STAR Academy

Effective October 1, the CSSD11 FNS “NO-Charge Policy” will be enforced again. We eased up on this policy for the first six weeks of school to allow everyone a chance to ease into the new school year. Now, I must tighten the reigns again and enforce the district’s policy on this. The policy below costs the department approximately $8,000 per year, while uncollected charges are estimated at over $25,000 based upon historical figures.

The policy is located on the web at: http://www.d11.org/fns/no_meal_charger.htm

September 9, 2009

 Dear Parents,

There have been some questions about how the Paragon Celebrations will be organized this year. Based upon feedback from staff and parents concerning levels of participation at Paragon Nights from last year, we are modifying what we are doing this year. Whether Paragon Celebrations are held during the day or in the evening, they will, no doubt, not meet everyone’s schedule. So we will over the course of the year host both day and evening celebrations.

Our first Paragon Celebration Day will be September 15^th. Thank you for your flexibility and cooperation as we strive to find “the perfect balance” that will work for everyone during this important part of our student’s educational and artistic development. The “bigger picture” for having Paragon Celebration Day is the vital opportunity for all students to be able to participate within their classroom performances and not miss out. Having worked so hard on their classroom presentation, it is difficult to see their disappointment next day, knowing they missed out because their parent’s were not available to attend Paragon Night. Having it during the day this time at least insures that all students are available to perform. Again, thank you for your understanding. This is a process that we are working through!

Sincerely,

Joe Torrez, CAO

STAR Academy

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Concerning the September 8, 2009, speech to be given by the President and aired on television, I wanted to share my decision about not airing this for student viewing at STAR Academy.

While our school is not prohibited from airing the broadcast, at this point, the content of the President’s speech is not part of our curriculum and will not be shown in school. We respect that President Obama values education and wants to communicate that message to America’s children.

We are currently in the middle of our yearly ITBS testing that was scheduled before notification of the airing of the speech. Changing our schedule at this time would cause us to lose even more instructional time. The speech will be aired at 10:00 am. Below you will find links and information regarding the President’s speech. If you wish, I encourage you to record the speech and have a conversation with your child regarding the message. This is one way that students learn about politics and issues important to the country. Be assured, as well, that there will be plenty of media coverage and discussion about the speech afterward.

That having been said, here are a few points regarding respect for our elected President and the Office of President.

Barack Obama is the President of the United States.  Regardless of our political persuasion, we should be responsible for teaching kids to respect the Office of the President.  He should not be treated any differently than previous presidents would have been treated if they had provided such an opportunity.

Please know that STAR is committed to providing quality educational experiences for your child and our system of government is covered in our curriculum. Please see the next page for access information for the President’s speech. Thank you for you support and understanding.

Sincerely,

Joe Torrez, CAO

STAR Academy

Dear Principal:

In a recent interview with student reporter, Damon Weaver, President Obama announced that on September 8 – the first day of school for many children across America – he will deliver a national address directly to students on the importance of education.  The President will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning.   He will also call for a shared responsibility and commitment on the part of students, parents and educators to ensure that every child in every school receives the best education possible so they can compete in the global economy for good jobs and live rewarding and productive lives as American citizens.

Since taking office, the President has repeatedly focused on education, even as the country faces two wars, the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and major challenges on issues like energy and health care.  The President believes that education is a critical part of building a new foundation for the American economy.  Educated people are more active civically and better informed on issues affecting their lives, their families and their futures.

This is the first time an American president has spoken directly to the nation’s school children about persisting and succeeding in school.  We encourage you to use this historic moment to help your students get focused and begin the school year strong.  I encourage you, your teachers, and students to join me in watching the President deliver this address on Tuesday, September 8, 2009.  It will be broadcast live on the White House website www.whitehouse.gov at 1:00 p.m. eastern standard time. 

In advance of this address, we would like to share the following resources: a menu of classroom activities for students in grades preK-6 and for students in grades 7-12. These are ideas developed by and for teachers to help engage students and stimulate discussion on the importance of education in their lives. We are also staging a student video contest on education. Details of the video contest will be available on our website www.ed.gov in the coming weeks.

On behalf of all Americans, I want to thank our educators who do society’s most important work by preparing our children for work and for life.  No other task is more critical to our economic future and our social progress.  I look forward to working with you in the months and years ahead to continue improving the quality of public education we provide all of our children.

Sincerely,

Arne Duncan

U.S. Secretary of Education