The Current
Anacortes High School's guide to monthly events.
Anacortes High School
1600 20th Street
Anacortes, WA 98221
Phone: (360) 503-1300
Fax: (360) 503-1301
Principal: Jon Ronngren
Vice Principal: Kecia Fox
Dean of Students: Mike Baribault
Athletic Director: Erik Titus
Principal’s Message - March 2020
Greetings AHS Families,
The month of March is upon us. Students will be registering for next year’s classes with grade 11 on March 4-5, grade 10 on March 11-12 and grade 9 on March 18-19. With guidance from our counselors this past fall, students updated their four-year course plan that will assist them in selecting courses for the 2020-21 school year. Your student will be submitting course requests online through Student Access (Skyward). All registration forms, including AP and Honors course contracts are due to the Counseling Office no later than Friday, March 27. Students not completing the registration process with counselors in March will have electives selected for them. Please take a few moments to review your student’s course selections in Student Access as this plays an important role in graduation, post-secondary opportunities, and college admissions.
Our theater department's spring musical Band Geeks opens on Thursday, March 19 with additional shows on March 20, 21, 26, 27, and 28. All shows begin at 7:00 pm. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for youth. I hope you can find time to see a show or two in beautiful Brodniak Hall.
Spring Break is scheduled for April 6 - 10. Spring testing will be starting mid-April and runs through May and June. Please be mindful of testing dates as you make family vacation plans.
As we provide ongoing guidance and planning with our students in Advisory, we ask that they reflect on three guiding questions: Who am I (as a student and learner)? Where am I going (their plans after high school)? and How am I going to get there (plans to make this happen)? By successfully answering and revising these questions, we believe students are better prepared for their transition to post-secondary opportunities. Students in grades 9 and 10 will have the opportunity to share their current thinking on these questions with you during Student Led Conferences the afternoon and evening of April 16. Please mark your calendar for this opportunity to engage with your student on important academic and planning matters. Students in grade 11 will have an opportunity to begin independent ‘senior experience’ activities such as job shadowing or college virtual visits. Grade 12 will practice their senior presentations.
Seniors will participate in Senior Culminating Presentations on the afternoon of Friday, April 24. This annual rite of passage and graduation requirement is the unofficial kick off for many activities that our seniors will experience as they prepare for graduation and their next steps.
Final exams start on Friday, June 12 and conclude on Tuesday, June 16. Early vacations plans do not excuse students from completing final course requirements and taking exams, nor can we change state testing dates. Please plan summer departures accordingly.
In Seahawk Pride!
Jon Ronngren
Principal
Social Emotional Learning at AHS
This year at AHS we are implementing a program called Character Strong. Our Character, like any other muscle in our body, can get stronger with intentional, consistent practice. Our goal is to help students forge meaningful relationships, build positive community, focus on social-emotional learning, and develop character.
At school, students and teachers have Character Dares. If you want to try this at home, we have Family Character Dares intended to support positive family communication, acts of kindness, recreation and rest, and expressions of love. Here is this month’s Family Dare:
ASB Officers
Vice-President: Aynslee King
Secretary: Elizabeth Koals
Business Manager: Elizabeth Chambers
Advisor: Erik Titus/Robert Hancock
Congratulations to March Students of the Month
Math: Christian Manangan
English: Mia McCutcheon
Science: Parker King
Social Studies: Genevieve Kochel
Fine Arts: Kathryn Flint
CTE: Maggie Betts
PE: Breann Morgenthaler
Excellent Work Ethic: Lupita Ruiz
World Languages: Hailey Petrin
Attendance: Ryan Metcalf
Attitude: Amanda Elling
Academics: Ava Hawkins
AVID: Cassie Janz
Most Improved Grades: Dylan Gilbert
Spring Musical Band Geeks Performing in Brodniak Hall in March
Ticket information to follow. Please join us!
National Honor Society
We have over 130 National Honor Society Members here at Anacortes High School. NHS supports the school's commitment to building character, promoting leadership, service to the community, and scholarships.
NHS meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 AM in the school library. Students will also have the opportunity to attend Hawk Talks at different times throughout the year to learn about college and career opportunities.
Important PTSA Updates for March of 2020
AHS PTSA MEMEBERSHIP
It's never too late to help support our students and staff by joining the AHS PTSA.
Our mission is to help families, students, and schools succeed through better communication and support programs.
The AHS PTSA is known for: working with the school to provide student programs and assemblies, sponsor the Reflection Art Program, provide funds for AHS Link Crew t-shirts, provide annual financial grants to graduating Seniors, teacher grants to enrich instruction, hospitality to students and staff, along with creating and maintaining a positive relations with teachers and staff.
Also knowing that becoming a AHS PTSA Member DOES NOT sign you up for any volunteering; it is just an easy way to show your support.
JOIN TODAY!
Click on the link for order forms for merchandise, leis, flower baskets, and to sign up for the PTSA. You will also get additional information regarding Grad Night 2020.
PTSA Officers for 2019-20
Vice President: Autumn Atterberry; Auttiemoore@hotmail.com
Secretary: Angie Hamblen; Hamblenangie@yahoo.com
Treasurer: Joyce Anderson; Joycesbkkping@gmail.com
Upcoming PTSA Meeting on Monday, March 2 at 5:30
Friday is Cookie Day at AHS
Class of 2020 Apparel, Lanyards, and Tumblers are Still Available
Graduation Leis and Spring Baskets are Available to Order
Baskets order deadline is Wednesday, April 1, 2020. This is the perfect gift, just in time for Mother's Day!
Graduation Leis order deadline is Friday, May 8, 2020. Orchid Leis and Candy Leis are available.
Grad Night Class of 2020
There is still room! Our goal is to get as many students going as possible for a great night of fun, food, prizes and more! Please sign up to save your spot! Scholarships are available, so see your counselor for more information.
CLASS OF 2021 Grad Night
Do you want to find out more about the Class of 2021 Grad Night?
The next two years will go quickly! Contact us to let us know if you want to help make Grad Night 2021 a great night for all our RISING JUNIORS.
Ticket price per student for the Class of 2021 Grad Night Party is $225. There are currently 2 payment options: $112.50 per year over 2 years or $225 paid in full today. This ticket price includes EVERYTHING– transportation to/from the events and the all-night party.
Our hope is that all members of the Class of 2021 will participate and celebrate together. For this reason, we are also planning to fund a limited number of partial and full, confidential scholarships. If you would like to sponsor a 2021 Grad in need, there is an option on the form. We will also do a VERY limited amount of fundraising to supplement our budget and provide additional scholarships.
Thank you in advance for your support of this important and fun celebration! Click the PTSA page link for the flier and payment options.
Marta McClintock and Amy Schnabel
If you need us to email you another payment form, if you have questions or if you want to join the 2021 Grad Night Committee, please email martamcclintock@gmail.com
Amazon Smile Earns Money for AHS PTSA
On your first visit to AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), you are prompted to select a charitable organization from our list of eligible organizations. You can change your selection at any time.
From your desktop, go to Your Account from the navigation at the top of any page, and then select the option to Change your Charity. Or, from your mobile browser, select Change your Charity from the options at the bottom of the page.
Counselor's Corner
Check out the link to the Counseling Center, where you will be provided a comprehensive and engaging school counseling curriculum that encourages active participation in social-emotional, academic, and career development. Meet your counselor and access great resources!
To all parents: please remember to keep the school updated on all demographic changes such as addresses, physicians, name changes, and any legal issues. A form can be picked up and returned to the registrar's office.
Alpha breakdown of Counselor Assignments:
Maggie Lahey: Class of 2020: G-M. Classes 2021-23: H-Pa
Ashlee Poggie: Class of 2020: N-Z. Classes 2021-23: Pe-Z
The Counseling Office hours are from 7:30-4:00. Please email your counselor with any questions.
Counseling Center Announcements - March of 2020
Important Reminder for Seniors
Financial Aid Reminder
If you have not already done so, all seniors planning to attend a technical, 2-year or 4-year college after graduation need to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as possible. Please visit fafsa.ed.gov for more information and to complete your FAFSA.
Scholarships
Scholarships are posted weekly on the AHS Counseling Center web page. Many local scholarships open in late February and early March. Seniors are encouraged to visit the web page weekly.
Advisory deadlines for the Senior Class of 2020:
All Advisory Portfolio Requirements Due - Wednesday, March 25th
Sign Up with Advisory Instructor for Senior Practice Presentation Time -Wednesday, March 25th
Practice Senior Culminating Presentations - Thursday, April 16th
Complete Final Senior Presentation - Friday, April 24th
SAT at Anacortes High School
AHS is offering the SAT on June 6th. Students must register and pay for the test online at the College Board Website sat.org/register by May 8th.
AP Testing Information
Students will be receiving AP Exam information and registration forms in their AP Classes in early March. The Registration and Payment Deadline to sign up for an AP Exam is Friday, March 22rd through the ASB window. You may also visit the College Board’s AP website at https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/home for a preview of dates, costs, etc. Please contact Jamie Woodards, Testing and Special Projects Coordinator at jwoodards@asd103.org in the AHS Counseling Center if you have any questions.
2020-21 Pre-Registration Information
Students will be pre-registering for the 2020-21 school year during the month of March in their English classes on the dates listed below.
Class of 2021 on March 4 & 5
Class of 2022 on March 11 & 12
Class of 2023 on March 18 & 19
Class of 2024 on March 26 & 27
It is very important that your student is present at school during registration week. All pre-registration will be done through Student Access/Skyward, so your student must know his/her Student Access ID and Password in order to register for classes. If your student does not know his/her Student Access ID or Password, please have your student stop by the AHS Counseling Center to get this information ASAP. Parents/guardians are encouraged to review course requests with your student in Skyward during the week of Pre-Registration. Changes can be requested as needed.
8th Grade Parent Night
8th Grade parent information night will take place on Tuesday, March 10th from 6:00pm - 7:00pm at the High School in the Commons. This meeting is for parents of current 8th graders who will be transitioning to the high school for the 2020-21 school year. Parent attendance is strongly encouraged.
2020 Anacortes Schools Foundation Scholarship Applications
The Anacortes Schools Foundation announces that over 100 scholarships will be awarded to Anacortes students this May. Graduating seniors and past AHS students are eligible to apply.
Information and applications will be available Monday, March 2nd at our web site: www.asfkids.org/scholarships. Get help with paper copies if needed in the counseling office.
Important Dates! Mark your calendars:
March 2: Applications available on line and in counseling office
March 31: Applications Due in counseling office by NOON
April 29-May 15: Invitations and Regrets notices sent
May 27: Awards Ceremony
Scholarships are available for students pursuing many different paths, including: 4- year and 2- year degrees, and technical and career programs. One common application makes you eligible for all ASF Scholarships.
If you intend to pursue higher education and seek financial assistance, our scholarships have varied requirements. They often depend on accuracy and attention to detail in your application. The counseling office is ready to assist you!
SAT or ACT Testing
Most four year colleges require applicants to submit scores from either the SAT of the ACT. Four year college-bound students are encouraged to take it more than once. This will give students a chance to use the higher of the test scores. Colleges in WA State will accept either the SAT or the ACT. For
out-of-state schools, please check the Admissions page for the college(s) you are interested in attending to verify their admissions test requirements. AHS is a testing site for the SAT on 06/06/20.
SAT registration and dates can be found at
http://sat.collegeboard.com/register/sat-dates
ACT registration and dates can be found at
Monthly Visits (subject to change due to holidays/schedule)
1st/3rd Tuesday, US Navy, Commons, Both Lunches
Last visit for school year: June 2nd
2nd Tuesday, US Marine Corps, Commons, Both Lunches
Last visit for school year: June 9th
1st/3rd Wednesday, YMCA Oasis Youth Shelter, Commons, Both Lunches
Last visit for school year: June 3rd
4th Thursday, US Army, Commons, Both Lunches
(Note Change: June 4th)
Last visit for school year: June 4th
**Last day for any visits will be June 9th**
Reminder About the Pre-Arranged Absence Form
AHS Athletics
Click the links for the most updated information on start dates, activities/athletic code of conduct, attendance, and SABA.
Please note: All post-season matches require payment for admission, regardless of whether a student has an ASB card.
The Rhododendron
The Seahawk Journal
The Rock
AHS Broadcast Club will record Varsity games and make them available for replay. Here's the link: www.youtube.com/ahslive. Students and parents can subscribe to the YouTube channel and get updates on live events.
SmugMug Photos
Make Sure You Read The Student Handbook
Volunteering at AHS
All volunteers must have a yearly application and background check on file with the district office prior to service in our schools.
Clearance is on a one-year basis, and all volunteers must re-apply each school year. The beginning of the school year is an excellent time to complete the process, so that you can be ready to volunteer in the schools or chaperone a field trip.
Click on the link for the application:
Title IX Compliance Notice
Nondiscrimination: The Anacortes School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
K.C. Knudson, Civil Rights Compliance/ RCW Coordinator, (360) 503-1214, kknudson@asd103.org
Fran McCarthy, Section 504/ ADA Coordinator, (360) 503-1216, fmccarthy@asd103.org
Connie Sheridan, Title IX Coordinator, (360) 503-1221, csheridan@asd103.org
Written complaints to: 2200 M Avenue, Anacortes, WA 98221