In my newsletter at the end of the 3rd quarter I stated that we would look different next year and that I firmly believe that with big change comes great opportunity for improvement and growth.  As we sum up this academic year we are also well in the throes of planning for next year.  Our staff in the Juneau School District have been shuffled around as a part of the process, and the ones who have landed here at JDHS have already hit the ground running, working collaboratively to plan for our student’s success.  While I know that this budget crisis, followed by a tumultuous reconfiguration, left no one unscathed I also see a ton of positive energy and intent as we leap into next year. 

One of the changes to file away in your mental rolodex is that we will be starting and ending the school day 15 minutes later, to adjust for the needed bussing routes for elementary and middle schools.  This means that first period will begin at 9:30 daily, and that the final class of the day will end at 4pm.  We do not anticipate a significant disruption to after school activities or to evening events.  We will continue to use the modified flex schedule, with all periods meeting Mondays and Fridays and then the rotation of longer classes for the middle three days. We will continue to offer Advisory class once per week and then two Enrichment periods for your student to access teachers for support during the regular school day.  It is our intent to roll advisory cohorts over to support students with the transition to a larger school population. 

Looking ahead, again in the spirit of welcoming the next school year, please mark your calendars for the following important dates: 

• Student Orientation:  August 7th, 8th and 9th from 9-11 & 12-2.  Alpha rotation this year is O-Z on the 7th, A-G on the 8th, and H-N on the 9th.  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 14th from 10-1.  All incoming 9th graders will be here to participate in some class bonding, meet the staff again, and to have one additional chance to navigate the hallways before the first day. 

• First day of school:  August 15th, with all class periods that day (1-6). 

• Open House:  August 28th, from 5-6pm.

Until August, please enjoy a restful and rejuvenating summer break.  I hope that your students have had a year here marked with academic learning and personal growth.  Class of 2024 congratulations!  And for the other classes, I cannot wait to see you again in the fall.