We have had an excellent start to the new school year and we are excited that your student(s) have once again chosen Warrior Nation! There is lots to celebrate at Warrior Nation. I love data and so, please bear with me, as I take a moment to share all of the great work our staff and students continue to do. Our two school-wide goals last year were to increase both of our CTE and AP footprints (certifications and enrollment) by 10%. WHS' mission is to improve lives and we believe that by giving students multiple opportunities in rigorous CTE and AP courses will not only prepare them for success, but give them options after high school. Following is what I shared with staff when they returned from summer break:
- In 2024, WHS students completed 400+ NC3 (National Coalition of Certification Centers) certifications in Tormach, Greenlee, Kubota, Starrett and Snap-On. In 2023, WHS students completed 103.
- WHS had our first two graduates from our Fire Science program.
- In 2024, WHS students took 588 AP exams. 53% of our students scored a 3 or higher on these exams. What that means is these students would have passed an equivalent college course. For reference, I am providing a graphic of our production rate (a score of 3, 4 or 5 per 100 students) compared to other schools in the district and the state of Alaska. WHS is seeing 'hockey stick' growth. It is exciting to see our progress.
- In 2024, WHS had 46 AP Scholars (students scored a 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams). For reference, WHS had 21 in 2023. Following are individual classes and how they did:
- AP Research: 100% of students received a 3 or higher.
- AP Pre-Calc: 95% (21/22) students received a 3 or higher.
- AP Art Studio: 90% of students received a 3 or higher.
- AP Calculus AB: 73% of students received a 3 or higher.
- AP World History: 66% of students received a 3 or higher.
- AP English Lit: 62% of students received a 3 or higher.
- AP Government: 56% of students received a 3 or higher.
- AP Chemistry: 52% of students received a 3 or higher.
- AP Seminar (a district requirement): 50% of students received a 3 or higher.
- WHS culture and climate continues to be very strong. We have a safe and caring school environment. When the current administration began in 2018, the out of school suspension rate was 23% - the highest rate in the district. In 2024, our out of school suspension rate was 6% - the second lowest rate in the district. We attribute this success to four things: 1) structure and predictability, 2) clear expectations, 3) connectedness and camaraderie and 4) a culture of caring for students.
- 4A State Champions in Volleyball and 4A State Champions in Girls Basketball. Three State GPA Awards (Highest Average GPA among ASAA State Championship teams) in Boys and Girls Tennis, Boys Basketball and Boys Track and Field.
Oftentimes, our community hears the national narrative that public schools are failing. We have even seen some of our own Alaskan politicians speaking this narrative. Contrary to those opinions, our high school is alive, well and doing extraordinary things. Do not believe the narrative. Our staff, students and community are not failing.
Finally, our first CAFÉ (Community and Family Engagement) will take place on Wednesday, September 18th from 8-8:30AM. For those new to Warrior Nation, this is your opportunity to learn about all of the great things happening at our school, engage in conversation with me and have questions answered that you might have about our many programs. I always encourage parents to make at least one throughout the school year. For some, this might not be possible because of the logistics of their job. No worries. I always send out notes to your email about what is covered.
Have a wonderful fall and thank you for sharing your children with us!
-Principal Marvel
Jason Marvel
Principal
Wasilla High School
907-352-8214 (work)
907-232-7849 (cell)
