Larson Elementary
News You Can Use for February
A Message from our Principal...
Larson Families,
Happy February! I believe the best part of February in Alaska is the light returning at a rapid pace and those fluffy snowflakes that make the trees so pretty. Students are playing outside longer, and that fresh air has them energized! Our entire staff is embracing longer daylight hours too by getting more fresh air as we approach spring, which is right around the corner. Keep an eye out in our community for our staff on the ski trails, hiking around Reflections Lake (my favorite) playing at Wonderland Park, and ice-skating on Wasilla Lake. We have an active staff that loves getting outdoors.
Due to our school delays in January, I have decided to combine our January and February Student of the Month and I will be celebrating with our winners March 2nd. It is amazing how difficult the choice is for teachers because of the huge number of students who are eligible! Too many awesome students is a great problem to have.
We have celebrated 100 Days with our 1-5th grades this week and will celebrate with kindergarten next week. Be on the look-out for information regarding Valentine’s Day from your child’s teacher by the end of the week.
As of this posting, we are still in the Yellow Operating Zone, and you can find COVID information on the districts main page @ https://www.matsuk12.us/coronavirus.
As always, I hope this newsletter finds you healthy and happy. Reach out if you need anything.
Beckie Murphy, Principal
The First Graders had a Blast Celebrating the 100th Day of School!
Counselor's Corner - Welcome to Our New Counselor!
Casandra Saunders is the new Mental and Behavioral Health Coordinator at Larson Elementary. She is at Larson on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. She has a master’s degree in Mental Health and Wellness. She's worked for the school district in multiple capacities since 2016. Casandra has worked as a substitute, a reading/math tutor, and as a Special Education Aide in the behavior support program. She is a life-long Alaskan and was born and raised in the valley. She enjoys drawing, painting, playing musical instruments and hiking. She is passionate about teaching social and emotional skills and empowering students to overcome social or emotional barriers they may experience. Casandra can be contacted at 907-352-2312 or via email at casandra.saunders@matsuk12.us.
Miss Casandra's Mental Health Tip of the Month!
“A simple stay in the outdoors can do wonders for relieving anxiety, stress, and depression. Countless studies have proven that nature has a positive effect on your mental health. What you see, hear, and experience in nature can improve your mood in a moment.
There is a strong connection between time spent in nature and reduced negative emotions. This includes symptoms of anxiety, depression, and psychosomatic illnesses like irritability, insomnia, tension headaches, and indigestion.”
The Revised 2021-2022 School Calendar is Here!
Due to the school closure the first week of January the district has adjusted the school calendar for the second semester. The original calendar had no school on February 24th and February 25th due to parent-teacher conferences. These two days have been changed to regular school days with students in attendance.
Have a wonderful break!
A Big Congratulations to Battle of the Books Participants!
5th/6th Grade Team
The 5th/6th Grade Team hard at work during the February 5th competition.
3rd/4th Grade Team
Good Luck to our JNYO Team!
The Junior Native Youth Olympic (JNYO) competitions are being held on Friday, February 11th and Saturday, February 12th at Houston High School. Athletes will be competing in the Alaskan High Kick, Eskimo Stick Pull, Scissor Broad Jump, and One-Foot High Kick. Good luck to all of our athletes! Please call Coach Foster at 907-352-2329 with any questions.
- March 2nd - Student of the Month Lunch Celebration
- March 3rd - Third Quarter Ends
- March 4th - Teacher/Staff Work Day (no school for students)
- March 7th - March 11th - Spring Break
- March 17th - Quarter 3 Assembly
- March 23rd - Report Cards Available in ParentVUE
- March 24th - Lifetouch Spring Pictures