The Steller Band held a mini-concert of four songs for the community and Parent Group just prior to the start of the Parent Group Meeting. Band teacher Mr. Toba reported that this is the largest Steller band he has ever directed.
Staff Report (Ashley):
- Intensives: Proposal to change intensives to end of first and end of second semester. This is circulating through the advisory groups and indication are that students are supporting the idea.
- ***Student led conferences: (Wednesday and Thursday Oct. 26 & 27 from 12:30-7pm). Parent should know too that there is early dismissal/in-service day next Friday Oct. 28. Email was sent from some advisors and some online messages. Sign up can be done on the ASD website***
Advisory Board (Rochelle):
- Good attendance at the last meeting
- Much of the discussion was on Root Down and their healthy lunch alternative – The option is not recommended at this time due to some disorganization such as missing lunches, the produce has not always been organic, growing pains, etc. There was also a discussion around how to deliver them. Students will work on that issue, perhaps Parent Group can pay for an organizer. The business is licensed and up to speed permit-wise. This may be considered in December.
Op Group (Ashley/Dale)
- Op Group did not meet last week because of finals.
- The week before, they talked about a potential new club called Shift (something about shifting the paradigm) focusing on seminar style discussion of current events and world issues.
Parent Group Committee Reports
Auction
- A small group is soliciting businesses for contributions
- Computers are set up
- Set up for donations – and they are needed!
- Rochelle ready with notices
- Advisory groups have chosen basket themes
- Need responses to emails to freshmen parents
- Upcoming Volunteer days: (on list by Rebecca) – 11/8 and 11/11
Compostable products presentation by Wendy:
Green Alaska Solutions sells:
- Garbage bags, paper plates, cups, cutlery
- They deliver (No cost for delivery)
- Price list available
Discussion-Rochelle found plates at Costco that are compostable. We might be able buy forks, etc. When selling coffee, we are obligated to use Kaladi cups.
Principal Report
Alysha- new staff member (.2 position math teacher) will be here at student lead conferences next week.
Response to Instruction (RTI)- is a testing process in reading and math that helps identify problem areas for students. ASD is mandating this program. Steller will be sending a leadership team to district for training. Dimond and Bartlett are already using this system and its been in with elementary schools already. Parent Group will hold a more detailed discussion on this at our next meeting on Nov. 16.
Dale spent two days at the principal’s conference (‘filling the bucket’- want to encourage students to keep adding to the ‘bucket of learning’ and encourage students to add to other students’ buckets). Much of the good stuff he learned about at the principal conference, we are already doing at Steller. He made contact with Alaska Crossing’s Camille Beale, head of Education. Their programs take at-risk students into the wilderness. Program teaches students to be self-reliant and confident. Looking at a 10 day program where students can get science credit. Ratio is 1-3. She may come to the next Parent Group meeting set for 11/16. Yearbook is getting a laptop. This will make it more convenient for expediting the work.
WORKKEYS- This is a free test scheduled for 11/9 (make up the following week on 11/16). Results aligns with scholarship for the Alaska Performance Scholarship. It is mandatory for all 11th graders to take the test. Seniors can take it again for free if they would like. Students receive a star from bronze to platinum, and can attach to resume. Employers are looking at these also.
We got more chemistry books are in today. Parent Group members offered to do any lobbying necessary to get this type of book problem resolved.
Dale reported that he is working on the Student Achievement Plan (SAP) and Parent Involvement Plan (PIP). He needs parent input especially to help putt together the PIP.  Janice and Jennifer offer to help. The deadline is October 31. The three key goals for the SAP are:
1) Writing goal –writing across the curriculum (a focus all classes, not just writing/English classes)
2) Academic goal (working with students who are not making the grade, making a plan for success and follow through, a parent school and student action part)
3) Have more inclusive activities in advisory groups and student leadership there
Drug and Alcohol Use – Clarification of Consequences –
The Parent Group heard from Dale on this subject. Next week is Red Ribbon Week. The ASD rules are very clear – possession or being under the influence or sales – any infraction will result in automatic suspension. Sales will results in expulsion. Schools are a drug free zone and dealing in a zone is a felony.
Way forward: parent, student, and staff discussions about what pathways there are for our community to raise attention positively
Business
Request for funding:
Pick click and give – Rebecca will check with PFD to see if they can join into that Parent Group stated its support.
Support for John to go to Professional Alaska school counselor conference at a cost of $285. A motion of support passed unanimously.
Parent Group passed a unanimous resolution: We support the purchase of biodegradable food service materials when at all possible, even if cost is higher, providing that we have the means to pay for it.
Topics for next months small group discussion:
Recruitment
Facilities
Strategic plan
Facility bldg improvement
After school offerings
Retention / recruitment subject
Dena, a principal intern here, is also working with North Star Elementary across the street, looking for more Steller students to support our reading tutor program with them. We could have some student come here also for a read-in/story time in the afternoons.