Welcome to Ravenwood!
December 2022
Home of the Ravens
Ravenwood embodies community and thrives from the interconnected support system of Eagle River. Outdoor education, the arts, and the use of technology are all integrated into the academic experiences students are offered to optimize engagement, creativity, and independent learning.
Land Acknowledgement
We would like to acknowledge that our school is on the traditional lands of the Dena'ina Athabascan people. It is with gratitude and respect that we recognize the past and present contributions of Alaska's first people. Chin'an (thank you)
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Hello Ravenwood Families,
I hope you are enjoying this "most wonderful time of the year" with family and friends. Can you believe the school year is nearly half-way over, as December 22nd marks the end of our 2nd quarter/1st semester?
Our children imitate our actions, beliefs, and thoughts. When we recall happy times with our families or re-create an experience from our past, it teaches our family history and helps them learn to look for those special moments in their own lives. Repetition is an important way of learning. The predictability of rituals and repetition creates a sense of security, helping them feel safe and giving them a greater sense of self-confidence. I hope family traditions are a special part of your December and Winter Break, as you share and create special memories with your families and friends.
There are lots of exciting things happening here at Ravenwood, as our staff and students engage in a variety of treasured traditions and celebrations – tree lighting, holiday bazaar, art projects, sing-alongs, read-alouds, holiday concerts, Winter Solstice, parties, and so many fun, magical moments we hope they will enjoy and remember fondly.
Read on to find out about full bus service returning, tomorrow’s PTSO holiday bazaar, and other things coming up this month! On behalf of the Ravenwood staff, we wish you all a safe and peaceful holiday.
Warmest Wishes,
Kim Bautista
Principal, Ravenwood Elementary School
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CHOIR PERFORMS AT EAGLE RIVER TREE LIGHTING
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Help Wanted For Staff Holiday Cheer
Our Staff Sunshine Committee is looking for some help to share some holiday cheer with our Ravenwood staff in two ways.
First, the Sunshine Committee is asking for 12 different gift cards to be given away in fun raffles during the school day on Dec 20th. Use SignUpGenius -
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090449ABAE23A2F58-ravenwood to find a gift card to donate. Drop off or send the card with your student to the office by December 18th.
Second, the committee is also asking for families to bring different types of treats to enjoy on December 14th. So, if you are planning on baking, have a few extra treats, see a dozen yummy cookies at the store, or you already planned on spoiling the staff with some homemade fudge, drop it off or send them in with your kiddo on December 14th to fill the Staff Lounge with treats to nibble on during the day and for the rest of the week.
Thank you for your support.
The Ravenwood Sunshine Committee
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Fundraising Student Fun
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SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORTATION UPDATE
Merry Christmas!! On Monday, Dec. 5th, ASD will return to full bus service. The cohort system will dissolve at this time. Please check ParentConnect for bus transportation information as there are changes. For more information on how to login to ParentConnect, visit: ASD ParentConnect. For more information regarding bus transportation, please visit ASD Bus Route Information.
Thank you to all of our amazing parents/guardians for your patience and flexibility during this challenge.
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Check In On Your Child's Amira Progress
We are one of six schools in ASD piloting the Amira program. Amira is an AI (artificial intelligence) tutor that listens to your child's reading to assess their skills and direct them to “just right” reading passages to accelerate their growth. The goal is to have students read at least 2 stories each week to build or maintain their fluency. Ask your child to log-in to read and show you their progress. Using Amira is just one way you can help them keep up their reading fluency skills over the Winter Break.
Keep Tracking Their Math Pathway Progress
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Upcoming Dates of Importance
Dec. 1-2 - FastBridge Testing for Grades K-3rd
Dec. 2 - Popcorn Friday
Dec. 2 - Eagle River Tree Lighting Ceremony -- Ravenwood choir performs 6:05-6:15
Dec. 3 - Ravenwood Holiday Bazaar 10a - 4p
Dec. 6-7 - MAPS Testing for Grades 4/5, 5th & 6th
Dec. 8 - Choir, Band, and Orchestra Concert in the Ravenwood gym at 2pm
Dec. 12 - Choir Field Trip to Perform at multiple venues
Dec. 21 - Last Day for Students
Dec. 22 - No School / In-Service Day / End of 2nd Quarter
Dec. 23-Jan. 8 - WINTER BREAK / No School
Jan. 9 - Classes Begin
Jan. 13 - Popcorn Friday
Jan. 16 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day / No School
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Ravenwood families!
The holiday season is fast approaching. If your family needs assistance providing for Christmas, please call Nurse Cottle for more information.
Jennifer Cottle, BSN, RN, NCSN
Ravenwood Elementary School Nurse
907-742-3254
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VACCINATION APP
Download the free Docket app on your mobile device from App Store or Google Play Store. Follow verification directions. Search for your immunization records (you’ll need to enter your demographic info – name, date of birth, sex). Now, you can access your records to export and download pdfs to view and share, as needed.
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Just in time to make the season bright - the PTSO Holiday Bazaar is this Saturday, December 3rd, from 10am-4pm. Come support local vendors and take care of some of your holiday shopping. More than 20 silent auction baskets are on display for bidding (closes at 4pm). There will also be holiday performances throughout the day, including our very own choir (at noon). Our 5th graders will be selling baked items, and 6th graders will be selling crafts, food and drinks for their upcoming grade level camps. Dream Big Kennel's dog sled team will be here for petting and pictures. You won't want to miss the festive fun!
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Amazon Smile Sign Up to Support PTSO
As you shop your way through gift giving season, Amazon will donate a portion to us.
The Amazon app allows you to select this charity so it automatically applies eligible purchases every time you shop. It does require you register twice a year- so set a reminder on your calendar. It’s super easy!
You can also type in smile.amazon.com anytime you are on a browser.
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In order to drive for a field trip, volunteers must complete the same Volunteer Application and Waiver PLUS provide the following to the office:
- completed Volunteer Driver Form (attached)
- copy of their driver's license
- copy of their current vehicle registration
- copy of their current insurance policy showing minimum coverage of $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury and $25,000 property damage*
*Please note that this level of insurance coverage is higher than what is required by the State of Alaska
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REPORTING ABSENCES
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School Business Partners
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Statement of Nondiscrimination
The School Board is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education. District programs and activities shall be free from discrimination based on sex, race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, physical or mental disability, Vietnam era veteran status, genetic information, good faith reporting to the board on a matter of public concern, or any other unlawful consideration. The Board shall promote programs which ensure that discriminatory practices are eliminated in all District activities.
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Anchorage School Board Members
Vice President, Carl Jacobs
Treasurer, Kelly Lessens
Clerk, Dora Wilson
Seat C, Dave Donley
Seat D, Andy Holleman
Seat E, Pat Higgins
Dr. Jharrett Bryantt, Superintendent