PRINCIPAL'S PIECE
I hope this newsletter finds everyone healthy and well. It is amazing to think Thanksgiving is next week! We hope you all take time to enjoy a meal and/or activities with family and friends.
We are at the midpoint of quarter 2 this week. Our students continue to make us proud as they shine and excel in academics, athletics and extracurricular activities. You can click on my principal's report to our PTSA for this last month and read about all of the activities our students are involved in. Students are both expanding their interests into new endeavors, and continuing to grow and excel in already established passions. The learning taking place inside and outside of the school day is exciting!
As always, you can see how your student is doing academically in ParentVue (LINK) at any time. Information to reach out to teachers is available through ParentVue or on our SVS website (LINK). We look forward to hearing from you!
Please don't hesitate to reach out. We are here for you. Thank you for sharing your children with us!
Partners in education,
Lisa Shelby, SVS Principal
907-733-9300
UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER
NOVEMBER 2022:
- Nov 17-19, Thurs/Fri/Sat - HS Volleyball HOME Conference Tournament
- Nov 18, Fri - HS Wrestling AWAY @ Wasilla Menard Center
- Nov 23, Weds - Friday schedule, students released at 11:30 AM (Periods 4, 5, 6)
- Nov 24 & 25, Thurs/Fri - Thanksgiving Holidays (No School)
- Nov 30, Weds - HS Basketball practice begins
DECEMBER 2022:
- Dec 1-3, Thurs/Fri/Sat - HS Volleyball STATE Tournament, AWAY @ Palmer HS
- Dec 8, Thurs - PTSA Meeting, online via zoom & in person at SVS Library. 5 PM
- Dec 8-9, Thurs/Fri - HS Wrestling AWAY @ Valdez for Regionals
- Dec 14, Weds - Winter Music Concert, 5:30 PM @ SVS
- Dec 15-16, Thurs/Fri - HS Wrestling AWAY @ Anchorage for State
- Dec 19-21, Mon/Tues/Weds - Final Exam Week for Semester 1
- Dec 22, Thurs - HS Basketball JV Boys, V Girls, V Boys AWAY vs Palmer, 3 PM start
- Dec 22, Thurs - Friday schedule, students released at 11:30 AM (Periods 4, 5, 6)
- Dec 22, Thurs - End of Quarter 2/Semester 1
- Dec 26 - Jan 6 - WINTER VACATION, No School
JANUARY 2023:
- Jan 4, Weds - HS Basketball HOME vs Newhalen, 12 PM start
- Jan 7, Sat - HS Basketball HOME vs Effie Kokrine, 12 PM start
- Jan 9, Mon - Students return to school; first day of Quarter 3/Semester 2
- Jan 12-14, Thurs/Fri/Sat - HS Basketball AWAY @ Delta Tournament
- Jan 19-21, Thurs/Fri/Sat - HS Basketball HOME @ Rally at Denali Tournament
- Jan 27, Fri - HS Basketball AWAY @ Ninilchik, 3 PM start
- Jan 28, Sat - HS Basketball AWAY @ Soldotna (at Ninilchik School), 10:30 AM start
- Jan 31, Tues - HS Basketball HOME vs Cordova, 3:30 PM start
HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL
High School Basketball is kicking off the season! Please see this link for the basketball schedule, how to sign up, practice days/times, Remind app info, etc.
Basketball fees must be paid by January 15 for athletes to be able to continue participating. See the SchoolPay link below to make a payment, or send in cash or check with your student to give to the front office. Fee waivers are available in the front office for those who do not have an ability to pay. We will not turn anyone away!
COUNSELOR'S CORNER
PSAT 8/9
Students in grades 8th and 9th will be given the opportunity to take the School Day PSAT for their grade level January 25th, 2023 at no cost. The test consists of three parts in the areas of reading, language, and math and takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete.
Students who would like to take the PSAT must sign up with Tamra Harrison before December 1st. You may also sign your student up for the December 1st PSAT now by using the following link: PSAT Sign Up Form.
Fast Facts
The PSAT 8/9 tests your child’s reading, writing, and math skills.
The questions on the PSAT 8/9 are grade-appropriate for eighth and ninth graders.
PSAT 8/9 scores aren’t sent to colleges.
If your child needs testing accommodations, they don’t need official approval by the College Board. Learn more about PSAT 8/9 testing accommodations.
The district will cover the cost of taking the PSAT 8/9.
Why Your Child Should Take the PSAT 8/9
The PSAT 8/9 gives you, your child, and their teachers valuable information about your child’s academic strengths and weaknesses while there’s still plenty of time for them to improve their skills.
Maybe your child excels in math but struggles with reading. Maybe they’re great at grammar but frustrated with fractions. Once your child takes the PSAT 8/9, their score report will pinpoint exactly what they need to work on to graduate from high school and be ready for college.
The PSAT 8/9 score report also includes a section called AP Potential, which lets your child know which Advanced Placement® (AP) courses they might be ready to take.
How to Prepare for the PSAT 8/9
Because the purpose of the PSAT 8/9 is to identify the areas students need to focus on and set a starting point for progress, your child doesn’t have to do anything special to prepare for the test.
If your child does the following three things, they’ll be ready to take the PSAT 8/9:
Pays attention in class
Completes their homework
Asks for help when they need it
Sign your student up now for the January 25th PSAT 8/9 by using the following link: PSAT Sign Up Form. Please contact me with any questions.
PSAT 10
Students in 10th grade will be given the opportunity to take the School Day PSAT for on Tuesday, February 28th at no cost. The test consists of three parts in the areas of reading, language, and math and takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete.
Students who would like to take the PSAT must sign up with Tamra Harrison before January 20th. You may also sign your student up for the February 20th PSAT 10 now by using the following link: PSAT 10 Sign Up Form.
Fast Facts:
Taking the PSAT offers the following benefits to help you prepare for your academic future:
Connect to $300 Million in Scholarships: Check "yes" to the Student Search Service® question on the PSAT/NMSQT answer sheet or opt in online to connect with 1,500 colleges and over $300 million in scholarships.
Learn Your Academic Strengths: After you take the PSAT/NMSQT your score report will show how well you performed and which college-level AP courses match your strengths.
Access Free, Personalized Prep: Prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT with free resources from College Board and Khan Academy, and use your PSAT/NMSQT score to create a personalized SAT study plan through Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy®.
More Information: Find out what kinds of questions you’ll see on the PSAT
Learn more about Taking the Test or how to access and use your PSAT scores.
SAT
In addition, we will be offering an optional SAT to 11th graders on April 12th at no cost. Please contact me with any questions.
Tamra Harrison – School Counselor
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Susitna Valley Jr/Sr High School
Talkeetna, Alaska 99676
PH: 907-733-9305 | Fax: 907-733-9380
INFO FROM OUR PTSA (PARENT TEACHER STUDENT ASSOCIATION)
Greetings from the Susitna Valley PTSA (Parent-Teacher-Student Association)!
It’s been a couple of years since this organization has been operating on all cylinders; it’s time to refresh and renew!
The Susitna Valley PTSA is a volunteer-led and directed organization that exists to work with the teachers and administration to implement the educational goals of Su-Valley Jr/Sr High School. The PTSA works to foster a spirit of community and belonging among the school’s parents and promote a greater understanding of school goals within the community.
The PTSA needs YOU! Mia Mangione has been single-handedly keeping the organization afloat through the pandemic and it’s time to rebuild the board. The PTSA is seeking:
- Board members – all seats from the president to the treasurer position are available, plus at-large members.
- Members – all families and relatives/friends of family and staff at this school can become members. Membership helps support PTSA activities both financially and leverages additional support from sponsors, corporations, and foundations.
- Involvement – attend meetings, volunteer at events, and share ideas!
What does the PTSA do?
- Provide scholarships for graduating seniors
- Award teacher mini-grants for class supplies and special class projects
- Support the music program by fixing/tuning and purchasing new instruments
- Fund special classes such as CPR/1st Aid and Babysitting to expand job opportunities for students
- Support afterschool programs such as art club, STEM, and others yet to be imagined
- Purchase uniforms for team sports
- Give staff appreciation gifts/incentives
Please send any questions to svptsa@gmail.com. We will establish a new board of directors, provide a financial overview of the PTSA, and solicit membership recruitment ideas. We need a strong membership to launch initiatives that will support our incredible school!
Thanks to all the staff for working hard for our kids. There are many new faces in the school this year and we are truly grateful you have joined the Su-Valley team! Thank you!
Sincerely,
Mia Mangione
svptsa@gmail.com
HUNGRY? MULTIPLE OPTIONS FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
Here at Su Valley we know that hungry, growing teenagers need to eat! Here are option for both in school, and families at home:
- we have free almond butter and jelly sandwiches & free fresh fruit available every day at the Snack Station - students can help themselves
- we provide free shelf-stable portable snacks as available through the Snack Station - students can help themselves
- we have a free School Food Pantry - available every Wednesday during lunch, or by request. This is food for any family who needs additional food at home. The items in the pantry are shelf-stable and range from snacks to ingredients for full meals. We also have toiletry items (toothpaste, deodorant, etc) available. Students may help themselves. This is provided in partnership with the Upper Susitna Food Pantry.
- we have free Weekend Brown Bags provided to students to take home each Friday. These are available to any student. This is in partnership with the Upper Susitna Food Pantry, through a grant. See Ms. Sipes in the library to sign up.
NEED TO TALK TO OUR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COUNSELOR?
PUBLIC INFORMATION FLYERS
The Public Information Office and Office of Instruction encourages schools to share this MSBSD website with their families to share what's happening for kids in the Mat-Su Valley. Schools, parents and other community stakeholders may download, read, or print informational flyers distributed for sharing to all schools each week.
Flyer approval requests may be sent to Laura Richardson, Family & Partnership Coordinator for review and approval for distribution to schools.
SVS Vision:
We aim to provide students with the necessary tools to achieve their full potential.
SVS Mission:
In collaboration with family and community, we will build strong relationships and share challenging, innovative instruction to inspire student passions, potential, and the ability to think critically and creatively.
Susitna Valley Jr/Sr High School Contact Info
Email: lisa.shelby@matsuk12.us
Website: http://www.matsuk12.us/svs
Location: S. Parks Highway, Talkeetna, AK
Phone: 907-733-9300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Susitna-Valley-JrSr-High-School-314999352167336/?ref=settings
Twitter: @suvalley_rams