Mesa Academy Newsletter Team
November 2023
- Oct. 6- HalfDay
- Early Dismiss Fall Break
- Monday off for students
- Fun Run
Principla’s Message
November was full of fun! Our Prep, Intermediate, and Advanced orchestras gave us beautiful performances. All grade levels learned about the No Place for Hate pledge as our school works towards becoming an official member. Prospective new families were welcomed by many of our Knights and had the opportunity to see how special the Academy is. At the very end of the month our bands held their concert. As of press time the concert had not yet occurred. But it is safe to assume that it was great! Lastly, our many, many Battle of the Books teams faced off to demonstrate their knowledge. Like all of our Knights, they were truly impressive!- Nikki Wilfert
Events
12/8-10: Band & Orchestra Disneyland Trip 12/21: Free Time Activity 4th-5th Grades 8:45-9:15 am
12/12: Westwood Feeder Band Concert 12/21: Free Time Activity 6th-8th Grades 9:30-10 am
12/15: ONLINE REGISTRATION FORMS DUE 12/21: Last Day of Fall Semester- 2 hr. Early Release
12/18: Holiday Music Assembly (8:20am-9am, 9:15-9:55am Winter Break: 12/22-1/9 (Tuesday)
I.B. Update
The aim of all IB programs is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world. As IB learners, we strive to be inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective. In September, each teacher nominated one homerorom student that understands and appreciates their own culture and personal history, and is open to the perspectives, values, and traditions of other individuals and communities. This student is accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view and is willing to grow from the experience. The following are our November I.B. Communicator Students: Saraphina Zhao, Ronin Chlarson, Violet Gibson, Elijah Shaw, Camille Spetz, Melanie Wong, Ethan Reeves, Jackson Davis, Olivia Merrill, Ezra Johnson, Keira Stimmler, Sophia Doula, Skye (Ruby) Matosevic, Bentlee Williams, and Kaleah Turner.
From our Instructional Coach, Mrs. Lewis
IB Learner Profile: Knowledgeable
The IB Learner profile aims to develop students who are knowledgeable. Students who are knowledgeable explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In doing so, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.
How can parents help to develop students who are knowledgeable at home?
- Encourage your child to be aware of current events by watching the news or reading news articles when appropriate.
- Explore connections between the area of interest and o ther topics.
- When your child asks a question, encourage them to seek the answer out rather than giving them the answer.
- Ask your child about what they are learning in school and engage them in conversations about it.
- Foster areas of interest that your child displays though books, outings and activities.
Ask:
- "Why do you think that is important to know?"
- "Can you think of anything that's happening today that might be similar to...?"
- "What does that make you think of?"
- "Does that remind you of anything else you've learned?"
A huge thank you to our amazing PTO for a wonderful November. PTO did a great job decorating our MPR with flags and beautiful flower arrangements. But that wasn’t all! Our Knights were entertained with a whole week of music by our very own D.J. Mr. Chris. PTO kindly donated 2 donut parties to our Canned Food Homeroom winners, Mrs. Boesch and Ms. Hayward. They ended the month by awarding all of our Knights with icy tropical popsicles for meeting their canned food drive goal. We are so thankful for all PTO does for our students and our staff.
NJHS
This month our NJHS club members and PTO kicked off the month with our Hero’s Breakfast. We took the time to honor our Veterans and First Responders' Family members by hosting a special breakfast and a great music concert. Our band, orchestra, and choir entertained our special guests with patriotic music. Our Knights shared why their guests are their heroes. From hosting our first Heroes Breakfast and our annual Prospective Family Night to our Canned Food Drive. Our NJHS Students gave back to their community in many ways. Our members were busy counting cans and hanging student art-work in November. Our Knights donated over 600 non-perishable food items to our local food bank.
Extra-Curricular Sporst with MPS
Battle of The Books
On November 16th, the Battle of the Books had its first of four battles. It is a thrilling contest where numerous teams of three fifth or sixth-graders are tested on their knowledge of the selected books. This battle had the books Danger in the Desert by Terri Fields, El Deafo by Cece Bell, Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine, and The Tale of Despereaux. Out of 21 participating teams, 1 and 17 are in the lead! The team consists of Aidan Irwin, Caden Baker, and John Ligas on team one. Then Bentlee Williams, Peyton Weaver, and Jane Taylor were on team 17. Keep going knights, you got this!
Extra Curricular
CHESS CLUB
Congratulations to Thelo for taking 1st Place in our Fall Semester Chess Tournament and to Ethan, Reed, and Jeremy for being Runner-Ups. These 4 students, along with our MAAS Chess Club met every Wednesday morning to freshen up their chess skills and become master players. We are looking forward to hosting the club again next semester.
Who doesn't love nuggets?
Chick Fil A will be donating 15% of sales to Mesa Academy on 12/11/23! when you place an order online or in the app. Cllick "Yes, I'd like to support" and choose "Academy" Show the paper flyer, this online ad, or simply tell the CFA team member when you order in person to make sure Mesa Academy gets the credit and 10% of sales! This is a great way for our school to raise funds to make equipment purchases, sponsor clubs, pay for events, and more!
Mesa Academy does not have sports teams so some students decided to try out for the neighboring schools. Students who made the Fremont Volleyball team include Jackson Brown, Kai Randall, Dylan Hernandez, and Lowell Baudouin. The only baseball player from our school is Josiah Montes and from softball, Emma Hirsch. Our softball team has been undefeated and will have their Championship Game on Wed. 12/6 at Fremont. Come and support Emma after school. Congratulations Knights!
Knigthts @ Freemont
Knights @Freemont
Orchestra & Band Concerts
Our Orchestra and Band did a fabulous job closing out their 2nd quarter with various music during their November concerts. Our young musicians demonstrated their skills and impressed our audience with great ensembles and musical entertainment. We look forward to more concerts next semester and our big HOLIDAY concert on the 18th. Thanks to Ms. White and Mrs. Dixon for their hard work and dedication to our music program.
Holiday
Hang-out
At Red Mountain Park, the Blue Jay Area.
Bring your favorite board game to play. Dress warm and bring your own snacks. This is a Family Event. Parents please stay with your student.
DECEMBER
09TH
SATURDAY
11:30-1 PM