Grizzly Gazette: October 2016
News you can use from Dena'ina Elementary School
October Principal Post
Staff at Dena'ina are participating in a class called 'Mindsets in the Classroom' and have been teaching students about growth mindset. You may have heard your children talk about it at home, so this month's focus is on how parents can get in on the learning. Do you have a growth mindset? Do you believe that with effort, persistence and motivation you can achieve your goals? Do you believe your children should 'learn to fail'?
Educational researcher Dr. Carol Dweck states,
Parents should not shield their children from challenges, mistakes, and struggles. Instead, parents should teach children to love challenges. They can say things like, "This is hard. What fun!" or "This is too easy, it's no fun." They should teach their children to embrace mistakes, "Oooh, here's an interesting mistake. What should we do next?" And they should teach them to love effort: "That was a fantastic struggle. You really stuck to it and made great progress" or "This will take a lot of effort - boy will it be fun."
It takes time and practice, but it is well worth it when you see the difference in your children, and maybe even strive to try something new that you thought you would never do!
Please visit our website to learn more about us, see what events are coming up, and much more! Better yet - come on in anytime, we'd love to see you!
~Mrs. Everett
Whooo's Reading
On the program, students have a profile that includes a personalized owl avatar. They earn 'coins' by logging minutes, answering questions, or posting about books read. Coins can be used in the 'owl shop' to get more decoration for their owl.
Besides the reading log, students can answer questions about books they've read. These questions ask students to cite text evidence, which is a standard that students across Alaska typically score low in on standardized tests. They can write a review, which reinforces their language skills.
Another feature is the 'news feed'. This is a social media-type feed that allows kids to comment on books that other kids have read. As of right now, students can comment on the feed of any kid in the school (siblings, friends, etc.). Students were taught the expectation during library class and in homeroom that their comments must be book related and appropriate. We have a ZERO tolerance policy. Any student that is not following the expectation (even if what they write is benign but not book related) they will have the news feed blocked. They will not be allowed to see their feed or anyone else's. All comments can be monitored by teachers, the Principal and librarian. In addition, as a parent you can sign in and see what your child is posting or logging. The news feed feature can be blocked for individuals so they would still be able to log minutes and answer questions, they just wouldn't be able to see the news feed. As a parent you may also request that the news feed feature be turned off for your student.
The site uses https encryption, the same type of security used by banks and other websites that hold secure information or data. The only data associated with your child's account is their first and last name, name of our school, grade and teacher.
As a parent you have a right to know about these features and how to access your child's account. If you have feedback about Whooo's Reading, both positive or negative, please don't hesitate to share it. We want to make sure that as the pilot school we hear what works and what doesn't before this is launched anywhere else. So far, students have been very responsible about using the program and really enjoy the features. If you have any questions, please contact us at 864-5600!
Redington Autumn Bazaar
Saturday, Oct 22, 2016, 09:00 AM
Redington Jr/Sr High School
Parent Conferences Day 1 (by appointment)
Thursday, Oct 27, 2016, 09:00 AM
Dena'ina Elementary School, Knik Knack Mud Shack Road, Wasilla, AK, United States
Parent Conferences Day 2 (by appointment)
Friday, Oct 28, 2016, 09:00 AM
7068 Knik Knack Mud Shack Road Wasilla, AK
Red Ribbon Week/Spirit Week
Monday, Oct 31, 2016, 09:00 AM
Dena'ina Elementary School, Knik Knack Mud Shack Road, Wasilla, AK, United States
Picture RETAKES!
Thursday, Nov 3, 2016, 09:00 AM
Dena'ina Elementary School, Knik Knack Mud Shack Road, Wasilla, AK, United States
Kagan Structure for October: Round Robin
Our Kagan Structure of the Month is Round Robin! Ask your child how they do Round Robin in class!
More Grizzly spirit wear coming!
Giving Tree - Needs, Donations, Volunteer Opportunities
Would you like to help our school? Click here to see a list of needs at school - updated often. Details for each need are listed as well as how to help and who to contact.
Healthy Bodies
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
Migrant Ed is a great deal!!!
Email: vicki.hewitt@matsuk12.us
Website: http://www.matsuk12.us/Page/31134
Location: 501 N Gulkana St, Palmer, AK, United States
Phone: 907-761-4065
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msbsdmigrant
Calling all Volunteers!
If you are a nurse, please contact Mary Dunny at 864-5604 - we always need subs in the nurses office or volunteers to help with health screenings.
If you can help with two upcoming fundraisers (a winter gift catalog and an on site craft fair) please give the office a call at 864-5600.
If you'd like to volunteer by reading with kids or doing flashcards, please call Penny Wingo, Records Specialist, at 864-5600.