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d i n s mD Ie Mn Os Ni o D A. J. Dimond High School Community Newsletter October 2013 www.dimondhigh.com Save the Date Letter from the Principal However, when you’re planning va- cations and trips, please use spring, Dear Dimond Parent or Guardian, winter and summer breaks so your stu- October 1, 2, 3 As adults, we know that half of success is dent gets the full benefit of this world- High School Graduation Qualifying Test just showing up. Whether we are talking class education and not just a preview. Retakes about making it to work, exercise, family events or volun- Reading on Tuesday, Writing on Weds & teer activities, if Most Sincerely, Math on Thursday we’re not there, we lose out. October 4 Friday Attendance matters. It es- School Photo Retakes during the day pecially mat- Cheryl M. Guyett ters at school. Our teens have Principal October 11 Friday four short high Inservice Day No school for students school years to prepare for their next step October 17 Thursday away from home Parent – Teacher Conferences and onto their chosen career or college pathway. 11:45 – 2:30 As a mother, former teacher and long- 4:00 – 7:00 time principal, I embrace the ASD School Board’s goal that every student will attend school at least 90% of the time. To meet this October 18 Friday goal means that students can only miss 17 Inservice Day No school for students days a year. Too many times, I’ve seen stu- dents’ academic and career goals side-lined by poor attendance. Missing the continu- October 22 Tuesday ous day-to-day instruction is like watching the preview of a movie and missing the full Free ASVAB Testing for Sophomores, production. You get the general idea but Juniors & Seniors miss all of the meat. You really do not know. Sign up in advance on CRC Bulletin Dimond staff and I will keep the focus Board on attendance and punctuality this year. This first 5 weeks of school show that we need parents’ help. Student absences and October 24 – 26 7 PM tardies are the highest first period, when Arsenic and Old Lace students are arriving from their homes. Di- mond can’t improve students’ first period achievements without your help in getting Anchorage School District November 1 Friday 7 PM your teens to bed before 11 PM and getting Board Members Dimond Talent Show them up, fed and out of the house by 7 AM. Tam Agosti-Gisler, President Once they are here, Dimond staff and I pledge that each class will be meaningful, Natasha von Imhoff, Vice President orderly, safe, and stimulating. We pledge Kameron Perez-Verdia, Clerk Join Ms. Guyett for to keep you informed of academic progress. And we pledge to inform you of tardies and Bettye Davis, Treasurer coffee/tea and conversation absences through the automated robocall Eric Croft, Member system or other means of communication. October 29th 7:30-8:00am Pat Higgins, Member We understand that illness and family and 12:15-12:45pm emergencies happen. We’ll supply class Kathleen Plunkett, Member materials to keep your student moving forward and be available for extra help. 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 High School Graduation Qualifying Exam (HSGQE) Retakes: Juniors and seniors who have not passed one or more of their HSGQE tests will retake the test October 1st – 3rd with the Reading por- tion on October 1st, Writing on October 2nd and Math on October 3rd. Please make sure your student is present if they are scheduled Seniors! Remember that Honors Gradu- to take the test. ation standing is determined by the sev- Otherwise, they enth semester cumulative grade point av- 2014 AP Testing Information will have to wait until the spring testing erage. A 3.5 G.P.A. in January 2014 will in April. determine whether or not you graduate with Honors. Parent/Teacher Conferences: October What is the deadline for ordering tests? 17th will be our Parent/ Teacher Confer- When requesting a letter of recommen- Payment will be accepted for ordering AP ences. We strongly encourage all of our dation from a counselor or teacher, or Tests from October 14 through Nov. 1. parents to attend this event to discuss their when asking a counselor or teacher to fill student’s progress with their teachers. out a college entrance application form, How much does each test cost? please allow a minimum of two weeks for It is important that you attend early in Tests are $89.00 each. staff to complete your request. the session to have the opportunity to meet Who do I pay to order the test? all of your children’s teacher. If you come towards the end of the sessions, you may Payment for AP Tests should be submitted not have the opportunity to speak with all to Mrs. Ellie Sutton in our Main Office. of them. Sometimes, Mrs. Sutton is willing to visit larger classes to collect payment. Parents may choose to attend either ses- sion: How do I pay? 11:45 – 2:30pm Parent Conferences Please pay with a check, if possible, and Alaska Performance Scholarship stu- make the checks payable to Dimond High 4:00 – 7:00pm Parent Conferences dent eligibility criteria are increasing for School. Cash and money orders are also KCC will be holding AM KCC classes the class of 2014. Please take time to look acceptable. in the AM. at the criteria that is enclosed in this news- Can I pay for each test separately? letter. No course work that is completed in No PM KCC classes on conference Middle School is accepted and all course We prefer that all tests be paid for at one day. PM KCC may leave to go home or requirements are required while in High time. report to the library. School. This is a state law that requires Where are the tests administered? all credits must be earned while in High COUNSELORS School. It is also important that students Most of the tests are proctored in Ras- mussen Hall or other classrooms on UAA have their SAT, ACT and Workkey’s scores Freshmen....Jaime Boyd-Kragt sent to Dimond High School to help assist Campus. Foreign language tests are taken at Dimond. in their eligibility status. 9-12 Special Services.....Tracie Ashman What is the testing schedule? ELL.........Lee Montoya This schedule changes from year to year. As we approach time for testing, informa- Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors: tion will be provided with more specific details about the testing locations, what to A – Di.....Dave Donk bring, etc. Do – K.....Rob Hartley L – P.....Chris Higgins R – Z.....Pete Mandel ACTIVITIES NEWS Tim Helvey, Activities Assistant Principal - 742-6996 The 2013 fall season is now into the 4th test scores and core grade-point averages 2 years of natural/physical science (1 year week of competition and our Lynx are (GPA). The sliding scale for those require- of lab if offered by high school). quickly racing to the front. All of our ments is shown at NCAA website: www. 1 year of additional English, mathematics fall sports are either in first place in con- eligibilitycenter.org. or natural/physical science. ference or within striking distance. As the • Division II requires a minimum SAT dust starts to settle and snow threatens to 2 years of social science. score of 820 or an ACT sum score of 68. fall we should 4 years of additional courses (from any see our teams • The SAT score used for NCAA purposes area above, foreign language or compara- competing includes only the critical reading and math tive religion/philosophy). for a number sections. The writing section of the SAT of champion- is not used. DIVISION II ships. • The ACT score used for NCAA purposes 16 Core Courses is a sum of the following four sections: Important Ac- English, mathematics, reading and sci- 3 years of English. tivities News: ence. 2 years of mathematics (Algebra I or high- • When you register for the SAT or ACT, er). NCAA eligibil- use the NCAA Eligibility Center code of ity information 2 years of natural/physical science (1 year 9999 to ensure all SAT and ACT scores is important for of lab if offered by high school). are reported directly to the NCAA Eli- students who gibility Center from the testing agency. 3 years of additional English, mathematics are consider- Test scores that appear on transcripts or natural/physical science. ing athletics in college. The following in- will not be used. formation is helpful for those considering 2 years of social science. athletics in college at all levels. 4 years of additional courses (from any Grade-Point Average area above, foreign language or compara- • Be sure to look at your high school’s List tive religion/philosophy). of NCAA Courses on the NCAA Eligibil- For more information, visit the NCAA ity Center's website (www.eligibilitycenter. Eligibility Center website at www.eligibili- org). Only courses that appear on your tycenter.org. school's List of NCAA Courses will be used in the calculation of the core GPA. For up to date information on NCAA Use the list as a guide. Eligibility see the ASD website for more information and NCAA–approved courses • Division I students enrolling full time NCAA ELIGIBILITY offered by Anchorage School District at before August 1, 2016, should use Sliding www.asdk12.org/ncaa/ Divisions I and II Initial-Eligibility Re- Scale A to determine eligibility to receive quirements athletics aid, practice and competition dur- ing the first year. Dates to Remember: Core Courses • Division I GPA required to receive ath- October 4 Picture Retakes • NCAA Divisions I and II require 16 letics aid and practice on or after August October 7, Bowling Starts core courses. 1, 2016, is 2.000-2.299 (corresponding October 17, Parent Conferences test-score requirements are listed on Slid- • Beginning August 1, 2016, NCAA Divi- ing Scale B on Page No. 2 on the NCAA October 21, Hockey Starts sion I will require 10 core courses to be website). completed prior to the seventh semester October 24, 25, 26 Play Performance (seven of the 10 must be a combination of • Division I GPA required to be eligible for November 4, Wrestling Starts English, math or natural or physical science competition on or after August 1, 2016, that meet the distribution requirements be- is 2.300 (corresponding test-score require- low). These 10 courses become "locked ments are listed on Sliding Scale B on the in" at the start of the seventh semester and NCAA website). cannot be retaken for grade improvement. • The Division II core GPA requirement is • Beginning August 1, 2016, it will be a minimum of 2.000. possible for a Division I college-bound • Remember, the NCAA GPA is calculated student-athlete to still receive athletics using NCAA core courses only. aid and the ability to practice with the team if he or she fails to meet the 10 DIVISION I course requirement, but would not be 16 Core Courses able to compete. 4 years of English. Test Scores 3 years of mathematics (Algebra I or high- • Division I uses a sliding scale to match er). STUDENT SERVICES/ATTENDANCE NEWS Holly Morris, Student Services/Attendance Assistant Principal - 742-7056 Dimond High students are off to a great Students can be start for the 2013-2014 school year! nominated for aca- demic achievement, contribution to the T h e Dimond commu- S.T.A.R.T. nity, and/or having (Safe Tran- an exceptional atti- sitions And tude or work ethic. R e d u c e d Monthly winners Ta r d i e s ) are randomly se- program is lected from all of Alaska Sings! Choir Festival and once again the names submit- Concert with Henry Leck encourag- ted each month by staff. Winners receive ing students a certificate, a movie gift card, and a re- to arrive to served parking spot in the student lot for Dimond High School is hosting a very class in a the month. If a student doesn't drive, they special singing opportunity for all choir timely fash- can designate a friend who they ride with students from Dimond High School, Mears ion. Classes to school to park in the spot. begin with hallways empty and students Middle School, and Chinook and Kincaid engaged in learning.. Elementary Schools. With the help of Students of the Month – October funding by the Atwood Foundation and Fifth hour, directly after lunch has seen Rasmuson Foundation through the Arts great improvement from past experience, Education Fund, administered, under con- totaling 18.5% of the total tardies during Caitlyn Peterson: tract, by the Alaska State Council on the the first two weeks of this year’s tardy Caitlyn is a junior. tracking. She is a staff officer Arts, we are bringing the internationally for JROTC, which renowned conductor and music educator First hour continues to be the largest con- is a huge job! She Henry Leck here to Anchorage to work likes being at Di- cern; during the first two weeks, 47.5% of with our students. The total number of stu- mond because the tardies were from first hour alone. dents working with Mr. Leck will amount JROTC is such a great group of kids to approximately 210 students. Choral and Tardies tend to increase as the weather and they win a lot! General music teachers from around the changes and the sunlight decreases. Please After graduating, District will also be invited to observe re- continue to work with your students to en- Caitlyn would like sure a safe and timely arrival; leave home hearsals with Leck during the week. This is to attend culinary in time to catch the bus or with enough truly a chance of a lifetime for our students school in Oregon. driving time for traffic and road condi- Congratulations and teachers. tions. Caitlyn! Honglai Lin: While Mr. Leck has taught and con- We look forward to continued success Honglai is a ducted literally thousands of children, for all students. junior. He young people, adults and teachers through- likes hanging out the world this will be his first time in out with his Alaska. He will be here October 7, 8,9, and friends watch- ing movies 10 working with our students throughout and eating. the day and after school. His work with us He mostly will culminate Thursday, October 10th in concentrates a combined “Alaska Sings!” Festival Con- on his school- cert to be held at East High School audito- work at Di- mond and rium starting at 7:00 pm. really likes the school To learn more about Mr. Leck and his because there legacy please go to You Tube and watch are so many activities and events. He’s not positive where he’ll go to college but the Chicago Video Production documen- he’s sure he’ll be doing something in the tary about him: “Inspired by a Maestro.” computer science field. Congratulations Honglai! Charlotte Smurthwaite FRESHMAN HOUSE NEWS Imtiaz Azzam, Freshman House Assistant Principal - 742-7069 The Freshman House at Dimond High, Homework Café is currently scheduled where your success starts…. Monday through Friday in room B213. All students are Welcome! The Fresh- man House has enjoyed an extreme- ly good start. Our Discipline referrals are down, and that is be- Yearbook Info cause of our incredible teaching Yearbook staff is collecting senior pictures staff that and senior quotes until the end of October. discourages Access specifications on the Dimond web undesirable behaviors and reinforces posi- site/activities/yearbook. tive ones. Our staff is visible at all times, We have a list of kids who are emerging in the classroom, the hallways, and during photographers if you do not wish to utilize passing time. a professional photographer. Our staff creates an environment that is Call or email the yearbook to set up an ap- kind and caring, and they offer necessary pointment for a senior page. support services and resources to meet the needs of all our students. Our support services team further makes sure that our A Second Printing of the Yearbook! students are not behind in homework. Stu- dents take ownership for making sure they Yearbook has negotiated and secured a attend these services during lunch to catch limited number of yearbooks from last up on homework or to get additional as- year. We will be contacting people on the sistance from Ms. Moniz. list who were interested in buying the book after our supply sold out last year. We can also sell some to the general population. Ms. Moniz commented “I am encour- aged when I see students make the wise choice to utilize the Homework Cafe. Cullen Lickingteller Through the Homework Cafe, I am in- Yearbook Sponsor troduced to more of the Freshman House students.” Also, Moue D., a freshman student stated, “I am really happy to know that I do have a place to go to at my school where a teacher can help me complete my assignments” “Sometimes I do not have any time at home to do homework, or sometimes I like to be ahead and finish my homework before I go home” Visit the Dimond High School Website for up-to-date information on our school and events at http://www. asdk12.org/schools/dimond/pages/. CAREER RESOURCE CENTER NEWS The CRC is open on Mondays, Wednes- October 17th - Parent/Teacher Confer- SAT and ACT Important Information days and Fridays at upperclassmen lunch ences New! When signing up for the SAT and and after school from 2:00pm-2:30pm. If October 20th - College & Career Fair ACT test, students will be asked to pro- at any time your child needs assistance, Eagan Center 2:00-5:00pm vide a photo for the online registration. please have them see their counselors. This photo will be printed on their admis- October 21st - College & Career Fair There is a great counseling and career sion ticket. Each student will be asked to Eagan Center 9:00 – 1:00pm web site on the district’s web page for all bring this admission ticket and state I.D. students and parents to view. There is a October 22nd - ASVAB Testing @ Di- on the day of the test. wealth of information that can be located mond ACT at: www.asdk12.org/counseling Registration online: www.actstudent.org Events and College October 22nd - Gonzaga University Visits at Dimond TBD Fees: No writing; $36.50 With writing; $52.50 October 8th - Oregon October 23rd - Colorado State University State University 12:15am SAT 8:30am October 23rd - Seattle Pacific University Registration online: www.collegeboard. October 10th - College Planning Night 8:45am org (MPR1) 7:00pm October 31st - Northwestern University Fees: $51.00 October 16th - Mayville State University 9:30am Subject Tests: $24.50 12:08am Late Fee: $78.50 Take the free ASVAB test (Students must sign up in advance) Test Dates: October 22 & January 29 MPR 1 * Start Time: 7:30 am (usually done by 10:45 am) This does not count as an absence Who: Sophomores, Juniors or Senior * Sign-Up: List on door of CRC Mandel, DHS Counselor. A student’s best state.ak.us/tls/assessment/workkeys.html" score report will become part of his/her http://www.eed.state.ak.us/tls/assessment/ permanent record. workkeys.html. Students may receive a nationally recog- The WorkKeys Test will be held in the nized credential. This National Career morning on Tuesday, October 15 and Readiness Certificate (NCRC) documents Wednesday, October 16 for students not WorkKeys Testing at Dimond their achievement in the three skill areas requiring any test accommodations. Stu- WorkKeys is a job skills assessment mea- mentioned above. NCRCs and score re- dents requiring test accommodations will suring “real world” skills that employers ports can be shown to prospective em- test on November 12. Students will need believe are critical to job success. These ployers and listed on resumes and job ap- to bring their Dimond High School I.D. skills are valuable for any occupation be- plications. Many employers nationwide card or a State of Alaska issued I.D. card. ing considered and at any level of educa- now look for National Career Readiness tion. Certificates. The State of Alaska regulation 4 AAC WorkKeys results can be used to qualify 06.717 requires that all juniors take Work- for all Alaska Performance Scholarship Keys in three skill area assessments as levels for attendance in a Career Techni- shown below. WorkKeys scores are ex- cal Education certificate program but not pressed in levels that range from 3 to 6 or for attendance in a degree program. More 7, depending on the assessment. information about the Alaska Performance Scholarship is available on the State of Reading for Information = 3 to 7 Alaska website at HYPERLINK Applied Mathematics = 3 to 7 "http://akadvantage.alaska.gov/STU- Locating Information = 3 to 6 DENT-PARENT/Grants_Scholarships/ Alaska_Performance_Scholarship.aspx" Regulation 4 AAC 06.717 also allows se- http://akadvantage.alaska.gov/STU- niors the choice to retake any of the three DENT-PARENT/Grants_Scholarships/ WorkKeys skill area assessments during Alaska_Performance_Scholarship.aspx the same time as juniors at their school. There will be no charge for seniors choos- More information about WorkKeys is ing to take WorkKeys. Seniors wishing available on the State of Alaska web- to take WorkKeys must sign-up with Pete site at HYPERLINK "http://www.eed. PTSA NEWS Maria Humecky, President [email protected] VOLUNTEER COORDINATORS Thursday pm: Liz Janezich, Cyndey John- Be the Change is back! Michelle Summers son, Susan Judd, Karen Kroon, Theresa Ripley, Pam Youngmun Dimond High is excited that we are once Kirsten Stanton again implementing our Be the Change Friday am: Cherie Remmer, Joanna To- program. Be the Change is part of the An- Vanessa Makihele muro, Heidi Tomuro, Miranda Tomuro chorage School District’s Social and Emo- Friday pm: Carole Hammingh, Laura Pe- tional Learning program. Be the Change Thank You Student Store terson, Stephanie Roberts, Sherri Roberds, teaches tolerance and acceptance while Volunteers! Sasha Cederburg building a positive climate throughout the school and improving the overall academic Monday am: Jay Tung, Jes- Spirit Wear learning environment. This semester we sica Wheelhouse, Amber Ste- Available at the Student Store will identify and train juniors and seniors phens, Lisa Allen to serve as student facilitators. Starting in Reversible hoodies (NEW!) Monday pm: Tracy Dunn, January, all sophomores will attend a ½ day Cheryl Quinn, Jane Sedor, Michelle Sum- Dimond short sleeve t-shirts (NEW!) Be the Change workshop led by these stu- mers Hats, gloves, headbands, lanyards & dent trainers. At the end of the workshop, each sophomore is asked to write down a Tuesday am: Shellie Flores, Paige Hodson, more...great spirit wear!! goal and make a personal commitment to Serenity Orth, Lisa Hanson do something that will improve the overall Tuesday pm: Tricia Carey, Becky Roth, climate at Dimond. These goals can be as PTSA Board Members Doug Roth, Julie Vanderbox simple as saying hello to a stranger in the President: Maria Humecky hallway or as difficult as stepping in and Wednesday am: Annette Alward, Judy stopping an act of harassment when they Campbell, Claire Chan Vice President: Ginger Jenkins witness it. If you have any questions about Wednesday pm: Judith Goodrum, Eliza- Treasurer: Theresa Barnard this program please contact teacher Kris- beth Stevens, Carey Mills, Staci Osborne ten Melican-Nevala at melican_kristen@ Secretary: Becky Roth asdk12.org or Assistant Principal Jim Bell Thursday am: Theresa Barnard, Ginger [email protected] at [email protected]. Jenkins, Jane vonBirgelen, Kirsten Stanton STUDENT GOVERNMENT NEWS Lem Wheeles, Advisor - [email protected] Dimond High School Homecoming festivities included an assembly where the Home- Getting into the “Great Movies” theme coming Court was introduced to the student body. (left to right: Jin Chong, Vanessa of Homecoming were the freshmen with Tufaga, Ben Froehlich, Heidi Andrus, Kade Bullard, Jennifer Wilcox, Austin Os- their Star Wars float and the juniors borne, Tara Thompson, Jameson Rust, Ciera Carrigan, Zayn Roohi, Holly Andrus, with their representation of Grease. Chandler Barrett, Megan Alward Homecoming floats were shown off dur- ing halftime. The seniors representation of The Great Gatsby took top honors with the sophomores coming in second place with their Avengers float. Chandler Barrett was crowned Home- coming King. Chandler is a senior, plays on the football team and is a Com- missioner of Spirit. Vanessa Tufaga was crowned Homecoming Queen. Vanessa is a senior. She is on the flag football team as well as the basketball and track Students packed the gym sporting their teams. Congratulations Lynx Royalty! class colors. J.R.O.T.C. NEWS MSG Shelley - 742-7010 Leadership Seminar a potluck dinner, video games, movies, pi- job! Many cadets stood out from the rest by natas, and an assortment of athletic games. their hardwork and commitment. Some in- The first JROTC event of the 2013-14 clude first year cadets Alison Dupre, Dom- school year was the Leadership Seminar. It inic Gerber, and Kalimah Toney. Keep up was held at the school from August 15-17 the good work! before the rest of the student body returned from summer vacation. The seminar's goal was to prepare cadets in key leadership positions for their roles and responsibili- ties in the upcoming school year. On the first day the cadet command taught classes on each of their job’s responsibilities, the responsibilities of a platoon leader and platoon sergeant, the responsibilities of a squad leader, and how to command P.T. It’s during The classes were followed by a barbeque events like dinner. the New Ca- det Invite Attention all 11th & 12th Night where Grade cadets let Parents & Students loose and just have fun. Are you wondering where & how to begin the college process? On the second day the cadet command Plan on attending Dimond’s taught classes on how to properly com- mand a drill formation, how to grade both male and female uniforms, and also how to Car Wash “COLLEGE PLANNING react to On September 7, the annual JROTC Car INFO NIGHT” differ- Wash was held at Moose Lodge from 9am- ent lead- 4pm. Cadets arrived at 8am to start setting ership Thursday up. Cars began to arrive at 9am, and cadets scenar- got to work. Half of the cadets worked the October 10, 2013 ios ex- morning shift and the other half worked plained 7-8:30 pm the afternoon shift, some even stayed all through MPR 1 day long. skits. The last day started with creating the Bat- talion Goals for the new school year. After a few minor tweaks, the cadets packed into cars and headed to Eagle River for a spe- cial treat: White Water Rafting. New Cadet Invite Night Sponsored by: The New Cadet Invite Night was held on Title VII Indian Education $10.00 General August 31. All cadets were invited and were Contact: also allowed to bring friends that were not in JROTC with the hope of inspireing them Shirley Reeves, Indian Education This year’s was the best-run car wash that $7.00 Student/Military/ to join JROTC. The New Cadet Invite Dimond High 742-6989 MSG Shelley has ever been a part of and Night is a fun-filled event that consists of raised $9,500. All cadets did a fantastic Senior

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Oct 10, 2013 A. J. Dimond High School Community Newsletter October 2013 www.dimondhigh .com .. Middle School, and Chinook and Kincaid. Elementary Schools. male and female uniforms, and also how to react to differ- ent lead-.
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