The annual Back to School BBQ is a great Steller tradition!
Save the date for August 13, 2024!
Category Archives: General Announcements
Provide Feedback on closing and combining schools with low enrollment now!
ASD Community,
I am writing to seek your input on an incredibly important topic: The future of the Anchorage School District’s (ASD) facilities in our community.
Currently, ASD operates 91 buildings throughout Anchorage. More than 90% of those buildings are schools. To be clear, every one of our school campuses offers something special to our community. Our campuses are filled with wonderful teachers, are conveniently located in many of our neighborhoods, and have produced thousands of alumni and members of our community. The time has come for us to consider a number of other facts as well.
- Many of our buildings were constructed more than 30 years ago and are in need of critical upgrades and maintenance to support the students of today. In fact, current deferred maintenance costs for ASD buildings are approaching $1 billion.
- In the last 10 years, the Municipality of Anchorage (MoA) has seen a decrease of 17,000 working-age adults and nearly 5,000 fewer students in our schools.
- More families than ever are opting for different modalities of learning. For example, ASD correspondence school enrollment has more than doubled since the 2014-15 school year. Similarly, enrollment in ASD choice programs has grown over time. Most of ASD’s charter schools are housed in leased buildings with high rent payments or in buildings that are unsuitable in size or design to fully accommodate their growing enrollment.
While ASD is making bold strides to improve reading, math, and life readiness for all students, our underutilized campuses present a major barrier that could be sustainably addressed with an intentional school consolidation plan. A thoughtful plan means we can reimagine our buildings for the needs of now and beyond. For example, reimagine how the land currently occupied by one of these underutilized campuses could be repurposed by the MoA to serve a variety of broader community needs. Or, reimagine how ASD’s unused space could be used to house its high demand school choice programs. Think about it this way, when our charter schools are housed in buildings without cafeterias, we’re limited in our ability to offer hot meals to students. Some of these choice programs have growing waitlists because their current locations are at capacity. Reimagining our footprint unlocks an opportunity to match families to specialized choice programs that meet their children’s needs, while offering services that are comparable to those in our neighborhood schools. Additionally, if more ASD schools were at higher levels of utilization than today, ASD is better positioned to sustainably offer more services, electives, and academic opportunities for our entire student population.
Rightsizing ASD could also unlock non-academic opportunities for our community. Imagine if one of our underutilized elementary schools were co-located with a community childcare center, offering subsidized childcare to our current and prospective employees. These are the types of premium benefits we could offer to our talent, despite the State’s persistent underfunding of schools that limits ASD’s ability to increase wages.
ASD aspires to be the top-performing large urban school district in the nation. And, I recognize that our current portfolio of schools have provided a strong foundation for generations of Alaskans. With that said, I envision an ASD that has been completely reimagined and redesigned to offer a world-class education given the realities, conditions, and resources that are forecast for the years to come.
I humbly ask for your perspectives on what rightsizing ASD means to you, and whether you believe it is possible for this to be done in a way that acknowledges our community values. As a next step, I ask that you visit our Rightsizing ASD webpage, take our survey, and learn more about this important project.
We’re ready and eager to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Jharrett Bryantt, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Anchorage School District
A Welcome Message from the Steller Parent Group
Dear Steller Families,
On behalf of the Steller Parent Group we want to extend a warm welcome to all new and returning Steller families.
Steller Parent Group is one of the three pillars of our school: Staff – Students – Parents/Guardians. The purpose of SPG is to:
- enrich the lives of Steller students through the leadership of active parents and guardians,
- promote parent and guardian involvement in school activities and coordinate volunteers,
- host community events during the school year,
- raise funds to support school initiatives through fundraisers
Save the Date – two fun events
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
- Join Steller Parent Group, Students, Staff and Families for the Annual Steller BBQ in Steller Secondary School field (or gym in case of bad weather). Free!
Friday, September 13
- Join Steller Parent Group, Students, Staff and Alumni for our 50th Anniversary Celebration
- Celebrate with Steller – Open House 2:00 to 5:00pm Free!
- A Steller Evening Out – Stand Up Reception at The Bridge Co. 6:30 to 10:00pm (adults only). Tickets on Sale Soon
Monthly Meetings
The Steller Parent Group generally meets on the second Tuesday of every month from 6:00pm to 7:30pm in person and on Zoom.
Every member of the Steller Community – Staff, Students and Parents/Guardians are automatically members of SPG and welcome to attend, ask questions, and share their ideas.
Participating in SPG has many benefits, including the opportunity to make connections with other parents and staff, and the opportunity to effectively make positive change. We all want the very best education and experiences for our children, and when we work together we can make it happen.
We are currently recruiting for Officer and Committee positions.. Complete this form to express your interest in volunteering (no commitment required).
SPG has three ways we communicate with you:
- Website/Steller Flash – all pertinent SPG info appears on the SPG website (stellerschool712.org). You may also SUBSCRIBE to receive updates directly in your email inbox (Flash).
- Steller Secondary Parent Group – a closed Facebook Group to promote communication in our community. Feel free to jump in with questions or posts.
- Steller Secondary School’s website (asdk12.org/steller) – managed by ASD. Stay informed about Steller and ASD news.
We welcome your support and input. Reach Steller Parent Group at the following email: stellerparentgroup@gmail.com
Warm regards,
Dee Dee
Chair Steller Parent Group
chairspg2@gmail.com
Reminders – Save the Date:
- Tuesday, August 13, 6:00 – 8:00 PM – Steller BBQ
- Tuesday, September 10, 6:00 – 7:30 PM – First SPG Meeting
- Wednesday, September 11, 6:00 – 7:30 PM – Back to school night
- Friday, September 13, 2:00 – 5:00 PM – Celebrate with Steller (50th Anniversary)
- Friday, September 13, 6:30 – 10 PM – A Steller Evening Out (50th Anniversary)
Bid Now! Auction closes at 9:00pm tonight
Steller Auction is now open and closes at 9:00pm Sunday April 21
Girdwood Cabin Stay
2-night stay Just steps from the chair lifts.
Condo features:
- master bedroom with King bed
- 2nd bedroom with 2 twin beds
- loft with 2 twin beds
- 1.5 bath
- upper deck with BBQ
- fully equipped kitchen
Term of availability: May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2024 Black out days: March 1 through March 9
San Francisco Apartment
Value: $4,200.00
7-night stay Top floor flat on a historic Telegraph Hill block. This flat has beautiful light, classic details, modern finishes & A+ walkability.
- 2 full bathrooms
- Primary bedroom with King bed
- Second bedroom with 2 full size beds
- Sun room with full size futon
- Dining room converts to a pool table or ping pong table
- Patio with gas fire pit & grill
- Washer and dryer
Term of availability: May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2024 Black out days: May 25 – June 2 June 15 – June 23 July 20 – July 29 September 4 – September 9 December 21 – January 5 March 7 – March 16
Silent Auction Closing Soon!
Steller Auction is now open and closes at 9:00pm Sunday April 21
Girdwood Cabin Stay
2-night stay Just steps from the chair lifts.
Condo features:
- master bedroom with King bed
- 2nd bedroom with 2 twin beds
- loft with 2 twin beds
- 1.5 bath
- upper deck with BBQ
- fully equipped kitchen
Term of availability: May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2024 Black out days: March 1 through March 9
San Francisco Apartment
Value: $4,200.00
7-night stay Top floor flat on a historic Telegraph Hill block. This flat has beautiful light, classic details, modern finishes & A+ walkability.
- 2 full bathrooms
- Primary bedroom with King bed
- Second bedroom with 2 full size beds
- Sun room with full size futon
- Dining room converts to a pool table or ping pong table
- Patio with gas fire pit & grill
- Washer and dryer
Term of availability: May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2024 Black out days: May 25 – June 2 June 15 – June 23 July 20 – July 29 September 4 – September 9 December 21 – January 5 March 7 – March 16
Bid Now! Auction closes at 9:00pm tonight
Steller Auction is now open and closes at 9:00pm Sunday April 21
Girdwood Cabin Stay
2-night stay Just steps from the chair lifts.
Condo features:
- master bedroom with King bed
- 2nd bedroom with 2 twin beds
- loft with 2 twin beds
- 1.5 bath
- upper deck with BBQ
- fully equipped kitchen
Term of availability: May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2024 Black out days: March 1 through March 9
San Francisco Apartment
Value: $4,200.00
7-night stay Top floor flat on a historic Telegraph Hill block. This flat has beautiful light, classic details, modern finishes & A+ walkability.
- 2 full bathrooms
- Primary bedroom with King bed
- Second bedroom with 2 full size beds
- Sun room with full size futon
- Dining room converts to a pool table or ping pong table
- Patio with gas fire pit & grill
- Washer and dryer
Term of availability: May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2024 Black out days: May 25 – June 2 June 15 – June 23 July 20 – July 29 September 4 – September 9 December 21 – January 5 March 7 – March 16
Iron Giant Bear Tooth Theatre Pub Event & Auction Sunday!
Steller Community Event
What: Iron Giant Movie at Bear Tooth Theatre AND Steller Auction
When: Sunday, April 21 1:00pm
Who: This event is open to the public. We want to fill the theatre with Steller families and supporters.
Why: Part of the proceeds go the Steller Parent Group.
How: Tickets are on sale now at https://beartooththeatre.
Steller Auction is now open:
Girdwood Cabin Stay
2-night stay Just steps from the chair lifts.
Condo features:
- master bedroom with King bed
- 2nd bedroom with 2 twin beds
- loft with 2 twin beds
- 1.5 bath
- upper deck with BBQ
- fully equipped kitchen
Term of availability: May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2024 Black out days: March 1 through March 9
San Francisco Apartment
Value: $4,200.00
7-night stay Top floor flat on a historic Telegraph Hill block. This flat has beautiful light, classic details, modern finishes & A+ walkability.
- 2 full bathrooms
- Primary bedroom with King bed
- Second bedroom with 2 full size beds
- Sun room with full size futon
- Dining room converts to a pool table or ping pong table
- Patio with gas fire pit & grill
- Washer and dryer
Term of availability: May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2024 Black out days: May 25 – June 2 June 15 – June 23 July 20 – July 29 September 4 – September 9 December 21 – January 5 March 7 – March 16
Iron Giant Bear Tooth Theatre Pub Event & Auction Sunday!
Steller Community Event
What: Iron Giant Movie at Bear Tooth Theatre AND Steller Auction
When: Sunday, April 21 1:00pm
Who: This event is open to the public. We want to fill the theatre with Steller families and supporters.
Why: Part of the proceeds go the Steller Parent Group.
How: Tickets are on sale now at https://beartooththeatre.
Steller Auction is now open:
Girdwood Cabin Stay
2-night stay Just steps from the chair lifts.
Condo features:
- master bedroom with King bed
- 2nd bedroom with 2 twin beds
- loft with 2 twin beds
- 1.5 bath
- upper deck with BBQ
- fully equipped kitchen
Term of availability: May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2024 Black out days: March 1 through March 9
San Francisco Apartment
Value: $4,200.00
7-night stay Top floor flat on a historic Telegraph Hill block. This flat has beautiful light, classic details, modern finishes & A+ walkability.
- 2 full bathrooms
- Primary bedroom with King bed
- Second bedroom with 2 full size beds
- Sun room with full size futon
- Dining room converts to a pool table or ping pong table
- Patio with gas fire pit & grill
- Washer and dryer
Term of availability: May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2024 Black out days: May 25 – June 2 June 15 – June 23 July 20 – July 29 September 4 – September 9 December 21 – January 5 March 7 – March 16
Steller Auction Now Open!
Steller Community Event & Fundraiser
The EXCLUSIVE STELLER AUCTION Is NOW OPEN!
- Cabin Stay in Girdwood, just steps for the chairlift
- A beautiful apartment in San Francisco
- Four tickets to the Sea Life Centre in Seward
Get your bid in early and keep checking in. All bids close on Sunday, April 21 at 9:00pm.
And while you are at it don’t forget to buy your tickets to see Iron Giant!
What: Iron Giant Movie at Bear Tooth Theatre AND Steller Auction
When: Sunday, April 21 1:00pm
Who: This event is open to the public. We want to fill the theatre with Steller families and supporters.
Why: Part of the proceeds go the Steller Parent Group.
How: Tickets are on sale now at https://beartooththeatre.
Steller Auction Now Open!
Steller Community Event & Fundraiser
The EXCLUSIVE STELLER AUCTION Is NOW OPEN!
- Cabin Stay in Girdwood, just steps for the chairlift
- A beautiful apartment in San Francisco
- Four tickets to the Sea Life Centre in Seward
Get your bid in early and keep checking in. All bids close on Sunday, April 21 at 9:00pm.
And while you are at it don’t forget to buy your tickets to see Iron Giant!
What: Iron Giant Movie at Bear Tooth Theatre AND Steller Auction
When: Sunday, April 21 1:00pm
Who: This event is open to the public. We want to fill the theatre with Steller families and supporters.
Why: Part of the proceeds go the Steller Parent Group.
How: Tickets are on sale now at https://beartooththeatre.