A Message from the Principal

  August 2009

WELCOME TO UNALASKA CITY SCHOOL!

It is exciting starting the school year off with what looks like a brand new building.  The rejuvenation brought about by this summer's renovation project is amazing. It is remarkable the effort and dedication shown by everyone to insure substantial completion so that we have minimal interruption to the start of the school year.

At the high school, we have three new teachers joining our team and an additional three new teachers are joining the Eagle's View Elementary staff.  While 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 teachers joining our staff this school year.  New teachers joining the district are as follows: Mandy Andersen, 1st Grade; Eric Anderson, 4^th Grade; and Kevin Ley, 5th Grade. They will be joining the teaching staff for grades K-6.  Pam Drawver, 5-12^th Grade Special Education; Brad Pate, History/Math; and Trevor Carlson, Math/Science will be joining our team at Unalaska City School. We would like to invite you to meet and visit with our new and returning teachers at our annual Back-to-School Night on September 2, 2009, from 6-8 p.m. 

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 out 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 2008-2009 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

Beginning this semester, our junior high teaching staff will be piloting a new program called "passbook."  This program is designed to allow you to view your student's progress over the internet.  It is our hope that with this program we can further enhance communication with you the parent.  Further information concerning this program will be available in the near future.

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