Palmer High School
Principal's Post
Fostering a Culture of Caring
My response was, "we strive to cultivate a culture of caring". If you walk around the hallways of Palmer High you will find a relaxed atmosphere where students are smiling and enjoying the company of their peers. We teach our students to report harassment, bullying and in the worst case scenario threats of violence. We strive to educate our students about digital citizenship and appropriate use of social media, and when it's misused to bring it to our attention.
This climate and culture of caring didn't happen overnight. Principals fostered it before me, and focus daily on continuing to grow kindness. Through social and emotional learning models our teachers and support staff work to make positive connections with students and let them know we care.
I take a great deal of pride in the fact that we have this culture. I like my job because of it. I enjoy my relationships with my students and my staff. Every day I send my son and daughter to valley schools, and I do this without reservation because I know other Mat-Su Borough Schools are doing the same things.
Don't get me wrong; we have our problems to work through. We are well aware that February is the most challenging month for mental health problems. Our counselors and school psychologist work in concert with staff to stay connected and stay in contact with our students and their parents when issues arise. Depression and anxiety peak in late winter and we work hard to identify and address these needs.
We have also developed safety protocols that only allow access through our front doors. Our classroom doors stay in a locked mode with a magnet prop for quick lockdown ability. We follow ALICE protocols and practice drills that walk through scenarios in the event of a violent intruder. These actions limit access to the building and classrooms and also empower teachers and students to make informed decisions about safely evacuating in a worst-case scenario.
School safety is our number one most important focus. Afterall, how can students learn if they don't feel safe at school? Like so many things in life, these are all works in progress. I encourage parents and stakeholders to come in and learn more. We believe in a growth mindset when it comes to growing and developing our schools.
Sincerely,
Principal Reid
Student-led Observation
Palmer High students have organized a student-led walk out. This has been occurring across the country since the Florida shootings. I want to assure all parents and community members that this will be closely monitored. The Palmer High students that are leading this observation have a voice and want to spread a message of kindness.
State Mandated Education: Erin's Law, Bree's Law
March 2, 2018
Dear Palmer High Parents,
To increase awareness and reduce the prevalence of sexual violence, Alaska has passed legislation called the Alaska Safe Children’s Act, otherwise known as Erin’s Law and Bree’s Law.
AS 14.30.355 (Erin’s Law) requires that the governing body of each school district adopt and implement a policy, establish a training program for employees and students, and provide parental notices relating to sexual abuse and sexual assault awareness and prevention for students enrolled in grades kindergarten through twelve.
AS 14.30.356 (Bree’s Law) requires that the governing body of each school district adopt and implement a policy, establish a training program for employees and students, and provide parental notices relating to dating violence and abuse grades seven through twelve. A training program adopted under this section must emphasize prevention and awareness.
The mission of the Mat-Su Borough is to “prepare all students for success.” In order to be successful, students must be safe. Providing all students with information and skills on how to protect themselves and seek help from abusive situations keep students emotionally and physically safe.
To that end, Palmer High School will be offering dating violence curriculum to all of our 9th-12th graders during PHARM on March 20, 21 and 22. Thank you for partnering with us on this very important topic.
If you have any questions, please contact our guidance department at 746-8427.
Contact Us
Email: paul.reid@matsuk12.us
Website: https://www.matsuk12.us/phs
Phone: 907 746 8400