Dimond News Blast
March 05, 2024
Dear Dimond Families!
Happy Spring Break! We wish your student and family a restful and fun break. Remember, Friday marks the end of the 3rd quarter and there is no school. We are on the home stretch to the end of the year and graduation for our seniors. There will be many events in the weeks to come celebrating our seniors. Please make sure to mark your calendars for these notable events.
2024 School Climate & Connectedness Survey Launch-This is the last week to complete the survey.
The SCCS is an online survey for students, staff, and families. The Anchorage School District window is until Friday, March 8th. The link below is for Families, students have a specific link that is available to them in Canvas. There is NOT a unique link per school, participants simply select their school from a drop-down menu.
The survey links and Family QR code can be found in this SCCS Link List. Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey.
Late Arrival/ Early Dismissal
As we move into the 4th quarter, please note that students with a "late arrival" or "early dismissal" designation in their schedule may not be on campus during that period. Students present on campus during times that they do not have a class pose a safety concern, as we do not have a way to account for them.
If you have any questions, please contact the curriculum office, or email the curriculum principal: scott_michael@asdk12.org.
AK STAR Testing
Each spring, Alaskan students are provided an opportunity to show what they know. When students show what they know, teachers and parents can partner to promote student success. The State of Alaska Department of Education has partnered with NWEA to align and connect the English language arts (ELA) and mathematics tests with the MAP Growth benchmark assessments students take in the fall and winter.
This balanced assessment system targets instruction to better support meeting students’ individual learning needs. In addition, students will take only one assessment per content area (ELA and math) and be provided two scores as follows:
Summative assessment results at grade-level
MAP Growth interim benchmark result, including growth from fall to spring
AK STAR, the Alaska System of Academic Readiness, is comprised of English language arts and mathematics and is administered to students in grades 3-9. The Alaska Science Assessment is administered to students in grades 5, 8, and 10. The purpose of a large-scale, summative assessment is to provide parents and schools an overall picture of a student’s progress in meeting the Alaska standards at grade level.
Parents can locate resources for AK STAR and the Alaska Science Assessment, including directions for Student Readiness (Practice Tests and Tutorials), student testing times and general assessment information on the ASD website at https://www.asdk12.org/akstar.
The ASD AK STAR and Alaska Science Assessment testing window allows for school assessment scheduling flexibility. Students! Get ready to show what you know during our school’s AK STAR and Alaska Science Assessment testing dates: April 2nd-April 4th.
Please contact the Dimond curriculum office or email the curriculum principal: scott_michael@asdk12.org if you have any questions.
Senior Fun Day!
Senior Fun Day will be held on May 3rd, 2024 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at Dimond High School on the football field and in the old gym.
We are looking for donations and financial sponsors for the food, games, and fun provided for our seniors at no cost to them. These donations will go towards our food trucks, rental equipment, and other incidentals.
Donations can be accepted in the form of cash and checks (checks made out to “Senior Fun Day”) and can be dropped off in our front office or given directly to Ms. Hunt in the Activities office.
Donations are also tax deductible, please contact Danielle Essary at essary_danielle@asdk12.org for further details or with any questions (If you would like a receipt for tax deduction purposes, please donate via check.)
For all Senior Related Information, you can view this web page: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Rj4z7mcEUqYwceFZwz-tXvXYc8y2gvJhVpz_mhZ9Btc/edit?usp=sharing
Study Hall Offered After School
Dimond is offering a new opportunity for students who may need or want a space to be productive after school. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from 2:15 pm to 3:15 pm, students can attend Study Hall with Mr. Ripley.
As we approach the end of the third quarter, it's a great way for students to ensure they are succeeding academically. Students will need to sign in and out, however, Study Hall is open to everyone.
Grades Matter! Academic Eligibility for Sports and Activities
Students participating in sports or all-state academic/ fine arts activities must remain academically eligible. Eligibility is checked at the beginning of the 1st and 2nd semesters, as well as the beginning of the 2nd and 3rd quarters.
ASD VIRTUAL STUDENTS be aware that although virtual courses are self-paced, a quarter grade will be given based on your work completed during the grading period. This grade counts towards your academic eligibility.
Students who are not eligible will not be able to participate in their sport or activity.
PTSA
The Lynx Lair needs weekly volunteers - all days are available, but especially Fridays (10:20 am-11:45 am). The Lynx Lair is purely volunteer-run and sells drinks, coffee, and snacks to students at lunch every day. Training is available!
Email us at dimondptsaboard@gmail.com if you’re interested!
Career Resource Center Information—SENIORS
Mrs. Lauwers is in the process of updating and posting upcoming scholarships, testing information, FAFSA, potential college timelines/ application deadlines, and job resources to pursue after graduation. More is available online and in person in the DHS Career Resource.
Please contact Mrs. Lauwers through email at lauwers_kimberly@asdk12.org if you have any questions or if you or your student would like to schedule an appointment. If the CRC office door is open, Mrs. Lauwers is in her office, and feel free to come in for help! You must have a pass from your teacher or come in at lunch or after school. Appointment hours are 8:30 am-3:00 pm.
Have a great Spring Break!
Warm Regards,
Principal Johnson-Harris
A.J. Dimond High School
Website: https://www.asdk12.org/dimond
Location: 2909 West 88th Avenue, Anchorage, AK, USA
Phone: (907) 742-7000