American Education Week: November 18-22
By Lois Rhodes
Delta Kappa Gamma
Mt. Edgecumbe High School provides students an opportunity for a comprehensive and enriching high school experience that fosters leadership in students from across the state. Leadership is a key component of the boarding school option. For many years, MEHS has had very active student leadership through traditional clubs such as Student Council and National Honor Society. These continue with expansive participation. National Honor Society students and other MEHS students can be seen volunteering at many events in town. Volunteering includes reading with children at the library, supporting Sitka Against Family Violence, helping out Santa, packing blessings in a backpack and so much more. The Student Council will be hosting the statewide student council conference this spring and share the community and school with student councils from around the state.
MEHS is always looking for opportunities to expand leadership practice for students. Students have a wide variety of additional activities to participate in to develop these skills. The National Guard is partnering to offer the Explorers Club. These students learn many skills working through a wide variety of challenge activities and working on leadership skills. A group of students recently attended the First Alaskans Institute Elders and Youths Conference. Three MEHS students were voted to represent their own regions on a continuing council in advancing indigenous youth and elder issues. The Educators Rising club works in elementary schools both learning to be educators in the future and supporting the learning of others. The Environmental Club has taken on leadership in finding ways to make the campus and our community responsive to environmental needs.
Many of the leadership activities invite students to build stronger relationships and lead activities to bring people together. A newly formed Upper Campus Committee works to build a strong family-like residential community and include everyone in shared activities. The first activity included the entire 400-plus students working together on field games in some friendly competition. Many MEHS students participate in Sitka Youth Leadership, a group that seeks to build bridges, a perfect analogy for the connection between MEHS and the community of Sitka. A Gender and Sexuality club seeks to promote acceptance and tolerance in our community and beyond.
Chamber to Meet
Sitka School District Supt. Dr. Mary Wegner and Cassee Olin, business manager, will present on trends and factors influencing K-12 education funding at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon noon Wednesday at Westmark Sitka.
Quiet Day Retreat
Set at St. Peter’s
St. Peter’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church is planning a Quiet Day Retreat 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 23.
The retreat is an opportunity to pause and rest, listen and reflect, be still and nourished, in a time of silence, the church said.
Those planning to attend should RSVP by Nov. 21 to 747-3977 or e-mail stpetersbytheseak@gmail.com.
Open Mic Sunday
The Greater Sitka Arts Council is hosting an Open Mic at Beak 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24.
Participants can sign up at 6:30 p.m. Call Ted at 747-5482 for information.
4-H Photo Club
Meets Nov. 26
4-H will host a photo club for middle schoolers 3:40-4:30 p.m. every Tuesday starting Nov. 26 at Blatchley Middle School.
For registration or questions, contact emily@sitkawild.org.
4-H Membership
Workshop on Tap
4-H will host a new membership workshop for those in second through fifth grades 2:40-4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, at Keet Gooshi Heen.
The group will explore local berries and learn to make granola bars. Current membership is not required. Attendees can learn what 4-H is all about.
Call Emily at 747-7509 or email emily@sitkawild.org to register.
