The Rapids Report
January 29th, 2024
Dear STrEaM Families,
The lottery opens this week, on Thursday, February 1st. Current students who are returning do NOT need to apply. Please help spread the word and recruit our next class to STrEaM!
This Friday, Feb. 2 is the midway point of Quarter 3 and a mid-quarter deadline for PAs in many classes. Students are being encouraged to submit any make-up assignments or missing work by Friday to be prepared for the second half of the quarter. To support your student this week, you may ask him/her these questions:
In Q/Student Connect, do you have missing assignments? What is your plan for completing them?
In Canvas, do you have feedback from teachers to use for redos?
Are you using “focused work time” during Advisory on Tuesdays and Thursdays to complete or redo work?
This Week at STrEaM:
Monday 1/29: Periods 1-7
XC Skiing@STrEaM 3:15-4:30
Battle of the Books competition (6th grade) 2:00-5:30 at West High
Tuesday 1/30: Block Day A Advisory & P. 1-4
XC Ski Meet @ERHS 5:30PM
Wednesday 1/31: Early Release 12:00
Math Club
Boxing
No Ski practice today
Pop-Up Fundraiser: Noon (for XC Skiing)
Student Ambassador Club Meeting 12-1:30
Thursday 2/1: Block Day B Advisory & P. 5-8
XC Skiing @ Russian Jack 3:15-4:30
Friday 2/2: Periods 1-7
ACCESS Testing for students in ELL program
XC Skiing @ Russian Jack 3:15-4:30
Recruitment Time!
Explorers wanted! Help us spread the word about the ASD alternative school lottery which will open February 1st and end on March 21st. We welcome applications to all grades, but would greatly appreciate your help in spreading the word about our school to incoming 6th grade students. Our student ambassadors will be visiting neighboring elementary schools, family STEM nights and recruitment fairs over the next two months. Recruit a fellow RAPID today!
Health, Social Emotional and Wellness
Communicating with teens: Tip of the week!
Problem solve together:
How to model problem solving:
Remember kids are always watching. Instead of trying to hide emotions, name them and verbally work through them. “I’m feeling really stressed right now. I’m going to turn on some music because that calms me down.”
When compromising becomes difficult, problem solve together. “How can we come to a solution where both our needs are met? You need to feel independence and I have a responsibility to keep you safe.”
Try and see potential problems from the lens of “me and my child against the problem” instead of me against my child.
So many times, conflicts lead to communication that is a battleground of power plays. Quickly, a “you” against “me” dynamic comes into play and it is very difficult to back away once battle lines have been drawn. Instead, when you see the issues that are going to be contentious, try to bring your child in as a partner against the problem. “Our relationship is important. You need to feel more freedom. I need to make sure I am doing my best to keep you safe. How can we solve this problem together?”
Health Updates
There is a lot of yuck in the community right now. Sending a guidance reminder of COVID leave for staff and students. ASD, still matches CDC policy - just like last year.
https://sites.google.com/asdk12.net/returntoschoolpolicy/return-to-schoolwork-policy
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation.html
There is also a cool calculator for return dates, if that is easier. https://ldh.la.gov/page/calculator Remember the start day (symptoms or positive test) is Day 0. Out 5 days and then actually return on day 6. If still fevering or feeling worse, please stay out longer. You are likely still contagious, so mask at school until at least day 10, usually the following week.
Please feel free to email or call me with any questions. zimpelman_bethany@asdk12.org
Wishing you well
~Nurse Bethany
Reporting absences:
Thank you for letting us know when your child will be absent. There are two great ways to do this now. You can log into Parent Connect and use the link on the top of your screen or you can call the school at 907-742-9000. Ms. Jessi is our new attendance secretary and front door greeter!
School Governance
APC (Academic Policy Committee)
The Academic Policy Committee (APC) meets the second Wednesday of every month at 5:30 PM. There is no meeting in February. Community and parents are always welcome to attend. Please notify us prior to the meeting if you wish to provide public comment.
Friends of STrEaM
Be on the look-out for information about the 4th Annual STrEaM Spring Suction Fundraiser! We hope to raise close to $4K this year. If you own a business and can donate an item or experience to auction please see Sylvia in the front office.
We are extremely thankful to the Lethin Family and the Clarion Suites Downtown Anchorage for their continued support of this lunch program.
After School Activities
Boxing Club
Boxing Wednesday 12:00-1:00.
Skiing
Our first XC Ski race is this Tuesday, January 30th at Eagle River High School. Dress warmly and in layers. Students can stay after school on Tuesday to wait for the bus which will leave STrEaM at 4:30PM.
Below are several opportunities for volunteers (parents and students) to help with XC Skiing fundraising. Please let Coach Mozen know if you can help out.
Bake sale on Wednesday January 31 to benefit our STrEaM Ski Team -
Here is an opportunity for 10 skiers to get involved:
Student A - one dozen brownies or Rice Krispy Treats individually bagged (sold for $2)
Student B - one dozen brownies or Rice Krispy Treats individually bagged (sold for $2)
Student C - two dozen (about 3" round) individually bagged Choc Chip cookies (sold for $1)
Student D - two dozen (about 3" round) individually bagged Oatmeal cookies (sold for $1)
Student E - one number 10 can (approx 6.5 lbs) of nacho cheese
Student F - Large Bag of Tortilla Chips (strips, rounds or triangles)
Student G - Large Bag of Tortilla Chips
Student H - Large Bag of Tortilla Chips
Student I - HELP WITH SALE noon - 12:25 day of sale
Student J - HELP WITH SALE noon - 12:25 day of sale
Upcoming Fundraiser: Join us on Friday, February 16th at 6pm for a spaghetti dinner and bake sale fundraiser at the Moose Lodge on Arctic. We will need volunteers to 1) help with the dinner, 2) help set up and clean up, 3) provide baked goods (preferably wrapped), and 4) run the baked goods table.
23-24 Battle of the Books
We are getting close to our district competition date. Please watch your email for permission slips.
Students on the 7/8 team district battle:
Date: Tuesday, February 6
Location: West/Romig Library
Time: 9:00am - 2:00pm
Have questions? Please Email:
lojewski_martha@asdk12.org - 6th Grade Bahner_Stephen@asdk12.org - 7th/8th Grade
Wednesday MATH CLUB
Wednesday's Math Club is full for quarter 3, but will be accepting new applicants for quarter 4. Math Club is hosted by math teacher Stephanie Olendorff and is open to any STrEaM student who has a permission form submitted; however, there is a cap of 20 seats available and academic need will be considered when accepting students. It will take place on Wednesdays from 12:00 pm to 1:45 pm. Students must be picked up or have permission to walk off campus by 1:45 pm. Please fill out the permission form in the link below to be considered for quarter 4 Wednesday’s Math Club. Please reach out to Mrs. Olendorff at olendorff_stephanie@asdk12.org with any questions.
https://forms.gle/nfo5E3W7Bfik8XNo6
For more information reach out to Mrs. Olendorff at olendorff_stephanie@asdk12.org
Advisory & Lunch MATH CLUB
Students have the option to spend Tuesdays and Thursdays advisory period in Mrs. Olendorff’s room for math support. Students are to check in with their advisory teacher for attendance, then go to room 4. Students can also spend lunch in Mrs. Olendorff’s room Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and/or Friday for math support. The expectation is that students are silently working on any PA’s and MA’s while Mrs. Olendorff is there to offer support and instruction. This is a great opportunity to incorporate more math into the students’ schedules. Please reach out to Mrs. Olendorff at olendorff_stephanie@asdk12.org with any questions.
Links and Information
STREAM GEAR STORE
Purchase your STrEaM Gear on our online store! LINK: https://bit.ly/3YYp912
2023-24 Yearbook Order Today!
Families, Yearbook Orders ARE LIVE and will be available until February 23rd! Order here.
Parents: earn or finish a degree right here at STrEaM!
Are you considering earning a degree, or completing one? Our business partner Wayland University offers classes online and in the evening. WBU Dean Dr. Ashley and staff will be at our Parent Night providing more information. https://www.wbu.edu/campuses/anchorage/index.htm
Quyana!
Thank you for your continued support.
Call, email or stop by if you have any questions or needs!
Adam Mokelke, Principal mokelke_adam@asdk12.org
Rebekah Hayden, Assistant Principal hayden_rebekah@asdk12.org
Amy Bonertz, Counselor bonertz_amy@asdk12.org
Syliva Biondich, Administrative Asst. biondich_sylvia@asdk12.org
Jessi Blackson, Secretary blackson_jessica@asdk12.org
Bethany Zimpelman, Itinerant Nurse zimpleman_bethany@asdk12.org
Chris Krejca, Special Education krejca_christine@asdk12.org
