Winter Concert
Student and Parent Input Needed for WASC
Every 7 years, to keep our accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), we go through a rigorous process of analyzing data and collecting evidence called a “self- study.” We must indicate areas of strength and areas of growth within our school. A group of educators from other parts of the state then come to our school to validate our findings by reading our (very long) report, visiting classrooms, and speaking with staff, students, and parents. We are currently seeking input from both students and parents regarding the areas of our program that could be improved. Please join us for an input workshop this week being offered every day at lunch time in the auditorium. Free pizza will be provided!
If you can’t make a workshop, please complete this quick survey to share your input on our strengths and areas of need. Your input will be used to guide our school goals for the next 7 years and is very much appreciated!
Pinecone Swag Make and Take
Pinecone swag, seasonal décor “make and take” with Ms. Shannon! This is part of our Wellness Committee’s efforts to “gather and grow” or “connect and create” off a device or screen.
Join us for an informal and outdoor gathering (next to the Zen Garden) on either Tuesday, December 12 from 12-12:30 or Thursday December 14 from 12-12:30.
We will use nature-based items to create a decorative swag (image may not be exactly what will be offered as materials are sourced the day before).
Definite materials:
Pinecones, string, ribbon, pine tree branches
Possible materials:
toyon berry bundles, magnolia leaves, Cook pine branches.
All invited (K-12 and staff), no supervision necessary, but please send your K-5 child straight to the zen garden area (near the chicken coop) and pickup by 12:30 at the front of school.
Final MEA pop-up Farmstand of 2023!
Stop by to “grab some greens” that will be freshly, same-day-harvested from the MEA gardens!
Some of the items offered include:
Pak choy, giant mustard greens, kale, celery, cilantro bundles, purple carrots, and a few potted pothos/spider plants (great for gifts).
All items are offered on a donation basis/pay what you feel, and all proceeds go back into the MEA gardens.
We accept cash and PayPal (Foundation account).
Wednesday, December 13 from
12-12:30 (lunch time) at the front of school.
Miniatures and a Movie
Join the D&D Quest Club on Friday, Dec. 15, from 12:00-2:20, for Miniatures and a Movie! We'll be painting various table top miniatures, while watching Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. This movie is rated PG-13, ALL students must have a signed permission form to participate. Feel free to bring a lunch or snacks to enjoy during the movie.
You do not need to be a member of Quest Club to attend.
Cleopatra
An update on the status of our solo MEA chicken, Cleopatra:
Cleo continues to remain our last resident chicken (from an original flock of 5), and Ms. Shannon maintains a commitment to keeping her as healthy and enriched as possible.
The coop group members have done an excellent job every Tuesday, cleaning Cleo’s home and spending time with her.
3 of the 4 past MEA chickens were ill with different challenges:
Egg peritonitis caused by cancer (Ophelia), Marek’s disease (Aquafina), and pancreatic cancer (Chris). The most recent chicken loss came from an unexpected predator inside the coop (we haven’t had issues in almost 5 years). All 5 original chickens were vaccinated against Marek’s.
To read more about Marek’s disease, please take time to understand this information from Penn State Extension:
“Marek's Disease affects chickens and is caused by a chicken herpes virus. It will not make people sick. Like many herpes viruses, once an animal becomes infected, it will be infected for life. Not all infected birds, however, will get sick. The percentage of clinically sick birds in a flock depends on the strain of virus (some virus strains are more virulent than others) and the breed of bird.
Birds become infected with Marek's Disease by inhaling virus-laden dander. While the virus is easily killed in its purified form, the virus can live for years in the dander. This means that once the disease enters a coop, the environment will most likely be contaminated for a very long time (months to years) even if all birds are gone.
Since infected birds are shedding virus, they will spread the disease as long as they are alive. If new, unvaccinated birds are brought into an infected flock, they will also become infected.”
If you have any questions about Cleopatra or the status of this coop, feel free to find Ms. Shannon on campus Tue/Wed/Thurs!
See's Candy Fundraiser
Thank you to all the students and families that participated in the See's Candy Fundraiser!
Top 3 Sellers were: Thomas Keck, Amanda O'Barski, and Kyra Boyd
Orders have been delivered and sorted. Please pick up your order in the Front Office no later than Friday, December 15th. Email Karen Krampe at kkrampe@sandi.net for any questions or concerns.
MEA Merchandise ONLINE
NEW! Show school pride! We have t-shirts, hoodies, zipped sweatshirts, water bottles, magnets and stickers for purchase. Please use the link for MEA Merchandise.
Please be advised:
In the process of purchasing an item online, registration is required if you do not already have an account with SchoolCash.
To search all MEA merchandise enter “MEA” in school cash if needed.
All items are available to pick up in the front office as soon as the order is placed. Please keep your receipt for the pick-up.
Anyone can order, such as your relatives and friends.
Final sale: no refund and exchange. You are welcome to come to the office to check the sizes before purchasing.
Tech Exploration
Sign ups are finally open for the Tech Exploration class! This course is meant for students in grades 3-6, who have a passion for all things tech. Tech Exploration is designed to provide students with engaging hands-on experience with various STEM related subjects. Some topics to be covered include: LEGO Robotics, 3D printing and design, electronics, coding and more.
The course will be held on Thursdays, Weeks 1 & 3, from 12:30-1:30, in the MakerSpace. Classes will start when we come back from Winter Break, in Month 5, with the first classing being on January 4th. Space is somewhat limited and students must be signed up to attend. Lunch supervision will be available to students that have elementary classes on Thursday mornings.
Elementary Art
Sign ups for Months 5 AND 6 Elementary Art are open! We will meet 4 times on 1/9, 1/23, 1/30 and 2/6 from 12:30 - 1:15 in room 3.
1/9, 1/23 and 1/30: The elements of art: shape AND the Principles of Design: pattern - Students will continue to learn about the elements of art and focus on shape, they will also be introduced to the principles of design and focus on pattern as they create a folk art landscape with Sharpies, oil pastels and water colors.
2/6: The elements of art: color - Students will continue to learn about the elements of art and focus on color, as they create a sunshine painting with watercolors.
Please see the art website for more info: https://mrssinkmea.weebly.com/elementary-art.html
ATTENTION SENIORS!
Are you a senior in need of the SAT exam?
Request your seat ASAP!
More details here: bit.ly/testsforcollegeSDUSD
PALS
Join us for PALS , peer tutoring and schoolwork collaboration, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at MEA! PALS is available to all students in grades K-12. Elementary parents need to complete the PALS Check-in form and provide it to the PALS supervisor. This form lets our tutors know what assignment or skills you wish your student to work on while attending PALS.
- Wednesday 12:30-2:30 @ Room 6 (Nielsen)
- Thursday 9:30-11:30 @ Auditorium
- Friday 9-11:30 @ Auditorium
Student Wellness Ambassadors Kalyani Bengs and Jason Webb have created Mindfulness videos for you to follow along and help to calm your mind.
The annual Winter Wonderfun was in full swing last week. Elementary and middle school students were welcomed in to participate in festive arts and crafts. Big thank you to Ms. Sink for putting on such a fun event!
Thank you to the efforts of our P.E. leader, Ms. Battin, MEA welcomed members of SD Legion last week! Students were taught the ins and outs of flag rugby from San Diego's own professional team. SD Leagion also donated gear for students to continue to enjoy the game with their classmates.
Mr. Spiegelberg's students studying German celebrated St. Martin's Day by making lanterns, walking around campus, and singing a famous lantern song. St. Martin's Day is celebrated this way every year in Germany on November 11, which was originally a way to celebrate the gathering of the harvest in the Middle Ages!
