parent Group went well, 3 parents were able to log in to Zoom, a new virtual space we are utilizing for meetings. I look forward to parent feedback and questions, as well as any additional ideas and/or topics for future meetings.
    We had a brief tutorial, went over some upcoming dates/events. We will continue to have parent groups meetings….
    1st Tuesday, February 3rd, at MEWA from 10:00 am-11:30 pm
     Refreshments will be provided
    Topic “Leglislation updates”
    http://www.oregonvirtualschools.org
    3rd Thursday of the month Virtually (reminders with log in each month)
    We encourage and welcome parent involvement, please feel free to contact me with any questions. We have many upcoming events and ways for parents to be involved whether from home or in-person.
    Feel free to contact me anytime,
    Nichole Steele
    Parent Resource AdvocateFebruary
    Metro East Web Academy
    1394 NW Civic Dr.
    Gresham, OR 97030
    503-258-4790 (main)

    • Students of the Month for December:
    Gene Gillespie -- High School
    Conlan Behunin -- High School
    Holly Thorn-- Middle School

    • Most Improved Students for December:
    Jacob Chis -- High School

    Student of the Month and Most Improved Students receive a certificate, t-shirt, and a prize. Come by the office for your photo op and awards.





    College Now!
    As we work on expanding our College Now courses, I would like to engage students in talking with me about the option. Would you please include the following: 

    Metro East Web Academy's College Now Dual Credit Program 

    College Now provides high school students with the opportunity to complete both a high school and college course simultaneously and receive credit from both schools. The coursework is equivalent to taking a course on the Mount Hood Community College Campus. 

    All the dual credit courses are taught by MEWA instructors approved by the community college. If you are a junior or senior, please contact Sam May-Varas at 503-258-4790 to discuss this great opportunity. 
    • Seniors that still need to complete their writing and work samples: The test will be February 5 and March 5, from 9 am to 11 am. Students can sign up here!


    • Now available on our website:

      We can now accept payments via PayPal (and Amazon Payments soon) for fees or donations.  If you would like to donate to our school, we use the money to pay for scholarships and activities such as field trips, incentives, and other extras that we provide our students and programs. As we are a 501 (c) (3), all donations are tax deductible and we will furnish you with a letter with our federal tax ID #.
      • Parent Requirement:
      Every week parents will complete the “parent weekly check-in” accessible on the MEWA website under the Parent Resource Page. It is a “live form” that asks for your name, the student/s name, and whether your child/s has completed the MINIMAL requirement for the previous week. 

      The MINIMAL requirement is at least 1 assignment per class per week. The parent weekly check in needs to be completed by Monday for the previous week, we understand some students may work through the weekend.

      Parent Weekly Check-In Cheat Sheet

      1. Access the “live link” which can also be found on the….
      2. The Parent Resource Page (MEWA website)
      3. MEWA app (NOW Available)
      4. Email reminders (link included)
      5. Complete the check-in for the previous week.
      6. Follow up with Parent Resource Advocate if you have any questions, concerns, or need additional support.

      Nichole Steele 503-258-4790 (main), 503-660-8413 (work cell), or email steele@mewebacademy.org 

      Please go to the following link and fill out the parent check-in by 4:30 pm each Monday: Parent Check-In Link  The link can also be accessed through our MEWA app!

      Safe Spaces is up and running once again for the 2014-15 school year.  If you have questions or you are interested in participating in the group, please contact Mr. Cochran or Ms. Powell for more information.
      MEWA Lunch Program

      Metro East Web Academy
      School Lunch Program

      Metro East Web Academy will be offering school lunch for the 2014-15 school year.

      What: MEWA School Lunch Program

      Where: CAL Lunch Room - Meet in the front of the CAL school or in the MEWA lobby at 10:40am and sign in with a MEWA staff member and the group will walk into CAL as a group.

      When: Tuesday – Friday (Beginning September 2, 2014)
                  10:40am – 11:00am

      High School Lunch Prices: 2014-15

      Full Price: $2.50
      Student Reduced Prices: $.40

      Please have cash available to pay for your lunch unless you have qualified for free lunch.
      If you wish to set up an account, please contact nutrition services at 503-261-4590 to discuss options.


      Get our app now and stay tuned to important announcements:


      Download your app for your iPhone or Droid from Itunes and Google Play by selecting the following:


       
       
      Select for iPhone                                                                                                   





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

      https://www.facebook.com/metroeastwebacademy