DragonTale
February 2022
Important School Dates:
2/1 - After-School Forensics
2/2 - Artist in the School: Gallery Walk 12:20 - 12:50
2/2 - After-School Ice Skating
2/2 - Site Council Meeting @ 3:30
2/4 - Early Release - school is out at 1:20
2/7 - After-School XC Skiing
2/8 - After-School Forensics
2/9 - After-School Skating
2/9 - Community Council Meeting @ 1:15
2/11 - Early Release - school is out at 1:20
2/14 - After-School XC Skiing
2/15 - After-School Forensics
2/16 - After-School Skating
2/17 & 2/18 - Parent/ Teacher Conferences
2/18 - Family Skate Night - 6:30-8:30
2/21 - After-School XC Skiing
2/22 - Bus Driver Appreciation Day
2/22 - 4th-6th Grade Spelling Bee
2/22 - After-School Forensics
2/23 - After-School Skating
2/24 - Family Math & Science Night @ 6:30
2/25 - Early Release - school is out at 1:20
2/25 - Sports Day
2/28 - Last After-School XC Skiing
A Message From Mr. Swanson
It appears that the two weeks of vacation were very good for all of us. Almost everyone came back healthy and while they may have not physically rested, they seem to have been rejuvenated by the break.
It is important to remember that our second round of Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled for Thursday and Friday, the 17th & 18th of February.
Teachers at McNeil have a lot of great teaching planned for this second half of the year so it is important for students to stay healthy and rested so that they can be fully engaged in the learning process.
While you are helping your child to be fully engaged, I would like to encourage you to stay connected with what is happening not only at McNeil but also with the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District and the State of Alaska. During this month you have the opportunity to weigh in on the KPBSD budget with the annual budget meetings coming up soon. Check your weekly newsletters or the district’s website for dates, places and times. Your input is important to this process.
Please stay tuned to all the information and get involved. Your involvement and communication with our legislators is the most effective way to promote public education. More information regarding budget and next year’s plans will be shared as they are presented.
Artist in the School: Gallery Walk
Last month our Kindergarten through sixth grade students dove into a two-week immersion in the creative process of paper collage and creative writing with Homer-based artist and educator, Debbie Piper. Students identified important personal and community values and then designed collages and narratives that expressed those values. Please join in celebrating the learning and creativity of our students by attending our at-school gallery walk on Wednesday, February 2nd between 12:20-12:50, Masks required.
Site Council Meeting
Community Council Meeting
Community Council will meet on Wednesday, February 9th at 1:15 pm. All parents are welcome to attend.
KPBSD Budget Meetings
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District requests input from staff, parents, and community members at the districtwide KPBSD budget meetings scheduled at the following times:
- Homer Community – Tuesday, February 15, 2022 @ 6:00pm Homer High Library
- Central Peninsula Community – Wednesday, February 16, 2022 @ 6:00 pm KCHS Library
- Seward Community – Thursday, February 24, 2022, @ 6:00 pm Seward High Library
The February 16th meeting will also be a Zoom Meeting. The link is posted on the KPBSD Events Calendar.
Additional information and the number to call in with questions will be posted on the Finance Page of the KPBSD website. As new budget information becomes available, it will also be posted on the Finance page. If you have questions, please call Natalie Bates at 714-8888.
Parent/Teacher Conferences - Feb. 17th & 18th
Conference notices were sent home today with the date and time of your child’s Parent/Teacher Conference. If you are unable to attend at the scheduled time, please call the school office by Monday, Feb. 14th to reschedule.
Conferences are an important communication tool. We really appreciate your efforts to attend so we can visit about your child’s progress in school. There is NO SCHOOL for students on these days. We hope to see you here!
Mark Your Calendars!! Family Skate Night
4th-6th Grade Spelling Bee
Interested students in 4th, 5th & 6th Grade will participate in our annual Spelling Bee on Tuesday, February 22nd at 1:30 pm. These students must participate in the Monday spelling study group during lunch to participate in the Bee. Good luck spellers!
Family Math & Science Night
Mark your calendar and plan on joining us for the great family event. There will be several Math or Science stations to explore in the gym. Plan on joining us on Thursday, February 24th from 6:30 – 8:00 pm.
Sports Day! Join the Fun!
Newspaper Need!!
****KPBSD FY22 Calendar Additions and Revisions****
Friday, 2/4/22, Early Release
Friday, 2/11/22, Early Release
Wednesday, 2/16/22, Early Release cancelled; Friday, 2/18/22, Parent–Teacher Conferences
Friday 2/25/22, Early Release
Friday 3/4/22, Previously Scheduled Inservice–No Early Release
***Click the link below to see the updated KPBSD Districtwide Calendar***
Mrs. Vicky's Title I Corner
During these cold winter months it is important to keep moving and exercising. If you can’t get outside to play, then try this indoor idea!
Make an Obstacle course
This activity will get the whole family moving. Use objects around the house to get the family involved. This could include climbing under or over chairs, throwing a bundle of socks into a laundry basket, spinning, using paper strips in place of lasers, and so on.
Inside, a slower pace can be taken to ensure that nothing gets broken and no one gets hurt. If you have access to an outdoor space or a sidewalk in front of your home, you can create an obstacle course out of chalk.
Materials: Whatever you have in the house
Ages: Toddlers and early elementary-age children
Psychological benefit: Obstacle courses can target many aspects of a child’s brain, including sensory input, motor planning, coordination, sequencing and problem-solving. They can also reduce psychological stress and anxiety. When more people participate, the teamwork and competition can provide some of the social interaction children need.
From Counseling Today--https://ct.counseling.org/2020/06/supporting-families-with-engagement-strategies-during-covid-19/
February Spotlight Students
The following students have been selected as Spotlight Students for the month of February: Finn Simpson, Orin Darr, Benn Deakins, Mitsue Olson, Ramona McFarlin, Kimber Sheldon, Henry Cabana, Riley Dickerson, Findlay Kilcher, Verinea Basargin, Eliana Cope, Toby Porter, Isaiah Rutter, Ike Mitchell, Brantley Erickson, Pepper Jones, Xander Roth and Yuki Bacher.
Spotlight Student forms are being sent home with these students today. Please return them as soon as possible so they can be placed on our Spotlight Student bulletin board. We will send a special treat home with your student towards the end of February. Thank you!!
Dragon Cafe - February Menu
McNeil Canyon Elementary School
Email: joverson@kpbsd.k12.ak.us
Website: kpbsd.org/schools/mcneil-canyon/
Location: 52188 East End Rd, Homer, AK, USA
Phone: 907-235-8181
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/McNeilCanyon/