Arctic Light Elementary Newsletter
January 10, 2019
Upcoming Events
January 17th - 3:30pm PTA Meeting in Library
January 18th - 9am Intermediate Honor Roll Assembly
January 21st - MLK Day: No School
January 22nd-23rd - District Art Teachers
January 31st - Early Out, 1:30pm Dismissal
February 1st - No School
Principal Keener's Message...
Winter in Fairbanks
Fairbanks recently had a ceremony for centenarian, Urban Rahoi. Besides visits and videos from politicians, Larry Csonka (1972 Super Bowl Miami Dolphin Fullback), spoke about flying 8,000 miles for the day. Typical Fairbanks: extreme.
While 35 below zero is cold, in Fairbanks it goes to another level. At these latitudes the winter Sun lacks warmth unlike cold days in the lower forty-eight. Though our Fairbanks winter Sun decides to be unavailable, don't be the one who has to pay.
Besides the cold and darkness, the hours indoors and lack of activity can be quite challenging. The phrase ‘cabin fever’ is for real and must be respected. School is a wonderful way to spend the winter. We’re warm, well lit, and full of people. Help your child get to school everyday as the benefits only multiply at our latitude.
Welcome to another semester. Don’t forget that now is the time to study for our Spelling Bee Contest or work on your Science Fair Project. The weeks will fly by and soon the Midnight Sun will be upon us.
Here’s to a great semester.
Assistant Principal's Message and our year so far!
Welcome back to school. We are excited for 2019! I hope you are ready for the spring semester! The sun is coming back!
Thank you for sending your child in his/her warm winter gear. At this temperature, it is essential to wear snow pants and boots to school. The older students set an excellent example of dressing appropriately for the younger students. Safety is our priority.
The primary students have “primary encores” in addition to their music and gym specials. They rotate through this encore once or twice a week. It depends on the color day. During this time, the students work on exciting projects such as science activities. Our Title 1 coordinator, Deb Foster, has been instrumental in helping with the lessons. We appreciate her efforts.
Encores are the highlight for our older students. They are working with different teachers for two afternoon periods. Your continued support with our encores has been helpful. Mrs. Tammy Boyd and Mr. Keener have been working very hard on organizing students into their respective encores.
The intermediate dance in December was a fun evening for our students. Thank you to Mrs. Jessyca Brizek and Mr. Keener for organizing such a fun event. A special thank you to the staff members who were able to stay and help that evening. We will have another dance in the spring organized by our wonderful PTA.
Our behavior intervention aides, Shawna Holman and Heather Rader, have been working hard along with our break aides to set up a safe indoor recess schedule. We will have indoor recess when the weather is -21 or colder. A special thank you goes out to Mrs. Michelle Amos for volunteering to cover recess. She enjoys seeing her students in different settings.
In March, the 3rd -7th-grade students will receive state testing which is commonly known as PEAKS (Performance Evaluation for Alaska’s Schools). The 4th-grade students will have additional NAEP (National Assessment of Education Progress) testing. The kindergarten through seventh-grade students will receive district-wide AIMSWeb Plus testing in March and April. Dr. Melissa Haubrich has been working very hard on the schedules.
Thank you for supporting your child at our school. Your cooperation and participation in your child’s education are very much appreciated.
Let’s have a great spring semester!
Mrs. Beverly Kokrine, Assistant Principal
COMPLETE YOUR FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH APPLICATION
Parents and guardians, remember to complete your free and reduced lunch applications here at SCHOOL CAFE.
Nutrition Services has made it easier for families to apply for free or reduced priced meals. We encourage you to apply online anytime using an Internet enabled computer or with the Smartphone app. You can complete and submit an application in minutes!
If you need assistance or have any questions please feel free to contact the front office or Nutrition services at
(907) 451-1004 x16600
FRONT OFFICE REMINDERS
- Please make sure you bring in your ID when picking up your child or signing a student out.
- If you have someone other than yourself or primary guardian picking up your student please make sure they are updated in your emergency contacts here at the school.
-Winter weather is here. Please make sure your children have ALL their required snow gear.
- At the end of the day, Families with a "K Pass" can drive behind the school and park on the inside lane. As it gets colder these spots become more important. See directions below.
THANK YOU!
A huge thank you to all of our families, students and staff for coming out to our first Title 1 Family Game Night! We loved seeing everyone come together for some family fun! We will be hosting another game night here soon!