North Star News - May 2023

Photo: Graduating West Valley High School students, 2022.

• District Update from Chief School Administrator
• Kindergarten Backpack Giveaway
• Virtual Town Hall - Alaska Reads Act
• New Academic Calendars
• and more!

Chief School Administrator Karen Melin shares district updates about school year achievements, upcoming graduations, kindergarten registration, and the Alaska Reads Act.

Rhonda Harvey, district wide instructional coach for secondary schools, received a literacy ambassador award at the Science of Reading Symposium in Anchorage. Rhonda was one of only seven winners across the state to be recognized as a Literacy Ambassador. Way to go Rhonda!

"Rhonda is a literacy leader because she has, single-handedly, put the science of reading on the map for secondary teachers in the FNSBSD," said Instructional Coach Kelly Scanlon. Learn more about our district instructional coaches.

Wilson Wade, North Pole High student, has been selected to be a summer intern for Senator Lisa Murkowski. Interns will assist Senator Murkowski's staff in legislative and constituent duties, they will gain insight into the workings of a senate office, and how the legislative process works. Congratulations Wilson!

Principal Michelle Spillane, North Pole High School, has been named Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) Region 6 Principal of The Year for 2023. Principal Spillane has served at North Pole High School in the FNSBSD for the last three years. Read more.

Enroll your incoming kindergarteners for the 2023-24 school year by May 12, 2023, and be eligible to WIN a backpack filled with school supplies for your little one! To enroll in kindergarten this coming school year, your child must be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2023.

Enroll online or in-person by May 12, 2023 to be eligible. If you have already enrolled, great! You will be entered in the giveaway drawing. Winners will be selected randomly and prizes will be available for pickup at the child’s new school.

The Alaska Reads Act will impact every student in kindergarten through third grade. It includes a requirement for a district reading intervention program. The goal of the Alaska Reads Act is to support all students reading on grade level by the end of third grade. Families, please join us for a Virtual Town Hall meeting on May 16, 2023, to learn more about how this new state law will impact your child.

What: A Virtual Town Hall to inform families about the new Alaska Reads Act

When: Tuesday, May 16, 2023, 6pm-7pm

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/wc/join/86382095245

Web ID: 863 8209 5245

For more information, please check out these frequently asked questions about the Alaska Reads Act.

On May 2, the school board approved the revised 2023-24 academic calendar. The changes include moving a professional development day (no school for students) from November 10 to September 1, as well as adding three additional early out days on September 28, January 22, and April 26. The calendar revisions were made to support the additional requirements elementary teachers will have to meet as part of the Alaska Reads Act.

The school board has approved the 2024-25 academic calendar.

The FNSBSD Purchasing Department is seeking student artwork as part of a community outreach project, to illustrate our purchasing processes in a fun and artful way. Open to all school district students! Students may participate on their own or as part of a class, group, or team.

Template, instructions, and more information here.

Alaska Communications is seeking nominations for their annual Summer of Heroes scholarship program with Boys & Girls Clubs - Alaska. Nominate Alaska youth, ages 6-18, who are making a difference in their communities! Up to five youth heroes will be awarded a $2,000 scholarship and earn special recognition in their local community.

This community program aims to promote awareness and support for youth development programs throughout the state. Nominate your hero online or at a Boys & Girls Clubs – Alaska clubhouse. Nominations are due June 18, 2023.

Camp Shriver is coming to Fairbanks for the first time ever! This FREE summer sports camp, July 26–27, is for those with and without intellectual disabilities. The camp is focused on social inclusion, youth leadership, and unified sports. This camp is for ages 13-18. For more information, contact Sarah Hajdukovich at sarah2@specialolympicsalaska.org or 907-880-3525. Register online.

Help Me Grow Alaska is a program dedicated to promoting healthy child development statewide by providing support and information to individuals and organizations who care for and about children and young adults.

Whether you are a parent, provider, teacher, or other caregiver with questions or concerns about a child in your life, they are there to help you. Help Me Grow Alaska offers resources and support for all of Alaska’s children up to the age of 26 and their families. When you call their office, your call will be answered by a family support specialist who will listen to your concerns, help you organize a path forward, and get you connected to the most available and appropriate services and resources in your area of Alaska.

The FNSBSD is soliciting applications for volunteer committee members on the Board of Education Policy Committee, including:

• 2 Parent Seats

• 4 Community Member Seats

The Policy Committee will act in a review capacity regarding proposed policy changes in the school district. If you are interested in serving on this committee, please complete this form online.

The school district is looking for summer student workers! View the summer openings here.

FNSBSD has started hiring for summer program positions in Fairbanks and North Pole locations. These summer school positions are throughout June and July.

Please share these opportunities with your students and friends. For more information or application assistance, contact Bethany Spence at bethany.spence@k12northstar.org.

Follow student athletic activities:

• Ben Eielson High School
• Hutchison High School
• Lathrop High School
• North Pole High School
• West Valley High School
  
  
• Middle School Athletic Overall Schedule

Mark your calendars for the 2023 graduations! View the District calendar and graduation dates online here.

Fairbanks BEST Homeschool is hosting BEST FEST, a community-wide event filled with fun, activities, food trucks, and a curriculum fair!

• Saturday, May 6, from 2-6 p.m. at the Nordale Education Center, 397 Hamilton Ave.

Mental health is a serious issue in modern societies. The mental health of children is even more so. According to the data from the C.D.C., one in six children between the ages of two and eight has a mental or behavioral disorder. Children with serious mental illness and severe emotional disturbance need full-time care and treatment. Conditions like A.D.H.D. as well as anxiety and behavioral disorders can be diagnosed and treated to help the child have a better life. Learn how to support your child's mental health.

MAY 6 | 2:00 p.m. BEST FEST, Nordale Education Center

MAY 11 | 7:00 p.m. Career Education Center Graduation, Hering Auditorium

MAY 12 | 11:00 a.m. Project SEARCH Graduation, Livestream

MAY 12 | 7:00 p.m. Effie Kokrine Charter Graduation, Effie Gym

MAY 15 | 7:00 p.m. North Pole High Graduation, Carlson Center

MAY 16 | 6:00 p.m. Virtual Town Hall Alaska Reads Act

MAY 16 | 7:00 p.m. West Valley High Graduation, Carlson Center

MAY 17 | 7:00 p.m. Lathrop High Graduation, Carlson Center

MAY 17 | 7:00 p.m. BEST High Graduation, Hering Auditorium

MAY 18 | 7:00 p.m. Hutchison High Graduation, Hering Auditorium

MAY 18 | 7:00 p.m. Star of the North Graduation, North Pole High

MAY 18 | 7:00 p.m. Ben Eielson High Graduation, BEJHS Gym

Meeting Information & Agendas

MAY 22 | 5:30 p.m. Board Special Meeting

MAY 23 | 6:00 p.m. Board Regular Meeting

Email: publicrelations@k12northstar.org
Website: https://www.k12northstar.org
Location: 520 5th Avenue, Fairbanks, AK, USA
Phone: (907) 452-2000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fsdk12/
Twitter: @fsdk12