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December 2023
Mission & Vision
Mission: Birchwood ABC promotes a positive Attitude, excellent Behavior, and a Commitment to lifelong learning
Vision: Our commitment is to ensure all students receive a high quality education and to produce responsible students in a safe environment that values lifelong learning
Principal's Corner
It's hard to believe that we are already in the midst of the holiday season and the end of the year is upon us. As always, we have a lot of exciting updates and important information to share with you.
Winter Break:
We would like to remind all families that winter break is just around the corner. School will be closed from December 22nd to January 7th. We hope this break provides a wonderful opportunity for you and your family to relax, recharge, and enjoy quality time together. Please take note of any assignments or projects that need attention before the break begins.
Holiday Celebrations:
Our school has planned a variety of festive activities and celebrations throughout the month of December. These events include our choir performance at the Eagle River Towne Square this evening at 6:45pm and the tree lighting ceremony will be at 5:30. We invite all families to join us in spreading joy and creating lasting memories during this special time of the year. Please check with your child’s teacher for classroom specific activities.
School Updates:
We want to express our gratitude for the continued support from our families. Your involvement and commitment to your child's education make a significant difference in their academic journey. As we approach the new year, we look forward to strengthening the partnership between home and school to create a positive and enriching environment for our students.
Winter Weather Reminder:
With winter/fall/spring or whatever this weather decides the season is to be, it's important to be prepared for inclement weather. In the event of school closures or delays due to weather conditions, notifications will be sent via our school communication channels. Please ensure that your contact information is up to date to receive timely updates.
Lastly, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your ongoing support and collaboration. Your partnership is crucial to the success of our students and our school community. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school office.
Wishing you a joyful and peaceful holiday season!
Tammy Hershman M.Ed.
Principal, Birchwood ABC
Cafeteria Corner
CHECK OUT THE NEWS!!!
P.E. Corner
Healthy Future Activity Logs:
November activity logs are due Dec 5th. They can be turned into your teacher, Ms. Rachel in the office, or Mr. Olson. FALL CHALLENGE HAS ENDED. The Spring Challenge will run February – April. During those months, students can submit activity logs for prizes. Students are always encouraged to continue activity logs through the winter even though there is no “prize”. 4th and 5th graders may still complete and submit December and January activity logs to Mr. Olson for extra PE credit! For Activity Log click HERE healthfutures.org
After School Sports Club:
Our first sports club for the year will roll out in January.
The Junior Native Youth Olympic Club will be available for all 1st-5th grade students. Details, including registration forms, will be sent home later this month to interested students. Students have been introduced to some of these indigenous games during PE, so you may have discovered they are already “training” at home
There will be limited enrollment for this club and most likely meet twice per week.
For more general information about the club/activity, click https://sites.google.com/a/asdk12.net/birchwood-abc-pe/extracurricular/jnyo?authuser=0
Art Corner
Soil Samples
Art teacher Mrs. Turner is launching a multi-year soil sample collection project sponsored by the National Park Service. Our art students will bring back soil samples in bags from their travels to explore and understand the diverse range of soil colors found in different landscapes. This project uniquely integrates science and art, providing students with an exciting opportunity to connect with nature and serve as researchers in both art class and out in the field.
Please bring back soil samples from your travels this Holiday season. Label ziplock bags with your location, state, and student name.
Library Corner
Overdue book notices will be coming home the week of December 11. Please look for lost or overdue books to be sure your child's account is up to date. Students without any overdue or lost books will be able to check out extra books to read over the winter break. Books may be paid for at the office or to Ms. Tyson. Sometimes lost or damaged books may also be replaced instead of paying the fine. Please talk to Ms. Tyson before attempting to replace any lost or damaged books.
Our district bookmark contest is underway. All Birchwood students are able to enter this contest. Entries are due to Ms. Tyson by December 15.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/16G0bdysrm7U56ya_0JstRefw4Mjn7coIYmLtFr1nzoM/edit?usp=sharing
Student Council
Movie Day Candy Sales
Get ready for a fantastic time! Our Student Council Movie Day fundraiser is back, and this year, we're aiming to bring the zoo to our school in February. Mark your calendars for December 8th, and here are the details:
Movies:
- 3rd – 5th grade: 10:30 AM showing of "Elf" (PG)
- K-2nd grade: 1:40 PM showing of "Dr. Seuss' The Grinch" (PG)
Concession Stand:
Indulge your taste buds! Candy will be available for purchase from a $1 or $2 cart.
Your support is crucial in making our students' zoo assembly dreams come true, so please ensure your students have a little extra cash for some sweet treats. Additionally, we happily welcome any donations for this exciting cause. Thank you for your support!
Full Circle “Eat Healthy Initiative”
We are excited to share an initiative that promotes healthy eating and supports our Student Council. Full Circle delivers a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables all year round, ensuring you and your family have access to healthy options. When you subscribe, 12% of each order goes directly to our Student Council, helping us fund important projects and activities at our school.
Click the link below and use code "ABC" to register for the convenience of home delivery:
Canned Food Drive THANK YOU!
Thank you for your incredible generosity in this year's Canned Food Drive. Your support has made a significant impact on our community and filled our hearts with joy. Your contributions allowed us to collect an abundance of non-perishable items, all donated to the Eagle River Food Bank, making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate, especially as we approach the holiday season. We're inspired by the spirit of giving from our students and families, a testament to the strong community at our school. Your kindness has not only enriched the lives of those in need but also strengthened the bonds within our school community. – Student Council Members
PTA Corner
The Holiday Market:
The Holiday Market is next week and we would love any help!
Please see the sign up genius below for more information.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A054BA8AF2BA4F85-45587143-2023
For those of you that might not know what our Holiday Market is all about, here's a quick rundown. We purchase items that we think the students would like to purchase for family and friends for the holidays, we sell them at cost and then we gift wrap for free so that it remains a secret! The students have a preview day (Mon 12/4) where they can make lists of items they may like to buy, they bring that list home to look over with parents and then the families can decide how much money they'd like to send in. The students, staff and families LOVE this event! We will need lots of help with wrapping gifts! :) You do not have to be a good wrapper to be helpful!
Holiday Staff Wishlist:
Looking for ideas to surprise your favorite teacher or staff member for the holiday? PTA has compiled a list to help you!nHave a wonderful Christmas Vacation! This link only works from a computer. Feel free to email the PTA or arvelo_rachel@asdk12.org for pictures of the list.
Birchwood Advisory Committee(BAC) Corner
As a committee and school, we are dedicated to a philosophy with emphasis to a back to basic approach to education. Academic excellence, character education, citizenship, values, discipline and patriotism are what makes this program unique. Parents who choose Birchwood ABC for their children’s school know a strong and solid academic foundation is being taught. Parental support is vital for any program to successfully educate children for the future.
Please consider coming and joining us for the principal’s report and discussing any new news or concerns about the school.
BAC Meeting: Jan 25th in the school library from 6-7 PM
All Meeting Notes came be viewed at https://www.asdk12.org/domain/4692
Any questions can be emailed to bacbirchwood@gmail.com
Character Trait
Compassion: Deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it.
Dates to Remember
Dec 4-7th Holiday Market
Dec 6th Neon Glow Dress Up Day
Dec 20th Ugly Sweater Dress Up Day
Dec 21st Hat Day
Dec 22 Student Release grading day
Dec 25-Jan 5 Winter Break
Community Events
Wrestling Camp:
Thank you to our Sponsors
Tara Murdoch-Barndt and 773d Logistics Readiness Squadron