D I M O N D

A. J. Dimond High School Community Newsletter May/June 2013

Letter from the Principal

dimensionsSave the DateMay 2 Thursday 7 PM

Choir Concert

May 3 Friday Senior Fun Day at Cellular One Sports

CenterCross-Over Assembly 1:20

May 7 Tuesday 7 PMBand Concert

May 8 Wednesday Japanese Immersion Completion Ceremony

7 PM

Locker Clean Out for Seniors

May 9 Thursday Seniors Final Exams Period 3, 4, 5, 6

Orchestra Concert 7 PM

May 10Seniors Final Exams Periods 1 and 2

Final Day for Seniors

May 14 Tuesday at 2:00Graduation

Sullivan ArenaStudents dismissed and busses at 10:23

May 17 Friday Locker Clean Out

May 22 WednesdayFinal Exams Periods 1, 2, 3

May 23 ThursdayFinal Exams Periods 4, 5, 6

Dear Dimond Parent or Guardian,

The past two years Dimond students have earned the highest graduation rate of our District’s large high schools. This

is a point of pride with students, staff, and parents. Congratulations to all for keeping the focus on academic success!This month we celebrate Di-mond’s next graduating class -- the students

and athletes of the class of 2013! They have brought new championship banners into our gym, secured hundreds of thou-sands of dollars in scholarships, contribut-ed thousands of hours of volunteer service and lived up to the Lynx tradition of excel-lence. We wish each senior the very best as they pursue their goals after high school. This month, we’ll prepare to recognize their achievements and prepare their com-mencement with a series of celebrations: Senior Fun Day, Honor Graduates Rec-ognitions, senior vocal and instrumental concerts, Japanese Immersion Completion Ceremony, Engineering Academy Gradua-tion Cord Presentation, Baccalaureate, and Cross-Over Assembly. Details on these events are in this newsletter.Also coming up are this summer’s learn-ing opportunities. Please note that due to budget cuts, the large summer school pro-gram we’ve operated at Dimond previous-ly will not be offered this year. Dimond is offering a limited credit recovery program and the ASD iSchool for original course attempts. Details on these programs are in this newsletter. With such limited credit recovery opportunities, it is critical for stu-dents to pass their classes and earn credit

towards graduation. Students have 4 weeks left to turn in assignments and prepare for final projects and exams. Keep the good work going to the end!Enjoy these final weeks of activities and celebrations leading up to graduation and the end of school. It is a true pleasure working with your students.

Most Sincerely,

Cheryl M. GuyettPrincipalGuyett_Cheryl@asdk12.org

James Bell, Curriculum Assistant Principal - 742-7008

CURRICULUM NEWS

COUNSELORS

Freshmen....Jaime Boyd-Kragt

9-12 Special Services.....Tracie Ashman ELL.........Lee Montoya

Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors:

A – Di.....Dave Donk

Do – K.....Rob Hartley

L – P.....Chris Higgins

R – Z.....Pete Mandel

Graduation Coordinator..Christal Smaw

2013-2014 Registration DatesAugust 5th SeniorsAugust 6th Juniors

August 7th SophomoresAugust 8th Freshmen

Alpha rotation each day: Last name A-L....8-11am Last name M-Z...12-3pm

Graduation is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14th, at 2:00 p.m. at the Sullivan Arena. The counseling staff is looking forward to joining the celebration as our seniors walk across the stage! Graduation is the capstone event of thirteen years of schooling and hard work for our seniors. We are closely monitoring on a weekly ba-sis any senior in jeopardy of failing a class that will affect graduation status. Please call the counseling office if you have any questions or concerns: 742- 7008.

Advanced Placement testing occurs May 6th – 17th. Colleges and universi-ties look at the results of these tests to de-termine placement in college classes and to potentially award college credit. The University of Alaska Anchorage has gen-erously donated classroom space on cam-pus again this year for some of our larger student groups. If you have questions about which day or where your AP student will be testing, please contact the teacher for that course or call Rob Hartley, our AP testing coordinator, at 742-7063.Please encourage your student to finish the semester strong by staying on top of assignments right up to the end and by taking finals seriously. Senior Finals will be on May 9th and May 10th. Please note all of the events for Seniors in this news-letter.

Underclassmen take final exams the last two days of the semester: May 22nd and 23rd. Please plan your summer travel around these important dates and remem-ber that, per district policy, finals cannot be taken early. KCC will run AM classes all day May 22 and PM classes all day May 23. This allows Dimond students to test periods 1, 2, and 3 on May 22 and periods 4, 5, and 6 on May 23. 2013-14 School Year Registration will take place August 5th – 8th, 2013. Stu-dents and parents should plan to attend their designated grade-level day and time to pick up the student’s schedule, fill out annual enrollment packet, and update con-tact information.

Bell Schedule for Graduation DayMay 14, 2013

Period 1 7:30 – 7:55

Period 2 8:00 – 8:25

Period 3 8:30 – 8:55

Period 4 9:00 – 9:25

Period 5 9:30 – 9:55

Period 6 10:00 – 10:25

KCC will have their regular scheduled classes.

Helping the Sun Set on Hunger CANstruction 2013

We CAN help end hunger! The Principles of Engineering (POE) class participated in Anchorage’s CANstruction competi-tion at the University Center Mall. As the only student team competing against professionals from the design-build com-munity, students used approximately 4000 cans to create a structure depicting the northern lights behind the Anchorage sky-line. Thank you for all of your support! The Dimond PTSA, Siemens Industries, USKH, Glass, Sash, and Door Supply, and several Dimond families and administra-tors helped to raise over $1600 which was matched by Enterprise Engineering to pay for the structure. All cans, in addition to the cans donated as votes, went directly to the Food Bank of Alaska. Our structure won Honorable Mention in the judged cat-egory, and won the People’s Choice Award for the second year in a row.

!

Department Award Recipients

English Challis Debenham, 9th grade

Lucas Katz, 9th grade Rachel Brady, 10th grade

Claire Johansen, 10th grade Cierra Carrigan, 11th grade Dusan Pekich, 11th grade Katie Kampen, 12th grade

Kristen Ratcliffe, 12th grade

English Language Learner Honglai Lin, Academics

Concepcion Diego, Academics Anna Glover, Most Improved

Talaifono Savaiinaea, Most Improved Seng Moua, Citizenship

Sarah Escobedo, Citizenship

Fine Arts Jacob Wood, Choir 9th grade

Jovan Villamanca, Choir 10th grade Megan Ahn, Choir 11th grade

Haley Martin, Choir 12th grade Clifford Roberts, Band 9th grade James Homsley, Band 10th grade Aubrie Lucas, Band 11th grade

Matthew Falconer, Band 12th grade Marie Nielson, Orchestra

Erin Kim, Orchestra Sierra Dunn, Orchestra

Challis Debenham, Orchestra Tamara Freistone, Art I

Samantha Paskvan, Art II Justine Hong, Advanced Art

Cade Bennett, AP Art Keely Holt, Multimedia Design

Jia Liu, Multimedia Design

JROTC Michael Anders, 1st year Adannah Daniel, 2nd year

Erin Howe, 3rd year Anders Ogawa, 4th year

Science Ripple Sato, 9th grade

Robert Schock, 9th grade Clare Johansen, 10th grade Trent Hodson, 10th grade

Cierra Carrigan, 11th grade Jane Kim, 11th grade

Dusan Pekich, 11th grade Alaina Hawley, 12th grade Nolan Schock, 12th grade

Mathematics Ripple Sato, 9th grade

Brian Sweeney, 9th grade Austin Desatoff, 10th grade Kaily Stanton, 10th grade

Mackenzie French, 11th grade Dusan Pekich, 11th grade Katie Kampen, 12th grade Nolan Schock, 12th grade

DHS Math Student of the Year Alex Ripley

Physical Education Sophia Gustafson, 9th grade Austin Stellings, 9th grade

Andrea Swanstrom, 10th grade Darin Hammingh, 10th grade

Marleena Merchant, 11th grade Dakota Sanders, 11th grade Bianca Bosques, 12th grade Robert Bagley, 12th grade

World Languages Marissa Jingco, French Chance Runyon, French Baily Hartman, German

Clifford Roberts, German Karl Rodvik, Spanish

Breanna Abyo, Japanese Immersion Susumu Jones, Japanese Immersion

Social Studies Claire Johansen, AP US History

Michael Summers, AP US History Nathan Adams, AP Psychology Emily Seidler, AP Psychology Karl Rodvik, AP Economics

Alaina Hawley, AP US Government Leilani Schisler, US Government

Julie DuClos, Honors World History Brian Sweeney, Honors World History

Jada Caudel, US History Victor Hernandez, US History

Rachel Brady, Honors US History Trent Hodson, Honors US History

Jane Kim, AP Euro History Rachel Land, AP Art History

Eugene Shestakov, AP Art History

Student Government Vladislav Finko, Freshman Class Taelor Hawley, Sophomore Class

Heidi Andrus, Junior Class Sydney Laudon, Senior Class

Executive Board Officer Kalie Suellentrop

Career Technology Sean Kordewick, Business Anna Munson, Business

Lilly Bee, Design He Xi Lin ,Design

Parot Charoonsophonsak, Engineering Johanna Jeffryes, Engineering

Jennifer Holganza, Family/Consumer Sci Benjamin Otis, Family/Consumer Sci

German Student AwardsCongratulations to Gavin Davis and Ster-ling Emmal for earning the Dimond Ger-man students of the year and Kendal Wil-liams, who earned the silver medal on the American Association of Teachers of Ger-man exam.

Symphonic Orchestra During Spring Break, fourteen of Dimond's Symphonic Orchestra students performed at the Heritage Music Festival in Anaheim, CA. We were joined by orchestras from Arizona, California, and an orchestra from Juneau, AK. Even though we had some sudden changes, the students played pas-sionately and we came home with a Silver Award. It was a great experience and we want to thank Mr. James Sears and Mr. Da-vid Legg for coming with us!Fundraiser for a

Trip to Germany!German students, parents and teacher Frau DuBois will be washing cars at the McDonalds on 88th and Dimond on May 11th and 18th to raise money for the trip to Germany. Also, a garage sale in which all the proceeds will go to help defray the costs of the trip will be held May 4th at 3770 Amber Bay Loop from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Two more parent and student meetings to discuss the fundraising and the trip itself will be held April 18th and May 16th, both from 7PM to 8PM in Relo 4.

It is not too late to sign up for the trip!

Dimond High’s Japanese program has been awarded a total of 25 fully funded study-tour trips to Japan. The JENESYS (Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths) 2.0 program, estab-lished through the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to encourage greater understanding between the youth of Ja-pan and the United States. Additionally, the program hopes to foster long-term and ongoing interest in Japan and the US by providing firsthand experiences with the culture of the other. Thanks to the JENESYS program, 23 students and 2 chaperones will be trav-eling in late May through early June. The 11-day study tour includes stays in the Tokyo and Kyoto areas, as well as a 3-day visit to a high school. During the high school visit, students will be hosted by Japanese families. To reciprocate, Di-mond families will host students visiting Alaska in the upcoming year. Both stu-dents studying in Japanese Immersion Pro-gram and the elective Japanese language program at Dimond have been selected to travel with the JENESYS group. This is an incredible opportunity for students who have studied Japanese—many since kindergarten—to experi-ence the language, culture, and environ-ment of Japan. The new initiative, JE-NESYS 2.0, is a large scale project which includes Pacific, South East Asia and East Asia, Australia and New Zealand, as well as North America.

AKATJ Japanese Speech Contest Award for Dimond High School

Congratulations to the following DHS Jap-anese students for placing in the AKATJ Japanese Speech Contest, held Saturday 3/30. Nearly 50 Dimond students took the stage to sing, present skits, recite poetry, and give speeches—all in Japanese—for this annual K-16 event held at UAA.

Yoku dekimashita! (Well done!)Skit: 1st Place: Morgan Bloom, Christopher Cilot, Rebecca Hoshaw, Nanette Jack-son, Susumu Jones, Sydney Laudon, Mikaela Mendoza, Patrick Nieuwland, Madison Smith.2nd Place: Tare Choi, Tamara Freistone, Natalyn Hes, Darion Jones, Sanae Oya-ma, Ian Svejnoha, & Gage Raymond3rd Place: Elizabeth Leisle & Miranda TomuroPoetry:1st place: Lucas Katz 3rd place: Tory McCarthy Speech Aurora Division: 2nd Place--Rebecca Hoshaw

**Nathan Adams***Sierra Afoa**Stanson Afoa*Taylor Allen

**Karli Anders**Ellen Asay*Lucia Ashby

*Andrew Banez**Amber Bare*Ashton Bare

*Courtney Beach*Madelyne Bee*Paris Bennett

*Tori Best*Aaron Bigelow*Morgan Bloom*Bianca Bosques

*Ryan Brady*Alexander Burgh

**Jerel Cabesas**Emily Carpenter

***Cory Chan***Parot Charoonsophonsak

**Josepher Chen**Ashlyn Dye

*Kerrick Eagle**Jane Eckhoff

***Matthew Falconer***Hailey Fanning***Janelle Feller

**Seth Flagel*Cecilia Frank

***Chelsea Garritson*Alaina Geraty

*Elizabeth Gogolowski

*Emily Goodrum*Savana Hartley

***Alaina Hawley**Victoria Hill

**Jennifer Holganza***Rebecca Hoshaw

*Emily Hughes***Veronica Janezich**Johanna Jeffryes***Marisa Jingco**Susumu Jones

***Katie Kampen*Shereena Kenaston

*Kiel Kenning**Crystal Ketchum

*Peter King*Sean Kordewick

**Rachel Land**Sydney Laudon

***Jacob Lee***Jeremiah Lee

***Jun Hyeog Lee**Makane Mason

**Shannon McLaughlin*Ozer Micoogullari

*Clayton Nadon**Anders Ogawa***Emily Owen

***Kendra Paskvan*Lucas Pergiel*Allison Petrov

***Kristen Ratcliffe***Alex Ripley*Keana Rivas

**Megan Romo**Chloe Sanders**Nolan Schock***Emily Seidler

*Claribelle Sergio***Eugene Shestakov

**Hannah Siira

**Signe Stanton**Mallory Stutzer

**Kalie Suellentrop*Celestine Talaro

*Christina Thompson*Brittany Town

**Allana Wiesinger*Erik Wilcox

***Summa Cum Laude (GPA of greater than 4.0)

** Magna Cum Laude (GPA of 3.76 to 4.0)*Cum Laude (3.5 to less than 3.76)

2013 Honor Graduates

Katie Kampen, Valedictorian

Alex Ripley, Salutatorian

STUDENT SERVICES/ATTENDANCE NEWSHolly Morris, Student Services/Attendance Assistant Principal - 742-7056

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.

“How did it get so late so soon?” -Dr. Seuss

Here we are another school year near completion and graduation around the corner. We look forward to the class of 2013 crossing the stage at the Sullivan Arena. Although that moment is near, there is work yet to be done.

Senior Locker Clean-out is Wednesday May 8th.

Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors will clean out lockers Thursday May 16th

and will not have access to lockers after that.

Students whose lockers are damaged or left dirty will be assessed a fine. Students are expected to remove all pictures, stick-ers, décor, tape, as well as anything written directly on the locker.A strong finish will lead to a successful end to this school year. Consistent atten-dance in class will enhance the potential for a great finish.

“The only place where success comes be-fore work is in the dictionary.” -Vidal Sassoon

From the Nurse

Hello Dimond Families! In the coming weeks, you may receive notice that your student will have an immunization due be-fore Fall Registration. Please get your im-munizations updated before then to avoid exclusion from the Registration process. ASD has a strict, “No Shots, No School” policy. Check your child’s shot history and if there are any immunizations needed, or any that do not appear on your student’s school immunization record, please submit those records via fax to the nurse office at # 742-7171, attn: Nurse.

With the sun shining and the snow fi-nally melting, maintaining focus on the work ahead will lead to success. Timely arrival and preparedness are both key to each student’s individual reward, reaped in credits earned.

Encourage your student to continue the hard work that has brought each thus far. And Thank you for the constant sup-port you offer your student and the Di-mond staff!

“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” -Benjamin Franklin

Scanned shot records can also be emailed to whited_susan@asdk12.org. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call me. The number is # 742-7054. I am here Monday- Friday from 7am to 2:30pm until May 24th. Any shot records received over the summer will be entered before Fall Registration. If you would like confirmation that your student’s records were received, please indicate you would like confirmation and include a number/ email address I can use to contact you. Thank you so much and have a happy and healthy summer!

Susie Whited,RN, BSNSchool Nurse

LOCKER CLEAN OUT!SeniorsMay 8

Freshmen, Sophomores and

Juniors May 16

NO ACCESS AFTER!

FRESHMAN HOUSE NEWSDavid Legg, Freshman House Assistant Principal - 742-7069

This is the last newsletter of the year and I have to tell you what a pleasure it has been this year working with your students, the Freshman House Staff, and you, as parents. Our Phenomenal Freshman program was very successful this year. Many deserv-ing students were recognized for the good things they accomplished throughout the year. The final Phenomenal Freshman cer-emony was held April 11th, and the fol-lowing students were celebrated: Bryce Davis, Summer Charlie, Keith Harvey, James Campbell, Alex Gill, Caitlyn Gratz, Melinda Moto-Weinstein, Dylan Gillim, Breanna Agate, Steffen Kelly, Caroline Wrenn, Jesse Kurtz. It is al-ways a pleasant thing to see students excel in so many ways.Options for summer school will be limited this year. Classes offered will not be school based, and will be online. Ms. Boyd has already sent out reminders for any student that should take advantage of the oppor-tunity to make up lost credits. If you are interested in knowing more specific infor-mation, please contact your counselor.Looking ahead to next year, students should dress their best for registration in August because that is the day school pic-tures are taken and ID cards are made. It should be an exciting day of registration as incoming freshman will tour our building and make tie-dyed t-shirts. Students meet

many of their teachers and I’m sure they will be well taken care of. With the weather improving every day and the sun showing itself more, it becomes harder and harder to focus on school. Please keep in mind we need to work to the end of the year. Finals for freshmen will take place on May 22nd and 23rd. All pranks are a disruption to school and will be dealt with accordingly. Please discour-age any pranks you hear of. We appreci-ate your cooperation and communication. Thank you for a wonderful year, and we'll see you in the fall.

Letters About LiteratureDimond Freshman Morgan Byrne has won second place for the State of Alaska for her age category in this year's Letters About Literature competition. Letters About Lit-erature is an annual contest sponsored by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. Students write letters to authors, living or dead, of books that have made a difference in their lives. Morgan's letter was to Elie Wiesel, the author of Night. As the second-place winner, she will receive $50 and a certificate.

Dimond Freshmen Abbigail Utley and Courtney Karns received honorable men-tions in the competition. Becky Norswor-thy's Honors English 9 students submitted 81 letters to the 2013 competition. Dimond Librarian Suzanne Metcalfe intro-duced the project and assisted students in choosing books and authors.More than 49,000 letters were entered na-tionwide at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels.

CAREER RESOURCE CENTER NEWSKim Lauwers - 742-7020

I have really enjoyed my time at Dimond High School as your Career Resource Ad-visor. As you already know, this program will not be here due to

the budget cuts. I would encourage all of you to be proactive in your future plans for after high school. Don’t wait until late your junior year or senior year to start preparing for your future. Everything you do from 9th grade through 12th grade is very valuable! I would like to just give you some helpful reminders to point you in the right direction. Thank you for everything and I will miss all of you!

FRESHMEN-SOPHOMORES-JUNIORS

•Select high school courses with a high school guidance counselor and your parents. Confirm that classes will contribute to college-prep or tech prep requirements, Alaska Performance Scholarship requirements, and NCAA Clear-inghouse requirements (NCAA- only if you will be participating in a Div. I or II insitution after high school)

•Get involved with clubs, activities, jobs, and community service.

FRESHMEN (Class of 2016)

•Research colleges of interest.

•Talk to your parents about planning for col-lege expenses. Continue or begin a saving plan for college.

•Keep track of academic and extracurricular awards, community service achievements, and anything else you participate in, so it’ll be easier to remember at a later date.

SOPHOMORES (Class of 2015)

•Keep your grades up.

•Contact colleges that interest you. Write to schools and ask for more information about their academic requirements and any pro-grams or activities that you’re interested in. It’s especially important to start this process now if you think you want to attend a military academy.

•Continue to talk to your parents about plan-ning for college expenses.

•Keep track of academic and extracurricular awards, community service achievements,

and anything else you participate in, so it’ll be easier to remember at a later date.

•Talk to your counselor and parents about ca-reer options and education required for those careers.

•Look at the AKCIS website for help with improving your job search skills, ways to pay for college, find a right school, career goals, and track your education and career plan. It’s free!

JUNIORS (Class of 2014)

•Continue to keep your grades up.

•Last chance to take the SAT is June 1 and the ACT is June 8 (there are earlier deadlines to register).

•Sign up for the NCAA Clearinghouse if you plan on playing a sport in college at the Divi-sion I or II level. Send an official high school transcripts to the NCAA Clearinghouse (re-quest this from your registrar).

•Visit colleges in the summer.

•Research private scholarship options.

•Start working on college essay.

•Request materials from schools that interest you and visit their websites.

•Start gathering information for your senior portfolio and the college application process. (check the Dimond CRC website for more in-formation)

•Look at the AKCIS website for help with improving your job search skills, ways to pay for college, find a right school, career goals, and track your education and career plan. It’s free!

•Organize a testing plan. Figure out when you’ll be taking important tests like the SAT, ACT, SAT subject test, and AP exams, and mark the dates on your calendar. You will want to have plenty of time to prepare.

•Keep track of academic and extracurricular awards, community service achievements, and anything else you participate in,

•Continue to talk to your parents about plan-ning for college expenses and possibly get a job.

•Start asking for letter of recommendations

from employers, teachers, and counselors.

SENIORS (Class of 2013)

•Anyone needing federal financial aid for col-lege or will be trying to get the Alaska Per-formance Scholarship, must fill out the FAF-SA form. The website is http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.

•You can get help with your FAFSA form or loan information from the Success Center which is located in the Dimond Center, next to the Perfect Cup. Also, sometime during the summer, they should be able to help you with Alaska Performance Scholarship questions.

•Finish strong academically!

•Send official final graduating transcripts to your college.

•Send official final graduating transcripts and ACT and /or SAT test scores to the NCAA Clearinghouse,if you will be playing a sport in college at the Division I or II level.

•Send in any deposits and any required forms to colleges.

•Register for college classes.

•If you need to take the UAA Accuplacer for UAA registration, please check with UAA Advising and Counseling for times and costs.

•Take care of loan paperwork if you have it.

•Contact colleges and let them know that you will or will not be attending their institution.

•Write thank you notes to those who wrote let-ters of recommendations for you and for any scholarships you might

•Review, sign and return financial aid forms.

•Review orientation materials that you have received.

•Do not leave school without a few letters of recommendations from your teachers and/or counselors.

•If you finished a Senior Portfolio and turned it into the CRC office, please pick that folder up before you graduate.

•Continue to look for private scholarships.

•Put together a resume, if you have not done so already.

•Get a job.

ACTIVITIES NEWSTim Helvey, Activities Assistant Principal - 742-6996

Dimond Lynx Activities ActionIt has been a record setting winter sports season for our Lynx. In my last newslet-ter I was able to congratulate a number of our winter sports that either won state championships or took region honors. The end of the winter season gave way to yet another banner to be raised in the gym. The competitive cheer squad finished the season as Grand Champions at the state championship competition. The judges awarded our squad the highest score amongst all the teams competing at the event from across the state. Our basketball cheer squad finished in first place in their division. It looks like we just might be a strong cheer school! The boys’ basketball team finished the sea-son strong allowing them to have a strong WPI standing to qualify for the state tour-nament. The WPI is a new system that re-wards the last two teams a birth to the state tournament based on how tough a teams schedule is and wins and losses. The girls’ basketball team finished first in their conference and placed second at the state tournament. The girls lost to a strong Wasilla team who won their third straight state championship. At the end of the win-ter sports season we will raise three ban-ners into the rafters. Now on to spring sports. If we ever man-age to get rid of all of this snow we just might be able to get outside to finish the season. All of our spring sports are off to a great start. Boys soccer is riding last years state cham-pionship and currently only have one loss on the season to a strong South team. The girls’ team wants to obtain what the boys earned last year and currently is un-defeated on the season. The girls and boys track and field team are looking strong. We once again have huge numbers of athletes who continue to put up some great marks. Baseball and softball are weeks away from

throwing out the first pitch to start their season. Other Lynx in the news. I would like to congratulate freshman Kendall Williams and freshman Katie Seybert for placing in the 2013 Lava Man Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii. Both placed very high amongst a large number of competitors in their age group.

Congratulations to Janelle Feller for sign-ing with University of Alaska Fairbanks to play volleyball next season.Congratulations to Damon Cikanek for signing with University of Alaska Fair-banks to play basketball next year.

NCAA information – Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors! Second semester sophomores, juniors and seniors considering ath-

letics at the collegiate level must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center – by no later than the beginning of the junior year of high school. This is required of students who have interest in NCAA-governed ath-letic programs. For more information, please see the link to the NCAA Eligibility Center website:

www.eligibilitycenter.orgCoach Evaluations: Athletes and parents please fill out the coach’s evaluation form and return them to the activities office. We value your comments and use your evalu-ations for final coaches evaluations at the end of the year.Eligibility for Fall Activities (Athletics, Fine Arts, Student Government, DDF, etc.) Moving on to the end of this year

and beginning of next year, second semes-ter grades have a huge impact on fall and winter sports eligibility. For students to be academically eligible for sports and activi-ties that begin in the months of August – December of next school year, they must have passed five or more classes at the con-clusion of second semester with a 2.0 GPA or greater and do the same for first quarter of next year.Dates to Remember:May 9,10,11 – Region IV Track & Field Championship @ BartlettMay 17,18 – Track & Field State Champi-onship @ Lathrop, FairbanksMay 23,24,25 Soccer State Championship, Boys and Girls @ Anchorage LocationsMay 30 – June 1 Baseball State Champion-ship @ Mulcahy StadiumMay 31 – June 1 Softball State Champion-ship @ Cartee FieldsAugust 5th – All fall sports start

Check school website for forms and times for registration.

And a final note to our seniors… The end of May will be the completion of my first year as the activities principal at Dimond High School, a school enriched in tradition and pride. It will be my honor to watch Di-mond’s 47th graduating class walk across the stage to receive their diplomas and pur-sue their dreams. The class of 2013 has represented our community and the other 46 years of alumni with the fighting spirit we expect. It is with great honor that I have had the priviledge to work with such a great group of student athletes. I wish all of you great success in your future.

JAMES BELLCurriculum

Assist. Principalbell_james@asdk12.org

DAVID LEGGFreshman House/Staff Services

Assist. Principallegg_david@asdk12.org

A. J. DIMOND HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION 2909 West 88th Avenue Anchorage, Alaska 99502 (907) 742-7000

TIM HELVEYActivities

Assist. Principalhelvey_timothy@asdk12.org

HOLLY MORRISStudent Services/Attendance

Assist. Principalmorris_holly@asdk12.org

There will be changes within the Gifted Mentorship Program for the 2013-2014 school year. With only one Gifted Mentor-ship Coordinator left in the program, there will not be formal recruitment meetings this spring. Instead we will be informing students about the program through the school's newsletter, classroom visits, and through the daily announcements. If you'd like more information about the program or to apply for a mentorship next year, please visit our website: http://www.asdk12.org/projects/gifted/ The website has our ap-plication and is a good source of informa-tion regarding eligibility requirements and mentorship expectations. There will NOT be a summer program, but students should apply early for next year, as space may be limited!Students wanting a fall mentorship next year MUST have their applications in by April 26th at 3pm. The deadline for second semester mentorship will be Sep-tember 20th, 2013. At DHS, applications can be turned into the curriculum office in the metal bin above the counselor's mail-boxes.For the remainder of this year, all three coordinators will continue their weekly school visits. Beginning next year, Jean Poulsen will be the only coordinator for all schools. You can contact her at poulsen_jean@asdk12.orgFor the rest of the year, Ms. Wiley will be visiting DHS on Wed. and Thurs. during lunch in the library. If you'd like to talk to her about the program, please email her in advance at wiley_lisa@asdk12.org

Here is the list of phenomenal students and mentors for the 2012-2013 school year.

Marina Aldous: Dr. Devin Johnson Northern Smiles Orthodontics

Ellen Jane Asay: Sue Beam ERA, Avionics

Jin Cha: Dr. Susie Dietz Providence, ER Physician

Victor Charoonsophok: August Asay FAA, Aeronautical Engineering

Jane Eckhoff: Dave Dickerson, RN Providence, Critical Care

Seth Flagel: Jeremy Maxie RSA Engineering

Janessa Fosi: Dr. Rhenee MerkourisOBGYN

Mackenzie French: Dr. KoroppKoropp Orthodontics

Christian Hartwell: Eric SowlKTUU, Photojournalism

Matt Harvey: Jason KeplerAerotwin, Aeronautical Engineering

Emmylea Herring: Bethany FreelBP, Engineering

Jason Hsi: Steve CinelliBP, Engineering

Lyndsey Kellard: Dr. Marion ClementAK Natural Healing Center, Naturopath

Anna Knight: Dr. John Halligan and Chris Galloway

Providence Cancer Center, Oncology

Jun Hyeog Lee: Nick StadnickyBP, Engineering

Kendra Paskvan: Dr. Brion BeerleAK Surgery Center, Anesthesiology

Olivia Pepe-Phelps: Meghan Holland, RN

Providence, Pediatrics

Karl Rodvik: Renee LimogeAK Alliance, Policy Making

Megan Romo: Johnelle Cooper, RNProvidence, Pediatrics

Zayn Roohi: Nick SwanKTVA, Photojournalism

Chance Runyon: Matt BlockLane Powell, Law

Mallory Stutzer: Dr. Riley WilsonThe Pet Stop, Veterinary Medicine

Tomas Sundet: Jeff GriesCoffman Engineering

Rutger Thiele: Michael Ardai and Kris Ryan-Clarke

Mad Dog Graphx, Graphic Design

Ian Wilber: Darrin MarshallUAA, Automotive Engineering

Lisa Wiley, Mentorship CoordinatorGifted Department 742 3798 cell 223 4718

GIFTED MENTORSHIP

J.R.O.T.C. NEWSMSG Shelley - 742-7010

State Drill MeetThe state drill meet was held on February 23rd at Service High School. The cadets ar-rived early in the morning and started pre-paring for each of their performances.

For the very first time in a long time the Unarmed Regulation team and the LET 1 regulation team both received 1st place. This is also the very first time in school his-tory that Dimond JROTC won 1st place trophies in all seven disciplines. Congratula-tions to all the cadets that practiced hard and made this success possible!

Military BallThis year’s Military Ball was held on March 2nd at the Captain Cook Hotel.

The cadets voted as royalty are: for Sweet-heart, C/1LT Bristol Williams, for Cava-lier, C/1SG Jon Jon Velasco, for the two princesses, C/1LT Erin Howe and C/SSG Mi-chaela Hendricks, for the two princes, C/LTC Anders Ogawa and C/2LT Chris Starr. The night is always a great time for all who

attend. All of the ladies looked amazing in their fancy ball gowns and the men looked their absolute best in their dress uniform. The cadets had lots of fun dancing to the

many songs and talking with their friends.Triathlon

The annual Triathlon was held on March 23rd at Buckner. The triathlon consists of 10 minutes of swimming, 10 minutes of biking, and 10 minutes of running. To pre-pare for this competition cadets practiced on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 5:30 am. At the triathlon, cadets prepared to com-pete by stretching. Dimond fielded 3 teams: Dimond Grey (C team), Dimond Maroon (junior varsity), and Dimond Gold (varsity) although only Dimond Gold was graded. All of the cadets competed as hard as they could and Dimond Gold won the 1st place team trophy. The Dimond cadets even won most

of the individual awards.

4th Awards CeremonyThe 4th Quarter Awards Ceremony was

held on March 28th in the Auditorium. Many of the cadets received 1st place team ribbons that were earned from the drill com-

petitions and Triath-lon. Many of these cadets were also awarded drill team cords and berets. For February Alpha Company won Honor Company. In March Bravo Company won Honor Company, their second time winning it this year.

For February, Alpha 3 won Platoon of the month and for March Bravo 2 won Platoon of the month. For Feb-ruary's COM board, cadet Prime Sanchez won. For March's COM boars, cadet Mi-chael Anders won. For the 3rd quarter NCO

board, cadet Michael Adannah Daniel won. The new Chain of Command was also announced. BC: C/LTC Erin Howe, XO: C/MAJ Chris Lind-beck, CSM: C/CSM Cole Campoamor, Al-pha Company Com-mander: C/CPT Ro-

man Daniel, Alpha Company 1st Sergeant:

C/1SG Jacobo Franco, Bravo Company Commander: C/CPT Engels Silfa, Bravo Company 1st Sergeant: C/1SG Adannah Daniel, S-1: C/2LT Michaela Hendricks, S-2: C/2LT Ilyne Hernandez, S-3: C/2LT Cellest Bulfa, and S-5: C/2LT Caitlin Peterson. Con-gratulations and Good Luck to the new Chain of Command.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT NEWSLem Wheeles, Advisor - wheeles_lem@asdk12.org

The month of April was a busy one for Student Government this year. The month started off with a fundraising drive for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society a great suc-cess in raising money for a good cause. Of the many other events organized during this month, a few stand out, including the New to Dimond Town Meeting, where next year’s Freshmen became involved with our school and got a head start in learning about all the great things Dimond has to offer. The 2013 Dimond Prom was held at Egan Center on the 27th. It was a night to remember!We have continued focusing on class proj-ects as an important way to bring our school together and promote class pride. With the Juniors focusing on Prom, the other classes have been busy putting together fun events and activities to end the year. The Se-nior class held another swim night, an amaz-ing opportunity for Seniors to bond before graduation. The Sophomores are planning a fun sand volleyball tournament sponsored by the PTSA. The Freshman class is putting on

a Spring Cleanup event, scouring our campus and preparing us for the new year. Voting took place April 15-16 for next year's Student Government officers! This was the first year that all voting took place electronically with our new system. Every-thing went smoothly and there was a good turnout of people voting from the student body.Our mission is to convey the opinions of the student body to the administration, organize school events, increase participation, and promote school spirit.

Congratulations to the 2013 Prom Court!

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Executive Board Student Body President Austin Osborne Student Body Vice President Tara Thompson Student Body Secretary Stefani Chace Representative at Large Jack Sedor Commissioner of Spirit Jin Chong Commissioner of Spirit Chandler Barrett Commissioner of Publicity Austin Pangelinan Commissioner of Publicity Holly Andrus Commissioner of Rules Haley Farrell Commissioner of Finance Callum Toohey

Class of 2014

Class President Abby Corral Class Vice President Lauren Martens Class Secretary Rachel Towslee Class Treasurer Taral Clayton Class Representative Heidi Andrus

Class of 2015 Class President Taelor Hawley Class Vice President Muhamed Cole Class Secretary Vacant TBA Class Treasurer Tommy Chon Class Representative Walker Hamilton

Class of 2016 Class President Joey Jurasek Class Vice President Haesha Zeid Class Secretary Lauren Gaither Class Treasurer Taylor Datuin Class Representative Vladislav Finko Officers for the Class of 2017 will be elected in the fall. Thank you to all of the candidates for taking the challenge and running for office!

Princes: Victor CharoonsophonsakCory Chan

Matt FalconerJacob LeeJun Lee

Jeremiah LeeAlex Ripley

Eugene Shestakov

Princesses: Sierra AfoaAshlyn Dye

Rebecca HoshawMarisa JingcoKatie Kampen

Sydney LaudonKendra PaskvanEmily Seidler

Choral Music is Alive and Well at Di-mond High School!

The entire choral department presented a total of five performances during the school year including the Dimond Area Choir Festival, the annual Holiday Con-cert in December, the Fine Arts Show-case, the District Large Group Choir Festival, and the Spring Concert on May2nd. In addition to those concerts, the Dimond Swing Choir sang for the Pe-troleum Wives Club, Christmas Caroling and Valentine Caroling fundraisers where they sang to a total of 120 students and teachers. Other performances included the Anchorage Museum, State Solo & Ensem-ble, Baccalaureate, and Graduation. Their annual Spring Swing Fling started out with a delicious dinner cooked and hosted by Mark and Josie McKinney and ended up with orchestra seats at the Discovery The-atre to watch the Anchorage Opera Pro-duction of The Pirates of Penzance.Our new Dimond Young Men’s Choir got off to a great start in their inaugu-ral year. The students were enthusiastic and willing to work hard. During the year the renowned classical male vocal quartet New York Polyphony sang for the students as well as coached them on their own music. We were also fortunate to have tenor, Michael More, former Artistic Director for the Anchorage Opera come to teach the boys vocal technique.The new Dimond Young Women’s Choir also had a great year. The choir learned some beautiful and challenging vocal mu-sic. They have grown to be a great choir with a beautiful sound. Thanks to the PTSA, discounts from local dance apparel retailer bodyphlo, and with other student fundraising we were able to purchase new character shoes for the choir.Congratulations are due to all of the Di-mond Singers on their hard work and accomplishments. They have grown so much this year. Choirs grow and get bet-

ter when students build on what they have learned. Each year a student returns cre-ates a stronger choir! Next year will start off with a bang! As soon as school begins we will be prepar-ing for our special guest, world-renowned conductor and choral educator Henry Leck and a joint concert with Mears Middle School and Chinook Elementary choirs in October. It’s an amazing opportunity for us made possible by a grant from the At-wood Foundation. Choir parent Suzanne Little (mother of Hattie Little-Burgener) wrote the grant. And speaking of parents, we couldn’t have had such a great year without the dedicated parents who gave their time and money to help build our choir program.Many people may ask, “Why take choir?” How will singing in a choir help your child do well in school, have a good life or be a productive member of society? A recent study published in Chorus Amer-ica shows some very tangible qualities that increase when a person sings in a chorus. Choral singers are more likely to vote, volunteer, give money to philanthropies, be creative and effective team players, are more disciplined, have increased social skills and are more supportive of other art forms. People are drawn to choral singing for many reasons; artistic experience, com-munal expression, and accessibility – there are few economic or educational barriers -- you don’t need to buy an instrument. The study also examined the role singing in chorus plays in childhood development. The results show children who sing have increased self-confidence and self-reli-ance as well as greater academic success. Maybe students don’t have room in their schedule for a music elective. There are ways to make room. Counselors can help to direct students to on-line classes and summer classes that may open up the way for a music elective.You can whet your appetite for choirs by watching the Emmy-Award winning documentary "Never Stop Singing." This award winning video highlights the renowned choral music tradition of Min-nesota and talks about the lifetime joys and rewards of choral singing.

Go to www.mnvideovault.org.

National Honor SocietyThe Kokogiak Chapter of the National Honor Society held its Induction Cer-emony on March 21. 19 members were inducted who were found to meet the society’s pillars of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Each member has maintained a GPA of at least 3.50 for 3 semesters and is also an active member in one of Dimond’s service clubs: Key Club, Z Club, Green Effects, Partners Club, or serves on ROTC’s Color Guard or Flag Detail. The Kokogiak chapter proudly serves our Dimond community through the planting of tulips near the relocatables, the AP Award Shield luncheon, the For-eign Exchange Student luncheon, and other activities to promote scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Please join us in congratulating the new induct-ees on their achievement!

Celine Abello Raphael Baluyut

Sarah Bylsma Adanna Daniel

Janessa Fosi Liezel Giron

Trent Hodson Keely Holt

Yuhwa Hu Anh Huynh

James Janezich Claire Johansen

Erin Kim Jenna Mixson

Samantha Paskvan Dusan Pekich

Kaily Stanton Michael Summers

Jovan Villamanca

ENGINEERING ACADEMY NEWSLea Bouton, Marcus Reese, Wade Roach, Zion Russell & Chaz Vaughn

Nationally Certified Project Lead the Way School

The Engineering Academy is open to any students who are interested in pursuing a ca-reer in engineering or interested in hands-on project based learning in science and tech-nology. Students may take an engineering class during each of the four years they are at Dimond High. All of the students in these classes will form a cohort of students learn-ing the science, technology, and math skills needed to become an engineer. Engineers make a living using math and science to solve the world’s problems and so students in the engineering academy will take math and science classes all four years. By the be-ginning of the second year, students should have completed Algebra 1. Students also will be expected to take physics as one of their science classes, in either 11th or 12th grade. Part of the academy’s benefit will be to provide a cohort of students that can sup-port each other while completing the more advanced math and science classes. The academy uses classes designed by Project Lead the Way, a national organization that provides training and course materials for engineering programs.

9th gradePLTW Introduction to

Engineering Design

1) Design and build products to solve prob-lems.

2) Be part of a team.

3) Given a problem and you find a solution. Imagine the astronauts on Apollo 13 running out of breathable air. In a limited time, given limited resources, and using your unlimited imagination, your team must design and test a solution to the problem. Brainstorm ideas, sketch out diagrams, use computer programs to create 3D models of your design, build prototypes that serve as examples of your ideas, test them in the real world, and present the perfect solution to your friends. This is the kind of project that students in this class will get to do.

10th grade-12th gradePLTW Principles of Engineering

Learn about all the different types of engi-neers and what they do. Some engineers design bridges, others design cars. Technol-ogy is designed by humans and in this class you will find out how to do it. You will learn all sorts of things about the physical world and how to use that information to design so-lutions to problems. This brings up some important concerns when designing the fu-ture…Will robots take over the world? Will humans create a virus that will destroy us? Will humans never grow old? This class will also see how engineering can benefit human-ity, and also how it can fail.

PLTW Computer Integrated Manufacturing

You have seen robots dance and battle, clean carpets, and mow lawns. Elementary stu-dents are building and programming them for fun and competition. Robots are here and they will become as common in our lives as the personal computer. A robot in every home…just like the call made by computer designers just over 20 years ago. This class applies principles of robotics and automa-tion to solve problems in the real world. The course builds on computer modeling skills developed in Introduction to Engineering Design. Students use robotic equipment to produce actual models of their three-dimen-sional designs.

PLTW Civil Engineering and Architecture

These interdependent fields are the focus of this year long class in which teams of stu-dents form a company and complete a resi-dential and commercial project. The com-pany is imagined but the skills and teamwork learned are real and valuable

11th grade-12th gradePLTW Digital Electronics

Ever looked inside a computer or calculator? Replaced the batteries on a remote control? Chances are you have glimpsed a circuit board in doing so. We live in the digital age and so much of your life is run through an electronic circuit. You will learn how these

wonders of the modern age work and how to design and build them to fulfill your needs. You will use simulation software used by professionals, to design and test digital cir-cuitry prior to the actual construction of cir-cuits and devices.

Technical Writing

We’ve talked to professional engineers and what they tell us is that engineers need to be able to communicate their ideas effec-tively. This course teaches students proper professional communication from emails to reports.

Capstone Project

PLTW Engineering Design and Develop-ment -- students work in teams to design and develop an original solution to a valid open-ended technical problem. Teams de-sign, build, and test their solutions while working closely with industry professionals who provide mentoring opportunities. Teams present and defend their original solution to an outside panel.

Other Activities

FIRST Robotics Team -- Design and build a complete concept from start to finish in 6 weeks. Dimond High has competed in FRC since 2001. This project includes all disci-plines and is open to any interested students. As a capstone to the DEA, students apply to take on leadership roles in an area of their expertise.

ASD Gifted Mentorship -- 11th and 12th graders can apply for a mentorship with an engineer from a firm located in the Anchor-age area. !

A. J. Dimond High SchoolEngineering Academy Application

The Engineering Academy at Dimond High was created in 2008 to support students in becoming engineers. The curriculum used is Project Lead The Way (PLTW), to help students interested in the engineering field prepare for the rigor of the discipline. The courses offered require creativity, mathematical proficiency, communication in various mediums, and teamwork.

Student Name: ____________________________________________Grade: __________

Briefly explain the reasons you desire admission into the DHS Engineering Academy (ie: why do you want to be here?).

What do you feel are your greatest strengths that you bring to the Academy?

Given your current understanding of the courses offered within the Academy, what to you propose as your pathway?

9th ________________________________________10th _______________________________________11th _______________________________________12th _______________________________________

Have you completed a Gateway To Technology course at middle school?_______________________

I understand that to earn an Engineering Academy cord at graduation I must have a B or better in 4 Engineering Academy courses (in-cluding Principles of Engineering), and enrollment in 4 years each of science and math courses.

__________________________________________________ _________________________ Student Signature Date

_________________________________________________ _________________________ Parent Signature Date

_________________________________________________ _________________________ Email Address Phone

Please return your completed application to your Dimond High School counselor or to Mr. Wade Roach. Thank you!

Thank You School Business Partners!

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A. J. Dimond High School2909 W. 88th Avenue

Anchorage, AK 99502

Non-ProfitOrganization

U. S. POSTAGEPAID

Permit #258Anchorage, Alaska

To The Parent or Guardian of:

SCHOOL BUSINESS PARTNERS:American Legion Spenard Post 28Anchorage Kiwanis ClubBagoy’sDavis Constructors & Engineers Inc.Dimond Alumni FoundationEnterprise Engineering Inc.GCI Communications CorpGreat Alaska Pizza Co.HalliburtonMichael Foster & AssociatesOrthopedic Physicians AnchoragePapa Murphy’sReger Physical TherapySiemens Building TechnologiesSteam DotTastee FreezUSKH

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERSMain Line (Switchboard) 742-7000Main FAX 742-7007Attendance Office 742-7009Registrar 742-7026Counseling/Guidance 742-7008Activities/Athletics 742-7005Nurse 742-7052Career Resource Center 742-7020Student Services 742-7056

A. J . DIMOND HIGH SCHOOL

Visit our Dimond High School Website for current information on our school and activities @ http://www.asdk12.org/schools/dimond/pages/