Welcome back, students and parents, to a new school year! I am excited to start a new year and to work with parents and staff to make it a successful experience for students. A key to success is communication and I encourage students to communicate with their teachers or stop by at my office when they need support.

• We have five foreign exchange students at Steller this year. They are from Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Japan, and China. Exchange students bring different perspectives into our classroom discussions and we appreciate their presence in our community.

• This is a busy year for seniors and I have briefly talked with our senior class about the college application process. We are bringing juniors and seniors to the college fair at UAA in October and hope that talking with college admissions counselors will get students excited about future opportunities.

• I met with the juniors during orientation and we talked about the importance of the junior year. The UA Scholars are selected from the top 10% of juniors at each high school in Alaska and college admission is often based on the junior year transcript and current (senior) schedule.

• ASD data indicates that Steller may improve when it comes to junior and senior attendance. Attendance is an important part of academic success, and many of our classes are based on active engagement. Students and parents should also know that attendance is included on the official transcript and it may affect the college admissions process.

• My position at Steller is still part time. I am always open to meet with students and parents. A phone call or email ahead of time is suggested to make sure I am available.

• Nature is a great remedy for body, mind and spirit. I encourage Steller families to get outside and enjoy the fall colors and the fresh air. Invite friends from school and laugh and have fun.

Steller students have started a bike club. The plan is to do a community ride every Thursday after school from 2:30 to roughly 3:30. Students who are interested, need to get a permission slip from Leigh Anne and show up on Thursday with bikes and helmets. We will meet in the student lounge at 2:20 to get ready to leave. We will have Thursday rides until it gets icy and snowy and then start again in the spring. The goal is to end the school year with a weekend bike trip. Parents are welcome to join.

See flyer HERE

Well, it’s just about that time! Open registration for Iceland closes on Friday, September 15. It may still be possible to register after that day, but the price may go up as airline prices and vendor prices may change. There will also be a $50 late registration fee. It’s possible to avoid those extra fees though by registering before the deadline. The Iceland intensive will be in May 2018 with Jason and Leigh Anne. We have a great group of students going and it will be an unforgettable experience. Talk to Jason if you have any questions

Alaska Safe Children’s Act

• Steller is inviting juniors and seniors to the UAA College and Career Fair on Monday, October 16. We will leave Steller by bus around 9 am and return to Steller before lunch. Students sign up by turning in the permission slip, which is due October 2. Permission slips are available in the front office. We recommend all juniors and seniors to participate. This is a great opportunity to talk with college admission counselors and learn about colleges outside Alaska. See flyer and permission slip HERE.

Also

• See an article on “2017 Future of Assisted Living Scholarship” from the Senior Advisor website.  Submission Deadline 12/31/17.

• Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA) flyer HERE.

   

Only 3 more days to register for Iceland! There are a couple spots left. Let’s pretend to be Vikings as we explore the unique lands and tour historic locations. Learn where early settlers came from and how they reached the island. It’s called Iceland, but there is also lots of warmth. Want to take a dip in a hot springs? Then join us and don’t miss out! See Jason for more info.

Back to school night is on Thursday, September 21st from 6-7:30pm.

The schedule will be as follows:

6:00 – 6:15 – Parents meet in Advisories, schedules are handed out

6:15 – 6:23 – P.1 (2 minute passing)

6:25 – 6:33 – P.2 (2 minute passing)

6:35 – 6:43 – P.3 (2 minute passing)

6:45 – 6:53 – P.4 (2 minute passing)

6:55 – 7:03 – P.5 (2 minute passing)

7:05 – 7:13 – P.6 (2 minute passing)

7:15 – 7:25 – IS classes and missed classes

7:30 – 8:00 – possibly Parent group meeting