Monthly Archives: August 2010

Letter From Jean

The reason I have accepted a new position with the district is not because I do not love Steller. Odd as this may sound, I am leaving because I love Steller. What I love the most about my Steller job is my role as an advisor, giving me the opportunity to mentor students. There is nothing more satisfying than having a student contact me years after graduation to tell me they decided to become an Air Traffic controller because of the Aviation class they took from me, or that they are in Architecture school, because of what they learned in my Intensive. I have even had a few artists graduate from Art school because I was able to help them get scholarships based on the quality of their work.

When the position for a full-time mentorship coordinator opened, it was difficult for me not to consider it. I think of it as a “senior project” (also known as) a “passage” for me… something I am willing to explore even if it means I have to get out of my comfort zone. If you want to learn more about senior projects/passages, ask Philip, Bob or Leigh Anne – they have been working hard to get this program in place for our students at Steller.

I plan to stay connected to Steller. I plan to help with the Auction and with all the other great activities that make Steller so special.  If I can, I will offer an intensive, if my new boss will let me get away with that!

As soon as my position is filled and that teacher has a chance to get comfortable, I will take over Lisa’s position as the Mentorship Coordinator at Steller – in other words, I will be around.

Anyway, I just wanted to tell everyone that Steller will always be home for me. In the spirit of what we preach to students  – “take chances – stretch yourself” – this is what I am doing by accepting this new position. Wish me luck.

Jean

Important: Schedule Change

Hello to you all and I hope everyone had a safe and exciting summer.

We are getting very excited to see each of you tomorrow.

However, there is one caveat we had not counted on that will change how Friday looks.

Jean has taken another job.  This was a very late notification and I had to try and get an Art person ASAP.  The good news is that we will have someone teaching 6 classes of Art.

I have posted a new schedule of classes and a new schedule for orientation.  Please take a look at the class schedule and begin to think about what you would like to take.

I am very optimistic that this is going to a very good year.  We have been working very hard getting everything ready for your return.

There are still some major projects that are  under construction but, once finished will greatly enhance your experience at Steller.  One project that is nearing completion is our kitchen.  Although we have the same basic footprint in our kitchen the materials and appliances are all new and quite nice.  I am sure we will enjoy cooking in there for some time to come.

The other project is the new computer lab.  This lab will be for “classroom” use.  Teachers will sign up their classes when the need arises.  We will still have the old computer lab that will remain an open lab that can be accessed at anytime.

Because of the new lab and the power it will require to run both labs we ask that you do not play computer games anywhere in the school. Games overload our system and can make it impossible to use the computers for research and class projects.  We ask that you do not download games or bring them from home to use in either of the labs, the classrooms, or on your own personal computer.

In addition we have another relo that will house Leigh Anne’s classes because she gave up her room for the benefit of the school so that the new lab could be built.  All of her classes will be in relo 1.  Relo 2 now houses the Russian classes. Band will still remain in relo 1.

We have lots of good things planned such as trips, fieldtrips and guest speakers just to name a few.

Again, please remember that Friday is a registration day there will be no classes.

Harlod

Orientation BBQ Help Needed

Parent volunteers are needed for the Orientation BBQ this Thursday, August 19th. All you grillmeisters out there can really help us out by using your skills to help serve up a hot meal in the parking lot this Thursday from 10:45 am to around 1:00 pm. We also need folks to help set up tables, set out food, and paper supplies and help with the cleanup. Teachers will also be helping out, but this is a big undertaking and the more hands we get the smoother the whole process will go. If you can help us, please email Ken, Jennifer, or Svetlana (addresses are on the Steller website) or call us at 742-4950. Thanks for all that you do.

Ken, Jennifer, and Svetlana

Nurse’s Notes August 2010

Immunizations Due

Many students will need immunization boosters prior to school starting and during the school year.  The immunization must be received and documentation provided to the school prior to attending classes.  The State of Alaska has a strict “NO SHOT, NO SCHOOL” policy.  Reminder letters are mailed out monthly and several months prior to your students immunization due date.  Free immunizations are available at a variety of locations, please contact me with any questions or concerns.

Allergy/Anaphylaxis

Steller Secondary is a LATEX-FREE environment. Do not bring latex gloves, balloons, or other items made of latex into the building.

Parents of children with a known anaphylactic reaction especially to food, animals, or bee/wasp sting must provide the school with an Allergy/Anaphylaxis Plan completed by a physician.  The nurse reviews the plan and gives a copy to the student’s teachers.  Teachers are trained to administer the epinephrine auto-injector and it will go with the child on field trips.  If you need a copy of the Allergy/Anaphylaxis Plan to take to your doctor please contact the school nurse.

Asthma

If your student is prescribed an inhaler we must have an Asthma Action Plan on file. If you need a copy of the Asthma Action Plan to take to your doctor please contact the school nurse.

PE Excuses

If a student will need to be out of PE for more than three days a written request from a physician is necessary.  The excuse must specify the length of the absence (including the return date,) and the reason for it.

Medication

If your child requires medication during the school day please contact the nurse for the required paperwork.  All medication must be provided in the original container. The nurse cannot give out any loose medication that is sent to school in a baggie. Students are prohibited by ASD policy from carrying controlled substance medications, such as those prescribed for ADD/ADHD, to school to give to the nurse. An adult must bring in this medication. All controlled medications must be counted by the nurse in view of the parent/guardian. For questions regarding medication administration at school please call the nurse.

Food Donations

The nurse’s office is running low on cup-o-noodle lunches and out of breakfast or snack items such as instant oatmeal, granola bars, apple sauce, gram crackers etc.  If you were able to make a donation, it would be greatly appreciated by the many Steller students who come in needing a blood sugar pick-me-up or forget to bring a lunch.  Rest assured, you will be notified if your student becomes a “frequent flyer” for food.

Nurse Wendy