Q4 in-person learning and options

Dear STrEaM Families,

4th quarter begins on Monday, March 15th (following Spring Break). This will be the last week of school-wide virtual classes, as teachers will teach on Zoom from their classrooms and prepare for students to return. Monday, March 22nd we return to in-person learning. 

Please review your options for the 4th quarter and complete the ASD Survey to help us meet your needs. 

4th Quarter Options:

We understand not all families will be ready to return to in-person instruction. Attached is a survey link from ASD which will gather data for us on 4th Quarter. 

With STrEaM Academy, here are your options for 4th Quarter:

• Return in-person (4 days per week, Wednesdays asynchronous)

• Remain virtual with STrEaM: asynchronous lessons, check in/office hours and support with a STrEaM teacher (mark “other” on survey NOT virtual)

• Remain virtual and enrolled with STrEaM, but switch to ASD Virtual classes

SURVEY: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NW85QCF 

In-person:

In-person learning will take place 4 days per week, from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM. 

Wednesdays will remain virtual asynchronous learning days. This gives us flexibility for potential changes, allows teachers to plan and prepare for both in-person and virtual learners, as well as collaboration and professional development on project-based learning. This also allows students to continue working on ALEKS, iReady, and completing online assignments. 

STrEaM Virtual: 

If you would like to keep your child home during 4th quarter, and continue asynchronous classes STrEaM, please mark “Other” and type STrEaM Academy in the survey. Please do NOT mark “Virtual School” unless you want to enroll in the ASD Virtual program and take classes with a non-STrEaM teacher. 

There will be a lot of information to share in preparation for in-person learning. I encourage you to attend Morning Coffee (we will discuss this each week), review the Health and Safety Plan, and call or email with questions. 

Thank you for continuing to work through the challenges we’ve faced and overcome. 

Principal Mokelke

(907) 742-9000

(907) 360-1059 Cell

mokelke_adam@asdk12.org

Spread the word about STrEaM

Dear STrEaM Families,

We've found that the most effective recruitment of new students is word-of-mouth. It comes from you telling others about our school and recommending us.

I am writing to ask you to share with your circle, family and network that the lottery is open for the 21-22 school year, and prospective students can apply now:  https://lotapp.asdk12.org/apply/

As you have experienced, we are service-oriented and always glad to speak with parents, share information, and answer questions about our program. Interested families can call or email any time, and Mrs. Biondich or I will reach out to them. Our website is a great source of information, as well as our social media. Feel free to copy or forward this message as well.

If you would like to share your experiences at STrEaM with others, we would love to have a written or recorded testimonial, which we will post and share.

Your support means everything to us. Thank you for believing in our program.

Principal Mokelke

mokelke_adam@asdk12.org

(907) 742-9000

Happy New Year from STrEaM

Dear STrEaM families and community,

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

Today the year 2020 draws to a close. While we are excited for a new year and hopeful to soon put 2020's challenges behind us, we are also proud of how we've responded and thankful for the support of our parents, families, students and community. We met these challenges head-on, together, and we're stronger for it. 

School resumes with online classes Monday, January 4th. Our teachers have been working hard and are excited about an engaging and enjoyable Second Semester. This coming week we will begin scheduling in-person learning labs, and hope to start these January 19th. 

We are also preparing for next school year! The lottery opens tomorrow, January 1st. Current students do not need to apply, but we need your help to spread the word to potential new students currently in 5th, 6th or 7th grade. https://www.asdk12.org/lottery 

If you know any families who would like more information about our program, please have them call 742-9000 or visit our website: https://www.asdk12.org/stream

You are appreciated, STrEaM family. Wishing you the best in 2021,

Principal Mokelke, staff, and the STrEaM APC board

Semester 2 Update and Survey

Dear STrEaM Families,

This semester is quickly coming to a close. Tomorrow, December 11th is the final day teachers will give assignments and assessments. Thursday, December 17th is the last student day, and we will have a school-wide assembly on Zoom to celebrate. All things considered, we’ve had a great first semester. I am so proud of how our staff and students have risen to the challenges of virtual learning. 

I know families still have questions about what school will look like when we start the second semester. 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-emotional, or family-based reasons, some of our students need support in person, at school.  We will begin small group in-person learning labs in January from 8:00-1:30 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, based on need and requests from parents. The earliest possible start date is January 19th. 

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, depending on staff availability.

If you are interested in signing up for a Learning Lab and/or tutoring, please complete the survey: https://forms.gle/FY1t6bfSL3PzXtr26  

Call or email with questions!

Thank you, 

Principal Mokelke

(907) 742-9000

(907) 360-1059 Cell

mokelke_adam@asdk12.org 

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