Monday Message
November 10, 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.
She brings a wealth of experience to MEA! After earning her Biology degree from UC Riverside, she completed her master's and doctorate in at SDSU. She’s also taught in the San Diego Community College system. With a background in kinesiology, anatomy, and coaching women’s soccer, she brings positive energy to PE. “It’s all about building lifelong skills—staying strong, having fun, and enjoying movement over competition,” she says.
Outside of school, Ms. Battin loves hiking, golfing, camping, and playing pickleball with her family (She got MEA’s courts painted last year!). She also plays bass, and her family loves performing live music together. Her favorite holiday is St. Patrick’s Day—she celebrates with limericks, live Irish music and a massive feast of stew, corned beef, shepherd’s pie, and her family’s famous mint chocolate cream cake.
Think Fast! Trivia Time!
Join us in the auditorium for a fun trivia Kahoot! From random facts to school secrets, we'll cover it all. Snacks will be provided for all and the top 3 contestants will win a pizza certificate!
When? Nov. 12 & 13 , at lunch 12:00 - 12:30
Where? The Auditorium
For more information, contact Luke Steel.
Food Drive- Now through 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
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.)
See's Candies Holiday Fundraiser - All money raised goes to MEA ASB to support school events 🤩🤩🤩
When? Now through December 4th!
Students will receive info packets from their teachers. Family and friends can place orders online or using the paper form. (A shipping fee applies to all online orders)
Parents, please assist younger children with taking 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!
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.
🎉 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
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
Attention: Plein Air Painting Club
Plein Air Club is meeting this Friday from 10-11:30!
Our location will be posted in the office Friday by 10 am.
Mt. Everest Academy new CLIMB Program: Industry Professional Interest Form
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!
Elementary Highlight: Native American Heritage Days
We were excited to welcome back Cathleen Wallace from the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians. Cathleen is Luiseño and a member of the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians. She is dedicated to the preservation of the Luiseño language and culture.
Last week, our students were captivated by Cathleen as she told stories passed along by her ancestors and brought in authentic Native American artifacts, crafts and games. Students made clay pots, played authentic Native American games, and used hand pumps to make holes in shells for necklaces. It was a great way to learn more about our local Native American tribe.
BASE Camp will meet this week:
- Wednesdays 12:30-2:30, AUDITORIUM
- Thursdays 9:30 - 11:30, AUDITORIUM
- Fridays 9-11:30, Rm. 2 (Mr. Meyer's Rm)
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.
Purchase Your Yearbook
The yearbook crew is busy capturing all the best moments of the year — just for you!
Korea and Japan Trip- Summer 2027!
We’re going to Korea and Japan in Summer 2027!
See the attached QR code or contact Mrs. Ogo (Room 3) for more information.
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.
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.
