Capitol Visitors

School District Fly-In

(L to R) Senator Stedman, Jamie Chinuhuk and Superintendent Eugene Avey from Metlakatla

This past week, we welcomed visitors from the following school districts who came to Juneau for their annual fly-in: Haines, Hydaburg, Kake, Annette Island, Chatham, Wrangell, Klawock, and Southeast Island. Kake Superintendent Kevin Shipley said that Kake’s enrollment is up 14 students from last year and their housing is about full to capacity now. Mr. Shipley described changes made within their education curriculum has improved test scores. They also plan on performing college technology online classes.

Senator Stedman and Kake School Superintendent Kevin Shipley

Annette Island Superintendent Eugene Avey and Jamie Chinuhuk expressed their interest in early childhood education. Metlakatla does not presently have a day care and depends solely on the Headstart Program. They see growth in the elementary student count and growth in their school programs and are very proud of their outstanding teachers. One of their most popular educational programs is the new scuba diving program. Annette Island School has a 90% graduation rate.

Senator Stedman with Wrangell High School Students (L to R) Lorenzo Stiva, Matthew Covalt, Tyler Eagle and Blaine Wilson

From the Wrangell School District, Superintendent Rich Rhodes, School Board Members Peter Helgeson and Rinda Howell, along with four students, presented their informational flyer on Wrangell. The four senior students shared their plans for attending college and described a new program in their school started by high school teacher, Michelle Galla, which is a government class program via Skype. This program interacts with state officials and professional individuals regarding the government process. It has been a very successful class from the beginning. The students also expressed their appreciation for the brand new wrestling mat received in 2012.

Senator Stedman with the Hydaburg Basketball Team

Superintendent Richard Carlson from Klawock and their school staff expressed that they have some very qualified teachers with a turnover of fewer than 10%. They announced that their drop-out rate is now 2.7%. Their vocational technical center is open but the interior is not completed. Student count in Klawock is between 128-130, with a 100% graduation rate. Other visitors from Prince of Wales were from the Southeast Island School District and the Hydaburg City School District. Southeast Island described their small class sizes and dedicated teachers who approach teaching with the attitude of teamwork and collaboration. The students enjoy a variety of activities, including hunting, fishing, trapping, sea kayaking, and hiking. The Hydaburg school is a single site K-12 school serving 66 students.

Naukati resident Jessica Petty with Senator Stedman

Guest Page from Naukati

Naukati Administrator Candy Hemple came by the office with her granddaughter Jessica Petty. Jessica is 16 years old and wanted to serve as a guest page on the Senate floor which I happily arranged. She did a great job and it was a pleasure to have her in the Senate for a day.