Tustumena Elementary Newsletter
January 11, 2013
The Beginning of a New Year!
Happy 2013 To All!
It seems odd that we are already nearly half way into January. This is a good time to start new, which is exactly what each of our students will be doing. Their report cards come home next week, but that is old news, now is a good time to be looking toward the future. You can help them by making sure they finish all their homework assignments and come to school well rested, well fed, and encouraged to do their best. State testing is just around the corner, and even though it is just a small snap shot of their performance, the results from state testing have a wide influence on decisions that are made at every level of our education system. So let’s support the students and their efforts.
Believe it or not, we are already making some plans for next year. One thing we are planning is in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club. Starting next August, we will have Boys and Girls Club “before school” supervision beginning at 7:30am. This means that B&C Club members can be dropped off in early enough for parents to make it to town by 8am if their job calls for it. It is possible that this extension of their program could start this spring if there is enough interest in it. If this program may benefit your family, please contact Michele Hayman at: mhayman@positiveplaceforkids.com. You can view other news from the Kasilof Boys and Girls Club by following the link: http://www.smore.com/yh9s-kasilof-club?ref=email
As many of you already know, we are now publishing an enhanced version of our newsletter electronically. I have been emailing the link to the email addresses we have on file. We will continue to publish this document in both formats for several weeks but will eventually convert completely to electronic except for families who request a paper copy be sent home. This change will save money, enhance our ability to include pictures and informational links, and provide you with instant access as well as the ability to share the newsletter with family and friends anywhere in the world. Not to mention it is the “Green” thing to do.
We just finished our Geography Bee and I am proud to announce that Laurel Glaves is our 2012/2013 Champion. Laurel won the honor of taking a test (I know, it doesn’t sound like much of a prize) to determine if she qualifies to compete in the Alaska State Geography Bee. Congratulations Laurel! Laurel won out over Holly Todd after several rounds of tie breakers. Thank You Holly!
Another piece of news on the district level, we are continuing to meet and develop ideas around school configuration in the Soldotna area. On January 10, elementary teachers and community members met with district administrators to discuss how to best meet the needs of our students and community. I will publish more information as it becomes available. There will be a community meeting here at Tustumena on February 10th to provide opportunity to receive information and to gather input. You are also invited to attend the Tustumena Site Team meeting on January 29th at 4pm.
Finally, I would like to thank John Solem for his support of our Tustumena Community. Mr. Solem is moving back to the lower 48 this weekend. He has supported our school through Peninsula Community Health Services since last year and has done an excellent job of leading the coordination of this agency and our school. Colleen Robertia from K-Beach will be replacing John. We are looking forward to working with her as she has 10 years of experience in the same type of position. Welcome to Tustumena Colleen and best wishes to you John.
Thank you.
Doug Hayman
Cribbage Anyone?
Sixth Grade students have been learning the game of Cribbage (great strategy and math game) and then made boards as Christmas Gifts.
Get Ready... Get Set... Go
Off in a blur, students had a great time during our Reindeer Games on December. 21. Teachers all contributed by designing games that everyone enjoyed.
A little Moosy.
I have learned a new term since I have moved here. "Moosy" is an adjuctive describing a place with a lot of moose roaming around. For example, "The drive to work today was moosy." In other words, I almost hit a moose! These moose were in my yard. I am new enough that I still enjoy seeing them, even if I have to dodge them on the road. But... I haven't run into one yet.
What's coming up?
We have a lot going on in January and February.
- Report cards will be sent home January 14.
- PTO Meeting 4pm on January 15
- Lynx Track Activity- Ice Skating January 15-17
- 2nd Quarter Awards Assembly- January 18
- Vacation Day January 21
- Site Counsil Meeting January 29, 4pm
- Agenda will include: School Yard Habitat, Gaps in school security, Soldotna Area School Configuration information
- Parent Teacher Conferences February 7-8