In October, we had our Spooky Carnival put on by the students and hosted a student store at the community bazaar! We were lucky to have a field trip to our local polling station for the election day.  The following day, our local Election Chair, our very own Mrs. Judy, led our students in a mock election and the results tally for all items on the ballet. It was a great experience for our middle and high school students to have! Thank you to Coffman Cove Polling officials and Mrs. Judy!

 

ADP DEED Scores and Amplify Training 

 We recently received our ADP DEED scores, and the results are highly encouraging. Our students are demonstrating age-appropriate behaviors and skills, indicating strong progress toward becoming successful Southeast Island Scholars. These positive results underscore our commitment to fostering an environment where each student can thrive. 

 On November 15th, our Amplify training coordinator, Angela Holstedt, will work with teachers and paraprofessionals on using DIBELS benchmark data, identifying students for intervention, and understanding the role of teachers as interventionists. This training is designed to equip our staff with the tools needed to provide targeted support and improve student outcomes. 

 About Amplify: Amplify is a data-driven instructional program that enables educators to personalize learning based on student performance data. With this implementation, we aim to help each student demonstrate measurable growth in future assessments. This training reflects our commitment to enhancing instructional practices and achieving academic success for our students. 

 Highly Qualified Paraprofessionals 

 As of November 8, 2024, all SISD paraprofessionals are now classified as Highly Qualified, as mandated by DEED. This mandate requires all paraprofessionals to either hold a minimum number of college credits or pass a State of Alaska-approved assessment that demonstrates the academic ability and professionalism needed to serve our students. We extend a huge shoutout to our paraprofessionals for their commitment and dedication in meeting these standards. 

 November Inservice - Educator Well-being 

 On November 8, 2024, during our inservice day, our instructional staff gathered to address educator stressors, focusing on well-being and work-life balance. Each instructional paraprofessional and teacher developed an Individual Educator Plan (IEP), setting realistic goals for professional growth, wellness, and a healthy work-life balance. This initiative reflects our dedication to supporting our educators in their personal and professional development.

 Special Education: Transition Skills 

Our Special Education teachers and paraprofessionals have been actively working with students on essential transition skills. These efforts focus on building skills in areas of personal interest, developing life skills within the context of safety and living on Prince of Wales (POW), and enhancing prevocational skills. Highlights from the program include one student learning the basics of logging and firewood harvesting and another student in Coffman Cove working on repairing a 3D printer. 

Special recognition goes to Matt Gore, Special Education teacher, and Derek Shell, paraprofessional, for their dedication to these hands-on, skill-building experiences. We are proud of our students and staff for their continued commitment to growth, learning, and community support. 

Thank you to everyone who contributes to the success of Southeast Island School District.

With the students of Southeast Island School District in mind,

Robbin Ann Perkins Askew
Special Programs Coordinator
 

The edits to this policy incorporate previous AASB updates and align with the current AASB model policy.

SISD Updates from 2nd Reading:

• During the October meeting, board members discussed adding the criteria for non-emergency closures back into this policy.  This section has been incorporated back into this policy. 
• The changes to the first paragraph have been removed and the wording in the first paragraph of SISD's current policy has been retained.

Pertinent Facts
Following the direction of BP 0500, Review and Evaluation, the School Board reviews policies throughout the year.  Board Policies 1000, 1020, 1100, and 1112 are presented for second reading.
 

PERTINENT FACTS:
This policy was updated to add a legal reference to 4 AAC 06.895 (Report card to the public), add a cross-reference to BP 0510 (the School District Report Card), and to eliminate the introductory note, which was redundant of information already contained in AR 0510 (School District Report Card). Minor updates were made to the policy language to reflect updated and preferred terminology for those with disabilities and those who are non-English speakers.
 

Pertinent Facts
Following the direction of BP 0500, Review and Evaluation, the School Board reviews policies throughout the year.  Board Policies 1114, 1120, 1140, 1150, 1220, 1230, 1240, and 1245 are presented for first reading.

Pertinent Facts
No changes are proposed to this policy.

Pertinent Facts
No changes are proposed to this policy.
 

Pertinent Facts
A minor change is proposed to align this policy with the AASB model policy.
 

Pertinent Facts
No changes are proposed to this policy.
 

Pertinent Facts
This is a new policy, allowed by Alaska Statute, identifying that the Board may adopt a resolution that an advisory question related to education be placed on the School Board's next ballot.  These advisory questions are typically non-binding questions to voters that are used to gather public opinion about education-related issues. 
 

Pertinent Facts
Changes proposed to this policy include:

• update policy number from 1220 to 1230 to align with AASB's numbering system
• minor changes to text to align with the AASB model policy
• removing reference to an Alaska Administrative Code that was repealed

 

Pertinent Facts
Changes proposed to this policy include:

• update policy number from 1230 to 1240 to align with AASB's numbering system
• minor changes to text to align with the AASB model policy

Pertinent Facts
This policy is proposed for removal because the most recent updates are now included as BP 1250.  The AASB-proposed updates to this policy were approved at the October 2024 board meeting.

Pertinent Facts
This policy is proposed for removal because:

• The No Child Left Behind Act was replaced by the Every Student Succeeds Act in 2015.
• BP 6171 and AR 6171 are the updated policy and regulation for Title I and parent and family engagement in Title I programs.  

PERTINENT FACTS
Priority lists are used by the Department of Education & Early Development, the governor, and the legislature to determine school construction and major maintenance projects for capital funding during the upcoming budget cycle. The attached memo and documents include additional information on the process, the initial lists, and how to request reconsideration.

The lists are also available to view on the department’s website.

The FY 2024 Audited Financial Statements were reviewed during the 11/20/2024 work session.

The Division of Elections lists October 24 as the target date to certify the election on their Election Calendar.  We would need to have the meeting after the election is certified for the new board member to participate.