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