Dimond Newsletter
April 8, 2025
Dear Dimond Families:
I have to admit, the extra snow was not what I was hoping for, but as Alaskans we know to expect the unexpected! Please drive safely on the icy roads and let’s hope it melts quickly!
Prom was a smashing success and we are so proud of our students for the way they conducted themselves. Everyone looked great and the masquerade theme was a lot of fun. We hope they enjoyed dancing together one last time this year!
We’ve been discussing steps at school if Mt. Spurr erupts during the school day. We will send separate information out to you addressing our release plan later this week.
Lastly, our final ALICE drill is happening this Friday. Please read the section about the drill so you are aware of the process, including evacuation to rally points. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Warm Regards,
Principal D’Atri
New News for This Week's Newsletter
Senior Finals
We have exactly 4 weeks until our senior class will be taking their last finals! This semester we will not be modifying the bell schedule for finals. We have found that the majority senior only classes can finish their finals in the 80 minute block periods we already have.
We are also working the King Tech finals into our schedule this year to reduce the stress on our students that attend both schools. Dimond senior finals will be on Tuesday, May 6th and Thursday May 7th. See the schedule below for more information!
ALICE Drill
This Friday we will conduct our final ALICE drill of the school year. At the high school level, it is important that students are aware of the information needed for decision making in those situations, even though we hope they will never have to make these types of decisions.
Friday’s drill will include a scenario of a violent intruder, where information will be given in real time so that teachers and students can practice their response in a safe way. We will have a staff member in a bright safety vest following the path of the intruder, but in a calm, non-threatening way. The purpose of this is to provide a visible check for staff and students as they make their decisions and move through the building. We do not expect anyone to barricade doors in this drill, nor engage in any kind of counter activity. Students should be prepared to walk outside to one of our rally points if the scenario leads to that.
The entire school will be engaged in the drill, so we will not be able to answer the phones, write blue passes or accept visitors during this time. The drill is set to take place between 10:30 and 11:00am. If anything changes we will let you know immediately.
Please reach out to Rebekah Hayden with any questions or concerns.
Blood Drive
Jillian Dolph, a Junior at Dimond is working on an exciting project for Mr. Reese's AP Language and Composition class. She is organizing and hosting a blood drive in partnership with the Anchorage Firefighters. The blood drive is from May 12th, 2025, through May 17th, 2025. See the flier below for more information.
AK Star Testing
AK STAR Assessment and Alaska Science Assessment started TODAY
Our freshmen and sophomores are taking make-up AK Star and AK Science Assessments this week. The assessments will take place during morning testing time blocks. Once a student is finished testing they may return to class.
The period for "refusals" (previously known as "Opt-Out") ended on March 21st. If your 9th or 10th graders are at school, they will be tested.
If you have any additional questions, please call the curriculum office, 742-7000-press 5.
School Calendar
April 15th: Honor Grad Ceremony in the Dimond Auditeria at 7:00pm
April 18th: No School- Spring Closure Day
May 1st: Japanese Completion Ceremony in the Dimond Auditeria at 7:00pm
May 2nd: Senior Fun Day on the Alumni Field at 11:30am
May 6th: Senior Finals- Periods 1, 2 and 5 (See Schedule Below)
May 7th: King Tech Finals
May 8th: Senior Finals- Periods 3, 4 and 6 (See Schedule Below)
May 8th: Life Skills Graduation
May 9th: Seniors Last Day
May 13th: Dimond Alumni Awards in the Dimond Library at 4:00pm
May 15th: Dimond Graduation at the Alaska Airlines Center at 2:00pm
School is dismissed at noon.
May 20th and 21st: Dimond Finals for grades 9-11 (More information to come)
May 23rd: World Language Recognition the Dimond Auditeria at 6:00pm
Academies of Anchorage
Criminology Students Visit U.S. District Court in Anchorage
Students from Dimond High School had an exciting opportunity to visit the U.S. District Court in Anchorage last week. This unique field trip gave them a firsthand look at the federal justice system and allowed them to apply what they’ve been learning in class in a real-world setting.
During the visit, students toured the James Fitzgerald U.S. Courthouse and heard from various professionals in the justice system, including the U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Public Defenders, probation officers, judicial staff, and attorneys from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Each agency shared their role in the federal justice process and offered insights into career paths in public safety and law.
The highlight of the day was a student-led mock hearing. After learning about the legal process, some students stepped into the roles of prosecutor and defense counsel, arguing their cases before two actual U.S. Magistrate Judges. They did an outstanding job presenting their arguments and demonstrated great confidence and understanding of courtroom procedures.
We are grateful to the U.S. District Court, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Federal Public Defenders, and all of the professionals who generously shared their time and expertise. Special thanks to Judge Kyle Reardon for helping make this inspiring learning experience possible.
Parents who are interested can see more from the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook: Click here
Exciting Guest Speakers Coming to Dimond!
We’re excited to announce two incredible guest speakers who will be visiting Dimond to share their expertise with our students.
On April 9th, we will welcome Detective Amanda LaPorte from the Anchorage Police Department. Detective LaPorte is a Robbery Assault and Polygraph Examiner and will be giving an expert presentation on the use of polygraphs in law enforcement. Students will get to learn how this tool is used in real-world investigations and the broader role it plays in the justice system.
Then, on Wednesday, April 16th, we’re honored to host FBI Special Agent Derek Espeland. Agent Espeland brings over 20 years of experience in law enforcement. He has served as a bomb technician, worked extensively on terrorism investigations, and has been an active member of the Evidence Response Team since 2004, participating in numerous searches. His visit will give students a valuable look into the world of federal investigations and career pathways in criminal justice and national security.
These visits are a fantastic opportunity for our students to connect classroom learning to real careers in public safety and law.
Upcoming Field Trip – ACCD Event in Palmer
On May 8th, we’ll be taking a group of students to Palmer for the 2025 Alaska Construction Career Day (ACCD). This event will allow students to explore career paths, educational programs, and hands-on learning opportunities. More information on how to sign up will be shared soon.
DHS Sports
Grades Matter! Academic Eligibility for Sports and Activities:
Students participating in sports or all-state academic/ fine arts activities must remain academically eligible. Eligibility is checked at the beginning of the 1st and 2nd semesters, as well as the beginning of the 2nd and 3rd quarters.
Students participating in fall sports need to be aware that the prior spring semesters’ grades count towards their fall eligibility.
ASD VIRTUAL STUDENTS be aware that although virtual courses are self-paced, a quarter grade will be given based on your work completed during the grading period. This grade counts towards your academic eligibility. Students who are not eligible will not be able to participate in their sport or activity.
Important Information From Past Newsletters
The Japanese Immersion Program
The Japanese Immersion Program is putting on their Tomo No Kai spring art auction event. The auction website is live! Tickets are now available. Here is the link, and see the flier below.
Mount Spurr Eruption Plans
What to Expect When Mount Spurr Erupts
If school is NOT in session and ashfall is on the way, ASD will close schools.
After-school activities and community rentals will be cancelled.
If school IS in session and ashfall is imminent, we’ll dismiss early so everyone can get home safely.
Bus routes may change to avoid hazardous roads.
After-school activities and community rentals will be cancelled.
How ASD Is Getting Ready:
Keeping Students & Staff Safe:
Schools will check in with students and staff who have respiratory conditions and take extra precautions.
Families, if your child has a condition we don’t know about, please let your school know.
Emergency Plans in Place:
Every school has a volcano response plan with shelter-in-place procedures and air quality measures.
We’re working closely with local, state, and federal partners to stay on top of the situation.
Protecting Indoor Air Quality:
We’ll take steps to keep ash out, including shutting down HVAC exterior vents and limiting when exterior doors are opened.
Schools have specialized air filters, and we have extra replacements ready to go.
Ventilation systems will be adjusted as needed, and our crews will start cleaning up ash when it’s safe.
Stocking Up on Supplies:
We have 22 emergency connex units across the district filled with N95 masks, first aid kits, and essential supplies.
How to Stay Updated:
New volcano web resource page https://www.asdk12.org/Page/21131
Latest updates and safety tips
Sign Up for Emergency Alerts
Follow ASD on Social Media
Seniors
If you are looking for information pertaining to seniors, please click this link! This a live link to a Google Doc that will be updated throughout the year. This link has graduation dates/times as well as other important dates for seniors to know.
If you haven’t purchased your cap and gown, there's still time, please click on the seniors link above for more details.
Parent Meeting for Dimond Lynx Football 2025 Season on April 16th at 6pm @ Dimond High in MPR!! Join us to learn more about the upcoming season, summer workouts/activities, fundraising opportunities and to meet the DHS State Champion Coaching Staff!
Career Resource Office
Our Dimond Career Resource Center is run by Mrs. Lauwers and is open on Tuesdays and Fridays or afterschool by appointment only. She is here to help you with anything related to college applications, scholarships or life after high school. If you would like to speak to her and she is not in her office her email is lauwers_kimberly@asdk12.org.
There are currently $50,000+ in student scholarships available solely for Dimond Students!
A.J. Dimond High School
Website: https://www.asdk12.org/dimond
Location: 2909 West 88th Avenue, Anchorage, AK, USA
Phone: (907) 742-7000