Sunday, September 12, 2010

NOTAM 13 Sept 2010

About the NOTAM this year:
Dear Students, Parents & Families, & Friends of AHS,

At Aviation High School, we believe that communication with student and families, our partners and friends in aviation, and members of the communities we serve, is vitally important. The weekly NOTAM (Notice to Airmen, a term we ‘borrowed’ from the aviation world) is our version of most school’s bulletin, but we hope you will find it a bit more personalized and representative of the uniqueness of our school. Most importantly, we hope you will read it each and every week as it is our primary written communication tool for stakeholders inside and outside the organization.

For those of you who have been acquainted with AHS prior to this school year, you will notice that the NOTAM is changing a bit. To begin with, we are posting much of the information that used to be in the NOTAM on the school calendar is posted on our website at http://www.AviationHS.org. You can click on events to find additional information, not just for the week but for scheduled activities throughout the month and school year. Please make it part of your weekly routine to review the calendar so that you don’t miss an opportunity!

This year’s NOTAM will primarily consist of the following:

 The Principal’s Message
Ms. Gilman’s message will inform you about learning opportunities that need more explanation than can be provided on the calendar. Example: Pathfinder event that is the focus of this week’s message. She will also give updates about the school’s progress toward permanently locating at the Museum of Flight. Reminders will be provided about special events. And, frequently students will be recognized for earning awards and honors and doing good deeds. Unlike previous years’ NOTAMs, we will publish students’ outside accomplishments monthly if we know about them…and we do want to know! Just send an email to Ms. Stark at starkml@hsd401.org detailing the recognition, and you’ll see your name in print!


 Message from the ASB
There may or may not be a weekly message from ASB. Officers will inform you about special events such as dances, spirit weeks, etc.

 Message from the PTSA
Don’t expect weekly messages. We will occasionally print them to remind you of important events and timelines, but your best way to keep informed of PTSA information and activities is to regularly check their website at http://www.aviationptsa.org.

 A quote of the week, which is intended to make you think about an issue or simply enjoy!
Ms. Carper, our counselor, will post scholarship information in her office and also post to our website. Likewise, Ms. Pappas and Ms. Burr will post mentoring information and internship opportunities in their office and on the website. Make it a habit to check this information on a regular basis and know that it will be updated as new opportunities develop.
In summary, make it a habit to read the entire NOTAM each week! We highly encourage parents and students to read and review it together; and, if you have questions, contact us. Because of the change in our advisory schedule this year, there will no longer be an advisory period on Mondays during which time the NOTAM is reviewed. Rather, highlights will be reviewed during students’ first period classes. Therefore, students must assume responsibility for reading the rest of it on their own time. It will be posted on our website each Sunday evening to give you a ‘heads up’ on the week ahead. The NOTAM is available as a blog as well; we encourage you to subscribe to the feed.

This first edition of the NOTAM is lengthy, and we apologize for that. Future editions will be more concise.

Sincerely,

The Administration & Staff of Aviation High School

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL:
You’re back, and we welcome you!

As we begin the 2010-2011 school year, there’s already a great sense of excitement and wonderment about what the year will bring. I love hearing the ‘buzz’ of your conversations and interactions in the hallways and classrooms, and I’ll be one of your greatest fans as you pursue your goals for college and career at Aviation High School!

Our ASB officers and representatives provided an excellent start to the school year on opening day with a spirited assembly. Well-deserved thanks go to President Sarah, Vice-President Miranda, Secretary Elizabeth and Treasurer Jenny for demonstrating such outstanding leadership skills. They encouraged everyone to get involved in school activities this year, so I hope you are already thinking about clubs and teams that develop your leadership capabilities and complement your academic studies. Remember that you are creating your resume during high school. Academic achievements along with involvement in school activities and volunteerism within the community all enhance your competitiveness to get into the college of your choice, earn scholarship awards, and gain internship and employment experiences.

At Aviation High School, we don’t have a football team, so we don’t have a traditional Homecoming event; rather, we have our own version of homecoming called Pathfinder, and this year it will be held on Saturday, October 9. It is a formal (suits or tuxes for guys; semi-formal to formal wear for ladies) gala event held at the Museum of Flight for the purpose of honoring extraordinary people who have made significant contributions to aviation and aerospace. The evening starts with a reception in the Great Gallery where we mingle and get acquainted with distinguished guests as we sip a beverage and enjoy some tasty appetizers. The reception is followed by dinner, a procession of former Pathfinder recipients, and on-stage interviews of the Pathfinder inductees. This year’s Pathfinders are Suzanna Darcy-Hanneman, Clay Lacey, and Bill Boeing Jr. The celebration honoring these three individuals should be nothing less than spectacular!

Thanks to the generosity of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the Museum of Flight, Galvin Flying, and several individual AHS supporters, up to 75 selected Aviation High School students attend for free! If you are interested in attending, check the website for more information (details are under the tab). (Check it soon; among other things, you will need to write and submit a brief essay by Thursday, 23 September.)

Pathfinders is a great networking event and has opened doors for many AHS students, including internships and work experiences!

That’s it for my message this week. My best for an engaging and insightful week of learning! I am honored to be your principal!

~Reba (or Ms. Gilman, if you prefer; l answer to either!)


MESSAGE FROM ASB:
Welcome back to AHS and a special welcome to the class of 2014! We hope you are as eager and excited as we are for another great year at Aviation High School. We have a lot of plans for the 2010-2011 school year and we need your help to make them successful. Thank you to all who purchased ASB merchandise and ASB cards, which we hope you'll enjoy the many perks of having (i.e. discounts to special events and free admission to the Museum of Flight, including weekends). Speaking of, to kick off the school year we will be having our first spirit week and semi-formal dance (the Aviator's Ball) so stay tuned for more details. Have a great first week, and remember, be proud that you're a Phoenix!
Sincerely,
Your ASB

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” ~GANDHI