The April 2010 Ole Steller Yeller has been mailed to families who requested a paper copy. If you would like to download and read it in the paper copy format click here. All articles have either been posted on the Steller Flash website or will be in the next few days for those who prefer to read them from their e-mail updates.
Author Archives: Steller Parent Group
Importance of Student Discussion:
H. Green
Students, it goes without saying that everyone wants you to get good grades. I would like to add something to that. I would like to ask each student to participate.
There is academic value in students being present in class, in hearing the explanations of teachers, in discussing subjects with other students.
How to contribute to the discussion of ideas- making your voice heard
At the appropriate time in classroom discussions, don’t be afraid to voice your opinion, even if you differ from your teacher or classmates. Your opinion can and should be based on the text, other readings, class discussions, library sources, experts in the topic, as well as your own experience.
In class, listen carefully to what the teacher or other students are saying. Â Mark or make notes of the points you wish to answer, discuss, or question.
Remember: a question is as valuable as an opinion in the course of discussion. It shows that you are trying to understand others, as well as be understood!
Introduce your contribution with a quick summary of the discussion or point… “As I understand it….”Restating the discussion/author’s main idea also shows that you are trying to understand, and shows where you are in understanding.
It is very likely that if you have questions or information, others will share them.
Be certain it is clear to the class and teacher when you are summarizing and when you are giving your opinion Try to keep your comments to the point and don’t hesitate to refer to your notes: logic is not a speed test…
In making an argument, begin with examples from the author or teacher (imitation can be a form of flattery), but generally use your own examples to show your agreement with their point of view. This demonstrates independent thinking which should be valued in an academic setting.
Study Guide and Strategies
Although a student may be able to read a textbook and pass an examination, if he or she has not participated – has not become involved in classroom discussions – that student has missed a valuable part of the education offered in our school.
Nurse’s Notes – April 2010
Building Our Youth’s Developmental Assets
Each month, in addition to the Nurse’s Notes, I will include The Search Institute’s “Ideas for Parents†a mini-newsletter containing suggestions and ideas on how to build your child’s assets. This month’s focus is Boundaries & Expectations: Positive Peer Influence. More information can be found at the Safe & Drug Free School’s link via the ASD website, The Search Institute www.search-institute.org, or by contacting me directly. I also have a great book on developmental asset building in Alaskan youth if you are interested.
Spring Intensives & Travel
If your student is participating in travel or an overnight intensive, the health office will need updated medical and medication information. Please check with your student as he/she should have paperwork for you to review and return to the health office prior to intensives.
Student Medication
Medications cannot be left in the nurse’s office over the summer. It must either be returned to the parent or discarded. PLEASE PICK UP MEDICATION IN THE NURSE’S OFFICE BY 11:00am, Thursday, May 20, 2010. Per ASD policy, any medication not picked up will be turned into ASD Health Services and destroyed.
Immunizations Due
Many students will need immunization boosters before the end of school and over the summer. 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. Letters for immunizations due over the summer will be mailed in May. Free immunizations are available at a variety of locations; please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Prom and Graduation Parties
Prom night and graduation are soon approaching. We want this to be a time of fond memories and not a reminder of a tragic event. Please take the time to remind your sons and daughters about the safety issues and consequences of drug and alcohol use. Remind them that it impairs judgment, lowers inhibitions, and can cause alcohol poisoning/overdose, all of which increase the risk for motor vehicle accidents. Lets work together to keep our students safe.
Donations
Lunch, snack, and drink donations are needed for students who forget or don’t have lunch. Lunch and snack items that do not require refrigeration or freezing and have a good shelf life work best. Suggestions for donations include: soup cups, granola bars, oatmeal, juice boxes, etc.
Nurse Wendy
Essay Contest
The National Foundation for Women Legislators and the National Rifle Association are sponsoring the Bill of Rights Essay Contest. Â The deadline is July 30, 2010. Â Female juniors and seniors are invited to participate. Â Seven awards of $3000 and a trip to the NFWL 2010 National Conference will be given.
Click the following link for more information: Â NFWL 2010 Essay Contest-Scholarship
Mark Your Calendars
Wednesday, April 21
7:30am – Senior Breakfast
6:00pm – Ad Board Meeting
Friday, April 30
4th Qtr. Ends for Steller
Saturday, May 1
8:00-12:00pm. – Spring Prom – Alaska Zoo
Monday, May 3 – Friday, May 14
Intensives
Thursday, May 13
7:00pm – Parent Group Meeting TENTATIVE
Monday, May 17
8:30am – Steller Olympics
Tuesday, May 18
8:30am – Stand and Deliver Presentations
3:00pm – Steller Graduation
Wednesday, May 19
Parent Teacher Conferences – Call office to schedule
Thursday, May 20
2010/11 Registration
Seniors 8:30 – 10:00
11th/8th 10:00 – 12:00
9th/10th 1:00 – 3:00
Friday, May 21
Teacher’s Last Day
Camp Internet Extreme
Camp Internet Extreme at Kasuun Elementary is now accepting applications for it’s summer program.  Click the links below for more information:
Transformed Treasures
Local artists have been busy creating one-of-a-kind treasures from donated items found at the Salvation Army Thrift Stores.
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Friday preview at the BP Energy Center
Friday, April 16th, 2010
5:00pm – 7:00pm
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Live & Silent Auction Luncheon
Saturday, May 1, 2010
11:30am – 1:30pm
Sheraton Anchorage Hotel
$30 per person – The event will sell out soon…hurry an get your tickets now!
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For tickets call Diana Justus @ 276-2515
Diana.justus@usw.salvationarmy.org
Next School-Year, 1st Semester Classes
Here is the final draft of 1st semester classes for next year:Â 1st_Semester_classes
One of the peer-taughts has been moved to 1st hour.Â
Course descriptions for next year will be posted when Susan gets them.
Steller Activity Night Timeline
Here is the timeline for April 16, 2010
The School opens for students at 9:30pm
Lockdown is at 10:00pm – NO STUDENT IS ALLOWED TO LEAVE UNTIL SATURDAY MORNING AFTER THIS TIME!
Activities (10:00pm – 6:00am):
- Dance
- All-school Mural painting
- Scavenger Hunt
- Video Games
- Board Games
- Open Gym
- Movie Rooms
- Rock Band
- Arts & Crafts
- Pie-Eating Contest
- Pie-a-Senior-in-the-Face
- Midnight Snack (Pizza)
Continental Breakfast (6:00-6:45)
7:00-7:30 Student Pick-up!
Prom Chaperones Needed
May 1st is Spring Prom night! The Class of 2011 is hosting the dance and is looking for parent chaperones. If you are able to help out at the dance please call the office and sign up for a slot (742-4950). Thanks very much!
Alaska Zoo, Saturday Night 8-12midnight (chaperone shifts 7:30 – 12:30a).