Update for 12/8/20

Family Update 12/8/20

Dear STrEaM Families,

We are into the last two weeks of Quarter 2 before the winter break. This Friday, December 11th is the last day for all assignments and assessments.  Thursday December 17th is the last student day of the year. 

Quarter 3: 

We will start Quarter 3 on January 4th in virtual learning mode, continuing online classes. Because we will not change learning modes mid-quarter, the earliest we could return to in-person classes is 4th quarter. This follows ASD’s plan for secondary schools. 

We recognize that for academic, social, and family-based reasons, some of our students need support in person, at school.  

We will begin small group in-person learning lab in January from 8:00-1:30 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, based on need and requests from parents.

We will also be offering after school tutoring sessions from 1:30 to 2:30 PM, either in-person or virtually, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday as staff are available.

Wednesday 12/9:  Morning Coffee and Monthly APC Meeting. 

Join us for Morning Coffee at 8 AM!  Our guests are Karen Garland, presenting with her mother on how to have a STrEaM Mindset at home, and the 6th grade Cohort Team of Ms. Kotelman and Ms. Gabel.

Morning Coffee next week, 12/16 will focus on Winter Wellness and Healthy Activities! 

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

Meeting ID: 189 887 262     Password: (call, email or message)

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

STrEaM APC:  

Monthly APC meeting is this Wednesday, December 9th, at 5:30 PM. Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/adammokelke

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. 

Stream Anchorage 501(c)(3): 

Our fundraising team is currently working on raising money for the XC Skiing program.  For more information visit the website Stream Anchorage 501(c)(3) The goal for 2020 is $10K and we have less than one month left in this calendar year. 

WINTER COATS: 

Thanks to a grant from Operation Warm, we have winter coats for all STrEaM students and siblings! Please call or email to arrange pick up. 

Order STrEaM Gear for holiday gifts now:  

Q2 Gear Store Items ordered through this Stream Anchorage link will be mailed directly to your house. There are a limited number of items, including Mrs. Biondich's 2020 design, the STrEaM logo design and XC Skiing gear. This is a fundraiser for Stream Anchorage 501(c)(3) and benefits the XC Skiing Program at Anchorage STrEaM Academy

Counselor’s Corner:

There is a wonderful community resource for families in need over the holiday season.  The acting mayor of Anchorage announced a voucher program to support Anchorage residents to use for daily expenses.  Individuals can apply for $200 and families can apply for $400.  Deadline to apply is December 13th.  Information found here.  

End of Semester Zoomsembly:

STrEaM will be hosting our End-of-Semester all-school Zoomsembly Thursday, December 17th at 10 am, during period 2. The Zoom link for Zoomsembly will be provided by teachers through Canvas. Following the Zoomsembly students are invited to begin their Winter Break.  

Remember the lottery for 21-22 opens January 1st. Returning students need not apply. Help us recruit the next great class of Rapids!

Thank you all for your support, efforts, engagement, positivity and involvement this semester. Let’s finish strong and rest for Quarter 3!

Principal Mokelke 

mokelke_adam@asdk12.org 

Coffee and Update 11/24/20

Dear STrEaM Families,

We are heading into the “stretch run” of Quarter 2! After enjoying Thanksgiving break, we will have just three weeks of school left in the quarter. Let’s finish strong!

Remember there is no school Thursday and Friday this week. Please enjoy your Thanksgiving break safely, with small gatherings, social distancing and plenty of outdoor activity! 

Wednesday 11/25:  Join us for Morning Coffee at 8 AM! 

 Our guest is Meredith Gutierrez of Anchorage Parks Foundation! Learn more about STrEaM’s projects and partnerships with the parks!

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

Meeting ID: 189 887 262     Password: (contact us for password)

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

Facilities: 

Mrs. Biondich and Mr. Mokelke returned to working in the building regularly, in the new offices on the main floor! Following Thanksgiving break, staff will be allowed to work in their classrooms if they choose. We are planning to resume scheduling students for optional in-person learning as soon as possible, depending on community health status. 

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.

Order STrEaM Gear for holiday gifts now:

Q2 Gear Store  (link)

Items ordered through this Stream Anchorage link will be mailed directly to your house. There are a limited number of items, including Mrs. Biondich's 2020 design, the STrEaM logo design and XC Skiing gear. This is a fundraiser for Stream Anchorage 501(c)(3) and benefits the XC Skiing Program at Anchorage STrEaM Academy

 

Counselor’s Corner: 

Ms. Bonertz adds discussions each week on her Canvas page.  This is an opportunity for students to engage with others. Please encourage your students to check out the discussions.  Many of them have an SEL focus, including practice for mindfulness while staying connected with each other.

Friendly reminder from your school counselor to practice self-care!  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. Our next meeting is Wednesday, December 9th, at 5:30 PM. 

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.

Special Upcoming Event: 

Ms. Draeger is hosting a Drive-In Hot Air Balloon Launch on Friday, December 4th, at 3:00 pm for her current 6th grade science students. This event will take place in the WBU parking lot (facilities will not be available). Students will take turns launching  hot air balloons while maintaining safe distance in their comfort of their cars. Masks will be required when students are out of their car. 

STrEaM families and community, we are thankful for YOU! Thank you for choosing and supporting STrEaM. We appreciate and are grateful for you. 

Principal Mokelke

(907) 360-1059 Cell

mokelke_adam@asdk12.org

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

Rapids Report 10-19-20

The Rapids Report

10/19/20

Dear STrEaM Families,

Quarter 2 began today, Monday 10/19. Students are in all new classes this quarter. You should have received an email from your child's new teachers for the quarter. Student schedules are in Q and students can access course information in Canvas. First quarter grades will be available on Friday October 23rd. 

Here are a few important things to note this week. 

Wednesday 10/21: 

Join us for Morning Coffee at 8 AM!

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

Meeting ID: 189 887 262     Password: MORNING

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

On E-learning Wednesdays, as well as during the week, students should be working regularly on iReady and ALEKS.  

Thursday 10/22 Fall Conferences: 

• Thursday is a REGULAR Virtual school day 

• Evening Back to School events hosted via zoom with 2nd quarter cohort/teachers

• CONFERENCE ZOOM SCHEDULE LINK: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gdIL6UC5ffQxyLJ_N-y7xYe3DfhJp5TqoCf9toPaXGo/edit?usp=sharing

• Conferences begin on the hour at 4 PM, 5 PM and 6 PM and last 20 minutes

Friday 10/23 NO SCHOOL

Learning Labs: 

We are scheduling students to come in one day per week on a limited basis. All safety protocols must be adhered to strictly: ASD is symptom free! Please speak with Mrs. Biondich or Mr. Mokelke for more details on scheduling. 

Let’s start strong and have a great second quarter! 

Thank you, 

Principal Mokelke

(907) 360-1059 Cell

mokelke_adam@asdk12.org

Rapids Report 10/5/20

Rapids Report 10/5/20

Dear STrEaM Families,

We are in Week 8, and it is time to wrap-up first quarter.  Final assignments are due by Friday 10/9 this week! There will be no regular/live zoom classes on Friday. It is a great chance for students to complete assignments, make up missing work, and FINISH STRONG!  

There is no school on the next three Fridays:

No School Friday 10/9 (e-learning for students, staff professional development)

No School Friday 10/16 (End of First Quarter)

No School Friday 10/23 

2nd Quarter Planning:

STrEaM will remain in virtual learning for the duration of 2nd quarter in order to give stability and continuity to teachers and students.  We will offer opportunities each week for students to come in for optional face to face learning labs and outdoor activities.  Our full 2nd quarter plan will be reviewed at the APC meeting October 14th. 

Learning Labs: 

We are currently scheduling students to come in one day per week on a limited basis. All safety protocols must be adhered to strictly: ASD is symptom free! Students come in to do classes online and receive additional supports. Prioritized are our highest need students. Please speak with Mrs. Biondich or Mr. Mokelke for more details on scheduling. 

Wednesday 10/7: 

Join us for Morning Coffee at 8 AM!  

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

Meeting ID: 189 887 262     Password: MORNING

Or watch on Youtube at: https://www.youtube.com/adammokelke

On E-learning Wednesdays, students should be working regularly on iReady and ALEKS Math! 

Fall Conferences: 

Wednesday October 21st is now a regular e-learning day for staff and students. 

Thursday October 22nd is a  REGULAR SCHOOL DAY.   We will have an Evening Back to School event hosted via zoom with 2nd quarter cohort/teachers. 

Friday October 23rd there is no school for students. Inservice in the morning for professional development.  

STrEaM Gear update: 

The gear store is closed. Gear will be available after October 15th. We will be calling to arrange pick up or delivery of your items. 

As first quarter quickly comes to a close, I want to thank our entire school community for your commitment to STrEaM Academy. Teachers, staff, parents, students, APC members and supporters have pulled together, collaborated, supported one another, worked so hard and engaged in order to make learning successful. It is truly amazing. 

Thank you, 

Principal Mokelke

(907) 360-1059 Cell

mokelke_adam@asdk12.org

RAPIDS REPORT 9-15-20

RAPIDS REPORT 9-15-20

Dear STrEaM Families,

It is hard to believe we are already in Week 5, and Thursday 9/17 marks the halfway point of first quarter. Thanks to all our teachers, students and parents for their collaboration and hard work towards making online learning successful. 

Return to School:

I know that a decision on returning to school face to face is highly anticipated. ASD will make an announcement this week. Remember that STrEaM is committed to remain Virtual for the duration of the first quarter, and that will not change. 

There is no decision yet on what STrEaM will do 2nd quarter. We will discuss our options as a staff, with our APC, and with input from parents, guardians and our school community.  

Changing educational modes and models should happen at a logical (quarter) break, with plenty of time for teachers, families and students to prepare for the change. 

When we do return face to face, I anticipate the following parameters:

• 4 or 5 days per week, 5.5 hours per day: 8:00 to 1:30 (possibly continuing Wednesdays as E-learning days)
• Continuing with 3 classes, rotating at quarter
• A return to school survey will be coming out soon. We look forward to your feedback. 

Tomorrow (Wednesday): 

Join us for Morning Coffee at 8 AM!  We will hear from Mrs. Smith and Ms. Goodman (8th grade cohorts). Mrs. Gatlin will be sharing “What is Project-Based Learning?” Tune in! 

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

Meeting ID: 189 887 262     Password: (see your email)

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

WEDNESDAY E-LEARNING student tasks:

45 minutes on iReady (Building Reading and Math Skills)

30 minutes on ALEKS for math - Initial Knowledge Checks due Friday 9/11

20 minutes of recreational reading (book of your choice) 

20 minutes outdoor exercise - View link: Outdoor Education at STrEaM

Assessments:  

Parents, all students should have completed the iReady assessments and initial knowledge checks in ALEKS for math! If your child has not, please work with them and their teacher to get this done so they can proceed with the lessons in these programs. 

STrEaM Gear Store is open! The store will close at the end of September. All orders will be delivered to ASA the 3rd week of October.

https://streamacademy9-2020.itemorder.com/sale

ENROLLMENT:  

We have seats available in 6th and 7th grade. Anyone who refers another student to us who enrolls between September 8th and October 16th will receive a free STrEaM hoodie! Now is a great time to start with STrEaM!! 

PASSION FOR KINDNESS coming to Morning Coffee!

On Morning Coffee next Wednesday, September 23rd we will host Tamara Letter, author of “A Passion for Kindness.”  https://www.tamaraletter.com/  We are very excited, as this is a powerful, inspiring and positive book. Please mark your calendars, and we encourage you to get a copy to read!

See you for coffee in the morning!

Thank you, 

Principal Mokelke

(907) 360-1059 Cell

mokelke_adam@asdk12.org

RAPIDS REPORT 9-6-20

Parent Update 9/6/20

Dear STrEaM Families,

We’re wrapping up Week 3 already! Most students have completed iReady assessments and ALEKS math initial placements. Remember there is NO SCHOOL on Monday, 9/7 for Labor Day. 

STrEaM Gear Store is open! The store will close at the end of September. All orders will be delivered to ASA the 3rd week of October.

https://streamacademy9-2020.itemorder.com/sale

ATTENDANCE: 

Parents let us know as soon as possible if students have an absence so we can excuse them for you! Students must have cameras on and be engaged to be counted present. 

ENROLLMENT:  

We have seats available in 6th and 7th grade. Anyone who refers another student to us who enrolls between September 8th and October 16th will receive a STrEaM hoodie! Now is a great time to start with STrEaM!! 

WEDNESDAY E-LEARNING student tasks:

45 minutes on iReady (Building Reading and Math Skills)

30 minutes on ALEKS for math - Initial Knowledge Checks due Friday 9/11

20 minutes of recreational reading (book of your choice) 

20 minutes outdoor exercise - View link: Outdoor Education at STrEaM

CANVAS UPDATE:  

(1) Parents should become a Parent Observer on student Canvas courses.  See guidance here: ASD Parent Observer Guide.  (2) Note that Zoom links may change at times.  Students should click links posted in Canvas courses to ensure they are joining the correct Zooms.  We recommend that you do not save or print Zoom links to ensure students are able to join with the most current links posted on Canvas.  (3) Teachers are reminding students that although work and individual assignment grades are in Canvas, students should continue to check FINAL grades for all courses in Q/Student Connect/Parent Connect.  You may not see published grades in Q/Student Connect/Parent Connect yet; some teachers are working on solving issues with the grading sync this week.  

COUNSELOR’S CORNER: 

Ms. Bonertz’ Canvas page is up and running!  The students have one assignment on her page to enable them to practice navigating her virtual office and making an appointment.  Please encourage your student to complete that assignment because it’s due today! She also has a website located on the Stream Academy page entitled “Counselor’s Corner” that has resources for students and families.  September is Suicide Prevention Month.  Ms. Bonertz has added additional resources on her website to educate yourself on suicide awareness.  

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES IN LEARNING:

We have added a new link to our STrEaM website with Outdoor Learning and Adventure ideas! https://www.asdk12.org/domain/5155 

At STrEaM we believe that being outdoors is essential for the growth and development of a healthy mind and body. This week’s ideas feature some of our favorite fall time all-school adventures such as visiting Arnold Muldoon Park, Cheney Lake and Arctic Valley. All suggestions are optional. 

GRADE LEVEL ZOOMSEMBLIES:

Each grade level will have a decorum zoomsembly this month. This is an assembly for each grade to come together and discuss grade specific topics. 

6th Grade: Wednesday 9/9 @ 11 am - via Zoom, links to be found in Canvas

7th Grade: Wednesday 9/23 @ 11 am - via Zoom, links to be found in Canvas

8th Grade: Friday 9/11 @ 8 am - via regular class Zoom, log in to your Period 1

Next week:

Wednesday join Morning Coffee at 8 AM and the APC Meeting at 5:30 PM. We have 6 seats open on our APC. Interested persons must attend the September meeting to be on the October ballot. 

Morning Coffee: We will hear from Mrs. Staker and Ms. Draeger (6th grade cohorts). Each week Morning Coffee will feature a different cohort. 

PASSION FOR KINDNESS coming to Morning Coffee!

On Morning Coffee Wednesday, September 23rd we will host Tamara Letter, author of “A Passion for Kindness.”  https://www.tamaraletter.com/  We are very excited, as this is a powerful, inspiring and positive book. Please mark your calendars, and we encourage you to get a copy to read!

We are off to a great start families! Please continue communicating with us on any issues, concerns, or even letting us know what is working well! 

Thank you, 

Principal Mokelke

(907) 742-9000

(907) 360-1059 Cell

mokelke_adam@asdk12.org

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