Ravenwood Elementary
February 2022
Home of the Ravens
Ravenwood embodies community and thrives from the interconnected support system of Eagle River. Outdoor education, the arts, and the use of technology are all integrated into the academic experiences students are offered to optimize engagement, creativity, and independent learning.
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)
Dear Ravenwood Families,
This is a great time of year at Ravenwood with lots of things to celebrate. Our K-2 students celebrated their 100th day of school. Their drawings and stories about what they may be doing in 100 years are so cute! Our Battle of the Books teams did great representing our school at the district competition, while many of our JNYO athletes are placing top 3 in their events. The turn-out for last Friday’s Family Skate Night/Chili Feed was a tremendous success and helped raise needed funds for 6th grade’s overnight trip to Seward in May.
It has been great having parents back in the building! Last week, 4th graders were able to go on an ice fishing field trip thanks to LOTS of parent drivers. This week, a number of parents were in the building to help with class Valentine celebrations. Now, teachers are looking forward to meeting with families to discuss student progress at Parent/Teacher Conferences when they will share with you how your student(s) are doing on benchmark assessments, class academics, social/emotional learning, work habits, and even check out some of their work samples. This is also a great opportunity for you to ask questions or address any concerns you may have related to your child’s learning needs.
Please “dig in” to this newsletter to learn more about upcoming events and see some fun photos of recent events! Please reach out if you have any questions or celebrations, and please complete the School Climate and Connectedness Survey (link below).
Joyfully,
Kim Bautista
School Climate & Connectedness Survey
ASD has again partnered with AASB and Panorama to administer the School Climate and Connectedness Survey for the 2021-2022. The Anchorage School District survey window is open from February 14 to March 25. Students in grades 3-6 will complete the surveys in the next couple of weeks with their teachers. We would love to have parents/guardians complete the
Family Survey: https://surveys.panoramaed.com/aasb/asdfamily to let us know how we are doing! Thank you!!
Online Conference Scheduler is NOW OPEN for you to schedule K - 5th grade Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences on Feb. 16 & 17. Please note: Preschool and 6th grade teachers will communicate separately about their conference schedule. The 15-minute conferences are held in the teacher's classroom unless the teacher communicates they will be doing their conferences via Zoom. Please click on this link, Online Conference Scheduler, to sign up.
Both Feb. 16 and 17 are early release days - so students are released at 12:30; however, lunches will still be provided on an earlier schedule.
Missing gear? Please check Lost and Found in the gym.
Reminder...
There will be no school on Friday, Feb. 18, (teacher in-service), and Monday, Feb. 21, (Presidents' Day Holiday).
Parking Lot & Car Rider Safety
Winter driving conditions mean we need you to take extra precautions to follow our arrival/dismissal procedures and use of the parking lot. We have witnessed some very unsafe situations and want to keep everyone safe.
Please remember:
- Students should be escorted by an adult across the parking lot, not left to cross on their own regardless of their age.
- Please avoid using the handicapped and Preschool only parking spots by the primary entrance doors during arrival and dismissal. Parking in these spaces makes it really challenging, if not impossible, for our buses to exit the parking lot.
- IF you are picking up your students on Ptarmigan Road, please only use the school side of the road. PLEASE DO NOT allow students to cross the street for pick-up on the other side of the road. Residents are reporting vehicles are blocking their driveways and prevents two-way traffic or emergency vehicles from using road.
Youth Art Month
Youth Art Month is a nationwide art show that takes place during the month of March. This year marks ASD’s 50th year of ASD’s Youth Art Month. The Anchorage Museum will host a Friday Opening Reception from 6:00-8:00pm on March 4. The artworks will be displayed at the Anchorage Museum or an auxiliary location: Muldoon Library, Eagle River Library, 5th Avenue Mall, or Midtown Mall. The YAM show is from March 4 to April 1, 2022.
Congratulations to our Ravenwood artists whose artwork will be on display at the listed locations:
Sophie Beaulieu, Eagle River Library
Clark Davenport, Eagle River Library
Berkley Gamby, Anchorage Museum
Levi Parker, Eagle River Library
Lucas Steffans, Anchorage Museum
Also, congratulations to the following students who were selected as "Years" winners, an additional contest that was held to celebrate the Anchorage Museum hosting ASD student art work for YAM for 50 years:
Leah Atkinson - “Year of 1987”
Jasmine Pollard - “Year of 2012”
The "Years" artwork will be on display at the Anchorage Museum.
Nurse's Corner
Whoo Hoo! We are finally seeing a decrease in cases of Covid in our school and the Eagle River Community! This is a celebration! However, Covid is still hanging around and now has some friends to hang out with including Influenza, stomach virus, strep throat and the common cold. This is just a reminder that Ravenwood is still following the ASD Symptom-Free Protocol. Please keep your child home if they are experiencing any symptoms of illness and call the front office to excuse your child. Criteria for return to school following symptoms/illness has not changed; it remains a five-day isolation period from the onset of symptoms (Day 0). They can return on Day 6, or earlier, with either a NEG Covid PCR test or an MD note stating they have a non-Covid diagnosed illness, AND symptoms must be resolving/resolved/No fever x 24 hours without fever-reducing medications/No vomiting or diarrhea x 24 hours. *Please note that ASD does not accept home or rapid Antigen tests for return to school. Covid testing must be a PCR/Molecular test in order to be cleared to return to school. PCR testing is available at Ravenwood from 9:15am-10:30 am Mon-Fri. If you or your child is already registered, there is no need to register again. If you or your child needs testing and are not registered, the registration QR code can be found in this newsletter. It saves a lot of time if you are pre-registered.
Spring is just around the corner and seasonal allergies are not far behind. Many families have already provided a Chronic Condition Symptom Exemption form signed by their child’s health care provider. This enables me to not have to require your child to go home and/or get tested to return to school IF they are just exhibiting their seasonal allergy symptoms with no other signs of illness. Please click HERE for the form and make an appointment to discuss having this form signed and on file with the nurse if your child has a known diagnosis of seasonal allergies. It will make the transition into Spring and Summer a breeze for everyone. My goal, as always, is to keep students in school, learning, and socializing with their friends in a healthy and safe environment.
I want to end with a BIG shout out to all our amazing Ravenwood families and staff. What an amazing team we made throughout this pandemic. We are not at the end YET but we are getting there. Please continue to stay strong, stay healthy, follow the ASD policies set in place so we keep our school a healthy, happy and engaging learning community. Please reach out to me via phone/email or stop by my office if I can answer any questions or assist you in any way (cottle_jennifer@asdk12.org / 907-742-3254).
Nurse Cottle
Thank you!
PTSO would like to thank all of the parents who generously donated to their recent Staff Wellness Day. There were healthy snacks, drinks, goodie bags for each staff member, and some awesome door prizes. The staff was “spoiled” and felt truly appreciated! Special thanks to PTSO VP Mia Carson who spearheaded the collection to welcome 2022 and give staff a mental “boost”!
Stay tuned for more details about PTSO’s Spring Fundraiser – Write a Check Campaign!
FIND US AND GET CONNECTED!
SignUp Genius - search Ravenwood PTSO
Facebook: Ravenwood Elementary Group
Our next PTSO meeting will be Wednesday, March 2nd (the first Wednesday of every month) at 6pm. You can attend in-person (masks required) in the Art room or via zoom. Everyone is welcome. See membership info on our website.
Boxtop Update
The new and improved Box Tops mobile app uses state-of-the-art technology to scan your store receipt, find participating products and instantly add Box Tops to your school's earnings online. No more clipping box tops –just download the free Box Top App and start scanning your grocery receipts to support Ravenwood Elementary! Don’t forget to ask your family, friends, and neighbors to do the same!
Please continue to support our school fundraising efforts with Boxtops, Amazon Smile, and Fred Meyer. Every little bit helps, and those little bits all go towards our amazing school.
Science Fair FAQs
Here are some of the highlights and FAQs about Science Fair projects from our informational Zoom with host Shannon Oelkers, parent and Business Owner/School Business Partner Principal Consultant with Integrity Environmental:
When are projects due? When will judging happen?
Projects are due March 1st. We will be doing judging via zoom (we will have a portable zoom cart that will move judges around to projects) the afternoon of March 1st and during the day on March 2nd. Ribbons will be displayed the evening of March 2nd at our STEAM night.
Can my child do the project even if they cannot write yet?
Yes! You can do the writing/typing for them, but make sure to write as they tell you. If they say to you, "first I poured this into the bowl and then it got bubbly and that was cool and I want to do more and then..." type it exactly as they say it, that way it has your child's voice and it will also match their speaking when they speak with the judges.
Do I have to pick a specific category?
Yes! Projects will be split into experiments, inventions, collections, and demonstration of a scientific principal. In the packet that came home, there are ideas for each area as well as the judging form specific for each category.
Can I work with a partner?
Yes, but make sure that is clear on your final presentation and that your teacher also knows so that when it comes time to judge the project, both students are there to present. Also, if doing a project with a partner, make sure you are clear on who is speaking to which part of the project for the oral section with judges.
Resources:
Mrs. Oelkers also mentioned that if students need help and/or have deeper questions as they begin their project, she is happy to match them with a local scientist that specializes in the area they are working in. If you have a student like this, reach out to Ms. Nielsen or Mrs. Szjakowski and we can help get in you in touch with her. There are also lots of great books in the library to help students along.
Come Join Us
STEM Night/Science Fair, March 2nd from 6-7:30p at Ravenwood. There will be lots of things to SEE and DO! Mark your calendar and plan to attend this year’s fun and STEMulating event!
Spelling Bee
Congratulations to all our Spelling Bee participants today! Our Spelling Bee winner was Everett Wolak who will represent us in the State Spelling Bee in March. Our runner-up was Michael Santiago. Way to Go Gentlemen!!
Special thanks to our amazing judges Teresa Dearborn and Karen Weckhorst, our moderator Scooter Bentson, and our school Bee coordinator Karen Sam.
Battle of the Books Teams Win at District Competition
Congratulations to all of our JNYO participants and winners!
In the Alaskan High Kick
1st and 2nd grade:
Alex Burrill 3rd place
Lake Harvey 1st place
3rd and 4th grade:
Jude Gibson 1st place
5th and 6th grade:
Hailey Colgrove 3rd place
In the Kneel Jump
3rd and 4th grade:
Jude Gibson 3rd place
Hunter Brooks 1st place
Indigenous Northern Games (JNYO) athletes shine at Family Night
4th Grade Surgeons perform Text Feature Surgery in Mrs. Arnold's Class
Family Skate Night/Chili Feed Fundraiser for 6th grade a tremendous success! Thank you!!
Snow forts/shelter building with Mrs. Jerome and Ms. Nielsen. Part of the fun and reason to wear all gear for PE.
Thanks for helping us keep our students healthy and safe by sending them to school dressed with what we call our “Winter 5!” Students go outside for recess until the temperature reaches 10 below as we did last week! Ask your child(ren) what “winter 5” items they need to remember to wear for recess every day!
4th grade anglers tackle ice fishing on Jewel Lake
Career Day Highlights - Jocks, Docs, a Unicorn Astronaut, and so much more - bright futures ahead
Thanks for decking our halls with positive messages Leslie Rowland and Schrie Hill!
Parents are PERFECT...
to be Substitute Teachers, Crossing Guards, Noon Duty Supervisor, Cafeteria Managers . . . We are always looking for substitute teachers here, and there are lots of openings at schools throughout the Anchorage School District. Go to www.asdk12.org/workforasd for more info on current vacancies at Ravenwood or other ASD schools.
To apply to be a substitute teacher follow this LINK for more details and qualifications.
PTSO Ravenwood Family Skate Times:
Monday – Thursday - 4 – 7p
Friday – 4 – 8p
Saturday – 11am -4pm
We LOVE our volunteers!
Before helping in the classroom or with other school events, please complete the ASD volunteer paper application form and waiver or complete the online application and be approved by the Anchorage School District.
ABSENCES
When you student is absent – please call our attendance line – 742-3256 – and let us know the reason for the absence. Please understand if your child is reported sick, the nurse or front office staff will contact you with further guidance, if the absence is related to COVID symptoms.
February 15 - Ravenwood Spelling Bee 2pm in MPR (parent/guardian guests only)
February 15 - GMS Colt Round-Up for Incoming 2022-2023 7th Graders (see flyer below)
February 16 - Elizabeth Peratrovich Day - Alaska Civil Rights Leader
February 16-17 - Parent-Teacher Conferences / Early Release @ 12:30pm
February 18 - No School / In-Service Day
February 21 - No School / Presidents' Day
February 24-25 - 5th Grade Winter Survival Camp
March 2 - PTSO Meeting in the Art Room @ 6pm
March 2 - STEM Night / Science Fair, 6:00-7:30pm
March 3 - Popcorn THURSDAY
March 4 - No School / In-Service Day / End of 3rd Quarter
March 5-13 - SPRING BREAK (no school)
March 23 - AK State Spelling Bee (Virtual again)
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Colt Roundup for Incoming 7th Graders 2022-23
Stellar Secondary Open House
Stellar Secondary Information Session QR Code
Alaska Aviation Museum Spring Break Opportunity
From ERHS & CHS (appropriate for Grades 4 & up)
SCHOOL BUSINESS PARTNERS
Business Partners
We are always looking for new businesses to support our school! Contact bautista_kim@asdk12.org for more information.
Statement of Nondiscrimination
The School Board is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education. District programs and activities shall be free from discrimination based on sex, race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, physical or mental disability, Vietnam era veteran status, genetic information, good faith reporting to the board on a matter of public concern, or any other unlawful consideration. The Board shall promote programs which ensure that discriminatory practices are eliminated in all District activities.
Anchorage School District School Board
2021-2022 ASD School Board
President, MARGO BELLAMY
Vice-President, ANDY HOLLEMAN
Treasurer, KELLY LESSENS
Clerk, CARL JACOBS
Seat C, DAVE DONLEY
Seat E, PAT HIGGINS
Seat F, DORA WILSON
DR. DEENA BISHOP, SUPERINTENDENT