North Star News - February 2023
North Star News–a monthly newsletter provided to keep families and staff informed and engaged with their district.
What's inside?
- Explore the Trades CTE Event
- Love A School Food Drive
- Securly Internet Filter For Students
- Interior Alaska Spelling Bee
- and more!
After School Program Director Receives National Recognition
Lindsy Weaver, Director, 21st Century Community Learning Centers Programs, has been recognized as one of National AfterSchool Association (NAA) 2023 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders!
The National AfterSchool Association seeks to highlight emerging young leaders who are active in the afterschool community, demonstrate contributions that have started to influence beyond individual programs to entire organizations and communities, are actively engaged in efforts to elevate the afterschool field, have a proven passion for development of themselves and others, and demonstrate persistence in their work to grow as leaders. Congratulations Lindsy!
West Valley High Girls Basketball team had an undefeated weekend and became the Denali State Bank Ice Jam 2023 Champions.
2023 Interior Alaska Science Fair Logo Winner
Congratulations to Stephanie Dong, 4th grader at Ladd Elementary, for being chosen as the 2023 Interior Alaska Science Fair logo winner!
"Train the Trainer” ALICE Response Training
The school district hosted a "Train the Trainer” ALICE active shooter response training event for staff and local law enforcement. The training serves to equip participants with the tools and resources to become certified ALICE instructors.
In September 2022, our school principals went through the ALICE training with members of North Pole Police and Fairbanks Food Bank.
ALICE is the original age-and ability-appropriate active shooter response program with a trauma-informed approach for schools.
Career and Technical Education Month
February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, which celebrates the value of CTE and the achievements and accomplishments of CTE programs. Learn more about the district's CTE programs.
Girls Who Weld Class
Intro to Trades Class
Intro to Trades Class
FY24 Proposed Budget | Operations
The FY24 Proposed Budget document is now available here. The FY24 Recommended Budget will be available April 1, with the FY24 Approved Budget in May-June. Learn more about the budget process.
Chief Operations Officer Andy Degraw shares about the budget process and challenges the school district faces this year.
Advocate For Public Education
How can you help advocate for public education funding?
Share a public opinion message with all legislators
Application Deadline Next Week | North Star College
Interested in earning college credits while in high school? Apply online to North Star College! The application deadline is next Friday, February 17, 2023.
Prerequisites for applicants include:
• 2.5 Cumulative GPA
• Current sophomore/junior
• On track for graduation
The college will accept up to 90 juniors and 90 seniors for the 2023-24 school year, including students not currently enrolled in the Fairbanks school district.
Vaccine Clinic | Nursing Services
On February 16, from 3-6 p.m., the North Pole Fire Department will be offering a Vaccine Clinic at 110 Lewis Street, North Pole, AK.
Vaccines offered will include:
- All childhood vaccines
- Flu vaccines, for ages 6 months and older
- Free COVID-19 vaccines and bivalent boosters, for ages 6 months and older
Please call Fairbanks Public Health Center with any questions, 907-452-1776. Learn more about immunization requirements.
COVID At-Home Tests Available | Nursing Services
Check with your school's front office if you are in need of a free COVID at-home test.
Internet Filter for Devices | Technology & Information Systems
The District is using an internet filter called Securly. Securly is a parent portal that allows for better visibility and control over your student’s online activities when using district-issued devices. In order to access the Internet, you must log into your district Google account with f-number or s-number.
Bring Your Own Devices will need the Securly certificate. The district will be sending an opt-in reminder email to families soon.
ACCESS for ELLs | Teaching & Learning
K-12 English Language Learners will take the English language proficiency test, ACCESS for ELLs, February 1–March 31, which consists of four parts: Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.
Project SEARCH Application Deadline | Special Education
The application deadline for Project SEARCH internship is Wednesday, February 15, 2023, apply online here.
Project SEARCH is a school-to-work transition program for students with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 22.
After School Program (ASP) | Student Support Services
Take a glimpse into the 21st CCLC grant-funded Afterschool Program (ASP) at Hunter Elementary!
This month the 5th graders are exploring math and science concepts in building Wiggle Bots. They will be utilizing the Engineering Design Process: Ask, Research, Imagine, Plan, Create, Test, and Improve.
Hunter’s ASP also offers an exciting Sewing Class where the 4th grade students are learning life skills and using math concepts to create pillow cases and satchels. These ASP members have proudly taken on this project-based learning activity!
Alaska Native Education Program (ANE) | Student Support Services
ANE hired two new Cultural Enrichment Specialists this quarter that will support Lathrop High School and Randy Smith Middle School.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) | Student Support Services
Happy National School Counseling Week! National School Counseling Week highlights the significant impact that school counselors have in aiding students during their schooling years, such as assisting with college and scholarship applications, and also their careers. Thank you FNSBSD counselors!
"Love A School Food Drive" | Bright Futures Fairbanks
Bright Futures Fairbanks is pleased to announce the "Love a School Food Drive" on Valentine's Day! Please consider donating food and funds for the February Love a School campaign beginning February 14. Donate online
The goal of Love a School Food Drive is to gather food and monetary donations to distribute to local schools. Food insecurity has been a growing concern in Fairbanks and school pantries need replenishment. Food donations can be dropped off at the The Center located at the district building: 520 5th Ave, 1st floor Suite C. Thank you for supporting our students in need!
Public Forums | Superintendent Search
The school board has finalized dates for the public forums introducing the superintendent candidates. You are welcome to attend in person or watch online. The superintendent candidate forums will be held on:
- Thursday, February 16 at 5:30 p.m. - North Pole High | Watch online
- Friday, February 17 at 5:30 p.m. - West Valley High | Watch online
Final interviews will be held during a school board special meeting on Saturday, February 18, in the Administrative Center Board Room beginning at 9:00 a.m. This meeting is open to the public and will also be available to watch online.
Explore The Trades - Juniors and Seniors | Career & Technical Education
Sign up for the “Explore the Trades” two day event at the Fairbanks Pipeline Training Center on February 21 and 22 (parent teacher conference days) from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Students will have an opportunity to explore one trade a day through activities and projects to give them a glimpse into those trades. Learn more about Career & Technical Education in our district.
Interior Alaska Spelling Bee | Teaching & Learning
The Interior Alaska Spelling Bee is scheduled for Saturday, February 25, at the DeWilde Theatre, West Valley High School. Participant check-in is at 8:00-8:45 a.m. and the event starts at 9:00 a.m. This event is open to all Interior Alaska schools, public and private. Schools must have been enrolled with Scripps National Spelling Bee to participate. Photo: 2022 Interior Alaska Spelling Bee Winners
Upcoming Events
FEB 14 | Love A School Food Drive Launches
FEB 15 | Project Search Internship Application Deadline
FEB 16 | 5:30 p.m. Superintendent Candidate Public Forum - North Pole High
FEB 17 | 5:30 p.m. Superintendent Candidate Public Forum - West Valley High
FEB 17 | North Star College Lottery Application Deadline
FEB 20 | Professional Development (No school for students)
FEB 21 | Parent Teacher Conferences (No school for students)
FEB 22 | Parent Teacher Conferences (No school for students)
FEB 25 | 9:00 a.m. Interior Alaska Spelling Bee
Board of Education Meetings
FEB 13 | 5:30 p.m. Board Work Session
FEB 16 | 5:30 p.m. Board Diversity Committee Meeting
FEB 20 | 5:30 p.m. Board Special Meeting
FEB 21 | 6:00 p.m. Board Regular Meeting
FEB 23 | 5:30 p.m. Board Budget Committee Meeting
FEB 28 | 5:30 p.m. Board Policy Committee Meeting
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
Email: publicrelations@k12northstar.org
Website: https://www.k12northstar.org
Location: 520 5th Avenue, Fairbanks, AK, USA
Phone: (907) 452-2000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fsdk12/
Twitter: @fsdk12
THE FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY INSTITUTION, AS WELL AS A TOBACCO AND NICOTINE-FREE LEARNING AND WORK ENVIRONMENT.