Monday Message
September 15, 2025
The third annual MEA Summit is happening on campus on Friday, Sept. 19. With the goal of building community and fueling inspiration, this year we are going all out!
Friday, September 19
8:30am-12pm - Middle School (grades 6-8)
10:15am- 1:30pm - High School (grades 9-12)
- New activities led by Believe It. Achieve It!
- Guest speaker, Shelby Stanger, adventure journalist and author of Will to Wild
- Awesome Brunch donated by Breakfast Republic!
*This is a required event for all students in grades 6-12
Please mark your calendars for the Fall Counselor Meetings.
Class of 2026 (12th grade), please join Mr. Rubin in the auditorium on Thursday, 9/25/2025, at lunch (noon) for pizza and information regarding college applications, SAT, financial aid, and much, much more.
Class of 2027(11th grade), your meeting is on Wednesday, 9/24/2025, during lunch (noon) in the auditorium. Topics include SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, the college application process, and other post-secondary options. There will also be pizza for you :)
Both presentations will be made available on the Mt. Everest website after the meetings.
MEA will host the PSAT/NMSQT exam at NO COST for all juniors on October 6th.
If you are interested in testing, please fill out this form no later than September 26: https://forms.gle/muBzNNyDwb7Wo1HE6
Final details about exam day will be sent to you by the end of September.
Why take the exam?
Access scholarships
Practice for the real SAT Digital exam - same app used for SAT/AP
It is FREE and hosted during the school day
More details here - https://sites.google.com/sandi.net/advancedstudiestoolboxstudents/advanced-studies/exams-assessments/psatnmsqt
Charleston Wrap Fundraiser
We need your participation!
Help ASB with a schoolwide fundraising campaign that starts now. Every Mt. Everest student can take part and win prizes! Every purchase gives 30-40% back to ASB. ASB supports school events and activities for all students K-12.
Just register, and help us out by sharing with friends and family—encourage them to shop our fundraising online catalog so we can all succeed together!
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 hoodie 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 ending September 23rd! Shop now to show your spirit!
September Farmstand
The September MEA Farmstand will be at the front of school on Wednesday 9/24 from 12-1.
Our honey vendor, April, will also be setting up her booth. Please join us in shopping fresh and local, and supporting our thriving MEA garden spaces! Many items are offered on a donation basis, and we accept cash and PayPal. April accepts other forms of payment for the honey and bee pollen.
Grab some seasonal items while we have them!
Family Game Night (K-12)
Grab your friends and family and get ready for a game-filled evening! 🎮🎲 From classic board games and giant Jenga to epic D&D adventures and Exploding Kittens, there’s something for everyone. If video games are your jam, jump in for some Mario Kart showdowns with your crew. Play, laugh, and level up the fun!
K-5 students must attend with a parent/guardian. Students in grades 6-12 need a permission slip if attending unaccompanied.
When: Thursday, September 25th, 5-7 pm
Where: In and around the auditorium
Dining for dollars at Chipotle is happening that night as well so no need to worry about cooking- Pick up your food beforehand and bring it with you if you want! (25% gets donated back to MEA)
Elementary Dance & Middle School Social
K-8 students, get ready for a day of fun, dancing, and laughter at our Fall Ball Dance and Social on Thursday, October 9th.
- Elementary students, join us for a Family Dance from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. All students must be accompanied by a parent, and siblings are welcome to join in the fun.
- Middle Schoolers can hit the dance floor, socialize with friends, and enjoy some outdoor games at the Fall Social from 3:15 PM to 4:30 PM.
- We'll keep everyone energized with some light refreshments and endless fun.
- All students please complete this RSVP form to reserve your spot. Middle schoolers will also find their permission slips linked inside.
Sewing Workshop
Are you interested in learning basic sewing life skills?
The MakerSpace will be hosting a sewing orientation workshop for secondary students late September. Learn about sewing machines and make a fun tote bag. Please fill out the google form in the link for scheduling.
Jam Band Starts THIS Wed.
Jam Band is starting on Sept. 17! We are a club that makes various types of music, led by a famous San Diego musician, Mark Fischer. We welcome anyone who is passionate about music, regardless of experience level or instrument.
When: 1:50-3:05 on Wednesdays (except turn-in week)
Where: Room B15
Ocean Conservation Club
Ocean Conservation Club (formerly Environmental Alliance) invites you to give your input on beach cleanup dates, times, and locations for the coming school year.
Please fill out the Google Form THIS WEEK and share with your friends. These are NOT Mt. Everest Academy sponsored field trips. The more responses we get, the better possibilities for this year.
Follow us on Instagram @mteverestocc or our Google Classroom (code: 7qmqpub) for meeting times, cleanup dates, and more!
Coop Group
Passionate about animals or ecology? Coop Group leads the upkeep of our resident hen Cleopatra’s enclosure. It's also a great way to make friends and learn some interesting things about chicken husbandry! Come join us! Coop Group is open to all students grades 6-12.
When: Every Tuesday, 8:30- 9 am, Where: Outside the chicken coop by Room 14
Mathcounts Club & Competition
Hey Middle Schoolers (6th–8th grade)!
Love a good challenge? Join us for Mathcounts—a fun math competition with 4 exciting rounds: Sprint, Target, Team, and Countdown!
Our club is all about solving problems, sharpening skills, and having fun while getting ready for competition.
When: Thursdays, 1:20–2:00pm (except turn-in week)
Where: Parent Room
Come be part of the MEA Math Team—let’s problem-solve together!
Ink and Insight Readers (Grades 4-5) Starts THIS Wed.
Love reading? 4th and 5th grade students are invited to join our engaging Elementary Reading Program "Ink and Insights" starting Sept. 17!
During our meetings we will discuss grade appropriate Newberry Award winning books.
When: Wednesdays (biweekly) starting 09/17/25 at 12:00-12:30pm
Where: Elementary Playground
Elementary PE (Grades 2-5)
We are thrilled to offer an elementary level physical education class again this year! Whether you are a student eager to stay active with classmates and friends, looking for a safe way to learn a new sport, and/or looking to have some fun, MEA PE is the class for you!
PE Enrichment is not just about physical activity, it's about fostering a lifelong love for movement, teamwork, and healthy living. Our mission is to create an environment where every student can thrive physically, socially, and mentally. For more information and how to sign up see the MEA 2-5 site here.
Music with Mr. Johnson (K-8)
Classes with Mr. Johnson have started! All students K-8 are welcome to join. Please see the new music class schedule here.
Students in grades 10-12 are welcome to apply for MEA's Chapter of the National Honor Society. Applicants must have been enrolled for a full semester at MEA prior to the application deadline and have a current GPA of 3.5 or higher. There is no cost to apply, and students who are inducted may gain access to NHS scholarship opportunities.
Please complete the NHS Application by October 24th. (MUST open with your sandi.net account) If you have any question, please see or email Mr. Cate.
Note: Students who've already been accepted into MEA NHS need not reapply.
Our tutoring center/study hall formerly known as PALS has gotten a glow up and a new name! 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
BASE Camp will begin this week on Wednesday Aug. 27 in the auditorium and will be available:
- Wednesdays 12:30-2:30
- Thursdays 9:30 - 11:30
- Fridays 9-11:30
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.
Are you in grade 9-12 and interested in being a tutor and have not been trained? Please see Ms. Starr and let her know or email her at vstarr@sandi.net. A tutor training will be scheduled soon!
For more information about BASE Camp, check out the BASE Camp website.
Did you Miss School Photos?
Students, if you missed the scheduled picture day, drop in to Mrs. Finney's Room 11 this week to have your school photo taken. Photos will be used for student IDs, the yearbook, and to update school files. It is essential that the school has updated student photos in the case of emergencies.
If you do not wish to have your student pictured in future school publications (Yearbook, Monday Messages, etc.), please notify the Front Office.
2025-26 Yearbooks on Sale Now
This year’s yearbook staff is ready to create a great yearbook for you!
Purchase your copy NOW to receive a 10% discount off of the $35.27 cost!
Yearbooks must be purchased by the end of September for the discount.
🌱 MEA Wellness Committee – Seeking Parents & Students! 🌱
Join our School Site Wellness Committee to share ideas and help guide our next wellness focus. Past initiatives have earned us America’s Healthiest Schools recognition year after year!
The committee includes teachers, staff, parents, students, and community members, who advise, advocate and take action on our school’s health and wellness initiatives.
We meet just four times a year (schedule TBD).
Your voice can make a difference—come help our community thrive! 🌟
Please email committee chairperson Rachel Finney if you are interested in joining us.
Leader in Me
This school year our school will continue to focus on Leader in Me and the 7 Habits of highly effective kids and teens. Check the Monday Message each month for the monthly focus and what you can do at home to support your child.
During month 2, we are zeroing in on Habit 1, Be Proactive. Student will be able to explain the value of a growth mindset and the importance of focusing on their Circle of Control.
The elementary classes and MS AVID classes are doing lessons with your students in class and assigned at home.
Here is a link to family activities you can incorporate into your home.
Spring Break Trip to Europe (not affiliated with MEA)
We're excited to announce that Mr. Spiegelberg will be leading a group of students on a once‐in‐a‐lifetime educational tour to Switzerland, Bavaria & Austria in the spring of 2026. This trip offers a wealth of opportunities for learning outside the classroom and personal growth. Please go to the following website to see trip information, itinerary details, and to enroll for our trip.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out dspiegelberg@sandi.net
Satisfy your cravings and join friends for dinner on Sept. 24 at Chipotle. 25% of proceeds go toward programs at MEA. Be sure to click the link and show the flyer.
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.
Girls Inspiring Real Leadership in STEAM Conference
Middle and High School students: Thinking about a future in STEM? Check out the 11th Annual Girls Inspiring Real Leadership in STEAM (G.I.R.L.S.) Conference hosted by Eastlake High's Titanbot Team.
Don’t miss robots in action, an egg drop challenge, STEM professionals panel, and a free lunch with awesome women in STEM. For more information see the G.I.R.L.S. Conference webpage or email swenext@titanbot.org
Event Details
Where: Eastlake Middle School pavilion; 900 Duncan Ranch Road, Chula Vista 91914
When: Sat, Sept 20th; 9 am – 2pm
Who: Students in grades 6 – 12
To Register: To attend the event in person, complete this form. Virtual attendance is open to the public.
UCSD STEM Classes for High School Students
High School Students (Grades 10-12). Love STEM? Are you interested in taking a challenging class through UCSD Research Scholars? Check out this cool opportunity earn pre-college units and study Bioinformatics or Marine Biology. Apply by Sept. 24.
FREE Heart Screenings for Teens- Oct. 5
Did you know that Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the #1 cause of death in school aged children in the US? Heart screenings can help prevent this tragedy!
The Eric Paredes Save a Life Foundation is offering FREE Heart Screenings for young people aged 12-25 at Hoover High School on October 5th. Licensed Cardiologists will offer ECG and potential echocardiogram (if necessary). You must sign up, but the screening is free of charge! (You must make an appointment and bring the permission slip). Check out the website for more details.
