MUSTANG NEWSLETTER
December/January 2014 Edition
David Legg: Principal
This is my last message for 2014, and there seems to be so much more to do before the year ends. On my way to work today, I thought of the long list of tasks that need to be accomplished before Winter Break. In reviewing the first half the year in preparation of sending out this newsletter, I was reminded of the many great moments and accomplishments of students over the last few months. We all need to slow down once in a while to reflect upon the many things we have to be thankful for. The Chugiak and Eagle River community is blessed to have great students, staff and parents. Last week’s performance of the combined Chugiak/Eagle River Choir was among the highlights of the first semester and an example of our community connectedness. If you were not able to attend, you missed a great performance. I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season! May you too take a moment to reflect on the positives with your family and friends this time of year. On behalf of CHS staff, I wish to extend my personal wishes for a safe and enjoyable holiday season.
David Legg, Ed.D
Email: Legg_David@asdk12.org
Website: http://www.asdk12.org/schools/chugiak/pages/Chugiak_High_School/Home.html
Phone: 907 742 3050
Twitter: @Principal_Legg
Combined Chugiak Eagle River Choir
Semester 1 Finals on December 17 & 18th
December 17, 2014 - Periods 1,2,& 3
December 18, 2014 - Periods 4,5,& 6
KCC: Operating on the following schedule: Read more >>
Winter Break Starts December 19th
Semester 1 Grades Viewable on Zangle January 6th.
Students Pick up 2nd Semester Schedules During First Hour Jan. 5th
Chugiak High School Ranked First by Alaska Department of Education
Chugiak High Awarded Silver Medal by US News
Curriculum Principal - Denise Edwards
Email: Edwards_Denise@asdk12.org
Phone: 907-742-3082
First Semester is quickly drawing to a close and with final exams fast approaching, this is a good time to review strategies for improving test performance. First and foremost, it is important that the student has established a good foundation for learning and understanding the course content during the semester. Beyond the academic preparation, there are other elements that are recommended strategies for the physical and mental health necessary for optimum test performance.
1) Study techniques- Read, Recite, Review 2)eat healthy well balanced meals for good nutrition
3) Get at least 30 minutes a day of physical exercise each day prior to exams 4) Stay away from caffeine and energy drinks especially the morning of exams
5) Get a good night’s rest before each exam day
For more tips and strategies: There are several web sites that list additional suggestions listed under “strategies for doing well on high school final exams.”
Final Exams will be administered on Wednesday, December 17 and Thursday, December 18. Please see the detailed schedule above.
ASVAB TEST update:
Students who completed the ASVAB test on November 18th should be receiving their scores in early January. Students should see their counselor for more details. Also, CHS will host the ASVAB test again on January 27th. To sign up, students please see Mrs. Fullmer in House 2.
PSAT Update:
For students who took the PSAT on October 18th, the scores will be distributed on Monday, December 15 and Tuesday, December 16 during lunch in Rooms 207/208. Counselors will be offering an interpretive session regarding PSAT scores at that time as well.
Webpage and Portfolios
Please check out the new Counseling and Guidance webpage on the Anchorage School District website: www.asdk12.org/counseling. It contains information on financial aid resources, academics, testing, after high school, resources, forms, APS, NCAA and much more.
Just a reminder to seniors seeking scholarships: Scholarship Portfolio information can be found at the ASD District Counseling webpage at www.asdk12.org/counseling. Deadlines for scholarship consideration are quickly approaching. Completed portfolios can be turned in to your counselor
College Preparation
For more information on the ACT, please follow the link www.actstudent .org
To find out more information on the SAT, please follow the link www.collegeboard.org
Climate and Connectedness Student Survey
Notice to Parents:
2015 Climate and Connectedness Student Survey – Grades 3 - 12 only
The 2015 Climate and Connectedness Student Survey is being administered to provide schools with information about perceptions and experiences related to school climate and student connectedness for use in setting school goals and redirecting resources. This is an annual survey implemented and analyzed by the ASD Assessment and Evaluation department.
The survey will be taken January 20 - February 27, 2015.
This survey does not require parental permission and is administered to students in grades 3 - 12. If parents would like to request that their student does not complete this survey, please contact your student’s school. This message serves as a notice to parents about this upcoming survey.
Please follow or type this link to review the survey: http://www.asdk12.org/ae/surveys/climateandconnectedness/
STAFF AND STUDENT SERVICES
Although I am the new assistant principal in charge of student & staff services, I am beginning my twenty-second year of service at Chugiak High school. After completing my student teaching here at CHS, I went on to teach language arts for a decade followed by another eleven years as a member of the social studies department. I might best be remembered as the department chair for the World Discovery Seminar Program and as a soccer coach. Last year I was an assistant principal at East High School.
Our Mission in the Student Services Office is to ensure an environment where every student is able to participate and thrive in their academic and activity pursuits. Our primary goal is to ensure a safe and orderly school setting for all students, staff, and community members.
Email: campnell_george@asdk12.org
Phone: 907-7423071
PERFECT ATTENDANCE
Chugiak High School’s 1st quarter attendance numbers are in, and we are proud to report 132 or 27% of our juniors and seniors had perfect attendance. The Anchorage School District considers a junior or senior who has missed no more than four periods to have perfect attendance. Chugiak’s number of perfect attenders is particularly strong when we examine this to the district’s trends in attendance that drop off from the high in the sixth grade year to the low of the senior year. Please see the attached graph.
Equally impressive are the overall numbers of our CHS students who have beat the 90% by 2020 goal by attending 95% of the time: 895 or 83% of our students have attended 95% of the time or better. Clearly the families and students in the Chugiak/Eagle River area value attendance as an integral and important component of their student’s education. Well done Mustangs!
NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS
The New Year typically is a time of reflection and goal setting. This can be true of the second semester of the school year. Please take a few minutes over the winter break to have a reflective conversation with your student to think about future success in all areas of school participation. As an example, if your student has not met the attendance standard mentioned above a New Year’s resolution may be in order. We have some helpful hints to help parents assist their students:
Make school attendance a priority in the New Year!
• Talk about the importance of showing up to school every day, make that the expectation.
Help your teen stay engaged
• Stay on top of academic progress and seek help from teachers or tutors if necessary. Make sure teachers know how to contact you.
Communicate with the school
• Talk to teachers if you notice sudden changes in behavior. These could be tied to something going on at school.
Attendance
Reporting Absences
Parents or guardians are responsible for calling 742-3069 or e-mailing frey_jeannie@asdk12.org by 10 a.m. to report their student’s absence for that day. Failure to do so may result in an unexcused absence or truancy.
Pre-arranged Absences
Students are responsible for completing a pre-arranged absence form and presenting it to each teacher in advance of a known absence of three (3) or more days.
The Pre-arranged Absence form must be turned into the Attendance Office at least two (2) days prior to the first day of the absence.
Activities Principal - Jim Bell
I’d like to introduce myself to you as the new activities principal at Chugiak High School. My brief background is the fact that I grew up in Pennsylvania, graduated from Penn State with a Health Education and a minor in Sports Medicine. I started my educational career in Arizona where I received my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. I have played sports, been in choir and have been in plays, I understand the value of extracurricular activities in high school and encourage your child to get involved with all that high school has to offer whether it’s sports, clubs or academic activities. I have been an administrator at all levels and understand all aspect of a school. The past 9 years I have been a curriculum principal and I’m looking forward to my new role.
Email: Bell_James@asdk12.org
Phone: 907-742-3065
NJROTC News
Even though it’s a short one, the month of December has been an eventful month to say the least with both the Change of Command Ceremony and our Varsity Rifle Match taking place. Also, it is the end of the semester! I’m sure all of our cadets did outstanding on finals, and after nights of studying its time to take a well deserved break! Read more!
Health Office Updates
Freshmen and New Student Information
How Are We Doing?
Give input on a teacher or administrator. Parents, staff and community members are given the opportunity to provide input about the performance of teachers or central office and site administrators. Forms for each are available year-round and are available online or as PDF files. The forms are kept confidential and are shared with the person's immediate supervisor to better understand how others view the person's performance. Click here for the forms
ASD Online
Follow ASD Info or ASD Closures on Twitter.
ASD Statement of Nondiscrimination
The Board is committed to an environment of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, economic status, union affiliation, disability, and other human differences. No person shall be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, any academic or extracurricular program or educational opportunity or service offered by the District. The District will comply with the applicable statutes, regulations, and executive orders adopted by Federal, State and Municipal agencies. Inquiries or complaints may be addressed to the District's Equal Employment Opportunity Director, who also serves as the Title IX Coordinator, ASD Education Center, 5530 E. Northern Lights Blvd, Anchorage, AK 99504-3135 (907) 742-4132 or to any of the following external agencies: Alaska State Commission for Human Rights, Anchorage Equal Rights Commission, Director of the Office for Civil Rights, Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services.
Chugiak High School
16525 South Birchwood Loop Road
Chugiak, Alaska 99567
Newsletter contact - Layton_tabitha@asdk12.org
Educating all students for success in life.