I am excited to inform you that the 2023-2024 Birchwood ABC principal, Tammy Hershman, will be attending the BAC meeting on May 11 and the Red, White and Blue assembly on May 19. Although, I will miss Birchwood ABC dearly, I am pleased to know that you will be left in good hands. Ms. Hershman is an experienced education professional. She is also a member of the Chugiak/Eagle River community and she is dedicated to supporting the Birchwood ABC philosophy and our school success. Next year will be different but Birchwood ABC will continue as always to lead ASD as a model elementary school!

All winter gear is no longer required. Shorts may be worn starting May 8th, please see our handbook for the dress code. https://www.asdk12.org/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&ModuleInstanceID=25349&ViewID=7b97f7ed-8e5e-4120-848f-a8b4987d588f&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=38013&PageID=14297

Thank You,

Mr. Michael Thomas

Hi!

I’m Nurse Paula and one of the newest members of the Birchwood ABC Elementary family. I have been a nurse for fifteen years and my entire career has been dedicated to working with mommas, babies, and the pediatric population. As a parent of a Birchwood ABC Colt, the health and safety of our students and staff are my priority.

A little about me- I am a proud Air Force wife. This is our second time stationed at JBER and we aim to retire here in just a couple years. We're so happy to be living in this beautiful place and are relieved to finally put down roots. I enjoy spending free time with my family and exploring this beautiful state. You may find me fishing on the Kenai or cruising the trails this summer in our side-by-side.

I look forward to meeting you and getting to know the Birchwood community. If needed, you can get in touch with me via email at dixey_paula@asdk12.org or my direct line 907.742.3452.

Healthy Future Logs: The spring challenge is now over, but please encourage your student to keep being active! See the advice from Kenley in the photo below. Students who have completed all activity logs for the Fall and Spring Challenge will be entered into a drawing for the Healthy Future Grand Prize. We will hold the drawing on May 5th.

Field Day: Field day will be May 23rd, stay tuned for details. You can sign up now to help with food/drink donations at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040E44A8AE29A7FC1-field. If you would like to volunteer to run games, face paint or serve/grill food please sign up here https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040E44A8AE29A7FC1-field1

Swimming Lessons for Next School Year: Thank you to those that returned our survey in regards to the possibility of swim lessons for our school next year. The overwhelming response was that parents would be in favor of swimming, so we have begun the logistical side of looking into this. The biggest hurdle would be the lack of lifeguards at the pool as the municipality carries the same struggles as many employers. Also, their may be some pool renovations that prevent us from moving forward. The pool has requested us to submit a proposal in August when they have a better idea of what staffing would look like. Student and volunteer numbers as well as cost are other major variables in this decision. So as of right now, it's a solid maybe.

Kids Don't Float: 5th graders attended Kid's Don't Float last week. They learned a lot about boat safety, life jackets and water safety.

All library books are due back on May 5. Notices will be sent home beginning May 8 to let you know what library books your child still has checked out and is responsible for. If you receive a library notice, please return the books as soon as possible or send a replacement cost if the book is lost. Thank you for your help in making sure all our books are accounted for and available for all students to enjoy again next year and beyond.

Ms. Tyson

Our last PTA Meeting of the year will take place on May 4th at 6pm in the school library. We will vote on a new Treasurer and Vice President. We will also discuss the 23/24 school year and what events we will plan to continue! We would love to see you there!

Teacher appreciation week is May 8-12th. Please share your love and appreciation with your child's teacher or favorite staff member. Even the smallest gesture never goes unnoticed.

PTA is looking for volunteers to have fun with us at our 3rd Annual JOG-A-THON, Friday, May 12th! If you're available to help mark the runners bibs as they run by, or help hand out snacks and water when they're done, we would love it. We have it broken down into 1 hour sessions but you are more than welcome to stay all morning.

Please click here to sign up if you're available:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a054ba8af2ba4f85-jogathon1#/

Spring picture day is on May 17th, please pre-register to receive information on ordering when your student's photos are available to purchase. All students will have their picture taken and those photos will be available that week for parents to view.

Thank you to each and every one of you that helped make all of our PTA events possible this year! Birchwood volunteers are the best and we hope to be able to continue all of these next school year. Have a wonderful summer!

Perseverance: Steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc.; especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

May 4th: Star Wars Dress Up Day

May 4th: PTA Meeting/Elections

May 5th: Kindy Bee

May 8th-12th: Staff Appreciation

May 11th: BAC Meeting/Elections

May 12th: Jog-a-thon

May 17th: Spring Pictures

May 19th: RWB Assembly

May 23rd: Beach Dress Up Day

May 23rd: Last Day for Students

Please see the flyer below to get started on collecting box tops for our school, all proceeds will support our music program.