The Juneau School District Board of Education met in a Regular Meeting on April 16, 2024. At 11:31 pm, following the public portion of the agenda, the Board retired to executive session to discuss the topic: Evaluation of the Superintendent. Due to the late hour, the Board then rescheduled the Evaluation of the Superintendent to a later date, on April 30, 2024.
Talent Enrichment and Development (TED) program will be holding a meeting for Parents/Guardians and other interested parties of the JSD TED program Monday, April 15, 2024 from 5:00 - 6:00 pm in the Dzantik’i Heeni Middle School Library. Please join us if you are interested and able to attend. The agenda will focus primarily on elementary topics, however, secondary parents/guardians are also welcome to attend and share feedback
The Agenda for this meeting will include:
From Sealaska Heritage Institute - April 3, 2024
Award-winning educator named a 2024 principal of the year
A groundbreaking Tlingit school program established by Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) and the Juneau School District (JSD) in 2000 has a new, award-winning educator as its principal. The JSD tapped Molly Yerkes to lead Harborview Elementary’s Tlingit Language, Culture and Literacy (TCLL) program, which expanded from K-5 to grades K-7 this year and will add grade 8 in 2025.
Yerkes, who has served as the principal of Dzantik'i Heeni Middle School since 2010, was named the Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) Principal of the Year for Southeast Alaska in 2024, an award she also won in 2020. AASSP sponsors regional and statewide Principal of The Year recognition awards to honor the educational leaders who play such a pivotal role in student success.
She will be an extraordinary asset to TCLL educators and students enrolled in the program, said SHI President Rosita Worl. “We were well aware of Molly’s accomplishments in the field of education, and we are thrilled to have her lead the TCLL program. Her philosophy includes integrating cultural knowledge and practices into education. We could not have asked for a better fit,” Worl said.
Yerkes, who holds three master’s degrees, also has a strong background in language acquisition, which is a good fit for TCLL, through which educators instruct students in the Tlingit language, Worl said.
Bio
Molly Yerkes has been an educator in the Juneau School district for 25 years. During her tenure, she has been committed to building capacity not just at her school, but across the district. This leadership has contributed to expansion of arts education through the Margaret A. Cargill Artful Teaching grant, implementation of educator cohorts to effectively incorporate place-based learning in the classroom, and school leadership strategies that have demonstrated positive outcomes for student performance. Yerkes’ background is in English as a second language and language acquisition programs; this expertise in serving students from diverse backgrounds has informed her practice in school leadership, where she has developed staff capacity to serve students with a wide range of needs. Yerkes’ performance has been recognized at both the local and statewide level. She has twice been awarded Region V Principal of the Year by the Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals, both in 2020 and 2024, and she was awarded the prestigious Milken Education Award in 2011. Yerkes grew up in Juneau and has committed her career to ensuring that all Juneau students are provided the opportunity to achieve academic success.
About TCLL
The Tlingit Culture, Language and Literacy Program (TCLL) is a place-based, culture-based “program within a school” where the Tlingit language and culture are integral to daily instruction and celebrated. TCLL in the Juneau School District (JSD) is one of three optional programs open to all students, along with Montessori Borealis School and the Juneau Community Charter School. TCLL was established by SHI and the JSD in 2000, and it proved so successful, the school district assumed funding for the program.A study in 2013 found that the incorporation of traditional tribal values of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian directly contributes to Alaska Native student success and fosters an environment to grow leadership skills, self-confidence, and creativity. SHI’s goals are to build a thorough language immersive program within TCLL, increase teacher fluency in Tlingit language, and develop TCLL into an autonomous Optional Program in the JSD. In 2023, SHI secured funding from the Alaska Native Education Program to expand TCLL from K-5 to grades 6-8 by the 2024-2025 school year. The program has also received support from the Douglas Indian Association, Goldbelt Heritage Foundation, Hoonah Heritage Foundation and Tlingit & Haida Central Council. For more information, visit the TCLL website.
Sealaska Heritage Institute is a private nonprofit founded in 1980 to perpetuate and enhance Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska. Its goal is to promote cultural diversity and cross-cultural understanding through public services and events. SHI also conducts social scientific and public policy research that promotes Alaska Native arts, cultures, history and education statewide. The institute is governed by a Board of Trustees and guided by a Council of Traditional Scholars, a Native Artist Committee and a Southeast Regional Language Committee.
CONTACT: Kathy Dye, SHI Communications and Publications Deputy Director, 907.321.4636, kathy.dye@sealaska.com; Molly Yerkes, TCLL principal, molly.yerkes@juneauschools.org.
Elementary Schools
Auke Bay Elementary School - Principal Billy Sarandria
Harborview Elementary School - Principal Scott Jonsson
Kaxdigoowu Héen Elementary School - Principal Nate Creel
Mendenhall River Community School - Principal Eric Filardi
Sayéik: Gastineau Community School - Principal Stacy Diouf
Sít' Eetí Shaanáx - Glacier Valley Elementary School - Principal Dana Wyatt
Secondary Schools
Thunder Mountain Middle Schoo
Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé
Yaakoosgé Daakahídi High School
Optional Programs
HomeBRIDGE - Principal Corey Weiss
Juneau Community Charter School - Principal Corey Weiss
Montessori Borealis Public School - Principal John Paul
Tlingit Culture Language Literacy Program - Principal Molly Yerkes
The Juneau School District (JSD) is pleased to announce that Floyd Dryden Middle School (FDMS) Principal Kristy Germain has been chosen as the new JSD Director of Operations, starting in the 2024-25 school year. In this position, Germain will be a member of the Superintendent’s cabinet, and will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing essential functions of the school district including, Maintenance and Facilities, Operations, Information Technology, Community Schools, and RALLY.
Under the direction of the Superintendent, Germain will manage support staff, advise principals and supervisory staff, be a member of the School Board Facilities committee, and manage the school district risk program.
Superintendent Frank Hauser is excited to welcome Germain to the cabinet. “Ms. Germain brings a wealth of experience and leadership skills to the Director of Operations position,” Superintendent Hauser stated. “As the Director of Operations, Ms. Germain will have the opportunity to apply her skills and experiences across the broader JSD organization, benefiting all students, staff, and families in the district. We are excited to welcome her to this new role during this important time of transition in the district.”
Kristy Germain was born and raised in Juneau, and is a Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé (JDHS) graduate. She joined the Juneau School District as a teacher at Floyd Dryden in 2003. Germain went on to teach at JDHS before becoming Assistant Principal at the school in 2013. She was the Assistant Principal at Dzantik'i Heeni Middle School for six years, before taking over the leadership at FDMS in 2020. Germain holds a Master of Educational Leadership and Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Alaska Southeast. She has a Bachelor of Arts in History and minor in Political Science from Albertson College of Idaho.
The Director of Operations position is a re-envisioning of the existing Director of Administrative Services and Human Resources Manager positions that are currently vacant in the district, and does not add staff to the district office. Germain will officially begin the new position on July 1, 2024.
AASSP Region V Principal of The Year for 2024 is awarded to Juneau School District Principal Molly Yerkes
Dzantik'i Heeni Middle School Principal Molly Yerkes has been named Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) Region V Principal of the Year. Dzantik'i Heeni Middle School is in the Juneau School District, where she has served as an educator for 14 years.
AASSP sponsors regional and statewide Principal of The Year recognition awards to honor the educational leaders who play such a pivotal role in student success. They may be nominated by anyone – students, staff, parents, district office staff or principal peers - with awards finalized by AASSP members in their region. Regional Principals of The Year are eligible to be in the running for the statewide Alaska Principal of The Year.
Frank Hauser, Superintendent of the Juneau School District, said, "Throughout her tenure, Principal Yerkes has been committed to building community and promoting high academic outcomes, while fostering a supportive environment that is student and staff focused."
Kasey Mow, a teacher at Dzantik'i Heeni Middle School shared that Principal Yerkes is a phenomenal leader who has the best interest of students and staff in mind. "She has compassion for staff and students while insisting on a high level of rigor across areas that include cultural knowledge and practices in everyday learning."
Superintendent Hauser congratulated Principal Yerkes saying, "This is a well-deserved recognition as the AASSP Region V Principal of the year."
This school year, the Juneau School District is focused on improving student attendance and sharing information about the importance of regularly coming to school. You will see more communication on this topic in the coming months and may receive additional notifications about attendance from your child’s school. Our goal is to help all of our students value coming to school each day.
Student success is at the heart of our educational mission, and we are committed to ensuring positive conditions for learning and supporting increased attendance at schools. When students are present and engaged, they are able to fully participate in the learning process; develop meaningful relationships with their classmates, teachers, and staff; and build the foundation for future educational and academic successes.
Research shows that attendance has a huge impact on a student's academic success, as early as kindergarten. Students who are absent even one or two days each month can fall seriously behind. By 6th grade, absenteeism is one of the signs that a student may drop out of high school. By 9th grade, attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than test scores.
It takes all of us—schools, parents, families, and the community—committing to a collective focus on attendance to help promote academic success, along with social and emotional wellbeing. We care about your child and strive to provide them a quality education in a caring, safe, and supportive environment. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to support your family or to assist in getting your child to school each day.
Remember that when you miss school, we miss you!
Eighth graders in Juneau, can choose the high school that best matches their interests, no matter where they live. Bus transportation is provided across the district to both comprehensive high schools.
Incoming freshmen are free to choose Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé (JDHS), Thunder Mountain High School (TMHS), or HomeBRIDGE (HB) correspondence program. The Juneau School District also offers an alternative high school option at Yaakoosgé Daakahídi High School (YDHS) which requires an application and interview. This program has additional requirements and may not be available to all freshmen. No matter which school you attend, all students can participate in competitive sports and activities. All Juneau School District high schools are accredited and issue a full diploma.
How do students choose a high school?
First, plan to attend the High School Information events to find out about the unique programs of the different schools. A Zoom presentation will give an overview of the programs and an informational video is posted on the High School Choice page of the district website. Administrators from all schools will be at the zoom session to answer questions as you learn about all high schools.
Monday, January 22nd - Zoom info session, 5pm (look for the link in the calendar block)
Wednesday, January 31th - School tours @ JDHS 5 - 6:30pm
Thursday, January 25th - School tours @ TMHS 5 - 6:30pm
Then, complete a High School Choice Form. High School Choice Forms are available on the High School Choice Page.
High School Choice Forms are due to middle school offices by February 16, 2024. Make sure a parent or guardian signs the form before returning it to the middle school. Students not returning forms are assigned a high school based on where they live.
On Tuesday, December 12, 2023, the Juneau School District Board of Education voted unanimously to officially name the Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé (JDHS) Gym “George Houston Gymnasium.”
Superintendent Frank Hauser and the Board of Education received the request from a broad group of community members after the passing of Coach George Houston in October. The idea received substantial community and school district support.
“George Houston was an outstanding coach,” says Board of Education President Deedie Sorensen. “Over the decades, no one in Juneau has contributed as many hours toward keeping the Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé gym open and available for students,” she adds, “The naming of the gym in his honor is truly a fitting tribute to his skills, generosity and dedication.”
Coach Houston was a 1969 JDHS graduate and member of the Alaska state championship Crimson Bear Basketball team. He went on to a thirty-two year career at the Juneau School District as a Physical Education teacher, assistant coach, and then head coach of the Juneau-Douglas Yadaa.at Kalé Crimson Bears basketball program. He led the Bears to ten conference titles and two back-to-back state championships, achieving a 278-85 win/loss record and three Alaska Coach of the Year honors. In 2017, he was inducted into the Alaska High School Hall of Fame. Houston also coached Team Alaska at the Arctic Winter Games.
Considered the consummate Crimson Bear, George Houston lived a life full of community service as a firefighter, teacher, coach, and mentor.
On August 31, 2023, a sanctioned discriminatory regulation change to 4 AAC 06.115 was enacted by the Alaska State Board of Education. In response to the newly imposed regulation change, the Alaska School Activities Association (ASAA) changed their bylaws, limiting student participation in activities and burdening school districts.
Both the regulation changes and ASAA’s bylaw changes have far-reaching effects, into families’ homes and lives. Under these new ASAA bylaws, parents cannot decline to answer questions in a new birth certificate examination without ramifications for their students, and schools cannot decline to monitor a student’s gender or check a student’s gender.
The Juneau Board of Education discussed some of the associated legal issues at its regular public meeting on October 24. Notably, students don’t shed their constitutional rights when they attend public school or play sports, and the Alaska Constitution has a strong right to privacy protection, which appears to conflict with the new State of Alaska regulation.
Juneau Board of Education members take an oath of office to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Alaska” and continue faithfully to discharge those duties.
The Juneau School District Board of Education has moved to direct CBJ Law to engage with outside counsel regarding the ASAA student athlete restrictions.
UPDATED with JPD press release:
Subject: High School Student Detained on Assault Charge Date: 2023-11-1 From: Erann Kalwara - JPD PI Case or Incident: #2023-11140040
Summary:
On November 14, 2023 at around 12:40 p.m., staff from Thunder Mountain High School notified the Juneau Police Department (JPD) that a student had a weapon at the school. The principal had immediately contacted the student, isolated him from others and the weapon was safely secured.
Four JPD officers responded and investigated the event. It was determined that a 15 year-old male student had stolen a BB style handgun out of a vehicle and walked into school with it. The male was placed into custody and was transported to and detained at the Johnson Youth Center on two counts of Assault in the fourth degree, one count of Disorderly Conduct, one count of Criminal Trespass in the second degree and one count of Theft in the fourth degree.
Prompt reporting and quick action helped resolve the situation today with minimal disruption. Because school staff were able to immediately locate the student and secure the weapon, it was not necessary to take emergency action, such as implement a school lockdown.
JPD and the Juneau School District take these matters very seriously and we appreciate it when students, parents, staff and community members bring safety issues to our attention.
--- Original notification message from JSD
November 14, 2023 - During lunch today, Thunder Mountain High School (TMHS) administrators received reports of a student with what appeared to be a weapon on school property. The student was in close proximity to the administrators at the time of report, so Principal Arnold immediately contacted the student, secured the item and isolated the student. The Juneau Police Department (JPD) was notified and responded. The student was cooperative as administrators investigated the situation and worked with law enforcement. It was determined that the item was a replica weapon.
Prompt reporting and quick action helped resolve the situation today with minimal disruption to the school day. Because the principal was able to immediately locate the student and secure the item, it was not necessary to take emergency action, such as lockdown. Classes were not disrupted and the school was safe during the investigation.
Thank you to those who reported, to the students and staff at TMHS for their cooperation, as well as to the JPD for the quick response and resolution of the incident.
The Juneau School District takes these matters seriously and appreciates it whenever our students, parents, staff and community members bring safety issues to our attention. Student safety is always our number one concern. If you see something, please say something.
The Juneau School District is seeking comment on a proposal from the high schools to add Cross Country Skiing as a Juneau School District sponsored high school sport. View the proposal and analysis or visit www.juneauschools.org for more information.
Comments can be sent to JSD activities coordinator Luke.Gunkel@juneauschools.org or (907) 780-1908. The public comment period is open through Monday, November 6th.
UPDATE: The Board of Education met on July 11 and approved a schedule change for elementary schools and optional programs for the upcoming school year.
The Board of Education has decided on an early release of 30 minutes each Monday during the next school year for elementary students and students who attend optional programs. On early release Mondays elementary schools will get out at 2:00 pm and optional programs will end at 2:30 pm. Neighborhood elementary school bus routes will leave school 30 minutes early on these days.
Why is it important?
The adjusted schedule will allow teachers to participate in almost an hour of professional development and staff collaboration time on initiatives to improve individual student learning in every classroom. Academic subject cohorts, grade level teams, Professional Learning Communities, data teams, student support teams, and Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) groups can meet together for an hour each week during the school year. By providing regular time during the staff work day, the collaborative time is scheduled, consistent, and inclusive of all school employees.
What will teachers and staff members do?
Teachers will work on the new Alaska Reads Act, which requires universal reading screening three times a year, progress monitoring, parent notification of status, and individual learning plans that are communicated to parents. The Reads Act says that schools must communicate assessment results to parents within 15 days, and that schools communicate with parents no less than 10 times per year if their student is not proficient in reading. The school must also prepare individualized learning plans and meet with parents within 30 days of the assessment. If a student is not proficient in reading, the school must meet with parents after the winter assessment in order to determine if the student will be retained. Fulfilling these requirements will take time that is not currently built into staff work days or the yearly calendar.
Schools and districts have been able to improve student success using a regular, common meeting time. It provides an equitable opportunity for all staff, regardless the site at which they work, to participate in collaborative study of student data, student grouping, response to instruction methods and techniques, and outline team plans for intervening with students.
How does this impact students?
The student day will be 30 minutes shorter on Mondays for elementary schools and optional programs. The district believes these 30 minutes will be recouped in higher quality and synchronized instruction overall and better implementation of new reading curriculum, better communication with parents, and additional training time in reading foundational skill teaching.
The Juneau School District (JSD) is pleased to announce that Eldri Westmoreland has been chosen as the first permanent principal for the Tlingit Culture, Language and Literacy (TCLL) program.
TCLL is a place-based, cultural-based JSD optional program where the Tlingit language and culture are celebrated, respected, and integral to daily instruction of national standards. It is housed in Harborview Elementary School and operated in partnership with Sealaska Heritage Institute. TCLL is free and open to students of all races, nationalities, and abilities in kindergarten up to the 7th grade. An 8th grade class will be added for the 2024/25 school year. Each room has a classroom teacher, a Tlingit language teacher, and an Elder working together with the students.
Westmoreland is currently a Culturally Responsive Instructional Coach, Mathematics Teacher and STEAM-Ethnomathematics Mentor Teacher/Curriculum Developer at the Juneau School District. She is owner/director of Math Raven, an Indigenous Education research and curriculum firm. She also served as Adjunct Faculty at the University of Alaska Southeast and has been a CORE Support Lead Teacher, Instructional Coach, and classroom teacher in Juneau. Before joining JSD in 2009, she worked for Department of Defense Education Activity, teaching at Geilenkirchen Elementary School in Germany and working at Child Development Centers in Izmir, Turkey and Mountain Home AFB Idaho.
The Juneau School District began a nationwide search for candidates earlier in the school year. The school district interviewed candidates in an open session on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023. An interview panel of representatives from the school’s certificated staff, classified staff and district administration conducted the interviews. Written comments were accepted from the public during the interview process. The panel then made a recommendation to Dr. Bridget Weiss, Superintendent of the Juneau School District.
Westmoreland is a PhD student in Indigenous Studies, Education: University of Alaska Fairbanks. She holds a Master of Arts in Mathematics Education, K-6: from Western Governors University in Missouri and a Bachelor of Science in Education, K-8: from the University of Central Oklahoma.
The Juneau Community Charter School (JCCS) has selected Dr. Corey Weiss to be its next principal. JCCS is a kindergarten through eighth grade school in the Juneau School District (JSD) where students learn in multi-grade classrooms with small class sizes. It is a public charter school directed by an Academic Policy Committee of parents and teachers. Dr. Weiss will also serve as principal for the JSD HomeBRIDGE home school program.
Dr. Weiss has 13 years of experience in school administration and is currently Superintendent of Walsh School District in Walsh, Colorado. He has several years of experience working in Alaska as Superintendent of Kashunamiut School District, administrator for the Copper River School District as well as principal of Kotlik and Pilot Station Schools in the Lower Yukon School District. Before coming to Alaska, he was a curriculum specialist at Sheldon ISD and a principal at Canadian ISD in Texas. Dr. Weiss has also worked as a Social Studies teacher at the secondary school and college level.
The Juneau School District began a nationwide search for candidates earlier in the school year. Candidates were interviewed by panel of representatives from the school’s certificated staff and classified staff, district administration and the Academic Policy Committee. Written comment cards were collected from staff and the public and considered by the interview panel.
Weiss earned his Doctor of Education, Transformative Leadership at Concordia University and holds a Master of Education, Educational Leadership and Master of Arts in History from West Texas A&M University. He has a Degree of Professional Photography from New York Institute of Photography and Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and History from Texas Tech University.
On April 14th, 2023, at 8:15 PM Juneau Education Association (JEA) and Juneau School District (JSD) reached a tentative collective bargaining agreement.
We are excited to reach the conclusion of this lengthy negotiation process. Both the District and Association teams spent numerous hours working together to reach agreement.
For information contact Dr. Bridget Weiss, JSD Superintendent, at bridget.weiss@juneauschools.org and Chris Heidemann, JEA President, at jeapresident@gmail.com.
On 04/13/2023, at about 11:18 a.m., the Juneau Police Department (JPD) received a report from staff at the Juneau Douglas High School (JDHS), regarding a 15-year-old male student who brought a firearm to school. JDHS staff reported they received information that the student had brought a firearm to school and it was in their backpack. JDHS staff immediately located the student, confirmed there was a firearm in the backpack, and called JPD. The student was being cooperative and JPD responded to the school to conduct an investigation.
Following the investigation, there was no indication of any threats that were made by the student. The Johnson Youth Center (JYC) was contacted and a safety plan involving the student, their family, as well as the Juneau School District (JSD), was implemented. No arrests were made. At the conclusion of the investigation, JPD will be forwarding charges for misconduct weapons to the JYC, regarding the student having a firearm on school grounds.
The Juneau School District worked closely with JPD while this investigation was underway. JSD made notifications to parents about the report, as well as the additional police presence at the school due to the ongoing investigation. During this time, the school continued to operate on normal schedules and there was no disruption to the school day.
If you see or hear something, please say something. It is important to share information in order to protect our community and our schools. Students and families can report safety concerns to their principal or another trusted adult at their school or to the Juneau Police Department. Anonymous tips can be made atwww.Juneaucrimeline.com.
On Friday, March 31, the Board of Education selected Frank Hauser to be the next Superintendent of the Juneau School District. The Board President will extend the offer to the candidate and begin negotiations on terms for a three year contract.
The Juneau School District has completed a search for the Sít' Eetí Shaanáx - Glacier Valley Elementary School and Montessori Borealis Public School/Yaakoosgé Daakahídi High School principal positions as well as the district wide Career and Technical Education Coordinator. Interviews and hiring took place during the week of February 13, 2023.
Candidates visited schools, met staff and attended open house events. Interview panels, including representatives from certificated staff and classified staff, district administration and Site Councils, conducted interviews.
Sít' Eetí Shaanáx - Glacier Valley Elementary School
Juneau teacher Dana Wyatt was selected as principal of Sít' Eetí Shaanáx - Glacier Valley. Wyatt is currently a Special Education Teacher, and has also been a kindergarten teacher at the school. She joined the Juneau School District in 2005, working as a Integrated Preschool teacher at Kax̲dig̲oowu Héen Elementary School. Prior to coming to Juneau, Wyatt taught Pre-Kindergarten at Stony Creek Preschool Too in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and was a visiting English teacher at Academia de Latino America, in Quito, Ecuador. Her leadership experience includes work as an administrator at Sít' Eetí Shaanáx - Glacier Valley, member of the school’s Leadership and Intervention Team and a New Teacher Mentor from 2022 - present.
Wyatt holds a Bachelors of Science, Elementary Education from Alma College, Alma, Michigan.
She studied Special Education at the University of Alaska Southeast and holds a Masters of Educational Leadership from Western Governors University, Salt Lake City, Utah.
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Montessori Borealis Public School and Yaakoosgé Daakahídi High School School
The Juneau School District is pleased to announce that John Paul has been hired to lead Montessori Borealis Public School and Yaakoosgé Daakahídi High School School. Paul is currently Assistant Principal at Bradley Middle School, San Antonio where he has served since 2020.
Prior to that, he was an English & AVID teacher, AVID Coordinator, campus webmaster, and English Department Chair at Louis D. Brandeis High School in San Antonio for 12 years. Paul began his career as an English teacher in 1992, working for several school districts in Texas and serving in a variety of extracurricular roles, including: head coach of girls basketball, tennis, track, cross country and volleyball; girls athletic coordinator; and, teacher of journalism, yearbook and newspaper. He has received professional recognition as both Brandeis High School Teacher of the Year and Nixon-Smiley CISD New Teacher of the Year.
Paul has a Bachelor of Arts in English and Minor in Kinesiology from Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas. His Masters of Educational Leadership is from University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.
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Career and Technical Education Coordinator
Nathan Dutton has been working as a Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher and lead teacher in the Northwest Arctic Borough School District since 2012. He has served in a number of CTE teaching and program roles, including development of a fabrication lab and a CTE program for the STAR of the Northwest Magnet School in NABSD. Dutton holds an undergraduate degree from Eastern Washington University in secondary education and Masters of Education degree in instructional media and technology from Eastern Washington University.
February 6 Update: Sayeik: Gastineau school was placed in lockdown this afternoon due to a suspicious item found outside the school. Students were released out of North entrance. Everyone exited the school safely and no injuries have been reported. RALLY students were transported to Harborview and can be picked up there at the end of the day
JPD investigated and determined that the item was not dangerous and did not pose a safety threat to the school
School staff will debrief with students in the morning. Thank you to all who acted quickly to respond to this situation
Please contact the school at 907-796-5075 if you have any questions
Thank you for your cooperation, Principal Stacy Diouf and the Juneau School District
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February 6 - Sayeik: Gastineau school was placed in lockdown this afternoon due to a suspicious package found outside the school. Students were released from North entrance. JPD is on site investigating
School release was delayed and buses could be running late. Everyone exited the school safely and no injuries have been reported. RALLY students will be transported to Harborview
Updates will be provided as they become available. Please avoid the area if possible.
Following a nationwide search, the Juneau School District announces that Dr. Jason DeCamillis will be the new Director of Student Services starting in July 2023. He will oversee the Special Education Program, as well as other student-related services such counseling, students in transition, emergency planning, school climate and the health team. The Director of Student Services is a member of the Superintendent's Cabinet
Dr. DeCamillis has extensive experience as a special education teacher, teacher educator, and district leader working to expand staff capacity to collaboratively support students across all disability categories and engage in equity and justice-based programs. He is currently a teacher consultant for students with visual impairments for the Washtenaw Intermediate School District in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He works directly with students across 12 schools to teach skills related to blindness and low vision including braille, assistive technology, self-advocacy and transition skills. Dr. DeCamillis developed a caseload distribution system and led professional development opportunities for special education staff in that role.**
Dr. DeCamillis is also part-time lecturer at Eastern Michigan University and a disability consultant for the Southeast Michigan Stewardship Coalition. He previously worked as an assistive technology technician for Washtenaw Intermediate School District and was assistive technology intern for the Mott Family Network in Ann Arbor. He completed a Research Internship at the Eastern Michigan University Disability Resource Center.
A committee of members from the Juneau Education Association, Juneau Education Support Staff, Juneau School Administrators Association and Cabinet held public interviews last week. Written feedback was accepted from staff members and the public.
DeCamillis holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies from Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti and a Master of Arts in Educational Studies – Educational Leadership and Policy from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Special Education Teaching at Eastern Michigan University.
The Juneau School District is pleased to announce that Kristin Garot has been chosen as Director of the Teaching and Learning Support Department. Garot is currently the principal at Yaakoosgé Daakahídi High School and Montessori Borealis Public School. She joined the Juneau School District in 1999, as an English and history teacher at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé. After nine years at JDHS, Garot joined the Thunder Mountain High School staff when the school opened and served as English department chair there. She also taught junior high and elementary school in Itadori, Japan.
Garot is a respected leader within the Juneau School District with wide-ranging administrative experience having led both elementary and secondary schools, including optional education programs, an alternative school, preschool/licensed daycare and a homeschool program. She was named Principal of the Year for Southeast Alaska in 2021.
A committee of members from the Juneau Education Association, Juneau Education Support Staff, Juneau School Administrators Association and Cabinet held a public interview this week. Written feedback was accepted from staff members and the public.
The Director of Teaching & Learning Support is responsible for district wide curriculum development, instructional framework, professional development, an assessment system and federal program requirements. The Director leads a team of educational professionals in creating and sustaining a high reliability instructional core (curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional development) and serves on the Superintendent's Cabinet.
Garot holds a Master of Educational Leadership from the University of Alaska Southeast, as well as Master of Arts in Teaching and Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Trinity University in Texas.
Garot succeeds Ted Wilson who is retiring after 26 years with the Juneau School District. She will begin the new job on July 1, 2023.
The Juneau School District is pleased to announce that Eric Filardi will be the next Mendenhall River Community School (MRCS) Principal. Filardi has worked as an educator in Alaska for nine years. He is currently in his third year as principal/teacher at Anderson School in Anderson, Alaska and works as an education technician and science interpreter for the U.S. Department of the Interior at Denali National Park and Preserve.
Filardi came to Alaska in 2014, as STEM director, grant coordinator, English chairperson and teacher for Nanana City Public School. He also spent seven years as an English teacher at several school districts in New York as well as Abu Dhabi Education Council in United Arab Emirates.
The Juneau School District began a nationwide search for candidates earlier in the school year and interviewed candidates in open session at the school on January 18. An interview panel of representatives from the school’s certificated staff and classified staff, district administration and the Site Council conducted interviews and made a recommendation to the Superintendent, Dr. Bridget Weiss. Written public comment cards were collected from staff and the public during an open house and during the interview.
Filardi holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and Master of Business Administration from the University of Atlanta in Georgia. His
Bachelor of Arts in English and Bachelor of Arts in Theatre are from University of New York at Geneseo.
Filardi starts the position in August for the beginning of the 2023-34 school year.
The City and Borough of Juneau and the Alaska Department of Transportation work hard each winter to clear and remove snow around our community. The Juneau School District appreciates the extra effort these agencies take in prioritizing the areas surrounding our schools. School maintenance and custodial staff shovel sidewalks and clear parking lots early each day. As homeowners, we can help by making sure that our sidewalks and driveways are clear for students on walking routes to school. Working together we can create a safe environment for our children
Despite these best efforts, sometimes weather conditions make it necessary to close school. It is important for families to know how the school district communicates school closures or schedule changes. These same procedures are followed for other emergencies.**
Remember - during inclement weather, even though school may be in session, you know the conditions in your immediate neighborhood and are the best judge of whether or not to send your child to school.
The decision to close schools is generally made by 5:00 a.m. by the Superintendent in consultation with the First Student Bus Company Manager, City and Borough of Juneau City Manager and the National Weather Service Juneau Forecast Office.
School closures or schedule changes are posted on the website by 6:00 a.m. An alert banner with emergency information will appear at the top of the page. School-related announcements are also sent to local radio stations.
In the event of a school closure, automated phone calls, emails and text messages are sent to families at 6:30 a.m. The notification system uploads data from PowerSchool each night, so please make sure your phone numbers are current at your child’s school.
Thunder Mountain High School students have earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. These National Recognition Programs grant underrepresented students with academic honors that can be included on college and scholarship applications and connect students with universities across the country, helping them meaningfully connect to colleges and stand out during the admissions process. Colleges and scholarship programs identify students awarded National African American, Hispanic, Indigenous and/or Rural/Small Town Recognition through College Board’s Student Search Service.
The following students have been awarded recognition (award key below):
·Elizabeth Djajalie: NRSTA
·Joshua Kessler: NHRA, NRSTA
·Keanna Tarver: NRSTA
·Kylie Morris: NAARA, NIA
·Madeline Germain: NRSTA
·Mallory Welling: NRSTA
·Samantha Mead: NRSTA
·Sophia Owen: NRSTA
·Sven Rasmussen: NRSTA
Award Key:
·National African American Recognition Award = NAARA
·National Hispanic Recognition Award = NHRA
·National Rural and Small Town Award = NRSTA
·National Indigenous Award = NIA
“We’re thrilled that our students have earned this recognition. We are very proud of them for their achievements in their classrooms and on College Board assessments,” said Shawn Arnold, Principal, Thunder Mountain High School. “These programs help students from underrepresented backgrounds stand out to colleges during admissions.”
Students who may be eligible have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have excelled on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10, or earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP Exams; and are African American or Black, Hispanic American or Latinx, Indigenous, and/or attend school in a rural area or small town.
Eligible students will be invited to apply during their sophomore or junior year and will be awarded at the beginning of the next school year. Students will receive their awards in time to include them on their college and scholarship applications.
“We want to honor the hard work of these students through the College Board National Recognition Programs. This program creates a way for colleges and scholarship programs to connect directly with underrepresented students who they are hoping to reach,” said Tarlin Ray, College Board senior vice president of BigFuture. “We hope the award winners and their families celebrate this prestigious honor and it helps them plan for their big future.”
Welcome back to school!
We are so excited to start the 2022-23 school year!
If the last few years taught us anything, it is that change is constant and processes/requirements evolve as the pandemic evolves. Many of you have been along the full journey with us here in JSD and some of you are just joining us. Welcome to all our new families!
We are welcoming all 1-12 students on August 16th and Kindergarten students on August 19th. (Montessori Borealis kinders begin on August 16.) Pre-schoolers will start on August 23rd. If you have any questions, please feel free to call your child’s school or check this website for back to school information You can reach all school websites above.
Below are important details for you as we start the new school year–some reminders and some new information.
Mask Policy: The current mask policy reads:
Masks, or similar facial coverings designed to mitigate COVID-19 transmission and are well-fitted covering the mouth and nose, are optional for all persons indoors in Juneau School District facilities.
The Superintendent has the authority to require face masks in certain situations, including but not limited to: people in contact with another person identified as “high risk” for severe disease shall wear a mask when indoors with that/those individuals(s) and people with exposure to someone with COVID-19 (i.e., close contacts) shall wear a mask per current CDC guidelines applicable for K-12 settings.
If masking is required in school settings, it will generally be implemented from individual close contacts to programs, to classrooms, to building-level based on circumstances.
While not required, masks, both “surgical masks” and KN95 masks will be available at your school for students and visitors.
Required Student Testing: The weekly testing requirement for student activities is no longer in place. Testing may be required for activities travel if it is requested by the host community.
CDC Guidance: The CDC has released new guidance for preventing the spread of COVID-19 in communities and schools. High levels of vaccine- and infection-induced immunity and availability of effective COVID-19 prevention and management tools have substantially reduced the risk for medically significant illness, hospitalization and death.
CDC recommends that persons must understand their own risk, take steps to protect themselves and others with vaccines, therapeutics, and non pharmaceutical interventions when needed, receive testing and wear masks when exposed, receive testing if symptomatic, and isolate for ≥5 days if infected.
Quarantine of exposed persons (close contacts) is no longer recommended, regardless of vaccination status. CDC recommends that instead of quarantining if you are exposed to COVID-19, you wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested on day 5. Schools will not continue “test to stay” protocols. CDC recommends case investigation and contact tracing only in health care settings and certain high-risk congregate settings.
Per CDC guidance, If someone tests positive for COVID-19, they should stay home for at least 5 days and isolate themselves from others. Wear a high-quality mask around others at home and in public.
It is recommended that if you are sick, stay home. We continue to ask that you keep your children home when they are sick to prevent the spread of all illnesses.
I know that was a lot of information. Most importantly, we want to welcome you to the new year and let you know how excited we are to work together to support your child and provide a positive, productive learning environment for them.
Juneau School District (JSD) received a notice from the Juneau Police Department (JPD) of a reported school safety concern that has been resolved. The following information release is being issued by JPD. JSD appreciates the community cooperation to protect school safety
On 03/04/2023, JPD received a report from a business in the 8700 block of Glacier Highway, regarding a customer within the store who made some concerning comments to an employee, while shopping for firearm accessories. The employee told police that while they were helping the customer, the customer mentioned they had a messed up sense of humor and made a concerning comment about school shootings. The employee notified their management, who then called JPD
Working with the business, JPD was able to identify the man who made the comments, a 23-year-old Juneau resident. JPD notified the Juneau School District and coordinated responses through their Threat Assessment Team. JPD provided an additional presence at the schools on Monday, until the man could be contacted
On 03/06/2023, at about 10:30 a.m., JPD made contact with the person who was responsible for making the concerning comments. The man denied making the specific comment and said he was just joking around; he didn't mean for the comment to come across as a potential threat. Although the comments were concerning, they do not meet the elements of a criminal offense. The man was warned about making such comments in the future
The Juneau School District worked closely with JPD while this investigation was underway. In addition to the increased police presence, all schools implemented additional security measures as school started today. Information is being shared with staff and families.
The Board of Education has completed its annual evaluation of Juneau’s Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Bridget Weiss. The evaluation covers the period of July 2021 through June 2022. At a public meeting held on August 9, 2022, the Board approved the evaluation along with a contract extension to June 30, 2025. Dr. Weiss heads one of Juneau’s largest employers and the fifth-largest school district in Alaska. The Juneau School District has over 4,200 students from preschool through 12th grade and a full-time staff of about 665 employees. The District’s operating budget is $67 million. Dr. Weiss has been with the District since 2014, and in the role of Superintendent since August 2018.
The Board of Education evaluates the Superintendent’s performance annually to provide the District with the best possible leadership. As part of the process, the Board of Education invites and considers feedback from staff and the community. The Board members review goals, meet personally with the Superintendent, and complete a formal evaluation. This year’s evaluation was completed during executive sessions held during June and July 2022.
Board members commended Dr. Weiss for her leadership, commitment, and flexibility as she led the Juneau School District through both direct and indirect challenges presented during the past school year impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Board President Elizabeth Siddon says, “The Board is incredibly grateful for Dr. Weiss’s commitment to the health and safety of our students, teachers and staff, and the community. We acknowledge that the impacts of COVID-19 extended through all aspects of the JSD, including added stressors for all staff, that resulted in innumerable and diverse challenges for Dr. Weiss to navigate and mitigate. We are also proud and honored to have Dr. Weiss, named Alaska’s 2022 Superintendent of the Year, leading the Juneau School District.”
2022/2023 Superintendent Priorities:
The Board and Superintendent identified priorities for the 2022/2023 school year. The priorities are based on the current Strategic Plan for the District, with specific areas highlighted within Achievement, Equity, Relationships, and Partnerships. Examples of priorities for the 2022/2023 school year include:
Dr. Weiss heads one of Juneau’s largest employers and the fifth-largest school district in Alaska. The Juneau School District has over 4,200 students from preschool through 12th grade and a full-time staff of about 665 employees. The District’s operating budget is $67 million. Dr. Weiss has been with the District since 2014, and in the role of Superintendent since August 2018.
The Juneau School District is pleased to announce that Lori Hoover will be the interim principal of Mendenhall River Community School (MRCS) for the 2022-23 school year. Hoover is an experienced school administrator who was the principal at Auke Bay Elementary School for 10 years.
The MRCS position is vacant following the departure of Joanna Hinderberger who has been the principal at the school since 2019. Hinderberger went on maternity leave earlier this school year.
Superintendent Bridget Weiss is happy with the selection. “We are delighted that Lori will be joining our team and supporting MRCS next year. She has recently filled in as a substitute principal at MRCS and other JSD schools, and we are grateful for her commitment for the next school year,” says Dr. Weiss.
The school district will open the MRCS position in late February or early March of 2023, and will conduct a full recruitment and hiring process for a permanent principal.\
Principal Hoover will start the position in August for the beginning of the new school year.
To Summer RALLY Families,
Here is some updated information and details related to the incident that occurred on June 14th, and some of the corrective action that has already been taken.
First, we again apologize for the stress and disruption the incident involving floor sealant caused our RALLY families.
Here are a few key pieces of information that may be helpful to you; some are repetitive, and some may be new information:
1. There were 13 children who ingested some floor sealant.
2. In the initial calls to families, it seems that it was shared that it was “paint thinner.” This was inaccurate, and we aren’t sure why that was misstated.
3. The actual item was floor sealant, and all 13 families were sent the fact sheet related to this chemical's health and safety impacts.
4. We know that the chemical (in a large pouch inside a cardboard box with a nozzle) was stored in the wrong warehouse for over a year. The pallet holding these boxes was near milk sources that were appropriately stored at the warehouse. The chemicals were contained on a separate pallet, not mixed on the same pallet with any milk products.
5. On the morning of June 14th, NANA employees picked up the sealant from the warehouse, mistaking it for milk. (the substance is white and “milky”) Once delivered to the school, the NANA staff served it without verifying what substance it was.
6. The sealant was poured into cups because it appeared to be a multi-serving pouch, not individual servings.
7. Poison Control was called immediately, and directions for monitoring the students were followed. Poison Control connects callers to a poison specialist who is a registered nurse or pharmacist. After a year of training, poison specialists sit for a national certifying exam to become CSPIs (Certified Specialists in Poison Information).
8. The NANA delivery driver and server are no longer employed by NANA.
9. Investigation of the incident has been done by a variety of agencies: Juneau Police Department, Department of Education and Early Development, Department of Health and Social Services Childcare Licensing, Department of Environmental Conservation, and OSHA. The NANA/NMS safety team conducted an incident review, including a product/event timeline, findings, and corrective action. JSD has reviewed communications and emergency preparedness protocols. DEC, DEED/CNP, OSHA, JPD conducted inspections/investigations.
10. The JSD School Board has authorized the district to seek out another investigation entity to overlook each of these third-party reports and report back with additional information and/or recommendations for improvement of the corrective action plan.
11. The JPD report is complete.
12. There are no criminal charges being brought forward.
13. Full June tuition was reimbursed to all families who had a child in the cafeteria when the sealant was served.
14. The Safety Data Sheet for the specific chemical was shared with those families who had a child ingest some of the chemical. #4 on this data sheet specifically addresses ingestion.
Several Corrective Action Steps have already been activated, and others are in process. This is not a complete list but a sample of changes and responses.
In place now:
· Inventory: changed delivery, storage, rotation, and pick-up protocols, labeling of pallets and individual cases, and short-term and long-term inventory practice.
· NANA retrained and is complying with their “taste/sip” protocol, where all food and drink (if not an individually sealed container) is tasted before serving.
· All meals this summer are now being served in a “Grab and Go” style, ensuring all drinks will be in individually sealed containers.
· New NMS training took place in June, and NMS/JSD food service training is scheduled in August for all school year staff.
Some future Steps:
· Secure a communication platform to be used by RALLY to increase the efficiency of parent communications. This will allow staff to send mass notifications to families, like the phone/text/email system that is in place during the school year. This will improve communications for all purposes, but especially in the case of an emergency.
· All summer program facilitators (including RALLY) will be trained on emergency preparedness and response before the school year. This will be in addition to our safety training during the school year.
We are sincerely sorry that this incident occurred, specifically for our communications not being what they should have been. The Juneau School District has responded to this incident with focus and diligence. I have spoken to each family multiple times who had a child who ingested the chemical. However, if you are one of those families or anyone with a child at RALLY and have additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
JSD is doing this restorative work alongside NANA Management Services (NMS) and Yakobi Fisheries in coordination with all of the investigative departments since notification of the chemical ingestion incident on 6/14/22. Since the incident, NMS has provided additional oversight for NANA staff in Juneau with a rotation of safety officers, the president, vice president, area manager, general managers, and an additional assistant manager. JSD, NMS, and Yakobi have worked in coordination with the State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Food Safety & Sanitation and Department of Education Child Nutrition Program to review protocols and procedures in regard to food and operational safety, warehouse delivery/receiving procedures, and additional procedures, monitoring, and reporting have been implemented as a result.
We are continuing to analyze our response and develop/implement corrective action steps to provide assurance that the chemical ingestion incident was an isolated event and that the gaps in procedures found during the investigation no longer exist. As we learn anything new, whether from our analysis or that of other investigations, we will continue to adapt our practices and those of NANA/NMS.
Again–do not hesitate to reach out if you have any follow-up questions. JSD is working with CBJ to cover costs associated with this incident, and those families directly involved will continue to get additional information.
The Juneau School District is pleased to announce that Lyle Melkerson has been chosen as the next Human Resources Director.
Melkerson is currently the principal of McQueen School at Kivalina, Alaska in the Northwest Arctic Borough School District, where he has worked since 2013. He joined the district as a math and science teacher for grades 6 through 12, and then moved into administration at the school which serves preschool through 12th grade students.
Melkerson’s experience in education includes work as a teacher, principal designee and administrator, as well as a coach for several sports at the elementary, middle and high school level. As an educational leader, he is dedicated to recruiting, training and retaining qualified educators to provide a quality education for the students in his school. Prior to coming to Alaska, he worked as Camp Director for Camp Fire USA and Assistant Camp Director for Michigan Conservation Clubs, sharing his love of the outdoors and science with students at summer camps and outdoor education centers.
An interview committee of representatives from the Juneau School Administrators Association, Cabinet and district office staff along with Superintendent Bridget Weiss, conducted interviews on Monday, April 11. Interviews were held at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé and candidates also met Juneau Education Support Staff and Juneau Education Association leaders, district office staff, and school staff as they toured Juneau schools.
Superintendent Weiss is happy to welcome the new director to the Juneau School District. “We are thrilled to have Mr. Melkerson come join our team,” she reports. “His track record of building positive relationships and creative problem solving will enhance our work here in Juneau.”
Melkerson is looking forward to making Juneau his permanent home. “Thank you for the opportunity to join the Juneau team. My wife Emma and I have spent the last decade in the northwest arctic and are looking forward to raising a family in Juneau. We fell in love with the forested mountains and surrounding waters during our time at the University of Alaska Southeast and cannot wait to start meeting more of the team,” he says.
Melkerson holds a Master of Educational Leadership from the University of Alaska Southeast. His Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education - Social Studies, Chemistry, Biology - is from Baker College in Flint, Michigan.
Melkerson will join the district in June 2022.
The Board of Education has completed its annual evaluation of Juneau’s Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Bridget Weiss. The evaluation covers the period of July 2020 through June 2021. At a public meeting held on August 10, 2021, the Board approved the evaluation along with a contract extension to June 30, 2024.
The Board of Education evaluates the Superintendent’s performance annually to provide the District with the best possible leadership. As part of the process, the Board of Education invites and considers written feedback from staff and the community. The Board members review goals, meet personally with the Superintendent, and complete a formal evaluation. This year’s evaluation was completed during three executive sessions held during June 2021.
Board members commended Dr. Weiss for her leadership, dedication, and flexibility as she navigated the Juneau School District through the innumerable challenges that COVID-19 has presented. She demonstrated commitment to the health and safety of our students, teachers and staff, and the community.
Board President Elizabeth Siddon says, “The Board is grateful for Dr. Weiss’s leadership and for the incredible team of administrators and staff that steered us through this year. From the rapid response of the food service program at the very beginning of the pandemic to summer school planning and implementation, COVID-19 has impacted all aspects of the Juneau School District. Dr. Weiss has demonstrated balance and consistency in her leadership. She has been a fervent advocate for students and educators with a recognition of the many important community partnerships that support our schools .”
2021/2022 Superintendent Priorities:
The Board and Superintendent identified priorities for the 2021/2022 school year. The priorities are based on the current Strategic Plan for the District, with specific areas highlighted within Achievement, Equity, Relationships, and Partnerships. Two examples of priorities for the 2021/2022 school year include:
1. Increase the number of students reading at grade level by 3rd grade
2. Increase Kindergarten readiness through community partnerships supporting early education.
Dr. Weiss heads one of Juneau’s largest employers and the fifth-largest school district in Alaska. The Juneau School District has over 4,380 students from preschool through 12th grade and a full-time staff of about 685 employees. The District’s operating budget is $72 million. Dr. Weiss has been with the District since 2014, and in the role of Superintendent since August 2018.
February 2022 - The Juneau School District is pleased to announce that Shawn Arnold will be the next principal of Thunder Mountain High School (TMHS). Arnold is currently the Director of Student Services for the Juneau School District, managing the Special Education Program and other student-related services such as counseling, students in transition, student activities and school climate.
The district conducted a nationwide search and chose three candidates to visit the school, meet with stakeholders and participate in public interviews. An interview panel including members of the school’s certificated staff and classified staff, district administration and Site Council conducted the interviews. The interview team recommended Arnold to Superintendent Bridget Weiss.
"It is an honor to join the team at Thunder Mountain High School!” says Arnold, “It is a place of outstanding teachers, students, and parents. I am also excited to bring my education and work experience to help build on such an excellent foundation.”
Prior to joining the Juneau School District, Arnold was Superintendent of Valdez City Schools and Nome Public Schools and was Assistant Director in the Office of Instruction for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District. During his career, Arnold has promoted excellence in students’ academic, social, personal, and emotional growth with a focus on special education students; at-risk populations; and students of various ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. He has created collaborative workplaces, leading peers by example and with ethics and integrity. He has a strong background in academic intervention systems and school improvement plans. Arnold also served 20 years in the United States Armed Forces with the Army and Air Force.
Arnold completed the AASA National Superintendent Certification Program and Harvard Graduate School of Education Superintendent Institute. He has a Superintendent Endorsement and a Master of Education in Special Education from the University of Alaska Southeast. His Principal Endorsement is from University of Alaska Anchorage. He has a Master of Education in Secondary Social Studies from Wayland Baptist University, a Master of Arts in History and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Norwich University and Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Arnold will officially start his new position in late July for the new school year.
Juneau teacher Kelly Stewart was selected as Interim Assistant Principal for TMHS. An interview team considered candidates on Friday, June 18 and made the recommendation to Dr. Bridget Weiss. Steward succeeds Adriana Northcutt, who will be the principal at the Juneau Community Charter School next year.
Stewart has been a special education teacher for the Juneau School District since 2013, serving students with emotional, behavioral and learning disabilities and health concerns. She came to Alaska from Arizona where she taught in Dysart School District in Surprise, Cartwright School District in Phoenix, as well as The EXCEL Group and Cornerstone Preschool in Yuma.
With more than 20 years of teaching experience, Stewart has expertise in Special Education, behavioral health, early childhood development, working with English as a Second Language students, and working in multicultural classroom settings. She has held a variety of leadership roles, including mentoring staff, supervising classified staff in a special education, participating on school and district leadership teams, and serving as President of the Juneau Education Association.
Stewart has a Master of Education, Educational Leadership from University of Alaska Southeast and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education from Northern Arizona University.
The Juneau School District (JSD) is pleased to announce that both of our Interim Principals for the 2020-21 school year, Stacy Diouf at Sayéik: Gastineau Community School and Kristy Germain at Floyd Dryden Middle School, will stay on as the permanent administrator of their school.
During this unique pandemic school year, both interim principals have worked effectively with their school communities to encourage student success and to support staff. As part of the appointment process, input from school staff was acquired through surveys. Positive feedback from staff at both schools confirmed strong support of their work, and was taken into consideration by Superintendent Dr. Bridget Weiss when making the appointments.
For Sayéik: Gastineau Community School, Dr. Weiss says, "We are excited to have Stacy Diouf continue in the principal role. Her long-time leadership experience in the Juneau School District is an asset for the continued work at Sayéik: Gastineau. Her team-oriented approach and great listening skills have been appreciated during her tenure as the Interim Principal."
Diouf is a graduate of Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé and was Student Services Coordinator for JSD before being chosen as Interim Principal. She has 25 years of experience in education in Juneau, Seattle Public Schools and St. Luke’s School in Bronx, NY. She first joined JSD in 2001, as a special education teacher. Before becoming an administrator, she served as a special education support teacher, mentoring and training teachers across the district. She also worked as an Education Specialist at the State of Alaska developing a statewide training program for reading instruction. Diouf holds a Bachelor of Education in Special Education from Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA and a Master of Special Education from the University of Oregon.
Diouf reflected on her experience saying, “Sayéik: Gastineau is an amazing school community and I am thrilled to continue to work with such an amazing team of educators, students, and families! I'd like to thank everyone for their support and teamwork during this most unusual school year!”
Of the Floyd Dryden Middle School appointment, Dr. Weiss says, "Kristy Germain has contributed much to the community of Juneau during her long tenure as an educator, both teacher and administrator. Her support of Floyd Dryden during this pandemic has been solid and supportive. I look forward to her ongoing leadership and support of the Floyd Dryden staff, students, and families."
Kristy Germain is also a Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé (JDHS) graduate. She joined the Juneau School District as a teacher at Floyd Dryden in 2003. Germain went on to teach at JDHS and became Assistant Principal at the school in 2013. She was Assistant Principal at Dzantik'i Heeni Middle School, before her selection as the Interim Principal at Floyd Dryden. Germain holds a Master of Educational Leadership and Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Alaska Southeast. She has a Bachelor of Arts in History and minor in Political Science from Albertson College of Idaho.
Germain is looking forward to remaining in the position. “I am excited to continue working with the staff, students, and community of Floyd Dryden Middle School. I have appreciated the dedication and thoughtfulness of our community, and the willingness of our staff to work creatively to support our students this year,” she says.
We made it to April and things look great in our community! As we all start to emerge from this pandemic, increasing instruction time for our students and expanding in person attendance is an important step toward academic and social/emotional recovery.
On March 19, as staff and students headed to Spring Break, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated K–12 school guidance to reflect the latest science on physical distance between students in classrooms. CDC now recommends that, with universal masking, students should maintain a distance of at least three feet (rather than six feet) in classroom settings.
CDC has updated its operational strategy to say that in elementary schools, all students should remain at least three feet apart in classrooms where mask use is universal — regardless of whether community transmission is low, moderate or high. As a result of this change in guidance, we are shifting our in person learning plan. One thing important to note is that while we are going to use three feet distancing as our guide, and rely on other mitigation measures as well, there are some occasions in the elementary classroom where students mingle in smaller groups or do activities that bring them closer together than 3 feet. Masks and maintaining a symptom free environment continue to be critical mitigation strategies that have proven effective in our schools.
CDC continues to recommend at least six feet of distance: between adults in the school and between adults and students; in common areas; when masks can’t be worn, such as when eating; during activities when increased exhalation occurs, such as singing, shouting, band practice, sports, or exercise; and, in community settings outside of the classroom.
We have worked hard all year to keep you abreast of changes with plenty of time to plan. The timing of this new CDC guidance and our amazing community status in “green” provide us the opportunity to expand and we don’t want to delay.
This week, now that principals and staff are back following spring break, the district has been planning for elementary students to be in person 4 FULL days. This shift is possible earlier than initially planned, so we understand that both schools and families will need to rearrange their schedules. Our elementary principals and teachers are busy preparing for the transition. Some schools will be prepared to make the change a little earlier than others. Some families will be able to make the change a little earlier as well, so we all will be flexible for the next few weeks. Distance learning will also continue to be available until the end of the school year for students who are not coming in person.
Starting Monday, April 5, the following elementary schools will be open for full day instruction on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: Auke Bay, Riverbend, Montessori Borealis, Juneau Community Charter School, Mendenhall River and Sayéik: Gastineau. Wednesday will continue to be an independent learning day as we make this shift to four full days.
Harborview Kindergarten and 1st grade students will start with four full days on Monday, April 5th. Updated school bus schedules are posted. Please communicate with your child’s teacher or principal if you have any questions or need extra time to adjust your family schedule. If you are a family in one of these schools and you aren’t ready to send your child full days, please contact your school. We can accommodate your child attending only 1/2 days next week as you had previously planned if needed.
Starting Monday, April 12, Harborview 2nd - 5th grade students, all Tlingit Culture Language and Literacy (TCLL) students, and Sitʼ Eeti Shaanáx̱ Glacier Valley will return to full day instruction.
Monday April 12, Middle School is going 4 full days from 2 and High School adds Mondays to in person attendance.
This is a quick change, but we are very excited to be making a move in this direction, increasing our in person learning time for kids!
The Juneau School District has completed a nationwide search for candidates for the principal positions at Auke Bay and Harborview Elementary Schools. Four finalists for each school were interviewed on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. An interview panel of representatives from the schools’ certificated staff and classified staff, district administration and the Site Councils conducted the interviews. Interviews were open to the public and written comments were shared with the interview committee.
The interview team recommended two local candidates to Superintendent Bridget Weiss: William Sarandria for Auke Bay Principal and Kelley Harvey for Harborview Principal. Dr. Weiss readily agreed with the committee’s selections. "We are delighted with the quality of candidates we had interested in taking on leadership roles in the Juneau School District. Both Mr. Sarandria and Ms. Harvey bring local context, a keen interest in serving students, families, and staff and a desire to support the recovery efforts ahead of us," she says.
Auke Bay Elementary School
William Sarandria begins his new role as Auke Bay Elementary School Principal in August 2021, succeeding Nancy Peel who is retiring after three years as principal of the school.
Sarandria is currently a Math and AVID teacher at Yaakoosgé Daakahídi High School in Juneau, where he has worked since 2015. He also serves the school as the Online Learning/Credit Recovery coordinator, Restorative Practice Coordinator and a member of the Tech Champ Committee.
Prior to joining the Juneau School District, Sarandria worked at the Bristol Bay Borough School in Naknek, Alaska. He was was a Physical Education and Health teacher, Math intervention teacher, Credit Recovery Coordinator, Work Placement Supervisor for Grades 11-12, and Assistant Girls' Varsity Basketball Coach.
Sarandria says, "I am humbled and honored by this opportunity. I look forward to working with the Auke Bay Elementary School community in providing a rich and engaging educational experience for all students and their families."
Sarandria holds a Master in Educational Leadership and Master in the Art of Teaching from the University of Alaska Southeast. He has a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science from CQUniversity, Australia.
Harborview Elementary School
The Juneau School District has selected Kelley Harvey as the principal for Harborview Elementary School. Harvey was raised in Juneau and has 22 years of teaching experience in the Juneau School District. She has a strong background in elementary reading instruction and the science of reading.
Harvey is currently a Title 1 Teacher at Harborview Elementary School. During her career she has held a leadership role in a number of elementary schools as an Instructional Coach for teachers at Harborview, Sayéik Gastineau and Riverbend. She taught students at Harborview, Riverbend and Mendenhall River Community School as a classroom teacher, English as a Second Language teacher, literacy leader, literacy specialist and reading coach.
Harvey is looking forward to next year. "I have taught at Harborview for the last 8 years and I am so excited to get to continue working with the students, families, and staff. This is an amazing community and I am truly honored to be given this opportunity," she says.
Harvey holds a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Alaska Southeast and a Bachelor of Arts in Reading with a Minor in Early Childhood Education from Eastern Washington University.
Harvey takes over the new role in August for the start of the 2021-22 school year. The position was open following the retirement of Molly Box who has been principal of the school for the past two years.
The Juneau School District is pleased to announce that Cassee Olin has been chosen as the next Director of Administrative Services. Olin will be responsible for managing the $90 million school district budget and overseeing the finance and payroll departments. She will direct a diverse collection of district wide programs such as pupil transportation, food service, information technology, RALLY child care, Community Schools, maintenance and facilities.
Olin is currently Business Manager for Sitka School District, where she has served since 2013. Prior to moving to Sitka, she was Director of Accounting for Kodiak Island Borough School District. She has more than 20 years of experience in accounting and is a well-respected leader and mentor in the area of school business in Alaska. Olin is a member and former president of Alaska Association of School Business Officials and belongs to the Alaska Council of School Administrators.
Superintendent Bridget Weiss says, "I could not be more excited to welcome Ms. Olin to the Juneau School District. She brings an incredible skill set and leadership experience that will benefit our work. I very much look forward to her joining our team."
A committee of representatives from the Juneau Education Association, Juneau School Administrators Association, City and Borough of Juneau and district office staff conducted a virtual interview with Olin on January 21.
“I am honored to join the Juneau School District as the Director of Administrative Services and look forward to working for the community of Juneau, Board of Education, Staff, and Superintendent who share a vision of maintaining the best possible educational program and environment for student learning,” says Olin. “I’m excited for our move to Juneau in the upcoming months and exploring the beautiful area of Juneau,” she added.
Olin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa. She is completing her Master of Science in School Business Leadership from Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. She is a Certified Administrator of School Finance and Operations by the Association of School Business Officials International.
Olin will officially join the district later this school year and be in place for the start of the new fiscal year in July.
The Juneau School District (JSD) is pleased to announce that Stacy Diouf will be the Interim Principal of Sayéik: Gastineau Community School for the 2020-21 school year. The position is open following the resignation of Brenda Edwards, who has been the school principal since 2012.
Diouf is a graduate of Juneau-Douglas High School and is currently a Student Services Coordinator for JSD. She has 25 years of experience in education in Juneau, Seattle Public Schools and St. Luke’s School in Bronx, NY. She first joined JSD in 2001, as a special education teacher. Before becoming an administrator, she served as a special education support teacher, mentoring and training teachers across the district. She also worked as an Education Specialist at the State of Alaska developing a statewide training program for reading instruction.
Diouf is looking forward to her new position. “I am thrilled to be joining the amazing staff and families at Sayéik: Gastineau! I look forward to building off the amazing work that Ms. Edwards and her staff have engaged in over the last eight years. Here's to a great school year!” she says.
During her tenure, Diouf has been a leader in providing high quality instruction using research-based practices in special education and implementing the district’s multi-tiered intervention system. She will begin her transition from the Student Services Department at the beginning of the school year and take over the principal position full time by late September. A search for a permanent principal for the school will take place in the spring.
Diouf holds a Bachelor of Education in Special Education from Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA and a Master of Special Education from the University of Oregon.
January 2021 - The Juneau School District is pleased to announce that Shawn Arnold will be the next Director of Student Services. Arnold is currently the Superintendent of Valdez City Schools. In that role, he manages all district departments and personnel, including maintenance, travel, business, curriculum, and technology. His previous job was Superintendent and Special Education Director for Nome Public Schools.
The Juneau School District began the search for the vacant director position in December. The position oversees the Special Education Program, as well as other student-related services such as health services, counseling, students in transition, student safety and school climate.
During his career, Arnold has promoted excellence in students’ academic, social, personal, and emotional growth with a focus on special education students; at-risk populations; and students of various ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. He has created collaborative workplaces, leading peers by example and with ethics and integrity. He has a strong background in academic intervention systems and school improvement plans. Arnold also served 20 years in the United States Armed Forces with the Army and Air Force.
Dr. Bridget Weiss, Superintendent of the Juneau School District, says, “I am thrilled that someone of Shawn's caliber and experience sought out this Director position in the Juneau School District. His leadership experience and previous work in Special Education will add significant value to our current initiatives and strategic goals.”
Arnold started working in education in Alaska as a Secondary Special Education Teacher in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District. He was also Principal at Mat-Su Day School and served as Coordinator of School Improvement and Assistant Director of Instruction for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District.
Arnold says he looking forward to his move to Juneau, "I am excited to join the Juneau School District as I begin the next chapter of my career and look forward to bringing my experience, dedication, and passion working with students, parents, and staff.”
Arnold holds an Administrative License (Superintendent) and a Master of Education in Special Education from the University of Alaska Southeast. His Administrative License (K-12 Principal) is from University of Alaska Anchorage. He has a Master of Education in Secondary Social Studies from Wayland Baptist University, a Master of Arts in History from Norwich University and Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Alaska Anchorage. He will officially start on July 1, for the new school year.
The Juneau School District (JSD) and City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) are pleased to offer families a childcare option for full day K-5 RALLY programming while school is operating in distance learning.
As a result of the unprecedented impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CBJ Assembly authorized emergency funding under Emergency Appropriation Resolution No. 2906 to support the full day K-5 RALLY Program operated by JSD. This grant is to be used to offset a portion of the monthly cost for RALLY. The resolution authorizes temporary funding through December 30, 2020.
CBJ Subsidy
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a. All families with children enrolled in RALLY will have a net expense after the subsidy of no more than $515 per child per month.
b. Families who receive child-care assistance through state, tribal or federal partners, are eligible for grant funding to cover the remaining expense ($515 minus the subsidy = remaining expense covered by grant). Families need to provide records of the subsidy received so that the remaining expense can be calculated.
c. Families who are eligible for child-care assistance but have not completed the application process are eligible for a one time grant reducing the monthly payment per child by 50% (or $257.50 per child), to allow time for the application to be processed. Families need to provide application records or a certification that they have applied.
Enrollment Prioritization In order to assure that families with higher need have access to the K-5 RALLY program, enrollment priorities shall apply. Priority will be given to parents working during school hours to ensure that children are not left at home alone and parents are able to return to work. Each family will fill out an enrollment survey form as part of registration.
Locations and Hours RALLY is currently operating at Harborview, Glacier Valley and Riverbend Elementary Schools; Monday through Friday from 7:30am – 5:30 pm. Enrollment will be continuous throughout the school year and will include most days school is not in session. Due to the nature of the coronavirus, RALLY will no longer be able to offer part time schedules to families. This is to insure the safety of each student cohort group.
Distance Learning Students will be grouped in small cohorts by age and will remain with their cohort at all times. Students will participate in virtual classroom meetings with their teachers during the RALLY day and will be given time to do classwork and homework. RALLY staff will supervise students during online learning and assist wherever possible.
FOOD Program at RALLY In coordination with Juneau School District Food Service Program, all students attending RALLY can receive free breakfast and lunch. RALLY also provides an afternoon snack.
COVID-19 Mitigation RALLY follows state and local requirements for providing a safe and comfortable environment for students. Each family is asked to follow screening procedures before entry into RALLY each day. Students are required to wear masks.
Registration For more details please refer to the RALLY contract, parent handbook and the RALLY calendar in the registration packet - click on the RALLY block on the homepage.
Please contact RALLY via email at rally@juneauschools.org if you have any questions.
The Board of Education has completed its annual evaluation of Juneau’s Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Bridget Weiss. At a public meeting held on July 14, 2020, the Board approved the evaluation along with a contract extension to June 30, 2023.
The Board of Education evaluates the Superintendent’s performance annually to provide the District with the best possible leadership. As part of the process, the Board of Education invites and considers written feedback from staff and the community. The Board members review goals, meet personally with the Superintendent, and complete a formal evaluation. This year’s evaluation was completed during three executive sessions held during May, June, and July 2020.
Board members are very pleased with Dr. Weiss’s performance this year. She has shown strong leadership during this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. The District also developed and adopted a five-year strategic plan with a refreshed mission statement: In Juneau, we partner to provide each student with meaningful, relevant, and rigorous learning experiences in order to graduate diverse, engaged citizens ready for a changing world.
Board President Brian Holst says, “The Board of Education feels that our schools are in excellent hands under the direction of Dr. Weiss and the capable team of administrators and staff she leads. She has demonstrated excellent communication and problem-solving skills during the ongoing COVID-19 disruption. Dr. Weiss’s collaborative approach has enabled us to put into place a new strategic plan and increased partnerships to achieve our goals for Juneau’s students.”
2020/2021 Superintendent Priorities:
The Board and Superintendent identified priorities for the 2020/2021 school year. The top three include: 1. Implement our new five-year strategic plan, 2. Manage the COVID-19 school re-opening and pandemic operations, and, 3. Continue to identify and address racial inequities in our schools.
Other priorities for this next year include: Increase the number of students reading at grade level by 3rd grade; Enhance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math integration throughout the District; Increase community education and outreach; Strengthen Tlingit Language/Culture Integration and Community Partnership; Increase Kindergarten readiness through community partnerships supporting early education; and, continue to ensure appropriate placement and support for students in Special Education programming. The Board and Administration understand that it is critical to engage meaningfully with students, staff, community members, and stakeholders to meet the needs of Juneau students.
Dr. Weiss heads one of Juneau’s largest employers and the fifth-largest school district in Alaska. The Juneau School District has over 4,600 students from preschool through 12th grade and a full-time staff of about 680 employees. The District’s operating budget is $71 million. Dr. Weiss has been with the District since 2014, and in the role of Superintendent since August 2018.
Dzantik’i Heeni Middle School Principal Molly Yerkes has been named Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals Region 5 Principal of The Year. Dzantik’i Heeni Middle School is a grade 6-8 school in the Juneau School District.
AASSP sponsors regional and statewide Principal of The Year recognition awards to honor the educational leaders who play such a pivotal role in student success. They may be nominated by anyone – students, staff, parents, district office staff or principal peers - with awards finalized by AASSP members in their region. Regional Principals of The Year are eligible to be in the running for the statewide Alaska Principal of The Year.
“In the thirteen years, I have worked with Ms. Yerkes she is always an advocate for her students to obtain a rigorous and meaningful educational experience. She achieves a careful balance between challenging expectations and fostering an environment where students love learning," says Yvonne Welch. "Not only is Ms. Yerkes exceptional working with students, families, staff members and community organizations during the school day, in addition she puts in the extra time to interact with students outside of school time. She can often be found in the evenings at volleyball games, wrestling tournaments, site council meetings, and school dances."
Kristy Germain, interim principal for Floyd Dryden, worked as Assistant Principal at DMHS and agrees.
"Ms. Yerkes is in classrooms much more than she is ever in her office. She knows students' needs because she has observed the students in the classroom, hallways, and lunchroom and has gotten to know them at more than a superficial level," says Germain.
Principal Yerkes has been with the Juneau School District for more than 20 years, half of those as principal at Dzantik'i Heeni. She holds a Masters in teaching, public administration and educational leadership from the University of Alaska and is fluent in Spanish. She was also tapped by Juneau Superintendent Dr. Bridget Weiss to take on the role of District Extended Learning Coordinator.
Principal Yerkes is a 2013 Millikan Educator Award recipient, a prestigious recognition honoring top educators from around the country.
"Quite honestly I really believe in public education and in equity and that it can open doors for every child," said Yerkes of the award.
Each AASSP 2020 Regional Principal of The Year will be awarded and recognized at the 54th Annual Alaska Principals' Conference, scheduled to be held in Anchorage October 24-26, 2020.
The Juneau School District announces that Juneau teacher Nate Creel will be the Interim Assistant Principal of Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé (JDHS) for the 2020-2021 school year. Creel is currently a Thunder Mountain High School Special Education Teacher.
Creel is a graduate of Petersburg High School. He has experience as a special education teacher in several Alaska schools including Thunder Mountain High School, Romig Middle School in Anchorage and Homer High School. He was also a Varsity Basketball Coach in Homer. He started his teaching career at Lava Ridge Intermediate School in Santa Clara, UT.
JDHS Principal Paula Casperson says, “JDHS is excited to welcome Nate to our team. We believe that he has the right combination of a calm demeanor, a passion for public education and a high level of interest in learning the role and responsibilities of an administrator at the high school level. We can’t wait for him to meet our students as the new school year unfolds!”
Creel is eager to start the new job. “I am honored to be given this opportunity to work with Principal Casperson and join the JDHS Team. I’m really excited to start this new journey and I’m looking forward to beginning next school year in my new role,” he says.
Creel holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Public Administration from the University of Alaska Southeast. He has a Bachelor of Science from Southern Utah University with a certification in K-12 Special Education and 7-12 Physical Education and Coaching. He also has an Associate Degree from Dixie State College in St. George, Utah.
The assistant principal position at the school opened earlier this spring when Kim McNamara accepted a principal position in Vermont.
The Juneau School District announces that Juneau teacher Laura Scholes will be the Interim Assistant Principal of Dzantik’i Heeni Middle School (DHMS) for the 2020-2021 school year.
Scholes has eighteen years of experience teaching in the Juneau School District and the Mayatan Bilingual School in Honduras. Currently a 6th-grade math and science teacher at DHMS, she also taught at Floyd Dryden Middle School and was Interim Assistant Principal at Juneau-Douglas High School during the fall semester of the 2018-19 school year.
DHMS Principal Molly Yerkes is pleased with the selection, saying, “Laura Scholes' dedication to students, teachers, and the Juneau community made her an excellent choice for Dzantik'i Heeni Middle School. We are very excited to have a leader with Laura Scholes' education, background, and experience joining our team!”
Scholes is looking forward to the new opportunity. “I’m thrilled to be in a position to serve the dedicated teachers, coaches, and para-professionals at Dzantik’i Heeni,” she says.
Scholes holds a Master of Educational Leadership and Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Alaska Southeast. She has a Bachelor’s in Biology from Western State College of Colorado.
She takes over from Kristy Germain, who is moving to Floyd Dryden Middle School as Interim Principal for the 2020-21 school year.
Martin Messing, 36 years of service! Curtis Blackwell, 32 years Rhonda Larson, 30 years Cinda Stanek, 22 years Barbara Kelly, 20 years Samuel Villanueva, 17 years Shgen George, 15 years Christine Swanson, 14 years Richard Dutson, 13 years Ignacio Toribio, 11 years Daniel Larson, 10 years Deborah Johnson, 7 years Ann Lind, 5 years Caron Smith, 3 years
Promotions/Graduations: Each level is working on a plan to celebrate their outgoing students. For the high schools we have a committee putting plans together that will be shared at the end of this week.
Summer Programming: For now we do not have any summer plans for our regular education programs. If it looks like we can provide some sort of student support between end of year and beginning of year, we will do that. But for now we don't know if that will be possible. The Extended School Year (ESY) program for Special Education students will be scheduled using virtual scenarios and potentially some variations of what Special Education is doing now to meet the needs for ESY program support.
Fall 2020 Planning: Given our current health conditions, Fall 2020 will likely not look the way we wish and would normally expect the start up of school to look.
I am facilitating a team to build scenarios that we can begin to plan around for the start of school. Following CDC guidelines, we will determine a continuum of operational designs. Those will be shared with you in early June while ultimate decisions on how the startup will look won’t be finalized until mid-July or so and will be shared as soon as we feel we have enough information to do so.
In addition, the start of the year creates new and different complications that we didn't have to deal with in March because we were already "on step" with class configurations, relationships with students and families, etc. The ramp up to a new start will give us the opportunity to think through a variety of new pieces to our puzzle.
Food Service: We are delighted we were able to provide meals throughout the school “closure”. Due to many constraints with federal regulations, we will end our food service “grab n go” program on May 22nd. We are working with community agencies who will be working to provide for some needs during the summer. We will share that information once it is finalized.
2020-2025 Strategic Plan: Since last August, we have been working closely with the School Board to build our new Strategic Plan. And while we don't yet know exactly how our schools will look in August or how this experience may shape our work in the future, this plan is heavily based on the foundation of the vision the Board has for JSD. There have been many opportunities for input throughout the year and the input received has been used to frame up this plan. The plan is up for final approval in our board meeting next Tuesday. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
Report Cards: High School and Middle School students will receive report cards as usual. High School and Middle School special education students will also receive progress reports as usual.
Elementary students will not receive report cards this trimester, as the last report card data entered was from the second trimester. Students receiving special education services at the elementary level also will not receive progress reports from their special education teacher. Teachers may be sharing summary information with you in communications other than through the report card format.
The Optional Program application period is open through April 24, so there is still time to apply. This process is for the Juneau Community Charter School, Montessori Borealis Public School and Tlingit Culture Language and Literacy program.
To apply online, please click on the Optional Programs block on the homepage.
Juneau Community Charter School (JCCS) JCCS is a K-8 public charter school within the Juneau School District. We are a small school with small class sizes; 23:1, where students, staff, and families get to know each other well.
We build a strong learning community with multi-grade classrooms, whole-school activities, project-based learning, frequent outings into the community and through restorative practices. Families are heavily involved in their child’s education both in the classroom and in governing our school.
Some of the unique characteristics you will find at JCCS: • Project-Based Learning • Collaboration among students of all ages • Involvement in and service to the larger Juneau community • Play, Exploration, Inquiry and Fun!
If you have any questions or would like additional information just email us at jccs@juneauschools.org We are happy to help! www.juneaucharterschool.org
Montessori Borealis Public School Montessori Borealis is an alternative school in the Juneau School District. It includes a Children’s House (preschool and kindergarten), an elementary program (1st through 6th grade) and a middle school program (7th and 8th grade) called Adolescent Montessori Program (AMP).
Maybe in this time of distance delivery you've noticed your child has thrived with given choices and more time to dive into something? That's one great thing about Montessori - students don't all do the same thing at the same time. We can personalize to their needs while maintaining a focus on the district standards.
Find about some key Montessori ideas and ask us some questions -- we can't invite you to come to our school building like we usually do, but join us for a Facebook Live question and answer session on Tuesday, April 21, at 7:30pm on our school Facebook page (here's the link!).
If you have questions, please email us at montessori@juneauschools.org or give us a call at 523-1848! https://mont.juneauschools.org/
Tlingit Culture Language & Literacy Tlingit Culture Language & Literacy (TCLL) is an optional program housed in Harborview Elementary school and operated in partnership with Sealaska Heritage Institute. It is a free program open to student of all races, nationalities and abilities. The program integrates Tlingit language and traditional knowledge into the daily instruction of the national standards. Program field trips and activities create a strong learning community creating future leaders and caretakers of the land. Daily Tlingit language instruction and fluent speakers in each classroom.
For more information call Harborview School at 523-1850
Online applications are due April 24, 2020 www.juneauschools.org
The Juneau Assembly adopted a resolution last night mandating people in the City and Borough of Juneau to hunker down. The Assembly’s intent is that “All People in the City and Borough of Juneau shall stay home as much as possible.”
Starting at 5 p.m. March 24, all Juneau residents are required to stay at home as much as possible, except to: · work in critical jobs (read the resolution to see the full list of critical jobs) · to buy, sell, or deliver groceries or other important goods such as those sold by critical businesses · to receive or provide health care · to get fresh air without contacting others
On the limited occasions when individuals leave home, they should maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any person outside their household whenever possible.
Individuals are also encouraged to: · practice recommended hygiene, including regular hand washing · monitor for symptoms · refrain from visiting residences or participating in gatherings · stay home when sick · quarantine if possibly exposed to the coronavirus · eliminate nonessential travel and trips to public places.
The resolution will remain in effect for fourteen days and automatically expire at 10 p.m. on April 7, 2020.
For more local news, information, and resources to help keep Juneau safe and healthy, go to juneau.org/covid-19.
April 16 - Thank you very much to the many of you who completed our recent survey. We had a terrific response and it will help us determine the best way to keep supporting you. Over 700 parents and guardians answered our questions! Next week I will share the results with you.
For now, know that we appreciate everything you are doing to help your student adjust to this new way of learning. Sometimes there are a lot of things to keep track of, so please remember to give yourself and your children a break when needed!
Now that the Governor has mandated schools stay closed for students for the remainder of the school year, we are coordinating end of year activities given our new limitations. COVID-19 Health Mandate 011 - Social Distancing is still in effect, which prohibits gathering for events. Each spring, our graduation ceremonies are a highlight. The Class of 2020 and their families deserve their time of recognition and celebration and we are working on plans to honor them. A task force is being created to plan a celebration, stay tuned—we will keep you updated.
When schools closed in March, many students did not have a chance to clean out their lockers, cubbies or desks. Over the next few weeks, staff will gather those things, label them and arrange for pick up. Watch for instructions from your child’s school regarding how and when you can pick up items. Any distribution will be done paying close attention to health standards and physical distancing.
If your student needs help connecting to online classes, there is updated information about Internet offers from GCI and ACS posted on www.juneauschools.org.
It is hard to believe that we are only in week three of distance education. We have all learned a lot - perhaps the most important thing is how much we can do when we work together! With your feedback and support, we will continue to refine our programs over the next five weeks and keep educating the students of Juneau.
Be well, Superintendent Weiss
April 7 - Our food service served over 16,000 meals in the first three weeks! We are excited to inform you that we are able to begin service meals for the weekends as well. That means that on Friday you will be able to pick up “grab and go” meals for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. You could really help us by applying for Free and Reduced Lunch if you believe you are eligible and have not previously filled out the application.: https://www.schoolcafe.com/
Important Internet Access Information: For staff and student convenience we have increased the broadcasting power of our WiFi at the main entrances to all schools. Results may vary but outside the main entrances of all schools there should be a wifi signal broadcasting at least 20 ft outwards. This will allow access to the JSD network without entrance to our buildings. Remember to maintain physical distancing.
We have provided devices for many of you. We should be done deploying devices by the end of this week. Thank you for your patience as we worked to prepare devices. Over 1000 devices have been distributed.
Some of you may have heard some cautions regarding the use of the Zoom platform. We have been watching this closely and have evaluated Zoom's privacy and safety policies and procedures. We have determined that, when used correctly, Zoom is useful and an appropriate tool for education.
Zoom has a FERPA statement on record: https://zoom.us/docs/doc/FERPA%20Guide.pdf
Zoom' Education Privacy Policy:
https://zoom.us/docs/en-us/childrens-privacy.html?zcid=1231
We have provided staff with guidance to ensure the proper use of Zoom as some of the concerns are avoided simply by how the Zoom platform is used. Zoom has been incredibly responsive to all concerns raised and has made changes quickly to resolve them.
On Friday of this week, you will receive a survey. We very much appreciate you completing the survey. This will help us to continue to meet your needs and shape our decisions on support structures as we move ahead.
In the coming weeks, we will be working on plans for transitional activities that we may not be able to do as we typically do like end of year celebrations, graduations, kindergarten registration, etc. So stay tuned as we work our way through the many questions we all have. Thank you very much for all you are doing to support your children.
In partnership, Superintendent Weiss
What to Expect While teachers spent the week before spring break preparing to deliver instruction from home, there are still many details to work out. Our teachers and staff are doing an amazing job of transforming the way we teach our students in this quickly changing world. As schools put all the pieces in place to deliver instruction in a new way, please be patient and flexible.
Teachers will contact students at the beginning of the week to let them know what to expect. Some students will need access to technology, textbooks and lesson packets, so look for instructions from your school on how to get what you need.
Meal Distribution Food will continue to be served at schools on the same schedule for now. Any student can pick up breakfast and lunch at any school distribution site. A new waiver from the federal government allows parents to pick up food without students present so we hope that makes things easier for families. Sayéik: Gastineau 9-11am Cedar Park 11am- noon Glacier Valley, Harborview, Riverbend, DHMS, FDMS 9am - noon
We need your help to keep feeding Juneau students. Funding for meals is based on the number of students who qualify for Free and Reduced Price meals, so if your financial situation has changed during this crisis and you might now qualify for benefits, please apply online at https://www.schoolcafe.com/
Hunker Down We also need your help to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community. The City and Borough of Juneau has issued a hunker down mandate for all people in Juneau to stay home as much as possible. This means that students can no longer gather in groups other than their household members, we must maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any person outside our household and we need to eliminate non essential travel and trips to public places.
In addition we all must continue to practice recommended healthy hygiene and hand washing, monitor for symptoms, refrain from visiting residences or participating in gatherings, stay home when sick, and quarantine if possibly exposed to the coronavirus.
As you have questions about your child’s education, please contact your teacher or your school next week. We will continue to answer phone messages, update websites and communicate with students and families as the closure continues.
The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) announces that high school students Mr. Ezra Benjamin Adasiak and Ms. Stella Tallmon will join Senator Lisa Murkowski and Senator Daniel Sullivan in representing Alaska in the nation’s capital during the 58th annual USSYP Washington Week, to be held March 7 — 14, 2020. Ezra Adasiak of Fairbanks and Stella Tallmon of Juneau were selected from among the state’s top student leaders to be part of the 104 national student delegation who will also each receive a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate study.
The USSYP was created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962 and has been sponsored by the Senate and fully funded by The Hearst Foundations since inception. Originally proposed by Senators Kuchel, Mansfield, Dirksen and Humphrey, the impetus for the program as stated in Senate testimony is "to increase young Americans’ understanding of the interrelationships of the three branches of government, learn the caliber and responsibilities of federally elected and appointed officials, and emphasize the vital importance of democratic decision making not only for America but for people around the world."
Each year this extremely competitive merit-based program brings the most outstanding high school students - two from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity - to Washington, D.C. for an intensive week-long study of the federal government and the people who lead it.
The overall mission of the program is to help instill within each class of USSYP student delegates more profound knowledge of the American political process and a lifelong commitment to public service. In addition to the program week, The Hearst Foundations provide each student with a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs.
Transportation and all expenses for Washington Week are also provided by The Hearst Foundations; as stipulated in S.Res.324, no government funds are utilized.
Ezra Adasiak, a junior at Austin E. Lathrop High School, serves as Student Body president and a representative to the Alaska Association of Student Governments. He has organized awareness campaigns about gun violence, natural resource issues and student health concerns. Ezra also fulfilled the role of president of his school's Gay Straight Alliance, and testified before the City Council about nondiscrimination policies. He hopes to translate his passion into societal change as a lawyer or an elected official.
Stella Tallmon, a senior at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé, serves as the Associated Student Body parliamentarian. She has served her peers and community as class president, student representative, organizer and advocate, and is a member of the Model UN, National Honor Society, and several political action groups. Stella has testified before the state legislature numerous times and helped with school walkouts and rallies for gun violence prevention and climate action. She looks forward to serving as an elected representative in the state or federal government, or as a foreign service officer within the State Department.
Chosen as alternates to the 2020 program were Jakob Wade, a resident of North Pole, who attends North Pole High School and Keenan Miller, a resident of Juneau, who attends Thunder Mountain High School.
For more information please visit: www.ussenateyouth.org
Contact: Questions about your state’s delegates, alternates or state selection process: Dr. Bjorn Wolter at bjorn.wolter@alaska.gov or (907) 465-8696.
For general information about the United States Senate Youth Program: Program Director Ms. Rayne Guilford (800) 425-3632 or rguilford@hearstfdn.org.
The Board of Education has completed its annual evaluation of Juneau’s Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Bridget Weiss. At a public meeting held on September 10, 2019, the Board approved the evaluation along with a contract extension to June 30, 2022.
The Board of Education evaluates the superintendent’s performance annually in an effort to provide the district with the best possible leadership. As part of the process, the school board invites and considers written feedback from staff and the community. The board members review performance measures, meet personally with the Superintendent and complete a formal evaluation. This year’s evaluation was completed during three executive sessions held during August, 2019.
2019/2020 Superintendent Priorities: During the 2019/2020 school year, Dr. Weiss will work to further the district’s aim to ensure that students are prepared for, and knowledgeable of, career and life opportunities when they leave the Juneau School District (JSD). Some of the priority areas include:
To achieve our goals in this next year, the Board and Administration understands that it is critical to engage meaningfully with students, staff, community members and stakeholders to meet the needs of Juneau students.
School board members are pleased with Dr. Weiss’ performance and with the current direction of the school district. Board President Brian Holst says, “The Board of Education looks forward to pursuing these important priorities in partnership with Dr. Weiss, and in cooperation with our students, families, community members and partners. The dedication and commitment of our staff, combined with the educational leadership, experience and integrity of our Superintendent position us well for student success.”
Dr. Weiss heads one of Juneau’s largest employers and the fifth largest school district in Alaska. The Juneau School District has over 4,600 students from preschool through 12th grade and a full-time staff of 668 employees. The district’s annual budget is $87 million. Dr. Weiss has been with the district since 2014, and in the role of Superintendent since August 2018.
This summer, the Juneau School District performed upgrades to the HVAC Controls in the classroom wing at the Marie Drake Building. Before the project began, it was necessary to complete asbestos abatement in the work area. The abatement has been done in accordance with all applicable State and Federal regulations as designed by a third-party certified and licensed environmental consultant. The work includes, but is not limited to, pre-abatement inspection, daily oversight, air sampling during asbestos removal, and final inspection and sampling at the completion of the project and asbestos removal activities.
Asbestos is an issue we have been dealing with for many years. Asbestos’ properties once made it an ideal building material for insulating, sound absorption, decorative plasters, fireproofing, and a variety of miscellaneous uses. However, due to health risks, most uses of asbestos in building materials was banned in 1978. Intact and undisturbed asbestos materials generally do not pose a health hazard. However, asbestos materials can be a concern if they are damaged, deteriorate over time or are otherwise disturbed, as fibers can be released.
The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 (referred to as AHERA), was enacted to determine the extent of, and develop solutions for, any problems schools may have with asbestos. Each time asbestos is removed in schools and educational workplaces as part of the range of maintenance, refurbishment, and building programs throughout the year, strict abatement procedures are followed. As required by AHERA, a certified asbestos inspector and management planner inspects facilities, takes samples, and rates the condition and hazard potential of materials in the district facilities suspected of containing asbestos.
The law requires asbestos management plans to be in place and continually updated. The plans have several ongoing requirements: publish a notification on management plan availability and the status of asbestos activities; educate and train employees about asbestos; notify short-term or temporary workers on the locations of the asbestos-containing building materials; post warning labels in routine maintenance areas where asbestos was previously identified or assumed; follow set plans and procedures designed to minimize the disturbance of asbestos-containing building materials; and, survey the condition of these materials to assure that they remain in good condition.
This notification letter, education and training of our employees, plans and procedures designed to minimize the disturbance of the asbestos-containing-materials (ACM), and plans for regular surveillance are a part of our efforts to meet government regulations (AHERA).
A copy of the asbestos management plan is available for your inspection in the Marie Drake administrative office during regular office hours. Two other district buildings are also subject to AHERA notifications; Juneau-Douglas High School and Floyd Dryden Middle School. Copies of their asbestos management plans are available for your inspection in their respective administrative offices. These three school buildings will undergo a triannual inspection over the next couple of months, and the AHERA book at each school will be updated with the inspection report as soon as it becomes available.
We will continue to implement the asbestos management plans, as we have since monitoring began in 1984. We are complying with federal, state, and local regulations in this area. We are taking the necessary steps to ensure your children and our employees have a healthy, safe environment in which to work.
Inquiries should be directed to the Juneau School District Administrative Services Department, 523-1771.
The Juneau School District (JSD) announces that Kristy Germain has been chosen as the Interim Principal of Floyd Dryden Middle School for the 2020-21 school year. The position is open following the departure of Jim Thompson, who has accepted a principal position out of state after six years at the school.
Superintendent Bridget Weiss is working with the incoming and outgoing principals to support the transition in leadership between now and the fall. “We are pleased to have Kristy join the team at Floyd Dryden and look forward to her leadership in this new role," she reports.
Kristy Germain was born and raised in Juneau, and is a Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé (JDHS) graduate. She joined JSD as a teacher at Floyd Dryden in 2003. Germain went on to teach at JDHS before becoming Assistant Principal at the school in 2013. She is currently Assistant Principal at Dzantik'i Heeni Middle School, where she has served since 2014. Germain holds a Master of Educational Leadership and Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Alaska Southeast. She has a Bachelor of Arts in History and minor in Political Science from Albertson College of Idaho.
"I am excited to join the staff, students, and community of Floyd Dryden Middle School,” Germain says. “Working with middle school students has a special place in my heart, as they are really coming into their own during this time of their lives. I am happy to meet virtually with folks during this period of physical distancing and look forward to the day we can meet in person and start working together to support and enrich the lives of everyone at Floyd Dryden Middle School," she adds.
Germain will officially begin the new position in August, prior to the start of the school year. Consideration for the hiring of the permanent principal will begin in March 2021.
What is BARK for Schools? Bark’s flagship product helps parents monitor their children’s personal accounts. But in 2018, after the tragic Parkland shooting, Bark realized that they had the resources to provide the same service — in addition to others — to schools, and to do so in a way that keeps them from spending thousands of dollars each year to protect their students from the worst dangers of the online world. They developed Bark for Schools to give back to communities and to help keep children safe — at absolutely no cost to us. Bark now helps protect more than 1,200 school districts across the country — with dozens more joining every month.
Bark and the district are bound by Bark for Schools Terms of Service found here: https://www.bark.us/terms/Bark_School_Monitoring_Terms_of_Service.pdf
Does Bark for Schools monitor all devices connected to the network? If a student accesses their JSD google account on a home/personal computer or device, does BARK then have access to all content on that home/personal device? No, Bark for Schools only monitors Google Suite activity on district STUDENT accounts. Bark for Schools does not monitor any device data. Monitoring includes: Gmail, Gmail Chat, G Drive, and Google Docs. A complete list of monitored items can be found here:https://www.bark.us/schools
What is the school district’s motivation for using Bark? Schools are required by Board Policy and by Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) to monitor student online activity on school district generated accounts. In addition to firewalls, screen monitoring software, and other network management tools, Bark for Schools adds an important layer to our student safety systems. The district is providing students with a digital education environment, and is obligated to monitor it like other school environments. There are incidents of unlawful or unsafe behavior in student accounts every year, and until now we had to rely on others to report it. A new level of safety is now available to the district through Bark for Schools. Students sign an annual internet use agreement that outlines they will not engage in harmful or illegal activities on our system. This tool helps monitors that agreement.
As of today, has BARK for Schools identified any threats, harassment, or self-harm events in JSD? Yes. In addition, there was a series of unlawful and unsafe information exchanges at the beginning of the school year which prompted the evaluation of our safety compliance and Bark for Schools was discovered as a viable solution.
What happens when an alert is generated by Bark for Schools? Who is notified when a student is 'flagged'? Content is flagged, not students. Alerts go to the School Principal and Assistant Principal, the student’s parent if they have opted in, Superintendent, Student Service Director, Chief of Staff, IT Officer, and Teaching and Learning Director.
The school administrator decides if the alert needs attention or not. If not, the alert is marked as “not helpful” to help train the system--we on occasion get alerts for “false positives”. The identification process usually takes seconds once the alert is opened by the administrator. No alerts are stored in the student’s records. Bark deletes data after 15 days. If a concern is evident, the student is contacted by the building administrator. If necessary, the standard student discipline process is followed. Appeals follow the normal complaint process.
How does the use of BARK for Schools comply with FERPA? Bark for Schools is a “school official” as defined by FERPA and subject to FERPA’s policies. So is Powerschool, the nurse software, the lunch software, and a dozen other products we use daily. Bark for Schools holds less vulnerable student/family data than several of our other programs. The only data they have is student names, student emails, parent emails and a short timed availability of Google Suite content from student district accounts. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), CIPA, and technical specifications were reviewed by the IT Department before opting in.
What alternatives were considered? Other companies such as Gaggle and AristotleK12 were considered over the past several years. The reason this product was chosen was cost (free). The district does not have the means to monitor manually, and issues were occuring on student accounts. Other similar products run $4-$7/student/year, or about $35,000 for the same type of service.
Is BARK a for-profit or a non-profit? Bark is a for-profit company. However, there is no cost to the school district for use of Bark for Schools--see the first entry in this FAQ. Examples of other for-profit companies that have district data are PowerSchool, Destiny (Library), Promero (Food Services), SNAP (Nurses), Blackboard (Notifications), Google Suite, Microsoft, Papercut (printing), and school photo vendors.
What are the assurances/claims provided by Bark for Schools of privacy? These can be found at: https://www.bark.us/privacy and in their Terms of Service. Bark is fully FERPA compliant.
How long are records kept on students, if at all? In Bark for Schools, student activity is kept for 15 days then purged.
How does the software actually do its work? Computer algorithms monitor student activity for key words and attempts to define context before issuing an alert. Details can be found at: https://s3.amazonaws.com/bark-assets/guides/AI_Data_Technology_BarkForSchools.pdf
How long does it take for the Bark for Schools algorithm to flag a student, and then to notify the District? Is this an effective timeline? Alerts go out between 2-8 hours of an incident. This is much faster than waiting for a student to come forward with a complaint or a parent to find unsafe activity and alert us.
Is Bark for Schools as secure as other district software products? In general, Bark for Schools is more secure than other software because it does not store our data for longer than 15 days and only accesses Google Suite data and guardian email addresses. Our other software systems (PowerSchool, etc.) contain more sensitive information.
Fundamentally, there is no difference between Bark for Schools and Google’s storage of our data. Both are bound by FERPA and CIPA regulations to not share our data and be monitorable. Both encrypt our data and provide protected backups. Both have signed the Student Privacy Pledge. Bark for Schools does differ in that they are just analyzing Google Suite content and then deletes our data every 15 days.
Can a student opt-out of Bark for Schools and still use the District Google Suite? No. Use of our district technology dictates our compliance with CIPA and JSD Board Policy.
Can a student opt-out of the District Google Suite? It is possible...Deactivating a student account has a cascading impact across services as we have interconnected systems. Wifi and printing will be disabled, access to various online curriculum will be suspended as well. This increases the workload of both the teacher and the student. The student will be reliant on personal technology. Functionally, the student will be in a separate learning model than the rest of their peers. Our learning environment for students relies heavily on this access to the digital environment.
What is the experience with other school districts using this service? About 1,200 school districts use Bark for Schools and there are many thousands of others using competing products. Testimonies from other school districts has been positive.
How/why are family emails shared with Bark for Schools? Parents can elect to receive a weekly email about their student’s school account and they can purchase a separate service to monitor their child’s personal account(s). Severe alerts that take place outside of the school day will generate an email to parents, alerts during the school day will not. Parents can unsubscribe from Bark for Schools emails at any time, regardless of enrollment status. Only the guardian email field taken from Powerschool was entered into Bark for Schools. No mailing addresses were shared.
What is the Bark revenue model? It looks like they make money by selling services to parents. How many Juneau parents have subscribed? Bark’s revenue is from the parent product used to monitor children’s personal accounts. Bark for Schools does not charge for monitoring district accounts. We have no way of knowing how many Juneau families are using Bark to monitor their child’s personal accounts, but 13% of district parents have signed up so far for Bark for Schools, the App that communicates alerts to parents regarding their child’s school accounts.
Does Bark for Schools use the data collected to sell to advertisers? No. Per the Bark for Schools Privacy Policy: “We will never sell or rent your Data to third parties or augment, extend or combine your Data with data received from third party sources. Your Data will never be publicly displayed in any way by Bark or any person or entity acting on Bark’s behalf.” NO student data or parent email/info/data is shared by Bark for Schools.
The Juneau Education Support Staff (JESS) and Juneau School District (JSD) have reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year contract, effective July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2022. This succeeds the current contract, set to expire on June 30, 2019.
JESS and JSD worked cooperatively to reach the tentative three-year agreement. Interest-Based Bargaining and the Affinity Model were used for collaborative negotiations. The next step is ratification by both parties.
The teams met January 24 and 25, February 8 and 20, and again on April 23. Writing committees met on additional days to craft the agreement, culminating in an all-day session today to complete the process.
The JESS bargaining unit is the school district’s second largest employee association, representing about 322 employees. JESS membership includes office and instructional support staff, school nurses, RALLY employees, as well as maintenance and custodial personnel. JESS is the local affiliate of the Alaska Public Employee Association.
The JESS membership will vote on the new contract in the near future. The Juneau School District Board of Education vote will follow. Details of the contract will be released to the public as part of the school board’s action.
JSD welcomes Dan Bryant as the new JSD Maintenance Supervisor. Bryant takes over for Curtis Blackwell, who is retiring at the end of April after many years of dedicated service to the district.
Bryant will be in Juneau in mid-April to have some crossover time with Blackwell. He will work remotely for the first two weeks. Bryant currently serves as the Facility Maintenance Supervisor at the Alaska Job Corps Center in Palmer.
The Juneau School Administrators Association (JSAA) and Juneau School District (JSD) have ratified an agreement on a new three-year contract, effective July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2022. This succeeds the current contract, set to expire on June 30, 2019.
JSAA and JSD worked cooperatively to reach the tentative three-year agreement using an Interest-Based Bargaining process for collaborative negotiations. The teams met several times and reached a tentative agreement on May 31, 2019.
The JSAA bargaining unit represents the Principals, Assistant Principals, and district-level Coordinators and Specialists. This is a three-year agreement that provides a fair economic settlement with District administrators for the next three years, FY20 – FY22. The agreement calls for increases to salary of 1% in FY20, .5% in FY21, and .5% in FY22. The agreement also provides an increase to the District paid portion of health insurance of $25/month in FY20, $20/month in FY 21, and $20/month in FY22.
The tentative agreement was ratified by JSAA membership the week of June 3, and then by the Board of Education at its June 11 Regular Meeting.
Girls on the Run and Boys Run/Toowú Klatseen after school programs start Tuesday, February 19th!
Girls on the Run: Auke Bay T/Th 2:30–4:00 Harborview T/Th 2:30-3:45 Montessori Borealis M/W 3:05-4:30 Mendenhall River M/W 2:30–4:00 Sayeik: Gastineau M/W 2:30-3:45
Boys Run I Toowú Klatseen: Harborview T/Th 2:30-3:45 Montessori Borealis T/Th 3:05-4:30
You can find out more at GOTRGreaterAlaska.org and BoysRun.org.
The Juneau Education Support Staff (JESS) and Juneau School District (JSD) have ratified a new three-year contract, effective July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2022. This succeeds the current contract, set to expire on June 30, 2019.
JESS and JSD worked cooperatively to reach the tentative three-year agreement. Interest-Based Bargaining and the Affinity Model were used for collaborative negotiations. The teams met January 24 and 25, February 8 and 20, and again on April 23. Writing committees met on additional days to craft the agreement, culminating in an all-day session today to complete the process.
The JESS membership unanimously ratified the agreement on May 11. The Board of Education considered the agreement in first reading at its May 14 Regular Meeting. The agreement was then approved by unanimous vote of the Board in final reading in a Special Meeting on May 17.
This three-year agreement calls for increases to wages in FY20 of $.60 per cell above the FY19 wage scale. For FY21, the Parties agree to a 1.0% increase over the FY20 wage scale, and for FY22, the Parties agree to a $.20 per cell plus a 1.0% increase over the FY21 wage scale. Increases in monthly health insurance contributions are $25 in FY20, $25 in FY21, and $25 in FY22. A “Me Too” agreement allows for an equal increase in wages and benefits as compared to the final negotiated agreement between Juneau Education Association and JSD. The net cost to the District per year is estimated to be $539,000 in FY20, $687,000 in FY21, and $1,160,000 in FY22.
The JESS bargaining unit is the school district’s second largest employee association, representing about 331 employees. JESS membership includes office and instructional support staff, para educators, school nurses, RALLY employees, as well as maintenance and custodial personnel. JESS is the local affiliate of the Alaska Public Employee Association.
The Board of Education evaluates the superintendent’s performance annually in an effort to provide the district with the best possible leadership. As part of the process, the school board invites and considers written feedback from staff and the community. The board members review performance measures, meet personally with the Superintendent and complete a formal evaluation. This year’s evaluation was completed during three executive sessions held during August, 2019.
The Board is pleased with Dr. Bridget Weiss’ performance during her first year of service as Superintendent of the Juneau School District (JSD).
The Board noted several significant accomplishments, attributes, and positive examples reflected in Dr. Weiss’ work this year. Among them are:
The Board identified the following areas for increased focus during the upcoming school year:
2019/2020 Superintendent Priorities: During the 2019/2020 school year, Dr. Weiss will work on priority items intended to further the district’s aim to ensure that students are prepared for, and knowledgeable of, career and life opportunities when they leave the Juneau School District.
2. Enhance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) integration throughout the District: Increase opportunities and hands-on experiences through increased district support, while coordinating across existing community partnerships.
3. Increase and improve high school offerings through increased collaboration between high schools: Increase communication with students/families early in high school to ensure students are aware of collaborative opportunities to meet individual and course credit needs. Increase the number of classes offered in one school and taken by students in all three high schools.
4. Strengthen Tlingit language/culture integration and community partnerships: Continue to provide leadership for the newly adopted Indigenous Language policy, ensuring it is effectively implemented across the district in partnership with community organizations.
5. Increase kindergarten readiness through community partnerships supporting early education. Expand quality Pre-K offerings in Juneau and JSD programs like Kinder Ready.
It is the intent of the Board of Education that these priorities be accomplished collectively, with a strong commitment to engaging and cooperating with our many stakeholders, including families and our community partners.
School board members are pleased with Dr. Weiss’ performance and with the current direction of the school district. The Board of Education looks forward to pursuing these important priorities in partnership with Dr. Weiss, and in cooperation with our families, community members and stakeholders. The dedication and commitment of our staff combined with the educational leadership, experience and integrity of our Superintendent position us well for student success.
The Juneau Education Association (JEA) and Juneau School District (JSD) Bargaining Team met on April 18, 19, 20.
The team has worked through many issues together, including addressing specialist concerns, vandalism, various leave topics, extra duty language, and contract maintenance. The team has invited experts into the process to answer questions and provide personal knowledge and clarification on standard operations.
Periodic updates will be provided throughout the process as the team meets over the next few months. The goal of the parties is to reach a successor agreement prior to the end of June. The next round of meetings begins April 29.
The JEA bargaining unit is the District’s largest employee association, representing approximately 340 teachers and certified staff in the Juneau School District. JEA is a local affiliate of National Education Association Alaska (NEA-AK).
The Juneau Education Association (JEA) and Juneau School District (JSD) Bargaining Team met on April 29, 30, May 1, 4, and 5.
The team has completed working on non-economic items. The team worked through many issues together, including employment for non-continuing employees, parameters for leaves of absences for employees, updating parental leave language, updating medical leave language, updating the grievance procedure, providing for educators to set up classrooms at the beginning of the year, capturing on-going practices for specialists and job expectations, establishing procedures for travel for professional development and training opportunities, and updating the posting process and filing vacancies for coaches and advisors.
On May 6, the team will be trained by Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service Commission Tom Melancon on the Affinity Method of Collaborative Economic Bargaining. This process is designed to address economic items when teams are engaged in Interest Based Bargaining.
The team will discuss economic items on May 15. Economic items include health care, retirement, wages, preparation time, length of the contract day, length of the school year, and other items that affect finances. The team will meet on May 16 to finalize the contract and expect to have a final Tentative Agreement by May 17.
The JEA bargaining unit is the District’s largest employee association, representing approximately 340 teachers and certified staff in the Juneau School District. JEA is a local affiliate of NEA-Alaska.
The Juneau School District announces that Christopher Aguirre is the new Director of Student Services. Aguirre is currently Assistant Superintendent of the North Slope Borough School District in Utqiagvik. He has served in the role for the past two years, managing the district budget, school board policies, negotiations, instructional leadership and support, and a reorganization of district office. He worked to successfully reduce the dropout rate from nine to three percent, while improving student achievement.
From 2014 to 2017, Aguirre was Principal of Kodiak High School where he led the school to an increase in graduation rate from 87 to 96 percent, while lowering the dropout rate to 0.4 percent. He created an international award winning STEAM program; reformed science, social studies and CTE curricula; implemented social-emotional learning; and guided the school through the accreditation process.
Aguirre has 20 years of experience in education in Alaska, Texas and New York, and a strong background in career and technical education (CTE). He was a CTE program teacher in New York and Director of Vocational Education for the Kodiak Island Borough School District, before participating in Administrator-in-Training Leadership Academy at the New York City (NYC) Department of Education. From there he became the Assistant Principal at NYC High School of Hospitality Management and then the Founding Principal of City Polytechnic High School of Engineering, Architecture and Technology; the first career and technical education Early College high school in New York City.
“JSD is fortunate to welcome Chris to our team. His varied experiences in leadership will be a tremendous asset,” says Dr. Bridget Weiss, Superintendent of the Juneau School District.
The Director position has been vacant since the promotion of Dr. Weiss to Superintendent at the beginning of the 2018-19 school year. The Juneau School District began the search for the Director of Student Services in January, and is pleased to have found the right candidate to join the district’s leadership team.
"From Skagway to the North Slope my wife and I have been fortunate to have been part of some fantastic Alaskan communities. We started our life together in Skagway so it is special to return to Southeast Alaska,” Aguirre says. “I am excited to be joining a team of such dedicated professionals and I am looking forward to serving Juneau students."
Aguirre holds a Master of Arts in Educational Technology from Pepperdine University and Bachelor of Arts in Geography from Humboldt State University. His Educational Administration certification is from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and he completes his Superintendent Endorsement at the University of Alaska Southeast this summer. Aguirre begins work in Juneau in July 2019.
If you’ve ever thought about running for local office, plan to work for someone who is, or just want a crash course on how local government works, you should attend the free June 15 “How to Run for Local Office” Workshop. Learn what it's like to serve on the Juneau Assembly and School Board, and hear directly from current and past elected officials.
The workshop is on Saturday, June 15, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Assembly Chambers at City Hall. It’s free and focuses on: what it’s like to serve on the Assembly and School Board, deciding and preparing to run, legal requirements for candidates, how to get elected, and what happens if you win. You’ll hear panel presentations from current and past elected officials as well as experts in the field.
No registration is required for the half-day workshop. Coffee and snacks will be provided. “How to Run for Local Office” Workshop is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Juneau, CBJ Clerk’s Office, Juneau Public Libraries, and the Juneau School District.
The Juneau Education Association (JEA) and Juneau School District (JSD) Bargaining Teams met February 15-17, 2019. Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) Commissioner Tom Melancon provided training for the group. Michael Wenstrup, Uniserv Director with NEA-Alaska has been selected by both parties to facilitate the negotiation process.
They have chosen to bargain utilizing Interest Based Bargaining (IBB). IBB is a collaborative, consensus-based process that enables negotiators to become collective problem-solvers. Periodic updates will be provided throughout the process as they meet over the next four months. The goal of the parties is to reach a successor agreement prior to the end of the current school year. The next meeting will be March 2 and 3.
The JEA bargaining unit is the District’s largest employee association, representing approximately 340 teachers and certified staff in the Juneau School District. JEA is a local affiliate of National Education Association Alaska (NEA-AK).
March was National Student Art Month and to celebrate, the Juneau School District Board of Education honored local student artists at its monthly meeting. The Scholastic Arts and Writing Contest awards ceremony recognized Thunder Mountain High School (TMHS) and Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé (JDHS) students for their exceptional visual and written works.
The Scholastic Arts and Writing Contest is based on Scholastic Arts three criteria: originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision. Over 392 submissions were screened from Alaska’s secondary schools this year. One hundred students were recognized at the state level, including the following Juneau School District artists:
Gold Key JDHS’s Claire Scott achieved the highest honor of Gold Key. Her comic artwork from Meow Cats United: Chapter 9, advances to the National Jury finals in New York City.
Silver Key Claire Scott was awarded a Silver Key for her comic art, Peculiar Alarm Clock. Steven Ireland-Haight attained a Silver Key for his ceramic horn, Color Shriek. Arias Hoyle achieved Silver Key Writing Award for his Poetry.
Honorable Mentions: Amber Rounds-McPherson for Photography Nicole Carrillo-Aguilar for Ceramics Celia Wheeler for Ceramics Claire Scott for Comic Arts Claire Scott for two pieces of Science-Fiction Writing Steven Ireland-Haight for Ceramics and Sculpture
The TMHS Robotics team had a successful season! Regions took place in December at JDHS. Team Trial and Error was a part of the winning alliance and won the THINK award for their notebook. Genetic Advantage (an all-female team), won the overall INSPIRE award. Both of these teams qualified for state, as well as Chain Reaction, who ranked high enough after the qualifying rounds to go to state.
On February 1 and 2, team Trial and Error came away with the overall #1 ranking at the state competition at UAA. They competed with and against 23 other teams in the qualifying rounds. Robot teams are randomly paired together to go against 2 other robots. After 5 rounds, Trial and Error was the only undefeated team. They won their semi-final match as well as the finals. (The other 2 TMHS teams also made it to the semi-finals, and one made it to the finals.)
The team now heads to Houston, TX in April to participate in the World Competition with 70 other countries. They have been working hard to perfect their robot and to raise the necessary funds. Within 3 weeks, the students had raised $5000 through bake sales, concessions, and the Innovation Summit, and the community came forward with another $5000 in sponsorships.
Team members are: Riley Sikes, Noatak Post, Eli Douglas, Sterling Zuboff, Grace Sikes, Ian Sheridan, Teilhard Buzzell, and Darin Tingey.
The Juneau Education Association (JEA) and Juneau School District (JSD) Bargaining Team finalized negotiations for a successor agreement on May 15. The team previously completed non-economic items. The team negotiated for over 11 hours while discussing wages, retirement, health care, pay for meetings after hours, and the length of the contract year.
The team will meet on May 16 to finalize the contract and expect to have a final Tentative Agreement to distribute by May 17 to members of the Juneau Education Association and the Juneau School Board. Details of the contract will be released to the public after the board and membership have reviewed the contract.
JEA has scheduled a ratification vote for May 22. The JEA bargaining unit is the District’s largest employee association, representing 349 educators and certified staff in the Juneau School District. JEA is a local affiliate of NEA-Alaska.
The Juneau School District is pleased to announce that Sarah Jahn has been chosen as the next Director of Administrative Services. In this role, she will be responsible for managing the nearly $90 million school district budget and overseeing the finance and payroll departments. The position also directs a diverse collection of programs such as pupil transportation, food service, information technology, RALLY, Community Schools, maintenance and facilities.
Jahn joined the Juneau School District in 2008, as payroll and benefits specialist. She quickly moved to payroll supervisor and then was promoted again to finance officer. Jahn has a strong background in accounting and business and is well respected by her colleagues.
An interview committee of representatives from the Juneau Education Association, Juneau Education Support Staff, Juneau School Administrators Association, Board of Education, City and Borough of Juneau and central office held public interviews on April 23.
Superintendent Mark Miller is happy with the selection. “Sarah has been doing an excellent job as our finance officer and payroll supervisor for the past nine years. We are excited to support Sarah in her continued professional growth as she begins her new position of Director of Administrative Services,” he says.
Jahn says, “I am honored to accept the director position and look forward to continued service with the district."
Jahn holds a Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting from the University of Alaska Southeast, as well as Associate of Applied Science in Accounting and Associate of Applied Science in Business Management from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Jahn starts the new job July 1, 2018, following the retirement of longtime director, David Means. Means is retiring after 13 years in the Juneau School District, and 36 years as a school business official in Alaska.
The Juneau School District Board of Education has unanimously selected Dr. Bridget Weiss as Superintendent of the Juneau School District. Dr. Weiss has been serving as Interim Superintendent since August 16, 2018, just prior to the start of the school year.
“The opportunity to serve as Superintendent in my hometown of Juneau is incredibly meaningful,” says Dr. Weiss, “The positive support I have received from the staff, community, and Board of Education reminds me how deeply honored I am to provide support here through my leadership and forge efforts forward on finding ways to establish Juneau as a place of distinction. We have amazing people doing amazing work and together we will be able to take some very cool next steps for our kids and families.”
In October, the Board of Education developed a process for identifying a permanent superintendent for the Juneau School District. During the first phase, input about the needs of the district and qualities desired in a superintendent was gathered through an online survey, community listening sessions and email.
Using the feedback, a profile of the preferred candidate for the Juneau School District was developed and considered in relation to the qualifications of Interim Superintendent Dr. Bridget Weiss, who expressed interest in the permanent position. The board asked stakeholders including all staff members, all parents/guardians, community organizations and the public for input on appointing Dr. Weiss to the permanent position. “The Board sincerely appreciates the significant amount of input that was provided at each step in this selection process,” says Board of Education President Brian Holst. “The overwhelming response about Dr. Weiss demonstrates a high level of trust in her leadership from the staff and support for her appointment from the community. Education is a high priority in Juneau and we believe Dr. Weiss has the skills and vision to meet the high expectations we have for our schools and our students.”
Prior to stepping into the interim superintendent role, Dr. Weiss was Director of Student Services and a member of the Superintendent’s leadership team since 2014. She managed the Special Education Program, as well as other student-related services such as activities, health services, counseling, Students in Transition, student safety, crisis response and school climate.
Weiss has broad experience that spans 34 years in the field of education. Prior to her Director role with the Juneau School District, she served as Principal of North Pole High School, Phoenix Alternative High School and Lake Spokane Elementary School as well as Assistant Principal of Mt. Spokane High School. She served as the Interim Superintendent for the Nine Mile Falls School District and Executive Director of Instructional Programs for Spokane Public Schools. She also has 16 years of experience as a secondary math teacher.
Dr. Weiss is a graduate of Juneau-Douglas High School and holds a Doctorate in Education, Educational Leadership from Washington State University; a Master of Arts in Education, Mathematics from Eastern Washington University; and, a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with a Minor in Physical Education from Whitworth University.
The Juneau School District Board of Education has unanimously selected Dr. Bridget Weiss as interim superintendent for the 2018-19 school year. The position became available when Dr. Mark Miller submitted his request to be released from his contract to the Board of Education effective August 15, 2018.
The Board of Education met in special meeting on Friday, July 27 to accept Dr. Miller’s resignation and begin the process of finding a qualified replacement. The Board developed a process aimed at maximizing the opportunities for public engagement and input, while minimizing the hiring timeline to allow for the successor to overlap with the outgoing superintendent. The members were interested in facilitating a quick transition so the new superintendent could be in place by the August 20 school start date.
School board members didn’t have to look far to find a successor, as the Juneau School District has qualified and capable candidates within the organization. The board agreed to select a current Juneau School District employee with a Type B Certificate as well as a current Superintendent Endorsement. Interested candidates meeting the criteria were invited to apply for the interim superintendent position by Wednesday, August 1. Three candidates responded: Thunder Mountain High School Principal Dan Larson, Student Services Director Dr. Bridget Weiss and Dzantik’i Heeni Middle School Principal Molly Yerkes.
Board of Education President Brian Holst says, “The Board sincerely appreciates the willingness of all three candidates to step forward to serve the students of Juneau. We feel fortunate to have such a high caliber of local talent available in our community.”
The three applicants were then invited to attend a community meet and greet event on August 2, immediately followed by public interviews with the Board of Education. Public comment cards were collected and considered by the Board in making their determination.
On Monday, August 6, the school board held a special meeting to consider the candidates and take action on the hiring of an interim superintendent. The Board voted to select Dr. Weiss as the Interim Superintendent for the 2018-19 school year, effective August 16, 2018.
Dr. Weiss has been the district’s Director of Student Services and a member of the superintendent’s leadership team for the past four years. She oversees the Special Education Program, as well as other student-related services such as activities, health services, counseling, students in transition, student safety, crisis response and school climate.
Weiss is prepared to start her new role right away to get schools off to a good start and is looking forward to the job. "I could not be more pleased to lead the important work we are doing, and partner with families and stakeholders to meet the needs of our students. Working in my home community of Juneau is an exciting opportunity and privilege,” she says.
Weiss has broad experience that spans 34 years in the field of education. Prior to her Director role with the Juneau School District, she served as Principal of North Pole High School, Phoenix Alternative High School and Lake Spokane Elementary School as well as Assistant Principal of Mt. Spokane High School. She served as the Interim Superintendent for the Nine Mile Falls School District and Executive Director of Instructional Programs for Spokane Public Schools. She also has 16 years of experience as a secondary math teacher.
Dr. Weiss is a graduate of Juneau-Douglas High School and holds a Doctorate in Education, Educational Leadership from Washington State University, a Master of Arts in Education, Mathematics from Eastern Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with a Minor in Physical Education from Whitworth University.
A hiring process to name a permanent replacement will be defined later in the school year.
As the Superintendent of schools I am happy to report that the FY19 budgeting process for the Juneau School District, which started back in August, has at least for now, been finalized. In order to build a budget, the district had to make some assumptions. One of these assumptions was that the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly would continue their phenomenal financial support of our schools. On Tuesday, May 14, 2018, the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly adopted an ordinance approving $85,799,900 for school district operations for FY19.
The Juneau School District (JSD) sincerely appreciates the continued support of the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ). In addition to local funding of $26,412,600 for general operations, the Assembly approved $1,376,500 for programs and activities outside of the CAP, including $1,181,500 for student activities, $50,000 for pupil transportation, $50,000 for food service and $95,000 for Community Schools. Overall, the FY19 budget includes an increase of $1.1 million in local support from our Assembly.
As the school district developed its budget for the 2018-2019 school year, we anticipated that state and local funding would not provide sufficient revenue to fund our current level of operations. In addition to the continued support from CBJ to fund us to the maximum level permitted by law for general school operations as well as additional CBJ funding as permitted outside the CAP, the budget projected a decrease in enrollment of 54 students to 4,625 and an increase in the Base Student Allocation by the Alaska Legislature.
Although the Alaska Legislature did not increase the Base Student Allocation, it did boost education funding by $20 million as a one-time separate item. This timely allocation will provide about $670,000 to JSD and allow the district to fund schools as planned within the budget approved by the Board of Education.
I will not propose any additional cuts at this time, but the budget approved in March already included $2 million in reductions. The impact of those cuts next school year will be seen in the elimination of elementary instructional coaches, larger classes at middle school due to an increase in the Pupil Teacher Ratio, elimination of high school core class support, a longer phase in of the new science curriculum, as well as the elimination of other programs and services. We are working to retain our teachers and absorb staff reductions through attrition.
JSD is grateful for the active participation from community members, students, staff and the school board as it went through the difficult budget process this year. The district received valuable input from the public through committee meetings, board meetings and written comments. I would like to personally thank all of those who came together in a collaborative way, during a very difficult time, to do what is best for our students.
Dr. Mark Miller, Superintendent
The Alaska Superintendents Association (ASA) is pleased to announce Andi Story of Juneau as recipient of the 2018 ASA Don MacKinnon Educational Excellence and Human Recognition Award.
Among her many accomplishments, Andi has been recognized as an outstanding school board member who has dedicated the past 15 years to public education through her service on the Juneau School District Board of Education. She is a tireless advocate of education for all students to the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly, Alaska State Legislature and at the national level. She led the school board in developing legislative priorities and recommendations for statewide initiatives to make meaningful change in Alaska's education system. She has lobbied for a stable state fiscal plan to provide reliable funding for education.
The MacKinnon Educational Excellence and Human Recognition Award was established in 1985 to recognize Don MacKinnon and his service to education in Alaska. Don was instrumental in forming a cooperative alliance among all school administrators and public education partners and was the first Executive Director of the Alaska Association of School Administrators now ASA and the Alaska Council of School Administrators (ACSA).
In honor of his work to forge professional relationships on behalf of Alaska’s young people, the ASA Board of Directors established this award to be given to school board members who have provided meritorious service to their school districts and communities.
During a period of funding challenges and significant cuts to personnel, Andi was part of a school board that established new higher standards for math and literacy, raised the credit requirements for graduation while at the same time increasing the graduation rate, increased teacher and staff professional development, improved student achievement and prepared graduates for post-secondary success.
Thus, it is with great honor that the Alaska Superintendents Association joins the rest of the education community in honoring Andi Story as recipient of the 2018 ASA Don MacKinnon Educational Excellence and Human Recognition Awardee and thanking her for the work she has done on behalf of the Juneau School District.
The Juneau School District is aware that some students are planning school walkouts at 10:00 am on March 14, 2018 as part of an upcoming National School Walkout. The principals at our secondary schools are communicating with their staff and student leaders regarding this planned walkout. Schools are not promoting this activity and it is important for parents to know that these are not school sponsored or school sanctioned events.
The Juneau School District respects students’ First Amendment right to peacefully assemble. We will not discipline students for the act of peaceful protest. As a district, we want to acknowledge and support students in their advocacy for safe schools.
The best way for us to ensure student safety during the school day is to know where our students are—that’s simply not possible once they leave school grounds. If students choose to participate in the walkout, the school’s rules and policies regarding student attendance will apply. Schools and classes will continue on their normal schedule. If you want to excuse your child from class to allow them to participate, please contact your school’s attendance office. Absences that are not excused by a parent will be treated as unexcused and normal consequences will apply.
The Juneau School District also respects the right of school employees to engage in political activities on their own time. Staff members will not participate in walk outs or protests in the course of their work, and will remain neutral on issues that are political in nature in the presence of students.
As always, the safety of our students is our priority. We are proud that our students want to exercise their First Amendment rights to express their views on this important topic. We will work together to find ways of doing this within our existing school rules and in a manner that works for each school community and maintains a safe learning environment. When students advocate for an issue they feel passionate about, it can be a powerful learning experience. We also recognize that some students may not want to participate in a walk out and would prefer to stay in class. We want to ensure that all students feel safe and respected, no matter what they choose to do.
This school year, the Juneau School District is continuing to offer free breakfast for all students at elementary and middle schools, some sit down and others grab and go foods. Also, all high school reduced-price breakfast and lunch recipients are welcome to a free breakfast and lunch for the second year.
The Juneau Community Foundation and United Way of Southeast Alaska teamed up with the Juneau School District and other donors to provide $24,000 needed for these vital food programs for students. Over $35,000 is needed annually to bridge the funding gap between federally provided funds for free and reduced breakfast participants and making the breakfast open to all students. Additional donations to keep this program going are being accepted.
“Our partnership with donors and the school district ensures that all of Juneau’s elementary school students get breakfast, while also providing breakfast to middle school students and free breakfast and lunch to high school students who used to have to pay a reduced fee for these meals. This is the third year of the program and with an increasing number of students participating, we are seeking additional donations to keep this food-in-the-morning program going,” said Amy Skilbred, Executive Director, Juneau Community Foundation.
Studies have shown that when students can eat a healthy breakfast at school, a greater number of kids who otherwise would not have a breakfast attend because there is no stigma to having your breakfast at school. This breakfast program relies on parents who meet the guidelines signing their students up for the free and reduced breakfast program because that provides the majority of the funding needed with federal funds.
“It’s great to see students start their day off right by eating a healthy meal. The school district encourages all eligible households to sign up for free and reduced price meals as this is an essential component to making sure this program continues. Participation in the universal breakfast program continues to increase. Last school year we served up to 800 breakfast meals per day. This school year that number has already increased to over 900!” said Adrianne Schwartz, Food Services Supervisor, Juneau School District.
The school district will continue to monitor the universal free breakfast program for elementary and middle school students for the 2018-19 school year to determine whether having all students take part de-stigmatizes the free and reduced cost school meals and ensures all students get a healthy start to their day.
“United Way of Southeast Alaska has long been a partner in providing food resources in our communities. Reducing the number of children that start the day hungry is a positive for everyone. Studies show that when students are not dealing with hunger and uncertainty about their next meal, they are better able to focus on learning. Also, by funding the breakfast program we hope the community increases support for the weekend backpack and vacation food box programs,” said Warren Russell, Board Chair of United Way of Southeast Alaska. He continued noting that “boots on the ground doing great work for communities and organizations make him proud to be a part of United Way of Southeast Alaska.”
The Juneau Community Foundation (juneaucf.org) and United Way of Southeast Alaska (unitedwaysseak.org) encourage community members and families to donate to support these in-school food programs through either of our websites.
The Juneau School District appreciates the generous donation of winter boots from Juneau Fred Meyer. Our Juneau Fred Meyer store donated nearly 250 pair of warm, weatherproof boots for children in need. Thank you to Fred Meyer Apparel Manager Char Cross and Store Manager Anthony Gurule for supporting our students with this act of kindness.
The Office of Student Services Department was busy last week distributing warm, winter boots to Juneau elementary schools just in time for the return of cold and snow. “We've had a terrific response from our counselors and nurses and they are happily placing new boots in the hands of those who can use them the most,” says Mollie Eppers of the Students and Families in Transition program. “We are so grateful to Fred Meyers for supporting our most vulnerable students during their time of need.”
Thank you!
The Juneau Education Association (JEA) and Juneau School District (JSD) Bargaining Team met on March 2-3, and 6-8.
The team identified over 70 issues to discuss and have developed common interests. They have worked through 32 issues relating to special education, leave, job responsibilities and requirements, as well as room preparation. The team worked to come to a consensus on issues on non-economic items including the vacancy posting process, telephones, issues related to leave, identifying and modernizing language, addressing breaks in service, and boundary exceptions for children of certified employees. At various times, the team has invited experts into the process to answer questions and provide personal knowledge and clarification on standard operations.
They have chosen to bargain utilizing Interest Based Bargaining (IBB). IBB is a collaborative, consensus-based process that enables negotiators to become collective problem-solvers. Periodic updates will be provided throughout the process as they meet over the next four months. The goal of the parties is to reach a successor agreement prior to the end of the current school year. The next round of meetings will be April 18-20.
The JEA bargaining unit is the District’s largest employee association, representing approximately 340 teachers and certified staff in the Juneau School District. JEA is a local affiliate of National Education Association Alaska (NEA-AK).
By Katherine Rose, KCAW-Sitka - Sitka artist Nick Galanin has been chosen by the City and Borough of Juneau create an original work for a Native burial ground monument at an elementary school.
The monument will be located outside the front entrance of Sayéik Gastineau Community School in Douglas, Alaska. During renovations in 2012, five graves were uncovered there. It became clear the facility was built atop a Native burial ground. In the wake of this event, the City and Borough of Juneau said the goal of the monument is to help the community “find forgiveness, restore peace, and to evoke spiritual help.” The monument is being designed in consultation with the Douglas Indian Association.
For his part of the monument, Galanin will create a ceremonial fire dish that will hold an eternal flame. The dish symbolizes the Tlingit practice of feeding and comforting ancestors by placing food into the fire. Galanin will carve the dish out of wood and then cast it in bronze, following customary Tlingit design. “I think it’s important not just to be involved but for communities to recognize the histories,” he said. “So much of it that’s not spoken about or taught or passed on through the retelling of history.”
Galanin was busy at work on another piece when KCAW called. “The totem pole that we’re carving right now that you hear in the background is also another project I’m going up over on Douglas Island in Juneau,” he said. “Same sort of history, the Taku village that was burnt down purposefully to make way for a boat harbor. They’re both healing projects for the indigenous community, and even the community as a whole.”
Galanin was chosen to create the fire dish by a three-member Art Selection Panel through the city’s call for artist process.
The Juneau School District Board of Education is developing the budget for the 2018-19 school year. The public is invited to participate in two Public Forums on the Budget:
Tuesday, February 6th - 6:00 pm in the THMS Library, and Wednesday, February 7th - 6:00 pm in the JDHS Library.
The Board of Education uses a zero-based budget building system intended to prioritize spending so that items with higher priorities are funded first as revenue is available. The Board of Education is seeking input from employees, families, students and the community. The public is asked to voice their opinion about what works in Juneau's schools and what should be priority items for funding.
Budget information, documents and reports can be found on www.juneauschools.org in the Links block.
To make suggestions, comments or ask questions about the budget, please email budgetinput@juneauschools.org. All comments and suggestions are considered by the district administration and the Board of Education as part of the process of building a budget for FY 2019.
Riverbend Elementary School is celebrating 20 years of educating students in Juneau. The community is invited to join the festivities.
There will be special displays, art activities, photo booths and more! People are encouraged to come and take part, and mingle with current students, their families, and alumni.
Friday, March 9, 2018
1-2:30pm – Presentation of S’igeidi’ Xh’een (a Tlingit house panel) by Goldbelt Heritage Foundation, dancing and songs performed by Riverbend’s Indian Studies Program Culture Club, and a 20th year commemoration song written and performed by Riverbend JAMM students.
5-7pm – Bring your favorite school lunch item to share as part of our potluck dinner. Games and activities!
For more information, please visit the Riverbend Elementary School Facebook page or call the school at 796-5700.
17 hours ago
The first day of school for grades 1-12 is Wednesday August 16, 2017. Kindergarteners start Monday, August 21 and first day for PreK is Wednesday, August 23.
Have a great year!
REGISTRATION
New students please register at your neighborhood school on Friday, August 4.
New high school students can register now at Juneau-Douglas and Thunder Mountain high schools.
ORIENTATION
JDHS ORIENTATION - By last name
August 8: 9-11 AM & 12-2 PM (P-Z)
August 9: 9-11 AM & 12-2 PM (A-G)
August 10: 9-11 AM & 12-2 PM (H-O)
August 11: 10-1 Freshman First & Welcome BBQ
August 23: Open House 5-6:30 PM
TMHS ORIENTATION
August 8:
8-10:30 AM (I-L)
12-2:30 PM (Q-S)
August 9:
8-10:30 AM (A-C)
12-2:30 PM (T-Z)
August 10
8-10:30 AM (D-H)
12-2:30 PM (M-P)
August 11: 12-3:45 PM Freshman First (lunch will be provided)
August 18: 5-7 PM Kick-Off Celebration
OPEN HOUSE DATES
August 10: Juneau Community Charter School, 6-7 PM
August 18: Yaakoosge Daakahidi High School, 12-1 PM
August 18: Thunder Mountain High School, 5-7 PM
August 23: Juneau-Douglas High School, 5-6:30 PM
August 30: Dzantik'i Heeni Middle School, 5-6 PM
August 30: Floyd Dryden Middle School, 5-6 PM
September 6: Auke Bay, Gastineau, Mendenhall River and Riverbend Elementary Schools, 5 PM
September 13: Glacier Valley and Harborview Elementary Schools, 5 PM
September 20: Montessori Borealis Public School, 5-6:30 PM
The Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) has chosen Dzantik’i Heeni Middle School’s Kristy Germain as the Region V Assistant Principal of the Year. Ms. Germain is recognized for her success in providing high quality learning opportunities for her students and for her exemplary contributions made to the profession.
Dzantik’i Heeni Middle School Principal Molly Yerkes shared that Ms. Germain is an exemplary Assistant Principal at Dzantik’i Heeni Middle School, where she oversees almost 500 students. She continually has a positive attitude and works to improve school climate. In addition to overseeing all discipline, Ms. Germain fills the role of activities & athletic director. During her tenure, the school has seen a marked increase in the number of activities offered to students and a dramatic increase in participation. Ms. Germain demonstrates respect for the diversity of the student population and the individuality of each student. She regularly observes in classrooms and provides feedback to teachers on effective teaching strategies. She is an asset to the school and the community. The Juneau School District joins AASSP in congratulating Ms. Germain. Thank you for your dedication to your students and staff!
UPDATE: ASAA has approved the request to consolidate high school football and football cheer teams for the 2018-19 school year.
By November 1, 2017, the Juneau School District will send a formal request to the Alaska School Activities Association (ASAA) to consolidate its football and cheer teams at Juneau-Douglas High School (JDHS) and allow Thunder Mountain High School (TMHS) students to participate in football and football cheer at JDHS.
The decision has been two years in the making, taking into consideration important issues such as player safety and development, season cost, program debt and repayment progress, continued shortage of activities funding, realignment of Southeast Conference, and ASAA’s willingness to consider a consolidation request. A number of informational meetings to solicit input from stakeholders and administrators have taken place with the goal of finding a way to continue to provide athletic opportunities to the broadest number of students.
Over the past three years, football programs at JDHS and TMHS have faced deficits in activities accounts despite significant fundraising efforts and generous community support. At the beginning of the 2017 football season, accounts for both teams were in the red. JDHS had a negative balance of $5,689 and TMHS a negative balance of $100,821. Both schools fielded only Varsity teams and travel schedules were reduced to three out of town games for each school to reduce costs. Estimated annual budgets for each team are about $70,000. The district established procedures for budgeting, planning fundraising activities and tracking account balances and teams have shown good faith efforts at fundraising, but the school district and community have been unable to financially support two football programs.
During this same time period, participation in football has declined, following a nationwide trend. This has led to underclassmen playing Varsity football against upperclassmen, raising safety concerns for players and reducing the opportunity for player development through a Junior Varsity program.
If the request is approved by ASAA for football and football cheer, the district will begin the process of consolidation and work through a long list of decisions that will need to be made by the beginning of the next football season. A consolidation of football teams in Juneau would likely move the district back into Division I as part of the Railbelt Conference.
Juneau School District Superintendent Dr. Mark Miller submitted his request to be released from his contract to the Board of Education on Wednesday, July 25, 2018. Miller has served the district since 2014.
“It has been a humbling honor to have led the Juneau School District over the past four years,” says Miller. “Through heartbreaking losses and victorious celebrations we have stuck together and persevered for the sake of our kids,” he continues, “I would like to thank the community, staff, parents and students for their work and support as we have taken this journey together. I have full confidence that I am leaving the district in very capable hands. We have worked hard to build capacity within our staff and the work we are doing is much larger than any one person. This has truly been the most fulfilling and amazing four years of my entire 30 plus year career in education and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity.”
“The Board of Education thanks Superintendent Miller for his four years of service to the students of Juneau,” says Board President Brian Holst. “He led the district through challenging years and gave his best effort, which we sincerely appreciate,” he adds, “We all wish him continued success.”
The Board of Education will begin the process to find a qualified individual to succeed Miller as Superintendent of the Juneau School District. The Board is expected to formally take action on the request at a special meeting scheduled for Friday, July 27 at 5:00 pm in Room 206 at Juneau-Douglas High School. The board plans to then go into executive session to discuss the hiring of a new superintendent.
The City and Borough of Juneau and the Alaska Department of Transportation work hard each winter to clear and remove snow around our community. The Juneau School District appreciates the extra effort these agencies take in prioritizing the areas surrounding our schools. School maintenance and custodial staff shovel sidewalks and clear parking lots early each day. As homeowners, we can help by making sure that our sidewalks and driveways are clear for students on walking routes to school. Working together we can create a safe environment for our children.
Despite these best efforts, sometimes weather conditions make it necessary to close school. It is important for families to know how the school district communicates school closures or schedule changes. These same procedures are followed for other emergencies.
Remember - during inclement weather, even though school may be in session, you know the conditions in your immediate neighborhood and are the best judge of whether or not to send your child to school.
The decision to close schools is generally made by 5:00 a.m. by the Superintendent in consultation with the First Student Bus Company Manager, City and Borough of Juneau City Manager and the National Weather Service Juneau Forecast Office.
School closures or schedule changes are posted by 6:00 a.m. at www.juneauschools.org. An alert block with emergency information will appear in the upper right corner of the page. School-related announcements are also sent to local radio stations.
In the event of a school closure, automated phone calls, emails and text messages are sent to families at 6:30 a.m. The notification system uploads data from PowerSchool each night, so please make sure your phone numbers are current at your child’s school.
Families can help too. If you have knowledge of unsafe conditions in your neighborhood due to weather, please contact your school’s principal. Be prepared by dressing your child for the conditions each day. Please talk to your child about safe walking routes to school and staying a safe distance from the road while waiting at the bus stop. Reflective tape on clothing and flashlights help drivers see children on dark days.
Make an emergency plan with your children in the event that schools are closed, start late, or are dismissed early. Talk about where to go or what to do if a parent is not at home. Check with your school or www.juneauschools.org on the Parents page to find “snow routes” for your child’s school bus.
The Juneau School District appreciates your support in keeping children safe in times of severe weather conditions and emergencies.
Superintendent Mark Miller, Representative Sam Kito III and Representative Justin Parish hosted a Juneau School District Mascot Review discussion on Saturday, March 10, 2018, from 10:00 am to noon in Room 519 of the Alaska State Capitol Building.
In February, Juneau high school students selected the mascot “Thunder Bears” for new Juneau School District combined teams. Shortly after the student vote, an offensive definition of the term was discovered online in the Urban Dictionary, raising concerns with students, staff and community members.
Student representatives from all high schools attended this special Saturday joint session to offer testimony and help decide whether to keep the mascot name Thunder Bears for combined Juneau School District activities.
Representative Kito and Representative Parish co-chaired the meeting of the Mascot Review Board consisting of ten high school students representing Juneau-Douglas, Thunder Mountain and Yaakoosge Daakahidi High Schools.
There were six invited speakers: original committee member Kristy Germain, KINY Radio Host Pete Carran, JDHS Principal Paula Casperson, Juneau Board of Education Member Emil Mackey, Alaska Native Brotherhood President Marcelo Quinto, and Phyllis Carlson from Sealaska Heritage Institute.
Another four individuals provided public testimony.
Nine students participated in voting: four from each JDHS and TMHS and one student from YDHS. On the motion "I move to keep the name Thunder Bears." the vote failed with 4 yeas, 5 nays and the Mascot Review Board referred the issue back to the original naming committee.
Ultimately, Juneau students say they want a district mascot that commands respect and that all students, as well as the community, can be proud of both now and in the future. The Juneau School District is proud of the thoughtful consideration that these high school students gave to a sensitive and emotional issue. They represented all three schools and our community well.
The Juneau School District is pleased to announce that Auke Bay Elementary School Principal Lori Hoover has earned the title “2017 Champion of the Arts” from the Alaska Arts Education Consortium (AAEC) Champions of the Arts recognition program. Hoover was chosen to be honored in the category of Arts Leader.
AAEC recognizes individuals and organizations from across the state who champion the arts in education. AAEC believes these Champions carry the torch for arts education through high-caliber instruction, arts support, and ongoing arts promotion. A core belief of the AAEC is that higher academic achievement will occur in and through the arts and the organization is committed to preparing and supporting educators so that they can teach the arts in and across the curriculum. Principal Lori Hoover has worked behind the scenes as an avid advocate for the arts, supporting the integration of the arts in all things to make a difference for all Juneau’s children.
Hoover is a core member of the group that has worked to bring access to arts education and arts integration to Juneau part of Ensuring the Arts for Any Given Child. This Kennedy Center program focuses on expanding arts education in schools in an equitable manner across grade levels. It requires a community-wide effort, and she has helped to spearhead the work over a number of years.
As an educator, when Hoover presents to a group, no matter the content, she finds a way to integrate the arts, knowing and believing that when we learn through the arts we are more likely to remember and understand, connect and extend on a deeper level. She exudes art and has continually made efforts to bring community organizations together to expand the access for ALL students to not only learn the arts, but to also learn other educational content through arts integration.
When Auke Bay Elementary School was remodeled, Hoover made great effort to make sure the building itself was an architectural work of art, and the added arts elements were enhanced. She worked with a community committee to plan and implement a grand opening of the new building with a traditional Tlingit ku.éex', working with elders and various community groups. She worked with staff and students to create artistic gifts for the giving of thanks. Students and teachers gathered in the gymnasium to play drums, dance and present handmade gifts to guests, including many Tlingit elders. Each grade level made a different gift, including devil’s club salve, button blanket pins and greeting cards. Two dance groups performed at the celebration. Through the arts, Hoover thanked the Aak’w Kwaan Tlingit people native to the Auke Bay area for allowing the school to exist and grow on the land.
Thank you Lori Hoover for your lasting contribution to the education of all Juneau students and for your steady commitment to the arts in our community.
The efforts of champions, like Hoover, in teaching and supporting arts across the curriculum reflects the mission of AAEC, which is “to promote learning in and through the arts for all Alaska students.” Each Champion was nominated by Alaskans who—like the AAEC—believe in the work of these Champions of the Arts to positively impact the lives of students and communities through arts in education. Complete information about the 2017 AAEC Champions of the Arts is available on the AAEC website at http://akartsed.org/.
February 12, 2018 - Dear parents, guardians, and staff members:
We are reaching out to let you know there have been several recent cases of mumps in Juneau. Mumps is a contagious illness caused by a virus. In order to protect yourself and your family, it’s important to know how you can be infected, what the symptoms are, and what to do if you suspect someone has mumps.
Mumps can be spread from person to person by: • Coughing • Sneezing • Talking • Sharing cups and utensils • Touching contaminated surfaces
Common symptoms of mumps: • Swollen cheeks, face, and/or jaw • Headache • Tiredness • Muscle aches • Loss of appetite • Respiratory symptoms • Fever that lasts longer than three days
The most effective way to prevent mumps is the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. Make sure your vaccines and your children’s vaccines are up to date. Good hand hygiene is important. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Show your children how to wash their hands properly too. If you, your child, or family member has mumps symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider to get tested.
Because mumps is contagious your provider may not want you to sit in the waiting room so please call ahead. If you do not have a healthcare provider, please call the Juneau Public Health Center at 907-465-3353 and ask to speak with a Public Health Nurse for assistance.
People with mumps should stay home and away from others (no daycare, school, work, family events, church, or public places) for five days after the start of puffy cheeks. These steps will help prevent mumps from spreading to others.
If you have additional questions, please call the Juneau Public Health Center at 907-465-3353 and ask to speak with a Public Health Nurse.
Sincerely, Alison Gaines, RN, BSN Nurse Manager Juneau Public Health Center
