As I listen and watch the news across Alaska regarding school funding, school staffing,and large-scale shifts that many of our school districts are having to implement I find myself relieved; and if I am being honest, tremendously thankful for being on the other side. One year ago, our school community was in crisis, and our community of Juneau was wrapping its head around a new normal. What we knew at the time was that we have wonderful kids, and that the kids would be okay. I do not offer this to minimize in any way the hard year that we have all undertaken. Simply, to offer my perspective that your kids, our students, carried themselves with grace and pride, and have made the 2024-2025 school year successful, albeit different.

Looking ahead to next year we anticipate a large incoming class of eighth graders,making the overall school enrollment approximately 1050 Crimson Bears. While your students are currently wrapping their school year up, and anxiously awaiting summer,we are building a master schedule and prepping for their return in the fall. We anticipate every classroom to be used and a wide variety of courses to continue to be offered. When your student comes to Orientation in the late summer they should have a full and robust draft schedule to preview. 

Speaking of the August return here are the dates on the docket (for your planning purposes):

• Student Orientation: August 6th, 7th and 8th, from 9-11 & 12-2. Alpha rotation this year is A-G on the 6th, H-N on the 7th, and O-Z on the 8th. This is where IDs, draft schedules, lockers, and pre-payment for yearbooks occur. It is also a great chance to walk through your draft bell schedule to see the traffic pattern for the first semester.

• Freshmen First Day! Wednesday, August 13th from 10-1. All incoming 9th graders will be here to participate in some class of 2029 bonding, meeting the staff, and taking a practice run at navigating the hallways before the big first day!• First day of school: August 14th, with all class periods that day (1-6).

• Open House & Activities Fair: August 26th, from 5-6pm.Until August, please enjoy a restful and rejuvenating summer break. Thank you, and your kiddo, for being a part of our community. 

And, Class of 2025 congratulations! You have set the bar high for the cohorts coming up behind you. We cannot wait to hear of your successes.

PC