Alpenglow School Newsletter
November 2021
Home of the Snow Leopard
Land Acknowledgement
We would like to acknowledge that our school is on the traditional lands of the Dena’ina Athabascan people. It is with gratitude and respect that we recognize the past and present contributions of Alaska’s first people. Chin/an (thank you).
From the Principal
The Best Part of My Day
Although my son and daughter no longer live at home, we still speak daily. And as always, I want to know how they are doing. And, as I often do, I get the usual in-depth response, “All is well.” And, as usual, I follow-up with probing questions to get more information. During one particular phone call with my daughter, the conversation took an unexpected twist. She explained in great detail the best parts of her day and subsequently asked me the same question. It was a great conversation, recounting all the great things that took place in our day.
When my daughter and I finally hung up the phone, I had a great sense of connection. The more I thought about it, the more I realized all the joy in other parts of my day like what being a principal brings. When it comes to being the principal of Alpenglow Elementary School, the best part of my day occurs when I am out and about in the building visiting classrooms or on the playground.
I get joy…
when students are actively and eagerly engaged in learning, by themselves or in small groups.
when teachers are engaging students in learning in magical ways.
when I see our staff is committed to team building and making connections.
when parents have great things to say about our school.
when I see students helping each other.
when I am greeted with smiling faces.
when at recess students run up to me to offer hugs and to share with me what’s new with them.
when I can feel the synergy between the teachers and students.
when I see parents sharing their talents to support classrooms.
when visitors come and say nice things about what they have seen.
when teachers love what they do, and it shows.
when the school can help families in need.
when we have family events and the turnout is tremendous.
The list does not end here...
Next to sharing a moment with my family, the best part of my day is when I get an opportunity to interact with the Alpenglow family. They make my day better. What is the best part of your day?
Best Regards,
Denise Demetree-Trombley
Patience Pays
Soon the snow will be falling and crowding our streets and parking lot, making things more challenging. And, things will get icy. No pun intended. One of the busiest times of the day on our campus is the arrival and dismissal of over 300 students.
We need YOU to continue to practice and follow driving etiquette.
If you need to get out of your vehicle, please park in the parking lot. Parking in front of the building impedes the flow of traffic. Please check out the 21-22 Arrival and Dismissal Map.
Don’t block the crosswalk.
Pull all the way forward to drop-off/pick-up your child.
Drive the speed limit (5 mph).
Be patient.
Always model what you want to see.
Pay attention to what is going on all around you.
Using your cell phone is illegal in a school zone.
Let other drivers for your child know the guidelines for safe drop-off and pick-up.
The staff and volunteers are parents just like you. They want their student to arrive and depart safely too. Your continued cooperation is essential to keeping our students and community members safe.
Extended Absences
Thank you.
Dates to Remember
Fridays – Wear Alpenglow school colors – black, teal, and white
- Nov 1 - 5: Ninja Course in Gym Class
- Nov. 1: PTA meeting @ 7:00 on Zoom
- Nov. 3: All Pro Dads @ 6:30pm on Zoom
- Nov. 5: Spirit Day – 50th day of school – Wear a white t-shirt, rolled-up blue jeans, or poodle skirts.
- Nov. 5: Popcorn Friday
- Nov. 7: Daylight Saving Time ends
- Nov. 11: Veteran's Day (No School for Students)
- Nov. 15 -19: Canned Food Drive Sponsored by Student Council
- Nov. 19: Sprit Day - Lumberjack Day (Dress like a lumberjack - minus the ax. Wear a plaid flannel shirt with rolled up sleeves with denim jeans or overalls.)
- Nov. 25: Thanksgiving - No School
- Nov. 26: No School
- Nov. 30: Great Alaska Pizza Company PTA Fundraiser
- Dec. 1: PTA meeting @ 3:45 in the Library
- Dec. 3: Popcorn Friday
- Dec. 10: PTA Winterfest - Ice Skating and Hot Chocolate
Snow Leopards in the SPOTlight
First Quarter Principal’s Honor Roll: 4.0 Average in Academics
Thomas Betts
Olivia Merrill
Ryan Murray
Penelope Priest
Annabelle Smith
Elizabeth Walser
Juliet Wells
Dakota Johnson
Jordan Washington
Abbie Wood
Payton Nelson
Kyler Rozanski
Eve Schlotthauer
Kyle Chen
Cameron Pantfoeder
Titus Rapanut
Library Students of the Quarter
These students have displayed an enthusiasm for reading and borrowing books.
- Theo McMullen
- Tyler Martinez
- Aaron Kendall
- Grant Cole
- Alex Kuhl
- Maycee Sims
- Ryker Saclayan
Art Awards
Luna Lamigo
Damian Bennett
Catherine Betts
Joseph Lugo
Avalynn Lawson
Isabella Bearden
Alzada Farrell
Anthony Davila
Lillian Tepfer
Hezekiah Davis
Eve Schlotthauer
Jaxson Bowerfind
Cameron Pantfoeder
Miranda Taylor
Kalynn Shipley
Liam Elliot
PE Awards
Luna Lamigo
Ethan Wilson
Catherine Betts
Declan Seedorf
Caroline Moe
Dash Knodel
Ruth Glasser
Chris Bird - Lugo
Alaina Eads
Thomas Betts
Aubrey Bundy
Kellan Thomas
Joanna Sowards
Daniel Esparza
News from the Fabulous PE Department
Thank you to all the families who were able to join their students during PE classes the week of October 11 - 14. We had over 83 family members playing here in the gym! Don’t worry if you were unable to make it, there will be other opportunities such as ice skating, but please remember that in order to be a volunteer in the school district you need to complete a volunteer form and submit it to the district. Here are two links for you to follow; one will take you to the volunteer form and the other is the waiver and release. You’ll need to fill out both forms. If you complete the forms now, you’ll be able to volunteer for future events at the school. Attached are the links for the volunteer application, waiver and release.
https://www.asdk12.org/cms/lib/AK02207157/Centricity/Domain/4851/2021_05_04_Volunteer_Waiver.pdf
Those of you who WERE able to join us and played 9 Square in the Air, you know how much fun the students (and adults) had! Please be looking for a Donors Choose link to help us fund our own 9 Square in the Air game!
As we move into winter and your student is wearing their boots to school, please check to make sure they have their dedicated pair of PE shoes at school. PE shoes should fit well; not too big that they fall off during activity and ones that are easy to tie or velcro (whichever is best for your child). We do have a selection of shoes in the gym that students can borrow during their class if they have forgotten.
If you have any questions/concerns please feel free to contact either Mrs. Earnhart, earnhart_lisa@asdk12.org or Mrs. Jerome, jerome_michelle@asdk12.org.
News from the Nurse
Please remember that if your Alpenglow student tests positive for COVID-19, the school nurse should be notified as soon as possible. You can do this by emailing her at moorman_jeanine@asdk12.org or calling her at 907-742-3304.
Identification of positive cases helps us to do contact tracing so that other students and their families can make the best decisions for quarantining and testing. This policy allows us to keep all students and staff safe by providing information regarding exposure to the virus. Your student's name will not be shared with any of the other students or families; however, we do need to notify families if their child was exposed at school.
In addition, contacting the nurse immediately when any COVID symptoms begin determines the correct return date for a student. Please let her know at the onset of symptoms even if you are still awaiting test results.
Thank you for helping to keep our Alpenglow community safe and informed. We appreciate you!

Art News
Congratulations!
Peace Poster Winners at Alpenglow Elementary
1st Place Winner: London Gentile
2nd Place Winner: Gunner Ray
Participants: London, Gunner, and Ivy
Thank you to all students who participated!
Counselor's Corner
Character Matters!
Alpenglow continues to explore character traits that enrich lives with a different focus each
month. At the end of the month, a photo is taken of students chosen by peers from each classroom who best exemplify the trait and is then placed on the Character Matters! bulletin board in the library hallway.
In September, our character trait was 'Respect'. October's character trait was 'Kindness'. In November, we will focus on ‘Patience’. Patience is the ability to wait, or to continue doing something despite difficulties, or to suffer without complaining or becoming annoyed.
Parents: thank you for actively noticing when your student practices patience or, perhaps demonstrating it for them as you: learn new things; wait for the weekend or your next family vacation; or, plan towards your next advancement at work. As Glasow reminds us, ‘The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it.” Thank you for joining us in discovering the benefits of patience!
All Pro Dad (Zoom) meeting: Wednesday, November 3, 6:30-7:30 pm
All dad, father figures and their students (K-5th) are invited to attend our first
All Pro Dad Chapter meeting of the school year from the comfort of home! An All Pro Dad meeting provides an opportunity to spend quality time with your children, building relationship and memories. Enjoy themed conversation, activities and prize drawings!
Please mark your calendar! See you there on Zoom!
All Pro Dad Zoom Meeting/November 3, 6:30 pm
https://asdk12.zoom.us/j/97258485869?pwd=N0VTK2VYTGVFVGFpdkppcVY4cHFkZz09
Meeting ID: 972-5848-5869
Passcode: 2021
For questions, please contact Alpenglow School Counselor, Jane Barber:
barber_jane@asdk12.org, direct line: 907-742-9533