December 2013 [PDF] - AJ Dimond High School

16 Pages·2013·1.61 MB·English

d i n s
mD Ie Mn Os Ni o D
A. J. Dimond High School Community Newsletter December 2013
www.dimondhigh.com
Letter from the Principal Save the Date
However, their resources won’t stretch far
enough to keep staff.
People who attended any of the three
Dear Dimond Parent or Guardian,
ASD budget hearings heard that flat fund- December 2 Monday
This holiday season, Dimond students ing again from the state and municipality
and staff are exercising the power of would result in an additional $21 million Anthony J. Dimond’s Birthday
gratitude. shortfall next year. That deficit could only
Through music, be met by further cutting teachers and other
December 4 Wednesday 7 PM
academics, giv- key positions.
ing back to the Orchestra Holiday Concert
Like you, my family budget is tighter
community, or
now. Our city, state and our nation face
athletics, we are
uncertain financial outlooks. When budgets December 2 - 6 Spirit Week
expressing our
are lean, we fund our highest priorities. I
awareness of Spirit Assembly December 6
believe our children must come first. They
the many assets
are our future and our promise. I invite you
we have in the
to join me in asking our local and state December 7 Saturday 8PM – 11 PM
Dimond com-
leaders to prioritize education.
munity. Di- Crystal Ball
mond High truly Warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday
is a great school season to you and your family,
December 10 Tuesday 7 PM
whose community works together to max-
imize our potential as well as to seek so- Guitar Holiday Recital
lutions to community problems. We have
so much to be grateful for. However this December 12 Thursday 7 PM
year’s budget cuts have lost our students
valuable educational services. Cheryl Guyett Holiday Choral Concert
This school year budget cuts elimi- Dimond High School Principal
nated key personnel such as our Gifted December 18 & 19
Mentorship Coordinator, Career Resource Final Exams
Coordinator, Nurse Assistant, Graduation
Support Coordinator, Library Assistants,
a Safety-Security, two Special Education December 20
2013 First Semester Final Exams
Teacher Assistants, the day maintenance Inservice Day - No School for Students
person, and two teachers. Dimond’s text-
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
book and instructional supply budget was
December 21 – January 3
also cut 20 percent.
Period 1 7:30a.m. – 9:20a.m.
Most class sizes at Dimond have in- Period 2 9:30a.m. – 11:20a.m. Winter Break
creased. If you ask your students, I be-
Lunch 11:20a.m. – 12:04p.m.
lieve they will say that their classes are January 6
Period 3 12:10p.m. – 2:00p.m.
bigger but the teaching is just as high
Second Semester Begins
quality. They will also say that the Career
*No PM KCC
Resource Center, library and nurse’s office
are open because counselors, the librarian, January 23 Thursday 7 PM – 9 PM
Thursday, December 19, 2013
the nurse, indeed, all our staff are filling in
FAFSA Workshop for Parents of Seniors
the gaps as best we can. We want to con-
Period 4 7:30a.m. – 9:20a.m.
tinue to deliver high quality service to our
Period 5 9:30a.m. – 11:20a.m.
students.
Lunch1 1:20a.m. – 12:04p.m.
Dimond’s PTSA has also responded
by providing $20,000 in grants to fund P eriod 6 12:10p.m. – 2:00p.m. Join Ms. Guyett for
educational items ranging from library *No AM KCC, PM KCC reports to
resources to musical instruments to coffee/tea and conversation
KCC in the AM
books. These are items we would have to
do without, if not for the PTSA. We are December 17th 7:30-8:00am
so fortunate to have such a dedicated and and 12:15-12:45pm
resourceful group of parent volunteers.
Our mission is to facilitate optimal learning for all students to empower them to lead fulfilling and
productive lives in a rapidly changing and increasingly complex society.
CURRICULUM NEWS
James Bell, Curriculum Assistant Principal - 742-7008
Finals will be held on Wednesday and December, families should get their pin#
Thursday December 18th and 19th. for FAFSA filing at www.pin.ed.gov. In
Please make sure you plan your travels for December, families should also be gather- Sr. Fun Day/Cross Over
the holidays around these important days. ing tax data for filing the FAFSA. We will TBA
Finals will not be given prior to these hold a FAFSA workshop on January 23rd,
dates. Please from 7:00p.m. -9:00p.m. in MPR1. Please May 6th 12:30
encourage your contact Shirley Reeves, at 742-6989 if you Intensive Needs Graduation
children to do have any questions about this process.
well and stay May 5th – 16th
The High School Graduation Qualify-
on top of their ing Exam will be administered April AP Testing
assignments for
1st-3rd to all sophomores, and any Juniors DHS/UAA
their classes.
or Seniors who need to pass one or more
Stay connected May 7th 1:50pm
sections of the exams. Students who have
with Zangle.
not passed all three sections of the HSGQE Senior Locker Clean Out
As the semes- should carefully consider their second se-
May 8th 7:00pm
ter wraps up, mester curricular options to best prepare
it’s also not too for the test. SBA (Standard Base Assess- Japanese Immersion Graduation
early to be thinking about the second ments) will be give to all freshman on the
Auditeria
semester. I ask that you and your student same days. Sophomores will also take a
do your part to perform well in school by Science SBA exam on March 27th. May 8th
attending school everyday and being on
Senior Finals
time for classes. Every time a student
walks in late for a class it is a disruption, Regular Schedule Period 1 & 2
we need to keep this to a minimum. Finals Periods 3, 4, 5 & 6
Student Schedules: Counselors are cur- May 9th
rently meeting with students to finalize
Seniors Finals
class schedules for next semester. Once
the semester begins on January 6th, stu- Finals Periods 1 & 2
dents will have up to 10 school days to
Period 3– Graduation Practice
request a schedule change. After January
and Send-Off
17th, students are expected to complete
the course in which they are enrolled. Ad- Gym
ditionally, students are expected to com-
May 9th
plete both semesters of a yearlong class,
especially in a core content area. If you DHS Senior Events Calendar Baccalaureate
have questions or concerns about a possi-
Class of 2014 TBA
ble academic misplacement in a yearlong
class, please talk with the teacher and/or
your son or daughter’s counselor. April 1, 2 & 3
Juniors: results of the Workkeys exams HSGQE Testing
will arrive mid to late January. Our
April 12th & 13th 7:00pm
counseling staff will provide an opportuni-
ty to help students and parents “interpret” Dimond Night Live!
the results of your child’s tests. Specific Auditeria
dates and times will be announced at a
later time. April 17th 7:00pm
Juniors who plan to attend a college or Honor Grad. Awards
university some time after high school Auditeria May 13th 7:00pm
graduation should be taking their first col-
lege entrance exams second semester of April 24th 7:00pm Graduation
this year. Students are encourage to take Awards Night Sullivan Arena
both exams: the SAT and ACT. Even
Auditeria
if you are not planning to attend college
right away, we recommend that you take April 26th 8:00pm – 12:00am Senior Staff Sponsors:
them now while you are in high school and Michelle Nurmi
Prom
while the academic content is still fresh in
[email protected]
your mind. Registration material for the Eagan Center
SAT and ACT can be picked up outside the Kristen Melican-Nevala
April 21st 7:00pm
career center. [email protected]
Maroon & Gold Awards
FAFSA Timeline: during November and
ACTIVITIES NEWS
Tim Helvey, Activities Assistant Principal - 742-6996

It is official, the first snow has arrived
and I see nothing but big smiles on all
our winter sport athletes. We still have Activity fees:
a few fall sports to recognize for an out-
standing season. November and December are tradition-
$175 per activity – tennis, cross country
Boys and girls ally months that we offer thanks and think
swim/dive just running, cheerleading, track and field, about people who have made a difference
finished their ap- drama debate/forensics in our lives. As part of that tradition, DHS
pearance at the Indian Education students participated in
state champion- $185 per activity – flag football,
ships at Juneau.
volleyball, cross country skiing,
Our boys won
football, wrestling, basketball, riflery,
their 5th straight
soccer
state title and our

girls came home
in second. Con- $195 per activity – gymnastics,
gratulations to swimming and diving, hockey
Michael Summers for setting a new state
record in the 500-yard freestyle. The old A $5 concussion baseline fee is required
record was set in 1990 and was the oldest for all sports (one time fee)
state record on the books. Congratulations
to Coach Scott O’Brien and the boys and
girls swim/dive team. December 10 the Multi-Cultural Celebration at Dimond
Rifle team is continuing to dominate in High during the month of November. We
region matches much like they did last Guitar Recital in Auditeria shared our relatives’ skills at hunting,
year. The rifle team is into the last weeks 7:00pm beading and sewing by proudly wearing
of the season and is undefeated to date. kuspuks, medicine pouches, belts, gloves
December 12
and headdresses during the Cultural Fash-
Volleyball just wrapped up the region
Choir Concert in Auditeria ion Show.
championships with another 1st place
trophy. Our girls are the regular season 7:00pm
champs and region tournament champions.
January 16-18
I would also like to recognize Leah Swiss
who was honored as an All American for Drama Musical in Auditeria
volleyball. This is recognition of all her 7:00pm
hard work and dedication to her team, an
January 24
honor well deserved.
Pop Concert in Auditeria
7:00pm
January 27
JROTC 3rd Quarter Awards
7:00pm
For more information and weekly sched-
ules go to school website Gatherings are incomplete without food,
dimondhigh.com so we made and shared akutaq (eskimo
ice cream) for those who have never tried
Dates to Remember it and those that can't get enough. With
grateful hearts, we thank you for your sup-
port and wish you a peaceful holiday sea-
December 4 son.
Orchestra Concert in auditeria
7:00pm
December 6
Band Concert in Auditeria
7:00pm
STUDENT SERVICES/ATTENDANCE NEWS
Holly Morris, Student Services/Attendance Assistant Principal - 742-7056
Dimond students continue to improve Students can be nom-
their timely arrival. Information on tar- inated for academic
dies continues to show more on-time ar- achievement, contri-
rival than last bution to the Dimond
year, gain- community, and/or
ing students having an exception-
more instruc- al attitude or work
tional time ethic. Monthly win-
each class ners are randomly
hour. selected from all of
the names submitted
The 90/90
each month by staff.
attendance
Winners receive a
goal trans-
certificate, a movie
lates to 90% Leggings are popular wear for students.
gift card, and a reserved parking spot in
of students Please note that leggings are meant to be
the student lot for the month. If a student
at school worn under skirts, long shirts or tunics.
doesn't drive, they can designate a friend
90% of the Leggings are a tight fitting garment that
with whom they ride to school to park in
time. At Di- when worn as pants, create a distraction.
the spot.
mond this year we are ahead of the target As with any other distracting clothing, stu-
percentage, which is great! Each year the dents may be asked to change.
target percentage increases to attain the
Students of the Month – December
90% goal. Being ahead of the target will
help work toward the goal. Kalina Overvold-Singletion (Sopho-
more). Mrs. Basset
It’s not just about meeting a goal. Stu-
writes that Kalina
dent attendance in class enhances the
consistently has her
students’ meaningful instruction time
work done, it’s high
and therefore education. Students present
quality, she pays
90% of the time in their courses improve
attention in class,
comprehension, mastery and overall aca-
and is willing to as-
demic achievement.
sist her peers. She
Greater attendance will continue to is conscientious
increase Dimond’s graduation rate. and has recently
E-cigarettes and paraphernalia are not
Dimond has a great graduation rate and spent three hours at
allowed on Dimond High School cam-
looks to continue to grow those numbers school on Saturday,
pus. Our policy falls under the “Reckless
as well. Meaningful growth in attendance revising and editing her To Kill a Mock-
or Unsafe Behavior” category that states
rates will directly correlate to gains in ingbird essay so that it will be a piece that
any action that jeopardized the safety and/
graduation as well. Attendance is a Win- she’s proud to submit. Kalina is a diamond
or welfare of one’s self or others is pro-
Win! in the rough!
hibited.
In this newsletter you’ll find a list of Seng Moua (Junior). When talking to
Beginning with confiscation plus work
students on their way to perfect atten- Seng, it is clear
details, consequences are progressive
dance for second quarter. As of this pub- that he holds a high
and can lead to suspension for repeat of-
lication, approximately 77% of Dimond standard for him-
fenders.
High students have a 95% attendance self and takes pride
rate for second quarter. Way to go! in putting his very
best behind every-
Looking at second semester, please
thing he does. Most
continue to encourage timely arrival,
recently, Seng
attendance and participation in your
Anchorage School District has taken the op-
student’s classes.
Board Members portunity to share
his culture with
Tam Agosti-Gisler, President
the school during
Natasha von Imhoff, Vice President Dimond’s annual
Multicultural Day celebrations. Not only
Kameron Perez-Verdia, Clerk
did he create a display for MPR1, but Seng
Bettye Davis, Treasurer also took part in the talent show by per-
forming a traditional Hmong dance while
Eric Croft, Member
playing an instrument. Mrs. Barnes and
Pat Higgins, Member Mrs. Smith are impressed by his willing-
ness to share a part of his culture with the
Kathleen Plunkett, Member
school and they look forward to continue
learning from him.
Madison Scarbriel
Perfect Attendance Seniors and Juniors
Timothy Schell
Cory Schneider
Gabrielle Schuman
Gabrielle Agtarap Cassius Dumont Monica Kinder Alexsander Serebryakov
Anthony Alirez Philippa Dun Christian Klassen Maegan Sexton
Alyssa Belize-Aljibe Justine Felland Larissa Kramer Russell Seymoure
Damon Ames Jacobo Franco Charmin Launiuvao Joshua Shook
Joshua An Jaylyn Franklin Leone Leone Jason Shuart
Justine Anderson Mackenzie French Honglai Lin Mia Jennifer Sison
Liam Andrews Alcinia Freytag He Xi Lin Moses Sohn
Spirit Angasan Benjamin Froehlich Christopher Lindbeck Andres Solarte
Nora Angmo Alexis Gann Hattie Little-Burgener Johan Solarte
John Jesus Apepe Ziemund Garriel Jia Liu Jeffrey Spraker
Isabella Baez Hannah Gastaldi Karla Llaneza Abigail Stahl
Chad Balmes Dominic Gerber Chandler Lokanin Jordan Stein
Raphael Baluyut Liezel Lynn Giron Aubrie Lucas Kyle Stone
Judy-Ann Banez Nathaniel Hall Giselle Luteria Jessica Stroman
Grecia Barajas Duran Jae Ham Jeremiah Macalino-Maga Tomas Sundet
Benjamen Beaver Daniela Harris Ean Maus Andrea Swanstrom
Lilly Bee Morgan Hartley Seamus McCarty Daija Sypakanphay
Gabriel Berbig Matthew Harvey Killian McClure Jasmine Tacaca
Curles Bingham Sara Hastie Jasmine McNary Destiny Tanuvasa
Jacquelyn Bradley Tristan Heil Devin Merilatt Janet Terry
Wesley Brantley Michaela Hendricks Jenna Mixson Theron Tetzloff
Morgan Brown Camille Heninger Mark Moore Evan Thompson
Cellestiemarie Bulfa Victor Hernandez Seng Moua Mick Thompson
Marquez Buster Ronell Hidalgo Alisher Murtazaev Tara Thompson
Emily Carey Devin Higbee Oliver Nannestad Hunter Thompson
Cierra Carrigan Trent Hodson Zanah Obeidi Callum Toohey
Jada Caudel Jeremy Holganza Terence Odron Rachael Tranum
Zackary Chico Keely Holt Mason Panamarioff Elijah Tuimalealiifano
Christian Childers Jeongeon Hong Austin Pangelinan EdsonTung
Makayla Clark Eric Horstmann Troy Pangelinan Nikolaos Varlamos
Wilson Clayton Jason Hsi Bryce Patton Jonathan Vasai
Taral Clayton Yuhwa Hu Riccardo Pedretti Ian Velasco
Muhamad Cole Michael Hudson Brittanie Peters Martinlouie Victa
Nicholas Cole Anh Huynh Norberto Polintan Nicolas Villa
Kelley Coleman Kaylee Ige Devon Redding Jovan Villamanca
Anikka Corbett Stephen Jacobs Vyninka Reddish Keenan vonBirgelen
Kyle Cordell Mackenzie Jeppsen Haily Redmond Cody Wadsworth
Adannah Daniel Breanna Jingco Michael Rice Joseph Walker
Roman Daniel Makenzie Johnson Micah Rickard Erin Ward
Gavin Davis Jie Joo Joshua Risten Steven Watson
Norberto De Jesus Justin Keays Arianna Rohde Samantha Wheeler
Casey Dearing Kailey Kenning Zayn Roohi Ian Wilber
Nelly Joy Dela Cruz John Kim Taylor Ross OluwakemiWolfe
Kelson Denton Ester Kim Elizabeth Rus Elizabeth Work
Kaleb Desjarlais Raymond Kim Kurtis Saeteurn Claudia Wroblewski
Janci Dick So Won Kim Brandon Sakumoto Brooke Yunis
Caitlynn Dubie Jane Kim Talaifono Savaiinaea Kayla Zeigler
FRESHMAN HOUSE NEWS
Imtiaz Azzam, Freshman House Assistant Principal - 742-7069
Just as a reminder, we are approaching provides students an extra opportunity to age you to access the link below and take
the end of first semester. There are a few receive assistance with their homework. In a moment to review the survey, this will
things that we need to keep in mind so that addition, math tutoring is available Tues- give you an idea of what the survey is all
we can help days and Thursdays from 2:15-3:00 pm, in about. Also, please make sure to read all
our students room B213. the information below because it lists the
end their changes made for the 2013-2014 Climate
Lastly, I would like to remind you that
first semes- and connectedness survey.
final exams are in December. No early
ter positive-
finals will be given. If students are leav- Required Notice to Parents
ly and suc-
ing on vacation be-
cessfully. 2014 Climate and Connectedness Student
fore school actually
It is impor- Survey – Grades 3 - 12 only
gets out, it is the
tant that we
student’s responsi- The 2014 Climate and Connectedness Stu-
make sure
bility to make sure dent Survey will be administered to pro-
that our
to arrange and set vide schools with information about per-
freshman
up a time to take fi- ceptions and experiences related to school
students do
nals they may have climate and student connectedness for use
everything
missed upon their in setting school goals and redirecting re-
they can to
return. sources. This is an annual survey that is
ensure that all of their work is completed
implemented and analyzed by the ASD As-
and that they end the semester strong. Also, Wishing you all the Hope, Wonder, and
sessment and Evaluation department. The
please remember that semester grades are Joy that the Season can bring!
survey will be taken January 21 - February
the ones that count toward credits earned
28, 2014.
and count for graduation requirements.
This survey does not require parental per-
Success builds on success. Let your
mission and will be administered to stu-
child know that you highly value edu-
dents in grades 3 - 12. If parents would
cation. Encourage your child to take
like to request that their student do not
school seriously and set high expectations
complete this survey, please contact your
about their school academic performance.
student’s school. This message serves as a
School failure is often an early sign of
notice to parents about this upcoming sur-
trouble. Be very attentive to your child’s
vey.
progress in school and intervene early if
things are not going well. Keep track of Please follow or type this link to review
your child’s grades and discuss them to- the survey:
gether. Meet with teachers, their counselor,
http://www.asdk12.org/ae/surveys/cli-
and principal to discuss problems together.
mateandconnectedness/
Know about homework assignments and
support your child in getting them done. Hello Dimond Parents, Major change in 2014 administration:
Volunteer at school, if possible. Schools
Please take a moment to review the “Parent/Guardian Survey” redesign into
want more parental involvement
parent notice information, survey “Family Survey”:
The more we achieve, the more we will details, and changes listed below for This survey was redesigned to be a family
want to achieve. Parents can help moti- 2014. survey for the 2013-2014 year. Parents can
vate their child: when their child works
Soon, from January 21 through Feb- now complete one survey per school rather
hard and gets good results, that child will
ruary 28 all students, parents of stu- than one survey per child. Examples: If a
want to work even harder to achieve more
dents in grades 3-12, and all school parent has two children at Chinook and one
than the last. staff will have an opportunity to fill at Mears, they must complete two surveys,
Students who are experiencing academ- out an ASD Climate and Connected- one for each school. If a parent has three
ic struggles or are behind on turning in ness Survey. The purpose of this sur- children at Scenic Park they will complete
assignments need to remember that they vey is to provide schools with infor- one survey for Scenic Park.
can always ask for assistance from their mation about perceptions and experi- Survey Details
teachers or may also choose to use the ences related to school climate for use
support programs available at our school, in setting school goals and redirecting Survey Administration Window
by attending a Homework Café. This op- resources. Meanwhile, we encour- January 21- February 28
tion is available each day during lunch and
Survey Time to take the survey
Visit the Dimond High School Website for up-to-date Grades 5-12, 20 minutes
Staff 15 minutes
information on our school and events at http://www.
Family 5-10 minutes
dimondhigh.com.
Thank you for helping us with this process.
To honor Ms. Hammerstrom Wins Big
Multicultural Days their coun-
on Jeopardy!
try Junior
The Multicultural Days Event is a joint ef-
Polintan, Her journey began in January when she
fort between several school departments
and many staff members to make sure Jennyleen took the online test for the popular game
that all students can participate in this Polintan, show. She had to
Shenna Pa-
event. Freshmen were able to make post- wait until April to
tague and
ers, dance, bring food, do demonstrations, find out if she had
Nelly Dela
or show their talent with their teachers’ earned a spot at the
Cruz sing the
permission. Many ninth graders toured auditions in Kansas
national an-
MPR#1 during their lunch. During upper-
them of The Philippines. They asked that City. MaryBeth
classmen lunch, we had a fashion show on
the student body remember the victims and was one of 2000
11/12 and a Talent show on 11/14 in the
survivors of typhoon Haiyan. people vying for a players spot. That num-
commons. The World Language, Special
ber was winnowed to 400 and she was told
Education, Food Science, English Lan-
guage Learners departments, and Indian that even this wasn’t a guarantee that she
Mrs. Sears
Education met multiple times to plan the would actually get to play! The day before
leads the pa-
events and make sure that students from school started, she got a call from the show
rade of cos-
the whole school could participate. Di- inviting her to be a contestant in the Teach-
tumes from her
mond students learned a great deal about er’s Tournament. In October she flew to
native country,
the cultures of many Dimond High School Russia. The L.A. to pre-tape the show. She was sworn
students.
bright colors to secrecy about the results, the other play-
Volunteer Interns from Japan, Haruka and and designs ers and was even
Tatsuya, partici- were a hit with close-mouthed
pated this year and the audience! about Mr. Trebek.
tried to shake off (Students left to right: Lacey Dowden, Ms. Hammer-
pre-talent show jit- Carlie Buckmeier, Azala Leen, Ally John-
strom had enough
ters by laughing son, Morgan Byrne and Julie DuClos.
points in the first
and joking around.
round to advance
Haruka’s cotton yu-
kata is worn during Ms. Guyett gets a taste to the semi-finals,
the summer as is of akutaq (eskimo ice which she dominated and easily became
Tatsuya’s jinbei. cream). Tradition- one of the final three contestants. She
ally made from seal or made it look easy, anyway! When asked
whale fat, sugar, and by Alex Trebek if there were any students
Joseph Walker, Ally Johnson, Tia Lowe berries, the frozen treat that stood out over the years, she gracious-
Carlie Buckmeier and Azala Leen show is always a favorite
ly answered that all of her students were
off costumes from of staff and students.
wonderful and while she’ll never be “hap-
the countries of The “urban version”
py” to get out of bed in the morning, her
Russia, Egypt and is made from Crisco,
South Africa. Tia sugar and frozen berries. students certainly make it more pleasant!
says that she en- MaryBeth ended her Jeopardy Journey in
joys being able to second place, winning $50,000, which she
pick out her out- plans to use to pay off her car and some
fit and getting to home improvement.
know some of the
other students.
Costumes were provided by Ms. Sears and
Ms. Veal.
Sisters Folasade
(9th) and Oluwake-
mi (11th) Wolfe
show off costumes
Foreign exchange students always enjoy
from their native
Ms. Hammerstrom has an undergradu-
participating in the multiculural celebra-
country of Nigeria.
tion at Dimond. (l-r) is Erika (Sweden) ate degree from Harvard, a law degree
The outfits were
Lars (Germany), Nora (Sweden) and Emi- from the University of Minnesota and has
made especially for
lie (Denmark). Alex (Tajikistan), Domi- worked as an attorney. She teaches eco-
their parents. The
girls had a fun time nic (Switzerland) and Ryushin (Japan) nomics, criminology and Alaska studies at
modeling and Kemi thought it was funny to switch their signs! Dimond, where she's been for nine years.
says that she’ll for Not pictured are Indra (Germany), Domi- The staff at Dimond has always known
nic (Liberia) and Riccardo (Switzerland).
sure participate next that MaryBeth was a smart lady and
year. now the rest of the world does as well!
CAREER RESOURCE CENTER NEWS
COUNSELORS
Seniors have started to Employment:
apply for college, work
We will have an Alaska Railroad Tour Freshmen....Jaime Boyd-Kragt
on their portfolios, take a
Guide representative come in to talk with
look at what scholarships
our students about summer employment 9-12 Special Services.....Tracie Ashman
are available, and sign up
but we have not set a date quite yet. When
for their last SAT or ACT ELL.........Lee Montoya
the date is set, I will make the announce-
test. Please continue to
ments so you can sign up in my office.
work on these things as you have more Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors:
time over holiday break. I also wanted you The Alaska Railroad Tour Guide Training
to know if you are not receiving my weekly Program will be holding a class Monday A – Di.....Dave Donk
announcements, please go to our Dimond through Thursday from 3-5:30 at the King
High School website under the Career Re- Career Center January 28th – April 13th. Do – K.....Rob Hartley
source section and you will find the CRC Applications will be available on the ASD
announcements there. You will also see the homepage December 3-20th. You can get
L – P.....Chris Higgins
portfolio guidelines and information on the an Alaska Studies credit or a college credit
Alaska Performance guidelines. if you have already taken Alaska Studies.
R – Z.....Pete Mandel
For more information, call Mike Woods at
Many of you have asked the question “Is
742-8964.
there a deadline for the Senior Portfolios
to be turned in?” I would say no, but one Hey Dimond Class of 2013!
of the first scholarships that are due recom-
Scholarships:
mends that you have a portfolio on file by
Jan. 20th. It is the South Anchorage Rota- Please continue to look at CRC announce- We’re curious what
ry Scholarship. I suggest that the portfolio ments online or across from the CRC of- you’re doing now. How
is turned in to the CRC office when you fice for any new scholarships. You can also is life after high school
come back from holiday break, if possible. look at the AKCIS website at graduation? Are you in
If you will be applying for scholarships www.akcis.org college or working or
that come through the CRC office, much both?
of the information you will need will come and go to the Financial Aid sort tab and see
Every two years, ASD surveys graduates
from your portfolio. Seniors will get more many scholarship opportunities there. The
to gather information on how prepared our
and more busy as second semester moves University of Alaska scholarship applica-
graduates feel they are for life after high
along so it will be beneficial for them to tion must be turned in no later than Feb.
school. Your answers will be used when
have the portfolio done, please see your 15th.
reviewing curriculum and instruction,
counselor if you need help.
looking at career assistance strategies, and
http://www.asdk12.org/counseling/fi- Events from the CRC office: developing coursework and career path
nancialaid/scholarshipportfolio programs.
Seniors: Take the survey now:
Jan. 1st: The first day seniors can apply for
• Make sure you have taken or signed up to the FAFSA www.surveymonkey.com/s/AS-
take the SAT or ACT test. DGrads2013.
www.fafsa.ed.gov
SAT- www.collegeboard.org The survey is open Dec. 1- Jan 31. Please
This website is free.Watch out for sites that
share this information with other ASD
ACT- www.actstudent.org charge a fee! No sign up from the CRC re-
2013 graduates.
• Collect 3-4 letter of recommendations. quired.
Previous survey results are available:
• Check your admission requirements and Jan. 23rd: FAFSA workshop at 7 p.m. at
deadlines at the colleges of your choice. Dimond
• Apply to the colleges of your choice. Jan. 29th: ASVAB test www.asdk12.org/media/anchorage/
globalmedia/documents/assess-
• Send your transcripts and ACT or SAT Some key websites found on ASD web- mentandevaluation/Graduate-Survey-
test scores to the colleges that you apply to. page: Report-201208.pdf.
• Continue to take challenging courses the
second semester. http://careerready.alaska.gov/
Thank you and congratulations on your re-
• If you plan on going into the military, www.akcis.org cent graduation!
technical school, or directly into the work
www.careerready101.com If you have questions, please contact
force, please start gathering up the infor-
ASD’s Assessment and Evaluation depart-
mation that you will need to be able to http://www.military.com/join-armed-
ment at:
move forward into these positions. Come forces/asvab/
to the CRC office, if you need some help. [email protected]
http://jobs.alaska.gov
• Search out and apply for scholarships! or [phone].
Alaska Railroad Tour Guide Training Program
Anchorage 2014 Schedule

Class is held Monday through Thursday
from 3:00pm to 5:30pm
at the King Career Center
(2650 E. Northern Lights Blvd)
th th
January 27 – April 12 , 2014
Instructor: Mike Woods 742-8964

Applications available on ASD/KCC Homepage
December 3rd -20th , 2013
Open House @ KCC Dec. 12th , 7-8 pm

Alaska Railroad Tour Guide Program………H865600
Grade level 11-12. One Semester
Prerequisite: None
Must be 16 years old and possess a 2.5 GPA cumulative
This specialized training includes customer service, cross-cultural
communication, public speaking, Alaska geography, economy,
history and visitor related interests.
Training provides students with excellent job skills and
opportunities in the visitor industry with specific focus as a tour
guide for the Alaska Railroad. Summer employment with the
Alaska Railroad is available for those that successfully complete the
course.

Students selected to be Tour Guides for the Alaska
Railroad are expected to work full time during the
summer, between the end and beginning of the
school year. Any time off must be pre-arranged
and authorized.
Please see application for more information.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT NEWS
Lem Wheeles, Advisor - [email protected]
On October 31st, Dimond Student Gov- Crystall Ball Spirit Week
ernment hosted their annual Halloween
December 2 - 6, 2013
Carnival during Upperclassmen lunch.
Monday- Dimond
Day (Maroon and
Gold in honor of AJ
Dimond’s birthday)
Crystal Ball Court is made up of students
who have excelled in Fine Arts at Dimond.
Our 2013 Princes are Stephen Svenjoha,
Chad Balmes, Moses Sohn, Gage Ray-
mond and Jason Hsi. The Princesses are
There was a pie-eating contest, bobbing Mari-Celia Tavoliero, Sierra Dunn, Whit-
for apples, cupcake walk, mummy race, ney Jackson, Aubrie Lucas, and Sham-
costume contest, and cotton candy being Tuesday- Tundra payne Moore. The King and Queen will
made throughout the carnival. Tuesday (Alaska be crowned Saturday, December 7, at the
clothing, i.e. mit- dance.
tens, scarves, warm
jackets, snow pants,
boots, etc.)
Wednesday- Onesie
Dimond High is excited that we are once
Wednesday (Footie
again implementing our Be the Change
pajamas)
program. Be the Change is part of the
Anchorage School District’s Social and
The winners of the costume contest were Emotional Learning program. Be the
Gage Burgess as Captain Jack Sparrow in Change teaches tolerance and acceptance
first place, Vanessa Tufaga as Slash in sec- while building a positive climate through-
ond place, and Jade Fronteras as Samara out the school and improving the over-
Morgan from The Ring in third place. all academic learning environment. On
Thursday- Ugly Sweater November 8, we held a full-day training
Day (Find your ugliest for juniors and seniors who are interested
Crystal Ball Holiday or any other in becoming peer facilitators. We had an
sweater) amazing group of 26 students who are ex-
Crystal Ball is around the corner and Stu-
cited about serving as peer educators and
dent Government is eagerly putting every-
spreading the message of Be the Change
thing together. The dance is on Saturday,
throughout the halls of DHS. Starting in
December 7, from 8-11 pm in the Dimond
January, all sophomores will attend a ½
Commons. Ticket prices are $15 Stag (sin-
day Be the Change workshop led by these
gle) and $20 Drag (couple).
student trainers. At the end of the work-
Tickets must be purchased
Friday- White Out (Dress all out in shop, each sophomore is asked to write
in advance the week of
white) down a goal and make a personal commit-
the dance during lunch
ment to do something that will improve
(or after school Thursday
the overall climate at Dimond. These
or Friday). Students must
goals can be as simple as saying hello to
have their student ID card
a stranger in the hallway or as difficult as
and have no fines or fees to
stepping in and stopping an act of harass-
purchase tickets.
ment when they witness it. If you have
any questions about this program please
contact teacher Kristen Melican-Nevala
at [email protected] or As-
sistant Principal Jim Bell at bell_james@
asdk12.org.