AVIATION HIGH SCHOOL
NOTAM 010410
04 January 2010

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK?

Monday
Welcome Back!
VIP – Senator Dale Brandland on campus
Ballroom Dancing for beginners 3:40–5:00 p.m. in the Gym
Peer Tutoring (drop in) 3:35–4:45 p.m. in Room 10

Tuesday
Robotics Team meeting 6:00-8:00 p.m. in Room 7

Wednesday
Peer Tutoring (sign-up) 3:35–4:45 p.m. in Room 10

Thursday
VIP – Susan Hutchison on campus
Clubs during Advisory
Culture Club 3:45–4:45 p.m. in Room 24
Robotics Team meeting 6:00-8:00 p.m. in Room 7

Friday
Early Release at 2:00 p.m.
Staff Professional Collaboration time 2:15-3:45 p.m.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL:
Welcome Back and Happy New Year! I hope your vacation was all that you hoped it would be, and that you are now ready to continue your learning journey. Well, actually…I hope your learning continued through break, as I’m certain it did!

January is named for the Roman god of beginnings and endings. He looked backward and forward at the same time, which seems like an appropriate task for all of us to do as Year 2009 has ended and 2010 is just beginning. Reflection and taking “stock” of what we have accomplished in the year just past provides keen perspectives of what we want our lives to look like in this new year, perhaps in this new decade. During advisory this week, I hope you will make this a topic of discussion, asking yourselves:

What do I want to celebrate (and perhaps continue) from Year 2009?

What do I want to achieve in Year 2010? This question is, of course, a prompt for goal-setting. I advise that you write your goals, using the SMART formula—Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Realistic, and Time-bound. Your advisors can help you with this process.

How will I celebrate when I achieve my goals? I heartily encourage you to carefully consider this aspect of goal setting. Motivation is always essential in achieving our goals, and it doesn’t have to be money, a new “toy”, trip, or party that serves as the primary motivator. Think about what will inspire you to stay the course in 2010.

And…if you are feeling visionary, think about the Year 2020. In fact, this may be the step you want to start with, since envisioning the future can be a powerful motivator for daily actions. Freshmen, what do you want your life to look like when you are 24 or 25? Sophomores, when you are 25 or 26? Juniors, what will your life look like at age 26 or 27? And seniors…what do you imagine yourselves to be experiencing by age 27 or 28? How will you get there? SMART goals? It may also be fun and insightful to ask your teachers what they were considering for their future when they were your age!

Have fun with the process. Make it work for you. We don’t all have to use the same procedures for establishing our goals, but writing them down and monitoring them carefully usually results in greater success!

During the holiday break, there was a very thought-provoking editorial published in the December 20 edition of The Seattle Times. It was written by Dr. Bonnie Dunbar, CEO/President of the Museum of Flight. The article is titled, “Washington must inspire a new generation of American scientists and engineers”, and I am asking that all of you read this article sometime this week. Your teachers will be reading it, too, and some will be assigning work related to the key elements of Dr. Dunbar’s message. You can locate the article at http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2010541689_guest20dunbar.html?syndication=rss.
The link article will also be posted on our website as well as the PTSA website.

As I read Dr. Dunbar’s message, I found myself feeling reassured that Aviation High School is contributing to the solution of this national crisis. Our test scores in math and science are relatively high, and we have much to celebrate. At the same time, I kept wondering how we could enhance our own efforts to inspire more students to consider science and engineering-related degrees and career pathways. As an educator, I have always held firm to the belief that schools must be responsive to emerging needs within the workforce. I made a conscious decision early in my career to commit my life’s work to helping students pursue their passion for occupations that would fill their “cup” while simultaneously filling the economic “cup” that sustains us all. I’ve loved most every minute of my journey. Developing Aviation High School, a school with a very clear purpose—namely, to help create the next generation of scientists, engineers and other aviation and aerospace-focused professionals who can provide leadership in a global marketplace where the United States once dominated—has been invigorating, rewarding, and challenging. I love it all, challenge included. And I accept Dr. Dunbar’s challenge of “Let’s set a goal: to make Washington State No. 1 in math and science in the nation within 10 years.” Better yet…let’s set a goal to make Aviation High School the #1 STEM+ school in the State! What does that mean for all of us within the AHS learning community? As Dr. Dunbar asks in her concluding statement of the article, “If not now, when?”

I’m eager to hear your thoughts about Dr. Dunbar’s key messages, as well as her challenge (goal for 2020) and mine. Mr. McComb and I will be following up with staff to gather their thoughts and insights, which will include what they hear from you during class discussions. If you feel inspired to share your thoughts directly with Dr. Dunbar or with me, please know that they will be welcomed!

Again, Happy New Year! Best to all of you for an inspiring day, week, year, and decade of learning!
As always, I’m honored to be your principal. ~Reba

A GIFT THAT COUNTS
Attention students and staff! This month, members from leadership class will be holding a fundraiser. We encourage everyone to bring in slightly used, or unused winter wear for those in need. Bring your coats, hats, and gloves to the main office, where a donation box will be located. The donations will be given to the Regina House, and will be picked up on January 18th, so be ready to donate!

FROM PTSA
PTSA thanks parent volunteers Stephanie Hoag and Julie Zaballos and the office staff for their support and help during the Butter Braid fundraising project. You are all appreciated!

Except for the Quote of the Week, the following announcements have been posted in previous editions of the NOTAM. They are still important and posted for your information and action, as appropriate:

FOR AHS SENIORS:
Hopefully, you found time over the break to get your senior photo taken if you hadn’t already done so. The deadline for submission is this Friday, January 8 – no exceptions. All submissions should be sent to AHS Yearbook Staff or emailed to Juarezmm@hsd401.org. Please refer to the handout distributed in advisory for specific details.

Quotes of the Week:
Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right.
Oprah Winfrey

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1850