Friday, April 29, 2016

MEWA's New Look 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:  

As graduation is upon us, it is important to note that our school gives away two scholarships each year: The Mike Harris and Tim Drilling Founders Scholarship for $1,000 and the Keller-Sievers Scholarship Award for $500.  These two scholarships are self-funded by MEWA, outside donors, and MEWA employees.  In an effort to help us raise the funds this year, we are asking for $10 donations. This donation will enter you in a drawing and the lucky person whose name is drawn will get to go to lunch with Dr. Gray at a restaurant of the winner's choosing in the Gresham area.  Please come and donate $10 to have your name entered in the drawing.

We want to thank all the students and parents who made the extra effort to come in and sit for the Smarter Balanced State Exam.  We have had 100% participation in almost every grade level for each of the Math and English Language Arts exams.  We also want to thank the staff at MEWA for their efforts and for going above and beyond as many proctored until 9:00 in the evening the last two weeks.  Way to go MEWA!


The results of a national survey were released today that gauges parental interest in charter schools. The findings show that 78 percent of parents support having a charter public school open in their neighborhood and 73 percent support more charter schools opening nationwide. An equal number of parents support the idea of allowing parents to choose their child’s public school, regardless of where they live.

These findings are especially exciting in light of National Charter Schools Week. I’d really appreciate if you could share the report on your social channels and newsletters this week and next. I’ve created some sample tweets for you to use:
  • Latest report from @charteralliance: 78% of parents favor having a #charterschool open in their neighborhoodhttp://j.mp/1rkC3p6
  • New National Poll from @charteralliance shows 1 in 8 low-income parents would choose #charterschool for their child http://j.mp/1rkC10k
  • New @charteralliance Poll shows parents want high-quality public school options to choose fromhttp://j.mp/1YVtpYB
  • 80% parents support the idea of allowing parents to choose their child’s public school, shows @charteralliance poll http://j.mp/1YVtpYB
Winners of a $10 Starbuck's gift card for our weekly drawing:

Student winner: Malachai Cowan
Parent Winner:  Tammy Lea Jones

Please Come in and Claim your gift cards!

Students of the Month for March

Daniel Truong
Samuel Bastian


Most Improved Students for March

Zach Wilser
Ruvim Gladu
Jordan Wecker



Dear Parents and Students!


MEWA will be hosting an incoming Freshman night on Wednesday, May 4, from 5:30-6:30pm.

This meeting is for students who are currently in 8th grade and their parents/guardians.  We will be discussing high school graduation requirements, credits, transcripts and students will have the opportunity to sign up for Fall 2016 classes.  

Please join us for an informative night!

Deni Menashe
Brian Baker
MEWA School Counselors
It was first in 1851 that Elias Howe, the inventor of the sewing machine, received a patent for an “Automatic, Continuous Clothing Closure”. Howe never made an attempt to market his invention and missed the recognition he may have received.  Forty-two years later, Whitcomb Judson began selling the “Clasp Locker”. Being very similar to Elias Howe’s patent, this device served as a more complicated hook-and-eye shoe fastener.  Judson started the Universal Fastener Company where he manufactured his new device and debuted it at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 but was met with little success.  Because Judson put his invention before the public for sale, he earned credit as its creator.  In 1906, Gideon Sundback, a Swedish-American electrical engineer, was hired to work Universal Fastener Company.  He was highly skilled and known for his devotion to the company.  In 1913, he invented the modern zipper. The patent for the “Separable Fastener” was issued in 1917. By 1923, B.F. Goodrich popularized the word zipper as it applied to use in the boots and pouches it made.  The company even copyrighted the name for a time.
Announcements:

  • Chess Club is MOVING...

    New time is FRIDAYS from 1:30-2:30!!!  This will allow more students to attend and not coincide with any labs.


  • The weather's beautiful and it's time to get on our bikes to explore the Springwater Corridor between Gresham and Boring Station. We'll meet at the Gresham Main Street park with our bikes, helmets, water bottles and snacks and we'll ride, rain or shine, to Boring Station, which is at the end of the trail. Sign-up early and get ready for some fresh air! Remember, you must have a signed permission form to participate in this activity. 
    Permission Form
    Sign-up Here
    Please contact me if you have any questions,
    Ms. Norrander
  • Senior News:

    Now's the time to send in your current and baby or young child picture for the Senior slideshow. Pictures can be a snapshot or professional picture. Email your pictures to clayton2@mewebacademy.org by May 15th. If you're not walking, we still need your pictures.
    Cap and gown packets will be here May 2nd. Come in, pick yours up and check to see if you've completed your after grad plans worksheet or owe fees.

    Your account must be clear before diplomas and transcripts are handed out.
    Early College students: Your final college transcript is due in the office by Thursday, June 16th.  

    Final senior transcripts and diplomas will be available on June 21st. If you filled out the After Grad Plans sheet, your final transcript will be mailed to the address you indicted on the form. 

    Graduation is June 14th, 7 pm at Easthill Church in Gresham!
  • 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.  She will also begin tutoring on Thursdays from 1:30 to 3:30 PM.  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.

  • 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






  • 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, April 22, 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:  

    As graduation is upon us, it is important to note that our school gives away two scholarships each year: The Mike Harris and Tim Drilling Founders Scholarship for $1,000 and the Keller-Sievers Scholarship Award for $500.  These two scholarships are self-funded by MEWA, outside donors, and MEWA employees.  In an effort to help us raise the funds this year, we are asking for $10 donations. This donation will enter you in a drawing and the lucky person whose name is drawn will get to go to lunch with Dr. Gray at a restaurant of the winner's choosing in the Gresham area.  Please come and donate $10 to have your name entered in the drawing.

    Students of the Month for March

    Daniel Truong
    Samuel Bastian
    Samuel Bastian, Student of the Month for March with Dr. Gray!


    Most Improved Students for March

    Zach Wilser
    Ruvim Gladu
    Jordan Wecker


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

    Student Winner: Valeria Chavez-Valle
    Parent Winner: Barbara Christian

    Please Come in and Claim your gift cards!
    Contact Ms. Hathaway or Dr. Gray for an application!

    Contact Ms. Hathaway or Dr. Gray for an application!

    Dear Parents and Students!


    MEWA will be hosting an incoming Freshman night on Wednesday, May 4, from 5:30-6:30pm.

    This meeting is for students who are currently in 8th grade and their parents/guardians.  We will be discussing high school graduation requirements, credits, transcripts and students will have the opportunity to sign up for Fall 2016 classes.  

    Please join us for an informative night!

    Deni Menashe
    Brian Baker
    MEWA School Counselors


    Announcements:

    • The weather's beautiful and it's time to get on our bikes to explore the Springwater Corridor between Gresham and Boring Station. We'll meet at the Gresham Main Street park with our bikes, helmets, water bottles and snacks and we'll ride, rain or shine, to Boring Station, which is at the end of the trail. Sign-up early and get ready for some fresh air! Remember, you must have a signed permission form to participate in this activity. 
      Permission Form
      Sign-up Here
      Please contact me if you have any questions,
      Ms. Norrander
    • Senior News:

      Now's the time to send in your current and baby or young child picture for the Senior slideshow. Pictures can be a snapshot or professional picture. Email your pictures to clayton2@mewebacademy.org by May 15th. If you're not walking, we still need your pictures.
      Cap and gown packets will be here May 2nd. Come in, pick yours up and check to see if you've completed your after grad plans worksheet or owe fees.

      Your account must be clear before diplomas and transcripts are handed out.
      Early College students: Your final college transcript is due in the office by Thursday, June 16th.  

      Final senior transcripts and diplomas will be available on June 21st. If you filled out the After Grad Plans sheet, your final transcript will be mailed to the address you indicted on the form. 

      Graduation is June 14th, 7 pm at Easthill Church in Gresham
    • Save the date! The Foreign Language Achievement Test (FLATS) is coming up!  It is April 28th from 3-5:30 at MEWA. TheFLATS test is for students who speak a second language and would like to get high school Foreign Language credit. If you would like to sign up for the test, please click on this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1vs7EHabCKQVy6c_vZQPT_qdY3NTcimPc7-o1SDXQpFg/viewform?usp=send_form
      If you have already taken and passed the FLATS test, you do not need to sign up again.
      Keep in mind, if you sign up for the test and don't show up, you will be held responsible for the cost of the test you missed. 
    • ATTENTION CHESS CLUB:

      We are taking a bit of a break during state testing and we may move our time after testing is done.  As of now, we will not be meeting until May 5th11:30-12:30 in the Science/Art room.  If anything changes I will send another announcement.

      During this time, register on Chesskid.com and practice, practice, practice!!!
    • 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.  She will also begin tutoring on Thursdays from 1:30 to 3:30 PM.  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.

    • 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






    • 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, April 15, 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:  

      As we enter the final countdown to the presidential elections in November, it is important for our voter eligible students, and parents, be able to accurately judge statements made by candidates on all sides of the debate as well as reflect critically on candidates' points of view.  The following is a website that will help you accurately reflect on statements made by our candidates.  Please click on the photo below to access the website:


      11th Graders:  
      Review the announcement for more information, and sign up for your dates below. Remember, these tests are required and you must attend both consecutive days. Feel free to access Student Practice Tests from home to prepare. MEWA will provide snacks during testing days!


      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.


      Students of the Month for March

      Daniel Truong
      Samuel Bastian


      Most Improved Students for March

      Zach Wilser
      Ruvim Gladu
      Jordan Wecker
      Most Improved student Ruvim Gladu with Ms. Hathaway!


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

      Student Winner: Avanni Petras
      Parent Winner: Karen Ceballos

      Please Come in and Claim your gift cards!
      Contact Ms. Hathaway or Dr. Gray for an application!

      Contact Ms. Hathaway or Dr. Gray for an application!

      Dear Parents and Students!


      MEWA will be hosting an incoming Freshman night on Wednesday, May 4, from 5:30-6:30pm.

      This meeting is for students who are currently in 8th grade and their parents/guardians.  We will be discussing high school graduation requirements, credits, transcripts and students will have the opportunity to sign up for Fall 2016 classes.  

      Please join us for an informative night!

      Deni Menashe
      Brian Baker
      MEWA School Counselors

      We invite your student to join us for Verselandia! 2016.  Our own Samuel Pemberton will be performing after having won the competition at GHS:

      What: 2016 Verselandia! is the fifth annual high school poetry slam presented by Literary Arts. It is the Grand Slam for the winners from individual school slams hosted by public high school library media specialists. If you are interested, you can watch pervious performances here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRQ6CLpxC5M
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Destination:  Newmark Theater
      Date of the Trip: April 18th
      Departure time:  5:30 PM   Estimated return  time: 10:00 PM                      
      Transportation Arrangements: We will be taking a bus from school
      Students should bring: School ID
      Student expenses: $10.00 for the ticket

      If you are interested, please fill out the field trip form below; print and sign. (We will have some copies by the front desk.) We will need the field trip permission forms back by April 15th. Thank you!


      If you have any questions, please direct them to Christina Struyk-Bonn at struyk@mewebacademy.org
      Thank you!
      ~Christina

      Announcements:

      • Save the date! The Foreign Language Achievement Test (FLATS) is coming up!  It is April 28th from 3-5:30 at MEWA. TheFLATS test is for students who speak a second language and would like to get high school Foreign Language credit. If you would like to sign up for the test, please click on this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1vs7EHabCKQVy6c_vZQPT_qdY3NTcimPc7-o1SDXQpFg/viewform?usp=send_form
        If you have already taken and passed the FLATS test, you do not need to sign up again.
        Keep in mind, if you sign up for the test and don't show up, you will be held responsible for the cost of the test you missed. 
      • 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!



      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 2 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

      • ATTENTION CHESS CLUB:

        We are taking a bit of a break during state testing and we may move our time after testing is done.  As of now, we will not be meeting until May 5th11:30-12:30 in the Science/Art room.  If anything changes I will send another announcement.

        During this time, register on Chesskid.com and practice, practice, practice!!!
      • 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.  She will also begin tutoring on Thursdays from 1:30 to 3:30 PM.  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.

      • 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






      • 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