Important Information for MEWA Parents and Students

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

Dear Parents and Students:  

This year, MEWA is focusing on attendance as our primary goal.  As chronic absenteeism is a major factor relating to students at risk of dropping out of school, we are determined that each of our students attend school each an every day.  Our goal is to have 95% of our students in attendance every day.  It is expected that every MEWA student check in with a teacher and/or turn in an assignment everyday!

Riddle of the WEEK!

Riddle:

The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?

We Want Your Feedback!  Click Here!

Students of the Month for September

Paige Durias
Ben Holliday
Aurora Leino
Pepe Galindo-Ramirez

Most Improved Students for May

Alexis Lugo
Daniell Pinchuk
Eli Gutierrez
Amaya Caldwell

Students of the Month and Most Improved receive a $10 Starbucks gift card and a MEWA t-shirt! Come in and claim yours so we can take your picture.

OCTOBER 21 – NATIONAL PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE DAY – NATIONAL REPTILE AWARENESS DAY – NATIONAL MAMMOGRAPHY DAY

National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day – October 21

NATIONAL PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE DAY

National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day is observed annually on October 21. Fall the is the perfect time to add pumpkin to one of America’s favorite desserts!  

Cheesecake is a sweet dessert that is a mixture of fresh soft cheese, cream cheese or cottage cheese, eggs and sugar on a crust made from crushed graham crackers, crushed cookies, pastry or sponge cake.  Pumpkin may be added to cheesecake recipes in various ways. For example, it may be swirled throughout,  mixed thoroughly with all ingredients or layered.  Cheesecakes can be prepared baked or unbaked, flavored and are often served topped with fruit, fruit sauce, chocolate or whipped cream.

An ancient form of cheesecake may have been a popular dish in ancient Greece.  It has been found that the earliest attested mention of cheesecake is by the Greek physician, Aegimus, who wrote a book on the art of making cheesecakes.

James Kraft developed a form of pasteurized cream cheese in 1912.  In 1928, Kraft acquired the Philadelphia trademark and marketed pasteurized Philadelphia Cream Cheese which is now the most commonly used cheese for this creamy dessert and many other recipes.

For more information, visit the National Day Calendar page for National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day.

Announcements:

• Friday October 28, 2016 9am-2pm we are headed to Oregon Humane Society. We will meet at MEWA and be transported by bus to their facility in Portland. We will take a tour fo the Oregon Humane Society and hear about the services they provide.  We will also be doing community service by serving on site doing any yard work or helping in whatever manual labor is needed.  Pick up your permission slip at the front desk or email Nikki Albelo for more information at albelo@mewebacademy.org

• The Month of November we will be having a school wide food drive for Snow Cap.  Snow Cap serves families in need East of 82nd.  Please bring canned goods to the school the entire month of November.   On November 17th we will meet at Snow Cap, bring our canned goods, tour their facility and volunteer!  For more information please contact Nikki at albelo@mewebacademy.org

• Thursday November 3rd we will be headed to Portland Center Stage! We will see the play, “Hold these truths.”  Students will hear a perspective on the challenges the U.S. and it’s citizens went through during World War II.  “Gordon Hirabayashi agonizes over government orders to forcibly remove and mass incarcerate all people of Japanese ancestry on the West Coast. As he fights to reconcile his country’s betrayal with his passionate belief in the U.S. Constitution” Cost is $15.  For more information please contact Nikki at albelo@mewebacademy.org

• 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.

Fish Hatchery Field Trip Photos

·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                                                                                                   

Select for Google play

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

https://www.facebook.com/metroeastwebacademy

MEWA Announcements and Message

Ms. Norrander and the Bicycle Field Trip taking a selfie!

These guys are cool!

Riddle of the WEEK!

How can you tell the difference between dogs and trees?

Write and email to Dr. Gray with your answer.  Let's see who responds first!

Let us know what you think about our new look announcements!  

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

Dear Parents and Students:  

Dear Parent, Guardian, and Students!

It is that time of the year when we ask parents, guardians, and students for their feedback.  This includes Early College and GED Students and Parents. We use this information in two ways: 1) We are always striving to improve our program and genuinely want to know how we can improve. 2) We are evaluated annually from an outside organization (Portland State University) for the purpose of validating our charter with Gresham Barlow School District and for our annual report to their board.  This year it is especially important as we will be asking the GBSD board to renew our charter next year.  All of our achievement data and survey information will be used to inform the GBSD Board of Directors as they make their decision as to whether or not to renew our charter.  Upon completion of the survey, please send Hillary your name stating that you completed the survey and will we put your name in a drawing for a $100 Amazon Gift Card!  

Hillary's email is: radford@mewebacademy.org

The parent survey link is here!

The student survey link is here!

Thanks you for your help with this important undertaking.

Dr. Gray

Winners of a $10 Amazon gift card for our weekly drawing:

Student winner: Madeline Newell

Parent Winner:

La Shonna

Broadous

Staff Winner: Jeff Cochran

Please Come in and Claim your gift cards!

Students of the Month for March

Spencer Church, Jr.
Spencer White

Most Improved Students for March

Devin Cadle
Bethany Reiner

Announcements:

GreyWolves are looking for host families.  If you are interested, find out more here at this link!

• Attention all high school students: Next year is around the corner! It's time to forecast for your classes. Contact your counselor this month to schedule a forecasting meeting.
• Spring STAR360 Tests Begin 5/23!
  
  All students will take the Star Math and Star Reading tests.  Students can find log in instructions in their emails beginning 5/23.
• Chess Club is MOVING...
  
  
  New time is Thursday from 1:30-2:30!!!  This will allow more students to attend and not coincide with any labs.
  
  
  

• Want to purchase a MEWA t-shirt or sweatshirt?
  
  
  
  Place your order here or contact Rachel Johnson at the front desk.
  

  Cost is as follows:

  
  

  Short sleeve - $12.70

  Long sleeve - $17.00

  Hoodie - $21.00

  1/4 Zip Sweat shirt - $32.80

  
  

  Get your order in before May 19.
• 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!

• Graduation caps and gowns are here! 
  
  If you haven't submitted your pictures for the senior slideshow, now's the time. Send them to clayton2@mewebacademy.org

• 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                                                                                                   

Select for Google play

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

https://www.facebook.com/metroeastwebacademy

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 16^th, 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.

We are celebrating the event with refreshments, food, and good company.  Our teachers will be present to answer questions about our program as well as converse with our current students and their families.  MEWA is excited to show our current, potential, and future students everything our web-based education has to offer.  For parents interested in learning about the benefits of an online education for their children, our Open House is a good time to ask questions and the information needed to make that decision.

Now a little bit about MEWA:

“The Metro East Web Academy is an online, public charter school approved by the Oregon Department of Education.  The school’s web-based curriculum does meet Oregon State Standards and our instructors are all highly qualified teachers.

Each academy student receives a personalized education program designed to meet their unique needs.  This allows students to login anytime, anywhere and online learning is supported in a variety of ways, including:

•  Daily E-mail communication with teachers
•  Face to face check-in sessions with instructors
• Field trips and community service projects with other academy students

Students enrolled in the Metro East Web Academy will get the best of both worlds—an online learning program designed just for them, and the benefits of being part of a learning community with opportunities to interact with teachers, students, and the world around them!” (mewebacademy.com)

MEWA is extremely proud to be able to offer a beneficial academic program to help the students in our community succeed.  Our school has continued to grow in the past year, and we look forward to continuing this trend in the coming year.  Thank you to all our MEWA families and students for the support of our school and your student’s education.  Above all, thank you for choosing MEWA.

The Parent of Virtual Education

Are you new to the idea of online education for your student?  Or are you wondering what your role should be within the virtual classroom system?  It is important that parents, or guardians, are involved in the education of their student.  Here are some tips on how the parent can and should be involved in their child’s online education and what the school should do to encourage this involvement.

Parents should:

• Work closely with their children, guiding them through daily lessons and actively participate in their children's daily learning
• Record student academic progress to track their success
• Communicate with teachers on a regular basis to assess children's learning, academic achievement, etc.
•  Become actively involved in parent groups, workshops, school functions and events, and student activities

The School should:

• Keep open the lines of communication between the teachers & parents.
• Hold virtual meetings & webinars with parents & students alike to build rapport & put a face to the names
• Allow parents to be involved on field trips, class meetings, and as volunteers

Parent involvement is a key piece of student motivation and desire to grow and learn.  By acting as a role model for academic success, volunteer service, and dedication to the school, both parents and teachers can encourage our students to pursue and achieve their academic goals.

Sources:

http://www.k12.com/facts-about-k12-public-virtual-schools#.Uul6IKgSDbg

http://voices.yahoo.com/how-increase-parent-involvement-within-virtual-6320478.html

Getting the Most from Your Online Education

As we begin the second half of our 2013-2014 academic year, it’s important to remember why we are here in the first place: to learn.  How do you get the most out of your learning experience at Metro East Web Academy?  Here are a couple tips for you to consider to help finish out the year strong.

1. Visit our “Tips for Successful Online Learning” Web Page.  This page has a number of different tips on how to be successful as an online student.  Read them and see if there is anything you need to add to your approach as we begin the next term. 
2.  Meet with your teachers at least once per week.  Your teachers are here to help you succeed and they want to see you grow.  Make sure to talk with them if you are stuck on an assignment or lesson.  Often two heads are better than one and conversing with a teacher will help both of you understand each other better in the future.
3. Keep notebooks, or computer folders, with notes for each class.  Taking notes is always a good idea and keeping these notes organized will save you time when studying for a test.  You can also use these notebooks for writing questions and answers as you go through your lessons.  Some classes require the use of a spiral notebook, but they are a handy tool for any class.
4. Turn in your homework assignments on time.  The sooner you can get an assignment turned in, the quicker you can get feedback from the teacher on your work.  Doing the assignments early will also allow you more time to ask questions for clarification, if needed.
5. Stop in the Drop-In Labs each week.  Coming in to the drop-in labs regularly will help organize your day, give you time to talk with teachers and counselors, and allow you to socialize with fellow classmates.  Collaboration produces some of the best creative results on projects and stopping by the drop-in labs will help feed your creative process.
6. Visit our online social communities to connect & engage with other students & your teachers.  Our online social sites not only provide students and teachers with helpful tips and inspirations, but they are places for parents to collaborate as well.  We want to keep our MEWA community strong, both in and outside of, the school.  We hope all our students, teachers, and parents will contribute to our Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest pages regularly to engage in meaningful conversations and stay up to date on what’s happening at MEWA.

    How do you get the most out of your MEWA education?