Soaring Eagle

Dear Mendenhall River Community School Family,

March is in full swing, and we’re embracing this month’s character trait—Creativity! Creativity isn’t just about art or music; it’s about thinking outside the box, problem-solving, and finding new ways to express ourselves. We encourage families to find moments at home to spark creative thinking—whether through storytelling, drawing, building, or even cooking together!

We’re also continuing to celebrate healthy hearts with the Kids Heart Challenge until Spring Break! Students who sign up online will earn a team wristband and be entered into a weekly drawing for a MR. KHC Duck Heart Hero! Plus, every sign-up helps our school earn more PE equipment. Thank you for supporting heart health and wellness in our community!

Upcoming Important Dates:

📅 March 11 – JSD Board of Education Regular Meeting (Work session at 4:30 pm, regular meeting at 6:00 pm) TMMS Library
📅 March 13 – JSD Board of Education Special Budget Meeting - FINAL, 5:30-7:00 pm, TMMS Library
📅 March 24-28 – Spring Break! Students will return to school on March 31
📅 March 31 - April 25 – AK STAR Testing Window
📅 April 21 - May 9 – DIBELS Testing Window

Family Reminders:

📢 The School Climate and Connectedness Survey is still open! Your feedback is essential in helping us strengthen our school community. Family Survey: surveys.panoramaed.com/aasb/220140family

🏛️ The 34th Alaska Legislature is in session. Stay informed on education-related bills here:
🔹 All bills: AK Legislature Bill Tracker
🔹 Education-specific bills: Alaska ACSA Bill Tracking

Thank you for your continued support of our students and school. Wishing you all a wonderful, creative, and heart-healthy week ahead!

Kindest,

Eric Filardi

Principal

Mendenhall River Community School

This month at MRCS, we are celebrating Creativity—the ability to think outside the box, explore new ideas, and express ourselves in unique ways! Creativity isn’t just about art and music—it’s about problem-solving, innovation, and seeing the world in new ways.

How can families encourage creativity at home?

• Encourage curiosity! Ask open-ended questions like, "What would happen if...?" or "How else could we solve this?"
• Create together! Build a fort, make up a silly song, or invent a new game as a family.
• Embrace mistakes! Creativity thrives when kids feel safe to try new things without fear of failure.
• Limit screen time! Swap out an hour of TV for a drawing challenge, storytelling session, or kitchen science experiment.
• Celebrate their ideas! Whether it's a unique way to do homework or a funny new joke, praise your child’s creative thinking.

And if you’d like a blast from the past, check out this fun video from Mr. Loseby and Mrs. Berkey from a few years ago! 🎨🎭🎶
➡️ Watch it here!

Let’s make March a month full of imagination, exploration, and creative fun! 🚀✨

Dear 5th and 6th Grade Families,

On March 21st, 2025 students will participate in an important lesson about the early stages of puberty. Boys and girls will be separated during this time and Mrs. Berkey will teach the girls while Mr. Stefanich teaches the boys.

This lesson is designed to teach students important information about:

● Changes that happen during puberty

● Healthy hygiene habits

● Basic physiology of bodies as well as correct terminology

● The importance of talking to trusted adults

This is a great opportunity to have a discussion with your student about the current and upcoming changes they will go through as they get older.

If you have any questions, concerns, would like to preview the video or prefer to have your child opt-out of this lesson please contact me directly at tristan.berkey@juneauschools.org or 796-5643.

Sincerely,

Tristan Berkey

MRCS Counselor

Dear Families,

We are celebrating healthy hearts with the Kids Heart Challenge until Spring Break. Sign up today to help our school earn more PE equipment. Students who sign up online will earn a team wristband and will be entered into our weekly drawing for a MR. KHC Duck Heart Hero!

Students who complete Finn’s Mission will also be entered into a sweepstakes for two tickets to the 2026 Super Bowl!

SIGN UP/LOG IN at http://www2.heart.org/goto/MendenhallRiverSchool and LEARN HANDS-ONLY CPR TODAY! Then from your HQ, share this lifesaving skill with 10 family members or friends, helping to create a community of lifesavers.

KHC GOALS & CELEBRATIONS:

• Classroom Challenge- The class that has the most students complete Finn’s Mission, and earn their capes, will win a bonus XL Heart Hero Character for every student in their class.

Ms. Roush’s Class Gets a CNN10 Shout-Out!

Persistence pays off! Ms. Roush’s 6th-grade class finally got their well-earned recognition on CNN10! 🎉

Check out the shout-out at 8:25 in the February 28 episode: Watch here!

What: The Juneau-Douglas City Museum’s 21st Annual 12x12 Community Art Exhibit

Where: The Juneau-Douglas City Museum, 114 W. 4th St., Downtown Juneau

When: The exhibit runs from Friday, March 7th-Saturday, April 19th, 2025

• Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm

• Closed Sunday and Monday

• Admission is FREE thanks to the following sponsors:

• Friends of the Juneau-Douglas City Museum

• Michelle Storer

• Don and Alma Harris

Why: MRCS 2nd Grade students from Mrs. Harris’s class collaborated and created MASTERPIECES around the theme of “Rhythm.” There will also be many other pieces of art from other community members to see too! Come and enjoy!

Questions? Email stephenie.harris@juneauschools.org

Big life changes can be tough on kids, and it’s not always easy to know how to support them. This week, Clem tackles an important question from a parent navigating divorce and wondering if therapy might help their struggling third grader.

________________________________________________________________

Letter from the reader:

Dear Clem,

I'm newly divorced with a struggling 8-year-old. There’s been a lot of changes lately and I’m wondering if therapy might help my kid adjust, but I don’t know where to start. How do I go about getting a therapy appointment for a third grader? What should I expect from the process?

- Single parent

________________________________________________________________

Dear Single Parent,

Woof, woof! If your child’s emotions are getting in the way of their success at home, school, or in social settings, therapy could be a helpful tool in supporting them.

A good place to begin your search for an appropriate therapist is by asking your primary care physician, and/or school counselor for a referral. Check with your insurance provider for a list of in-network therapists. Juneaumentalhealth.org is also a great resource to connect with psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists and counselors in Juneau.

If you need additional assistance navigating Juneau's mental health services you can always call NAMI Juneau 907-463-4251 or email namijuneau@gmail.com and they will be more than happy to help you look for providers with experience offering counseling to children. To help make a decision you might also look into the types of therapy techniques used and what type of appointments might best suit your lifestyle needs (i.e. in-person or tele-health).

Many therapists offer a free initial call to see if they’re a good fit. Once you’ve selected a therapist the process typically starts with gathering required information and signing forms such as privacy, and payment agreements. In the first session, you’ll be invited to stay while the therapist explains confidentiality rules (such as mandatory reporting of safety concerns). Then, your child will either discuss their goals for therapy or engage in a game designed to help identify areas of focus. If your child feels more comfortable with you in the session at first, many therapists allow this until they’re ready to meet one-on-one.

During ongoing sessions, therapy often involves a mix of check-ins, emotional regulation activities, and interactive approaches like play or art therapy, which help children express feelings in a way that feels natural to them. Your child might practice noticing their feelings in the moment and learn in a fun way to regulate negative emotions. Sessions usually last 30 to 60 minutes, with most kids preferring an hour.

As a parent, you play a key role in the process. Many therapists meet with parents and children together once a month to help reinforce the skills being learned in therapy. Using the same language and strategies at home can make a big difference. Therapy typically ends when the child and parent agree that the set goals have been met, often transitioning from weekly to biweekly, then monthly sessions before concluding.

Wishing you endless tail wags and support as you embark on this journey.

Pawsitively yours,

Clem

________________________________________________________________

Seeking support for your child is a big step, and it’s okay to take it one paw at a time. If you have more questions about resources for kids and families, don’t hesitate to reach out to school staff or local organizations. Do you have a question for Clem? Submit it here: https://forms.gle/dzpmTL8GmfAt6mjm8, and Clem just might answer it in an upcoming column!

Clem is always here to lend a paw! 🐶💙

Families play a crucial role in reinforcing social studies concepts learned in the classroom. Here are five engaging ways to help your child explore history, geography, and civics at home.

1. Make Reading a Family Adventure

Transform your living room into a time machine with historical fiction and nonfiction books. Choose age-appropriate titles that align with your child's curriculum. During family reading time, discuss the historical context, characters, and events. Encourage your child to imagine life in different eras. For younger kids, picture books about historical figures can spark curiosity. For older children, consider starting a family book club focused on historical novels or biographies.

2. Explore Your Local History Together

Turn your weekends into historical expeditions. Visit local museums, historical sites, and landmarks. Before each trip, research the location’s significance together. During the visit, play “I Spy” games to spot historical artifacts or architectural features. Afterward, discuss how your local area has changed over time and how it connects to broader historical events. Consider creating a family scrapbook or digital album of your local history adventures.

3. Bring Current Events to the Dinner Table

Make discussing news a regular part of family meals. Choose age-appropriate topics and ask

your child's opinion on current issues. Help them connect today’s events with historical patterns

they've learned about in school. Encourage critical thinking by asking questions like, "Why do you

think this happened?" or "How might this affect people differently?" For younger children, focus on positive news stories and discuss how people help their communities.

4. Create Interactive Timelines and Maps

Turn a hallway wall or spare posterboard into a giant timeline. Add important historical events

as your child learns about them in school. Use different colors for various subjects, like blue for

political events or green for scientific discoveries, for example. For geography, hang a world map

and use pins or stickers to mark places you've learned about or want to visit. Make it a game to

locate countries in the news or trace the routes of historical explorers.

5. Engage in Cultural Exploration Nights

Designate one night a week for exploring different cultures. Choose a country or region your child is

studying and immerse yourselves in its culture. Cook a traditional meal together, learn a few

phrases in the local language, listen to music, or watch videos about daily life there. Discuss how

the culture’s history has shaped its present. This hands-on approach helps children understand

diverse perspectives and see connections between geography, history, and modern societies.

The goal is to make social studies relevant and exciting. By integrating these activities into your

family routine, you'll help your child develop a lifelong love for learning about our world and its

people, past and present.

This month is Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month -- check out resources available for teachers through the Youth Brain Injury Program website or through the Safe Kids website.

MRCS families, we want to hear from you! The School Climate & Connectedness Survey is now open, and your feedback is essential in helping us create the best possible learning environment for our students. This survey provides valuable insights into how connected and supported students and families feel at school.

Your input helps us understand what’s working well and where we can grow. The survey only takes a few minutes, and every response makes a difference!

🔗 Complete the Family Survey here: surveys.panoramaed.com/aasb/220140family

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and for being a vital part of our school community! 💙

This week's word of the week is the noun "troublemaker."

The Alphabet Adventure Challenge

How to Play:

1. Pick a Theme – As a family, choose a fun theme for your adventure story (e.g., space, underwater, jungle, time travel).
2. Set the Rule – Every sentence in the story must start with the next letter of the alphabet, from A to Z!
3. Start the Story – The first player begins the story with a sentence starting with "A" (e.g., “A spaceship zoomed across the galaxy.”).
4. Pass It On – The next player adds a sentence starting with “B” (e.g., “Behind it, a mysterious planet glowed red in the distance.”).
5. Keep Going! – Continue through the alphabet until you reach “Z.”
6. Read It Aloud! – Once complete, read the wild adventure you’ve created together!

Bonus Challenges:

• Speed Round – Set a timer and try to complete the alphabet in five minutes!
• Rhyme Time – Each sentence must rhyme with the previous one.
• Genre Swap – Halfway through, switch the story to a different genre (e.g., from mystery to comedy).

Why It’s Unique & Fun:

• Encourages quick thinking and creativity
• Builds vocabulary as kids think of words for tricky letters
• Creates hilarious and unexpected stories

Try it out and see where your alphabet adventure takes you! 🚀📚

The Integrated Preschool Peer & KinderReady Preschool application for the 2025-2026 school year is now available! The announcement has been posted on the main JSD webpage and all elementary school pages. If families have questions, please connect with the preschool teacher/teachers in our building; Ms. Tracy Woodrow and Ms. Erin Carriker.

Here is the link to the application: 2025-2026 JSD Intergated Peers and Kinderready Preschool Application

KR Dashboard - you can find more information on our dashboard.

If you have questions about the application or posting, please contact Molly Barnes (molly.barnes@juneauschools.org).

Dear MRCS Families,

We understand that personal electronic devices are a big part of everyday life, but to maintain a focused and respectful learning environment, we have guidelines in place regarding their use during the school day.

Please take a moment to review our school policy on personal electronic devices, including what is allowed, what is not, and how we handle any issues that arise. Our goal is to create a safe and distraction-free space for all students.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out—we appreciate your support in reinforcing these expectations!

Personal Electronic Devices (computers, gaming devices, smart watches, etc).

Students may not use personal electronic devices during the school day. If students bring

personal electronic devices to school, the student will be asked to put the item away or it will

be stored in a cabinet in the front office and labeled with the student’s name. All devices must

be turned over to a staff member upon request. Refusal to do so may result in disciplinary

action. A Parent/Guardian will be notified to pick up the device. Valuables should be left at

home. School staff are not responsible for lost or stolen personal belongings. Additional

information about conduct electronic devices is outlines in School Board Policy 5138.

The following actions are strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action:

1. Accessing and/or viewing an internet site that is blocked to students at school.

2. Sending and email, text, or other communication that harrasses, intimidates, threatens, bullies,

or discriminates against another individual.

3. Taking, sending, downloading or uploading a harassing, threatening, or inappropriate

photograph of anyone.

4. Using a phone, camera, or device to take photos in a restroom or to take a photo of any person

who has requested that you not do so.

5. Using a camera or recording device to capture the content of tests, assessments, homework, or

classwork without express permission from the instructor.

6. Hacking or intentionally obtaining, accessing or modifying files, passwords, or data belonging to

others.

Voices on the Land is excited to offer a free, five-day spring break camp to Juneau students in grades 4th-8th. All students are welcome to register, with preference given to Alaska Native students. Please see the attached flyer!

Thank you and please reach out with any questions.

Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa, Nt’oyaxsn.

District Juneau Borough School District

Enrollment 294

Lowest Grade PK

Highest Grade 6

Accredited No

Title I Yes

This School Report Card presents information about the school’s performance for the 2023-2024 school year. During this first administration of The Alaska System of Academic Readiness (AK STAR) assessment students in grades 3-9 were assessed in English Language Arts and Mathematics. Students in grades 5, 8, and 10 took the Alaska Science Assessment.

As part of the ongoing implementation of Alaska’s Education Challenge, DEED is working with school districts to support success in every school. Utilizing Alaska’s plan for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) as a strategy for closing our achievement gaps, the accountability system is implemented to help celebrate success and identify areas where additional support is needed, with the goal of increasing achievement for all students. The Overall School Index Value is an important piece of the System for School Success, which provides information about how each school is supporting its students.

As part of the ongoing implementation of Alaska’s Education Challenge, DEED is working with school districts to support success in every school. Utilizing Alaska’s plan for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) as a strategy for closing our achievement gaps, the accountability system is implemented to help celebrate success and identify areas where additional support is needed, with the goal of increasing achievement for all students. The Overall School Index Value is an important piece of the System for School Success, which provides information about how each school is supporting its students. Please see the Guide to the System for School Success for a more complete description.

For 2023-2024, schools received a System for School Success Report. The one-page System for School Success Report contains:

• General information and school demographics
• Full Academic Year (FAY) participation rate
• Indicators
• Overall school index value
• The school’s designation for level of support
• The school index values for the nine different student groups.

You may view the full report card here: https://education.alaska.gov/compass/Report/2023-2024/22/220140#overview

Did you know you can help MRCS PTO earn donations just by using your Fred Meyer Rewards Card? It’s easy! Sign up for the Community Rewards program and link your Rewards Card to Mendenhall River Community School PTO (organization #HS191) at fredmeyer.com/communityrewards.

Every time you shop with your Rewards Card, you’ll still earn your regular rewards and fuel points, but MRCS will also receive a donation! It’s a simple way to support our school while doing your everyday shopping. Thank you for helping us make a difference!

Backpacks

Did you know that MRCS has backpacks for students who need them? Please contact Mrs. Berkey at 796-5600 or tristan.berkey@juneauschools.org and she will send one home with your child!

Weekend Food Bags

We want to remind you about the Alaska Reads Act, which is now in effect and plays an important role in supporting early literacy for our K-3 students. The act emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all students are proficient readers by the end of third grade, as strong reading skills are crucial for success in all academic areas.

What Does This Mean for Your Child?

• Regular Assessments: Students in grades K-3 will participate in regular literacy assessments to monitor their reading progress. These assessments help us identify areas where students may need additional support.
• Targeted Instruction: Based on assessment results, teachers will provide targeted instruction to meet the individual needs of each student. This personalized approach helps ensure that all students are on track to meet reading milestones.
• Parental Involvement: Families play a crucial role in supporting their child's literacy development. We encourage you to read with your child at home, engage in literacy-based activities, and communicate regularly with your child’s teacher about their progress.

At MRCS, we are dedicated to providing high-quality literacy instruction and resources to help every student succeed. The Alaska Reads Act aligns with our commitment to fostering a strong foundation in reading for all of our students.

If you have any questions or would like more information about the Alaska Reads Act and how it impacts your child, please feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher or visit our school office.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students' success!