Full data not included in ASD report
Regarding the Sept. 11 ADN article, "ASD data show slight decreases in attendance, performance," I would like to draw attention to the "On Target" statistics of Highland Tech Charter School.
The Anchorage School District reported only 12.5 percent of Highland Tech students as on target, meaning they were earning requisite credits for middle school or enough to graduate high school. The data used to make this determination is drawn from Zangle, the ASD student information database. As such, the district accurately reported what data it had access to regarding student progress at Highland Tech. School Board President Kameron Perez-Verdia noted "some schools may have a different timeline for students to earn the required number of credits to graduate." I would like to thank Perez-Verdia for clarifying this statistic. However, it is not entirely our unique system that led to the incomplete reporting of the data, but also the fact that we have very little data in Zangle for the district to see.
As a charter school, Highland Tech uses a separate student information system and rarely utilizes Zangle for student reporting. The data presented to the board would only have reflected a tiny fraction of student progress at Highland Tech. We simply don't use Zangle until we build transcripts for students who are graduating or transferring.
An internal analysis of Empower, the student information database we use to track progress, estimates approximately 60 percent of middle school students and 65 percent of high school students to be "on target." Admittedly we would like to see higher percentages in both groups but we are proud of our rigorous curriculum and the uniqueness of our learning environment.
Teaching and learning are highly individualized at Highland Tech and we are confident our approach is helping all students grow. As in many instances when you're talking about children, the data don't tell the entire story.
Thankful for the green thumbs and veggies of KGB prisoners
I wanted to thank the prisoners down Knik Goose Bay Road for growing some awesome vegetables this year for those less fortunate. The Food Bank attached to the Lutheran Church in Wasilla had three massive boxes of yellow squash, cauliflower and zucchini in the front, and I got a whole bunch of them.
I cooked and blanched for days, and I have to say, that was one of the best presents I got all year! Great work, folks, and many thanks again.
Religion doesnt matter when meeting customer demand
In response to the letter from Nolan Willis (ADN, Sept. 16): I would not force a Muslim to work at a liquor store against his beliefs. I don't think that anyone would.
However, if a Muslim were to decide to go to work in a liquor store, I would expect him to sell liquor.
White privilege, racism are not traits of animal activists
After reading Mr. Minshall's reply to my Aug. 12 ADN letter, I feel compelled to address inconsistencies.
In the first sentence of his Aug. 10 letter, he stereotyped people who showed compassion for animals; yet he then complained that I stereotyped Muslims. He misunderstood my intent. The comment specifically referred to him not all Muslims, and specifically mentioned dogs, not all animals. I also stated that there are Quran verses disputing dogs as being unclean.
Minshall also declared specific instances where animal rights activists harassed people, or denigrated them because of their race. Has he not heard or seen numerous instances where radical Islamic extremists have not only harassed, but killed innocent men, women and children in the name of their God?
Concerning my proclaiming my "liberal credentials," I have been liberal all my life and have no need to proclaim "credentials." I was intending to point out that he was falsely stereotyping animal lovers. I am pleased that he has demonstrated his concern for others by caring for his wife, children, and grandchildren for 45 years; just as hundreds of millions of others have done and are still doing.
Regarding his other question: Was his connecting white privilege and racism with animal rights activism wrong? I would answer whole-heartedly, yes, he is wrong.
However, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Minshall for rescuing the cat that was abandoned at Sand Point, and I mean that with all sincerity.
Gay folks are children of God, just like the Rev. Prevo
Here we go again. The Rev. Jerry Prevo claims the gay rights amendment is "an attack on Christianity." What happened to the tenant of Christianity that says to love your neighbor as thyself? It wasn't that long ago (my lifetime) when so-called Christians fought against interracial marriage, using all the same old arguments.
Discrimination in the name of God is outright blasphemous. Gay folks are also children of God, valid human beings, and should be afforded all the same rights that Prevo enjoys.
APD officer was a true friend during rush-hour traffic
I would like to give a big thank you to Anchorage Police Officer Kevin Palmatier. On the morning of Sept. 16, I hit a huge pothole on the highway and ended up with a flat tire. In the middle of rush-hour traffic, in the pouring rain, Palmatier stopped and didn't just watch, but actually helped my friend and I change the tire.
Thank you so much for keeping us safe and helping us get on our way. You're one of the good guys!
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