Grizzly Gazette: December 2016
News you can use from Dena'ina Elementary School
Thank you Knik Pizza!
Thank you Sylvan!
Toys for Tots
December Principal Post
Dear Dena'ina Families,
It is hard to believe we are almost half-way through our first year as Dena'ina Grizzlies, and as I look back on what we've accomplished I'm so proud of our staff and students. Click here to visit our website section titled 'About Us', where we detail all the things that we've put in place to continue working toward our vision. We've all learned that opening a school is no easy task; it takes teamwork and time to build a school community and work out all the details or kinks. Of course, we couldn't do it without the support and feedback that parents provide, because you are a huge part of the team that ensures student success.
I wish you all a healthy and happy holiday break - a time to rejuvenate, reflect, and remember the most precious gifts in life don't come in paper wrapped packages.
~Mrs. Everett
Holiday Bazaar Success!
MAP testing Grades 4 & 5
Tuesday, Dec 6, 2016, 09:00 AM
Dena'ina Elementary School, Knik Knack Mud Shack Road, Wasilla, AK, United States
Kindergarten Concert
Families will have an opportunity to take photos before the concert begins.
Thursday, Dec 8, 2016, 06:00 PM
Dena'ina Elementary School, Knik Knack Mud Shack Road, Wasilla, AK, United States
MAP Testing Grades 2 & 3
Monday, Dec 12, 2016, 08:45 AM
7068 Knik Knack Mud Shack Road, Wasilla, AK, United States
4th Grade Ice Fishing Field Trip
Wednesday, Dec 14, 2016, 09:30 AM
Finger Lake, Matanuska-Susitna, AK, United States
CPAA Testing Grades K & 1
Thursday, Dec 15, 2016, 08:45 AM
Dena'ina Elementary School, Knik Knack Mud Shack Road, Wasilla, AK, United States
1st Semester Awards Assembly - Grades 3, 4, 5
Friday, Dec 16, 2016, 01:30 PM
Dena'ina Elementary School, Knik Knack Mud Shack Road, Wasilla, AK, United States
1st Semester Awards Assembly - Grades K, 1, 2
Friday, Dec 16, 2016, 02:30 PM
Dena'ina Elementary School, Knik Knack Mud Shack Road, Wasilla, AK, United States
Wednesday, December 21 - 2nd Quarter Y Activities
No School Friday, December 23rd
Back to School January 9th
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Dena'ina do afternoon pick ups outside instead of in the gym?
Some schools do pick ups in the gym, and some do them outside. Our parking lot is small and there aren't enough spaces to accommodate the number of parents who need to pick up their children in the afternoon. To expedite pick up and create a loop long enough for all those cars while maintaining safety we hold it outside in the front parking lot. During the winter months, we ask students to wear their gear outside to stay warm while they wait. On average, the pick up loop is clear by 3:55, 10 minutes after students are released. This means parents are doing an awesome job keeping the line going and kids are a doing a great job following the expectations.
Kagan Structure for December: Review structures learned
Our Kagan Structure this month is to review the structures we've already learned. Ask your child how they do Stand Up Hand Up Pair Up, Round Robin and Fan N'Pick!
Positive Action at school
We need your help!
Click here to see a list of needs at school. These are updated regularly! Details for each need are listed as well as how to help and who to contact.
Healthy Bodies - Fitness Fun
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
Christmas Friendship Dinner
December 25, 2016
11:00am - 3:00pm
Menard Sports Complex
Free - no donations accepted!
Volunteers welcome call 354-6115
matsufoodbank@gmail.com
Healthy bodies at Dena'ina Elementary
Dear Dena’ina Grizzlies.
We are having such an amazing year so far! I’m really proud of all the work our students are doing in PE class, as it is showing in their skill performances during class. We will be working on our throwing skills in the month of December, with our primary students working on improving form and accuracy through skill challenges and our intermediate students working on using their skills that they have learned already and using them in different team games like team handball and quidditch. As a reminder, always remember your PE sneakers on PE days to keep our gym floor clean, safe, and ready to use!
Although the Fall Healthy Futures Challenge is over for individual students, don’t forget about the Family Fitness Frenzy Challenge developed just for Dena’ina Elementary. If our Dena’ina families are active for 60 minutes a day, for 10 days out of the month (at least 1 parent, 1 Dena’ina student, & 1 sibling if possible, but of course the more the merrier!) then your family is entered into a drawing the first week in March for a slew of prizes like 3 Bears & Skinny Raven gift certificates, 4 pack of Alyeska Lift passes, and more! There will be just 4 months to create opportunities for your family to win; November, December, January, and February so don’t wait! Just have your Dena’ina student bring the completed calender with 10 days filled out stating what your family did and turn it into the Front Office or the gym. Copies of the December Dena’ina Fitness Frenzy are available in the gym, in the Front Office, and online at our school’s website under Mr. Stewart’s teaching page! For more information, you can email Christopher.stewart@matsuk12.us or call 864-5605 and leave a message.
Happy Holidays!
Mr. Stewart