Twindly Times

• Dec. 19th and 20th-Winter MAP Testing
• Dec. 19th-21st-Spring Sessions Sign-up
• Dec. 23rd-Jan. 6th Closed for Winter Break
• Jan. 9th, 23rd, and 30th-Open Swim 10-11 Palmer Pool
• Jan. 9th-APC Board Meeting-All are welcome!
• Jan. 12th-Thursday S2 High School Sessions Begin
• Jan. 13th- Friday S2 High School Sessions Begin
• Jan. 16th-Closed MLK Day
• Jan. 17th- First day of Spring Sessions

With the hustle and bustle of the holidays and the end of the semester it is easy to feel buried this time of year. The recent snow falls and extra tasks of clearing our driveways may have us feeling like we can’t get out from underneath the enormous workload that is before us. During these hectic times it is important to remember to take care of ourselves. Searching winter survival tips on the web can bring you several suggestions. Here are a few that I gathered from various locations.

· Socialize. It might be cold and dark, but winter in Alaska should be filled with friends and experiences. Host or attend a game night, sit in and watch a movie, or do something special with a group that gets you talking and sharing with others.

· Get outside. Any type of exercising, even if it is shoveling, helps clear the mind. Better yet, do it with friends for twice the fun.

· Choose a hobby. Learn to mush sled dogs, take up rock or ice climbing, or save your breath and grab a camera to capture some of the most unique shots on the planet. Doing something you enjoy during the dark winter will help you feel useful, empowered, and relaxed.

· Get a happy light. Just a little daily exposure to a light therapy box can cause chemical changes in your brain that provide an instant mood booster.

· Hydration. Drinking enough water helps deliver oxygen to the different parts of the body. It also aids in cushioning vital organs and lubricates the joints. Water also helps regulate body temperature.

· Go for a drive. Spending a lot of time indoors can contribute to low mood. A safe way to get out of the house is to go for a daytime drive. Be sure that your vehicle is outfitted with the proper equipment before you set off!

· Know your limits. Rest is a powerful tool. It gives your body time to recover and be ready for the next event.

· Talk with someone. It’s okay to reach out for help either to a friend, professional therapist, school counselor or any other trusted individual. Remember you are not alone.

I will use the Twindly Times to keep you posted on upcoming events in the counseling world. I am at the Wasilla site Monday – Thursday 8:00-11:30 and on Friday from 1:00-4:00 but please feel free to reach out to me at any time.

Naomi Weetman

Counselor

(w) 907-352-7313 (m) 907-301-0989

Naomi.weetman@matsuk12.us

Resources

https://lakesidemilam.com/blog/how-winter-affects-alaskans/

https://www.goldennorthvanlines.com/tips-on-surviving-your-first-winter-in-alaska/

https://cleanwaterinternational.org/wa-ter-you-doing-benefits-of-drinking-water/?gclid=CjwKCAiAheacBhB8EiwAItVO2yIyygAf5xzmi_rgYl9lLaaAOaiZw6OtfgR5FACjhBQ3U5f1A4vBYhoCsckQAvD_BwE

All Students graduating and interested in going to college should apply to this incredible 10 week, all expense paid, program. The benefits include work experience, financial support, career exploration, and lots of networking with students and staff. 2023 ANSEP Summer Application

Grade conferences occur at the end of semester one and semester two. They offer an opportunity to check on your student's progress in their academic school year, review with your advisor successes and concerns, and receive support with your homeschool program. Prior to scheduling with your advisor, you will submit work samples via ParentVue. Here is a quick guide on how to submit the Work Samples

SCHEDULE NOW WITH YOUR ADVISOR

District assessment in reading, math, and language usage is being offered for those students who missed the fall testing window or have academic concerns. The winter assessment will occur Dec. 19th and 20th at Twindly Bridge. Sign your K-9th grade student up here

Please note the following changes with the Spring Sessions:

To accommodate more students, reduce waitlists, and offer more flexibility to families students will have a choice on which day to attend based on current grade level.

Only Register student for one day .

Here's the new choices:

Monday K-2, Tuesday 2-4, Wednesday 4-6, Thursday 6-12 and Friday 8-12.

Spring Sessions sign-ups are scheduled for December 19th-21st.

Spring Sessions begin Tuesday, Jan. 17th and complete on Thursday, March 9th.

E-Sports: E-sports gives students a chance to participate on a team, find friends, be part of a community, and learn new skills, all while doing something they love. Gaming!

Interested in joining the e-sports program at Twindly Bridge? Contact our coaches:

Kami Heisterman or Jaime Keena

Our coaches, Dooley, Wilhour and Heisterman, offer opportunities to learn archery safety, equipment use, and coaching during our scheduled sessions. Come join the fun!

TEAM PRACTICE WILL RESUME SATURDAY, JAN 14TH

Our HS competitive robotics teams had a qualifier tournament on Sat. Dec. 10th at West HS in Anchorage. All 4 of the teams did very well!! One of the teams, 49th Frost (comprised of Xander Kaiser, Xaden Kaiser, Sebastian Dooley, Elijah Ovard, and Memphis Ovard), won the Innovate award for the design of their robot. This award advances them on to the state tournament on Jan. 21st.

Our student run coffee shop drive through will re- open on Monday, January 9th.

Come visit us in the new year!

Drive through hours are 8:00AM-11:30AM Monday through Friday.

This winter wonderland experience has been rescheduled for Thursday, January 19th and there are still openings!

Register Here

Join us as we explore our Nation’s past on this exciting, and educational, eight-day tour. We visit Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Gettysburg, and Washington D.C. Some of the highlights include the USS Constitution, The North Church, Brooklyn Bridge, Broadway, Times Square, Liberty Hall, U.S. Capitol, Smithsonian, and many more. For more information, or to reserve a spot, contact Eric Rains.

The Friends of Twindly is a nonprofit organization (501C3), established in August, 2021, to support Twindly Bridge Charter School, parents, students, APC, and staff in accomplishing their goals related to student learning, school participation, and community involvement. Please contact them with questions, ideas, concerns or support! Contact here

The Mat-Su School District partners with community, parent groups, service clubs, sporting clubs, and many other community organizations. They post a variety of flyers with this information to be shared with the public. Here's a look!

Email: John.Weetman@matsuk12.us
Website: TWINDLYBRIDGE.US
Location: 141 E Seldon Rd, Wasilla, AK, USA
Phone: (907)376-6680