


MEA Monday Message
December 9, 2024
Calendar
Month 5 Week 2
Tuesday, Dec. 10
- 8-8:45- Choir - B15
- 8:50- 9:35- Strings - B15
- 9:40-10:25- Band - B15
- 10:40-11:55 Frontend Web Development Crash Course - Rm 6
- 12:30-1:15 Elementary Art - MakerSpace
- 10:40-11:55 Frontend Web Development Crash Course - Rm 6
- 12:30-2:30 PALS - Rm 1
- 12:30-1:15 Elementary PE
- 1:50-2:40 Secondary PE
- 2:00-3:00 SSC/SGT Meeting - Rm 2
- 9:30-11:30 PALS - Auditorium
- 10:40-11:55 Frontend Web Development Crash Course - Rm 6
- 11:00-11:45 Coop Group - Chicken Coop
- 12:00-12:30 Elementary Book Club
- 12:30-1:30 Tech Exploration - Room 1
- Winter Semi-Formal
- 9:00-11:30 PALS - Auditorium
- 12:30-2:30 D&D Quest Club Auditorium
- Dec. 17 - 19 - Pajama Week
- Dec. 17 - Dining for Dollars - Chipotle
- Dec. 17 - MEA Winter Concert
- Dec 18 - MEA Farmstand
- Dec 20 - End of Month 5
- Dec 20 - End of Semester 1
- Dec 20 - Jan 6 - Winter Break Campus Closed
Clubs & Activities
Check out the week's club calendar below. For more information about clubs, check out the MEA Campus Life.
Articulation
If you have not already submitted your articulation information, please do so before the winter break.
It is time for students in grades 5-11 to plan their classes for the next school year!
Current 8th-11th Graders (Class of 2026-2029)
All current 8th -11th graders must either make an appointment (in person or online) to meet with Mr. Rubin or email course requests (arubin@sandi.net). Please reserve a conference time at this link to discuss courses for next year, graduation and college entrance requirements, and community college courses.
During their articulation meeting, incoming 9th graders and their parents can meet with Mr. Rubin to discuss a four-year plan.
Parents are encouraged to attend along with their student(s). Parents who cannot attend should review the course options with their student at home.
Students do not need to return an articulation sheet but should be prepared to share their course requests with Mr. Rubin during their appointment or by email.
If you would prefer to work with Mr. Rubin over email to select classes, please email him your requests.
Articulation Sheets:
Incoming 9th graders, Class of 2029
Incoming 10th graders, Class of 2028
Incoming 11th graders, Class of 2027
Incoming 12th graders, Class of 2026
Find all courses being offered next year and a tentative class schedule at the links below:
Sign up for an articulation meeting with Mr. Rubin (for next year's 9th-12th only).
Current 5th-7th Graders (Class of 2030-2032)
You will select your classes for the following school year through a Google Form. Mr. Rubin presented the form in Ms. Patterson's and Mr. Cate’s class. The form will be available to complete in Ms. Patterson's or Mr. Cate’s Google Classrooms and linked here.
To review the course options available to middle school students, please see the following articulation sheets:
Incoming 6th graders, Class of 2032
Incoming 7th graders, Class of 2031
Incoming 8th graders, Class of 2030
Please email Mr. Rubin if you have questions regarding scheduling.
This Week's Events
High School Winter Semi-Formal Thursday, December 12th
Calling all MEA high schoolers! The Winter Semi-Formal “Snow Ball” dance and activities will be held in the Auditorium and courtyard, on Thursday, December 12th, from 7:00-9:00 pm.
Tickets are $25 and available to purchase, students 9-12 grade sign into your school cash account. All attendees will need a completed Permission Slip. MEA students can complete theirs online while purchasing ticket(s). Non-MEA guests must complete a hard-copy of the Permission Slip (also available in the office) to participate in the event, forms can be turned in at the office or at the event.
Thank you to our sponsors TUPE for the DJ and Sprouts for the food!
Frontend Web Development Crash Course
During this fun and intensive workshop series for grades 6-12, we will explore the world of frontend web development and HTML/CSS! Upon completion, students will code their very own websites from scratch and receive a certificate and prize! Knowledge of Computer Science is incredibly beneficial in any field. HTML/CSS programming skills are outstanding for creating personal projects, useful for school, and an asset to any career! Beginners are welcome, and web dev is a great place to start! During this workshop series hosted by STEM Club, students will learn the foundations to continue coding independently or to jump into any other computer science class with experience! These workshops are hosted in light of Computer Science Education Week. We hope you join us to learn how to code a website, and we are excited to see what you create!
Sessions will be hosted from December 10-12 in Room 6 (Mr. Nielsen's Classroom). While we understand there may be schedule conflicts, please try to attend all sessions that you are available for as the content builds on itself.
Tuesday (Dec 10): 10:40-11:55 and 1:50-3:05
Wednesday (Dec 11): 10:40-11:55 and 12:30-1:45
Thursday (Dec 12): 10:40-11:55
Lunch: office hours to catch up and ask any questions
Location: Room 6 (Mr. Nielsen's Classroom)
Please sign up at this link: https://forms.gle/Uu2cCwRhWiTb83qJ7
Please reach out to Malia Wilke at maliawilke@gmail.com with any questions.
SSC/SGT Meetings
This upcoming Wednesday, December 11th, will be our next meeting and I look forward to seeing you all. SSC begins at 2pm, with SGT following. Info for both SSC and SGT can be found on our website.
Upcoming Events
🎄 HOLIDAY SPIRIT ALERT! 🎄
Calling all festive fashionistas and comfort-loving people! We've got TWO epic Spirit Weeks coming up that'll transform MEA into a holiday hilarity zone:
😴 PAJAMA PARTY PROFESSIONAL EDITION! 🛌
December 17-19: Who says comfort can't be workplace-appropriate? Bust out those fuzzy onesies, holiday-themed PJs, and flannel nightwear! Pro move: Slippers are totally acceptable, and bonus points for matching bed-head hair!
Remember: Participation is not just encouraged, it's practically a festive requirement!
Winter Concert
Our winter concert is this week Tuesday, December 17th at 6 PM. in the MEA auditorium. We’re asking the musicians to come at 5:15 Tuesday so we may tune instruments, warm up, etc. Concert dress is black and white, but students are free to embellish with any holiday hats, scarfs etc. We look forward to performing for you and bringing this holiday season to life with MEA music!
Dining for Dollars - Chipotle 🌯
Enjoy Chipotle Fundraiser before or after the Winter Concert
Date: Wednesday, December 17
Time: 4:00-8:00pm
Let’s guac and roll! MEA Foundation has partnered with Chipotle for a school fundraiser with 25% of sales donated to MEA. You can order their freshly grilled, made-to-order food in person or online with flyer.
In Person: Before you order, be sure to let the cashier know you’re there for Mt. Everest Academy (show paper or digital flyer)
Online: Use order code JJWVAJ7 with the Chipotle app or website.
It’s a win-win, help Mt Everest Academy and enjoy Mexican food fresh from the grill!
Chipotle Genesee Plaza
5650 Balboa Ave. Suite 106
858-380-2316
MEA Farmstand
Join us for our final MEA Farmstand of the 2024 year! On Wednesday, December 18 from 12 to 1 we will be at the front of school with a table full of freshly harvested produce! We will also have other items that make for wonderful gifts. All items are on a “pay how you feel” donation model, and all proceeds go directly back to supporting our abundant garden spaces. The Farmstand accepts cash and PayPal that goes into our school’s Foundation account.
April, our local honey vendor will also be available with a variety of sizes and price ranges for your honey and bee pollen cravings! These make for wonderful gifts.
Prices and sizes:
5 oz $6
10 oz $11
24 oz $18
32 oz $20
Bee pollen $7
April accepts Zelle, Venmo, and cash, and you may preorder with her Zelle and Venmo here. A portion of the proceeds from her honey sales goes into our school’s Foundation account! Support local/shop local.
Announcements
💥Mt. Everest Academy Spirit Wear💥
Are you ready to show your school spirit and snag some incredible merchandise? Now is the perfect time to dive in! Imagine wrapping yourself in warm, cozy sweaters or slipping into the softest pajama pants—there’s truly something for everyone here! And here’s the best part: every purchase you make helps lift our school programs and events, with a remarkable 20% of all sales going right back into our community! This is a limited time sale!! Don’t wait any longer; click this link and be a part of something special!
Donation to Mt. Everest Academy Foundation
As Mt. Everest Academy Foundation wraps up 2024, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support. Your generous donations throughout 2024 have made a significant difference in our students’ learning experiences. Please consider a final end-of-year gift to help us maintain our programs and continue providing a high-quality education for all. Every contribution, big or small, is greatly appreciated. Donations can be made by check, cash or PayPal. Thank you for being a part of Mt. Everest Academy community!
MEA Theatre Co. 2025 Auditions
Calling all theatre lovers! This year’s production will take place Feb. 20-22 and we need actors, stage hands, and costume designers!
- Auditions are Dec. 12 from 11-12:30. Please sign up for a time slot at this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4AADA728A2FAC07-53584026-meatco#/
- Audition Workshop Dec. 5th from 11-12 in the Auditorium
- Callbacks will be on Friday, Dec. 13 from 12:30-2.
- We need a dedicated stage manager, set designer, costume designer, and stage hands! If you are interested in any of these positions or need more info about what they entail, please email Jody Huege at jodyrh0215@gmail.com.
If you have questions about MEA Theatre, please contact Principal Browne.
Come help out at the San Diego Food Bank!
On Monday, December 16th, from 9 AM to 12 PM, we will be gathering at the Miramar Warehouse, located at 9850 Distribution Avenue, San Diego, CA 92121.
We have 12 volunteer slots available. Volunteers must be at least 11 years of age. Students aged 11-15 must be accompanied by an adult, contingent upon the number of sign-ups from this age group. Since Mr. Spiegelberg will be attending, if we have more than four students aged 11-15 participate, we will require at least one additional parent or teacher to volunteer.
Please note that one adult is required for every four children in the 11-15 age range.
Transportation will not be organized through carpooling or bus services; all participants will meet directly at the venue. Permission slips will be provided.
In addition to Mr. Spiegelberg, there may be one or two other MEA teachers present.
Although this is not a MEA-sponsored event, it provides an excellent opportunity to accumulate volunteer hours towards graduation requirements.
For further details and to complete the sign-up process, please click here and follow the attached instructions. Sign-up is open now, and must be completed by December 10, 2024 , in order to attend.
Box Tops for Education
The 2024-25 school year is in full swing. The holiday season is fast approaching. Did you know there is a way you can help support the school’s many activities with no additional cost to you? Box Tops for Education is that way. Simply use the app to scan your receipts every time you go grocery shopping at any store, from big box stores to the local market.
Yearbook Cover Contest
Students in Grades 6-12 are invited to enter their art in our yearbook cover contest. The winner will receive a free yearbook and their artwork will be displayed on the front cover! Even if your entry is not used on the cover, it may still be used in other places throughout the book.
You may submit a design that is for the front cover only or a wrap-around spread for both the front and back. Keep in mind that there is a spine roughly half an inch wide that will cut through the middle of a wrap-around design. All entries must be in digital format.
Yearbook Theme:
This year’s book doesn’t have a specific “tag line,” but the cover art should reflect the uniqueness of this school, which is unlike any other.
Tips for a Good Entry:
All entries must include Mt. Everest Academy and the school year 2024-25.
Use lots of color, including the background. Don’t leave much white space.
Do not add text too close to the edges of the page. Leave 1 inch of space around the outside edges with no text, just color/design. This will avoid print issues when the art is applied to the cover.
Submit Your Digital Art:
See this link for the specific dimensions for creating your artwork in programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator or others: size, dimensions and resolutions
Use the specs and templates for an 8 ½ x 11 Hardcover book with 92 pages (Photoshop and inDesign templates available)
Email your file to rfinney@sandi.net
All Entries Due By: January 31, 2025 (end of Month 6)
Leader in Me
Month 5 is all about Habit 4, Think Win-Win. It is a belief that there are enough good things for everyone; it is an abundant way of thinking. Think Win-Win is being happy for others when good things happen to them. I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want.
Club News
Join Us for This Week’s Civil Discourse Meeting!
This week, we’ll explore the complex question: To what extent should presidents have power, and what constitutes too much authoritative control? Presidential power, as outlined in the U.S. Constitution, includes significant authority, such as issuing pardons. But should a president exercise these powers without limits? For example, is it appropriate for a president to pardon a family member, like their son, if they have committed a crime? While pardons are a tool for justice, can using them to benefit one's family undermine public trust in the office? How do we balance the president’s powers with the need for checks and balances?
In our meetings, we create a respectful environment where everyone can share their opinions and learn from each other. Our primary goal is to help students practice summarizing different beliefs, fostering empathy and critical thinking in the process.
To prepare for our discussion, feel free to explore these resources:
https://www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/pardon-power
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/presidential-pardon-power-and-its-limitations/
https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4980951/should-presidents-have-limitations
We hope to see you there for a thoughtful and engaging conversation! If you have any questions or would like to be added to our email list, please reach out to Indigo at indigoskysong@gmail.com or Henry at henry448852@gmail.com.
Elementary Families
Digital Meet-Up Board
Calling all Elementary Families! We now have our own digital bulletin board for sharing our Meet-Ups each month! Click on the link to see the places we plan to visit! You are welcome to plan your own meet-up, large or small, or join one that has already been organized. Be sure to give your contact information in the comment section so the organizers can reach those families who are interested in attending.
https://padlet.com/bkielty/mea-elementary-meet-ups-bm0xc8x7lp3pdjn
High School
Spotlight
Students showcased their art and participated in a variety of winter themed art and STEAM crafts.
Staff, Students, and Families came out for the annual MEA on Ice.
Spotlight Submissions
We love seeing students in action and showcasing all the amazing MEA events happening on and off campus. If you have a student or event that you would like to spotlight, please submit a Monday Message using the Google form.
Community Events
Community Events are not sponsored by Mt. Everest Academy
Connect and MOVE Bulletin
If you are seeking opportunities to connect, engage, and with other families in the MEA Community, we invite you to explore the private electronic bulletin board. We encourage you to share any local activities or events that you and fellow MEA students and families may enjoy together. Please note that these activities are not sponsored by Mt. Everest Academy.
Please send any information for the Monday Message using the Google form by end of day Thursday for upcoming message. If you have any question please contact Mrs. Keck at mkeck@sandi.net.