Rapids Report 11-17-20

The Rapids Report

11/17/20

Dear STrEaM Families,

We are now half way through the 2nd quarter.  As I shared with our APC, although we would rather be teaching in person, virtual learning has been successful for STrEaM thanks to the hard work and dedication of our staff, and engagement of our students and families. Thank you for teaming with us to make the very best of this challenge. 

Virtual Learning Success: STrEaM opted NOT to issue incomplete grades, which would have to be made up this summer. Less than 8% of students earned a failing final grade first quarter. 

November is Alaska Native and Native American Heritage Month. We are honored to recognize the rich cultures, traditions, knowledge and contributions of peoples indigenous to Alaska and the United States. If you missed Morning Coffee with Inupiaq professor Holly Guise last week discussing the impact of World War II on Alaska Native people, you can watch on our youtube channel! 

We encourage you to think of Indigenous peoples in the present tense: as living, growing, adapting and thriving cultures. 

Facilities: We ceased regular work in the building and our small group in-person learning options beginning October 25th, when cases began to spike drastically and Dr. Zink issued a stay at home request. We continue to work from home except on a needs basis, and there are no in person options for students at this time. As soon as possible, we will resume small, optional in-person options. 

Health and Safety Plan: Our H&S Plan is posted on the STrEaM Website. Parents feel free to review and reach out to us with questions and feedback. We will be reviewing this plan at Morning Coffee on 11/25.   

Wednesday 11/18: 

Join us for Morning Coffee at 8 AM! This week meet our new APC members. 

Cohort team Mrs. Staker and Ms. Draeger will present on 6th grade math and science. 

Join on Zoom: https://asdk12.zoom.us/j/189887262?pwd=b0EzVGZYVjB6TEkxWHcrNTdsNmxRUT09

Meeting ID: 189 887 262     Password: (see email or request from us)

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/adammokelke 

On E-learning Wednesdays, students are assigned to work on iReady and ALEKS math! These programs are crucial for both filling any learning gaps as well as making continual progress in core skills. 

Counselor’s Corner: Ms. Bonertz has added discussions each week on her Canvas page.  This is an opportunity for students to engage with others school wide. Please encourage your students to check out the discussions.  Many of them have an SEL focus as well as having the students practice mindfulness while staying connected with each other. 

Friendly reminder from your school counselor to practice self-care for all!  Many of us have had to make holiday changes in plans, so be sure to be kind to yourself.  Ms. Bonertz has many resources for her students on her Canvas page, but her website also has several suggestions for self-care. 

STrEaM APC: The “Academic Policy Committee” is the board overseeing our charter school. The APC meets the second Wednesday of each month at 5:30 PM on Zoom and meetings are broadcast live on Youtube. 

WELCOME to the APC new board members Chandra Burbage, Jeff Earle, Renee Fredericks, and Sharon Wilson! Ms. Goodman is our new teacher representative on the board, and thanks to Mr. B for his service in that role. Congratulations to our new APC Chair, founder Andranel Brown! We want to thank Gayle Yip for serving as chair, and she will remain as a valuable resource on our board. 

The APC channel on our website has been updated to be more search friendly. Remember to refresh the page when you go to our website again.

Next week: Short week. Regular classes Monday and Tuesday, E-learning on Wednesday. NO SCHOOL Thursday 11/26 and Friday 11/27 for Thanksgiving. 

We are thankful for you, parents and families!

Principal Mokelke

(907) 360-1059 Cell

mokelke_adam@asdk12.org