MEWA Weekly Announcements and Message

Most Improved for March, Devin Cadle with Ms. Hathaway!

MEWA Math Teachers Hard at Work Planning for Next Year!

Ms. Campbell!

Riddle of the WEEK!

Riddle:

The distance from the Earth to the Sun is about 100 million miles. The speed of light is 186,000 miles per second, and light takes eight minutes to reach the Earth from the Sun.  Let's say the Sun rose at 6am this morning, and that by some freak of physics the speed of light is suddenly doubled to 372,000 miles a second.

What time will the Sun rise tomorrow?

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:  

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

Student winner: Yesenia Orozco-Sniadoski

Parent Winner:

La Shonna

Sharon Noyes

Staff Winner: Nicole Campbell

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!

• It's time to take the Star360 Spring Tests! They begin 5/23, and will go through 5/27.  Remember, you can either take these tests from home, or you can come in to take them at school during open labs. 
  • On 5/23, you will need to check your email for your STAR username and password, and then follow the instructions on the STAR360 Student Directions.
  • If you haven't completed both tests by 5/27, your classes may be placed "on hold" on 5/30, so that you can complete your tests without distractions. Your classes will then be made available as soon as you complete both your math and reading tests.
  The end of the year is almost here!  We can''t wait to see how much you've grown and improved in your learning this year!
• YOU CAN HELP MEWA EARN DONATIONS
  JUST BY SHOPPING WITH YOUR FRED MEYER
  REWARDS CARD!
  Fred Meyer is donating $2.5 million per year to non-profits in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington, based on where their customers tell them to give. Here’s how the program works:
  ·       Sign up for the Community Rewards program by linking your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to MEWA at www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards. You can search for us by our name or by our non-profit number 80681
  ·       You still earn your Rewards Points, Fuel Points, and Rebates, just as you do today.
  ·       If you do not have a Rewards Card, they are available at the Customer Service desk of any Fred Meyer store.
  ·       For more information, please visit www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards·       Then, every time you shop and use your Rewards Card, you are helping MEWA earn a donation!
• 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 Tournament Starts May 26, 1:30 PM in the Science/Art Room!!  Beginners welcome!!  Top students from tournament to play teachers in a Random Chess Showdown!!!
  

  
  

  Email Mr. Ling for Details: jling@mewebacademy.org, sign up sheet is at the MEWA front desk.
  
  
  

• 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.
• 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

Spring is in the Air

The weather seems to be taking a turn for the better (knock on wood) and Spring is certainly in the air.  It always seems that after the trauma of moving our clocks forward for Daylight Saving Time, we begin to experience the pleasant sights, smells, and sounds of Spring: birds chirping, sun shining, people running, and flowers blooming.  With the beginning of Spring, which is actually March 20^th, comes the rapidly approaching promise of Spring Break.  Now this is one holiday nearly every student looks forward to--why wouldn’t they?  We’re talking about an entire week out of the classroom, with no correspondence with teachers, and really no need to even logon to a computer (except we know everyone will).  For MEWA students, our system does indicate that assignments are still due during this break period; however, we recommend looking ahead and completing those assignments either this week, or early after the break is over to stay on task.  All of this is outlined in the Principal’s Message.

So what to do with an entire week off?  Are you going on a family vacation?  Travelling somewhere warm and sunny?  Or will you be sticking around town, meeting up with friends, and just relaxing?  Perhaps you will log a few more hours with your job?

For those students who don’t have “big” plans for the break, we have some ideas…

• Participate in an “Alternative Spring Break.” Volunteer at an organization during the week such as with Habitat for Humanity, Zenger Farms, SnowCap, or any other organization you are interested in.  Not only will you experience the value in helping others, but this is an activity that is perfect to discuss in a scholarship essay or application.
• Work on those scholarships!  Do some research and look for new scholarships that are available to you, especially within the community.  Work on some “generic” essay templates and revise your resume or activity chart so that your most current version is ready when the time comes.
•  Read a new book, for FUN.  Head down to the library and see if you can find a book or two to read for fun.  Excite your imagination and just relax; if the weather is nice, you can read outside!
• Pick up a new hobby.  Try something new this Spring Break.  Look up some new recipes, create a new work of art, take some creative photos, or sew yourself an outfit.  Maybe you are interested in scrapbooking, learning a new language, or playing a new instrument; the list goes on.  There are a number of things you can do!
• And of course, you can always work on some things for school; just to stay caught up. J

We hope all our students enjoy a fun-filled, relaxing, and safe Spring Break!  Remember, teachers will be unavailable during the week as well, so try and get any questions answered before this week is over.  Have fun!

What are your plans for Spring Break? If you could plan the perfect Spring Break, what would it include?

Social Media & The Student

At MEWA, we are a community active on social media.  Our school utilizes Facebook daily to keep our students, staff, and parents informed of what’s happening.  We also post about education news, show off student work and achievements, and help everyone get to know our staff a little better.  MEWA is not just a school, but a family, or team, in which each individual contributes something important and creates a winning combination.  On Twitter, we send out tweets with important information on everything from blog posts, to eating healthy and study tips.  Our Pinterest profile visually shows what the MEWA experience is about, as well as offers tips on how to organize your online “classroom” and what to expect when it comes to higher education.  Finally, our blog is where we tell you all about, well, everything that has to do with MEWA.  Here, you can read the updates from Principal Gray in his messages and get tips on how to be successful as a member of the MEWA team.  Social media is meant to inform, to be shared, and to build a community around a common interest.

In the latest Principal's Message, Dr. Gray outlined some bullet points with concepts that student’s should be aware of as they begin to use social media more and more.  The author of this particular article that Dr. Gray quoted, mentioned the shift being made in the “real world” when it comes to finding employment.  As our students begin to achieve their academic goals and build a career path, there are some things to consider now, in Junior High & High School, when it comes to social media.

1. Social Networking has become more prominent in everyday life, while email use has declined.  Part of this comes from our need to have immediate answers; we no longer like to wait for someone to login, check, and respond to an email.  With social media, tweeting, Facebook chat sessions, and Google hangouts have become the quickest form of communication when answers are needed fast.
2. Job searching has become much more complicated, in the sense that networking lunches and LinkedIn have become more popular.  Now Human Resource departments check to make sure a job candidate is active of social media before bringing them in for an interview.  People want to see how much of an influencer you are, or where you are most creative.  Social media is sometimes the best way to gauge what you are most interested in.
3. LinkedIn has become the number one network in which employers and employees can both actively and passively participate in the job search and hiring process.  You can now even turn your LinkedIn profile into a resume, without using Word or another program like it!
4. Social media is about showing, and focusing on, your passions.  Be honest, but remember, what you write within the digital space, really does stay there!  Ask yourself this question before writing a status update, tweeting, sending a Snapchat, or posting an image on Instagram: “What will my employer 3, 5, and 10 years from now think of this?” If you don’t like the answer, or the thought, it’s probably not something that needs to be shared with the world.

(Source: 5 Reasons Why Your Online Presence Will ReplaceYour Resume in 10 years)

Social media is nothing to be afraid of.  Merely, it should be thought of as a tool that will help you build a strong future, no matter what you decide to do with it.  If you have questions about how to best use social media, ask your counselor for some tips.  Make sure you are following MEWA for even more tips and to stay updated on what’s happening!

What's your favorite social networking site to use?

Happy Holidays

It’s the holiday season and everyone celebrates with their own family traditions.  Some will be visiting with large gatherings of extended family.  Others will spend a quiet, cozy evening at home.  No matter your beliefs, culture, or background, the holiday season is one nearly everyone can appreciate as a time for reflection on the past year, to dream of the future, and give in the present.  It’s a season to appreciate what we have, give what we can, and enjoy the company of our closest friends and family.  Tradition is something that we all find comfort in.  No matter what traditions are celebrated in your household, each one is an important part of your holiday celebration. 

Reflection

Take some time during Winter Break to think about how the past year went.  What went well?  Is there anything that could or should be changed in the coming year?  This is a good time to write down your resolutions for the New Year.  I know, there’s always the argument that no one ever sticks to those promises they make at the end of the year, but maybe adhering to the resolutions for 2014 should be at the top of the list.  Decide what it is you can do to become a better you.  Resolutions don’t have to be shared; they are that one thing each of us can commit to for ourselves.  So challenge yourself to take a moment over the holiday break to write down one or two resolutions that will make 2014 an exceptional year.

Giving

Part of the holiday season is giving to those around you.  Giving gifts to our friends and family is popular during the holidays.  There are also charities that accept donations in order to give to those who may need some help getting through the holidays.  Many of us have seen the signs for donations to SnowCap Community Charities or the Salvation Army.  Whether we give to an organization to help others, or give to one another in a gift exchange, the holiday season helps us each to think about those around us.  It’s a time to appreciate what we have and give to those who need it.

Relaxing

Sometimes, the holiday season can be stressful.  There is so much hustle and bustle in the streets and malls with everyone trying to find the “perfect gift”.  Then there’s the baking, the cooking, the decorating, the family visits, the phone calls; we could go on and on!  If you do nothing else this Winter Break, please just relax.  Enjoy some time to yourself, read a new book, or take a walk outside.  Spend some time doing nothing so you come back in 2014 refreshed and ready for the New Year.  You deserve it.

From all of us at MEWA, Happy Holidays! We hope you enjoy celebrating with those closest to you and take part in the traditions with your family.

What is your favorite Winter Break activity?

The Season of Giving With Metro East

It’s November.  The days are getting dark earlier, the storms have arrived, & Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away.  Celebrating the holidays marks the beginning of the "Season of Giving."  This year, Metro East is excited to partner together with SnowCap Community Charities, the Service Learning Club, and the Volunteer Club to sponsor a canned food drive!  Our drive will run through November 22^nd and we have a large collection barrel in our school lobby for donations.  Foods such as canned fruit and vegetables, peanut butter, dry pastas and grains, soups, stews and chili, canned meats, tuna fish, shelf stable milk, breakfast cereals, soups and sauces, baby food and formula are much needed in our community and are appreciated.  All non-perishable donations can be brought to the school.  For every item donated, students will receive a ticket for a chance to win a $10 iTunes gift card.  The more you donate, the higher chance of winning the iTunes gift card!  Contact Ms. Hathaway with any questions.

About our partner, SnowCap Community Charities:

“SnowCap Community Charities is a philanthropic organization created to provide food, clothing, advocacy and other services to the poor.”  The organization began in 1967 when members of the East Multnomah County Community noticed many of the needs of the residents were not being met.  SnowCap (which stands for Suburban Neighborhoods Operation Witness Community Action Program) originally set-up three centers from which the community was served.  By the organization’s 40^th anniversary it had served over 1.4 million people, had a staff of 7 and a budget of $500,000.  With this, SnowCap was able to implement new programs including: English language instruction, community gardens, and home delivered food boxes for seniors.  For more information about SnowCap visit: http://www.snowcap.org/Home.aspx.  We at MEWA are proud to be partners of this organization and a member of the community at large.  Thank you for your generosity and participation in our canned food drive!

Important Announcements…

Tomorrow is a sequential calendar date!  “Each century contains twelve such sequential number calendar dates, the first being 01-02-03 and the last one, 12-13-14. So, December 13, 2014 will be the last such sequential calendar date in the 21st century” (Aziz S. Inan, Ph.D., Professor, Electrical Engineering, University of Portland, Portland, Oregon).

MEWA Student Leadership Club.  This club is open to all students with a focus on building leadership skills for those who join. If you are interested in joining, please attend the next meeting on Thursday, November 14, 1:30 PM at MEWA.  You do not have to be present to participate.  Contact Ms. Norrander for more information: Julie Norrander <norrander@mewebacademy.org>

Our Parent Booster Group will have the next meeting November 20^th at 6:00 PM at MEWA.  Participation in this group is open to all MEWA parents, grandparents, guardians, and staff members.  The focus of this group is to organize and support activities that promote our school and provide enrichment and growth opportunities for students and staff.  Snacks and refreshments are provided.

College Bound Students: Take a Free ACT/SAT Practice Test! Warm up for the test and find out how you would score.  Get realistic practice and try your hand at the types of questions you’ll face on the actual exam.  You’ll receive a personalized score report pinpointing your strengths and weaknesses.  Princeton Review Assessment:  1-888-578-8378 ext. 1030. The dates for the 4-hour test are 11/16 – 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM or 12/8 – 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM.  They are located at 421 SW Hall St., Portland.  You can check them out at: PrincetonReview.com.  The test and results are free – this is a for-profit company and they will offer students the opportunity to take prep classes at a cost.

Field Trip Opportunities…Our school is scheduling a field trip for November 26^th to the Portland Art Museum to see the Samurai exhibit. We plan to take the kids there via MAX.  Please contact Mr. Kennedy or Ms. Powell if you have an interest or questions.  Join us December 4 as we tour the new Portland-Milwaukie Lite Rail Project! Fill out the permission form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1uMUH-gpVorp3hCGy4JUujeCNG2QwEYfNX_UxnOivjYU/viewform

Stay Active! We have many incentive programs right now including: a drawing for (2) 16GB iPod Touches, weekly drawings for Drop-In Lab goal achievements, & Student of the Month awards.

Remember the ME in MEWA; at Metro East you come first.