Author Archives: Dee Dee Zobian

Join Steller Band

 
Steller Band Wants YOU!
 
YES!  We are back in person this school year.  We need your participation.
 
Quick Facts
  • Meet in the first hour.
  • Open to ALL Steller students.  We prefer you to have at least one year of experience with traditional band setting, but we can work with you IF you know how to read music.  Contact me ASAP.  We do have some instruments for you to rent.  
  • You can qualify for state-level competitions, like All-State (fall) and state solo/ensemble (spring).  Last year, we sent two students to All-State, two students to All-Northwest, and five students to the state solo/ensemble contest.  Furthermore, two students made the command performance awards, which is one of the highest honors that high school musicians in Alaska can achieve.
  • We plan to take an overnight trip to attend the Aurora Music Festival in April (tentative).  It is a regional music festival for small schools mainly from the interior Alaska.  Cordova will be the host.
  • We have done very well for the band competition during the Aurora Music Festival.  We were placed 2nd (2018) and 3rd (2019).  We were unable to attend the festival for last two years because of the pandemic.
  • Plan to have four school concerts (one in each semester).
  • Have grown in enrollment.  We are getting larger and larger in size.
  • And lots and lots more!
Please contact me (toba_nobuo@asdk12.org) if you have questions or comments.
 
I am looking forward to this great school year!
 
Mr. Toba, 
Band Director
 
Visit the Student Showcase to see more about Steller Band Successes!
 

Join Steller Parent Group Board!

We need you to join Steller Parent Group!

The purpose of the SPG is to enrich the lives of Steller students through the financial support and leadership from all active parents and guardians. We strive to promote parent and guardian involvement in school activities. Traditionally we host events during the school year, raise funds to support school initiatives through the Steller Auction, and coordinate volunteers.

Last year was challenging for everyone but the central mission of SPG remains the same, and we believe it can take on even more importance in the effort to create a strong learning community for our children as we come together after so long apart.

There are many ways you can help.  Most positions are designed to be shared between two people to allow for easier transition and retain institutional memory – however, you do not need to make a two-year commitment if you take on a position. 

Our current Treasurer would like to hand over this roll to someone new as his new job entails much more travel than in the past.  The books are in good order and the position is ready to be easily handed over. 

This will also be my last year as Chair, and it would be really great to have someone to work alongside, and be ready to take over next year. 

If you are interested in learning more about any of these positions please email chairstellerparentgroup@gmail.com

Kirsten Tschofen 

Chair, Steller Parent Group

 

Bring Your Own Plates and Cutlery to the BBQ!

Steller Parent Group and Steller Staff are happy to invite all Steller Students, Families and Staff to the Great Steller BBQ of 2021.  This is a great opportunity for everyone to come together as a community after so long apart, meet new friends and catch up with old friends. We look forward to seeing you!

Steller Parent Group will supply hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie options, and drinks. What can you bring?

  • Families with names A – K are invited to bring a side dish to share
  • Families with names L to Z bring a dessert to share 
    • Please make sure your dish is well labeled for allergens, pre-cut, preferably individually wrapped, and ready to serve, and labeled so you can bring it home at the end of the night! 
  • To reduce waste we invite you to bring your own plates, cutlery and cups.
  • We will be set up in the parking lot and Steller Field, so bring blankets, chairs, and whatever else you need to be comfortable. 

Registration

Registration is not required, but it certainly helps us plan so that we have enough for everyone.  Please make sure you Register even if you have signed up to volunteer! 

Volunteers Needed! 

Of course, an event like this isn’t possible without many volunteers to help.  There are many positions available to both students and adults. See here to sign up. 

Update Regarding COVID 19

Steller Parent Group is committed to doing everything we can to support the safety and wellbeing of our community in light of COVID 19 and following ASD guidelines:

  1.   Universal masking will be required for all individuals while inside any ASD school or building. Some exceptions will apply. Participants at the BBQ will be asked to remain masked while near food tables and when distance of 6 feet is not being maintained.
  2.   Keep ASD Symptom Free. We must all do our part to minimize viral spread. Please stay home and get tested if you are experiencing ANY symptoms.
  3.   Cleaning and Disinfecting. Hand sanitizer will be readily available and frequent handwashing will be encouraged. All food servers will wear masks, gloves and follow appropriate sanitization practices. Only masked and gloved volunteers will be allowed to touch any food products.
  4.   Keeping students and staff in the learning environment. The District will continue to make COVID-19 vaccine clinics available to eligible students (with parental consent), staff, and community members through a contracted provider. Additionally, following new guidance from the CDC, asymptomatic, properly masked students and fully vaccinated individuals will not be required to quarantine if deemed a close contact.

As things are constantly changing we will provide an update on exact practice for the BBQ closer to the date. If you have questions or concerns please feel free to contact the school. 

Save the Date

Tuesday, September 14  (6:00 to 7:30) – Steller Parent Group Meeting 

Carpooling

A few people have asked about developing a list for carpooling in the fall. If you need a ride, or can offer a ride, please feel free to post in this thread on Facebook.

Of course you are responsible for vetting any arrangements to you make. A a few things to talk about are: car insurance, safety practices, back up in case someone can’t make it.

Regards,

Kirsten

Great Steller BBQ: August 12

Steller Parent Group and Steller Staff are happy to invite all Steller Students, Families and Staff to the Great Steller BBQ of 2021.  This is a great opportunity for everyone to come together as a community after so long apart, meet new friends and catch up with old friends. We look forward to seeing you!

Steller Parent Group will supply hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie options, and drinks. What can you bring?

  • Families with names A – K are invited to bring a side dish to share
  • Families with names L to Z bring a dessert to share 
    • Please make sure your dish is well labeled for allergens, pre-cut and ready to serve, and labeled so you can bring it home at the end of the night! 
  • To reduce waste we invite you to bring your own plates, cutlery and cups.
  • We will be set up in the parking lot and Steller Field, so bring blankets, chairs, and whatever else you need to be comfortable. 

Registration

Registration is not required, but it certainly helps us plan so that we have enough for everyone. 

Volunteers Needed! 

Of course, an event like this isn’t possible without many volunteers to help.  There are many positions available to both students and adults. See here to sign up. 

Save the Date

Tuesday, September 14, 2021  (6:00 to 7:30) – Steller Parent Group Meeting 

UPDATE

Steller Parent Group is committed to doing everything we can to support the safety and wellbeing of our community in light of COVID 19.  Here is the messaging from the board as of July 31st:

1.    Universal masking will be required for all individuals while inside any ASD school or building. Some exceptions will apply. Masking while outside is optional.
2.    Keep ASD Symptom Free. We must all do our part to minimize viral spread. Please stay home and get tested if you are experiencing ANY symptoms.
3.    Cleaning and Disinfecting. Regular cleaning of classrooms, buses, and offices will continue. Hand sanitizer will be readily available and frequent handwashing will be encouraged. Enhancements and upgrades have  been made to building HVAC systems to allow for optimal ventilation and air exchange.
4.    Keeping students and staff in the learning environment. The District will continue to make COVID-19 vaccine clinics available to eligible students (with parental consent), staff, and community members through a contracted provider. Additionally, following new guidance from the CDC, asymptomatic, properly masked students and fully vaccinated individuals will not be required to quarantine if deemed a close contact.

As things are constantly changing we will provide an update on exact practice for the BBQ closer to the date. If you have questions or concerns please feel free to contact the school. 

 

Wanted: BBQ’s!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi Everyone, planning for the Back to School BBQ is getting underway and we could use your help!
 
  1. Does anyone in our community have access to a large commercial size BBQ we could borrow? OR
  2. Would any of you be willing to transport your propane BBQ’s to school for us to use (I think we’d need about 4 -5).
  3. I need someone to help with the shopping on August 11th.
  4. Stay tuned for the formal invitation, and volunteer sign up forms!

Happy weekend! 

Kirsten 

Chair, Steller Parent Group

 

Welcome Message from Steller Parent Group

June 1, 2021

Dear Steller Families,

On behalf of the Steller Parent Group I want to extend a warm welcome to all new and returning Steller families.

The Steller Parent Group is an integral part of the Steller Community.  We meet on the second Tuesday of every month from 6:00pm to 7:30pm.  Every member of the Steller Community is welcome to attend, ask questions and share their ideas.  We would love to see you at our first meeting on Tuesday, September 14 at 6:00pm. We hope to have both an in person option and Zoom.

Steller Parent Group is one of the three Pillars of our school – Staff – Students –  Parents/Guardians. The purpose of the SPG is to enrich the lives of Steller students through the financial support and leadership of active parents and guardians. We strive to promote parent and guardian involvement in school activities. Traditionally we host events during the school year, raise funds to support school initiatives through the Steller Auction, and coordinate volunteers. Through all the uncertainty of the last year the central mission of SPG has remained the same, and I believe it must take on even more importance in the effort to create a strong learning community in light of this last year.

All of this takes the hard work and dedication of our community members and we want to invite you to get involved by taking on a formal position in the board, or simply actively attending our meetings. Participating in the SPG has many benefits, including the opportunity to make connections with other parents and staff, and the opportunity to effectively make positive change. We all want the very best education and experience for our children, and when we work together we can make it happen. 

If you are interested in the Treasurer position, or learning more about how to get involved please let me know, and as always, we welcome your thoughts and ideas about how Steller Parent Group can serve you. 

Warm regards,

Kirsten Tschofen

Chair, Steller Parent Group

chairstellerparentgroup@gmail.com 

Dates to look out for:

  • First SPG meeting – Tuesday, September 14, 6:00 to 7:30
  • Grade level Social Nights for parents & guardians – TBA

 

A Final Word from Reed

Parent Group,

Through the years I have really appreciated the individuals in Parent Group that have shown up and made things happen. It is truly a leg of the three-legged stool that Steller is supported.  I have always enjoyed coming to the meetings and interacting with this group, and have, many times, learned perspective.  Thank you all for being supportive and making my work more enjoyable.  It was the pinnacle of my career and I am fortunate to have been a member of this team.  Thank you for your time and persistence; all our Steller students are worth it.

Reed

Thank you for your dedication and service Reed! We will miss you. 

Steller Parent Group

Steller Garden in the Summer!

Are you looking for other day camp options for your child(ren) this summer? The Anchorage-based nonprofit Alaska Seeds of Change is looking to hold an interactive summer gardening program to teach youth about how to start, grow, and maintain fresh and local Alaskan produce. A special focus this year will be developing leadership skills.

Workshops will be every Tuesday and Thursday 12:00 to 1:30 starting May 25.

Everyone is invited to join. For anyone interested, they can reach us via email at volunteer@akseedsofchange.com or sign up online at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4fa9a62fa0fdc16-steller

We also accept walk ins, but signing up helps us prepare. 

The garden is next to the parking lot and the fields on the southeast corner of the lot. 

See you there, 

Seeds Team