WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL!

It is exciting to be starting off what I am sure will prove to be another great year at Unalaska City School.  I have no doubt that all of the students and teachers are ready to get back together and discuss all the fun they had over the summer. For me that was playing (sometimes not so well) a round of golf virtually every day. 

At the high school, we have three new teachers joining our team, while Eagle’s View Elementary will have one new teacher and a new principal joining their staff.  Even though it is hard to say goodbye to our friends and co-workers who left us last year, we are excited about the quality of new staff members joining the district this school year.  New staff members joining the district are as follows: Heather Ley, 3rd Grade; Erin Gannon, 5-12^th grade Special Education; Shoshannah Jacobs, 9-12^th grade Science/Math; and Julie Heard, 5-12^th grade Physical Education/Health. We would like to invite you to meet and visit with our new and returning teachers at our annual Back-to-School Barbeque August 19^th, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Eagle’s View Elementary.  In addition, we will be having a Back-To-School Orientation September 8, from 6-8 p.m.  This time will allow students an opportunity to show off their new classrooms and what they are currently working on in class. 

Your active participation in your student’s education is imperative!  Helping your student maintain GREAT punctuality and attendance is instrumental in developing positive work habits and ensuring success in school.  Planning family vacations during the summer break, holiday vacations, and/or over spring break is greatly appreciated. This will help eliminate the possibility of your student/s developing gaps in their education and assist in student achievement.  Please, take the time to look over the student handbook mailed to each family.  This handbook addresses many issues that may arise during the school year at UCS.  It is our objective to be proactive in assisting students in being successful in school.  In addition, our student handbook addresses eligibility requirements for the many academic and athletic activities available at UCS.  I strongly encourage your student/s to participate in at least one academic and athletic activity this year!

I am pleased to announce that UCS School made Annual Yearly Progress as determined through “No Child Left Behind” for the 2009-2010 school year.  Our annual report card to the public will soon be available for public viewing.  A special thank you to the students of Unalaska City School, the staff, and you the parents and community for your dedication to success! Two programs that greatly assist in our student achievement is the summer school program and after-school study hall for grades 5-12^th. We will once again be having study time for students after-school during the following days and times:

· 5^th / 6^th grade 3:30 -4:30 pm  - Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday

· 7-12^th grade 3:30 – 4:30 pm – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (Wednesday, 2:30 – 3:30)

As you may be aware this past year, UCS implemented a new online computer program call “passbook.”  This program has provided an excellent method for you and your student to more actively monitor one’s academic progress online.  It is our hope to begin expanding the usage of this program during the fall semester.   Through the utilization of this program, we hope to further enhance our communication with you the parent.  Please contact the UCS front office regarding your personal access login and password of this program

Thanks in advance for your partnership in your student’s education.  Please contact me at 581-1222 or via email at gcole@ucsd.net , if you should have any questions.

Glenn Cole, Principal Unalaska City School