February 2024

Message From The Principal:

Mead Learning Options Families,

It’s hard to believe the school year is already halfway over!  This year our students have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their personal growth. We are proud of the academic, social and emotional, and behavioral milestones they have reached.  From mastering new concepts to engaging in thought-provoking discussions, each student’s journey is a testament to their hard work and the support of our dedicated educators. 

Well done students and staff!!

As we look forward to the second semester, we are excited about the opportunities for continued learning, exploration and collaboration.  Our team is committed to providing a nurturing and challenging environment that fosters the academic and personal development of each student.

We are grateful for the ongoing support and involvement of our parents and the broader community.  Your partnership is crucial to the success of our students, and we appreciate the collaborative spirit that makes Mead Learning Options a truly special place for learning and growth.

To stay informed on the latest news and events at Mead Learning Options, please follow us on Facebook and regularly check our school website. We encourage open communication and welcome your feedback as we strive to create the best possible learning experience for our students.

Thank you for being part of the Mead Learning Options family.  Wishing everyone a successful and inspiring second semester!

Warm Regards,

Mr. Edwards

Principal

Mead Learning Options

Nick.edwards@mead354.org

Reminder About Mead School District Technology  Agreement: Please read through the following information regarding the use of district technology.  This includes any district owned device including, but not limited to District email, Chromebooks, Ipads, etc. 

i. Kindness is rule #1–one-on and offline

                   ~ Would your mom/dad think it was funny?

                   ~ Would you want it on a billboard in your front yard?

                  ~If you wouldn't do it with your teacher watching–don’t do it

                   ~You may not threaten, embarrass, bully or intimidate others.

       ~You may not swear or use vulgarities or any other language

      ~You may not cheat, make money or cause any kind of trouble.

ii. Permanence

                   ~ It doesn’t ever get erased

                   ~ The district and your teachers can find it

                   ~ It can pop up 20 years from now and embarrass you

                   ~ A hack or workaround is eventually discovered

iii. Consequences

                   ~ You/your parents signed a contract to use the

                      Devices and Wi-Fi at Mead. 

                   “I understand and agree my child will abide by

                    Mead School District’s Policy and Procedure 2022

                    on Electronic Resources.”

                     A student's access to electronic resources may be

                    abridged if he/she fails to abide by Mead School District’s

                    Policy and Procedure 2022 and Electronic Resources.

                     Anything on your device is not private—at all.

iv. Learning Process

Maybe you made some of these mistakes, thinking it was funny, or not realizing how serious it is. Coming forward to own your mistake and work to make it right is far less stressful and strict than having the district call you and your parents about such a problem. We are here to help you learn.

COUNSELING SECTION

We are thrilled to congratulate Olivia, a recent graduate, on her remarkable achievement! Olivia is set to spread her culinary wings as she heads to Spain for a prestigious position at an elite culinary school.

Her dedication and talent have not only brought her success but have also set the stage for an exciting chapter ahead. Join us in celebrating Olivia's achievements and wishing her the very best in this new culinary journey. Here's to delicious creations and international success!

In these challenging times, your well-being matters. If you or a fellow student ever need someone to talk to or support for your mental health, don't hesitate to reach out. Our counseling services are here for you. Your feelings are valid, and seeking help is a sign of strength. We're in this together, and together, we can navigate the path to well-being. You're not alone.

Creating a safe space is a shared responsibility, and if you find yourself dealing with bullying or witness it happening around you, let us know. The counseling department is here to support you through any challenges you might be facing. Your well-being matters, and by speaking up, you're helping us build a more caring and respectful community for everyone. Reach out – we're ready to listen and take action. Together, we can foster an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

SPED TEAM:

Greetings from your special education team!

We are looking forward to the start of a new semester and continued growth from our students. We would like to make sure that anyone who might need to contact us has our information:

Onsite Resource Teacher : Tess Baldwin (tess.baldwin@mead354.org)

Resource Teacher: Tarah Martin (tarah.martin@mead354.org

Online MVP Resource Teacher: Sonja Svennungsen (sonja.svennungsen.mead354.org)

 Speech Language Pathologist:Olivia Knutson (olivia.knutson@mead354.org)

Physical Therapy: Sara Kenney (sara.kenney@mead354.org)

Occupational Therapy: Dawn Belding-Wilson

(Dawn.Belding-Wilson@mead354.org)

Please feel free to contact any of us if you have questions or concerns about your student who already receives services or your interest in having a special education referral and potential evaluation.  Thank you!

MEAD VIRTUAL PROGRAM

Please add this important date to your calendar.  We have an assembly - parents/families are welcome to attend - where students will receive information about important high school graduation requirements, as well as connect with programs like Running Start and NewTech/Skills Center. 

The assembly begins at 9:00 AM . This assembly will be best in person, but in case you can not make it to campus, here is a Zoom Link: https://mead354-org.zoom.us/j/83185169248

MEAD OUTDOOR SCHOOL

3-5 Science Learns about Forces

MOS students have been learning about forces and motion during these cold winter months. First, they created pinecone catapults out of sticks. Later, they used a pumpkin slingshot.

MOS “Flat Owl” Visits Antarctica, Japan, Australia, and Austria

Ever heard of "Flat Stanley?" Now meet "Flat Owl." Students at Mead Outdoor School are studying world history this year and hope to send their school mascot on adventures around the world to as many countries, states, landmarks, businesses as possible. To help our little owls learn about the world please download one of our mascots below and take a picture. Send the picture and a brief description of the location to kirsten.erickson@mead354.org. Then reach out to a friend or two and spread the word! You can see where our owl has flown at https://sites.google.com/mead354.org/mossocialstudies/flat-owl

High School Informational Assembly

Eighth Graders and parents/families are encouraged to attend - students will receive information about important high school graduation requirements, as well as connect with programs like Running Start and NewTech/Skills Center. 

The assembly begins at 9:00 AM at the PLC gym. In case you can not make it to campus, here is a Zoom Link: https://mead354-org.zoom.us/j/83185169248

FIVE MILE PRAIRIE

Five Mile Elementary

Wow!  We are halfway through the year! We have had such a great year so far and are looking forward to continuing our year with engaging learning, uplifting community, and of course fun!

Five Mile Middle-

Welcome to the second semester!  I love fresh starts.  

Here are the important dates:

MAP Data - will be sent home with your child Tuesday January 30th.

2/7 Wednesday  -    8th grade students and parents -  Getting ready for High School Assembly 9:00-10:30.  Be watching your email for a letter from Mrs. Warren.

2/15 Advisory/Spirit Day:  CRAZY HAIR DAY.

Can you out do Mrs. Warren?!?!

Reports cards will be mailed out by the end of February.

Five Mile High School

Wednesday, February 7th - Advisory and Assembly

Please add this important date to your calendar.  We have an assembly that begins at 9:00 am - parents/families are welcome to attend - where students will receive information about important high school graduation requirements, as well as connect with programs like Running Start and NewTech/Skills Center.

This day will also be our February Advisory meeting, so please make sure to attend on this day (school starts at 8:45 am with a modified schedule and time in all class periods).  Contact your Advisor for more information and/or if you do not attend a full day of on-site classes.

Earbuds/headphones NOT welcome

Within our school’s no cell phone policy, we also address electronics - like AirPods, Bluetooth earbuds, and headphones - which are NOT permitted to be used during the school day.  This has become a distraction that interferes with teachers’ instructional time, and we ask that these items not be brought or used at school.

March Madness Food Drive

FMHS leadership students are organizing a food drive for all on-site MLO students; they will compete by Advisor or Mentor Teacher to collect the highest number of non-perishable food items starting on March 3rd.  

Please begin collecting items at home, and look for more information about the MLO March Madness Food Drive to be shared in the next newsletter!

NORTH STAR

Dear, dear families- It is a new semester—another chance to connect and refocus on your why. We are so grateful to be partnering with you in this joyful homeschool journey.

Homeschoolers work every day to build a strong family culture of learning and love.

As the second semester begins, please remember the most important truth: 

A successful homeschool is a place where 

children know how to love, 

and know in their bones

that they are loved. 

So…let’s all strive to keep first things first; simplify; focus on connection before content; build a little bit at a time, listen attentively, be faithful in the small things; focus on the good and lead with love. We honor you.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

2/5- Progress Week - No Clubs

    Dyslexia Screener K-1 (during clubs this month)

    ART SHOW Exhibit (all month)

2/12-14- Clubs 

2/19-22

2/19 -MON President’s Day NO SCHOOL

 2/22 -Clubs on WED only (Coffee and Conversations 9:00 am)

2/26-28 -Clubs (Coffee and Conversations 9:00 am)

SAVE THE DATE! Curriculum Fair and Ordering Event

3/13 Curriculum Fair K-8; 9-11:30 (Activities for students 9-11:30. Dismissal at 11:30 No Clubs)

Parents will get to review a nice selection of popular materials and place their orders for the following year. More information to follow.

Homeschool Skiing: Mt. Spokane 

HomeSchoolSki is a parent/guardian chaperoned ski/snowboarding event organized by HomeSchoolSki.net and Mt Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park.

Homeschool families, siblings, friends are welcome to join in on this fun family day! 

Every Thursday for 10 weeks

Jan. 11, 18, 25  Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29  Mar. 7, 14 9am - 8:45pm 

Northwest Rockies 5th Grade Ski Free Passport Program.

3 days of FREE skiing or snowboarding at each participating ski area for 5th grade students. It’s called the 5th Grade Ski Free Passport Program. It doesn’t matter where you live, as long as the child is in 5th grade they can ski or ride for free at any of the participating Ski the NW Rockies areas (3 FREE days). It becomes available in October.

This passport program will also include special deals on equipment rentals, lessons and other activities. Some of the ski resorts might even have specials for parents and siblings of the 5th grader, too! It does say that it could take up to 2 weeks to receive the pass.

Here are the participating resorts::

• 49 Degrees North – Chewelah, WA
• Lookout Pass – Mullan, ID 
• Mt. Spokane – Mead, WA
• Silver Mountain – Kellogg, ID 
• Loup Loup – Okanogan, WA

Upcoming Events: