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?

Making Those New Year’s Resolutions Stick

It’s the time of year when we are all supposed to reflect on the past 12 months, the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Then we are supposed to pick up a pen and write down what we will do differently in the next 12 months.  For many, health is a top priority, for others, finding new success or making a big change in their life will be the new goal.  Unfortunately, we oftentimes lose sight of our goals after a few weeks, falling back into old habits, or just not feeling motivated to make the changes we were so excited about at the beginning of the year.  So how do we make New Year’s Resolutions stick?  How do we write a goal that will last until it is achieved?  Most importantly, how do we find the motivation to work harder to make the desired changes a reality?

Writing a resolution, or a goal, takes quite a bit of thought.  It’s not something one can sit down and scribble down in 10 minutes.  In fact, a New Year’s Resolution may not be perfected in time for the New Year.  To start, reflect on the past year in a quiet, comfortable spot.  Try to start with January 2013 and go through the major events of each month until you end at December.  Sometimes it helps to look back through Facebook or Instagram to find pictures of the things that were important enough to post on your Timeline.  Then, decide what you want to change, or do differently in 2014.  Are there any goals that were not quite achieved in 2013?  Modify these to be more realistic for the changes you have made personally in the past year.  After thinking about this for a day or two, write the changes and goals down!  Make sure they fit the S.M.A.R.T. criteria (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely), and that they are actually something you believe you can accomplish in one year.  Make sure to tell someone about your Resolutions, like a family member, teacher, or a friend, someone who will support you through the trials of the coming year.  Remember to thank them for always having your back and for helping you to stay on track with your goals.  Finally, post your Resolutions somewhere obvious, where they can be seen by you every day.  Don’t let them fall into some obscure corner of your room, or under the bed collecting dust.  Hang them up at eye level, so that even when you feel discouraged your Resolutions are there to remind you what the end goal really is.

So let’s welcome in 2014 and look forward to a year of growth and change.  Let’s make it a year of new achievements and success, of new friends and talents.  We hope all of you stick to your New Year’s Resolutions and become the student and individual you want to be in 2014!

Winter Break Activities

Congratulations, you’ve made it to Winter Break.  Now what?  For 2 straight weeks there is no class, no homework, no meetings with teachers, and no schedule.  What are you going to occupy your time with?  There are, after all, only so many hours of movies you can watch and video games you can play.  Here are a few ideas for indoor and outdoor activities that may spark your interest and (hopefully) alleviate the onset of Winter Break Boredom.

Outdoors

• Sledding, Snow Tubing, Skiing, or Snowboarding at Mt. Hood.  This is a great way to get outside and stay active.  Get a group of friends together and make it an all day trip!
• Snowshoeing at Mt. Hood.  If you like hiking, try it in the snow!  Snowshoeing is another great way to get some fresh air, while taking in breathtaking views of Mt. Hood.  Be sure to take a map with you, so you don’t get lost on the trails.
• Hiking a new trail.  The Pacific Northwest is full of some truly incredible trails.  Find some new ones in your area and just go exploring!
• Running or walking around your neighborhood.  How well do you really know your neighborhood?  Take a walk or jog during the break and test your knowledge of the area you live in!
• Throwing a Football or Kicking a Soccer Ball.  These are great activities for getting a group of friends or family members together for lighthearted competition.

Inside

• Ice Skate at Lloyd Center.  It’s indoors and a lot of fun!  Browse the mall when you are done for an extra “workout”!
• Play a board game.  Board games, or card games, are a great activity when the weather turns ugly.  Bring back some childhood memories with old favorites, or make up something new!
• Read a book, just for fun!  You read books all the time for school, but when was the last time you read one for fun?  Pick one up at the library and get lost in the pages for a while!
• Phone a friend, or talk to them in person.  With texting, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and everything else digital, communication is different now than it was just a few years ago.  Try something “old school” and actually call someone, or visit with them in person.  Your conversation will have much more meaning when you interact with them face-to-face.
• Study, just a little bit, to keep your brain active J  I know this is probably the last thing on your list, but it is a good idea to keep school in the back of your mind during the break.

The weather during Winter Break is always a variable to consider, but that shouldn’t stop you from having fun, staying active, and trying new things!  Make this Winter Break the best one ever and don’t get stuck in the video game rut. We hope all our staff and students enjoy a wonderful, safe break and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

What is one activity that you are going to do over this break?

Sources:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/fitness-pictures/winter-fitness-activities-for-the-whole-family.aspx#/slide-9

Principal's Message December 16, 2013

December 16, 2013

A Message from the Principal/CEO:

As the year ends, we want to take this opportunity to thank our students, parents, and staff for a wonderful 2013.  We have accomplished much this year implementing a new curriculum, moving into a new building, increasing the size of our staff and growing to over 400 students in 6th through 12th grade.  We expect to graduate over 100 students this spring!!  

The world is becoming more global and as a result our schools have to adapt and become more global. With the globalization of our economy and the greater the impact of technology in our lives, the demands on our students are greater than ever before.  This is why we are excited to move forward in the coming year as a great virtual school option for all students in the east metro area and beyond!

Happy Holidays from the MEWA Staff!!

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

https://www.facebook.com/metroeastwebacademy

https://twitter.com/MEWebAcademy

Weather related school closures and late start:

As we transition into the winter season, it is important for parents and students to know where to get information concerning our closures and two-hour late starts.  MEWA will follow the Gresham-Barlow School District decision-making process.  Please watch for media alerts from Gresham-Barlow School District and monitor their web page.  If the district closes schools, our office will be closed.   Our students will still be expected to work on closure days and teachers will continue with teaching and communication.  If the district decides to have a late start, then we will begin our day at 11:00 AM.  The district has an ongoing late start on Wednesday -- for Wednesday -- check the MEWA website for late start and closure information.

Announcements:

Math Work Samples for High School Students -- January 7th, 1:00 to 3:00 PM!

End of Semester -- January 17th -- If you are behind, you may want to take advantage of the break to catch up!!

School office closed December 23rd through January 3rd and open on January 6th!

Students of the Month for December:

Kevin Enders
Emma Muhr

Emma receiving certificate, Cybershark t-shirt, and Starbucks gift card.

Most Improved Students for December:
Cheyenne McNutt
Amber Williamson

The Oregon Virtual Schools organization is sponsoring a Capital Day in Salem on February 4th to meet with legislators and advocate for virtual schools.  More information can be found on http://www.oregonvirtualschools.org/.

MEWA GED Graduates

Our most recent:

Paige Dye with Mr. Cochran

Ashley Newman

Amber Sipe with Mr. Cochran

Box Tops for the Box Tops for Education program:

Box Tops for Education® is one of the nation’s largest school fundraising loyalty programs and has been helping schools succeed since 1996. With over 250 participating products, it’s an easy way for schools to earn cash for the things they need.

• Over 90,000 K-8 schools participate nationwide
• Each Box Tops coupon is worth 10¢ and they add up fast!
• Schools can use their Box Tops cash to buy whatever they need most, from books to field trips to playgrounds.
• So far, America’s schools have earned over $525 million from Box Tops…and counting.*

Please bring in your box tops.  More information is available at http://www.boxtops4education.com/all-about-boxtops

Immunizations!!! This clinic is available to provide the required immunizations for school attendance:

December 18, 2013

9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Rosa Parks School

8960 N. Woolsey

Portland, OR 97203

MEWA has formed a parent booster/advocacy group.  Participation in this group is open to all MEWA parents, grandparents, guardians, and staff members.  The focus of this group will be to organize and support activities that promote our school and provide enrichment and growth opportunities for students and staff.  The next meeting is January 15th at 5:30 PM at MEWA.  Snacks and refreshments are provided.

Sincerely,

David L. Gray, Ph.D.

Principal/CEO

Metro East Web Academy

503-258-4790

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?