Friday, March 18, 2016

MEWA Weekly Announcements and Principal's Message

MEWA will be closed next week for Spring Break!

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. 

Dear Parents and Students:  

An important message for all online, early college, and GED students, parents, and guardians:
All 6th through 8th and 11th graders (some 12th graders will have an additional chance at passing the test) will be taking the Math and English Language Arts (ELA) Smarter Balance Assessment this April as part of the state requirement for testing.  For 11th graders, passing this assessment is one of the ways a student meets state graduation requirements.  For MEWA, our results on these assessments are very important to our reputation as a school.  Every year, we present to the Gresham Barlow School District Board of Directors our annual evaluation.  One of the most critical criteria they look at to see if we are adding value to a students, is our state testing results.  In the 2014/2015 school year, our students exceeded the district and the state on the ELA test and we were just behind the district and state on the mathematics test.  These results gave us immediate credibility as a school in the region and the state.  Our state test performance will become more important next year as we ask the district to renew our charter agreement as our current contract expires at the end of next school year.  It is our hope that our MEWA families will rally around the school with a ommon goal of exceeding the district and state on both tests this year.  If we do this, renewing our charter will not be an issue as we have proven ourselves as a quality school.  Let's band together this year and make this happen!! Thank you all for your continued support.

Most Improved Student for February,
Angela Rodriguez!


Students of the Month for February

Madison Dickson
Keyton Sweeney
Kayla Sanchez


Most Improved Students for February

Jenny Sinchenko
Mick Sause
Angie Rodriguez

Winners of a $10 Starbuck's gift card for our weekly drawing:

Student Winner: William Johnson
Parent Winner: Elena Likhovodova

Please Come in and Claim your gift cards!


















Announcements:

  • Just a reminder for all!
    Smarter Balanced testing is right around the corner for 6, 7, 8, and 11th grade students.  Practice tests begin 4/28, and the official tests begin 5/6.  Last year, MEWA students outperformed the district students in ELA, so let's shoot for a repeat of that wonderful performance!  Our goal is to increase math scores, as well.  During testing weeks, MEWA will provide snacks including granola bars, fruit, and pizza!  Remember to sign up!


2014-2015 Smarter Balanced Testing Information

Smarter Balanced Tests
The Smarter Balanced testing season is right around the corner!  Every 6th, 7th, 8th, and 11th grader (as well as some seniors) is required to participate by the State of Oregon, and per the student enrollment agreement with MEWA/MEECA.  Please make sure these are on your radar, and that you adjust your schedules as necessary to accommodate this requirement.  Students that choose not to participate risk their enrollment in our programs.

Procedural Notes
  • MEWA will place all Buzz classes on hold during the student’s scheduled testing week so that students are able to focus on Smarter Balanced testing without distractions.  Students will not have access to their courses/assignments during testing week until they have completed all of the required state tests.
  • During the week of 11th grade testing (4/19/2016-4/22/2016), all MEWA labs, activities, and events will be cancelled.  The campus will be closed for all purposes other than testing.

Format
Each 6th, 7th, 8th, and 11th grade student will need to complete two Smarter Balanced tests (math and ELA), each of which is composed of two pieces, as shown below.
  • The Smarter Balanced Mathematics Assessment
    1. The Mathematics Computer Adaptive Test (a multiple choice test)
    2. The Mathematics Performance Task Item (an open-ended item)
  • The Smarter Balanced  English Language Arts (ELA) Assessment
    1. The ELA Computer Adaptive Test (a multiple choice test)
    2. The ELA Performance Task Item  (an open-ended item)
*In addition, each 8th and 11th grader will need to complete the OAKS Science multiple choice test.

Time and Schedule
While the completion time for each student will vary, completing all components of math and ELA will require an estimate of 4 hours each, for an estimated total of 8 hours.  This must be completed over a span of consecutive days, at the MEWA campus (1394 NW Civic Drive).  Please adjust your schedules as necessary to accommodate this requirement.  
Middle School Dates:  Sign Up Here
8th grade:  4/6/2016 and 4/7/2016
*(9am-1pm) or (1pm-5pm) offered each day
6th/7th grade:  4/13/2016 and 4/14/2016
*(9am-1pm) or (1pm-5pm) offered each day
High School Dates:  Sign Up Here
11th grade:  4/19/2016 and 4/20/2016
or
11th grade:  4/21/2016 and 4/22/2016
*There will be an AM (9am-1pm), PM (1pm-5pm) and evening (5pm-9pm) session available each day.

Practice Tests & Prep Sessions
Students may access SB Student Practice Tests to practice at any time.  Additionally, students are encouraged to attend scheduled test prep session at MEWA to prepare!  “It is highly recommended that ALL students access the practice tests before testing. The practice tests are especially beneficial for those students who have not previously participated in online testing. Teachers are encouraged to conduct a group walk-through with their students to promote familiarity with the testing format and basic test rules.”

SB Test Sign Up
Middle Schoolers:  You may click on the links below to sign up for your testing days (as well as practice days).  You will need to come to school during your scheduled time, over the course of three consecutive days.
8th grade:  ELA, Math, and Science
7th grade:  ELA, and Math
6th grade:  ELA, and Math
High Schoolers:  You may click on the links below to sign up for your testing days (as well as practice days).  You will need to come to school during your scheduled time, over the course of two consecutive days.
11th grade:  ELA, Math, and Science

April 2016
Sun
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Sat

28
29
30
31
1


8th graders →
4
SB Middle School Window Begins
5
6
Day 1
7
Day 2
8
Make Ups


6th/7th graders →
11
12
13
Day 1
14
Day 2
15
Make Ups


11th graders →  
18
SB High School Window Begins
19
Day 1
20
Day 2
21
Day 1
22
Day 2









  • Want to be part of Chess Club but can't get to school to participate?  No problem!!  Just email Mr. Ling at jling@mewebacademy and also go to https://hangouts.google.com/ and be sure you can start a video call (you might need to download something from the site).  That way, you can join us via Google Hangouts and can play students at school!

  • Do you need a math tutor?  Contact Toyoko Akiyama-Becker at (503) 669-1052 or toybecker@gmail.com. She charges $20 for 45 minutes of tutoring.
  • Toyoko will now be tutoring in our open lab from 12:30 to 2:30 Wednesdays and Fridays.  Please see Toyoko for an appointment for one-on-one tutoring.  This is provided by the school so there will not be a charge for this time.
  • eAspire is a mentorship program for high school students who are interested in learning about educational and career opportunities. Students who sign up for the program are paired with a mentor who is trained in helping students with college applications, financial aid paperwork, vocational training opportunities and more.  Student who apply must be in 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade and be able to communicate using email.  If you are interested in the program please contact Brian Baker at 503-258-4796 for more details.   You can learn more about this program at this link!
student with mentor

Become a Mentor for the Aspire Program! Volunteer to mentor middle school or high school students in your community.


  • OASSA Scholarships
Two $1,000 scholarships are awarded each year to graduating seniors from Oregon public high schools.  The scholarships may be used for a 2- or 4-year university, trade, or professional/technical school.  These two scholarships are for a son, daughter, or dependent child of an OASSA member who meet the criteria listed on the application.  The applications must be postmarked by March 28, 2016. Results will be announced by May 1, 2016.

CLICK HERE to view more information and access the COSA and OASSA Scholarship applications.

  • Work Samples! If you are graduating this year and still need to complete those writing, reading and math work samples, please let us know and we'll get you scheduled! struyk@mewebacademy.org

  • Parent/Family Group Meetings: 1st of the month 9:00-10:30 am

  
Please RSVP if possible, an invite/reminder will be sent to parents prior!!







  • If you would like information on signing up for the ACT or SAT, please see Ms. Menashe

·Now available on our website:


    We can now accept payments via PayPal 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 #.

    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, March 11, 2016

    MEWA Weekly Announcements and Principal's Message


    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. 

    Dear Parents and Students:  

    To Learn More, Select this Link!

    Kayla Sanchez, Student of the Month for February


    Students of the Month for February

    Madison Dickson
    Keyton Sweeney
    Kayla Sanchez


    Most Improved Students for February

    Jenny Sinchenko
    Mick Sause
    Angie Rodriguez

    Winners of a $10 Starbuck's gift card for our weekly drawing:

    Student Winner: Matthew Sleeman
    Parent Winner: Tracee King

    Please Come in and Claim your gift cards!










    Oregon Community Quarterback Scholarship for the 2016-2017 academic year is still open for submission. 

    The application deadline is 5PM March 31, 2016: http://harringtonfamilyfoundation.org/






    Announcements:

    • Want to be part of Chess Club but can't get to school to participate?  No problem!!  Just email Mr. Ling at jling@mewebacademy and also go to https://hangouts.google.com/ and be sure you can start a video call (you might need to download something from the site).  That way, you can join us via Google Hangouts and can play students at school!

    • 2015-2016 Smarter Balanced Testing Information

      Smarter Balanced Tests
      The Smarter Balanced testing season is right around the corner!  Every 6th, 7th, 8th, and 11th grader (as well as some seniors) is required to participate by the State of Oregon, and per the student enrollment agreement with MEWA/MEECA.  Please make sure these are on your radar, and that you adjust your schedules as necessary to accommodate this requirement.  Students that choose not to participate risk their enrollment in our programs.

      Procedural Notes
      • MEWA will place all Buzz classes on hold during the student’s scheduled testing week so that students are able to focus on Smarter Balanced testing without distractions.  Students will not have access to their courses/assignments during testing week until they have completed all of the required state tests.
      • During the week of 11th grade testing (4/19/2016-4/22/2016), all MEWA labs, activities, and events will be cancelled.  The campus will be closed for all purposes other than testing.

      Format
      Each 6th, 7th, 8th, and 11th grade student will need to complete two Smarter Balanced tests (math and ELA), each of which is composed of two pieces, as shown below.
      • The Smarter Balanced Mathematics Assessment
        1. The Mathematics Computer Adaptive Test (a multiple choice test)
        2. The Mathematics Performance Task Item (an open-ended item)
      • The Smarter Balanced  English Language Arts (ELA) Assessment
        1. The ELA Computer Adaptive Test (a multiple choice test)
        2. The ELA Performance Task Item  (an open-ended item)
      *In addition, each 8th and 11th grader will need to complete the OAKS Science multiple choice test.

      Time and Schedule
      While the completion time for each student will vary, completing all components of math and ELA will require an estimate of 4 hours each, for an estimated total of 8 hours.  This must be completed over a span of consecutive days, at the MEWA campus (1394 NW Civic Drive).  Please adjust your schedules as necessary to accommodate this requirement.  
      Middle School Dates:  Sign Up Here
      8th grade:  4/6/2016 and 4/7/2016
      *(9am-1pm) or (1pm-5pm) offered each day
      6th/7th grade:  4/13/2016 and 4/14/2016
      *(9am-1pm) or (1pm-5pm) offered each day
      High School Dates:  Sign Up Here
      11th grade:  4/19/2016 and 4/20/2016
      or
      11th grade:  4/21/2016 and 4/22/2016
      *There will be an AM (9am-1pm), PM (1pm-5pm) and evening (5pm-9pm) session available each day.

      Practice Tests

    Students may access SB Student Practice Tests here, and are encouraged to attend scheduled test prep session at MEWA to prepare!  “It is highly recommended that ALL students access the practice tests before testing. The practice tests are especially beneficial for those students who have not previously participated in online testing. Teachers are encouraged to conduct a group walk-through with their students to promote familiarity with the testing format and basic test rules.”

    Practice Test Sessions are scheduled below, and are available for all 6th, 7th, 8th, and 11th grade students:

    Mon 3/28
    Tues 3/29
    Wed 3/30
    Thurs 3/31
    Fri 4/1
    Math





    ELA


    10a-12p Calhoun




    SB Test Sign Up
    Middle Schoolers:  You may click on the links below to sign up for your testing days (as well as practice days).  You will need to come to school during your scheduled time, over the course of three consecutive days.
    8th grade:  ELA, Math, and Science
    7th grade:  ELA, and Math
    6th grade:  ELA, and Math
    High Schoolers:  You may click on the links below to sign up for your testing days (as well as practice days).  You will need to come to school during your scheduled time, over the course of two consecutive days.
    11th grade:  ELA, Math, and Science

    April 2016
    Sun
    Mon
    Tues
    Wed
    Thurs
    Fri
    Sat

    28
    29
    1pm-3pm
    30
    12pm-2pm
    31
    10am-12pm
    1


    8th graders →
    4
    SB Middle School Window Begins
    5
    6
    Day 1
    7
    Day 2
    8
    Make Ups


    6th/7th graders →
    11
    12
    13
    Day 1
    14
    Day 2
    15
    Make Ups


    11th graders →  
    18
    SB High School Window Begins
    19
    Day 1
    20
    Day 2
    21
    Day 1
    22
    Day 2









    • Do you need a math tutor?  Contact Toyoko Akiyama-Becker at (503) 669-1052 or toybecker@gmail.com. She charges $20 for 45 minutes of tutoring.
    • Toyoko will now be tutoring in our open lab from 12:30 to 2:30 Wednesdays and Fridays.  Please see Toyoko for an appointment for one-on-one tutoring.  This is provided by the school so there will not be a charge for this time.
    • eAspire is a mentorship program for high school students who are interested in learning about educational and career opportunities. Students who sign up for the program are paired with a mentor who is trained in helping students with college applications, financial aid paperwork, vocational training opportunities and more.  Student who apply must be in 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade and be able to communicate using email.  If you are interested in the program please contact Brian Baker at 503-258-4796 for more details.   You can learn more about this program at this link!
    student with mentor

    Become a Mentor for the Aspire Program! Volunteer to mentor middle school or high school students in your community.


    • OASSA Scholarships
    Two $1,000 scholarships are awarded each year to graduating seniors from Oregon public high schools.  The scholarships may be used for a 2- or 4-year university, trade, or professional/technical school.  These two scholarships are for a son, daughter, or dependent child of an OASSA member who meet the criteria listed on the application.  The applications must be postmarked by March 28, 2016. Results will be announced by May 1, 2016.

    CLICK HERE to view more information and access the COSA and OASSA Scholarship applications.

    • Work Samples! If you are graduating this year and still need to complete those writing, reading and math work samples, please let us know and we'll get you scheduled! struyk@mewebacademy.org

    • Parent/Family Group Meetings: 1st of the month 9:00-10:30 am

      
    Please RSVP if possible, an invite/reminder will be sent to parents prior!!







    • If you would like information on signing up for the ACT or SAT, please see Ms. Menashe

    ·Now available on our website:


      We can now accept payments via PayPal 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 #.

      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