Grizzly Gazette: September 2018
News you can use from Dena'ina Elementary School
Principal Post
Dear Dena'ina Families,
The school year is off to a great start and it feels like summer is hanging on with all this beautiful weather. Each year we strive to improve our systems and processes to help students and families have a successful experience. Small changes can have a big impact, and often these changes are because of parent input. So thank you - please keep telling us your thoughts and asking questions!
Last year we became a 1:1 tech school in grades 2-5, and those students were grouped by skill while teachers specialized by subject. We've taken all the good parts of that idea and made it better. This year, our 3rd - 5th graders each have their own Chromebook, they are still grouped by skill, but we lengthened the learning blocks and changed some structures so they don't have as many transitions. While teachers in those grades still specialize (with a couple exceptions) by subject, they only teach one or two different grade level groups.
In second grade, students are skill level grouped for reading, while in kindergarten and 1st grade students are in homeroom all day, with the exception of a few students in each class who may need specialized instruction.
Our big focus this year is on reading fluency and math fact fluency. We know our students who are proficient in these skills do better with more complex content later on. They need a solid foundation to work from.
We've updated some other things that you'll be interested to know more about like the Homework Policy, Math Maniacs, and the End of Day Dismissal. Check out more about these changes below.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Everett
Parent's Right to Know
PICTURE DAY
Monday, Sep 17, 2018, 09:30 AM
Dena'ina Elementary School, Knik Knack Mud Shack Road, Wasilla, AK, USA
District Cross Country Meet
Wednesday, Sep 26, 2018, 03:00 PM
Palmer High School, East Palmer Moose Drive, Palmer, AK, USA
Pep Rally
Friday, Sep 28, 2018, 03:15 PM
Dena'ina Elementary School, Knik Knack Mud Shack Road, Wasilla, AK, USA
Parent Tips
Active Minds - Kagan Cooperative Learning
Responsible Citizens
Healthy Bodies
Evan K.
Kaleb A.
Daisy C.
Andrew H.
Isaac R.
Phillip M.
Dane D.
Activities & Events
CLICK HERE for the master list of all events and activities for the whole year at Dena'ina. Please note that some details may be subject to change.
SDM Tips for Parents
Homework Policy Update
MATH MANIACS
Students who pass an operation become a Math Maniac, then they can move on to becoming a 'Brainiac' or 'Craniac'. See below for info on how they earn these at each grade level:
KINDERGARTEN Maniac- 100 Club and count by 10s to 100 (with 100% accuracy) Brainiac- Skip count by 5s and 2s to 100 (with 100% accuracy) Craniac- Addition fluency (to 90% accuracy) 1st GRADE Maniac - Addition: 50 problems in 2 minutes with 90% accuracy Brainiac - Subtraction: 50 problems in 2 minutes with 90% accuracy Craniac - Mixed Add/Sub: 50 problems in 2 minutes with 90% accuracy 2nd GRADE Maniac - Subtraction: 50 problems in 2 minutes with 90% accuracy Brainiac - Multiplication: 50 problems in 2 minutes with 90% accuracy Craniac - Division: 50 problems in 2 minutes with 90% accuracy 3rd GRADE Maniac - Multiplication: 50 problems in 2 minutes with 90% accuracy Brainiac - Division: 50 problems in 2 minutes with 90% accuracy Craniac - Mixed Multiplication & Division: 50 problems in 2 minutes with 90% accuracy 4th GRADE Maniac - Division: 70 problems in 2 minutes with 90% accuracy Brainiac - Mixed Multiplication & Division: 70 problems in 2 minutes with 90% accuracy Craniac - Multiply Fractions: 50 problems in 2 minutes with 90% accuracy 5th GRADE Maniac - Mixed Multiplication & Division: 70 problems in 2 minutes with 90% accuracy Brainiac - Multiply fractions: 50 problems in 2 minutes with 90% accuracy Craniac - Double digit multiplication: 50 problems in 2 minutes with 90% accuracy 5th GRADE CHALLENGE after Craniac: Double digit division: 50 problems in 2 minutes with 90% accuracy
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get information about what is going on at school?
Information is given out in various formats in order to ensure delivery. We use the website, Facebook, flyers, emails and text messages. If you don't receive our email and text messages, please make sure your information is updated in iParent. Also, download the MSBSD app - you can customize which schools you get information about plus you'll receive district wide notifications like school closures or activities.
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