I see no reason to make individualized cheating a school matter. It feels like you are moving away from the philosophy of self-directed learning. If my child was cheating, I would expect the teacher(s) to speak to my child, then contact me. Having the student body/discussion group/study group, formulate ideas to deal with cheating sounds like Youth Court.

Read the first four paragraphs of the Steller Philosophy.

If cheating is rampant, and it appears it is more common than not, maybe a strong voice should be resonating “revoke the lottery application.” Otherwise, let’s keep this a situation where teacher/student/parents are working together to help the self-directed learner become a more responsible person in the community.

The Anchorage School Business Partnership program has been part of our community since 1991. At present the program has grown to almost 540 partnerships worth well over $2,500,000 dollars to the school district. The program offers opportunities for businesses and schools to partner their expertise and services with one another. Generally, a business will give assistance directly to a selected school and worth with them in a positive relationship. The business partner enhances the education of ASD students and helps students gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the community and business world. The underlying message is that there are business professionals who support our schools and actively look for positive ways to assist.

This year, Steller has three business partners. The first partnership is Title Wave Books. Title Wave has found several ways to help Steller students participate in community service. Most recently, Title Wave asked and Steller responded: 17 Steller students took the performance stage at Title Wave and read selections of their choosing for a packed house during Banned Books Week 2007. Afterwards, Title Wave provided each student participant with a thank you gift. Last year, Title Wave generously provided over 25 gift certificates for student recognition as well one for a seriously ill staff member . They are also willing to provide mentorships for interested students during our January and May intensives. During the holidays last year Title Wave gave Steller groups priority on their gift wrapping station during the holiday season; providing wrapping paper, tape, a table, and public address announcments free to Steller. Several advisory and class groups earned tips for their charities, clubs and activities.

The Anchorage Downtown Partnership is our second business partner. The ADP provides opportunties for student volunteers during holiday events in the downtown area. Steller students typically attain 500 community service hours or more by the time of their graduation. The ADP sends a personalized letter to every Steller participant after each event recognizing their service; a nice addition to their college portfolio.

The next opportunity for Steller students sponsored by the ADP is the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting, which will be held on Friday, November 23. Specifically, ADP is asking Steller to help with a private reception for sponsors, dignitaries, and military families to be held in the Voth Theatre, which is next to the Discovery Theatre in the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. The specific task is to assist small children with holiday crafts and pass out craft supplies. ADP does all the prep work for the crafts ahead of time and it is a very fun and enjoyable event. ADP is inviting families of Steller students to participate as well. Interested families and students can call Kris Natwick at 279-5668, or email her at knatwick@anchoragedowntown.org to sign up.

Our third business partner is Big Brothers/Big SIsters of Alaska. Steller students have the opportunity this year to participate in the BBBS “Bigs and Littles” program. Essentially, Steller high school students in grades 9-12 volunteer to become a “Big,” and they are individually paired with an elementary school “Little.” Since we are so close in proximity to North Star Elementary, “Bigs” are paired with North Star Elementary “Littles.” Bigs and Littles meet together once per week for one hour at North Star for friendship and fun. A big might help their little with homework, read a book together, or just talk.

Finally, Steller can have more than three business partners. We would love to hear from any size business that would like to work with Steller and potentially form a partnership. Furthermore, Steller families are always invited to provide support in any of the above mentioned areas. Please contact Linda in the Counseling office at 742-4956 or email me at samorajski_linda@asdk12.org. Thanks for writing!

Deb Seaton