The annual Dessert and Talent Show has been rescheduled to Thursday, January 15 from 7:00-9:00 p.m in the MPR.

We have a special presentation from a nationally recognized speaker Mr. Bob Lenz.  Bob is a youth communicator and is considered one of the nation’s top youth speakers, Bob easily connects with his audiences by sharing valuable principles intertwined with stories and personal experiences that help youth deal with real life.  He explores sober issues while using his unique gift of humor.  His messages of hope, worth, courage and respect ignite an interest in young people, and somewhere between laughing at one of his embarrassing moments and getting choked up over one of his true stories, they realize their lives have been changed.

Please, come and join us on Dec 2nd from 11:00 to 12:00 in our MPR.  In order to accommodate the presentation in a way that least disrupts the amount of time spent in classes, below you will see that we have switched Tuesday’s sched. with Monday’s sched.

Here is the sched. for Monday and Tuesday the week of Dec. 1st.
Monday:
1. 8:30 – 9:20
2. 9:25 – 10:15
3. 10:20 – 11:45
6. 12:40 – 2:05

Tuesday:
1. 8:30 – 9:00
2. 9:05 – 9:35
3. 9:40 – 10:15
4. 10:20 – 10:55
Presentation 11:00 – 12:00
Lunch       12:00 – 12:50
5.  12:50 – 1:25
6.  1:30 – 2:05

Knowing is not enough; we must apply. 
Willing is not enough; we must do.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Accountability

Steller epitomizes the term, “Home School” for me.  It is a home school because more than any school I have worked in Steller belongs to the community, students and staff.  As I walk around in the building I see students sitting and talking with each other- everyday, all day I see parents coming and going asking questions, volunteering, participating in the educational process.  They participate as teachers in some instances but always as concerned community members.  Steller encourages transparency and accountability right down to its core.

Transparency and accountability are two major factors that drive the success rate of a school in a positive direction.  The Anchorage School District recognizes this fact and has provided the tools necessary for community members, and staff to rate its members.  You will find detailed information here.

I encourage you to participate in this process, your comments will serve as a catalyst to our improvement.

Intensives

Students have taken the survey for their choices for intensives, they have submitted intents for the intensive class offering they would most like to take and or now they are in the process of enrolling into their choices.  It seems that we have quite a few students that have not signed up for any of the offerings at this time.  Parents please discuss the advantages of intensives as you enjoy daily conversations with your child.  Encourage them to sign up for one of the current offerings in a timely manner.  We really need your support in this effort.

Course descriptions for the intensives have been posted on the website and at school.  Please review those options with your child and together you can select the best choice for your child.

I realize that at this time we all are facing hardships with the economy in such disarray, gas prices still around $3.00 a gallon, food prices soaring and on it goes.  However, I count each day that I awaken a good one.  Each day holds the potential to transform our lives in many serendipitous ways.  And, for these reasons I hope you all have a glorious Thanksgiving.

–Harlod Green

As we are all aware, the Steller program runs on the energy and enthusiasm of its students, staff and parents.  The 10 hour volunteer commitment we seek from each family is one of the ways in which we ensure expanded opportunities for our students and build positive relationships among us all.

As advisors, we are often asked to make suggestions as to how parents might fulfill this 10 hour commitment.  Being a driver or dance/activity chaperone is just the tip of the iceberg.  Below you will find some other suggestions that we hope will make your volunteering easy and enjoyable for you; we know it will be invaluable to us!

*Become your child’s counseling group Parent Liaison or Co-Liaison

While the official Liaison attends the once monthly Parent Meetings and acts as a telephone tree or etree coordinator disseminating important information to parents from school, the co-liaison may choose to help coordinate projects and organize counseling group events.  Everything from planning a group breakfast or outing to building a program of community involvement and volunteering can be done.  Advisory group goals are a good indicator of what might be a priority for that liaison.

*Become a Classroom Volunteer

Perhaps you have a particular skill or interest that matches with a course offered here at Steller.  Give the teacher a call; we would love to have you help in the classroom.

*Become a Library Volunteer

Our librarian is part-time and working wonders.  Karen Emmel welcomes volunteers on a regular basis.  Contact her here at Steller and see if she might be able to set up a schedule for you.

*Become a Parent-Taught Teacher!

Some of our best quarter classes have been led by parents under the supervision of a staff member.  Students appreciate the time and effort it takes for you to plan and teach a course of study.  Your expertise expands the learning options for our students.

*Become a Committee Member

Steller has numerous committees, all of which require participation by students, staff and parents to operate according to our by-laws and policies.  Browse the manual and see if something appeals to you.

Health Screening
Just a reminder, all 7th, 10th, and new-to-district students are undergoing health screening in November. Health screening includes vision, hearing, height, and weight. If your student fails any portion of the screening, a referral for follow up will be mailed home. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me @ 742-4963.

Cold & Flu Season
Cold and flu season is upon us. The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses, however, different viruses cause them. Because these two types of illnesses have similar flu-like symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them. In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations. For more information related to Cold Vs. Flu checkout: www.niaid.nih.gov/publications/cold/sick.pdf

Flu shots are now available, and can be obtained from your primary care provider or from a variety of flu shot clinics held around town. For more information, contact your health care provider or call the CDC Immunization Hot Line @ 1-800-232-2522.

School attendance is important, however, an ill student with a fever should remain home. Please do not send a sick student to school to be examined by the nurse. This may expose others to unnecessary illnesses. *Parents are notified before students are excused from school for illness. Current contact phone numbers need to be provided and updated throughout the year.

Stomach Virus
We had multiple cases of the “stomach flu” in October. This is a common illness, which is spread from person-to-person on unwashed hands or food and surfaces handled by a sick person. Thus, the key to preventing the illness is frequent hand washing, especially after using the restroom or prior to eating. Symptoms include a sudden onset of nausea, cramping, chills and fever. Usually, vomiting and/or diarrhea are present. Symptoms generally last 1-3days. It is important to stay hydrated during this time and to remain home until symptoms have been gone for 24 hours.

How to avoid that sleepy feeling on Turkey Day…
– Eat small healthy snacks before you sit down for the big meal.
– Have moderate portions of your favorite foods.
– Drink water during the meal and eat slowly.
– Stop eating when you are full, there will be leftovers tomorrow.
– Take a walk outside afterward to help with the digestive process.

Follow these tips and have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING…gobble, gobble!

Nurse Wendy

Steller Helps School Business Partner Anchorage Downtown Partnership At 15th Annual Charity Ball!!

The 15th Annual Mayor’s Charity Ball was held Saturday, October 11, 2008. Steller’s school business partner Anchorage Downtown Partnership coordinated volunteers for this important and worthwhile event, and requested Steller’s help.

Immediately, more than a dozen Steller students answered their call for help and volunteered at this year’s Mayor’s Ball, even dressing in all black to complement guests’ formal “black tie” attire. ADP furnished Steller students with color “accessories,” such as hats, ties, boas, etc., to complement their wardrobe in keeping with the theme of “Cirque de Soleil du Minuit,” which translates as “Circus of the Midnight Sun.” Steller students worked cheerfully into the night for almost five hours.

Beneficiaries of this year’s Mayor’s Ball included Campfire USA Alaska, Special Olympics Alaska, Alaska Dance Theatre, and Alaska Moving Picture Image Preservation Association (AMIPA), all important charities within our community. Although the exact amount has not yet been formally announced by the Mayor’s office, this year’s Mayor’s Ball raised more money than ever before in its fifteen year history!

Kris Natwick, Volunteer Coordinator for Anchorage Downtown Partnership and for this year’s Mayor’s Ball, said of Steller students, “They did a fantastic job! Please pass around an ecstatic thank you to all of them! I had lots of great compliments on Steller volunteers. Everyone thought they were very courteous, very helpful, very well-dressed and well-behaved.”

Kris also commented, “So—big kudos to all of the Steller kids! It is such a pleasure working with them as part of our School Business Partnership. I really appreciate their willingness to spend their time investing in the Anchorage community through their volunteer work!”

Dedicated Steller volunteers that donated their time and talent at this year’s Mayor’s Ball included: Arthur B, Lauren B, Saira B, MacKenzie C, Michaela C, Krystal G, Saleem J, Laura J, Katie S, Bryn W, Kaylin Z, and others.

Great job, Steller!

Linda Samorajski
School Counselor and School Business Partnership Coordinator

STELLER AND SCHOOL BUSINESS PARTNER TITLE WAVE CELEBRATE BANNED BOOKS WEEK 2008

Autumn was definitely in the air with its crispness and bounty of harvest on the first Thursday of October. As the sun sliced through fall afternoon air, Steller students and staff reaped the rewards of a free society as they publicly and passionately read books—to an enrapt, captivated audience!

Camera crews rolled as one by one they approached the microphone to share with an attentive audience their freedom to read. Acclaimed local author Andromeda Romano-Lax also joined Steller students and staff at Title Wave Books in honor of the 27th annual celebration of Banned Books Week 2008.

The American Library Association’s annual Banned Books Week aims to remind our country of its freedom to read by focusing special attention on those books, many of which are contemporary classics, which have been banned or threatened throughout United States history.

During Steller’s Banned Book Read Out at Title Wave on October 2, all those that participated publicly read passages from their favorite banned and challenged books in front of a packed house:
Francis B. – Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets; Dieter B. – 1984; Chris J. – Fahrenheit 451; Gary J. – The Subtle Knife; Max J. – Fahrenheit 451; Nile M. – The Color Purple; Hayley H. – Lolita; Shannon Herda – Banned Book quotes; Ken Varee – Huckleberry Finn; Linda Samorajski – Bringing Down the House; Andromeda Romano-Lax – The Golden Compass; Katie S. – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows; Sakae W. – One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest; and Kaylin Z. – Deenie.

Thank you to all teachers who encouraged both their students and advisees to participate in this worthwhile project. A HUGE thank you to Title Wave Books, our incredible school business partner, for hosting this event. Finally, one more HUGE thank you to everyone that participated and attended, including students, parents and staff. Title Wave staff commended Steller students for their poise, articulation, and choice of selections.

Steller demonstrated to our community once again that its uniquely indomitable and intrepid school spirit is alive, thriving and well. As Playwright George Bernard Shaw once said, “Censorship ends in logical completeness when nobody is allowed to read any books except the books that nobody reads.” Likewise, author Katherine Paterson was once quoted as saying,

“All of us can think of a book…that we hope none of our children or any other children have taken off the shelf. But if I have the right to remove that book from the shelf – that work I abhor – then you also have exactly the same right and so does everyone else. And then we have no books left on the shelf for any of us.”

Linda Samorajski
School Counselor and School Business Partnership Coordinator

I am thankful for all you volunteers!

DONATIONS – The library has received many book donations since the start of school,  Thanks to all of those generous people.

BATTLE OF THE BOOKS –
www.akla.org/akasl/bb/bbhome.html
We have a 2 people on the Jr. high team so far this year, and would like more. Talk to Lorryn Wilhelmi, or Arthur Bell, and watch the whiteboard for meetings at lunch in the library. (YES, you can eat lunch in the library!)  The ASD Battle is in late January, with the State Battle in February.  Watch for more details, and keep reading!

PREVIEW BOOKS – Preview books are now in the library.  We need to read and write a short review in order to put them on the shelves at NO COST!  Anyone interested in reading a book can see Karen in the library.  This is a good way to give some time to the school if you are unable to volunteer during the day.   I have 20 books, so need many readers!

WISH LIST – Someone asked for a list of books the library would like to have.  I will publish a list on the website, so I can keep it current as items are purchased.  Thank you for the offer and the idea.

Thanks to Paula Delario for assistance with the college planning class, and to Ralph Jordan and Paula for help with the PSAT. Also thanks to those parents who drove to the College Fair.

College 101 – This will be a series of lunchtime (11:45-12:40) workshops given on Thursday through November and December. Parents are invited. Topics include getting into college, school selection, scholarships, financial aid, Extensive use of websites and handouts. Meet in the library. Paula is here to help. Let me know where you need help, and we can tailor a session to your needs. Evening sessions can also be arranged.

Student Portfolio – for college applications and scholarships.
The guidelines and input pages are all accessible on the Chugiak HS or Bartlett web page under the career resource center at www.asdk12.org/schools. A student can download the info and add their own information.

SAT and ACT Tests – (info from Libby Seitz, former KCC Career Resource Advisor)

The difference between the tests can best be described as follows: the SAT is an aptitude test of Standard Written English, Verbal skills and Mathematics. It also collects demographic information about the student to share with colleges. The ACT consists of curriculum based achievement tests in English, Mathematics, Reading and Science reasoning. In addition to the collection of demographic information, students are provided career-planning direction as a result of the ACT interest inventory. Both tests are approximately three hours in length.

Juniors should register and take the SAT or ACT this spring.

2008-9 SAT Schedule–$43
(Test scheduled at West High School)
(Test Center Code-02-144)

Test Date           Regular Deadline           Late Deadline(+$18)
January 24          December 26                January 6
March 14            February 10                  February 24
May 2                 March 31                      April 9
June 6 May 5 May 15

2008-09 ACT Schedule
basic fee $30, Plus writing $44.50
(Test scheduled at Hanshew Middle School)
(Test Center Code-213990)

Test Date           Regular Deadline            Late Deadline
February 7          January 6                        January 16
April 4                February 27                    March 13
June 13              May 8                              May 22

*You may register online with a credit card.
SAT-www.collegeboard.com or
ACT- www.actstudent.org

$$$ Financial Aid – I recommend that you begin to compile your income tax information. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid forms (FAFSA) should be emailed or snail mailed by the end of January – the sooner the better. www.fafsa.ed.gov. You cannot mail your forms before January 1, 2009.
Submitting the FAFSA will also enable you to apply for the Pell Grant, Stafford Loans, work-study programs and the Alaska Advantage Program. Some colleges require the FAFSA if you are applying for scholarships

Another good site, Alaska Advantage Loans www.state.ak.us/acpe.
Click on the following buttons- Calculators, Financial Aid Estimation Calculator, Federal Methodology

If you plan to attend UAA or UAF, I would recommend that you mail in the admission application by the end of January. Some UAA & UAF scholarships require that the admission application be on file by February 15. www.alaska.edu/
Scholarships are usually found under financial aid.

–Karen Emmel