North Star News - September 2022
Our districtwide e-newsletter (formerly District News) has received a fresh name and style, North Star News–a monthly newsletter provided to keep families and staff informed and engaged with our district.
What's inside?
- Back to School Update
- 30+ Year Employee Recognition
- Bus Stops
- Wellness Check
- Child Find Screenings
Dear Families,
Welcome back to a new school year filled with opportunities. The first few days of school have been full of settling into a new tempo, meeting old friends, and making new ones.
As with all beginnings it takes a little time to become familiar with new routines and processes. One of those areas is our new bussing model. We continue to look for ways to improve our student transportation services and provide consistent and reliable transportation.
Our districtwide academic focus for the next few years will be on literacy. While teachers will continue to teach all other subjects, there will be an additional focus on literacy skills, at all grade levels. The ability to read, understand, and respond to both the written and spoken word is the gateway skill to success in all areas of life.
It has been such a privilege to visit schools and see the excitement throughout the buildings and classrooms as staff and students return for another year. I look forward to a great year!
All the Best,
Karen Melin
Chief School Administrator
Recognizing Employees with 30+ Years of Service
We want to recognize and appreciate the hard work and dedication the following employees have contributed with 30+ years working at the school district. Your loyal and dedicated service continues to be integral to our student and community success. THANK YOU!
Thank you to our HR Department! Teamwork and Perseverance
Interested in working for the school district? View open positions here.
School District Selected as School Partner of the Year
The school district was selected as Special Olympics Alaska - School Partner of the Year.
"The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District is making great strides on fostering a more inclusive environment in their schools and community." Sarah Hajdukovich, Unified Champion Schools Manager
Bus Stops & Routes | Transportation
This year, students do not need to register to ride the bus and there will be NO rotating route schedules. Instead of buses going through neighborhoods and stopping at individual houses, students will be picked up at one neighborhood location. The stops will provide more on-time routes and fewer delays.
Free & Reduced Meal Applications | Nutrition Services
Make sure to complete the school meals application for your students! The federal grant providing free school meals has expired.
If a student is a newly enrolled (e.g. Kindergarten) student for the new school year, families will be expected to pay full price for meals until an application is completed and processed.
Help Keep Our Schools Symptom Free! | Health & Wellness
FREE at-home COVID-19 tests are available at your school.
Child Development Screenings | Special Education
The district will be conducting Child Find screenings to identify children ages 3 through 5 who may have problems with communication, learning, or skill development. The screenings
will be held, by appointment only, at the Nordale Education Center, 397 Hamilton Ave.
For families who will be moving out of district, Special Education records can be requested at sped.records@k12northstar.org. Please email name, date of birth, what records are needed and relation to student.
Student Assessment Results Update | Teaching & Learning
The release of students’ assessment results have been delayed for the spring 2022 AK STAR and Alaska Science Assessments. This past summer, educators from across the state came together to work on the standards setting and an alignment study for both assessments.
Career and Job Opportunities
We are hiring! Check for current openings and begin your application.
After School Program (ASP) | Student Support Services
21st CCLC Grant-Funded After School Programs begin on Monday, September 12! Coordinators are working steadily on inviting students to this grant-funded program.
These Grant-Funded After School Programs serve eligible students at: Anne Wien, Denali, Hunter, Ticasuk Brown, Weller, Ryan Middle School, and Lathrop High School.
Alaska Native Education Program (ANE) | Student Support Services
nakhwal'in shoo ihłii! - Welcome!
Are you Alaska Native or American Indian? Enroll in our Alaska Native Education Program.
Federal Programs | Student Support Services
Christine Schut is the districtwide Social Services Manager for Foster Care and McKinney-Vento (homeless) youth. Please contact her with referrals or if you need assistance in these areas. Email christine.schut@k12northstar.org or call (907) 452-2000 ext. 11431.
Surplus Auction This Weekend!
The annual school district surplus auction is this Saturday, September 3! Live auction at the FNSBSD Central Warehouse, starting at 10 a.m. Preview auction items on Friday, September 2, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. For more information, contact FNSBSD Shipping & Receiving at (907) 456-4114 ext. 15260.
English Language Learner Program (ELL) | Student Support Services
A Celebration of Cultures family event sponsored by ELL and ANE programs will be held on Thursday, September 29 at Ryan Middle School. Enjoy cultural performances by school district students and staff. Taste the potluck dishes from around the world.
Upcoming Events
SEPT 3 | School District Surplus Auction
SEPT 5 | Holiday (School & District Offices Closed)
SEPT 29 | Celebration of Culture at Ryan Middle (ELL & ANE Program)
SEPT 30 | Professional Development (No School)
Board of Education Meetings
SEPT 6 | 6:00 p.m. Regular Board Meeting
SEPT 19 | 6:00 p.m. Special Board Meeting
SEPT 19 | 6:30 p.m. Board Work Session
SEPT 20 | 6:00 p.m. Regular Board Meeting
SEPT 28 | 8:45 a.m. Candidate Forum at West Valley
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
Email: publicrelations@k12northstar.org
Website: https://www.k12northstar.org
Location: 520 5th Avenue, Fairbanks, AK, USA
Phone: (907) 452-2000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fsdk12/
Twitter: @fsdk12
THE FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY INSTITUTION, AS WELL AS A TOBACCO AND NICOTINE-FREE LEARNING AND WORK ENVIRONMENT.