D I M O N D A.J. Dimond High School Community Newsletter September 2015 Letter from the Principal di mensio ns Save The Date Our mission is to facilitate optimal learning for all students to empower them to lead fulfilling and productive lives in a rapidly changing and increasingly complex society. Anchorage School Board Kameron Perez-Verdia, President Tam Agosti Gisler Eric Croft Bettye Davis Pat Higgins Kathleen Plunkett Elisa Snelling Superintendent Ed Graff September 3 Open House 6:00 pm September 12 Homecoming Flag Football Game 12:00 pm Football Game 2:00 pm Dance 8-11 pm September 21 First Quarter Progress Grades Available September 23 Fall Academic Awards Assembly 12:10 pm Gymnasium September 28 JROTC 1st Quarter Awards October 1-3 Dimond Drama Presents: You Can’t Take it With You Auditeria Greetings Dimond High Parents or Guardians- Dimond High School is off to a wonderful start. You may have heard about the full- day orientation for our freshmen. This event was the catalyst to the beginning of the Dimond Mentor- ship Ignition Program. The day was a huge success due to the student mentor’s com- mitment to helping freshmen navigate high school as well as staff leadership. This pro- gram is just one of the facets of Dimond’s Social and Emotional Learning initiative. It is our goal that this Ignition Program will create a connectedness for freshmen, al- lowing them to be better students. We received the results of the Climate and Connectedness Survey this summer. Your feedback and comments were greatly appreciated. I encourage you and your stu- dent to complete the Connectedness Sur- vey for the 2015-2016. It is important to us that we know where improvements can be made and that we are providing the things necessary for student success. We will continue to work to maintain high expec- tations for our students within a safe and comfortable learning environment. Open House/Meet and Greet is on Thursday, September 3rd. You will have an opportunity to visit your student’s class- rooms, meet their teachers and receive syl- labi for the courses. We will begin Open House promptly at 6:00 PM in the audite- ria. I look forward to seeing you on Sep- tember 3rd. Attendance----Teens who attend school regularly have stronger bonds to their school and are more likely to graduate. Good attendance also creates a habit that can carry into work later. Consider these tips: -Set expectations. Being out for a day or two a month can hurt student per- formance. Acceptable excuses are illness- es, family emergencies, or pre-approved college visits. –Discuss results. Miss- ing school means make up coursework. Zangle is an excellent tool to assist you and your student with managing assign- ments and monitoring progress. –Keep in contact. Let the school know of absences and request coursework for extended days. Contact teachers with questions regarding assignments and grades. As we begin the 2015-2016 school year we will continue to work on improving stu- dent attendance, student growth, and parent involvement. With your help and support, Dimond will meet ASD goals and site goals pertaining to these areas. Together: parents, students, teachers, staff and community we can work to en- sure continued success of our students. Kindest Regards, Tina Johnson-Harris
Transcript
D I M O N D
A.J. Dimond High School Community Newsletter September 2015
Letter from the Principal
dimensionsSave The Date
Our mission is to facilitate optimal learning for all students to empower them to lead fulfilling and productive lives in a rapidly changing and increasingly complex society.
Anchorage School BoardKameron Perez-Verdia, President
Tam Agosti GislerEric Croft
Bettye DavisPat Higgins
Kathleen PlunkettElisa Snelling
SuperintendentEd Graff
September 3Open House
6:00 pm
September 12Homecoming
Flag Football Game 12:00 pmFootball Game 2:00 pm
Dance 8-11 pm
September 21First Quarter Progress Grades
Available
September 23Fall Academic Awards Assembly
12:10 pm Gymnasium
September 28JROTC 1st Quarter Awards
October 1-3Dimond Drama Presents:You Can’t Take it With You
Auditeria
Greetings Dimond High Parents or Guardians-
Dimond High School is off to a wonderful start. You may have heard about the full-day orientation for our freshmen. This event was the catalyst to the beginning of the Dimond Mentor-
ship Ignition Program. The day was a huge success due to the student mentor’s com-mitment to helping freshmen navigate high school as well as staff leadership. This pro-gram is just one of the facets of Dimond’s Social and Emotional Learning initiative. It is our goal that this Ignition Program will create a connectedness for freshmen, al-lowing them to be better students.
We received the results of the Climate and Connectedness Survey this summer. Your feedback and comments were greatly appreciated. I encourage you and your stu-dent to complete the Connectedness Sur-vey for the 2015-2016. It is important to us that we know where improvements can be made and that we are providing the things necessary for student success. We will continue to work to maintain high expec-tations for our students within a safe and comfortable learning environment.
Open House/Meet and Greet is on Thursday, September 3rd. You will have an opportunity to visit your student’s class-rooms, meet their teachers and receive syl-labi for the courses. We will begin Open House promptly at 6:00 PM in the audite-
ria. I look forward to seeing you on Sep-tember 3rd.
Attendance----Teens who attend school regularly have stronger bonds to their school and are more likely to graduate. Good attendance also creates a habit that can carry into work later. Consider these tips: -Set expectations. Being out for a day or two a month can hurt student per-formance. Acceptable excuses are illness-es, family emergencies, or pre-approved college visits. –Discuss results. Miss-ing school means make up coursework. Zangle is an excellent tool to assist you and your student with managing assign-ments and monitoring progress. –Keep in contact. Let the school know of absences and request coursework for extended days. Contact teachers with questions regarding assignments and grades.
As we begin the 2015-2016 school year we will continue to work on improving stu-dent attendance, student growth, and parent involvement. With your help and support, Dimond will meet ASD goals and site goals pertaining to these areas.
Together: parents, students, teachers, staff and community we can work to en-sure continued success of our students.
Kindest Regards,
Tina Johnson-Harris
Frank Hauser, Curriculum Assistant Principal - 742-7008
CURRICULUM NEWS
A warm welcome to all members of the Dimond communi-ty! I look forward to meeting and working with you this year.
Parents and guard-ians, I would like to
remind you that Parent Connect, the on-line district service that allows parents/guardians to see their students’ schedules and monitor their grades, attendance, and assignments, is again available. To access Parent Connect, you need the PIN and password you used for online registration. If you do not have your PIN or password, please contact the Curriculum Office at 742-7008. Students are also able to access their grades through their student accounts.
We invite you to attend the Dimond Open House on Thursday, September 3 at 6:00 p.m. Come meet your student’s teach-ers and see the school. The event will be-gin in the auditeria.
The 2015 Fall Academic Awards Assem-bly will be held on Wednesday, September 23 at 12:10 (5th period). The assembly will honor students’ academic achievement and is especially important for sophomores, who for the first time could have earned an academic letter.
The PSAT for sophomores and juniors is scheduled for Wednesday, October 14 at Dimond High School. Please visit the Cur-riculum Office for more information and to sign up. The cost for the test is $20.
The next SAT test date is October 3 (reg-istration deadline is September 3) and the next ACT test date is October 24 (registra-tion deadline is September 18). Please visit the following web sites for more informa-tion and to register: www.collegeboard.org (SAT) and www.actstudent.org (ACT).
The Gifted Mentorship program is ac-cepting applications from now until Sep-
tember 11. Juniors and seniors who meet certain academic requirements may apply. Mentorships are available in engineering, nursing, and many other areas. For more information about this program, visit the gifted program website at http://www.asdk12.org/giftedprogram/highschool/giftedmentorships/ or contact Amber Jaasma, Gifted Mentorship Coordinator, at 742-3841 or [email protected].
Also, it is never too early to start build-ing a resume or portfolio for the college entrance process and for scholarships. Be sure to check out the many clubs and activ-ities at Dimond (http://www.dimondhigh.com).
First Quarter-At-A-GlanceOpen House September 3 at 6:00 p.m.
University of Puget Sound VisitSeptember 15 at 7:45 a.m.
First Qtr. Progress Grades Available September 21
Navy Recruitment VisitSeptember 23 at 11:20 a.m.
Fall Academic Awards Assembly September 23 at 12:10 p.m.
Update on AMP test scores When will parents receive their child’s AMP scores?
In the spring of 2015, students in grades 3-‐10 across the state of Alaska took a new assessment called the Alaska Measures of Progress (AMP). AMP replaced the Standards Based Assessments (SBA).
Since this was the first year of the AMP test, scores are delayed due to the State of Alaska’s standard setting process to determine the range of scores for each level of achievement. To read more about the State of Alaska’s standard setting process, visit www.asdk12.org/ae/amp.
Scores are tentatively expected in mid-‐October after the process of standard setting is complete. According to the state, AMP scores will be more timely in future years of AMP administration.
What will AMP scores look like?
AMP is a new assessment that measures new and more rigorous academic standards; therefore we expect a new baseline. Because of the new test and increased rigor, scores may reflect a lower number of students meeting the standards, but may give us more information on how a student is performing. Instead of focusing on Proficient or Not Proficient, AMP has four achievement levels that will provide educators and parents a better understanding of what students can do.
Where can I get more information on AMP test scores?
If you have questions about AMP testing, please talk to your child’s teacher or school principal.
Buy Your Yearbooks Now - Starting at $65.00
Options to Purchase: Online at yearbookforever.com
Fill out the order form and pay at the Activities OfficePay online in Parent Connect then bring form and receipt to the Activities Office
Important Deadlines:Senior Pictures and Senior Quotes are due at the end of November
(Turn in to main office or email to [email protected]; Hard Copies, Thumb Drives, CD or Email Photos are Acceptable)
Space for Senior Pages are now being ReservedEmail us at [email protected] to set up an appointment
Holly Morris, Activities Assistant Principal - 742-6996ACTIVITIES NEWS
Show Your Spirit
Homecoming GamesSaturday, September 12th
Flag Football at NoonFootball at 2:00 pm
Cheer us on to Victory!!!
D A N C EHomecoming Dance
Saturday, September 12th8 - 11 pm
DHS CommonsBe There!
Requirements for Student-AthletesUnder Alaska law, Anchorage School District is required to have a program in place for the prevention and management of concussions in student-athletes. With our commit-ment to the health
and wellbeing of our students as well as compliance with the requirement, student-athletes signing up for an ASD sport that requires a physical must also take a one-time computerized ImPACT Baseline Screening. There is a $5 fee for this sim-ple, non-invasive test.
Parents and student-athletes must also read “Concussion in Sports: A Fact Sheet for Anchorage School District Athletes and Parents” and sign the accompanying Ac-knowledgement and Consent form.
For more information on concussions in athletes, the ImPACT Baseline Screen-ing, or to download the fact sheet and ac-knowledgement and consent form, please visit http://www.asdk12.org/activities/hs/participation/
Sports Fees• $193 Tennis, Cross Country Running,
Cheerleading• $204 Flag Football, Volleyball, Foot-
Check out sports schedules online at http://www.asdk12.org/activities/
Dates to RememberSeptember 3 Dimond Open House
September 12 Home Coming Games vs. Chugiak at Dimond Alumni Stadium
September 12 Home Coming Dance @ Di-mond High School
September 28 JROTC 1st Quarter Awards
October 1-3 Dimond Drama presents “You Can’t Take It With You”
October 22 Parent Teacher Conferences
NCAA InformationThe National Collegiate Athletic Associa-tion (NCAA) sets standards for college-bound student-athletes interested in par-ticipating in any of the twenty-three sports at Division I and Division II colleges and universities.
Is your student a junior or senior and con-sidering athletics at the collegiate level? Any student who has even the slightest interest in collegiate-level activities should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center – preferably at the beginning of their ju-nior year of high school. This registration is required of students who have interest in NCAA-governed athletic programs. For more information visit http://www.asdk12.org/ncaa/
The newest changes in NCAA eligibility will impact the class of 2016. Please note the changes below:
Division I Changes1. Increase in the minimum required core-course grade-point average (GPA) from 2.0 to 2.3.
2. Ten of the 16 required core courses must be completed before the beginning of the seventh semester (senior year).
a. Seven of the ten required courses must be in English, Math or Natural/Physical Science.b. A repeat of one of the “locked in” courses will not be used if taken after the seventh semester begins.
3. Increase in the overall core-course GPA as it relates to the ACT or SAT score, which results in a new sliding scale.
Division II Changes1. 16 Core classes are required (increased from 14).
a. One additional course in English, Math and Science.
b. One additional course in any core aca-demic area (English, Math, Science, So-cial Science), World Language, or Com-parative Religion/Philosophy.
Check out more NCAA eligibility infor-mation at www.eligibilitycenter.org
Visit the Dimond High School Website for up-to-date information on our school and events athttp://www.dimondhigh.com.
STUDENT SERVICES/ATTENDANCE NEWSChristian Caldarera, Student Services/Attendance Assistant Principal - 742-7056
R E M E M B E R
All ASD Buildings areDrug, Alcohol and Tobacco Free
Campuses
Safety Reminder:The faculty lot is not a student pick-
up or drop-off.
Safety First
We are off to a great start here at Dimond High School for the 2015-2016 school year. To all students, parents and commu-nity members; please assist us in ensur-ing our students are aware of some school
reminders below to coordinate together for the benefit of our students academic suc-cess and positive behaviors.
• Parents please make sure that your child is on time to school each and every morning so as to maximize instructional time.
• Attendance matters. Each day missed is loss of academic instructional time for your students and children. Be cool Di-mond…come to school!
• Dress code enforcement has started. Parents please assist in this policy en-forcement so we can focus on the success of your child, not dress code violations. Dress Code does not permit the following: • Saggy or baggy pants • Dresses, skirts or shorts that are too short or revealing • Tops with spaghetti straps or are too low and revealing • Tops that show a bare midriff • Pajamas or sleepwear • Clothing that depicts any drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products or imagery
• Each Dimond High School student has received a copy of the Dimond HS and ASD Student Handbook. Parents: Please review it, so you can become familiar with any campus and district policies with re-gards to campus and district rules, regula-tions, and procedures.
• Safety is a priority. Drill procedure per-fection is our goal to promote campus safe-ty for all. Please notify Student Services in any form or fashion (phone call, letter, email, etc.) for any safety transgressions, issues, facility needs, and any suspicious activities or information you may hear for immediate response. Communication is key to successful safety plans and inter-ventions.
• The Homecoming Dance will be Satur-day, September 12th (8-11pm). Students signed a Dance Contract at registration. All students are advised that activities at the dance are to be appropriate; should activi-ties be inappropriate, consequences will be assigned. We look forward to another suc-cessful Homecoming Week!
• With Homecoming approaching, dress-up/ spirit days will also be part of the cel-ebration week. The spirit wear is encour-aged and also must be within the Dress Code guidelines.
DANGERS OF SPICEPLEASE BE VIGILANT AND AWARE
Please read and review the attachment- with regards to the dangerous drug SPICE as released by the Anchorage School Dis-trict. Any and all suspicious activities and behaviors need to be reported to the office of student services immediately upon no-tice.
Support and parental assistance from home will ensure all of us are working to-gether to encourage school rules & safety compliance. Thank you for all you do and your assistance with these priority compli-ance issues DHS staff, students and par-ents.
The Office of Student Services is here to assist all parents, students, staff and community members. Please feel free to contact Mr. Christian Caldarera, Assis-tant principal for student services, for any questions, clarifications, information, and/or communications at (907) 742-7056.
Wellness
Synthetic Marijuana
Synthetic marijuana is made up of dried herbs and spices that are sprayed with synthetic substances that mimic THC, a natural psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana. The synthetic substance can be 3–800 times more potent than THC. Because the product is unregulated, it is legal to purchase in many states and is growing in popularity as an alternative to marijuana. Many times the product packaging lists the substance as herbal incense and sometimes includes information that it is “not for human consumption.”
Effect of useHospitals have reported incidents of people, mostly teenagers, with the
following symptoms: elevated blood pressure, rapid heart rate, anxiety, intense hallucinations, tremors, seizures, numbness/tingling and vomiting. There have been reported cases where teens have lapsed into comas caused by the use of synthetic marijuana.
The American Association of Poison Control Centers has issued a warning about the dangers of synthetic marijuana products.
Signs of useSynthetic marijuana users may have the following signs of use:
Bloodshot/red eyes with normal pupil sizeRigid muscle toneAltered blood pressure or body temperatureUnstable or unpredictable mood swingsIncoherent speech or disjointed thought processes
Detecting the substance may be difficult. Blood and urine tests can only detect some of the many synthetic compounds that may be used.
LegalitySynthetic marijuana is not allowed in any ASD schools per the Students
Rights and Responsibilities section of the Student Handbook. Students caught with, or using, the substance will face disciplinary action.
Sale, possession or use of products containing synthetic versions of cannabinoids became illegal in Anchorage in January 2011. Synthetic marijuana is still legal in many states however, authorities warn that just because a substance is legal, that doesn’t mean it’s safe.
Spice, also known as K2, is a plant material similar to marijuana that is laced with synthetic compound chemicals.
Users smoke or mix the product in food or drink to get high.
Synthetic Marijuana is often advertised as incense.
The product may cause adverse side effects and has sent many teens to the hospital emergency room.
Anchorage School District
Synthetic marijuana is packaged with many different labels and names.
FRESHMAN HOUSE NEWSImtiaz Azzam, Freshman House Assistant Principal - 742-7069
Parents are Perfect!
Part time employees and substitutes are needed in our school cafeterias to assist with preparing food & serving breakfast and/or lunch to students.
Hours are perfect for parents:part-time and flexible.
Fill out an applicaton at the ASD Building at:5530 E Northern Lights Blvd., or online at asdk12.org
Call 348-5185 for more information.
Hello Parents and Students,
We are excited about this new school year and would like to take this oppor-tunity to formal-ly greet you and share informa-tion with you! The overall cli-mate and atmo-
sphere this year is reflective of a freshman class that is eager to learn.
At times, some students find the transi-tion to high school difficult and/or frus-trating. Past research has shown that 9th grade students decide in the first few weeks of their freshman year whether or not they plan to graduate. Our goal in the Freshman House is to increase student achievement, and enhance a sense of community by focusing on the positive and maintaining high standards for all students. We have support and other activities in place to ease each student’s transition to high school. Also, I personally will check-in with indi-vidual students and monitor their progress as well as provide additional support con-ducive to learning and lay the groundwork for a successful high school career.
It was a great day at our school. Through the combined hard work and the end-less effort of 50 upperclassmen mentors and many Dimond staff members, the 450 freshmen of the Class of 2019 were warmly welcomed to the Dimond family on Friday during the full day orientation! Many freshmen expressed how much they enjoyed the day and truly connected to our school community. The mentors also learned a lot about planning and putting on a big event, and taking a leadership role in their school.
Not only is it important that students know what is expected of them, it is simi-larly important that they know what to ex-
pect from the staff. In the Freshman House, we have attempted to create an environ-ment that is predictable, kind and caring, and extends the necessary support services and resources to meet the varying needs of all students. At the same time, we create a structure within the Freshman House that discourages undesirable behaviors while positive behaviors are reinforced.
We, at Dimond, believe that students should be recognized for a job well done. This may include academic successes or simply a demonstration of good character. Several times per year, teachers are given the opportunity to nominate students for Phenomenal Freshman. If your child is nominated, you will receive a phone call notifying you and inviting you to the pre-sentation.
For students needing additional aca-demic support, we have a Home Work Café as a Home Work Center after school. Specific days and times will be announced soon.Battle of the Books will soon begin! All freshmen should be reading, read-
ing, READING! Titles and books for this year’s competition are available in the library, as are summaries of each book. You may email your child’s teacher or the school librarian for more detail
If you are concerned about your child’s progress or well being for any reason,
please do not hesitate to let me know. I will do what I can to assist. I can be reached by phone 742-7069 or email, Azzam_ Imtiaz @asdk12.org.
Anchorage School District Compliance/Equal Employment Opportunity Office
Note: This statement in its entirety must be placed in all school newsletters twice each school year. This statement must also be posted in each school, unit and department in the District. Posters are available in the District Connection, Compliance/EEO training resources (accessible only from a computer on the district’s network).
Board policy 114 Nondiscrimination & Harassment The Board is committed to an environment of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, economic status, union affiliation, disability and other human differences. No person shall be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, any academic or extracurricular program or educational opportunity or service offered by the District. The District will comply with the applicable statutes, regulations, and executive orders adopted by Federal, State, and Municipal agencies. The District notes the concurrent applicability of the Individuals with Disabilities Act, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the relevant disability provisions of Alaska law.
All students and employees of the Anchorage School District have a right to pursue their education or occupation in compliance with applicable law and policy with dignity in a safe environment. Neither discrimination nor harassment of employees, students or volunteers is permitted in the District. This policy applies with regard to District facilities, premises, vehicles, computers, servers, and electronics located both on and off school property; and conduct on non-school property if the student or employee is at any school-sponsored, school-approved, or school-related activity or is otherwise subject to the authority of the District.
Board policy 114.2 Inappropriate Behavior The Anchorage School District supports respectful learning and working environments and believes strongly this environment must be structured to reflect diverse cultural traditions and contributions. The District values diversity among students and staff and believes that all students and staff have the right to participate in school activities free from harassment. Behavior by Board members, administrators, employees, parents, volunteers, students, vendors, or others doing business with the District that ridicules, harasses, intimidates, or threatens students, staff or community members, or otherwise undermines a respectful safe and effective school environment, is prohibited. Individuals or groups are in violation of this policy if they engage in any of the above behaviors in a way that is disruptive to the work or education environment, such as:
Making demeaning remarks directly or indirectly such as name-calling, racial slurs or “jokes”; or
Physically threatening or harming an individual; or
Displaying demeaning visual or written materials; or
Defacing, damaging, or destroying property or materials; or
Performing any other act that is clearly harassing in nature.
Any student, staff, or community member who believes that he or she has been the subject of harassment and/or discriminatory behavior should report the incident immediately to the principal or department supervisor. Complaints regarding harassment/discriminatory behavior will be investigated immediately.
Any student, staff, or community member who violates this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
Inquiries or complaints regarding any rights protected by law or policy may be addressed to the School District Compliance/Equal Employment Opportunity Executive Director, who serves as the Title IX and ADA/ADAAA Coordinator, ASD Education Center, 5530 E. Northern Lights Blvd, Anchorage, AK 99504-3135, (907) 742-4132. Or to any of the following external agencies: Alaska State Commission for Human Rights, Anchorage Equal Rights Commission, Director of the Office for Civil Rights, Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services.
On Friday, August 21st, Dimond held its first assembly of the year with high energy to kick off the beginning of the 2015-2016 school year. Led by the new Commissioners of Spirit, Chris Carrigan and Ozair Elomari, Dimond welcomed the students with an assembly filled with fun, interactive events that heightened the spirit of the whole student body. On the same day, Dimond also introduced a new tradition to the school by holding the first Freshmen Ignition Day. The purpose of the Freshmen Mentor Program is to help welcome Freshmen to their high school environment and make them feel more confident in high school. Over 450 Freshmen were divided into multiple groups with an upperclassmen mentor in each group. A variety of activities were carefully prepared and put together by upperclassmen and teachers to ensure Freshmen were prepared and enthusiastic about the beginning of high school. A series of Fuel games and other activities allowed for Freshmen to be more comfortable and have most of their questions answered by their mentors. Throughout the year, Freshmen will meet periodically with their mentors to continue to support their transition to high school. All in all, it was a successful project and is now a new tradition to Dimond.
School has started and Homecoming is coming up within a few weeks. This year’s Homecoming Dance and Homecoming game will be held on Saturday, September 12. We will be going up against Chugiak High School for our 2015 Homecoming Game at 2 pm and the dance will be held from 8-11pm the same night. Tickets must be purchased in advance. They will be on sale everyday during the week of the dance. Homecoming Spirit Week as well as Homecoming King and Queen voting will start on Tuesday, September 8, and will continue throughout the whole week.
Homecoming Spirit Week When: September 8-11 Theme: “Board Games” Tuesday: Life (College/Career) Wednesday: Jumanji (animals, safari) Thursday: Monopoly (money, game pieces, game spaces) Friday: Candyland (Class Colors and candy)
Our mission is to convey the opinions of the student body to the administration, organize school events, increase participation, and promote school spirit.
Be sure to “Like” us on Facebook (Dimond Student Government), follow us on Twitter (@DimondStudGov) and Instagram (@DimondStudGov) to keep up with the latest news!
At the end of May, Dimond JROTC hosted its annual end of year picnic and awards ceremony. At this informal awards ceremony, cadets were recognized for their outstanding achievements during the 2014-15 school year. Additionally, winners were announced for the Cadet of the Year and NCO of the Year competitions. In these competitions the winners of the monthly boards go head to head to see who is the champion for the year. The 2015 Cadet of the Year is Sydney Sears, and the 2015 NCO of the Year is Mark Bartolome.
Following the awards, cadets were treated to a picnic cookout provided by the recently graduated seniors. Cadets had this opportunity to recognize and thank the exiting cadets in a relaxed and fun setting.
Cadets then participated in a variety of indoor and outdoor games that allowed for them to celebrate the end of a successful school year in an exciting – and a little messy- way.
Boy’s National Cadet Over the summer, one of our very own Dimond JROTC cadets took a trip to Washington D.C. To attend the American Legion Boy’s Nation. Cadet Staff Sergeant Henry Downey was in the Capitol from July 16th-24th. During the trip he was briefed by officials, and learned about the value of education and life opportunities. On July 20th, Downey went on an hour long tour of the White House. Later that day, he had the pleasure of meeting our Commander In Chief, President Barack Obama. There was a short conversation, a group picture, and handshakes all around. Leadership Seminar Our annual Leadership Seminar was held from August 13th-15th. It started at Dimond High School, but also included an overnight stay on Fort Richardson. This seminar was designed to provide this year’s up-and-coming cadet leaders with the skills they need to lead Dimond JROTC. Potential leaders were introduced to upper leadership, the rules in the program, and the responsibilities and opportunities presented to them in their own platoons; they were also taught basic skills in commanding and executing drill. The training began with a day and a half of classroom style instruction, augmented with practical training in commanding drill.
Cadets then took an afternoon bus to Buckner. After two days of training, cadets relaxed with movies, card games, and sports. After a night spent sleeping in barracks, cadets were trained in exciting adventure activities. Cadets were able to rappel with the expert supervision of active duty military members who ensured safety and taught technique. Cadets also used the opportunity to practice balance and speed on a tiered balance beam known as the Tarzan. Cadets ended the day at Buckner Pool, where they had free time as well as practice for the Davey Jones water relay. The seminar was successful and provided a mix of valuable instruction, hands-on training, memorable experiences, and a chance to have fun with friends at the end of summer vacation.\
J.R.O.T.C. NEWSMSG Shelley - 742-7010
J.R.O.T.C. NEWS MSG Shelley - 742-7010
JCLC During the first week of June, Dimond JROTC held their annual summer camp at Fort Richardson. The six day camp was a joint effort between Service JROTC, Chugiak JROTC, and Bethel JROTC. Cadets were placed in mixed school teams to encourage the formation of new friendships. The first day's events consisted of the Confidence Course and Ropes Course. The Confidence Course consisted of multiple obstacles designed to help cadets learn to utilize their skills to the best of their abilities. The Ropes Course was similar course focused around team building in which cadets communicated and worked with each other to complete each portion. That night the instructors had a cookout for the cadets who had a great time mingling with the other schools. The second day the cadets were scheduled for the Rappel Tower and the Jump Tower but they were cancelled due to the rain. Instead the cadets went back to the Ropes Course in the morning and Buckner gym in the afternoon to play Dodgeball and Volleyball. The Dodgeball tournament included an Army versus Navy game, as well as a girls versus boys game.
The third day cadets completed Water Survival Training, which is a series of activities in the water while wearing military uniforms and aimed at helping cadets survive emergency situations in water. Cadets next went to ride Blackhawk helicopters. The helicopters did not have clearance to fly due to weather concerns but by afternoon conditions improved, and cadets were treated to an exciting ride. The fourth day was by far the most physically challenging. The event of the day was the PT-A-Thon, a highly physical series of obstacles that ended at Otter Lake. The first obstacle encountered was the Davy Jones Relay, an event which takes place in the swimming pool. This was quickly followed by an individual mile run. Cadets then ran a mile as a team, and the completed the Tarzan, a series of balance beams and monkey bars. Other events included the crab walk, the vehicle push, and a series of sprints and tests of agility. Cadets ran the last mile to Otter Lake where they ate MREs for lunch and
then spent an afternoon riding paddle boats and playing various games. The National Guard hosted a cookout for the cadets and we ended the day with a Tug-of-War. Day five of camp began with Orienteering. Out of the twelve teams, the top six to finish their orienteering course were awarded an arch to place on their uniform. Teams used various strategies to quickly find checkpoints using a compass and map. Teams stayed together and worked as a team for this activity. After completing orienteering, the cadets loaded into buses and went to Arctic Oasis. While there, cadets were able to relax, rock climb, play video games, mini golf, and do a few other activities. That evening cadets had a movie night at the barracks and watched The Maze Runner before heading to bed. The sixth and final day was quite relaxing, for the most part. Cadets thoroughly cleaned the barracks in the morning before taking a bus and headed to H2Oasis for five hours of swimming. After H2Oasis, cadets returned to Dimond High School for a team Drill Competition and an Awards Ceremony conducted by the instructors and C/2LT Carrie McCrorie. Cadets finished the day with pizza and goodbyes.
