Grizzly Gazette: December 2018
News you can use from Dena'ina Elementary School
Pioneer Peak Asphalt Services
Mat Su Special Santa Program
K & H Civil Constructors
Principal Post
Dear Dena'ina Families,
I hope this finds you all doing well - safe and secure in your home with your family. Although Alaska fared well overall given the magnitude of the recent quake, it was unsettling at best. First and foremost, there was no loss of life due to the earthquake, which is a miracle in and of itself. With any major event there is a danger in either making too much or too little of it; we are wise to count our blessings, recognize what went well and learn from what didn't. Maybe you weren't as prepared as you wanted to be and now have a family emergency kit ready. Maybe you didn't have flashlights in handy spots and now you do. Maybe your house made it through unscathed but you helped your neighbor or friend or family member whose house was a mess. Regardless, nature got our attention and it's up to us how we respond.
Our district has been working non stop to get all schools up and running as quickly as possible. This entails having damages assessed, repaired and then inspected by engineers, the fire marshal and maintenance. As you can imagine, local structural engineers & the fire marshal are quite busy with every business, home and school that needs to be inspected. Safety is their first priority, therefore schools will not open until those inspections are completed. Dena'ina and Redington have now been cleared and staff will return on Monday, students on Tuesday.
Adults and children alike will feel stress about the quake and the ensuing aftershocks. In times of stress, it's actually good for people to get back to their normal routine, however we want you to know we will be sensitive to student and adult stress in the following ways:
- Winter testing for MAP is suspended until we get a feel for how kids are doing. We can test after winter break if kids are not ready for it.
- AIMSWeb testing will resume for grades K-3 but not until the week before break. Also, our own staff who are familiar to the kids will be administering the tests.
- The December fire drill will be for adults only and will happen when kids are not in the building.
- Our SEL teacher, Janelle Alley, will be available extra days the first week back to help address any extra student needs.
- Our building will be open Monday from 3:00-4:30 if parents want to bring their children in when it isn't the busy rush of school to tour around and show them that the building is safe and intact.
- All classes will hold their regular class meetings on Tuesday morning, but will be given extra time and a way to process their own personal earthquake event story. This helps children get their thoughts out if they choose to.
Of course, some events have been moved such as the 4th grade field trip and the Kindergarten concert. More specific info will be sent to those parents.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please reach out to me via email or phone. It is recommended they bring a water bottle to school next week, but otherwise it will be business as usual. We are all looking forward to seeing your child(ren) at school on Tuesday!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Everett
1st Grade Field Trip Friday, December 14th
KINDERGARTEN CONCERT 12/13/18 @ 6:00PM.
Students should arrive no later than 5:50pm.
Classroom Spelling Bees Grades 3-5
Friday, Dec 14, 2018, 09:45 AM
Dena'ina Elementary School, Knik Knack Mud Shack Road, Wasilla, AK, USA
November Pep Rally - make up
Friday, Dec 14, 2018, 03:15 PM
Dena'ina Elementary School
NO SCHOOL FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21st. WINTER BREAK BEGINS
SCHOOL COOKBOOKS ARE STILL AVAILABLE!
Activities & Events
Our next family engagement event is Tuesday, January 15, 2019 from 5:30-7:30pm. It's Family Game Night - come join us for dinner, games and door prizes!
Child Find
Snow Gear Washing
Frequently Asked Questions
You're in luck! Mrs. Roovers heads up the spirit gear sales and has order forms in the office or you can CLICK HERE for the online version. You can pay with check, cash or School Cash online.
About Us
Email: melissa.roovers@matsuk12.us
Website: www.matsuk12.us/dne
Location: 7068 Knik Knack Mud Shack Road, Wasilla, AK, United States
Phone: 907.864.5600