Monday Message
November 17, 2025
Ms. Battin teaches 3rd–5th grade and loves being part of the MEA family. “I’ve always been a proponent of schools that do things differently since my own 3 kids all learn in different ways—that’s one aspect that makes MEA so special to me.” she says.
She’s especially grateful to have her 5th graders for the third year in a row. “We’re like a little family,” she says. Building close relationships with students and families is one of her favorite parts of teaching.
Ms. Battin’s favorite subjects to teach are science and writing. Her students practice paragraph writing, Socratic seminars, and collaborative discussions to build strong communication skills.
🎉 Take a Break — It’s Not That Deep!
Need a break during this Turn-In Week? Join us for “It’s Not That Deep” — a wellness lunch event Month 4 Week 3 (Nov. 18–20)! Enjoy pickleball, spike ball, and music on the courts or board games in Ms. Keck’s room. Come reset, recharge, and have fun! 😌🏓🎶🎲
When? November 18, 19, and 20 at lunch
Where? Black top and Room 1
5th annual Pumpkin Succulent Workshop- Join us!
Get creative & make your own pumpkin succulent centerpiece — perfect fall décor or a thoughtful gift!
Choose one session:
🗓 Wednesday, Nov. 19 or Thursday, Nov. 20
🕛 12:00–1:30 PM in the MakerSpace
Please arrive before 1:15 PM so you have time to start your project. A $5 donation is encouraged to help cover materials (pumpkins, moss, and glue sticks). All supplies will be provided!
K–2 students should be accompanied by a parent or guardian, as hot glue guns will be used.
Food Drive- Donate by THIS Friday, Nov. 21
Many individuals and families in our community are struggling right now. You can make a difference by providing essential food to those who need it most.
Items most in need:
Canned meats, Chili, Ravioli, Soups
Peanut butter, Oatmeal
Pasta sauce, beans, rice
Canned Vegetables and fruits
Shelf-stable milk or powdered milk
Please NO: Glass jars or homemade items
Hosted By: ASB & the San Diego Food Bank
Drop donations in the Front Office
THANK YOU to all who've already donated generously!
Blanket Drive - Now through December 4
Girl Scout Troop #4662 is collecting blankets to donate to San Diegans in need.
Please donate new or gently used blankets to help bring warmth to our community.
A collection box is in the front office.
Donations will be managed by 3rd grader Daisey (and her mom Stephanie.)
Join Peak Pals—Build Connections and Community
The Lighthouse Team invites all grades to buddy up & build connections in our new program, Peak Pals!
Join us! Older students can sign up to be matched with a younger buddy and exchange monthly letters. After a few months of notes, we’ll bring everyone together for a special meet-up so younger students can finally meet their Peak Pals. Use this link to get paired!
See's Candies Holiday Fundraiser - All money raised goes to MEA ASB to support school events 🤩🤩🤩
When? Now through December 4th!
Family and friends can place orders online or using the paper form. (Shipping fee applies to all online orders)
Paper orders will delivered to MEA the week of December 8th to pick up before winter break.
Please note: Checks should be made payable to MEA ASB.
Check out MEA's See's Online Store today!
Box Tops for Education
Make the busy holiday shopping season count! Check out new bonus offers that can make your fall holiday shopping earn more. Every purchase helps our school when you use Box Tops for Education — Just scan your receipt. Click on the image for more information! Thanks for participating!
Winter Wonderfun and 4th Annual Pop-Up Art Show
Save the date! Our Winter Wonderfun Celebration and Art Show is happening on Wednesday, December 3rd in the Auditorium from 12:00 to 2:30.
Come on by and check out some of the amazing creations made by the students here at M.E.A. There will be stations set-up for making projects, and we will have work on display from several of our classes. If you can make it at lunch time, the illustrious M.E.A. Jam Band will also be performing
We look forward to seeing you all there!!
❄️High School Winter Semi-Formal Thursday, December 11th ❄️
Calling all MEA high schoolers! The Winter Semi-Formal dance and activities will be held in the Auditorium and courtyard, on Thursday, December 11th, from 7:00-9:00 pm. Tickets are $20 through December 5th. Ticket prices will increase to $25 on Saturday, December 6th. No tickets will be sold the day of the dance. Each student may bring one non-MEA student. Enjoy light refreshments, music and games. Attire is semi-formal, but make sure to wear something you can dance in!
Tickets are 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 permission s 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.
Get Ready for the Knick-Knack Exchange
Got a few Knick-knacks collecting dust? Bring them to our Knick-Knack Exchange! At our Take 1, Leave 1 event, your unused item becomes someone's new treasure! Hosted by the Green Club and the Key Club.
NOTE: No clothing please.
When? Dec 16, 17 and 18 at Lunch
Where? In the Back of Auditorium
Winter Concert
MEA's Winter Concert is coming up!
We look forward to performing for you and bringing this holiday season to life with music!
When? Tuesday, Dec 16th, 6 pm
Where? Auditorium
Musicians: Please arrive at 5:15 to tune instruments, warm up, etc. Concert dress is black and white, but feel free to embellish with holiday hats, scarfs etc.
Questions? Contact moloughlin5678@gmail.com
See you there!
Are you able and willing to assist MEA students in gaining career awareness and work experience opportunities? If so, please fill out this interest form. Please share this opportunity with friends, family, co-workers, etc. who may be interested.
We appreciate your help and support in helping our students find their passions and explore career pathways!
Please join us for a Foundation meeting.
When? Wednesday, December 3rd
Where? Maker Space, Room 7 or Virtually
Interested in helping the Foundation this year? We'll have an informal chat starting at 2:45. Stop by to discuss opportunities. The formal meeting begins at 3:30 in Maker Space, Room 7.
Please email kkrampe@sandi.net with any questions.
Plein Air Painting Meetup Month Four!
Where? La Jolla Cove Lifeguard Tower.
When? The first Saturday of Thanksgiving Break, November 22.
Come out to paint the gorgeous scenery from 10-11:30, or just to walk with us along the Coastal Trail from 11:30-12:30. Supplies will be provided, and all skill levels are welcome. Please bring your own chairs.
All parents are welcome, but parents of students under 16 are strongly encouraged to attend. Please note: This is a meetup event. All parents are solely responsible for their children. This event will be in an urban environment without dedicated adult supervision. If that makes you or your teen uncomfortable, please plan on attending with your teen. All teens are expected to stay with the group at all times and behave respectfully.
BASE Camp will meet this week:
- Wednesday 12:30-2:30, AUDITORIUM
- Thursday 9:30 - 11:30, AUDITORIUM
- Friday 9-11:30, AUDITORIUM
BASE Camp is a great place for:
- students to receive tutoring from older students
- students to work on group/collaborative projects
- students to work on their own or with a friend
Don't be shy! Come check us out and find success at BASE Camp!
Parents/Guardians of students in grades K-5 should complete the CHECK-IN form when signing your student in at BASE Camp so tutors can best support your student.
For more information about BASE Camp, check out the BASE Camp website.
November Family Wellness Newsletter
Take a look at this month's newsletter!
Read about Fun Ways to Get Involved in Your Community, Food Resources, and Family Conversation Starters and Pledges. Make family wellness a priority during these holiday months.
Ice Skating at Liberty Station
Don't miss this year's MEA Ice Skating Day at Liberty Station! We will meet at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 5. Discounted group rate is $15.
To purchase the ticket, please log in https://www.schoolcashonline.com/. The ticket item is available under your student's name. Buy your ticket by midnight on Thursday, Dec. 4th to take advantage of the group discount!
NOTE: This is not a school-sponsored event. There will be no supervision by MEA staff. Please plan accordingly.
Purchase Your Yearbook
The yearbook crew is busy capturing all the best moments of the year — just for you!
Applications Open for California Teen Poet Laureate
The California Arts Council (CAC) announces an open call for teen creative writers ages 13 to 19 to apply to be Cailfornia's first-ever Teen Poet Laureate. This young artist will serve a two-year term as an ambassador for young voices and represent the state and the CAC at events, with opportunities to work with state and local government offices. This is a paid position with a $10,000 annual stipend. Visit the program website for complete details. The application period closes Nov. 30.
Thanksgiving Tips From From Civil Discourse For Dealing with "That" Relative
1. Have innocuous conversation topics prepared to carry you through the day.
2. Know your triggers and think about how you will respond to them just in case they come up. Or be proactive and ask in advance not to discuss certain topics.
3. Take breaks. The bathroom is an easy refuge for a quick breather. A short walk is a great way to reset. Offer to help in the kitchen.
4. Change the topic. If it's getting contentious, you can simply say, "I'm not ready/interested/informed enough to talk about that. But, I meant to ask you about how your work/vacation/school/etc. is going."
5. Have a positive attitude and realistic expectations going in. "That" relative isn't trying to ruin your day.
Articles to peruse:
State Seal of Civic Engagement
In September 2020, California introduced a way for sophomores, juniors and seniors to earn a special recognition called the State Seal of Civic Engagement. If you qualify and complete a civic engagement project, you’ll get a special seal on your diploma that shows your dedication and achievement on applications for colleges and career education programs.
Learn more about how to apply and earn the Seal.
Applications for the Fall Semester are due 12/19/25.
Please reach out to Mr. Cate for any questions.
Pronto Passes
Papa John's Fundraiser (Online through 12/30/25)
Dining for Dollars: Papa John's Restaurant chain has an online fundraising code that will save you money on regular priced items and raise money for MEA. You can use this promo code: MTEVEREST, any time of day in most Papa Johns' locations in San Diego County. See the flyer for details.
