The annual Halloween Dance will be happening on Friday, October 24, 2008 from 7 to 11 pm. The Steller yearbook group will be putting on the dance, and they are still in need of  a couple more parent volunteers that can chaperone. Please let Jen or Natalie know if you are available between the hours of 7-9, 9-11,or 7-11. The dance proceeds will go to the Yearbook fund to help defer costs in production of the yearbook. Thanks so much! -Natalie and Jen

When Ad Board decided last year to alternate the monthly meeting times between evening and lunch times, they made it much easier for students to attend, but more difficult for parents.  Currently, the bylaws allow any student who can attend Ad Board, to represent their Advisory Group if the designated Rep is unable to be present–as long as each AG has only one vote.  Parent Group plans to propose the same accommodation be extended to parents.  Any parent who can attend will be able to vote in place of a designated Rep. or Alternate as long as the total parent votes do not exceed the allotted number of parent seats. (That would be eight this year.)  This proposal will be on the Parent Group agenda Oct. 22, and, if passed, go directly to Ad Board on Oct. 23.  Student Reps should come prepared to discuss and vote on the proposal at that meeting.

• Wahoo!—whole lot of talkin’ going on.
• Politics!—proposal to change bylaws re: parent votes on Ad Board
• Entertainment!—performance by Steller Band with Mr. Toba conducting
• Food!—discussion on direction for Blue Jay Café.  Proposal from Steller Student on kitchen renovation
• Money!—eScrip update, treasurer report, raffle

Come join us, Wednesday October 22, 5:30 pm

What ever happened to the Temple of the Bean?  How can groups traveling for Intensives sponsor lunches for extra funds?  Can parents use the kitchen to cook breakfast for their Advisory Group? Is the kitchen even usable? Where can students go for lunch besides off-campus?  How is it that Nurse Wendy has to distribute so many cups of noodles?  How can Classes turn lunchtime into fundraising opportunities? Where can students eat if they’ve forgotten their lunch?  Where can I buy Steller Stuff?

Get involved in the discussion, research, renovation, and reincarnation of “Temple of the Bean.”  Coffee or snacks, lunch or fundraiser—you help decide.  We’ll take the first steps this Wednesday at Parent Group.  A Steller Student is currently writing a grant proposal for funds to renovate the Steller kitchen, and will join us to explain his ideas.  Since form follows function, this would be a good opportunity to discuss a direction for kitchen design.  If we plan to sell pre-packaged lunches, more space for microwaves, or hot water dispensers might be in order.  If we plan to cook for Advisory Groups, or Senior Breakfast, do we need two stovetops?  If we’re operating a coffee concession, do we need extra storage or refrigerator space?  If we’re opening a school store, should we have second window for non-food items?  This is a community-wide discussion for Steller—let’s get started by focusing on design Wed. Oct 22, 5:30 pm at Parent Group.

Hello again! I hope each and every one of you is in good health and spirits.

During this time of uncertainty in so many areas of our lives it is important that we are kind to each other- that we focus on what we have rather than what we do not have. Family is very important at this time for the support and the unconditional love it offers to its members. If you are lucky enough to have friends they too are your family.

Communication:

I realize that there are some glitches in how the office is running at this time. It is to be expected with the addition of two new staff members. Cathy Hosler is our new administrative assistant and she is doing a remarkable job finding her way through the maze of paperwork and red tape she has been briefly confounded by. I am still in the middle of that very steep learning curve but am quickly learning my way around Steller. In an effort to keep every one informed of important issues, dates etc. I have been utilizing the automated calling system (student messenger/robot call) quite a bit. If you receive a phone call from the student messenger system (robot call) and are unable to hear the full message, please check the Steller Parent Website http://www.stellerschool712.org for updated information. Generally, the robot calls are reminders of information that is posted on the website and/or in the Steller Flash section of the website. If you have not registered as users on the website. Please go to the website and register. The process only takes a few minutes to complete. Just look on the right side of the page and click where it says, “sign me up.” Once you are registered, you will receive an e-mail telling you when new updates or information are posted to the website. Steller will continue to use the Student Messenger System, in conjunction with the website, to keep you informed of upcoming events and activities.

Intensives:
Staff are currently finalizing the choices for the Winter Intensives [12/8/09 – 12/18/08] . When staff has finalized their picks they will post course descriptions for the Intensive class offerings. This information will be posted on October 15, 2008. At that time students will be able to choose their top two choices. Students will be able to make these selections up until November 3, 2008.

Thank you, to all of the parents, for your support of Steller. Having seen how the parents rally around the school has been very heart warming. The All School BBQ was excellent, Open House was attended well and the All Community Meeting was also attended well. Parents should be an integral part of every school however; they are an integral part of Steller. All of the afore mentioned events were wonderful examples of the Steller community pulling together for the benefit of our students.

Harlod Green

2009 Alaska Railroad Tour Guide Program

The Alaska Railroad Tour Guide Program is a class that is offered through a 25 year partnership with the Alaska Railroad and the Anchorage School District. Juniors and seniors who meet the eligibility criteria interview for 20 training positions. They are then enrolled in an 11-week, .5 credit, after school course at the King Career Center starting January 26, 2009. This exciting course teaches students Alaska history, geography, flora and fauna as well as important workplace skills such as customer service, public speaking and professionalism.

Students who successfully complete the course are eligible to apply for 13 summer positions as official Alaska Railroad Tour Guides. The 2009 Alaska Railroad Tour Guide Class is from January 26, 2009-April 18, 2009. The class meets Monday-Thursday from 3-5:30 p.m. at KCC. You will receive a mailer from the King Career Center in October inviting you to an Open House on November 18, 2008, at 7 p.m. Information and applications are available on-line at http://www.asdk12.org/events/AKRR.asp or through the Career Resource Advisor at all the comprehensive high schools, the Alaska Railroad, and from the instructors, Mike Woods and Matt Sugita, at the King Career Center (742-8900).

COMMANDER,

U.S. PACIFIC COMMAND
(USPACOM)
CAMP H.M. SMITH, HAWAII 96861-4028

27 August 2008

To all Military Families of Alaska,

The Pacific Command is committed to the support of quality education opportunities for the children of our military families attending the Alaska Public School System. From the implementation of educational programs, to the purchase of textbooks, funding is essential.

One very simple way that you, as a parent, can dramatically help to ensure a major source of funding is to complete and return the Federal Survey Card your children will bring home in the coming weeks. By investing a few minutes of your time to complete this card, you enable your school to accurately report the number of military dependents enrolled. This important data may qualify your child’s school for additional services and funding. Unfortunately, the past return rates, especially for middle and high schools, have been extremely low. We need your help to turn this around.

Everyone is aware of the fiscal challenges facing our nation’s schools and the negative affect these challenges have on our children’s education. By returning the card, your school district may receive reimbursement of up to a few thousand dollars per military child which will help defray the cost of over $10,000 to educate a child in Alaska’s public schools. Each year, hundreds of cards are not returned or are improperly completed. This results in a loss of millions of dollars to Alaska’s public schools.

During the next few weeks, your child will bring the Federal Survey Card home from school.  Please remember to carefully complete the Card and return it as quickly as possible.

Thank you in advance for your support and for playing a valuable part in the future of all military families.

JOSEPH E. PEDRONE III
Colonel, USA
Director for Manpower,
Personnel and Administration

Note: This letter was retyped to display properly on this website.

Looking to Shape Alaska’s—and Their Own—Future
second
Conference of Young Alaskans
January 3-6, 2009
Girdwood

The University of Alaska will convene the second Conference of Young Alaskans in January 2009 in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Alaska statehood and to foster awareness and appreciation of our state’s history among the emerging leaders of Alaska. Encourage all 16-25 year olds to apply online now at www.YoungAlaskans.org to be one of 55 delegates to the 2009 Conference of Young Alaskans (COYA) being held at the beautiful Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, AK on January 3-6, 2009.

Applications will be accepted until midnight on Saturday, Oct. 18.

National Merit Scholarships are determined by this test. Only juniors are
eligible for this scholarship.

October 18  -  THIS Saturday  at Steller

Arrive at 8:15  pick up by 11:45
Bring water and a snack,  two # 2 pencils and a calculator

Sign up in the library BEFORE Friday,

PAY the $13.00 fee to Karen or in the office.
NO MONEY WILL BE ACCEPTED ON SATURDAY.

There are 15 slots available.