Update from AMCS
School Closure Info
Hello AMCS Students & Families!
The past few weeks have proved quite eventful for us all and we want to assure you that we are working diligently to support all students through this transition. Most of the AMCS staff are working remotely and it's important for parents and students to know how to contact each staff member as needed. UAA and ASD staff are committed to checking email regularly and responding promptly during normal business hours. Emailing will serve as the primary means of communication and AMCS staff also have the capability for phone or video conferencing.
Students and parents should expect to receive ongoing communication via email, Facebook, Instagram (alaska.middle.college), and the AMCS website for important updates. During this time we seek to increase our engagement with students and their families and stay connected as an AMCS family.
Alaska Middle College School
Erik Johnson: johnson_erik@asdk12.org
Lolly Rader: rader_lolly@asdk12.org
Janel Walton: walton_janel@asdk12.org
Stephanie Rawlings: rawlings_stephanie@asdk12.org
Heather Brekke: hlbrekke@alaska.edu
Tamika Dowdy: tfdowdy@alaska.edu
Kern McGinley: mcginley_kern@asdk12.org
Mary Anne Woods: woods_mary@asdk12.org
Email: amcs@asdk12.org
Website: https://www.asdk12.org/amcs
Location: 3800 Alumni Drive, Anchorage, AK, USA
Phone: 907-786-7611
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akmiddlecollege/
AMCS Update
Transportation - At this time, there is no ASD bus transportation. Students will need to make arrangements for their own transportation if they need to come to the campus for any reason. The People Mover is currently operating fare free with a limited number of riders per vehicle. For more information, go here.
Advisories/Apex/Direct Instruction Classes - Mr. Johnson, Ms. Rader, and Ms. Walton are making arrangements to continue to offer their classes and support remotely. Be on the look out for email communication from them about how their classes and advisories will be set up.
STAMP Testing - For seniors wanting to earn a Seal of Biliteracy and still needing a qualifying test score, STAMP testing will be delayed until after March 27th. The school district is working out a plan for testing and once we know more we will get it sent out to students.
Chromebooks - Students needing a device to support their online learning and schoolwork may contact Principal McGinley to schedule a chromebook pick up at King Tech High School during limited hours.
Graduation - Unfortunately, the Sullivan Area is no longer available for graduation ceremonies in May. The school district is looking into alternative options. Once we have more information, we will notify students.
SAT/ACT -
SAT - For up to date information about SAT testing and cancellations go here.
ACT - For up to date information about ACT testing and cancellations go here.
Cap/gown/AMCS gear Pick Up - AMCS students may contact Ms. Woods to arrange a time to stop by the AMCS office to pick up cap/gown and AMCS gear orders.
UAA Advisors Say
Classes
Have you heard from your professors about how they will conduct classes? All students should have received an email or Blackboard notification from each of their professors regarding specific updates for each course. Please understand that professors have the freedom to determine how they want to deliver their course content. Therefore, it’s HIGHLY IMPORTANT for all students to ensure they received correspondence and to reach out to your MIddle College Advisor if you are unsure how to move forward in any of your courses.
Do you have a class you are concerned about? If you received information from your professor and do not know how to proceed, or have difficulty meeting the requirements PLEASE CONTACT YOUR MIDDLE COLLEGE ADVISOR IMMEDIATELY. This is the time for Middle College students to advocate their needs and express their concerns so we can assist you through these changes. No problem is too small for us to assist!
Withdrawal
The last day to withdraw from a UAA course is Friday, April 10th @ 3PM.
If you are planning to persist and do your best to pass all of your courses with a C or better, AWESOME
If you need to withdraw, you will have to complete a withdrawal form (link just below), get a parent or guardian's signature, email Mrs. Rawlings to schedule a phone appointment to discuss your situation, get her acknowledgement in an email that you copy me on, hold on to your textbook(s) for now, and lastly, schedule an appointment to see your UAA Advisor at https://uaa.campus.eab.com/ to complete the withdrawal before the deadline on Friday, March 27 @ 3PM.
Withdrawing from a university course can affect your future financial aid. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA, a 67% completion rate, and not go over 150% of the credits required for your undergraduate degree.
Advising
Fall 2020 Advising being this Monday, March 23rd. Students who turned in their progress report can schedule an advising appointment through uaa.campus.eab.com . The Middle College Advisors look forward to meeting with each of you in the next two weeks and seeing how you are doing. Meetings will occur via phone or video conferencing (whichever you prefer).
Testing
Are you needing to retest on Aleks of Accuplacer for Fall 2020? Middle College Advisors will work with each student during their advising meeting to determine how you can complete the Aleks or Accuplacer from home.
Teacher Updates
Walton’s World
Greetings everyone! I hope all is going well in your homes and lives. Please reach out if you have any difficulties with assignment completion, technology issues, or just need a break from the monotony. walton_janel@asdk12.org
For students in my class, at this time, I will continue to use my website to deliver instruction. You can find that website by going to the Alaska Middle College School website and finding me under the “STAFF” page, or follow this link. https://apps.asdk12.org/home.asp?num=104456.
I look forward to moving ahead with our new normal. Keep an eye out for emails from me or phone calls from my home.
Mrs. Walton
Resources
Educational Resources - For a list of educational resources and support, please go here.
UAA Tutoring - UAA tutoring has moved online. For a listing of what services are available, go here.
ASD Food Service - For families utilizing school food services, ASD Student Nutrition will provide free food beginning Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To learn more, please go here.
Internet Access/Data Speed - Both GCI and ACS (see flyers below) are offering deals for free internet or upgrades. Please contact those companies for more information.
ASD COVID-19 Updates and Resources - To stay up to date, go here.