The Eagle’s Nest

GK Website www.gkhs.bethelsd.org

GK Phone Numbers Front Office – 683-6100 Attendance – 683-6192 ASB Office – 683-6182 Counseling Office – 683-6176 Registrar – 683-6184 Library – 683-6195 Athletics – 683-6185 Career Center – 683-6120

Principal Ed Petersen – 683-6191 Assistant Principals Debra Hay – 683-6186 Bryan Streleski – 683-6188 Deans of Students Liz Roloff – 683-6185 Brian Jackson – 683-6109

Counselors Students A to E Ms. VanBuskirk – 683-6178 Students F to LA Ms. Knight – 683-6187 Students LE to RI Ms. GreyEyes – 683-6179 Students RO to Z Mr. Stallman – 683-6177 Calendar Dates

May 15 – Choir Concert, 7pm May 16 – Orchestra Concert, 7pm May 17 – Band Concert 7pm May 22-24 – Student Led Conf. May 25 – Snow Make Up Day May 28 – Memorial Day/No School May 31 – Senior Awards 6:30pm June 1 – Talent Show, 7pm June 4 – EOC Math Assessment June 5 – EOC Biology Assessment June 5-7 – Senior Finals June 6 – Late Start June 6 – Orchestra Concert, 7pm June 9 – Senior Prom June 11 – Graduation Rehearsal June 13-14 – Soph/Junior Finals June 13 – Graduation 4:30pm June 18 – Last Day of School Early Dismissal 10am

Summer School Opportunity Pierce County Skills Center is offering summer classes again this year. There are two sessions that will meet for 3 weeks from 8:00-2:30 from June 25 – August 2. This is a great opportunity for students to retrieve credits or to take classes just for fun!

Visit the Skills Center website at pcskillscenter.org for locations, registration information and course

descriptions. There is a $50 course fee per class. Students who receive free/reduced lunch are eligible for a discounted rate and must complete and return a Reduced Fee form with the summer school application in order to receive the discounted rate of $25.

Students and parents interested in registering for PCSC summer

school may attend one of the registration evenings at local high schools. They will be at Sumner High School on Monday, May 14th; Spanaway Lake High School on Tuesday, May 15th; and Franklin Pierce High School on Thursday, May 17th. Registration nights will run from 5:30pm-6:30pm. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and assist you with the application.

May/June 2012 Volume 7, Issue 5

Student Led Conferences are a time for students to showcase what they have learned during the school year, how they have grown, and what they are planning for their future. Student Led Conferences will be held on May 22, 23, & 24. All students at GK will have a Student Led Conference on one of those days. Student Led Conference invitations were mailed the first week of May.

Student Led Conferences

“Wow” this last year has just flown by! As we bring this year to a close, I would like to take this time to thank all parents and/or guardians for allowing the GK staff and myself the privilege of educating your child. I have been humbled by the experience of being the principal at GK this past year. I want to thank the community, the staff, and most importantly the students of GK for making my time here such a great experience! As I leave, I want to challenge all of you to continue to demand the best of the staff at GK and to make GK the “point of the spear” in rigorous education in the state!

Ed Petersen Principal

From the Principal

Yearbooks are on sale in the ASB office or online. There is a limited supply so don't miss out!

In our effort to promote year-round learning, we are excited to continue our Summer Reading program here at GK! Each grade level is assigned one book to read before school begins in the fall. There will be no assignment to complete before the new school year begins. Students will receive the assignment in their Careers class upon their return.

Below are the titles of the Summer Reading books and a brief description of each:

Summer Reading Program

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2012-2013 Freshmen:

Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen Within Cole Matthews lie anger, rage and hate. He commits a crime, which may lead to imprisonment. Instead he is offered Circle Justice: one-year banishment to a remote Alaskan island. There he encounters a white bear of Native American legend. To survive, he must stop blaming others and take responsibility for his life. Touching Spirit Bear is a poignant testimonial to the power of a pain that can destroy, or lead to healing.

2012-2013 Sophomores:

Uglies by Scott Westerfield Tally Youngblood lives in a futuristic society where its citizens believe they are ugly until age 16 when they undergo an operation that turns them “pretty”. Tally’s new friend Shay isn’t sure she wants to be pretty and would rather risk life on the outside. When Shay runs away, the authorities give Tally an ultimatum, turn in her friend or stay ugly forever.

2012-2013 Seniors:

The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo The Alchemist is the magical story of Santiago, a shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. From his home in Spain, he journeys to the markets of Tangiers and across the Egyptian desert to a fateful encounter with the alchemist. The story of the treasures Santiago finds along the way teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, learning to read the signs strewn along life's path, and following our dreams.

A limited number of books will be for sale before summer break. The Hunger Games ($8), Uglies ($6.50) and The Alchemist ($10) can be bought at GKHS. Touching Spirit Bear ($4.50) and Uglies ($6.50) can be purchased at the junior highs. Books may also be purchased from local bookstores or online. Any edition of the book is acceptable.

Solo/Ensemble Contest Winners Congratulations to Gretchen Gielisch on her outstanding vocal performances this spring. Gretchen won the regional division in the Alto voice category in March, competed at the State Solo & Ensemble competition on April 27th, and received superior ratings from all three judges.

Congratulations to the Chamber Choir from GK that went down to Anaheim, California to compete in the Worldstrides Heritage Performance competition April 13-16. Our choir received a Gold award (superior), 2nd place in their division, and received an invitation to perform in the 2014 Elite National Festival of Gold at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The judges were thrilled with the diverse program that our students performed.

The GK Orchestra attended the Mountain Region Orchestra Contest on April 21st at Frontier Junior High. The GK Chamber Orchestra earned a Superior rating.

2012-2013 Juniors:

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins In the ruins of what was once North America lies the nation of Panem divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year, two young representatives from each district are selected to participate in the Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen year old, Katniss Everdeen takes her sister’s place in the games and is forced to make choices between survival and humanity.

Choir & Orchestra Contest Results Congratulations to all the students who participated in the State Solo/Ensemble Contest in Ellensburg in April. The following students received awards and/or are mentioned on the WMEA website for their superior performances:

1st Place: GK Brass Choir – Tim Mork, Scott Treber, Haley Bronson, Faith Paschal, Garrett Vose, Andrew Groff, Noah Davis, Brandon Buce 2nd Place: Haley Bronson – French Horn Solo 2rd Place: GK Sax Quartet – Aaron Mykins, Jason Reichl, Alex Nodtvedt, Caitlan Whitley

Receiving Superior Ratings: Jessica Boyd – flute, Isaac Rodriguez – mallets, Caleb Chandler – trumpet, Bobby Odle – timpani, Gretchen Gielisch – alto, GK Clarinet Choir – Amy Bernstein, Katie Regier, Darren Iversen, Ashley Stewart, Brianne Brower, Carina Salazar, Shanika Kennedy, Jessica Zessin, Dana Whitmore, Riley Roth.

Fall sports clearance days are Monday, August 13th and Tuesday, August 14th from 9am-2pm. Athletes need to make certain to return all of the required paperwork in order to receive their clearance. Athletes will not be allowed to participate in any practice until they obtain clearance. Fall sports include: football, volleyball, boys and girls golf, girls tennis, girls soccer, girls swimming, and boys and girls cross-country. The pay-to-participate fee must be paid prior to the first contest.

The following paperwork is required to participate in a fall sport: Physical form Concussion form

Parent Permission form

Emergency Card Sport Specific Safety

Guidelines

Incomplete paperwork will not be accepted.

Make plans to get your physical as early as possible; available doctor’s appointments can be difficult to find near the end of the summer.

Football – 1st practice is August 15th All other fall sports begin Monday, August 20th.

If you have questions, please contact Ms. Roloff at 683.6185 or eroloff@bethelsd.org.

For up-to-date GK football information, visit www.gkeagles.org.

Lost textbooks, library books, unpaid sports, uniform, and music fees largely impact our school’s operating budget. Unpaid fines and fees also result in not being allowed to participate in sports, field trips, dances, end of year celebrations, and ultimately graduation activities.

Please take time to review your child’s accounts by following the steps below. If there are fines to be paid, please use the “Pay Online” at gkhs.bethelsd.org or see the ASB office in person. If you have any questions about your child’s library fines or textbooks, please contact Mrs. Westbrook at swestbrook@bethelsd.org or 683-6182.

To view and/or pay all of a student’s fines and fees (including library,

textbooks, sports, PE, field trips, etc.):

1. Go to the GK Website at gkhs.bethelsd.org 2. Click on the “Pay Online” link at the very bottom of the column on the right-hand side under “Quicklinks.” 3. The Username is the student’s ID number. The password is the student’s last name. To access your child’s Destiny (library) account with him/her: 1. Your student can log on at my.bethelsd.org 2. Open the “School Library” link on the right side. 3. Click on the “My Info” tab at the top of the page. All payments made will automatically show at the school and on reports for coaches and teachers. Thank you for your support and assistance in this process.

Sports Information Fines & Fees

Tuesday, June 12th

Periods 1, Advisory, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Wednesday, June 13th

Periods 2, Study Support, 3, 4, 5

Finals in Periods 2, 3 & 5

Thursday, June 14th

Periods 1, Study Support, 3, 4, 6

Finals in Periods 1, 4 & 6

Class of 2012 Information

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10th & 11th Grade Finals Schedule

Senior Parents: If you are interested in helping with the Senior Breakfast on June 11, 2012, please contact: Kathy Rushton, 253-683-6107/krushton@bethelsd.org or Brooke McDonald, 253-683-6100/bmcdonald@bethelsd.org

Attention Seniors!! Will you need official copies of your final transcript after graduation? Be sure to submit a Final Transcript Request to the Counseling office before graduation. Final transcripts are not automatically sent to colleges/schools. You must request them. So, get off to a good start following high school by clearing any fines and the getting your request in! Forms are currently available in the Counseling office or on Mrs. Session’s website.

Senior Prom – June 9 Tacoma Art Museum

Graduation Information – June 13th, 4:30 PM at the Tacoma Dome

Enjoy the fun at the Senior Prom Saturday, June 9 from 8-Midnight at the Tacoma Art Museum. Tickets will be on sale in the ASB office for $27.50 each (parking included in price). Guest pass information is available in the main office. Please make certain to follow the dress code below when selecting your attire. Note* All dance attendees must be clear of fines. See Mrs. Westbrook in ASB for more information.

The following two pages contain important information about graduation and graduation requirements. Seniors, make certain you read the information carefully.

Senior Fines The senior class currently owes over $20,000.00 in outstanding fines and fees.

Seniors, please pay your fines at the ASB office. Mrs. Westbrook is available during school hours for you to make payments or to check your fine status at the ASB office. Payments may now also be paid online by visiting the GKHS website and using the PayOnLine system. Your student’s ID is their “Student Number” and the password is their “Last Name.

Transcript requests will not be processed until all fines/fees are paid. This includes AP testing fees.

Take care of your fines early!

Graduation Tickets Each graduate who meets the criteria below will be issued five tickets to the graduation ceremony. Students will receive 5 tickets if he/she:

has a status that predicts graduation requirements have been met

has paid all fines and fees owed to the school and the district

has a cap and gown ordered

Five additional tickets will be available to all seniors who successfully complete their student led conference ON TIME as scheduled during the May conference week (May 22-24) with their portfolio and senior project completed.

Each person who attends the ceremony, with exception of the graduate, must have a ticket – young children and babies count and need tickets.

Additional tickets may be purchased at the ASB office for $5.00 each beginning May 29. Tickets will be distributed to seniors the morning of graduation practice in June.

Tacoma Dome parking is $10.

Dress Code for Graduation All graduates must have a cap, and gown with 2012 stole & tassel. Female Graduates Should Wear:

Dresses/Skirts/Dress pants and appropriate dress shoes

Male Graduates Should Wear:

Dress shirts and ties – appropriate slacks and dark dress shoes

Students May NOT Wear:

Jeans Shorts Casual sandals or flip flops Tennis shoes or running

shoes Decorations of any kind

with the cap and gown other than medals and honor cords awarded through GKHS. (Leis, flowers, sashes, etc. may be worn after the ceremony for pictures with family and friends.)

Students who do not follow the graduation dress code will not be permitted to

participate in the graduation ceremony.

Graduation Timeline May 22-24 Senior Presentations May 31 Senior Awards Night, 6:30pm June 5-7 Senior Finals June 8 Senior Checkout & Last Day June 9 Senior Prom at Tacoma Art

Museum, 8pm June 11 Seniors Breakfast & Graduation

Practice, 8am June 13 Graduation – 4:30pm at the

Tacoma Dome

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Senior Prom Dress Code Boys:

• Tuxedo, dress suit or slacks, and dress shoes. No jeans or tennis/athletic shoes.

• Shirts are to be worn at all times. Girls:

• Formal dresses or gowns may be strapless or feature spaghetti straps.

• Exposed backs are acceptable; however, bare stomachs or bare midriffs are not permitted;

• Dress shoes or sandals are to be worn. • Undergarments should not be visible. See-through

apparel and gowns or dresses with slits that are above mid-thigh area are not permitted. Extremely tight or extremely low-cut garments are also unacceptable. If you have a question about a dress see Ms. Hay.

Bethel School District Criteria for Walking at Graduation Ceremonies

Class of 2012

Students must meet the following four criteria to walk at graduation: 1. Complete REQUIRED 22.5 CREDITS

2. Complete a CULMINATING PROJECT (Student–Led Conference and Careers Credit) 3. Pay all fines and fees 4. Complete STATE ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS Below:

Reading Writing Math

Students in the following section must meet one of the listed options in each subject to earn a diploma and walk in the graduation ceremony.

Student has met standard on the HSPE

(High School Proficiency Exam), WASL or CAA-Option

Special Education student has met

standard on a Special Education Alternative Assessment

Student has a validated Out-of-State or Special Circumstances Waiver

Student has met standard on the

HSPE, WASL or CAA-Option

Special Education student has met standard on a Special Education Alternative Assessment

Student has a validated Out-of-State

or Special Circumstances Waiver

Student has met standard

on the HSPE, WASL or CAA-Option

Special Education student

has met standard on a Special Education Alternative Assessment

Student has a validated

Out-of-State or Special Circumstances Waiver

Student is on-track to earn

2.0 math credits since their sophomore year

If students have not met the above criteria, they may walk at graduation only if they have met all of the criteria below. Earning a diploma will depend on Spring State Assessment results.

Student participated in the Spring 2012 State Reading HSPE and passed

Student participated in the Spring 2012 State Writing HSPE and passed

Must meet all of the above criteria

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GRAHAM­KAPOWSINHIGHSCHOOL

22100108thAveEGraham,WA98338City,ST78269

The first day of school for the 2012-2013 School year is

Wednesday, September 5th.

Watch your mailbox in early August for “Get Your Stuff” Day dates and the pre-order form for

ASB cards, athletic fees and yearbooks.

Don’t forget - Student Led Conferences are Tuesday, May 22 – Thursday, May 24!

Bethel School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all federal rules and regulations, including Title IX, RCW 28A.640, RCW 28A.642 and Section 504. Bethel does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any disability, or use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Contact the Assistant Director of Human Resources at (253) 683-6023 or the Executive Director of Special Services at (253) 683-6921 with any questions or complaints.