Hello parents, students and members of the Steller Community!  The Staff Corner returns again this year and is dedicated to communication between the teaching staff and you, the families of our community.  Ideas for this column are generated as a result of issues before us at our weekly staff meetings which we feel merit further explanation or exploration within the Steller community.

This month we would like to focus on the 10 Hour/Family Volunteer Commitment.  Many events at Steller are made possible or significantly enhanced, through parental participation.  It is our hope that each family might be able to find time throughout the school year to volunteer in the classroom, in the library, as drivers, chaperones, seminar coaches or even as experts in their field co-teaching a course.

How do you volunteer?
Step one is to contact your student’s advisor and see if s/he has suggestions for you;  each Advisory group needs a Parent Liaison or Advisory Group Coordinator.  Duties vary but an organized, energetic person to serve as liaison between the Advisory group and the parents of the group  via email or phone, provides a necessary link in the chain of communication.
Since advisors are all classroom teachers, they may ask for your help in the classroom.  Many have “Parent Volunteer Opportunities” notebooks on hand from which you may select a job that appeals to you.  These range in responsibility and time commitment.

Step Two is to check with the office to see if you have filled out the Parent Volunteer form that is available at Fall registration and Open House.  These forms are kept in a binder for teachers to access on an as-needed basis. We can fax you a copy or you can ask your student to bring one home for you.

We welcome your input, expertise, and participation in your child’s education.  Let us know how we can help you help us!
Here’s to another great Steller year!

Just a reminder to all 9th grade students that our overnight trip to Birchwood camp is tomorrow. Please remember to bring your pillows, sleeping bags, personal items and your 25 dollar payment. If you need more information about the trip please see the previous entry down below.  We still need drivers to take 20  more kids for this trip.  If you can volunteer to bring students to and from Birchwood Please Contact Philip or Jean ASAP!

Do you wonder how you can help your fellow teenagers, learn about the law, earn community work service hours, and make friends from other schools?   Are you interested in joining Anchorage Youth Court (AYC)?  You are invited to learn more as student members present the what’s and why’s of AYC for students, parents and supporters.   “Faces of AYC” will be presented in the Wilda Marston Theatre on the ground floor of the Loussac Library, 3600 Denali Street, Thursday, August 27, starting at 6:30 pm.  Registration for the fall classes will commence in the theatre lobby from 6:30 – 8:00 pm.  Registration will continue Mondays through Thursdays, August 31 – September 17, noon – 6:00 pm, at the AYC office, 838 W. 4^th Avenue.  Classes start the week of September 21 and meet one evening a week for 2 hours for 7 weeks at area high schools.  Please call the AYC  office at 274-5986 if you have any questions or would like additional information.

Many Steller students have participated in AYC.  12 Steller students are currently AYC members.

• Kari P.
• Bobby G.
• Frances B.
• Aman L.
• Brennan R.
• Luc B.
• Lindsay L.
• Tucker M.
• Mackenzie C.
• Matthew P.
• Samuel E.
• Jordyn S.

Welcome back Class of 2011!!

Our Class activity is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning.  We will be working with Anchorage Parks and Recreation to do some cleanup and restoration work for Far North Bicenntenial Park.

We plan to depart Wednesday 11:45 and return by 2:30.  Students with after school activities will get a “Please excuse” letter for their coach.  We will depart by 8:45 on Thursday and be back by 12:00.

You will be working outdoors so please dress according and in layers.  Bring a sack lunch for Wednesday.

Attention all incoming Steller 9th graders. Steller orientation is all day August the 19th and Thursday the 20th. The morning of the 19th and the afternoon of the 20th are reserved for advisory group and all school activities. This leaves us with a window from noon on Wednesday to noon on Thursday for our class excursion.

Philip and Jean are your class sponsors and we have organized your first annual orientation camping trip.

Here is the scoop:
1)      The cost is $25 in cash or a check made out to Steller.
2)      Our destination is Birchwood camp near Chugiak High School.
3)      You need to bring:
a.      sleeping bag and a pillow.
b.      towel and swim suit if you want to swim.
c.      light snacks and personal items.

There will be separate cabins for boys and girls, which will also accommodate parent chaperones.

Philip and Jean are providing dinner (spaghetti feed) and breakfast (pancake feed).

We will depart from Steller at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
(Parent drivers need to fill out an insurance form in the front office prior to departure)
We will return to Steller at 12:00 on Thursday.

PARENTS, WE NEED YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!
There are many things we could use to make this trip a success:
1.      IF YOU CAN DRIVE AND OR CHAPERONE PLEASE EMAIL PHILIP OR JEAN on the ASD website to volunteer. Without your help this trip cannot happen!!!
2.      LOTS of firewood!
3.      S’more ingredients. (marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate bars)
4.      ASD approved beverages (fruit juices and other low sugar drinks)

This year orientation is only 2 days long – Friday will be class registration.

As educators, we know that informed parents are more involved in their child’s education, which leads to greater student success. We also know that much of the criticism of the district stems from misinformation. ASD uses a variety of methods to inform the public, and we need to know which methods are the most effective and which methods are being overlooked.

The Communications department has launched a survey to assess how our community gets their news and information, as well as what ASD-related topics are most important to them. They’re looking for responses from the entire community—parents, staff, students and those without direct ASD ties. For the results to be meaningful, they need a lot of responses.

The survey is available in both electronic and printed format. Attached is a PDF of the printed version which may be returned to the front office at Steller, dropped off at the Ed Center, or mailed to the address listed on the survey.

For those who would rather take the survey online, there is a link on the ASD homepage. Click here.

8/19-8/20

Wednesday:

8:30-10:30 Advising Group Meeting

10:30-11:30 All School Meeting

11:30-12:30 Lunch

12:30-2:05 Class Meetings

Thursday:

8:30-12 Class Meetings

12-1  Lunch

1-2:05  All School Meeting

Dear Parent/s:

The Anchorage School District makes every effort to prevent injuries to students and has implemented a very effective accident prevention program.  Despite our best efforts, there are still occasions when students get injured at school.  It is important that you understand that we do not provide medical insurance coverage for school accidents.  This means that you are responsible for the medical bills if your child gets hurt during school activities.  In an effort to provide you with affordable, effective accident/health insurance, the attached/accompanying student accident/health insurance plans are offered to assist you in providing that insurance.

The programs are offered through the plan administrator, Myers-Stevens & Toohey & Co., Inc., and many coverage options are available.  For students with no other insurance, the Student Health Care and High Option 24-Hour Accident plans are highly recommended because they provide the most help when injuries occur.  The Student Health Care plan covers sickness as well as injury, 24 hours a day.

If your child does have other health/accident coverage, plans are available that can be used to help pay those eligible charges not covered by other insurance (i.e. deductibles and co- payments). Also, the student insurance plans allow you to take your child to any doctor or hospital you choose.

Your coverage goes into effect the date that Myers-Stevens & Toohey & Co., Inc. receives your enrollment form and payment.  You may sign up at any time throughout the year – the sooner you sign up, the sooner your coverage becomes effective.  Everyone is accepted, regardless of medical history or conditions.

This insurance is not affiliated with the Anchorage School District and is offered as a service to you and your family however; we highly recommend that you have some form of medical insurance.    Please read your brochure carefully and keep it for your records.

If you have any questions, call Myers-Stevens & Toohey & Co., Inc., directly at (800)827-4695 (please do not call your school with questions on this program).

Sincerely,

Mike Klawitter
Director – Risk Management

Copied from the ASD website.