We have had a great start with advisories and grade specific class activities. Many seniors are in Seward; there was an overnighter outside of Willow, and field trips to Girdwood and around town. Seventh graders and new students are getting their feet wet in our philosophy and practice. Looking around, I see smiling faces, friends, old and new, getting back into the swing of the academic atmosphere. There is energy in the air! An amazing start to a great year ahead.
Students are working on their schedules with advisors as I write. Tomorrow is registration and the following day we jump right into classes. This is the time to look at your student’s schedule. Questions should be emailed to your advisor with an option of cc’ing Marianne (school counselor). I’d like to remind parents and students to use Zangle as a way to know progress; again, please communicate with teachers immediately if issues arise.
We have a two-year plan (a teacher passage) to educate and activate Steller as a systemic self-directed program. We currently have a requirement of three Passages for graduation, and have many opportunities for self-direction in teacher facilitated, peer-taught classes and in those that are self-designed. The staff consensus believe that we need better scaffolding in earlier grades for wide ranging and over-the-top success. This year, the plan started with staff review of the philosophy to reach common understanding, and will continue with lesson sharing and peer observations/discussions. The staff will share with parents and students and in conjunction will devise and define paths for students to builds skills and increases experiences towards greater self-direction with more student choice (of study).
I hope all are happy with their choice to join Steller. If you have questions, please give me a call.
–Reed
907 742-4950
