Back-to-School in Unalaska
The first day of school is Tuesday, August 24th, 2010, for all kindergarten through 12th grade students. The first day for Pre-school (3 year-olds) is Thursday, August 26th, and the first day for Pre-kindergarten (4 year-olds) is Friday, August 27th.
Parents or guardians may enroll students new to the Unalaska City School District at the school registrar’s office in the high school. The child’s immunization records and a copy of a birth certificate or passport are needed to enroll new students.
Immunizations
State law requires that children be immunized before starting school. Immunizations that are required include:
o DPT (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
o Polio
o MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
o Hepatitis A
o Hepatitis B
o Hib (over age 5)
o Varicella (Chickenpox) – This is a new immunization requirement!
The Iliuliuk Clinic (581-1202) or the School Nurse (581-1222) can provide more information regarding immunizations for children who attend school.
Arriving to School Safely
Children who walk or ride a bike to school should be visible to drivers. Wearing bright colors, carrying a flashlight, and using reflective tape on backpacks and jackets are good ways to stay visible. When walking or riding a bike to school, students should use the bike path, sidewalks, and crosswalks.
It is a good idea to practice the safest route to school with younger students and teach them how to stop for traffic and use the crosswalks when crossing the street.
School bus transportation is provided for getting children to school safely. Bus riders should follow these safety tips:
o Do not play in the street while waiting for the bus.
o Line up facing the bus when boarding.
o Do not run alongside the bus while it is stopping.
o Stay seated when the bus is moving.
o Follow the bus driver’s directions and stay out of the way of traffic when getting off the bus.
Lunchtime
The School Hot Meal Program, which provides nutritious hot breakfasts and lunches, will be available at both schools on the first day of school. Parents or guardians will need to set up an account at the school office and pre-pay for their children’s school meals. Parents are required to stay current with their children’s school meal accounts. Parents who meet certain income requirements may qualify for the Free or Reduced Price Lunch Program. Please inquire at the school office for more information or to pick up a Free and Reduced Price Lunch Program application.
Many parents pack lunches for their children. UCSD encourages parents who choose this option to pack healthy foods and to keep the lunches at a cool temperature so the food stays fresh. One way to keep a packed lunch cool is to freeze a container of water or juice and put it in the lunch box.
Health and Safety
Student health and safety is the number one priority for UCSD. Parents and guardians are requested to provide current phone numbers and addresses in case of an emergency. Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact the school immediately if there is a change of phone number or address.
The school nurse is available in the mornings at Unalaska City School and in the afternoons at Eagle’s View Elementary School everyday except Wednesday. Parents and guardians should notify the school nurse if their child has any specific health-related needs.
Many students use backpacks to carry books and school supplies. Backpacks should fit well, and should not be packed too heavily to prevent back, neck, and knee injuries.
Homework Help
Students in grades 7 through 12 can receive help with their homework from a certified teacher from 3:30 – 4:30 PM in the Unalaska City School library each weekday and from 2:30 - 3:30 PM on Wednesdays.
There is also the Live Homework Helpline that is an online service available to students in grades 4 through freshman in college. This website (www.Sled.alaska.edu/homework.html) offers tutoring in English, math, social studies, and science. This service is available from 1:00 to 9:00 PM seven days a week and accommodates both PC and Mac users.
Questions about homework can be directed to your child’s teacher or principal.
Back to School Night
A back to school orientation for parents and guardians is scheduled for Wednesday, September 8th at 6:00 PM at Eagle’s View Elementary, and at 7:00 PM at Unalaska City School.
Questions or Concerns
UCSD staff members are available to answer questions and to assist with making the back-to-school process go as smoothly as possible. Information about UCSD can also be found online at www.ucsd.net.
Contact information:
John Conwell
UCSD Superintendent 581-3151 jconwell@ucsd.net
Glenn Cole
Unalaska City School Principal 581-1222 gcole@ucsd.net
Lorrie Scoles
Eagle’s View Elementary School Principal 581-3979 lscoles@ucsd.net
John Conwell
Superintendent
Email: jconwell@ucsd.net
