The Raven's Call
Raven Homeschool
February 2020 Edition
Dear Raven Families,
Welcome to Raven's Call, your digital newsletter to keep you up to date on all things Raven. This monthly newsletter via SMORE will have an overview of highlights from each of our 6 Raven offices. Within this electronic version of our newsletter, you have easy-access to your local office news and resources by clicking on links within each section.
We are looking forward to another successful year and hope you will share pictures of your learning adventures with your local offices to be included throughout the year.
If you would like a printed copy, please contact your local office.
If you have questions, please contact Maegan, mmascagno@yksd.com.
- Raven Homeschool
Staff Recognition:
Carmen Romero - Advisory Teacher, Anchorage Office
Throughout Raven’s enrollment period, Carmen strategically scheduled recruitment presentations with Anchorage private schools. She dedicated countless hours posting flyers in local businesses, grocery stores, daycares, and churches to increase interest that could potentially draw in prospective families. Despite the overwhelming amount of work that everyone has to do, Carmen consistently finds ways to help her co-workers. Her willingness to assist others and her commitment to educating families and students is unequaled. Carmen, on several occasions, adjusted her work schedule to meet families after business hours to complete the student’s individualized learning plan. In addition, Mrs. Romero recently began committing her Saturday mornings to sponsor Raven’s Drone Racing Club which allows students to receive hands-on simulator training and expand their awareness of aviation opportunities. Carmen constantly expresses she wants to change the narrative for students, girls in particular, who demonstrate lack of self-esteem and self-worth. Carmen believes she can reach these students through outreach in her Spanish club, where over half her student attendees are girls. Mrs. Romero incorporates enrichment skills, cultural awareness, memory enhancement, and good decision making while teaching Spanish.
Families constantly share they are overly pleased with Mrs. Carmen’s support, ability to connect with students, and overwhelming knowledge about homeschool. Mrs. Romero is committed to providing first class customer service, building relationships with her families and co-workers, hosting homeschool success workshops for veteran or new homeschool parents, and helping others. In summary, Carmen Romero has an exceptional ability to effectively communicate with families, students and the community, and a genuine interest in seeing students succeed.
Julie Szidloski - Admin, Delta Office
Julie’s commitment to Raven for nearly 14 years attests to her unwavering loyalty to the district, school, families and students. As an administrative assistant, Julie handles an incredibly wide variety of duties with grace and a willingness to go above and beyond her job requirements. Her cheerful and bright attitude sets the tone for the office, and her attitude for helpfulness and service is engrained in her daily tasks. Julie has helped to fortify the confidence and reputation of the Delta office families by sharing her overwhelming knowledge of homeschool. She is committed to making the first impression a lasting impression, by consistently being a beacon of kindness that is not only displayed in her actions, but transmitted through her voice when she answers the phone. Ms. Szidloski’s direct interpersonal and communication skills have contributed to the immediate increase in parental involvement and enrollment growth within the office. Julie’s philosophy is to treat everyone the same by seeing only the good in everyone, even in contentious situations. She consistently treats new and veteran families with the same level of respect, and Julie’s overall positivity has played a major role in encouraging parents to consistently re-enroll with the Delta office.
Julie is always willing to go the extra distance whether it’s recruiting, volunteering, or reaching out to families who are experiencing life challenges. Regardless of the situation, Julie continues to take care of major and minor challenges with a smile, even during stressful and life altering situations. Although Julie has similar qualities to her administrative teammates, what sets her apart from her peers is her utmost professionalism, positivity in all situations and unwavering consistency. Julie chooses not to engage in negativity, but continues to focus on the main thing, “ways to help families and children”. Julie is not afraid to take on new responsibilities outside of her comfort level and truly embraces the constant growth and change with a “can do” attitude. On countless occasions, she has been of great help to many of her fellow administrative assistants, teachers and parent liaisons. Julie’s professionalism, positivity and team player ambiance makes anyone feel welcome and a sense of ease when asking for support.
Cathy Walker - Advisory Teacher, Fairbanks Office
While no one is truly irreplaceable, Cathy is very close. During the November and December months, Raven-Fairbanks was busy with activities though being short-handed in staffing. Cathy, with minimal help, each week supervised the Running club, LEGO league, LEGO League Junior, Yearbook Club, and Battle of the Books, all the while continuing to serve her families.
Cathy consistently demonstrates outstanding work ethic, teamwork, self-motivation and dependability. She continues to remain humble, appreciative and positive regardless of any given task. Regardless of Cathy’s workload, she faithfully remains in constant contact with her students to ensure that each and every student is successful. When she meets with families, she focuses on building the student’s confidence, ability level, and provides an unwavering amount of support. This combination of talents as both an outstanding advisory teacher and peer to her co-workers make Cathy a true asset to Raven Homeschool.
Student Recognition:
Donata Angel - Anchorage Office
Isaac Zielinski - Anchorage Office
Kainalu Kaio - Delta Office
Although Kainalu has been focused on academics, he devotes time to weekly attending Karate practice. Kainalu, who likes to be called Nalu, currently holds a brown stripe belt in Karate and recently received his Distinguished Expert rank. He was also recognized for the Jr. Rifle team which is a NRP program for youth. Being a member of the rifle team, Kainalu learned how to shoot from the prone, standing and kneeling positions.
In addition to his proficiency with physical activity Kainalu also developed his character. Kainau has a heart for service and compassion for people which he demonstrates by volunteering/working in the sound booth at church, being an active member of the youth group, and helping his grandparents on their certified seed potato farm.
His middle school experience has molded his future plans in that his work on the farm with heavy equipment has led him to aspire to a career in the the Operators Union.
Micah VanderHart - Delta Office
In Micah's spare time, he has been working on building a CNC (computer numerical control) router. A CNC router is a computer controlled cutting tool that carves objects out of woods, metals, plastics, and other materials. His machine is a hobby sized version of the industrial equipment used to make things like cabinets. Machines similar to Micah's that are specialized for cutting metal make many everyday objects, such as outer cases of metal laptops. After completing his project, Micah is hoping he can apply for a patent. Micah is also passionate about helping people, especially when his skills are needed to create projects designed on his 3-D printer. Although Micah had physical challenges in the past, that hasn’t stopped his passion and ability to focus on turning his dream into a reality.
Andriana Duncanson - Fairbanks Office
Not only does Adriana set a good example for her younger sibling, she is also a role model in the community for younger and older peers. Andriana is known for being kind, thoughtful, humorous and energetic. Other students are drawn to her warmth, engaging personality and positivity. She is a well-rounded student who participates in a variety of Raven activities such as Sewing club, Lego League, Art Class, Foreign Language, Yearbook and Girls with Pearls. Although she has a busy schedule, Adriana is able to balance academics, extra-curricular activities, and community service through her church. She is the co-chair of her church’s media department, ensuring the weekly presentations are prepared, organized, and readily available for each service. Adriana uses her enthusiasm in fine arts to complement her interest in technology by being a 2nd year participant in Girls Who Code. Her artistic talents have not gone unnoticed. The Noel Wien Library selected Adriana to create the background for the Library webpage, which will be unveiled in just two short weeks! Andriana has proven through her leadership, passion, and tenacity that she is a natural born leader ready to take on the 21st century by aspiring to be an Art Gallery owner and well-known artist.
Amelia Knavel - Fairbanks Office
Ms. Knavel, who is known for her smile, sincerity, tenacity and academic success, recently joined the Yearbook Club, Sewing Club, and Figure Skating. Amelia rejoined the 2019-2020 Battle of the Books team to continue last year’s success. Ameila served as the team captain leading her team to a first time win, and ultimately her team were awarded 4th place out of 50 Alaska High School teams in 2019. Amelia spent her summer devoted to taking high school courses with the hopes of graduating early. During the Arctic Winter Games scheduled for 2020, Amelia will represent Alaska as a team member of the Arctic Winter games figure skating team. This is a huge honor for Amelia, since she was selected among over 1,000 applicants.
Although Amelia is inundated with the demands of school, sports, and clubs she strives to allow time to be a student assistant in her homeschool Art class, while maintaining an “A” average. Amelia is not only a role model to her sisters, but to other young ladies in the community. Amelia has proven she can multi-task, serve in a leadership role, and be reliable.
Breeauna O'Rear - Fairbanks Office
Breeauna O’Rear has been with Raven Homeschool for 12 years, where she has consistently been a model student on and off the field. She exemplifies the characteristics of a student-athlete who works hard juggling the demands of completing high school classes, college courses at the University of Fairbanks online, volunteering in the community, participating in various clubs, and attending athletic practices while maintaining good academic standards.
Ms. O’Rear, who is known for her smile, sincerity, tenacity and academic success, was recently inducted into the National Society of High School Scholars for maintaining a 4.0 average. Breeauna has been recognized locally and state-wide for her athletic ability and awarded countless titles such as:
2018 Most Valuable Runner for North Pole High School Cross Country, 2nd place Long and High Jump, 5th in the state for High Jump for the Mid-Alaska Conference
2017 All Conference Player
2017 Coaches Award for North Pole High School
2017 1st place in Portland Timber Cup Eclipse Soccer
2016 Cross Country Running
Breeauna spent the summer visiting campuses to determine what educational institution best fits her aspirations to purse a degree in Marine Biology, Research Biology and/or Wildlife Biology. Although Breeauna is inundated with the demands of school, sports, and clubs she strives to allow time for her artistry to include painting shoes that are sold on-line and being the best sister, daughter, and role model to other young ladies.
Micah Horning - Wasilla Office
Micah Horning, a sophomore with the Wasilla Raven office, is an outstanding student. He is interested in drama and has been a part of several productions. He also volunteers at Valley Performing Arts as an usher. During the summer drama camps the past three years, he has volunteered with the younger kids backstage and helped with props for the morning (younger) session while participating as an actor in the afternoon (teens) session. He is currently playing Ejlif, the son of the main character, in Arthur Miller’s Enemy of the People.
Music is Micah’s passion. He plays guitar, drums, and bass guitar at his church and is in three different worship bands: children’s worship team, youth band, and alternating weeks in the main church service. He is a student leader in his youth group, helps plan games and activities and facilitating small group.
Micah is interested in aviation and contemplating a career as a pilot.
Counselor's Corner:
Dear Raven Seniors:
If you have been homeschooling through Raven or independently you may have never heard of the FAFSA: The Free Application for Student Aid. The FAFSA: one of – if not the most, daunting of financial aid forms. The name alone can make students shudder in fear.
But, there’s no reason to be afraid! We’ve got you covered; letting you know everything you need before you even think about filling out the form.
It’s important to gather all the necessary information and materials beforehand. Trust us, if you do have the necessary information on hand, filling out the form will become much simpler. Depending on your circumstances (when you filed taxes or what tax form was used), you may or may not need the following information or documents as you fill out the FAFSA.
The FAFSA is required to accept any scholarships from the University of Alaska which include Alaska Scholars and the Alaska Performance Scholarship. Additionally, by filling out the FAFSA, you may qualify for a Pell Grant, which can be a significant amount of funding you will NOT have to pay back.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Your Social Security card and driver’s license, and/or alien registration card if you are not a US citizen
- Your most recent federal income tax returns (this year, you don’t have to wait – you can use the most recent returns you have from last year), W-2s, and other records of money earned
- Your parents income tax returns, W-2 forms and 1040 forms if you are a dependent (and you are unless declared otherwise)
- Records and documentation of other nontaxable income received such as welfare benefits, Social Security income, veteran’s benefits, military or clergy allowances (if applicable)
- Any additional applicable financial information, such as taxable work-study, assistant-ships, fellowships, grants and scholarship aid reported to the IRS, combat pay or special combat pay and cooperative education program earnings
- Records of any additional nontaxable income: Examples include: child support received, veterans’ non-education benefits, money received or paid on your behalf, etc
- Current bank and brokerage account statements, including records of stocks, bonds, mutual funds and other investments (if applicable)
- Business or investment farm records (if applicable)
- Records relating to any unusual family financial circumstances, such as anything that changed from last year or anything that distinguishes the family from the typical family in terms of unusual marital situations, living situations, separations, etc.
- Title IV Institution Codes for each school you are applying to. You can get this code from the school (some have them listed on their web sites) or you can use FinAid’s Title IV School Code Database
- When filling out and submitting your FAFSA electronically, you’ll need an FSA ID to sign the form. If you don’t have one, you can create an FSA ID online. If you are applying as a dependent- again, you are unless declared otherwise – one parent is required to sign as well. To electronically fill out your FAFSA online, your parent should also apply for a FAFSA ID at the same site. Download the FAFSA worksheet during your preparation process, to doubly ensure you have all the information you need
- Utilize the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, which allows applicants who have already filed their federal income tax returns to prefill the answers to some of the difficult FAFSA questions by transferring the necessary data directly from federal income tax returns
- If you are a man, 25 years or younger, you must be registered with Selective Service
Deadlines! Deadlines! Deadlines!
Seniors it is very important to note that the main scholarship deadline for all University of Alaska Campuses is February 15th.
What does this mean?
This means you need to apply for admission as soon as possible! You can do this at UA Online at: https://uaonline.alaska.edu/
There is normally an admission fee, but you could be eligible for an admissions fee waiver based on certain financially related criteria or if you are an Alaska Scholar. Please check with your counselor before you apply so we can write a letter requesting the admissions fee waiver. We will send this directly to the campuses admissions office. Once you have applied you will be able to fill out the scholarship profile. There are three sections that will request that you write about your goals and ambitions as well as ask other questions about your leadership talents, and achievements. You need to take these questions seriously! And, how do you do that? You do that by drafting your answers in a separate word document and having your school counselor or another educator look at them and advise you both on content, grammar, punctuation, etc.
Additionally, there are three groups of scholarships within UA online that you need to review: Privately Funded, UA Foundation, and Campus Specific Scholarships. Many of these scholarships will require specific or additional information. Please take time to look at them. If you need any help or guidance on how to access those with UA Online call your school counselor!
Additional Steps:
- If you are applying to any college or program that needs a copy of your transcript please request this from your School Counselor. This is VERY important!
Letters of Recommendation: These are sometimes required for admission to college, for scholarship opportunities, union apprenticeships, internships, or jobs. So, if you need one for ANYONE, not just your teacher or counselor, please give them ample time to write the letter as well as ask you important questions that will help them write the letter. There is nothing worse than a hastily written letter of recommendation.
Scholarship Season:
When you think of scholarships, do you think of sports or academics? Would you believe there is a scholarship for students who want to study potatoes/ Or a duck calling competition? Most scholarships are for merit or athletics, but there are others as well.
There is a lot of advice out there for how to complete scholarship applications. Most of it boils down to: follow directions.
The AKCIS Financial Aid section and the Financial Aid Sort narrows down over 3,000 scholarships in AKCIS, and how to be more discerning with scholarship postings students see on other websites. Use the linked QuickStart and Video Tutorial to learn more.
PLEASE CALL YOUR SCHOOL COUNSELOR WITH QUESTIONS!
Megan Rosendall | Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla | mrosendall@yksd.com | 907.622.6631
Ryan Tilbury | Delta, Fairbanks, Juneau | rtilbury@yksd.com | 907.374.9432
Scholarship Opportunities:
Visit scholarsapp.com/scholarships/in/alaska for more details.
- AGC & University of AK Fairbanks Scholarship:
- $1,000-$2,500
- Deadline to apply: February 15th
- Every year, the Associated General Contractors of Alaska (AGC) awards a number of students pursuing construction-related post-secondary education with scholarships to aid them in their studies
- Alaska Airmen Scholarship:
- $500-$3,000
- Deadline to apply: February 1st
- This scholarship is for students who want to study in an aviation-related program or are in current training with a certified flight instructor. High school seniors with intentions of attending an accredited aviation related program are also eligible. Applications must intend to use their training to work in Alaska.
- Charlie H. Selman Memorial Scholarship:
- $8,000
- Deadline to apply: May 15th
- The Charles H. Selman Scholarship Fund was created to benefit committed Alaska dedicated to excellence in our local hospitality industry.
- Cook Inlet Region Scholarships:
- $8,000-$24,000
- The Cook Inlet Region Inc (CIRI) Foundation (TCF) offers general scholarships to full-time and part-time degree-seeking students to CIRI shareholders.
- Hawaii Tokai International College Gateway Scholarship:
- $1,800
- Deadline to apply: February 1st
- Hawaii Tokai International College offers reduced tuition for the first term of study for students applying to the Associate in Arts (Liberal Arts) degree program. Award is based on outstanding academic achievement.
- Kelley and Canterbury LLC Alaska Curiosity Scholarship:
- $1,000
- Deadline to apply: June 15th
- This scholarship is awarded based on a personal short video and an essay about solving life problems and overcoming adversity.
- SWE Greatland Section Scholarship:
- $1,500-$2,000
- Deadline to apply: February 12th
- The Society of Women Engineers Greatland Section is pleased to offer one $2,000 and two $1,500 scholarships to female high school seniors in Alaska planning to pursue a degree in engineering.
Anchorage Office:
January Recap:
The Anchorage office kicked off 2020 with tons of workshops and fun! Terri’s Quilting Club is continuing to meet monthly, and the quilts her students are working on are looking amazing! Sewing School also started in January and students have been busy practicing sewing basics before beginning their projects. STEAM, Jr. STEAM and Girls Who Code also met and continued to work on their projects. Danae’s Civil Air Patrol students have been working hard on mastering different aeronautical challenges each month. Carmen’s Spanish and Spelling Bee students met a few different times. Kids2College started off with two hands-on meetings. Jamie and several families enjoyed a fun filled ice skating field trip. Deb Fancher was back in our office and taught students all about liquid nitrogen.
February Activities:
February 3rd - Drone Racing League
February 4th - Elementary Spanish I and II
February 5th - Science: Bird Dissection
February 5th - PAC Meeting
February 6th - Science: Bird Dissection
February 7th - Field Trip: Anchorage Fencing Club
February 7th - Girls Who Code
February 10th - Quilting Club
February 10th - Sewing School
February 11th - Elementary Spanish I and II
February 11th - Valentine’s Mailbox Activity
February 12th - Teaching/Counselor In-Service
February 13th - Book Club: Eragon
February 14th - Valentine’s Day Party
February 17th - Quilting Club
February 17th - Sewing School
February 18th - Elementary Spanish I and II
February 19th - Spelling Bee
February 20th - Kids2College
February 20th - STEAM: Lego Robotics
February 21st - Jr. STEAM: Lego Motos, Gears and Movement
February 21st - Girls Who Code
February 24th - Quilting Club
February 24th - Sewing School
February 25th - Elementary Spanish I and II
February 25th - Art with Rocky: Grades K-3
February 26th - Field Trip: Alaska Native Heritage Center
February 26th - Final Spelling Bee Competition
February 27th - Kids2College
February 27th - Civil Air Patrol
Staff Schedules:
Carmen will be out of the office on February 7th, 21st and 28th.
Danae will be out of the office on February 3rd, 10th, 17th, 21st and 24th.
Terri will be out of the office on February 3rd-4th, 11th, 18th and 25th.
For more details about our events and to RSVP, please click on our SMORE below!
Battle of the Books Update:
Ice Skating Field Trip
Science Workshop: Liquid Nitrogen
Handwriting Workshop with Terri
Delta Office:
January Recap:
Our Terrific Tuesdays have been fun! Students connect with each other over a board game and snacks. Please join us in February. Watch your calendar for any changes.
Terrific Tuesday's regular schedule:
- Puffins: Pre-K-2nd grade meet the first Tuesday
- Wolves: 3-5 grade meet the second Tuesday
- Hawks: 6-8 grade meet the third Tuesday
- Owls: 9-12 grade or high school meet the fourth Tuesday
Senior meetings are held monthly on the fourth Tuesday from 12-1pm. We provide our seniors with pizza and valuable information about life after high school. All seniors expecting to graduate in 2020 should be attending. Our first fingerprinting workshop was a success! Detective Raby taught our students the importance of fingerprints and how to lift them in a crime scene. We will have this workshop again! Our Jr. Lego team, Wreck it Raven, had an open house. We invited our community members to learn about the team project. They designed and created buildings for Boomtown that solve a problem. Go team! International Day included presentations from Ukraine, Great Britain, Pennsylvania Dutch, China/Taiwan and Hawaii. Thank you to all our families that participated. We had a lot of fun and enjoyed learning about the different backgrounds and sampling the good food.
We need your help planning our Girl’s Only Tea Party, on February 20. Please call if you are willing to bring a sweet or savory item. We also need volunteers to helps us decorate and clean up after.
Calling all Dads! We need you to help plan a Boy’s Night out. We have great ideas, and funding…but we are all Ladies. Please call the office to plan a memorable event for our boys!
This is the end of second quarter. Students should be half done with their full year classes. Semester classes should be done. If you need more time, call Ms. Heidi, to let her know. If you need support, call to make an appointment.
February Activities:
February 4th - Terrific Tuesday: Puffins
February 5th - World Read Aloud Day
February 7th - Heidi is out of the office
February 10th-11th - Ryan will be here
February 11th - Senior Meeting
February 11th - Terrific Tuesday: Wolves
February 12th - Professional Development: Heidi will NOT be available
February 13th - Bake Off Contest
February 17th - RSVP’s due for the Girls’ Tea Party
February 18th - Terrific Tuesday: Hawks
February 19th-21st - Heidi is out of the office
February 20th - Girls’ Only Tea Party
February 24th - Heidi is out of the office
February 25th - Terrific Tuesday: Owls
February 26th - Parent Advisory Committee Meeting
For more details about our events and to RSVP, please click on our SMORE below!
Eagle River Office:
January Recap:
"January has been cold outside but busy in the Eagle River office. From an engaging PAC meeting, Kids2College workshop, and Geography club to a new STEM club, we have seen our office filled with kids and parents eager to learn. In TLC, we had our Inaugural Election where our first officials were elected. We are very excited to congratulate President Conlon Rishel, Vice President Summer Powell and Secretary Millie Dotson on their new roles. May the program continue to grow under their leadership. In February we finish up battles for Battle of the Books, continue with our ongoing classes, move forward with TLC, and then jump into the spirit of the month with an in-office Valentine's Day party!"
February Events:
February 3rd - Battle of the Books: 5/6 Battle
February 4th - Battle of the Books: 3/4 Battle
February 5th - Ski Club outings to Beach Lake
February 5th - PAC Meeting
February 6th - Ski Club outings to Beach Lake
February 7th - Science Workshop: Bird Dissection
February 10th -TLC Meeting
February 12th - Inservice *no meetings*
February 12th - Geography Club
February 13th - Drone Class
February 14th - Valentine's Day Party
February 14th - Ski Club outings to Beach Lake
February 18th - 6 Most Important Decisions Workshop
February 18th - Kids2College
February 19th - Ski Club outings to Beach Lake
February 21st - Art with Mandy
February 25th - Kids2College
February 27th - STEM Class
February 28th - Ski Club outings to Beach Lake
Staff Schedules:
Steve will be out of the office on February 17th-21st and 24th.
Both Steve and Megan have In-Service February 12th and will be unavailable for meetings.
For more details about our events and to RSVP, please click on our SMORE below!
Fairbanks Office:
January Recap:
Kidsfest 2020
On January 18, 2020, the Raven staff participated in Kidsfest at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks to recruit new families. Kidsfest is an event involving 25 inflatable jumping stations, interactive games, and nerf wars. It’s a great way to get the kids out and release energy during our subzero winter days. There were hundreds of children participating from the local community. While they played, parents had the opportunity to learn about what gives Raven an edge in the homeschool world. Parents who signed up to receive additional enrollment information were entered into a drawing; the winner was Amy Neel. Overall, participating in this event was a huge success and we plan to continue in next year’s Kidsfest.
Ice Dogs Hockey Players Read to Raven Students
Raven families were treated to a private reading from the Alaska Ice Dogs. The event kicked off with questions and answers to the four special guests about their studies, future plans and the importance of higher education. The day continued with the first reading of, “Goodnight Hockey” by Michael Dahl then, “My Magic Hockey Stick” by Peter Maloney. The books inspired the kids to pick up hockey sticks and learn a few moves from the professionals. They were taught to hone in on their fast reflexes, how to hit a puck, and how to shoot for a goal. After the excitement leveled out, Raven families enjoyed some fan-favorite foods to include chili dogs, pizza, and an assortment of desserts. Before leaving, the Ice Dogs signed pucks and copies of the books read at the event. This experience was as educational as it was enjoyable. We thank our local Ice Dogs for their time and wish them success in the future, “Go Dogs!”
February Activities:
February 3rd - 5/6th District Battle of the Books
February 4th - 3/4th District Battle of the Books
February 4th - Running Club
February 5th - District Battle of the Books Finals
February 5th - PAC Meeting
February 6th - Staff Meeting
February 7th - Art Class
February 7th - Sewing Club
February 11th - Running Club
February 12th - Junior Lego League
February 12th - Beginning Beading Class
February 13th - Staff Meeting
February 14th - Art Class
February 14th - Valentine’s Day Activity
February 18th - Running Club
February 20th - Staff Meeting
February 25th - Running Club
February 26th - Final Junior Lego League
February 27th - Staff Meeting
February 28th - Art Class
Staff Schedules:
Natasha Anderson will be out of the office on February 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th.
Ryan Tilbury will be out of the office on February 17th, 24th-28th, and in the Delta office February 11th-12th.
Cathy Walker will be out of the office on February 7th, 14th, 17th-19th, and 28th.
Chuck Backe will be out of the office on February 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 25th.
Heidi Wright will be in the Manley Office February 4th and 18th. She will be off February 3rd, 7th, 10th, 13th-14th, 17th, 21st, 24th and 27th-28th.
For more details about our events and to RSVP, please click on our SMORE below!
Juneau Office:
January in Review:
Though January started slowly with the teachers out on their winter break, the rest of the month raced by in a blur of activity. Our PAC meeting luncheon had a good turnout of families to enjoy Taco Tuesday, and we made a lot of progress planning activities for the next few months. STEM Club started meeting weekly and they have already made compasses and worked on map/directional skills, built terrariums, and practiced the Scientific Method with paper airplanes. The Battle of the Books teams continued to meet to practice for next month’s battles, and our Yearbook Committee worked more on crafting the activity pages in our yearbook with fun photos of the year’s activities so far. Definitely one of the busiest weeks of the month was when High School Counselor Ryan Tilbury visited our office. He got to meet individually with over a dozen students, we had a Middle and High School Mystery Party to solve the Hair-Raising Case of Rapunzel’s Green Tresses, and watched WALL-E at our annual Family Potluck & Movie Night at the Goldtown Nickelodeon Theater. We finished the month by celebrating both National School Choice Week and the Great Kindness Challenge, which are both great reminders about how thankful we are for all of our families who have chosen to homeschool with Raven and their contributions to our community. If anyone thinks that January is a long, boring month, they have never visited our office.
February Important Dates:
February 1st - Spring Healthy Futures Challenge Begins
February 3rd - Marvelous Monday Funday PreK-2nd Grades with Yearbook Group Photos
February 4th - Parent Advisory Committee Luncheon “Salad Smorgasbord” & Activity
February 4th - STEM Club
February 5th - World Read Aloud Day Pajama Party
February 7th - Valentine Exchange: Sign up by noon to participate & drop off your “mailbox”
February 7th - Yearbook Committee Meeting
February 10th - Marvelous Monday Funday 3rd-5th Grades with Yearbook Group Photos
February 11th - Tea Party
February 11th - STEM Club
February 12th - Teacher Inservice Day: No appointments
February 13th - Valentine Exchange: Deadline to deliver valentines for friends
February 14th - Love Raven Valentines Party & Valentine Exchange Pick up
February 14th - ILP Change Deadline
February 17th - Marvelous Monday Funday 6th-8th Grades with Yearbook Group Photos
February 18th - STEM Club
February 18th - Parent Painting Party
February 20th - Healthy Futures PLAAY Day (state-wide live streamed PE activity)
February 21st - Scholastic Reading Club Feb Orders Due
February 21st - Spring Deadline to turn in Box Tops for Education for March 1 submission
February 21st - “I Know I Can” Activity for 1st-3rd Grades
February 24th - Marvelous Monday Funday 9th-12th Grades with Yearbook Group Photos
February 24th - Art with Rocky for K-3rd Grades
February 25th - STEM Club
February 26th - Art with Rocky for 4th-8th Grades
February 28th - IditaREAD Kickoff Brunch
February 28th - Turn in February Healthy Futures Logs
Staff Schedules:
Theresa off - February 10th, 17th, and 24th
Joan off - February 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th. At conference in Anchorage February 17th-19th.
Wasilla Office:
January in a Nutshell:
As the month of January brought several days of below-zero temps to Wasilla, Raven students have persevered in studies. Taking advantage of warmth indoors, we have continued to hold our arts and crafts activities, as well as rocket readers classes in the office. Happy tidings have brought new little ones for some of our Raven staff! While this has resulted in some schedule shifts and temporary Monday math cancellations for the Wasilla office, our Raven families have been awesome about rolling with the changes. Math Mondays at Raven will resume in February for Mighty Midgets (Kindergarten & 1st), Mighty Mites (2nd & 3rd), and Mrs. Horning's Math Class (4th-12th). Bowling Club and Games Club with Teacher Ruth were a hit this month, as always! Bowling Club is open to all ages - if students younger than 5th grade wish to participate, they need an adult chaperone, please. We have new games coming to Games Club this spring; some of which focus on kinesthetic learning. If your student is in 3rd grade or higher and interested in joining our Games Club, please do! Battle of the Books battles are taking place from the end of January through February, so be on the lookout for Teacher Joy's BOB Team Updates. Students also got to explore line, color, and perspective; wet-on-wet painting; and color and scale, during Project ARTiculate with Teacher Joy. Thanks to Raven Parent Jessica Zeffery for leading the first January Crafternoon, making handprint birdie crafts with students; and also to Raven Parent Representative Daphne for helping students create their own wintry walruses with construction paper, scissors, and glue during the second Crafternoon. Raven Graduation Coach Megan led two end of the month get-togethers; one each for Middle School students and High School students. Food and fun was had by all!
February at a Glance:
February 3rd - Mighty Mite Math (2nd & 3rd)
February 3rd - Mighty Midget Math Games (K & 1st)
February 3rd - Mrs. Horning's Marvelous Math (4th - 12th)
February 4th - Rocket Readers (K & 1st)
February 4th - Rocket Readers (2nd - 4th)
February 4th - Middle School Battle of the Books
February 4th - High School Battle of the Books
February 5th - PAC Meeting
February 5th - Art with Rocky (4th - 8th)
February 6th - Quilter's Club
February 6th - LEGO Club
February 6th - Art with Rocky (K - 3rd)
February 7th - Crafternoon
February 7th - Couples' Night Out
February 10th - Mighty Mite Math (2nd & 3rd)
February 10th - Mighty Midget Math Games (K & 1st)
February 10th - Games Club
February 10th - Mrs. Horning's Marvelous Math (4th - 12th)
February 11th - Rocket Readers (K & 1st)
February 11th - Rocket Readers (2nd - 4th)
February 11th - Middle School Battle of the Books
February 11th - High School Battle of the Books
February 12th - Culinary Cook-Off: TBA
February 13th - Bowling Club
February 14th - Happy Valentine's Day
February 17th - Happy Presidents Day
February 17th - Mighty Mite Math (2nd & 3rd)
February 17th - Mighty Midget Math Games (K & 1st)
February 17th - Mrs. Horning's Marvelous Math (4th - 12th)
February 18th - Rocket Readers (K & 1st)
February 18th - Testing Skills Tuesday
February 18th - Rocket Readers (2nd - 4th)
February 18th - High School Battle of the Books
February 19th - Kids to College w/Counselor Megan
February 20th - Quilter's Club
February 20th - LEGO Club
February 21st - Crafternoon
February 21st - Civil Air Patrol STEM
February 24th - Mighty Mite Math (2nd & 3rd)
February 24th - Mighty Midget Math Games (K & 1st)
February 24th - Mrs. Horning's Marvelous Math (4th - 12th)
February 24th - Show-N-Tell Speech Workshop
February 25th - Rocket Readers (K & 1st)
February 25th - Rocket Readers (2nd - 4th)
February 26th - Kids to College w/Counselor Megan
February 27th - Project ARTiculate
February 27th - Middle School Hangout
February 28th - High School Hangout
February 29th - Happy Leap Day
Office Schedules:
Regular Office Hours
Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm
September Staff Schedules:
Cynthia off February 3rd, 10th, 17th-19th, & 24th
Joy off February 7th, 14th, 21st, & 28th
Ruth off February 3rd, 17th, 18th, & 28th
Kim in all month- Wednesdays in Eagle River
For more details about our events and to RSVP, please click on our SMORE below!