Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child be on his/her own at home or with an older sibling during the school day?

No. Children need to be supervised by an adult (18 and older) who will act as their learning coach. Schedules can be flexible and the extent of parent/guardian involvement depends on both the age and abilities of each student.

Does a parent/guardian need to be fluent in English?

Yes. All curriculum materials are in English, and the parents/guardians needs to be able to read directions, clarify meaning, and communicate regularly in English with the Program Coordinator/Teacher.

How do I register my child for the K-6 program?

1. Fill out the online application on the MEWA website. You will be contacted by the program coordinator, at which time, you can ask questions and discuss whether we are a good fit for you child. An appointment may be set for a meeting with the program coordinator.

2. Your child will take an initial placement test to determine the optimal grade level placement.

3. Once your student’s place is confirmed with the elementary program coordinator, you will be ready to register. You will need to bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate, immunization records, and utility bill (proof of Oregon residence) to the office staff and the front desk. You will then confirm your information and sign paperwork making your child an official MEWA student. At this time, the program coordinator will order your child’s curriculum package and begin getting online courses ready. This process takes less than 48 hours, as long as they are promptly withdrawn from their former school.

4. When your child’s courses are ready, you will schedule an orientation time with the teacher during which you will receive instructions about how to use the online platform, program engagement, virtual lessons, work completion requirements, pacing, and a decide on a daily/weekly schedule.

Do K-6 students come on campus?

Occasionally, students will come on campus for special activities or events, such as field trips. However, the program does not require regular, on-site attendance. Daily lessons are completed at home with the guidance of the student’s learning coach.

What can I do if my student needs a computer?

MEWA lends out Chromebooks to students with a $100 deposit. Students who qualify for reduced lunch pay a reduced deposit, and there is no charge for students who qualify for free lunch. When the computer is returned in good condition at the end of the school year, you will be refunded 75% of you deposit, payable by check from the business office.

My child is above/below grade level. How can this be addressed?

After enrolling, students take an at-home, online placement test to determine the appropriate course levels. Courses can also be adjusted if the teacher determines a change is needed.

How is attendance counted?

Attendance is counted by time spent in courses each day online, through email, phone and in-person communication with teachers, and with weekly virtual session participation. Students must also submit at least one assignment online per day. If students have absences for 5 days, parents/guardians will receive a letter in the mail from admin warning of truancy and the potential for 10 day drop. The 10 day drop occurs when students fail to engage for 10 days in a row, at which time they will be unenrolled from Metro East Web Academy. Parents/guardians may also be visited by a truancy officer at this time.

How much time will my child spend on school work each day?

Students can be expected to spend 6 hours on school work each day, including lunch and breaks, similar to what is expected in a traditional school.

Will my child be participating in state testing? If so, when is it?

Just as in traditional public schools, MEWA students are required to participate in the Smarter Balanced Assessments, starting in the third grade. Testing will occur in April, and students will be required to be on campus for testing sessions.

Can I choose to have my child skip lessons?

The progression of skills in the curriculum is purposeful, and is meant to be followed as it is written in the lesson manuals. Your child will need to complete all the lessons assigned. If you feel that your student already has a strong understanding of the material, you can speak with the elementary program coordinator to arrange for additional placement testing to change grade level.

What are virtual session and how do they work?

Virtual sessions are weekly lessons provided online, so that your child can learn and interact with the teacher and peers from home. We use Zoom, a cloud-based web conferencing platform. Zoom is compatible with PCs, Macs, Android tablets, and iPads. You will receive an invitation to join sessions through your email, simply by clicking on the link.

System Requirements

• An internet connection – broadband wired or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE)

• Speakers and a microphone – built-in or USB plug-in or wireless Bluetooth

• A webcam or HD webcam - built-in or USB plug-in

• Or, a HD cam or HD camcorder with video capture card

If you do not have access to the system requirements, please contact the elementary coordinator and the school can work with your family to ensure you have the equipment needed to participate in virtual sessions.

What is Star360?

Star360 is a web-based assessment tool used to monitor growth in all of our K-12 students in reading and math. Star testing occurs three times per year, and is mandatory.

What is the best way to communicate with the teacher?

Checking your email daily is a requirement of the K-6 program, and email is absolutely the best way to get in contact with your child’s teacher. You can also call 503-261-4684 or 971-803-1592 from 9am to 5pm.

How do I see my child’s grades on assignments and tests?

All completed lessons, project scores and assessment scores are visible to parents/guardians and students in the online learning management system. Final grades for report cards are calculated based on average test scores and work completion.

What do I do if my child is not “getting” a concept, or if they are falling behind?

If your student is struggling with comprehension or pacing, contact the elementary program coordinator as soon as possible. Extra support can be provided with online intensive lessons, changing the pacing of lessons, or modifying lessons to make challenging concepts and units more manageable for both parents/guardians and students.