Student safety walking in the dark

October 29th, 2019

Dear Parents and Families, 

Student safety is always our highest priority. 

As we move into late fall and winter is around the corner, the sun is coming up later every day. Without the reflective properties of snow on the ground, needless to say, it’s dark on our sidewalks, in our crosswalks, and around our parking lots when students are coming to school.  

Please make sure your child is visible in the dark when walking or biking to and from school. Reflective clothing or reflective tape are optimal. Make sure they are using sidewalks and crosswalks properly and following safe practices. 

We have ordered reflective tape for all students, and will be sending it home with instructions as soon as we receive the order. For more information on safety go to https://safealaskans.org/ 

As always, please call, email or stop by with questions. 

Adam Mokelke, Principal 

(907) 742-9000 

(907) 360-1059 cell

mokelke_adam@asdk12.org

STrEaM Staff Spotlight: Terri Sonday

STrEaM Staff Spotlight

Mrs. Terri Sonday

One of the founding staff members of STrEaM Academy, Mrs. Sonday started teaching when the school opened in the fall of 2016. Mrs. Sonday was drawn to STrEaM by the focus on individual students and innovative teaching and learning. She is now in her 6th year at STrEaM Academy!

As one of the original teachers hired at STrEaM, Mrs. Sonday has been instrumental in starting, building and growing our program. She has grown from an energetic first year teacher to a veteran educator and leader at our school. Mrs. Sonday has personally developed the Robotics classes and after school club for our school, driving the STEM educational focus of our mission. Mrs. Sonday teaches 6th grade Science and Robotics. Electives she offers include Rocketry and Home Economics. Her favorite thing about STrEaM is the hands-on and project-based teaching and learning, and the excitement of her students when they come to class.

Born and raised in Alaska, Mrs. Sonday loves education and the great outdoors. She is an alumni of East High School's School Within a School program and graduated from the University of Alaska with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology and a Master's in Teaching.

Bernie, her "goofy giant schnoodle" dog, goes with her and her husband on family outings including biking, hiking, camping, fishing and even kayaking.  After being in the Girl Scouts her entire life, beginning in kindergarten, Mrs. Sonday is now a Scout leader. Like she does at STrEaM, Mrs. Sonday guides girls in earning badges in areas including STEM and outdoor skills.

In addition to opening a charter school, developing curriculum and project-based learning, and
piloting Robotics, Mrs. Sonday  is a National Geographic Certified Geo-Inquiry Educator. Highlights in her teaching career include developing the cross-curricular Energy Project, which her students presented to the Mayor of Anchorage last school year.

Mrs. Sonday  can be reached at: sonday_terri@asdk12.org
Visit us at https://www.asdk12.org/stream
View all Science and Robotics assignments on Google Classroom!

Student-led conference week at STrEaM

STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES AT STREAM ACADEMY

WEEK OF OCTOBER 21st

Dear Parents and Families, 

The week of Monday 10/21 we will host Student-Led Conferences, on Wednesday and Thursday. Our APC election is held during conferences. We follow our regular early release schedule for both Wednesday 10/23 and Thursday 10/24. There is no school on Friday 10/25.

Student-led conferences: 

Student conferences are not by appointment: bring your student and come in at your convenience. Students will be prepared to show you their binders and portfolios, describing the projects, work and progress they have made. Teachers are on hand for guidance and general questions, but not in-depth meetings. If you need to meet and have further discussions with a teacher, you may schedule with them.

APC Elections:

During conferences we hold elections for our Academic Policy Committee (APC), the board which oversees our school. Parents, please pick up a ballot when you come in on Wednesday or Thursday and vote. The next APC meeting is November 13th at 5:30 PM in room 6. New members will be sworn in at this meeting. Parents and community members are always welcome and encouraged to attend. Minutes and agendas are posted on our website on the APC link. Thank you!

Monday 10/21: 

Regular Monday schedule, P. 1-7
First day of Quarter 2!

Tuesday 10/22:  

Full day schedule: P. 1-6 and 8 (advisory)

Wednesday 10/23:  

Early Release Schedule
Periods 1-3
Student lunch 11:30-12
Student release at 12:00
Teacher lunch 12:00-12:30
Student-led conferences 12:30-4:30

Thursday 10/24:  

Early Release Schedule
Periods 4-6
Student lunch 11:30-12
Student release at 12:00
Teacher lunch 12:00-12:30
Student-led conferences 12:30-4:30

Friday 10/25: 

NO SCHOOL

Please call, email or come by with questions!

Adam Mokelke, Servant-leader

Parent update 10/15

  10/15/19 Update

 Hello parents and families of STrEaM!

Tomorrow (Wednesday) is a busy day at STrEaM. Students will participate in the Juggle Mag assemblies throughout the morning. Tomorrow night from 5:00 to 7:30 we host the Girls in Science night in the auditorium!

There is no school this Friday 10/18. This is the last week of the first quarter, and quarter 2 begins Monday.

Next week we early release on Wednesday and Thursday for Student-Led Conferences. Full letter here: https://rapidsreport.blogspot.com/2019/10/student-led-conference-week-at-stream.html

No school:
Friday 10/18
Friday 10/25

I Am Project celebration and potluck Wednesday 10/30 at 5 PM. Please plan to bring a cultural or family dish to share!

#GoRapids
Adam Mokelke

STrEaM STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Amy Bonertz

Amy Bonertz, Counselor

STrEaM added a counselor to the staff for the first time in 2019, hiring Amy Bonertz.
While Ms. Bonertz was working in Washington State before joining us, she had experience in the Anchorage School District, working in East Anchorage schools. Ms. Bonertz worked at Bartlett High School for 5 years prior to leaving Alaska. Her familiarity with the East Anchorage community is a big bonus! 

Ms. Bonertz and her husband were excited to return and re-connect with friends and family in Alaska after their long hiatus.   They missed Alaska, and are excited to once again be a part of the Anchorage community and enjoy camping, real winters and the great outdoors.

After leaving Alaska, Ms. Bonertz spent two years at Fawzia Sultan International School in Kuwait.
She then moved to Washington state, working as a middle school teacher, an academic advisor at Edmonds College, and finally as a school counselor.

Ms. Bonertz and her husband Casey enjoy traveling, hiking, and camping. During their time in Kuwait, they traveled throughout much of the Middle East and Europe including: Sri Lanka, Turkey, Oman, Bahrain, UAE, and France.  Since then, they've been able to continue traveling, camping throughout the Pacific Northwest in Washington and Oregon, and they recently took a trip to Prague, Czech Republic and Salzburg, Austria.  


Growing up, Ms. Bonertz always knew she wanted to work in education.  Coming from a small town Nebraska, she is a product of small classes and a close community which has fueled her passion for what STrEaM Academy offers.  She believes being in a close community with small classes gave her the confidence needed to strive in high school and eventually get a master's degree.  It also gave her a sense of belonging, having a voice in classes and great relationships with teachers and classmates. 

Ms. Bonertz thinks it's beautiful to see students excited about science, outdoors, nature, and being together.  Ms. Bonertz shared, "I believe in STrEaM's vision and mission and being a part of this excellent program has rejuvenated my love of education.  In the first week of school, I've witnessed the power that STrEaM Academy has on its students and families and I'm humbled to be given the chance to make it even stronger." 

Ms. Bonertz is the FIRST counselor ever hired at our school, and a perfect fit for the STrEaM Dream Team. She is focused on building positive and supportive relationships with students, helping them to feel safe at school and comfortable in their growth and learning. Ms. Bonertyz has taken a lead role with STrEaM's restorative practices, advisory, social-emotional learning, and assessment. We are so happy to have her in the STrEaM family! 

You can reach our counselor at: bonertz_amy@asdk12.org or (907) 742-9000

Parent letter week of 9/30

September 28th, 2019
Dear parents and families,

October is perhaps the busiest month in schools each year. There is so much happening, and it will go fast. We have a TREK,  3 straight weeks with no school on Friday, X-C championships, Women in Science night, Student-led conferences, the end of the 1st quarter and our "I Am" celebration. WHEW! Please watch the announcements and Rapids Reports for updates.

Parent communication is always an important focus. If you appreciate how staff are sharing information or find anything particularly helpful, please let them know! Teacher often get feedback on what is not working and rarely on what works. As with teaching our students, we know positive reinforcement is far more effective!

This week we have a X-C meet at Kincaid, with busses leaving at 4 PM and races starting at 5:30. On Friday, we have a TREK to Kincaid park for a day of outdoor activity. Please treat these days like regular school days: they are essential to our program, count for attendance, build skills and relationships, and should not be seen as optional.

Homework comes up often. We DO believe in homework (done properly) and we DO assign homework. We strive to keep it minimal, connected directly to learning, and practice of skills (not busy work or new concepts) or extension of projects. Check with individual teachers on homework, extensions and projects students should be doing at home. As always, we believe every day students should read, then go outside and play!

Thank you for choosing STrEaM and supporting our program. As always, I want parents to call, email or come by with questions or concerns.

Click for the link to the Rapids Report for this week

Thank you,
Adam Mokelke, servant leader

"I Am" Project information

2019 "I Am" Project update and information 

September 2019

Dear Parents and Families,

Our second annual school-wide “I Am” project is underway! Students are working in grade-level teams every Wednesday developing their projects.

This project culminates Wednesday October 30th at 5 PM in the auditorium with our “I Am” celebration. “I Am” projects will be on display, and families are invited to join us and bring a cultural or family dish to share potluck-style.

6th Grade “I Am” Projects (Mrs. Staker, Ms. Draeger, Ms. Gabel):

Personal Crest and Motto

Essential Question: Who am I as a person (origin, interests) and where did I come from?

Activities: Name art, name poem, crest and motto, map, I Am Poem, flag, optional activities (recipe, musical or theatrical performance, etc.)

Deadlines:
  9/11 Name Poem and Name Art
9/18 Crest and Motto
9/25 Map
10/2 I Am Poem
10/9 Flag
10/16 Books assembled
10/30 Project complete with optional activities planned and ready to present

Products: Final book with all required activities (excluding optional activities)

7th Grade “I Am” Projects (Ms. Kotelman, Mr. Holsopple, Mr. Bierer):

Essential Question: What are the building blocks of my identity?

Activities: Story of your name writing and interview, “I contain multitudes” article annotation & personal connections, parts of me in percentages, silhouettes and illustrations of what makes me ‘me,’ artist statement, personal memoir, cover art

Deadlines:
  9/18: Parts of Me pie chart completed
9/25: Parts of Me abstract artwork completed
9/25: Artist Statement completed
10/09: Mini-memoirs completed
10/09: Cover art completed
10/30: Entire project completed and ready to share

Products: Pie charts, abstract art, artist statement, personal memoir, cover art

8th Grade “I Am” Projects (Mrs. Smith, Ms. Goodman, Mr. Perkins):

Essential Question: Where am I going in 5 years?

Activities: Haiku, Poem, Mind Mirror, Learning Styles Preference Survey and discussions, discussion/presentation with counselor, categories of a 5 year plan (social/emotional, school/college, career, physical location, other goals), Agamograph for Where I Am Vs. Where I’m Going, multimedia video explaining a 5 year plan.

Deadlines:  
Due 9/18: Haiku, Poem, Mind Mirror, Learning Styles Preference Survey, Agamograph for Where I Am
Due 9/25: Agamograph for Where I Am Vs. Where I’m Going
Due 10/2: Started on video
Due 10/16: At least half of video
Due 10/23: Video due (and everything else should already be completed)

Main “BIG” Products: Final Draft of Where I’m Going Poem, Agamograph for Where I Am Vs. Where I’m Going + multimedia video explaining a 5 year plan.

If you have any questions please contact one of the teachers on your child’s grade-level team. We are striving to have great “I Am” products on display for the final event.

We look forward to seeing parents and families on October 30th!

Thank you,
Adam Mokelke
Principal

Rapids Report and parent letter 9/13

9-13-19

Dear STrEaM Families,

Happy Friday! We just completed week 4 and are halfway through first quarter. So far your child has been engaged in high-quality learning, multiple class projects, started "I Am" projects on Wednesdays, conducted engineering challenges, gone outdoors to several local parks, and TREK'ed to Arctic Valley. WHEW! 

We pack in a LOT of learning at ASA. If you ever want to know more about what is happening please:

• Log into ParentConnect from the ASD website or app
• Visit our website https://www.asdk12.org/STrEaM and Facebook page 
• Email or visit teachers (contact info on our web site)
• Ask your child to log on to their Google Classroom and show you their classes
• Text the message @streamac to the number 81010 to sign up for REMIND

We offer several chances to come together, view student work and visit with us. Please see our calendar on the website for all events!  Highlights include:

• "I Am" Showcase and potluck October 30th, 5 PM in the auditorium. Bring a family or cultural dish!
• Semester 1 Student Showcase December 16th
• Semester 2 Student Showcase in May 2020
• We will host Student-Led Conferences on October 23rd and 24th, and again in February. 

Events coming up soon:

• Picture day September 24th. Forms went home today!
• Kincaid TREK October 4th. Permission slips went home today as well!!
• Cross country meets tonight at Service, then on 9/19, 9/25, 10/2, 10/8, and 10/10. 

Communication and feedback is very important to us. Thank you to everyone who took our recent survey. I presented this data to the APC and will be sharing with staff next week. We love the positive feedback, and appreciate the suggestions on how we can improve! Please know my door is always open, as well as phone an email, to parents. 

Thanks for your support,

Adam Mokelke, Principal

RAPIDS REPORT FOR 9/16-9/20

Monday 9/16:    Full Schedule Day, Periods 1-7

• LUNCH 11:45-12:15, Dismissal 3:00 
• Drop off after 7:30 AM, please pick up by 3:30 PM 
• X-C Running practice 3:00-4:30, meet in room 6

Tuesday 9/17:     “A” Block Schedule Day, Periods 1, 2, 3 and Elective

• LUNCH 11:15-11:45, Dismissal 3:00 
• Drop off after 7:30 AM, please pick up by 3:30 PM 
• X-C Running practice 3:15-4:30, room 6
• Robotics club 3:15-4:30

Wednesday 9/18:         Early Release day @ 12:00

• “I AM” PROJECTS
• X-C Running Practice 7 AM
• MAP TEST MAKE UPS
• Lunch 11:30-12:00 in Advisory
• Dismissal 12:00 pick up by 12:30 please

Thursday 9/19:  “B” Block Day periods 4, 5, 6 and Advisory

• LUNCH 11:15-11:45, Dismissal 3:00 
• Drop off after 7:30 AM, Please pick up by 3:30 PM 
• X-C Running MEET at Kincaid 5:30 PM
• Friday 9/20:    Full Schedule Day, Periods 1-7
• LUNCH 11:45-12:15, Dismissal 3:00. Please pick up by 3:30 PM  
• X-C Running practice 3:15-4:30, room 6

Friday 9/20:    Full Schedule Day, Periods 1-7

• LUNCH 11:45-12:15, Dismissal 3:00 
• Please pick up by 3:30 PM  
• X-C Running practice 3:15-4:30, room 6

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• We have seats open in 7th and 8th grade- call 742-9000 for an appointment
• Only the “Healthy Goodness” vending machine is ok for student use
• APC (board) seats open this fall! Election in October. Call or email
• NO SCHOOL 10/11, 10/18, 10/25 (NOTICE 10/11 is unique to STrEaM)
• 10/30 5 PM “I AM” celebration and showcase: please bring a cultural or family dish to share!

Parent letter update 9/3/19

September 3rd, 2019

Dear Parents and Families, 

We have a short but busy week ahead! As we head into September, here are some important updates for this week and the near future. 

Tomorrow (Wednesday) we have an assembly at 8 AM. We will recognize students who have been outstanding thus far and review our safety protocol ALICE (ALERT, LOCKDOWN, INFORM, COUNTER AND EVACUATE.) We will hold our first evacuation to our "rally point" in Muldoon Park.  Throughout the year we will review and practice aspects of the ALICE protocol in order to be prepared for threats and emergencies.

Our annual Arctic Valley TREK is this Friday, September 6th. Students will choose their level of activity for hiking and berry picking. Students be prepared to be outside for the day and will need a backpack, full water bottle, sack cold lunch (there will not be access to a microwave), hiking shoes, and layers for the weather. Buses will leave at 9 am and return at 1:30 pm. Students will be released at 3:00 as usual. We are still looking for parent chaperones. If you are interested, please contact gatlin_megan@asdk12.org or Mrs. Biondich at 742-9000. 

There are three vending machines in lobby. However, only one of them is approved for student use. It is labeled “Hello Goodness” and has district-approved healthy snacks and drinks. We do not allow soda or energy drinks at ASA, and students may not use the other two vending machines. 

Please plan accordingly: no school Friday October 11th! STrEaM has two additional “no school” days beyond the ASD calendar. These are the dates for the Wayland University fall and spring graduations: October 11th and April 17th. Following the ASD calendar, we also do not have school 10/18 and 10/25. 

Our Academic Policy Committee (APC) or “board” overseeing our charter meets the second Wednesday each month at 5:30 PM, usually in room 6. Our next meeting is Wednesday September 11th, and it is open to the public. We are seeking to fill several seats on the APC in the October election (held during parent teacher conferences). Please contact us if you are interested! 

Please call, email or stop by with questions!

Adam Mokelke, Principal 

(907) 742-9000 mokelke_adam@asdk12.org

What is STrEaM Academy?

What is STrEaM Academy and why should you choose us?

Welcome to Anchorage STrEaM Academy! We are a middle school, and ASD's newest charter school, located at Wayland University in East Anchorage.

Our name infuses "STEM" (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) with research & the arts. We are a unique charter middle school for grades 6, 7 & 8 driven by our mission, "Anchorage STrEaM Academy empowers students to be involved learners, critical thinkers and engaged citizens inspired by the natural world." How do we do this?

Curriculum and instruction at STrEaM is driven by Project-Based Learning, incorporating STEM and experiential outdoor education. Students are taught through an integrated, hands-on approach. Instead of traditional "sit and get" learning, teachers work together to design projects encompassing multiple standards across subject areas. Class sizes are small, around 20 students, and student engagement is high.

What is an example of Project-Based Learning? 6th grade students study renewable and non-renewable energy resources from scientific, social, political and economic perspectives. They simulate mining and oil drilling in labs, engineer wind turbines, focus on the viability of renewable energy resources like wind or hydroelectric in our community, and present their findings to the Mayor of Anchorage for their final assessments. This model engages students by providing choice, allowing them to explore interests, work hands-on, collaborate in teams, research real topics and issues, engage with the community, and present to an audience. Teachers move from the "sage on the stage" to the "guide on the side," becoming facilitators of learning and empowering their students.

Hand-in-hand with STEM and Project-Based Learning at ASA is our focus on Experiential Education. We believe in getting kids outdoors and out in the community and environment in which we live. On a daily basis, we build in movement, activities, brain breaks, short recesses outdoors or walks in our local parks. Kids need exercise, activity and fresh air! STrEaM students go outside every day.

We take several school-wide TREKs (Teaching Research Education with Kids), full-day excursions tied to learning goals and projects in our community and local environment. Our annual TREKs include trips to Arctic Valley, Lake Eklutna and Cheney Lake. Throughout the year guest presenters engage students on topics including STEM fields, wildlife, careers, local government, weather, energy and much more. Through these experiences our students are learning to be the future leaders and stewards of our community and environment.

The results of this approach to teaching and learning show. Our school culture is strong and positive, close-knit, not tolerant of bullying. We are engaged, focused on curiosity, inquisitiveness, discovery and learning. Students love their school, and our staff wouldn't work anyplace else. We all strive to make STrEaM the best school possible for our students.

Each Wednesday we release school at 12:00, so our dynamic staff have time to design and plan for Project-Based Learning. We provide 1 to 1 technology with student Chromebooks and all staff utilized Google Classroom to post assignments and information online. Our facilities at Wayland Baptist include 10 classrooms, a library, offices, access to the auditorium, a large fenced yard, and easy access to multiple parks.

If you love outdoor sports, we have our own ASD cross country running and skiing teams. Students can also participate in sports and after school activities at their neighborhood school

Great things are happening at STrEaM, and you are invited to join us. Explorers wanted!

For more information: Call now (907) 742-9000

Stop by between 8 AM and 3:30 PM at Wayland Baptist University on Muldoon, across from the Totem theatre, or come for school tours each Tuesday in February at 9:30 AM.

Email the principal: mokelke_adam@asdk12.org

Email the Admin. Assistant/front office: biondich_sylvia@asdk12.org

Visit our web page at http://stream.asdk12.org/

Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AnchorageSTrEaMAcademy/

On Twitter @Anc_STrEaM_AK
Instagram @Anchorage_Stream_Academy https://www.instagram.com/anchorage_stream_academy/

Message 8/20/19

Hello STrEaM Families,

We had an AMAZING first day! Staff and students were excited and the school buzzed with positivity and activity!

We are closely monitoring the air quality outdoors. As you know, we are a school that goes outside every day. Today, we did not require students to go outside (normally they cannot stay in when a class goes out). We allowed students with sensitivity to the air or other issues to stay inside.

Tomorrow we plan a school-wide trip to Chugach Foothills Park. We will again monitor the air quality; if it is in the "red" or unsafe zone, we will cancel this trip. If we do go ahead, we will still offer an alternative for students to stay at school.
If we cancel, we will move our Engineering Challenge up from Thursday.

If you have not yet signed the off campus permission form, we do need this by tomorrow morning!

Remember to send lunch and utensils with students tomorrow! They will have lunch in Advisory rooms again today.

What a GREAT start to the year! We have a few seats open in 7th and 8th grade, if you know anyone who would excel in a STEM-focused and project-based setting.

Thank you,

Adam Mokelke, Principal 

First Day of School!

August 20th, 2019

Dear STrEaM Families,

Welcome to the 2019 School Year! 

We start school Tuesday at 8 AM. You may drop off any time after 7:30 AM. 

Students will be given schedules when they arrive. We will open with an assembly in the auditorium at 8:05 AM.
School is out at 3:00. Please pick up by 3:30 PM. For pick up and drop off, please pull as far forward as possible before stopping in order to keep traffic moving. If you are not in a hurry, it is ok to park and come in or wait. Remember we early release every Wednesday, including this week. Wednesday lunch is at 11:30, pick up at 12.
Remember students bring their own lunches or you may order from Wooden Spoons. Lunch will be in Advisory for the first three days.
Friday is our first day with a regular schedule of classes. The next three days are orientation to STrEaM: assemblies, advisory group activities, engineering challenges, outdoor excursions, team building!
Students interested in X-C running meet at lunch Wednesday in Room 1. Practice begins Thursday at 3 PM, and all paperwork must be in before students can participate.
Wednesdays and TREKS are part of our academic program and not optional. They count, and matter, for attendance.
We go outside every day; rain, snow or shine. Students must dress for the weather, and please write names in all clothing and on water bottles.
We have a few seats open in 7th and 8th grade, and would appreciate referrals.

We are going to have a GREAT school year!
Thank you for choosing STrEaM Academy

Mr. Mokelke

Pick up/drop off pattern:

Welcome 19-20 school year

August 8th, 2019

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

Welcome to the 2019-20 school year!

We look forward to educating your children in a highly engaging, hands-on and positive learning environment. Throughout the year, look for the “Rapids Report” each week to stay up to date on important events and announcements. Here are the important things happening in the coming weeks:

Registration: Students must be registered each school year. If you have not done so, please complete online registration and select elective choices for first quarter at https://www.asdk12.org/stream

New family Q&A: Friday 8/9 at 5:30 PM in room 6. Meet with the principal for new family and student information. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about STrEaM Academy. 

Open House: Friday 8/16 from 4 to 6 PM, starting in the auditorium. All staff will be available. Meet teachers and prepare for the new school year. 

School starts Tuesday, August 20th. Drop off any time after 7:30 AM. Each day the first week of school we will start with an assembly in the auditorium at 8 AM. School is out at 3 PM, please pick up by 3:30. Remember Wednesdays we early release at 12:00. 

We are looking forward to a GREAT school year. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at STrEaM Academy.

Sincerely,

Adam Mokelke, Principal

mokelke_adam@asdk12.org

(907) 742-9000

STrEaM Staff Spotlight: Mr. Holsopple

Zebulon Holsopple, Science and STEM

Mr. Holsopple teaches 7th grade Science and STEM at Anchorage STrEaM Academy. We welcomed him to the STrEaM dream team at the start of the 19-20 school year.  He joined us with 11 years experience teaching life sciences including biology, environmental science, earth science, marine biology, anatomy and physiology, and microbiology.

Born and raised in Eastern and Southern Africa, Mr. Holsopple has lived in Kenya, Uganda, Mozambique and the Kingdom of Eswatini. His extensive travels throughout the world provide him with an international and multi-cultural perspective. Growing up outdoors, his love of the natural world translated to a passion for science, the environment and education. His Masters degree in Education includes an emphasis on Environmental Science.

At the end of the 18-19 school year, Mr. Holsopple began substitute teaching at STrEaM and quickly connected with staff and students. Staff appreciated his steady support and willingness to help anywhere he was needed. When Mr. H had a moment of "down time," he would immediately go into classrooms to support students and teachers. Students appreciated his calm and patient presence as a substitute, repeatedly requesting he be brought back whenever subs were needed.

Excellence has been a trend throughout Mr. Holsopple's career. At Josephine Dobbs Clement Early College High School in Durham, North Carolina, he was recognized as the Teacher of the Year. In 2016, Mr. Holsopple was selected as the Battey National Educator of the Year by Depauw University (story here https://www.depauw.edu/news-media/latest-news/details/32372/). STrEaM found an outstanding science teacher, dedicated to students and the teaching profession.

Mr. Holsopple spends his time outside of school with his wife and children, traveling and enjoying the outdoors through hiking, camping, canoeing and biking. His favorite hobbies include photography, reading, backpacking, swimming and travel. He is proud to be a member of  theSTrEaM Academy staff, teaching 7th grade science and STEM. 

Contact Mr. Holsopple at holsopple_zebulon@asdk12.org

Excited for 2019-20

July 2019

Soon we will begin our 4th year at STrEaM Academy!

We are excited to continue providing middle school students with highly engaging project-based, experiential STEM education.

Our schedule will be the same as last year: full days (periods 1-7) Monday and Friday, block days Tuesday and Thursday, and early release on Wednesday. We expect enrollment between 150 and 160 students, and we are not adding any additional classrooms to our space at Wayland Baptist.  Stability and consistency are positives.

Our primary focus will be on our maintaining and growing a positive and supportive school climate and culture, while continuing to develop projects which engage students in hands-on and active learning. Expect frequent assemblies, students earning STrEaM "STAR" badges each month, and more positive recognition and celebration. We've hired a counselor, Mrs. Bonertz, who will enhance restorative practices, student support, and social-emotional learning.

STrEaM is also thrilled to add our own sports programs to meet the demand of our students: cross country running and skiing.

Important upcoming dates:
Offices re-open Monday 7/22
Lottery closes 7/25
APC Meeting 8/12 5:30 PM
Teachers return 8/15
School opens Tuesday 8/20!!

STrEaM appreciates your engagement and support! 

Contact us any time:

Principal Adam Mokelke, mokelke_adam@asdk12.org

Admin. Assistant Sylvia Biondich, biondich_sylvia@asdk12.org

(907) 742-9000

https://www.asdk12.org/stream

3rd Year in Review

June 2019

As we wrap up another school year, it is amazing to look at how far we have come and how much we've grown. We've been in existence for three years already!

STrEaM started in the fall of 2016 with 75 students. This fall our enrollment reached 150 students. At the end of the school year, we promoted 49 8th grades on to High School, many of whom have been with us all three years. This was our first group to attend 3 years with us, from 6th to 8th.

Another major milestone was achieved when the district, then the State's Department of Education and Early Development approved our charter renewal application for the next 10 years. This represents a lot of hard work and dedication by our APC members and staff. Our program is solid and sustainable.

Project-Based Learning continues to be our driving philosophy and focus. Projects happened constantly throughout the year, from the classroom to school-wide level. We started off with the "I Am" project, celebrated with parents and the community in a culminating potluck event. We held two excellent Student Showcases in December and May, putting projects, products and presentations on display to the community.

Looking to year 4, we are excited for stability and consistency. For the first time, we are not making major changes that come with increasing student enrollment. We should once again have between 150 and 160 students. We are not adding any additional classrooms, and staff turnover is minimal. The schedule will be the same: full days (periods 1-7) Monday and Friday, block days Tuesday and Thursday, and early release on Wednesday.

One exciting change is the addition of our own sports programs to meet the demand of our students. In the fall Mr. Mozen will lead our first cross country running team, and this winter we will have our own cross country skiing team.

This coming school year a major emphasis will be on our positive school culture. We will return to having monthly assemblies, and bring back STrEaM badges to recognize student achievement. We've hired a school counselor for the first time, Mrs. Bonertz, who will be a great addition to our team. Outdoor and experiential learning, along with integrating STEM across the curriculum, will continue being important aspects of our program. Our teachers will continue to develop interactive, hands-on projects to engage students in authentic and relevant learning. In short, our focus is on continuing to strengthen the great things we do.

An excellent third year is now behind us, and another great school year coming up. I return to the office July 22nd, with our new Administrative Assistance Mrs. Biondich. The lottery closes July 25th, and teachers return on August 14th. Tuesday August 20th will be the first day of school. See you then!

Sports equipment and after school letter

5/2/19

Dear parents,

We are an active school; physical movement and outdoor time is very important to us.  We want to be sure our environment is safe and orderly with outdoor activities and sports, so we have a few requests:

-Students must wear a helmet if they are on wheels. This includes riding to and from school. If you cannot provide a helmet please contact us and we will help with this. 

-We have our own equipment including footballs and basketballs. Please do not allow students to bring equipment like balls to school, as this causes disruptions in the hallway and issues after school is out. We prefer to check out sports equipment to be used at the appropriate time. Beginning next week, if a student brings their own I will hold onto it unit a parent can pick it up.

-After school: Students who walk or ride home should leave campus in a timely manner and should not return. We've had issues with students hanging out to play in the parking lot, which is closed for activity after school. We have also had students leave campus then return. Both of these cause concern because we are responsible for safety and supervision of all students.

-As always, please pick students up by 3:30 PM as we have to supervise them as long as they are here. Please pull as far forward as possible for pick up and drop off.

If you have questions please call or stop by!

Thank you,

Mr. Mokelke 

Spring into Action

4/11/19

Our third year in existence is winding down, and it is amazing to look at all the things we've done at STrEaM this year. TREKs and trips including Arctic Valley, Eklutna Lake, Cheney Lake and the Rock Gym are some of the best experiences thus far. More than ever, STEM has been integrated across the curriculum; from Robotics, Rocketry and Coding classes to engineering challenges and science projects. Staff have collaborated closely to build engaging, exciting and relevant projects. Our Robotics teams had a strong showing in competition, and our first ever Battle of the Books team took 2nd place in the district!

PEAKS state testing is behind us, and we are well into the fourth quarter. However, it is important to us to keep our momentum up through the last day of school: Finish strong!
We still have Sports Day at the Center Friday 4/12, Rock Gym trips, and many visits to our local parks. Join us for the "Ride of Silence" bike ride May 15th at 12:00 to honor those injured or killed on bikes. Final celebrations in Advisory classes are Thursday May 16th, and final assessments completed by Friday May 17th. Many projects are still well underway, as we build towards our Spring Student Showcase Monday May 20th.

We aren't finished yet, and we plan to keep students engaged and learning right up to the last day on May 22nd, when we finish with our annual Field Day and BBQ. Thank you friends, parents, families, students and staff for another great school year, and for being on our journey of growth and discovery. #FullSTrEaMahead!

Looking forward to next year, we plan to have 150 to 170 students, and to continue growing Project-Based Learning, exploring the outdoors, and weaving STEM across the curriculum. We say goodbye to one of our founders and teachers, Mr. Kluever, as he sails into retirement, and to our awesome Administrative Assistant Ms. Sandy as she moves to the head of the ASD classified staff union: thank you and congrats to both of them!

The second lottery is open and we have a few seats open. #ExplorersWanted

PEAKS testing 2019

Dear parents and families,

PEAKS is the State assessment taken by all students in Alaska each spring.
6th, 7th and 8th graders will all take Math and English-Language Arts. Additionally, 8th graders take the Science test. You may learn more about PEAKS at www.asdk12.org/peaks
and find practice tests here: https://www.asdk12.org/Page/13914

STrEaM will administer PEAKS the following dates:

Tuesday 3/26 beginning at 8:00 AM
6th Grade: English-Language Arts
7th Grade:  Math
8th Grade: Math
lunch 11:15-11:45
11:50 ADVISORY
1:25 ELECTIVE

Thursday 3/28 beginning at 8:00 AM
6th Grade: Math
7th Grade: ELA
8th Grade: ELA
lunch 11:15-11:45
11:50 ELECTIVE
1:25 ADVISORY

Testing is scheduled for the morning, until lunch. On Tuesday and Thursday after lunch we will have elective and advisory classes.

Wednesday 4/3:  8th grade science

Make-up testing must be complete by Friday 4/5

Important reminders:

• It is important for all students to be present and ready to test
• No electronic devices are allowed during testing
• Please do not plan to pick students up before lunch on these days

Please contact us with any questions!

Adam Mokelke, Principal

(907) 742-9000

mokelke_adam@asdk12.org