Tanana Family Newsletter
March 8, 2021-March 19, 2021
In ELP/Computer Science News . . .
What a quarter! In ELP/Computer Science, Mr. Evans’s students have been divided, but doing exciting work all around. Students that were new this quarter spent the last few weeks getting acclimated to Computer Programming basics using the JavaScript programming language. Now that they’ve built a solid foundation, they’ll be able to join the more experienced crew for some exciting physical computing and robotics projects during the 4th Quarter!
Returning students from last semester conducted World Problem research projects for the last half of the 3rd quarter. Each student was allowed to pick a problem that exists in the world and put together a presentation to a fictional $10 million Grant Committee explaining how they would use the funds to address their chosen issue. $10 million is a lot of money, but it’s not enough to fix worldwide issues like inadequate plumbing, homelessness, or pollution; Students had to conduct detailed research, come up with innovative plans of action, and carefully budget their funds to decide how best to approach their problem. Students thought about what experts they would reach out to for further information, what sort of buildings or equipment they would need for their operations, and how to make their projects sustainable and ongoing. Finally, each student assembled their weeks of research and planning into a pitch presentation “to the Grant Committee”. These students did phenomenal work, and I’m glad to see the future going to such bright, creative minds!
~Mr. Evans
Upcoming Events of the Week
Monday, March 8, 2021-Friday, March 12, 2021
Spring Break No School - The entire staff will be on Spring Break!
Tuesday, March 23, 2021-Thursday, March 25, 2021
Spring MAP Assessment for ALL learners
Tuesday, March 30, 2021-April 9, 2021
Tanana PEAKS Assessment for ALL learners
Tanana MAP Assessment Schedule
Tanana PEAKS Assessment Schedule
The Performance Evaluation for Alaska’s Schools (PEAKS) is a statewide summative assessment that encompasses English/language arts (ELA), mathematics, and science. At Tanana, we will be administering the test on Tuesdays/Thursdays for in-person learners beginning on March 30th and commencing on April 8th.
Please note all off-campus learners (both remote and eLearners) will test at Tanana Middle School on Wednesdays and Fridays beginning March 31st and commencing April 9th. Mr. Ott will be sending more specific details as the testing window gets closer.
No electronic devices, besides those used for testing, will be allowed in the testing environment. This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones, laptops, iPads, e-readers, smart watches, fitness trackers, etc. Please be mindful of this and ask your child to leave personal electronic devices at home on the days they are scheduled to test. If an electronic device is medically necessary, contact the principal to discuss this.
Procedures have been put in place to ensure schools can safely administer the PEAKS assessment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students and staff will wear masks, practice social distancing, be instructed to wash their hands, and use hand sanitizer. Testing surfaces, writing utensils, technology, etc. will be disinfected before and after testing sessions. For more information, please contact our Building Test Coordinator, Mr. Rob Ott. 907.452.8145 ext. 14109.
Parents have the right to make educational decisions for their child, including whether to participate in statewide testing. Enclosed you will find an informative document titled “Why Should my Child Take the State Assessment.” Additional information can also be found on the district website at www.k12northstar.org/Page/8871.
If you have any questions about the upcoming spring assessment, please contact Mr. Rob Ott. 907.452.8145 ext. 14109.
Independent Reading at Tanana has increased 74.5%!!!!
Literacy is the foundation of all learning. We know the ability to read, comprehend content, and analyze that content is crucial for each student’s future. Here at Tanana, we have specifically focused on teaching & reinforcing literacy skills throughout Quarter 3 in all subject areas. With students’ transition to in person learning, we were able to extend our advisory time to include a 30 min advisory time at the end of the day to further emphasise literacy and use literacy skills. All advisory classes visit the library a minimum of once per week to checkout books as a class. Students are also able to use the library program to put books on hold. Our library assistant, Ms. Erin, delivers books throughout the day. Our remote students are able to continue accessing our library collection through the self-service kiosk.
This targeted focus on literacy has in turn made our library checkouts skyrocket. Last year from January-March 1, 2020, Tanana students checked out 1,098 books. This year from January-March 1, 2021, Tanana students checked out 1,916 books!! That's an increase of 74.5%! We are thrilled students have taken advantage of the opportunity to incorporate a lot of independent reading to improve their literacy skills, especially as we prepare for PEAKS testing.
Tanana Middle School Merchandise Available until March 8!
Tanana Yearbooks On Sale until March 19!
Spring Activities Update
If your student wants to participate in any after school activities, you'll need to sign a COVID waiver and an activity consent form. Intramural sports will also require a physical examination. The physical must be performed by an M.D., a D.O., A.N.P. or a P.A. under supervision of an M.D. or a D.O.
Get your paperwork on file now so your student will be eligible to sign up for after school activities and sports. The forms are located below for your convenience. Feel free to email your completed copies or any questions you have to Assistant Principal Blackwell.
Native Youth Olympics
Family Resources
Tanana Technology Tip: Parents Ultimate Guide to Fortnite
Attention Migrant Education Families: STEM Opportunity
Fairbanks Native Association is looking for Student Opinions!
FNA is pleased to launch this Resiliency Essay Contest as a means to hear from Fairbanks Youth and Young Adults.
What: A Resiliency Writing/Essay Contest for youth to express their thoughts and opinions regarding their strengths and knowledge of available resources when facing stressful and depressing events.
Middle School Students ages 11 to 13
Submissions can be a short statements (40-100 words), essay (up to 500 words), poem, or drawing.
How to Submit:
Participants are to submit their writings/ideas to mcisse@fairbanksnative.org by March 24, 2021.
Guidelines
The following rules also apply to all participants:
● Each participant less than 18-year-old MUST provide contact information for a teacher or other adult sponsor, 21 years of age or older, in order to be considered.
In House News . . .
Tanana Middle School
Email: carla.marquand@k12northstar.org
Website: k12northstar.org/Tanana
Location: 600 Trainor Gate Road, Fairbanks, AK, USA
Phone: (907)452-8145
Facebook: facebook.com/TananaMiddle
Twitter: @TananaMiddle