Ravenwood Elementary
Newsletter - - October 2022
Home of the Ravens
Ravenwood embodies community and thrives from the interconnected support system of Eagle River. Outdoor education, the arts, and the use of technology are all integrated into the academic experiences students are offered to optimize engagement, creativity, and independent learning.
Land Acknowledgement
We would like to acknowledge that our school is on the traditional lands of the Dena'ina Athabascan people. It is with gratitude and respect that we recognize the past and present contributions of Alaska's first people. Chin'an (thank you)
Hello Ravenwood Families,
It was wonderful to see so many of our families at Open House last month. The building was full of happy smiles as students showed their families around their school, classroom, and shared some of their schoolwork and projects. Now that we are nearing the end of the 1st Quarter, we look forward to seeing every student family back in the building again for Parent-Teacher Conferences later this month.
As the snow and temperatures begin to drop, thank you for labeling all of your child’s winter gear (coat, hat, gloves, snow pants, and boots). We know how much it costs to bundle up your children, and labeled gear is much easier to reunite when lost/misplaced. Our Lost and Found is filling up, so if your child is missing something - check the bin in the gym! We will have the items laid out on tables during Parent/Teacher Conferences, so that is also a great time to check for lost items.
We are very excited about the PTSO Run for Ravenwood Fundraiser, and hope everyone is excited about helping our PTSO raise money for things like field trips, ice rink maintenance, PE and Music equipment, and so many other needed things at our school. Students can earn incredible individual prizes, and the primary and intermediate classes who raise the most will win a Neon Bowling field trip!
This month will be a busy one - Parent-Teacher Conferences (Oct. 26 and 27), PTSO Fall Harvest Festival (Oct. 28), our Run for Ravenwood fundraiser (Oct. 31), and our Red Ribbon Week (observed Oct. 31 - Nov. 4 with daily dress-up themes). Please read on for additional information about these events and MORE here at Ravenwood this month.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have celebrations or needs.
May the force be with you,
Kim Bautista
Principal, Ravenwood Elementary School
“Truly wonderful the mind of a child is.”
-Master Jedi Yoda
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HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR YOUR CHILD'S CONFERENCE?
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Hello Ravenwood!
We have so much coming up this next month. All good things, all good things. I am writing to start asking for volunteers for these activities. Many of you have told me individually that you would love to help, just let you know...well I'm letting you know! Tonight, Oct. 12, at 6p we will have our monthly PTSO General meeting in person or via zoom (Zoom Mtg - Meeting ID: 892 9651 2730 and Passcode: ptso). This is where your voice gets to be heard on important matters that directly influence our students and the school.
Next, we are doing the Harvest Fest this year! October 28, 5:30-7:30. There will be games, a cake walk, a bounce castle, and more! Pretty soon we will need candy donations (this will also be advertised on Facebook) and cake donations (will also be advertised on Facebook). These will be used as prizes. We are also looking to see if someone would be interested in facilitating and teaching line dancing for the evening as an activity. As far as decorating the building, help will be needed, but at the moment I don't know the details, so stay tuned for more info.
PTSO is sponsoring and helping with the fundraiser Run for Ravenwood, Oct. 31st. Look for the info that came home on how students can use their own online code with the 99pledges app to get sponsors to donate to help our school. It's going to be much easier than having to collect cash and checks.Cash or check donations can be made, - please make checks payable to Ravenwood PTSO, and be sure to indicate which student to put donation under. Students can earn some fun prizes. We are looking for volunteers to help with the prize ordering and distribution, so let me know if you would like to help! If you want to come on the 31st to cheer your child on when they run/walk - a schedule will be coming home soon.
PTSO President
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PTSO Fundraiser Fun!
Go to https://app.99pledges.com/fund/ravenwood
Type in your child's first name and the first letter of their last name.
This will take you to your child's donation page.
Save the web address to share with family and friends!
Cash or check donations, made payable to Ravenwood PTSO, are also accepted. Make sure to designate which student to credit the donation, since there are cool prizes for students, and classes earn a reward for their fundraising help!
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School Picture Retake Day is Thursday, Oct. 20th
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STAFF VACANCIES AT RAVENWOOD
- Kindergarten Teacher Assistant/Noon Duty Supervisor (5.5 hours daily)
- Long-term Substitute for Speech Teacher Assistant
- Crossing Guard Substitute
- Substitute Teachers
- Substitute Teacher Assistants
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more, please email Kim Bautista at bautista_kim@asdk12.org.
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BUS TRANSPORTATION
Thank you for prioritizing safety as you continue to be patient and understanding with the challenge of no buses. We are enjoying shorter lines from having the buses at Ravenwood for Cohort 3 (only October 3-20).
ASD continues to add bus routes back into service, so we continue to be hopeful they will restore will be able to restore more routes. Go to https://www.asdk12.org/Page/19194 for the most up-to-date transportation information.
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Great Alaska Shakeout - Earthquake Drill
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REPORTING ABSENCES
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Upcoming Dates of Importance
Oct. 10 - Indigenous People's Day
Oct. 10 - Parent Conference Scheduler opens in Parent Connect
Oct. 12 - PTSO Meeting at 6p in the Art Room or join on Zoom
------------Zoom Mtg link - Meeting ID: 892 9651 2730 and Passcode: ptso
Oct. 20 - Picture Retakes with LifeTouch
Oct. 20 –Great AK Shakeout – District-wide Earthquake Drill 10:20a
Oct. 21 - No School / In-Service Day / End of 1st Quarter
Oct. 24 – 6th grade Peace Poster entries due
Oct. 24 - 27 - Scholastic Book Fair in the Library
Oct. 26-27 - Parent-Teacher Conferences / Early Dismissal at 12:30p
Oct. 28 - No School / In-service Day
Oct. 28 - PTSO Fall Festival, 5:30-7:30p at Ravenwood
Oct. 31- RUN FOR RAVENWOOD Fundraiser!! Last day to get donations for our school!
Oct. 31 - Nov. 4 - Red Ribbon Week - see info about special daily Spirit Dress Up themes
Nov. 4 - Popcorn Friday
Nov. 8 - Asynchronous Learning Day / No in-person school / Election Day
Nov. 11 - No School / In-service Day / Veterans Day
Nov. 24-25 - Thanksgiving holidays / No School for Students
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Friday, Oct. 28th - 5:30-7:30p
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Red Ribbon Week - Oct. 31 - Nov. 4 - - Dress Up Day Fun
Monday: CHARACTER DAY- Dress as your favorite character
~ Wear your Halloween costume (non-scary), or dress up as your favorite character. Please leave your costume props and accessories at home for trick or treating.
Tuesday: “ Red” Out Drugs and Bullying
~ Wear RED
Wednesday: HATS OFF TO A HEALTHY LIFE
~ Wear your favorite hat
Thursday: FUTURE IS BRIGHT
~ Wear sunglasses/glasses
Friday: TEAM UP AGAINST DRUGS AND BULLYING
~ Wear your favorite team jersey, t-shirt/sweatshirt, or hat.
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We LOVE our volunteers!
Before driving for a field trip, volunteers need to complete the above Volunteer Application and Waiver AND provide the following to our front office staff:
- completed Volunteer Driver Form (attached)
- copy of their driver's license
- copy of their current vehicle registration
- copy of their current insurance policy showing minimum coverage of $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury and $25,000 property damage
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Starting Monday, Oct. 17th, we will be transitioning back to shelf-stable lunches for a few weeks due to a shortage of substitute cafeteria managers while our Cafe manager is out for an unplanned absence. During this time, there will be NO COST for the shelf-stable lunches.
Student lunches are $4.50 and milk is $1.00. Parents can add money to student lunch accounts through Parent Connect, or send in cash or checks made payable to "Anchorage School District". Families can check daily menus or apply online for free and reduced meals. Click here for more information
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DRESS FOR THE WEATHER
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P.E. PATH
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Beach Lake Jamboree, Author Visit, Safety Assemblies, Open House, and More
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RAVENWOOD PICK-UP PROCEDURE
Please talk with your children about any changes in pick-up locations - so we get them to the correct area at dismissal.
- 3rd - 6th graders -use both sides of Ptarmigan (see diagram below), pulling as close to curb as possible to allow for through traffic and BUSES. Parents/staff will assist students crossing to their vehicles (since this is 2-way traffic).
- Kindergarten - 2nd graders AND those with older siblings - use the car rider loop for pick-up.
- Preschool and those who need to assist students use parking lot to park and assist students crossing the street.
- Student who live in Eaglewood, if not walking home, please consider arranging pick-up of students on Montague.
Safety Reminders:
- Please avoid U-turns or using private driveways on Ptarmigan - please continue with flow of traffic - pulling as far to the curb as possible to allow for through traffic.
- Students are not allowed to cross Eagle River Road - it is far too dangerous.
- Speed limit is only 5 mph on campus/parking lot.
- Stay alert for students and watching the road (no cell phones or distracted driving)
- If your student is walking/riding a bike - please have them wear reflective gear/clothing to be more visible. Bike riders must wear a helmet.
- Smiles and waves to staff on duty is always appreciated!
Thank you for prioritizing student safety!
“Your focus determines your reality.”
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School Business Partners
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Statement of Nondiscrimination
The School Board is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education. District programs and activities shall be free from discrimination based on sex, race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, physical or mental disability, Vietnam era veteran status, genetic information, good faith reporting to the board on a matter of public concern, or any other unlawful consideration. The Board shall promote programs which ensure that discriminatory practices are eliminated in all District activities.
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Anchorage School Board Members
Vice President, Carl Jacobs
Treasurer, Kelly Lessens
Clerk, Dora Wilson
Seat C, Dave Donley
Seat D, Andy Holleman
Seat E, Pat Higgins
Dr. Jharrett Bryantt, Superintendent