November
Principal's Post
Seasons of Change
The last weekend in October was filled with warm sunshine and fifty-degree temperatures. The flowers were still blooming and I actually considered mowing my yard one last time, and then, winter hit. Overnight there was an abrupt blanket of snow and we found ourselves right back into winter.
The school calendar has a similar effect this time of year. November is the month that seems to come upon us quickly and before we know it, we are on the home stretch to the end of the first semester. Semester grades carry the weight of the permanent record for credits (1/2 credits to be accurate) and grade point average (GPA). I point this out because the weeks will go quickly and I encourage you to tune into progress monitoring of your student's grades.
Regular conversations about major summative projects and upcoming exams are always a good idea. Checkups on I-parent will be your best resource for how final grades are shaping up before the abrupt end of the semester. If you have never set up your I-parent account I encourage you to do so.
Here is the link to set up an I-Parent account: https://www.matsuk12.us/parents/quicklinks
MSBSD helpline: 761-HELP
Why the Ninth Grade Transition is so Important
There is a great deal of research that goes into the root problems that lead to high school dropout rates. The MSBSD takes a great deal of pride in a continuous improvement cycle for how we can improve our practices. Improving our high school graduation rates is a major focus for our district from the school board down. As a high school principal graduation rates are one of our highest priorities.
Last year PHS graduation rate was 90% for our four-year cohort. Those are the students that started here as freshmen and crossed the stage as seniors. Our actual senior class had an astounding 97% graduation rate last year. When we factor in the four-year cohort we tend to drop an additional 3-10%.
A 90%+ graduation rate is good, but it is still not good enough. One variable that has been identified as a major area of concern is the transition from middle school to high school; support during this transition is critical. If you have a student that is a 9th grader I think you will find the attached link to be a worthwhile read and should provide some great talking points.
We appreciate all the support we get from our Palmer High School families.
http://k12education.gatesfoundation.org/blog/why-ninth-grade-critical-time-students/
Palmer High Celebrates Student and Staff Accomplishments
Hunting Party
On November 13th the PHS art department’s advanced art students and International Baccalaureate art students will travel to the Anchorage Museum to view the current exhibits, including “Aiviq and Nanuq: Sea Horse and Sea Bear of the Arctic.” To the first peoples of the Arctic and sub-Arctic, walrus (aiviq) and polar bear (nanuq) each have been predator, co-habitant, sustenance and spiritual ally. To generations of artists and culture-bearers, these remarkable creatures are both material and muse.
They have been revered for centuries, studied by scientists, commodified by pop culture and manipulated by politicians. Through the lens of artists and artworks from Alaska and around the world, this 8,000-square-foot exhibition at the Anchorage Museum explores the ways these iconic animals offer important insight into the culture of the North and its complex future.
This field trip was made possible with funding by Rasmuson Foundation through the Arts in Education Fund, and is administered by the Alaska State Council on the Arts.
This submission was written by Shelli Franckowiak-Palmer High Schools talented and outstanding art teacher.
Mrs. Swick - AFLA Teacher of the Year
Palmers Japanese Teacher, Carla Swick, was awarded the Terry Higley Award for the Alaska Language Teacher of the Year. Carla will go on to compete at the national level for the PNCFL award.
I would also like to point out that the Palmer Saroma Kai Sister City Program also was awarded at the conference with the AFLA Friend of Language Award. Carla Swick plays also a vital part in the success of that program.
Mrs. Swick epitomizes what it means to be a dedicated educator. She has a passion for improving her craft and an absolute love for teaching her students.
This submission was written by Sovejg Rogers, MSBSD educator and outstanding Palmer High School parent volunteer.
Palmer High Lady Moose Swim & Dive Team
With an undefeated regular season under their belts, the Lady Moose brought home the Region III championship. With top 6 finishes in all but 1 event the Moose were crowned queens of the aquatics, the last time this occurred was in 1989. During this event they broke the school 200 medley relay record, and had 7 state births.
At the State Championships the 200 medley relay ( Lyndsay Musgrave, Ashtyn Peterson, Gretchen Snelders, Ellyse Russell) placed 3rd overall dropping even more time and breaking there own record. In the 200 freestyle, Ellyse Russell with 2nd place, 50 freestyle, Gretchen Snelders, 4th place, 1M diving, Chloe Hartman, 4th place and Tyler Coffman, 5th place, 100 freestyle , Gretchen Snelders, 5th place, Ellyse Russell, 6th place, 200 freestyle relay ( Ashtyn Peterson, Maria Beck, Ellyse Russell, Gretchen Snelders) 3rd place. Out of 22 teams with state qualifying entrants, the lady moose earned a 4th place overall finish.
This submission was written by Coach Jerry Godden. Great job to both him and Coach Christine Morgan for an outstanding season.
IB Test Registration Information
Find Out More About Palmer High
Email: paul.reid@matsuk12.us
Website: https://www.matsuk12.us/phs
Location: 1170 West Arctic Avenue, Palmer, AK, USA
Phone: 907 746 8400