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Wolf Pup Weekly
Woodriver Issue #31 4/1/22
FROM PRINCIPAL GUY
Hello Wolf Pup parents!
A huge congratulations to Eamon Smith who received the Directors Award at the
Fairbanks Science Fair for his project entitled “Fungi in the Neighborhood”. Way to
go Eamon!
I also have big news regarding our district budget. On Tuesday March 24, our school
board approved a budget for next year and there are several decisions that will
directly impact Woodriver. Here is a summary of those changes:
PTR (Pupil to Teacher Ratio) is at 25 for grades K-5. There was talk for a while of
increasing that number to 26, but in the end they elected to keep it at its current
rate. This means that with our projected enrollment of 343 students we will start
the year with 14 certified classroom teachers.
We will continue to have a full-time counselor, P.E. and music teacher, along with a
Librarian. We are reducing the number of Kindergarten aides to 1 aide for every
two Kindergarten classes. Additionally, we will no longer offer a separate pull out
for band and orchestra. With our 6th grade moving to the middle school, band and
orchestra will be taught there. Our general music teacher will introduce both band
and orchestra to all 5th grade students so they can be aware and make an informed
decision about pursuing those when they enter 6th grade.
While this budget was approved by our board, there could still be changes based on
either increases or decreases to funding from the borough or the state.
State Standardized Testing in April! Please mark your calendars:
Students in Grades 3-6 will participate in the statewide testing now called AK Star.
This online test is aligned with Alaska's standards and helps us assess how students are progressing in their learning. Testing covers English Language Arts and Mathematics. Also, only our 5th graders have an additional test in Science.
Testing is untimed and many students complete testing in the morning session. After the lunch/recess hour, students have more time to complete the test if they need it. Finally, you do have the parental right to refuse testing of your child and you can contact Mr. Guy, Principal, to discuss this option.
Grades 5 and 6 AK Star testing dates:
Tuesday, April 12 through Friday, April 15
(Tuesday and Wednesday are English Language Arts test sessions. Thursday and Friday are Math test sessions.)
Additional test for Grade 5 in Science: Monday, April 18
Grades 3 and 4 AK Star testing dates:
Tuesday April, 19 through Friday April, 22
(Tuesday and Wednesday are English Language Arts test sessions. Thursday and Friday are Math test sessions.)
LAST WEEK FOR POPCORN!
CLUBS
AM Fitness
5 days/Week
8:45 - 9:15
Chess & Game Club
Free!
Wednesdays8am - 9:15
6th Grade Math Tutorial
Thursdays
8:30 - 9:15
COVID TESTING KITS
District Accreditation
April
28th - Primary Concert @ 2pm (grades K-3)
May
Welcome to Woodriver Elementary School
OFFICE HOURS: 8:45-4:15
SCHOOL HOURS 9:15 - 3:45
Email: jenna.norris@k12northstar.org
Website: www.k12northstar.org/woodriver
Location: 5000 Palo Verde Ave
Phone: 907-479-4211