Mt. Edgecumbe High School

Statewide Teleconference

April 5, 2012

I.                    Roll Call 7:00pm AKST (Alaska Standard Time)

 

A.       Roll call was taken and recorded by the name of the enrolled child(ren.)

 

1.       Blossom Twitchell (Home/School Coordinator) gave a reminder that a final roll call would be given at the end of the teleconference to make sure all names were recorded.

2.       It was requested that all participants in the teleconference to place their phone on mute, so that background interference would be at a minimum.

 

B.       People in Attendance in Sitka, Alaska

 

1.       Randy Hawk, MEHS Superintendent

2.       Bernie Gurule, MEHS Academic Principal

3.       Andrew Friske, MEHS Residential Principal/Athletic Director

4.       Bill Winslow, Health & Wellness/Small Business/ENT Teacher

5.       Tracy Dupee, MEHS Dorm Counselor

6.       Kari Lundgren, PA C MEHS Clinic

7.       Blossom Twitchell, MEHS Home/School Coordinator

 

 

II.                  Updates, Progress and Events at MEHS

 

A.      Kari Lundgren, MEHS Clinic PA C

 

1.       Sport physical’s need to be scheduled by parents before their child goes home!  Sport physical’s done by health aides do not count.

2.       Immunization letters, please have your clinic fax them to our secure fax number: (907) 623-0978

3.       The HPV vaccination is now recommended for boys now, if you would like your son to receive this vaccination, please contact us at the clinic.

 

4.       Questions

 

a.        No questions were asked at this time.

 

5.         Contact Information for any questions or additional concerns.

 

a.       Kari Lundgren, telephone:  1 (907) 966-3227

b.      e-mail: karil@searhc.org

c.       MEHS Clinic, telephone:  1 (907) 966-3264

 

B.      Andrew Friske, MEHS Residential Principal/Athletic Director

 

1.       Prom starts at 7:30pm.  Over the past four years Alaska Airlines has been volunteering hairstylists, tailors and make-up artists to help with our prom.  Thirty or so volunteer’s fly up from across the country.  This year a documentary is being made for a local show, you will probably be asked to sign a permission slip by your child so they can be on the show.  You can fax the signed permission slip to the MEHS Dorm Office, (907) 966-2642.

2.       The prom will be webcasted on our webpage: www.mehs.us

3.       We will be sending fourteen NYO (Native Youth Olympics,) athletes up to Anchorage; we will also hold our Athletic Banquet on the seventeenth of this month.  Some more upcoming activities include:   Our biathlon, our Easter egg hunt- which we will be hiding over 900 eggs!

4.       DDF students just competed at state: Daniel Fry, Joseph Marks, Douglas McClenahan, and Anneliese Moll.

5.       The Lady Braves took 3^rd at the Regional’s in Ketchakan, our cheerleaders and our Brave’s basketball team both earned berth’s to compete at State.   

 

6.       Questions

 

a.       Does MEHS have NYO? Yes this year we have about thirty to forty students participating, fourteen will be going to State, and tryouts will start this Sunday.

b.      Can you e-mail prom info?  Our prom will be webcasted on our webpage: www.mehs.us and you can find all of the instruction on the webpage.

c.       Will there be a DVD of prom?  That is not a bad idea.  This year the t.v. show will record the prom and copies of that will be available.

 

7.        Contact Information for any questions or additional concerns

 

a.        Andrew Friske, telephone:  1(907) 966-3228

b.      e-mail: andrewf@mehs.us

 

C.      Tracy Dupee, MEHS Counselor

 

1.        MEHS counseling support is available during the school day as well as every evening in the dorms until about 11:30pm, in addition to the help and support available through MEHS, we also make referrals to providers in the community for drug and alcohol counseling and mental health counseling.

2.       If you have any concerns about your child, please feel free to call the school and ask for a member of the counseling team or you can find our direct numbers and e-mail addresses on the website. 

3.       Questions

a.        No questions were asked at this time.

 

4.        Contact Information for any questions or additional concerns.

 

a.       Tracy Dupee, telephone:  1 (907) 966- 3224

b.      e-mail:  tracyd@mehs.us

D.      Randy Hawk, MEHS Superintendent 

                                    

	Girls	Boys	Total
9	58	35	93
10	61	40	101
11	43	32	75
12	53	31	84
Total	215	138	353

1.     Listed is our current enrollment as of April 3rd.  Last year we ended the year at 344.

2.     The dorm contractor has asked students for room reservations for next year.  This helps us to get a tentative number of who might return for next year.  So far, only 17 students have not put in a room reservation.  We will again have a good return rate.  That being said, it is only speculation until they really do show up next fall.

3.     If this holds true, we will have less spots to fill with incoming students.  As you can see, next year’s 10^th and 11^th will have little room for additions because we try and maintain 100 per grade level.  New senior students may be hard to come by so our senior class may start the year as a small class.

4.     Budget Issues: Depending upon the finalization of the Legislative session, we are waiting to what next year’s funding and budget may look like.  In all likelihood, even if we get more money, we will have less money to work with to cover our costs. For example, our fuel cost went from $478,000 last year to $553,000 this year.  Our electricity costs have gone from $330,000 last year to $359,000 this year. All together, an additional $110,000 more in utilities than last year.  And, as we all know, our transportation costs continue to go up due to the high price of fuel.  So, our buying power is progressively getting less each year.

5.     Summer Maintenance Projects:  The Maintenance Department will be tackling many projects this summer.  One of the main projects for this summer will be to minimize future energy costs on campus.  We are planning to replace the lights and fixtures in all of the classrooms using major maintenance money.  The projected savings in regards to the light replacements is projected to pay itself back in two to three years.

6.     Another project that they want to tackle is to replace showerheads throughout the dorms and gym.  Doing so will almost have an immediate savings by controlling the flow of hot water for the showers. 

7.     MEHS Pool: We are officially getting the MEHS Pool started.  We will be having preliminary visits and planning sessions with DOT who will be coordinating the project.  I will be updating you on the progress once we get started.

 

8.      Questions

 

a.       When will school start next year?  School will start, Monday August 27^th.

a.       Are the new students normally freshmen?  Well, we try for 400 students, and most of them are freshmen.

b.      Will the pool be finished next year?  No, they will be working on the pool for next few years.

c.       Graduation will be on May 3^rd?  Yes, graduation will be held on May 3^rd.

 

 

9.     Contact Information for any questions or additional concerns.

 

a.        Randy Hawk,  telephone:  1 (907) 966-3201

b.      e-mail:  randyh@mehs.us

 

A.      Bill Winslow, Health & Wellness/Small Business/ENT Teacher

 

1.  Our small business class is really doing great, every semester the Alaska Company Manager comes over to the campus and helps out with the class.  In the class the students learn about business ethics, and how business’ help out the community.

2.    They actually are learning about and running the class like a real corporation.  One have is for profit and the other half is non- profit.  The students are selling wristbands ($5.00 each,) and the profits will be split.  They are grouping up with the Easter Group and proceeds will help with the Homeless Initiative of Sitka.

3.   The motto of the class is, “Think globally, and act locally.”  The total gross sales of the wristbands are $5000.00, and are expected to grow.  We will keep the sales going through the summer through the, “Small Business Club.”  You can find more information on the website: www.mehs.us

4.    Seven MEHS have been accepted into the VHOP program.  The Villiage Health Occupations Program is held by SEARHC Hosital, (Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium.)  It is a job shadowing program designed to show students the many health careers that are out there and that are available for them to pursue.  The program will be held April 23^rd thru the 28^th.

 

5.    Questions

 

a.       Thank you!  Our child is having a blast in the Small Business Class, and we hear so much about it when we talk to him!

 

B.      Bernie Gurule, MEHS Academic Principal

1.       Our academic counselor’s are in the middle of scheduling classes for next year.  We are building around what the students want as well as the required core classes.

2.       Our Genetics Class went to Fairbanks and participated in the Alaska Statewide Science Symposium.  Seven students attended and came back with $7,500.00 in prizes won and scholarships.  The students can earn up to eight University of Alaska credits while taking the class.  More information about their trip and the class can be found on our website: www.mehs.us

3.       There will be standardized testing all week.

 

4.        Questions

 

a.       I was just in Washington D.C. and saw many high school students touring the Capital and the Congressional area; does MEHS have a Close Up’s Program?  No, we have not had a Close Up program for three years.  One of our Social Studies teachers is looking into starting the program in the future but it was just too big of a project to start this year.

 

5.         Contact Information for any questions or additional concerns.

 

a.        Bernie Gurule, telephone: 1 (907) 966-3202

b.       e-mail:  bernieg@mehs.us

 

 

I.                    Open Phone Time

 

A.       Questions, Comments, and Concerns

 

1.        Questions

 

a.       Parent:  I would like to thank the administration and the staff of Mt. Edgecumbe High School!  

b.     Parent: Thank you!   

c.     Parent:  Will our children receive a yearbook this year, and what are the costs?   Mr. Gurule:  Yearbooks will be here next year.  If you have a senior, their yearbooks will be mailed to them.  The cost of the yearbook is covered when you pay the activities fee at the beginning of the year.

d.      Parent:  How does Mt. Edgecumbe High School place statewide?  According to the, “No Child Left Behind,” regulations, how well does Mt. Edgecumbe do?  Mr. Hawk:  MEHS did not make AYP this year – we raised our scores significantly from 2010 to 2011. We made AYP in all areas except in Limited English Proficient in Language Arts.   SBA passing bar went up from the 09-10 school year to 10-11 school year.  It will be 100% by 2014.  We raised our proficiency in Language Arts 1% - up to 81%.  We raised our proficiency in Math 12% - up to 73%.  In Limited English Proficient, we lowered our proficiency in Language Arts 3% - down to 65%.  In Limited English Proficient, we raised our proficiency in Math by 7% - up to 60%.  Most of our scores are nearly 10% higher than the State average.

e.     Parent:  What percentage of MEHS students have to take remedial college classes?  Mr. Grule: Overall, our students place above average when they take college placement tests and many of our students take college classes and earn college credits while attending MEHS, and we do pay for them to take the class.  Parent:  That is a great incentive to excel! 

f.      Parent:  When will there be an opening for the MEHS Advisory Board?   Mr. Hawk:  Well, the board consists of nine members and when there is an opening, it will be advertised, we will also let you know either by mailing or SchoolReach.

g.       Parent:  What is the process of Acceptance into MEHS? Our son was not accepted.    Mr. Hawk:  Timing is a key part in getting accepted into MEHS.  The application needs to be 100% complete as well.  If an application is not 100% complete, we do not look at them, so be sure to double check the application before turning it in.  Once we view an application, we rate them, the earlier you turn in an application, the higher the rank it receives.  Then all the factors play a part, we have one dorm for boys and two dorms for the girls, so we will accept more girls due to the fact we have more space to house them. 

h.      Parent:  Can you please go over the schedule of traveling home again?  Mr. Friske:  Sure!  The Graduation Ceremony is on the 3^rd, the students will begin traveling the day of Graduation.  On the morning of the 4^th, everyone will be travelling to Anchorage or already be in Anchorage.  Once in Anchorage, the students will begin the travel to their hometowns, all of those flights will leave Anchorage on the 4^th. 

i.         Parent:  What are the efforts in getting scholarships for students?  Mr. Gurule:  We have an entire class to help our seniors with that endeavor.  Senior Futures’ sole purpose is to connect students with our advisors to work on scholarships and college acceptance.

j.        Parent:  How can we help with the pool?  Can we call up senators’?  Mr. Hawk:  The pool is a go, all we have to do is wait for it to be complete.

k.       Numerous Parents:  Thank you!  Everyone in Attendance:  Thank you for calling in!  

 

II.                   Final Roll Call 8:10pm AKST (Alaska Standard Time)

 

A.       Final Roll Call was recorded by Blossom Twitchell

 

1.        Thank you for calling in this year!  Each and every teleconference was a success!

Mt. Edgecumbe High School

Statewide Teleconference

March 8, 2011

I.                    Roll Call 7:10pm AKST (Alaska Standard Time)

A.       Roll call was taken and recorded by the name of the enrolled child(ren.)

 

1.        Blossom Twitchell (Home/School Coordinator) gave a reminder that a final roll call would be given at the end of the teleconference to make sure all names were recorded.

2.       It was requested that all participants in the teleconference to place their phone on mute, so that background interference would be at a minimum.

B.       People in Attendance in Sitka, Alaska

 

1.       Bernie Gurule, MEHS Academic Principal

2.       Andrew Friske, MEHS Residential Principal/Athletic Director

3.       Tracy Dupee, MEHS Dorm Counselor

4.       Kari Lundgren, PA C MEHS Clinic

5.       Carl Blackhurst, Healthy Lifestyles Coordinator

6.       Blossom Twitchell, MEHS Home/School Coordinator

 

II.                  Updates, Progress and Events at MEHS

A.      Bernie Gurule, MEHS Academic Principal

1.       Liberal Arts Day @ MEHS, Saturday , March 10

2.       Our MEHS Battle of Books Team took 6^th at State.

3.       Our National Honor Society Induction Ceremony will be held March 21, 2012.

4.       Prom was moved from April 7 to April 6, due to Sitka High School scheduling their prom on the same day.  Rescheduling our prom will avoid any overbooking of dinner reservations or hair appointments.

5.       Prom dress alterations & tuxedo rentals are being arranged by Mr. Ivy and a group of volunteers who are flown up here from around the country by Alaska Airlines.  This year, Mr. Ivy and the group were able to work out a deal with Men’s Warehouse.  Previously, tuxedo rentals started from $200.00 here in town.  This year, the price of the basic rental tux will start at $60.00 and it will go up from there depending on the options you choose.  The tux’s will also be flown up here courtesy of Alaska Airlines.

6.       The Standardized Test dates are as following: April 2-6

7.       Graduation information will go out to parents in the last progress report : March 30

8.       Questions

a.        No questions were asked at this time. 

9.        Contact Information for any questions or additional concerns.

a.        Bernie Gurule, telephone: 1 (907) 966-3202

b.       e-mail:  bernieg@mehs.us

 B.       Kari Lundgren, MEHS Clinic PA C

1.        The 2012 MEHS Health Fair will be held during Saturday School on March 10th.  We have gotten a tremendous response to participate from Health Care professionals throughout the community.  Participating organizations will be the US Coast Guard, Mental Health providers, SEARHC Dental staff, UAS Nursing students, SEARHC Diabetes Prevention program, SEARHC Tobacco Cessation, UAS Health Careers staff, Sitkan’s Against Family Violence, and the SEARHC Pharmacy staff. The exhibits will promote healthy lifestyles and disease prevention, but also promote careers in health.

2.       Questions

a.        No questions were asked at this time.

 3.         Contact Information for any questions or additional concerns.

a.       Kari Lundgren, telephone:  1 (907) 966-3227

b.      e-mail: karil@searhc.org

c.       MEHS Clinic, telephone:  1 (907) 966-3264

 C.       Tracy Dupee, MEHS Counselor

 1.        MEHS counseling support is available during the school day as well as every evening in the dorms until about 11:30pm, in addition to the help and support available through MEHS, we also make referrals to providers in the community for drug and alcohol counseling and mental health counseling.

2.       If you have any concerns about your child, please feel free to call the school and ask for a member of the counseling team or you can find our direct numbers and e-mail addresses on the website. 

3.       Questions

a.        No questions were asked at this time.

 4.        Contact Information for any questions or additional concerns.

 a.       Tracy Dupee, telephone:  1 (907) 966- 3224

b.      e-mail:  tracyd@mehs.us

 D.       Andrew Friske, MEHS Residential Principal/Athletic Director

 1.       The Regional Basketball Tournament was held in Ketchikan this year.  Our 1^st Pep Band/Rock Band in recent history, attended this year, and they were a big hit!  Our Cheerleading Squad took 2^nd place and earned a spot to compete at State.  Our Braves Basketball team played hard and also earned a State berth.  Our Robotics Club also travelled to Fairbanks for the Robotics State Championships, both robots competed well.  The, “Iron Braves,” team won the Rockwell Collins Innovation Award.  The, “Titanium Braves,” team made it all the way to the semifinals in their division. 

 2.       Questions

 a.       No questions were asked at this time.

 3.        Contact Information for any questions or additional concerns

 a.        Andrew Friske, telephone:  1(907) 966-3228

b.      e-mail: andrewf@mehs.us

 E.       Carl Blackhurst, Healthy Lifestyles Coordinator

 1.  We will hold an all dorm Open House Sunday March 18th.  This is the one time that the boys and the girls will be able to see each other’s dorms and rooms.  This event is both highly popular and highly supervised.

2.  This time of year we have lots of activities planned, we try and keep the kids very busy with outdoor activities, along with cooking and baking.  This is the time of year where we have a lot of homesickness, so we are here to keep the kids going either being outdoors kayaking, hiking, biking or working as a group baking or cooking together.  When you talk to your child, it’s a great time to encourage them to get involved in an activity.

3.    Questions

 b.      No questions were asked at this time.

 III.                 Open Phone Time

 A.       Questions, Comments, and Concerns

 1.        Questions

 

a.        Parent:  How do you access my student’s report cards online?  Mr. Gurule:  Instructions were sent out in the mail, I’ll contact you later to walk you through the process. 

b.   Parent: When is the last day of school, when will my child fly out of Sitka?   Mr. Friske:  Students will fly out May 3^rd, they will arrive in Anchorage the morning of the 4^th and most students should fly out to their hometowns from Anchorage on the 4^th.

c.     Parent:  Does MEHS have a Spring Break?  Mr. Gurule:  No, we do not have a Spring Break here at MEHS.  Not having a Spring Break allows us to have a longer Summer Break.

d.     Parent:  Will there be chaperones in Anchorage when our children fly home?  Mr. Friske:  Yes, there will be chaperones in Anchorage; the students are required to stay with the chaperones until they leave on their scheduled flight home.

e.    Parent:  My child was put on restriction for missing their tutorials but she missed her tutorials because her name wasn’t on the right list for her floor.  Mr. Friske: The tutorial lists are the same on all floors, but it is possible that her name wasn’t highlighted.  All students are welcome to discuss any tutorial write ups with Ms Sharlymae.

f.      Parent:  Is there a place online where I can log on to so I can view how many credits my child has?  Mr. Gurule: No, that information is cannot be found on the website due to its confidentiality but you are welcome to call the Academic Office during regular school hours at 1(907) 966-3200 and they will be able to look up that information for you.

g.     Parent:  Theft is an issue, how is that being handled? Mr. Friske:  It has been a while since we have had an incident of theft in the dorms.  Mr. Gurule: Unfortunately, theft does happen but when it does, we take it very seriously and the consequences are steep.  Due to the seriousness, we do have to prove that the item was taken and be sure that we have the right person, so we stress that the students take the proper measure to secure their valuables and property.

h.     Parent:  How do you purchase apparel?   Mr. Friske:  Anyone who wants to purchase MEHS apparel is welcome to call Mr. Goldsberry.  His office hours are 3pm to Midnight Friday thru Tuesday, and his days off are Wednesday and Thursday.  His telephone number is: 1(907) 966-3251 and his e-mail address is: lieudellg@mehs.us

i.         Parent:  Do you have a bank? Mr. Friske:  We have safes in each dorm available to students, and they are welcome to store their valuables in there, we also have an ATM and there is always the option of using the local banks in town.

j.        Parent:  Thank you for the webcast’s!

IV.                 Final Roll Call 8:10pm AKST (Alaska Standard Time)

 A.       Final Roll Call was recorded by Blossom Twitchell

 1.        All were invited to attend the final MEHS Statewide Teleconference on April 5, 2012 at 7pm.

On November 27^, 2001, MEHS Students gathered in the cafeteria to participate in the year’s first Merit Buck Auction!  Merit Bucks are a campus currency; Mt. Edgecumbe High School gives out, “Merit Bucks,” to our students to reward good behavior and excellence in their academic studies.  Our students collect Merit Bucks throughout the year to pay for extra privileges on campus, as well as saving them to spend at the auction!

This year, twelve local businesses donated $931.32 worth of merchandise to our event!  Item’s that ranged from water bottles to Wii games!  The event is also made possible by the generous support of the Sitka Native Education Program; The SNEP Program provides $1000.00 per semester for the Merit Buck Auction alone!  This made for an amazing event, for our students!  They were able to bid on items such as: Blankets, alarm clocks, gift certificates, sport equipment and a variety of snack foods!

All in all, $15,665 Merit Bucks were spent, and the big winners of the night was Alyssa Agnes and Cheyanne Prince who walked away with the grand prizes-an iPod Shuffle each! 

Next time you talk to your child, be sure to encourage them to earn Merit Bucks each day, we are sure to have another amazing event second semester!

Mt. Edgecumbe High School

Statewide Teleconference

October 6, 2011

I.                    Roll Call 7pm AKST (Alaska Standard Time)

 

A.       Roll call was taken and recorded by the name of the enrolled child(ren.)

 

1.        Blossom Twitchell (Home/School Coordinator) gave a reminder that a final roll call would be given at the end of the teleconference to make sure all names were recorded.

2.       It was requested that all participants in the teleconference to place their phone on mute, so that background interference would be at a minimum.

 

B.       People in Attendance in Sitka, Alaska

 

1.       Randy Hawk, MEHS Superintendant

2.       Bernie Gurule, MEHS Academic Principal

3.       Andrew Friske, MEHS Residential Principal/Athletic Director

4.       Tracy Dupee, MEHS Dorm Counselor

5.       Kari Lundgren, PA C MEHS Clinic

6.       Blossom Twitchell, MEHS Home/School Coordinator

 

II.                  Updates, Progress and Events at MEHS

 

A.      Randy Hawk, MEHS Superintendent  

 

1.        2011-2012 Enrollment

 

		Girls	Boys	Total
	9	67	40	107
	10	69	38	107
	11	51	34	85
	12	60	38	98
	Total	247	150	397

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October is our enrollment count period so we hope to maintain the current enrollment which would help with our funding.

 

2.      The Advisory Board approved the 2012-2013 Calendar at last night’s meeting.  First semester will start on August 27^th and end on December 20^th.  Second semester will start on January 14^th and end on May 9^th

 

3.     We just had our Advisory Board meeting last night and one of the things on the agenda was to formally approve Capital Improvement Projects for the upcoming Governor’s Budget.  Projects recommended to be put forward were:

·         Heating Plan Upgrades – Phase II, III, IIIa

·         Locker Renovation in the Gym

·         Girl’s Dorm Siding

·         Back-up Generators for the MEHS Campus

 

New Construction

·         Academic Wing Expansion

 

Much depends upon what the Governor feels should be included in his budget so we will have to see what he does approve.

 

4.      Contact Information for any questions or additional concerns.

 

a.        Randy Hawk,  telephone:  1 (907) 966-3201

b.      e-mail:  randyh@mehs.us

 

B.       Kari Lundgren, MEHS Clinic PA C

 

1.        The MEHS Clinic is an, “On Site,” primary care facility that also offers, “Sick Bay,” care for any students that are not well enough to go to school.

2.       The MEHS Clinic works closely with all MEHS Athletes’, we make sure that they are physically fit to complete the sports that they are involved in and help with any physical ailments that may come up. 

3.       Every Monday, we hold a Sports Clinic for any and all who need time with a Physical Therapist.

4.       We also have on site nutrition, and we have held a popular, “Healthy Choices/Diet,” clinic.

5.       The Flu Season has started, and we will begin to hold a vaccine clinic.  Information will be sent out with the Progress Reports.  We will have enough for everyone at the school to receive a shot.  If you do not want your child to have the flu vaccine, please contact the MEHS Clinic.

6.       This year we have had a very healthy campus due to 92% of the students receiving the flu shot last year.

7.       Questions

 

a.        Are Non-Native Students also covered by Denali Kid Care?  Yes, all MEHS Student’s are covered by DKC, (Denali Kid Care.)  You as a parent can also have your child covered by your private insurance, if the school doesn’t have your insurance information already, feel free to call the clinic:  (907) 966-3264

b.      Are there Dental Services available to our children? Yes, the MEHS Clinic can schedule dental appointments, you are able to call the clinic and request an appointment scheduling for your child.

c.       Can we request copies of the appointments our child/children go to?  Yes, you can call the clinic and we are able to e-mail or fax your the records.

d.      Do our children have the opportunity to see an eye doctor?  Yes, all of the students have their eyes and teeth checked during Edge Camp at the beginning of the year; and then you are always welcome to call the clinic and request that an appointment be made for your child.

e.      My child’s glasses broke.  DKC cover’s one pair of glasses a year, you can call the clinic and we can set up an appointment for your child.

f.        Will I get billed for contacts?  DKC will pay for glasses buy not contacts.  The Eye Clinic at the hospital will notify you of the cost of the contacts before they are ordered.

g.       What about cardiology clinic’s, is that a service that you provide?  If you have a concern about your child, and you feel they need to be seen by a cardiologist, contact the clinic and we will work on getting them into that specialty clinic at the hospital.

h.      How long does the DKC coverage last?  Denali Kid Care (DKC,) is good for one year.

i.         Is the Denali Kid Care, (DKC,) coverage a perk for attending the school?  Yes it is.

j.        Will we be able to get a DKC card for over Christmas Break?  Yes, have your child stop by the MEHS Clinic and ask for a copy.

 

8.         Contact Information for any questions or additional concerns.

 

a.       Kari Lundgren, telephone:  1 (907) 966-3227

b.      e-mail: karil@searhc.org

c.       MEHS Clinic, telephone:  1 (907) 966-3264

 

C.       Bernie Gurule, MEHS Academic Principal

 

1.        First of all, I would like to thank the SEARHC MEHS Clinic for all of the work and services they provide for us here on campus, and I would also like to take this time to thank the GCI Operator who is listening in and making sure this teleconference is working smoothly!

2.       On Saturday the 8^th, MEHS will hold a Saturday School!  There are six Saturday School Day’s throughout the school year; and we treat it like a regular school day.  We are able to finish the school year early by holding the Saturday School.  This Saturday we are having a Science Day!  Some of the many activities include a PH Lab of the Ocean’s Acid Levels, Measuring the Velocity of a Crashing Vehicle, and visiting the Aquariums in town.

3.       Ms. Sachiko Inomata is from a little town, Kamakura, about an hour from Tokyo. She comes to us through the International Internship Program which places Japanese nationals in foreign schools to teach about Japanese Language and Culture. She will be a part of our teaching staff the entire first semester. She is an expert in the Japanese Tea Ceremony. Ms. Inomata is doing a wonderful job working with our students on their speaking skills.  She is also working one-on-one with MEHS students on independent Japanese studies. Mr. Kimber, our Japanese teacher and Head Wrestling Coach coordinated the internship and is serving as the host mentor instructor.

4.       Special Activities / Events: (A). Every MEHS student will participate in the Sitka College Fair on October 20. The fair is an opportunity for students and parents to obtain first hand valuable information about colleges, universities and career opportunities, financial aid and more. Representatives from over 50 institutions across the nation will make themselves available to answer questions and offer support for higher education options. (B). This month MEHS will send ten students and two staff members to the Alaska Association of Student Government Conference in Anchorage @ Service High School. This fine group of students and advisors do a wonderful job of improving our school experiences both in the classrooms and in the residential setting.  They prove to be committed week in and week out. I am very proud to be associated with them. (C). Eight Japanese students and two teachers visited MEHS for about five days in September. Mr. Kimber coordinated the activities and the sister-school partnership. The group is from Muroran Shimizugaoka Senior High School on the island of Hokkaido. Mr. Kimber has taken several MEHS student groups to Muroran for once–in-a lifetime international educational experiences. (D). Academic Counselor Joel Lueders coordinated an intensive study and prep session for our Senior students to prepare them for the upcoming ACT and SAT Tests. He volunteered his Saturday (9/24) and recruited personnel to come in and help in writing, math skills and conducted a practice test session. (E) Our Juniors participated in the ASVAB tests and (F) Paula Clayton and I will administer the WorkKeys Assessments for all Juniors and Seniors wishing to take the assessment for the second time in order to improve their chances for the Alaska Performance Scholarship opportunities.  The assessments will be conducted in mid-November.

5.       Questions

a.        How does MEHS deal with Cyber Bullying? Thank you for that question, MEHS takes Cyber Bullying seriously.  We talk to the students during Edge Camp at the beginning of the year and we teach them the consequences for Cyber Bullying.  MEHS treats Cyber Bullying as Harassment which is a Major Infraction here on campus and it comes with serious consequences.  We encourage all students to communicate with us, with any and all concerns they have about Cyber Bullying.  Again, thank you for your question.

b.      When are finals?  Parents will be getting progress reports in a couple of weeks.

 

6.        Contact Information for any questions or additional concerns.

 

a.        Bernie Gurule, telephone: 1 (907) 966-3202

b.       e-mail:  bernieg@mehs.us

 

D.       Tracy Dupee, MEHS Counselor

 

1.        MEHS counseling support is available during the school day as well as every evening in the dorms until about 11:30pm, in addition to the help and support available through MEHS, we also make referrals to providers in the community for drug and alcohol counseling and mental health counseling.

2.       If you have any concerns about your child, please feel free to call the school and ask for a member of the counseling team or you can find our direct numbers and e-mail addresses on the website. 

3.       Questions

 

a.        No questions.

 

4.        Contact Information for any questions or additional concerns.

 

a.       Tracy Dupee, telephone:  1 (907) 966- 3224

b.      e-mail:  tracyd@mehs.us

 

E.        Andrew Friske, MEHS Residential Principal/Athletic Director

 

1.        We have a new Mentor Program on campus; it is designed to help all students in the dorm with homework during Quiet Hour.  We also have a full tutorial program that is available to the students in the morning as well as 4pm to 9pm.  The Tutorial Program is offered to all students who are referred by teachers, parents or by the students themselves.

2.       We have a new Cultural Coordinator on Campus!  Tom Gamble lives here in Sitka and is a wonderful new addition to the MEHS Campus!  He lead the students and staff in a Tlingit Canoe outing.  The canoe is a traditional 24 ft long wooden canoe that holds up to eight, (8,) people.  It was an awesome sight to see!  I am excited to see what else he has planned for the cultural program here on campus.

3.       X- Country ended with wonderful results.  Crystal McNeilly took 3^rd in Regions and 23^rd in State.  The Lady Braves X-Country Team took 5^th in State and the Braves X-Country Team took 8^th in State.

4.       The MEHS Wrestling Program has begun; the team has already travelled to Hoonah.

5.       The Lady Braves Volleyball Team is 5-1 at the moment.

6.       We also had sixteen (16,) Drama, Debate & Forensics (DDF) Students travel to Juneau.

7.       Student Council members will also be traveling to Anchorage for the Alaska Association of Student Governments, (AASG.)

8.       We have about 3/4^th of the student population involved in ASAA, (Alaska School Activities Association,) sanctioned activities.

9.       Dividends are out and it is a great time to purchase tickets home for the upcoming Christmas Break.  The Dorms will close December 16^th at 5pm and re-open January 7^th at 8am; school will start that Monday- January 9^th. 

10.   Questions

 

a.       Who is the best person to talk to about Tutorials?  The best person to talk to is Mr. Goldsberry, the Residential Vice-Principal.  His number is: 1 (907) 966-3251 or you can also call me, Mr. Friske at: 1 (907) 966-3228.

b.      How is the best way to get flight schedules?  You can either work through a travel agent or gather travel information online from: alaskaair.com.

c.       Will the students be traveling alone?  Yes, they will be traveling alone.

d.      How long are the flights to Anchorage?  There will always be a stop in Juneau; it is usually a two and a half hour flight.

e.      Are there only two flights out a day?  Yes.

f.        Do we also have to pay for the return travel?  Yes, you do.

g.       All of you are doing an awesome job, thank you!  Thank you!

h.      How often do the Residential Advisor’s check the rooms?  The rooms are checked daily for room grades, and during evening hours they are checked every half hour.  There are two Residential Advisors’ on each floor, and they are responsible for the half hour rounds.  The campus is staffed twenty-four hours a day.

i.         My son has said that a student is coming in his room and possibly taking things.  We provide locks and room keys to each student, and we encourage everyone to lock up their items for safe keeping.  This year the theft has gone down.

j.        When are the designated computer hours that the students are allowed on the computers?  The computer use is open to the students.  During, “Quiet Hour,” they are allowed to work on their computer’s as long as it is school related, the option to, “Pay to Stay Up,” is offered to all the students if they need to work on homework after lights out.  Other than that, computers shut off at 10:15pm.

 

III.                 Final Roll Call 8:10pm AKST (Alaska Standard Time)

 

A.       Final Roll Call was recorded by Blossom Twitchell

 

1.        All were invited to attend the 3^rd MEHS Statewide Teleconference on December 1, 2011 at 7pm.

September 8, 2011

Mt. Edgecumbe High School

Statewide Teleconference

I.                    Roll Call 7pm AKST (Alaska Standard Time)

 

A.       Roll call was taken and recorded by the name of the enrolled child(ren.)

 

1.        Blossom Twitchell (Home/School Coordinator) gave a reminder that a final roll cal would be given at the end of the teleconference to make sure all names were recorded.

2.       It was requested that all participants in the teleconference to place their phone on mute, so that background interference would be at a minimum.

 

B.       People in Attendance in Sitka, Alaska

 

1.        Randy Hawk, MEHS Superintendant

2.       Bernie Gurule, MEHS Academic Principal

3.       Andrew Friske, MEHS Residential Principal/Athletic Director

4.       Tracy Dupee, MEHS Dorm Counselor

5.       Kathy Eggan, MEHS Clinic Nurse

6.       Blossom Twitchell, MEHS Home/School Coordinator

 

II.                  Reports Given as followed

 

MEHS Superintendent’s Report

September 8, 2011

 

 

2011-2012 Enrollment

There are more applicants than ever before applying to MEHS. 

There is a high number of returning students. 

 

     Enrollment                                                          Returning/New

		Girls	Boys	Total			R	N
	9	70	40	110		9	0	110
	10	71	38	109		10	95	14
	11	52	34	86		11	74	12
	12	61	38	99		12	94	5
	Total	254	150	404		Total	263	141

2011 AYP

MEHS did not make AYP this year – we raised our scores significantly from 2010 to 2011

We made AYP in all areas except in Limited English Proficient in Language Arts.

SBA passing bar went up from the 09-10 school year to 10-11 school year.  It will be 100% by 2014

We raised our proficiency in Language Arts 1% - up to 81%.

We raised our proficiency in Math 12% - up to 73%.

In Limited English Proficient, we lowered our proficiency in Language Arts 3% - down to 65%.

In Limited English Proficient, we raised our proficiency in Math by 7% - up to 60%.

Most of our scores are nearly 10% higher than the State average. 

 

  9^th SBA Proficient                                                                

	Reading	Writing	Math
MEHS	88.5%	84.4%	78.1%
State	80.8%	74.2%	60.1%

  10^th SBA Proficient

	Reading	Writing	Math	Science
MEHS	78.5%	81.6%	71.1%	59.0%
State	75.3%	73.2%	62.7%	64.6%

Results from the 10^th HSGQE are found below.  These scores are also well above the State average – especially in the Math area.

                         10^th HSGQE Proficient

		Reading	Writing	Math
	MEHS	87.3%	81.6%	92.1%
	State	83.4%	71.1%	76.9%

Summer Update

Installations of our new phones, our new network upgrades, and our new wireless have been completed. 

The rollout of our Pinnacle Gradebook is also underway, information is being sent to parents in the mail.

MEHS Capital Improvement Projects Update

We just finished the bathrooms, laundry rooms, and hallway renovations in the Boys Dorm.

Randy Hawk, MEHS Superintendent

Academic Principal’s Report

September 8, 2011

 

Three New Teachers 

Bruce Christianson- Special Education

Kerry McAdams , Social Studies

Emily Routon, Reading

 

Four Intern Teachers

 Ms. Buck – Science, Ms. McCrehin-English, Ms. Emmens- English,&  Mr. Crouch- Social Studies

Three AmeriCorps Volunteers: Ms. Reynolds, Ms. Doughty & Mr. Dempster

One Foreign Exchange Teacher – Ms.  Sachiko Inomata, Japanese language classes

 

1.       Japanese delegation of eight students and four adult teachers will begin their visit to MEHS on Friday, September 9. They are from Muroran Shimizugaoka Senior High School, Muroran City, Hokkaido, Japan

 

 

2.       MEHS will host a delegation of four Chinese teachers from Kunming, China in late September. We will work to eventually arrange for exchange students to China for a semester. Currently we have two exchange students from China. They are enjoying the new environment.

 

3.       Three important forms were mailed to parents this week. (1) 2010-11 Adequate Yearly Progress Report, (2) On –Line Pinnacle Grade Book information to access your child’s progress on a daily basis., (3) Student Verification of Information  form – Please update our data base with current contact numbers etc.

 

4.       Explanation of MEHS Block Schedule: Every class meets every day for 80 minutes. Every student has four classes, except senior students who may have five, or student  in advanced classes or Journalism. They will earn full credits in one semester and get a new schedule of classes second semester. There are full year classes in English and Mathematics.

 

5.       We will begin our second year of Law Enforcement Cadet Corps. It was very successful last year and we have many new students interested in being part of the organization.

 

6.       The MEHS Corps Knowledge & Skills of our basic required courses branch out into several areas: Science & Engineering, Technology, Trades, Education careers, Health care Business, and Law & Law Enforcement.

 

My contact number is 907-966-3202.

Bernie Gurule, MEHS Academic Principal

 

Residential Dorm Principal’s/ Athletic Director’s Report

September 8, 2011

 

   The 2011-2012 school year is off to a great start!  MEHS had twenty-one upper classmen who traveled from all over the state to lead this year’s, “Edge Camp.”  All twenty-one Orientation leaders did an amazing job informing new students about the rules and regulation’s here at MEHS, as well as taking them on tours of campus and the City of Sitka.

 

   The Dormitories are staffed by two Residential Advisor’s on each floor at all times.  We also have a team of highly trained Recreational Staff who take the students on daily hikes, berry picking trips, and various other outdoor and indoor activities.  The MEHS Campus also has Security personnel who are here 24 hours a day.

 

   MEHS Sports is underway, the X-Country team is traveling to Ketchikan for a meet and the Girls Volleyball team will be playing the Juneau Douglas volleyball team this weekend.  We are looking forward to hold the Southeast Alaska Regional Wrestling Tournament here on campus this year!

 

   The MEHS Sport’s program currently has three hundred out of four hundred students involved in ASAA sports!

 

   Letter’s with information concerning ASAA, (Alaska School Activities Association,) the campus TAD program, (Tobacco, Alcohol, Drug,) and the new regulations that the school has adopted on Concussion’s will be sent out to parents by mail.

 

Andrew Friske, MEHS Residential Dorm Principal/Athletic Director

 

 

MEHS Counseling Service Report

September 8, 2011

 

   The MEHS Counseling Staff is available during school hours and in the dorms during the evening hours.  We provide support to students for academic and personal issues.  We also have several agencies in the community that provide mental health and substance abuse services to our students. 

 

   We encourage you all to contact the counseling team here if you have any concerns about your child.

 

Tracy Dupee

(907) 966-3224

tracyd@mehs.us

Or all counselor’s at: counselors@mehs.us

Tracy Dupee, MEHS Counselor

 

MEHS Clinic Report

September 8, 2011

 

     The Mt. Edgecumbe Student Health Center is open Monday-Friday 7:30am to 10:30pm and Saturday and Sunday 8:00am to 11:30pm.  Annual eye and dental appointments have been completed and well as the yearly TB testing.  The flu clinic is getting ready to open, if you do not wish to have your child get the flu vaccination, please notify the school.  If you have any questions, please contact us at the clinic: (907) 966-3264

Kathy Eggan, MEHS Clinic Nurse

III.                Open Phone Time
    A.       Questions, Comments, and Concerns
        1.        Questions
            a.        Parent:  Has the leak in the Girl’s Main Dorm been fixed?  Mr. Friske:  Yes, the leak has been fixed.

            b.       Parent: When is the best time to call my child?  Mr. Friske:

Our daily schedule is as follows:

School is out at 4pm

School is out for Senior's at 2:20pm

Dinner is from 5:45pm-6:45pm (Sunday-Thursday)

Quiet Hour is from 7pm- 8:30pm (Sunday-Thursday)

Lights out is at 10:30pm (Sunday-Thursday)

Lights out on Weekends is at 11:30pm (Friday-Saturday)

            The best time to call your child is at 10pm or right after dinner or Quiet Hour.

 

c.      Parent:  Do the teacher’s work with students one to one if they are failing in their grades?  Mr. Gurule:  The teacher’s are at the school before school starts, and after school, if the student is failing in their class, they also refer the student to tutorials.  There is also the Online Grade Book, the teacher’s have the responsibility to let the students know that they are failing.

 

d.      Parent: How can we find out the Access Codes to the Online Grade Book?  Mr. Gurule:  Your child should know their access codes, and a letter has been sent out with instructions on how to log on the system.  Parent:  Can it alert you when your child’s grades are low?  Mr. Gurule:  You will be able to set up the setting to what you prefer.

 

e.     Parent:  Will a school calendar be added to the website?  The news on the website has been old.  Mr. Gurule:  Our IT guys have been busy working on our new wireless and telephone system, now that they are wrapping that work up, they will begin to upgrade the website consistently.

 

f.      Parent:  How do you manage accountably in the dorms?  Mr. Friske:  There are two Residential Advisor’s on each floor of the dorms, and they check on the students throughout the day and even throughout the night to make sure the students are safe and secure, (The students also sign on and out to where they are going, and where they have been.) After the students are in for the night, all of the doors to each dorm is locked and we have security on hand that patrols the campus.  Every employee has a radio that is how we are able to communicate efficiently in case there is an emergency.  Parent:  And what if a student is missing?  Mr. Friske:  Usually when that happens, they are in a meeting and forgot to sign out, and we find them in a matter of minutes.  If a child wasn’t accounted for, security, as well as other employee’s on hand would search campus for them, and we would give the student 15 minutes to show up, if and when they did not show up, we would then call the Sitka Police and also notify their parents of the matter.

 

g.     Parent:  Will I be notified if my child gets hurt and is taken to the hospital?  Mr. Friske:  Yes, you will be notified and you have the choice to be notified when your child is discharged from the E.R.

 

h.     Parent:  Is my child feed three meals a day?  Mr. Friske:  Yes, the students are fed three meals a day, as well as snacks before bed, 5 days out of the week, the cafeteria has the best salad bar on the island.

 

IV.          Final Roll Call 8:15pm AKST (Alaska Standard Time)

 

A.     Final Roll Call was recorder by Blossom Twitchell

1.      Final Goodnight and an invitation to our next Statewide Teleconference which will be held, October 6^th at 7pm

 

MEHS Prom 2011!

Webcam and Photo Orders

With the days growing longer and spring in the air, prom is right around the corner. Just because you are far away doesn’t mean you have to miss all of the excitement.  The Mt. Edgecumbe High School prom will once again have a live webcam.  The webcam will be set up near the entrance of the dance for the entire evening.  Just navigate to the Mt. Edgecumbe High School home page to view the event: www.mehs.us.  There will also be professional photography available.  For the first time this year, you will be able to view and order prom photos right from home!  On Tuesday, April 26 you can link to Harry Race's website to order photos. Just click on: www.harrys.lifepics.com  On their homepage, to the right of the photo of tree will be a link to the prom photos called: MEHS Prom 2011.

The Volleyball games this week will be live on the Internet. 

To watch the games use Internet Explorer to go to the following link: MEHS Live Video

The times for the games are:

Thursday:

Lady Braves vs Thunder Mountain (Juneau) 7:45pm

JV Lady Braves vs TMHS C 6:00pm

C Lady Braves vs TMHS C 4:30pm

 

Friday & Saturday:

Lady Braves vs Craig Panthers Varsity 7:45pm

JV Lady Braves vs Craig JV 6:00pm

 

Saturday JV and C Team Tournament Starts @ 10am

10am MEHS vs Craig

10:50am MEHS vs Sitka

11:40am Sitka vs TMHS

 

Bracketed Tournament Starts @ 12pm over at SHS

Parents are one of our best assets at MEHS! 

We are working on making our website better for all. 

We hope you enjoy it.