Birchwood Banner
February 2024
Mission & Vision
Mission: Birchwood ABC promotes a positive Attitude, excellent Behavior, and a Commitment to lifelong learning
Vision: Our commitment is to ensure all students receive a high quality education and to produce responsible students in a safe environment that values lifelong learning
Principal's Corner
Birchwood Families,
Happy Frigid February! While it is cold outside the school building, there is lots of warmth and joy inside the school building. When our outside temperatures reach -10, we do not send students outside for recess. However, with 10 additional minutes of recess for a total of 30 minutes, even at temperatures warmer than -10, students can get quite cold. Please make sure your student/s are coming prepared for the cold weather.
Love for Learning
February is often associated with love, and here at Birchwood ABC, we want to celebrate the love for learning. Our dedicated teachers strive to make every day a journey of discovery for our students. Let's cultivate a love for knowledge that will last a lifetime!
Dismissal Procedures
If your student is departing school early, please visit the front office to complete the sign-out process. In the event that your student is in a special (PE, Music, Library, Health/Art) during your arrival for pick-up, we request your cooperation in escorting them to their classroom to gather their belongings. After 3:15 pm, dismissal procedures will remain unchanged, unless it is an emergency situation. All end of the day phone messages must be made prior to 3:15. Please note that our office staff will not be calling students to the office before your arrival, so we appreciate your understanding and request that you allocate sufficient time in case of a short wait at the office. Thank you for your understanding and your cooperation.
Grading Scale Survey
At BWABC, we use a 6 point grading scale. Some families have asked about our grading scale at our recent Birchwood Advisory Council meeting so I am asking for input from families and staff to fill out the survey regarding the grading scale by using the link below: grading scale link
Reminder about students electronic devices
Please remind your student/s that per district policy, all communication devices; cell phones, tablets, and watches etc. are to remain off and away during the day. If students are caught using devices, the first time teachers will take it for the remainder of the day and returned to the student at the end of day. If it is repeatedly happening, the device will be turned in to the front office and must be picked up from the parent/guardian. We really appreciate your support with this. This helps keep our learning environment distraction free.
Thank you,
Principal Hershman
P.E. Corner
Outdoor PE Starts Next Week!
VOLUNTEERS WELCOME! Outdoor PE Schedule LINK https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/17KeybAm0RWWZsH9FNxVwSENMGLC9Ej78/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=103412820570874860656&rtpof=true&sd=true
All students should be dressed for winter outdoor play each day for recess. This expectation continues for our Winter PE Unit. In particular, students should wear LONG SOCKS as students will be using our XC ski boots, which only go to ankles. It is also a good idea to pack an extra pair of socks.
If you would like to join us, please check the schedule linked. Assistance is needed for the one hour blocks of time. No experience necessary. Most needed assistance is with our youngest students to help them with boots and putting on skis. Email olson_kirk@asdk12.org if interested.
Afterschool XC Ski Club
ONLINE REGISTRATION ONLY- Link https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0B4DAAAD2FA0FA7-47562505-2024
Who: 3rd-5th grade
When: (6 days) Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
February 27,28,29
March 5, 6, 7
Time: 3:30-5:00
30 spots available. Sign up closes February 23rd. Students should be appropriately dressed for winter recreation. Skis and boots provided.
More info-> After School XC Ski Club
Ski for Kids
Join the Nordic Ski Club for a festive winter day full of fun events for children 14 and under. The event includes ski races, obstacle courses, biathlon, fat tire biking, and more! Kincaid Park Register for the event online https://anchoragenordicski.com/events/ski-4-kids/
Kids Heart Challenge
Online fundraising is open until February 9th. We have set a school goal of $3000. If students meet this goal, then we have a celebratory assembly that may or may not involve dUct taPe. Students set up an register @ https://www2.heart.org/site/SPageNavigator/ym_school_search.html
Healthy Futures Spring Challenge
The spring challenge for Healthy Futures starts again for February-April. These activity logs will be due WED, MARCH 5th. [activitylog]
Art Corner
Taxidermy Donations
Art Class is in search of Taxidermy Donations to enhance our observation drawing skills. If you have items or know someone looking to find a good home for them, please email cunninghamturner_c@asdk12.org or drop off items at the art room. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Visiting Artist
Visiting Artist Delaney Smith - Vaughn from Denton, Texas will be in residence on May 6th and 7th. During Delaney's visit, all students will have the opportunity to learn about paper-making, recycling art, conservation, and sculpture casting. This hands-on workshop will not only enhance their artistic skills but also instill a sense of responsibility for the environment and promote creativity and innovation.
Student Council
Student Council Valentines Cookie Sales
This Valentine’s Day, surprise your friend or favorite teacher with a delicious treat! Our Student
Council has teamed up with Luci Mae’s to offer delightful Valentine-themed sugar cookies for
just $2 each. Each cookie will come individually wrapped and be delivered to your class on
February 14th.
To secure your sweet treats, students can pre-order using this form. Order forms are due
February 8th and can be turned into your classroom teacher or given to Mrs. Turner in the Art
Room.
Full Circle “Eat Healthy Initiative”
We are excited to share an initiative that promotes healthy eating and supports our Student Council. Full Circle delivers a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables all year round, ensuring you and your family have access to healthy options. When you subscribe, 12% of each order goes directly to our Student Council, helping us fund important projects and activities at our school.
Click the link below and use code "ABC" to register for the convenience of home delivery:
PTA CORNER
Character Trait
Honesty: Fairness and straightforwardness of conduct, adherence to the facts.
Dates to Remember
Feb 2nd- Winter Fun Night
Feb 7th-100th Day of School Dress Up Day
Feb 16th- Hat day
Feb 19th- Presidents Day No school
Feb 21st-22nd- Parent Teacher Conference
Feb 23rd- Student Release Professional Development
Thank you to our Sponsors
Tara Murdoch-Barndt and 773d Logistics Readiness Squadron