Grizzly Gazette: January 2021
News you can use from Dena'ina Elementary School
Principal Post
Dear Dena'ina Families,
Welcome back for semester two! We started the year unsure of how things would go, but I am incredibly grateful our district took the initiative to provide schools the opportunity to serve students and families remotely AND in person. Our data in the fall showed that while students definitely lost some time learning, we could work to get it back and then some.
This winter, I'm proud to say our MAP testing data reflects the hard work of teachers and students. In nearly every grade and every subject our students grew more than projected, meaning we are making up for lost time. Let's keep up that growth - keep reading at home, practicing math facts and spelling words to support the work students are doing at school.
Thank you for the support you've provided to us this year as well. More than ever, parents have been expressing kind words and stories or just encouragement and understanding. We appreciate it very much!
From our Grizzly Family to yours, stay well!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Everett
** COVID-Related Info & Updates **
Click here for reminders about students being excluded from school for symptoms.
Click here for the household quarantine guide.
CLICK HERE to go directly to the district's coronavirus page that is resources/forms for families.
Congratulations!!!
Family Engagement Opportunities
Upcoming Events...
- С Рождеством Merry Christmas to our families celebrating on January 7th and 8th!
- Art Club videos sent out next week
- Math Derby - 4th and 5th grade compete at DNE on Friday, January 15th. Good luck!
- Volleyball for 4th and 5th grade starting soon - look for permission slips to come home soon!
- Science Olympiad is starting soon - look for permission slips to come home!
School Counselor Services
Student Support:
- Friendship issues
- Social skills
- Decision-making skills
- Dealing with peer pressure & bullying
- Feeling management
- Goal setting
- Adjusting to a new school
- Dealing with everyday stress/anxiety
- Dealing with feelings related to COVID-19
And many more topics! Just ask
Classroom Lessons: Topics such as emotions, coping skills, friendships, conflict resolution, communication skills, diversity, teamwork, etc.
Brief Solution Focused Counseling: With students on a short-term basis to meet social, emotional, or behavioral goals.
Consultation: With both staff and parents/guardians to plan for student needs.
Community Resource Referrals: resources for outside services for children experiencing grief, divorce, family separation, deployment, or mental health concerns.
Here is the link to my newsletter- https://www.smore.com/9bn38
School Psychologist
Licensed Behavioral Health Services
Did you know that students can access free behavioral health counseling services through Dena’ina?
Matthew Horner, PsyD with Contrasting Qualities, LLC and Stephanie Turner, LPC with Windswept Counseling, LLC are here for Dena’ina Elementary School students and families! Matthew and Stephanie have partnered with DNE to offer behavioral health services to students who may be struggling. This partnership is funded by the Mat-Su Health Foundation and is a free service for students to access. Services can be accessed at school or virtually, and may include individual and family counseling to improve your student’s wellbeing.
If you are a parent who believes your DNE student would benefit from mental health counseling, please call your student’s school counselor at (907) 864-5364 for more information.
About Us
Email: melissa.roovers@matsuk12.us
Website: www.matsuk12.us/dne
Location: 7068 Knik Knack Mud Shack Road, Wasilla, AK, United States
Phone: 907.864.5600