Ms. Lessens enjoyed spending the day at Mears. She had the opportunity to tour the school and visit many of our outstanding classes on September 11. For example, in Mr. Peterson's science class she learned about the engineering marvel of the World Trade Center which was a fantastic example of the interdisciplinary learning connections between science and social studies!

09/18/2023: 7th Grade Social Studies will be acknowledging Constitution Day !

09/18/2023: During Den Time on Monday, we will be practicing the following mandatory safety drills:

• Shelter in-place
• Stay-put
• Lock-down

09/19/2023: Boys Basketball Game

09/21/2023: Boys Basketball Game
09/25/2023: We will be practicing our evacuation drill and will go to our primary evacuation site, Bayshore Elementary School. Students will walk with their class to our school's primary rally point, Bayshore's fields. Also, I would like you to know Mears has a secondary rally point if needed located at Kingdom Life Church Alaska located at 1301 W 100th Avenue.

Mark your calendar and join us for our virtual PTSA meeting, we are looking forward to meeting you. This is an excellent way to learn more about the innovative ways our vibrant community organization supports our students. Our next virtual meeting is on October 11, 2023 from 6:30 pm-7:30 pm. I've included the zoom link for your convenience.

Practices will start on September 19th for eighth grade and on September 20th for seventh grade. Practices will be held during lunch. I am looking forward to great discussions about books! Please see Ms. Fleming in the Library Media Center for more information!

Mears staff will be looking to recognize students who demonstrate a commitment to respect.

Respect: Treating others with honor and dignity

Students can pick up info packets and an application for this wonderful opportunity in Rm 116 from Ms. Hubbard. Mears will be taking up to 18 7th and 8th graders 5/27 - 6/4/2024.

Parents,

160,000. That is the number of students who miss school daily in our nation because of bullying or unresolved social conflict. We are having some great conversations with students each day here at Mears. Conflict resolution, mediation, and restorative practices are all part of the counselor's annual plan to be proactive and promote a positive and encouraging school culture. Our beginning year data indicates that the number one issue students are dealing with here at Mears stems from digital citizenship conduct or social media misuse. We strongly encourage you to consider an app like Bark to help you keep your student accountable and free from social media drama. We are happy to help you unpack this app or show you how it works; the parent feedback on it so far is AMAZING. Let's work together to keep Mears a positive and encouraging learning place!

Our school is joining the Anchorage School District in partnering with Be SMART for Kids (besmartforkids.org) to educate families about the importance of secure gun storage to keep kids safe and prevent youth suicide. Firearms are now the leading cause of death for children and teens in Alaska and nationwide, and the majority of gun deaths in Alaska are suicides. Together, we can protect our kids by using these “SMART” steps: Secure guns in homes and vehicles, Model responsible behavior, Ask about firearms in other homes your child visits, Recognize the role of guns in suicide, and Tell your peers to “Be SMART.” We invite you to read through the attached handouts, look for new posters in our school, and watch for more Be SMART communications within the community.

We love our Panther families and community partners, please consider becoming a school volunteer. The revised volunteer packet is included below for your convenience! Please remember this packet must be completed and renewed annually.

Our office staff is available daily, please don't hesitate to reach out if we can help you in any way, our hours are 7:30-3:00. Thanks so much, we are here to help serve you!

Is your child going to absent from school? Save time and send a quick email to our attendance email box, mearsattendance@asdk12.org or you can call the school at 907-742-6400 and select the Attendance Line option to leave us a voice mail, either option is a great way to notify us!

Making

Everyone

Accepted

Respected

Safe

Email: marquand_carla@asdk12.org
Website: https://www.asdk12.org/mears
Location: 2700 West 100th Avenue, Anchorage, AK, USA
Phone: 907-742-6400