Author Archives: Dee Dee Zobian

School Budget Issues

Dear Steller families,

As you may know, state budget problems are affecting our schools. Recent news that public schools will need to cut teachers, with Steller cutting 3.4 teachers, is hitting our community hard. 

Part of Steller Parent Group’s mission is “to solicit, address, and make recommendations regarding issues facing the School community.” As such, the current SPG board would like to encourage you to reach out to both the Anchorage School Board and the Alaska State Legislature to advocate for sufficient funding of Alaska’s public schools. Those making decisions about education financing need to hear from parents to understand how their choices directly affect students. Many voices can make a difference.

Ways to share input include:

  1. Read the letters Steller Parent Group will be sending to the school board and to state legislatures. If you would like to sign them, send an email to chairspg2@gmail.com to indicate your interest.
  2. Provide public or written comments to the school board (the next meeting is February 18th at which time educational funding allocation will be voted on).
  3. Write your own letter to state legislatures in support of approving bills that will increase the Base Student Allocation, which increases the funding per student. For your convenience, here is a list of emails of AK State Finance and Education Committee members.
  4. Sign Great Alaska School’s petition to the Governor.
  5. Find good resources for speaking up.

For more detailed information on recent school funding issues, see some of the links here.

Please join us in holding Alaska’s leaders accountable.

Sincerely, Steller Parent Group Board

REMINDER – Student Technology Committee – 2nd Meeting at 6:30pm

February 6th at 6:30pm

NOTE TIME CHANGE!

email stellerparentgroup@gmail.com for the location

Please see the links below for context regarding possible upcoming ASD cell phone policy.

Alaska joins growing number of states considering crackdown on cellphones in schools

RESOLUTION OF THE ALASKA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND EARLY
DEVELOPMENT

Are you interested in social media and cell phone use amongst our Steller students?

Committee work includes: open discussion and active listening, sharing ideas and resources, understanding current research, seeking experts, supporting families.

Hoping you’ll join us

Please help SPG congratulate some of Steller’s artistic students!

Steller student achievements in Band & Theatre

Band:
Steller Band students, Ezzy Banning on flute, Noah Lapierre on tenor saxophone, and Zoe McDonagh on French horn have been accepted to the 2025 ASD All-City Middle School Band.  It is an honor band for 7th and 8th grade students for ASD, and the selection of membership requires competitive live auditions. 
 
“Ezzy, Noah, and Zoe were competing with other students from large schools,” said Mr. Toba.  “The three students handled pressure and did well for the auditions.  Ezzy is just a 7th grader but beat many 8th graders. I am so proud of the accomplishment Ezzy, Noah, and Zoe achieved.”
 
The All-City Middle School Band will meet selected Tuesdays for rehearsals in February, March, and April.  The Middle School All-City Band, Choir and Orchestra will have a concert on Thursday, April 17 at West High School at 7 p.m.  Public is invited.

 

Theatre:
West Theatre presents HadesTown
 
This full-length Teen Edition of Anaïs Mitchell’s haunting, jazz-inflected folk opera follows Orpheus’ mythical quest to overcome Hades and regain the favor of his one true love, Eurydice.
 
Cast includes Steller students Hunter Menck and Blue Smith!
 
February 13-15 at West High – get your tickets now! https://wahstheatre.booktix.com/ 
 
 

Hadestown: Teen Edition

 

Student Technology Committee – 2nd Meeting

February 6th at 6:30pm

email stellerparentgroup@gmail.com for the location

Please see the links below for context regarding possible upcoming ASD cell phone policy.

Alaska joins growing number of states considering crackdown on cellphones in schools

RESOLUTION OF THE ALASKA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND EARLY
DEVELOPMENT

Are you interested in social media and cell phone use amongst our Steller students?

Committee work includes: open discussion and active listening, sharing ideas and resources, understanding current research, seeking experts, supporting families.

Hoping you’ll join us

A Steller Community Event: Beartooth Movie/Silent Auction

The Hunger Games

3/30/25 at 4pm

Get your tickets now at https://beartooththeatre.net/ 

A SPG Silent Auction at the movie event

Steller Families, Do you have a cabin or excursion to share? Please consider donating to SPG’s small silent auction (email fundraisingspg2@gmail.com).

Looking forward to a fun evening with our Steller community!