![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/_fr/AhvNPC6DL9bEV1cg1Ttq-Q.cfdd7c3a.jpg)
North Star News - April 2024
![North Star News - April 2024](https://cdn.smore.com/u/thumbs/7600/thumb-3126c3a62560254dce8a127cd92a2f9b.png)
Photo: Outdoor recess at Anne Wien Elementary.
What's inside?
- Letter from Superintendent
- FNSB Special Election on May 7
- Alaska Reads Act Update
- CTE Needs Assessment Survey
- Ready Raven Pre-K Summer Program
- and more!
Dear school district families,
Despite the cold snap these last couple days, spring is on its way! With it comes a renewed sense of energy and growth. We see this reflected in our students' classrooms and on the playgrounds, where the spirit of learning and connection thrives.
As April unfolds, I want to acknowledge the incredible dedication you've shown your children throughout this school year. We're nearing the home stretch, and I encourage everyone to maintain focus and keep working hard. There's so much to accomplish in these coming weeks, and your support at home truly makes a difference.
The last few months have been challenging with discussions regarding the school district’s budget. While there are uncertainties, I want to assure you that our priority remains a robust learning environment for all students. Thank you to everyone who has advocated - and to those who continue to advocate - locally and at the state level for increased public education funding so we can provide students with the education that they deserve.
Together, let's celebrate the achievements of the school year so far and build momentum as we head towards a successful finish line. Thank you for your continued partnership.
Sincerely,
Dr. Luke Meinert, Superintendent
FNSB Special Election - May 7, 2024
The Fairbanks North Star Borough is holding a Special Election on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, to vote on increasing funding for public education. A 'YES' vote for Proposition A means an increase of $10 million in school district funding by raising the borough’s tax revenue limit. A 'No' vote maintains the current tax revenue limit and will likely mean further school district reductions are needed, such as:
Increasing class sizes by 2-5 students and reducing teaching positions
Closing of another school or schools
Further reduction of positions across the district
Reduced programs and services
Additional student activity reductions
Click here more information on how Proposition A will impact schools. Your voice counts!
Advocate For Public Education
How can you help advocate for public education funding?
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Needs Assessment Survey - We Need Your Feedback!
We invite you to participate in filling out the relevant surveys and encourage you to share this opportunity with anyone who may wish to contribute their insights. The data we gather from these surveys serves as a cornerstone in the development of a strategic plan aimed at enhancing the CTE programs across all schools within our district.
- Take the Parent Survey
- Take the Student Survey
- Take the Workforce Development Survey
AASSP Alaska Principal of the Year and Region VI Principal of the Year
Rick Dormer, President of AASSP, said Principal Dershin has been an exemplary leader in Alaska for many years. "His calm demeanor and caring advocacy for kids have made him an effective leader who certainly deserves this recognition as Alaska Principal of the Year."
Superintendent Dr. Luke Meinert said, "Principal Dave Dershin's selection as Alaska's Principal of the Year is a tremendous and well-deserved achievement that reflects his outstanding leadership and deep commitment to student success." Dr. Meinert added that, "Dave has a great heart for education that shines through in everything he does. We are proud to have such a dedicated, visionary principal representing the FNSBSD."
The AASSP Principal of the Year program recognizes outstanding middle-level and high school principals who succeed in providing high quality learning opportunities for students and demonstrate exemplary contributions to the profession.
Contest Winners - Black History Month 2024
In celebration of Black History Month, the local National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the FNSBSD proudly sponsored a Black History Month Contest for students.
Congratulations to the following contest winners!
Literacy Improvement with 'Walk to Read' in Elementary Schools
Walk to Read programs have been implemented throughout our elementary schools and we've seen positive growth in both literacy and school culture. The schoolwide Walk to Read program provides teachers the time needed for student reading interventions. Early intervention helps close the reading gap at a young age and sets students up for future success. Stay tuned for an upcoming Alaska EdVenture episode about Walk to Read!
Alaska EdVenture Podcast 013: Guys Read Gals Read - Become a Reader Role Model!
Recommended Budget Available | Operations
The Recommended Budget was approved by the Board of Education on March 20, 2024. The Recommended Budget will be presented to the Borough Assembly on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Review the Recommended Budget and learn more about the budget process.
Ready Raven Pre-K Program | Teaching & Learning
Our Ready Raven Program team is offering TWO in-person summer programs. Registration is FREE! Ready Raven is a 17-day intensive, literacy-focused, fun opportunity for 4 and 5-year-old children who will enroll in kindergarten this coming fall. Ready Raven will be held Monday-Thursday, June 3–June 27 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. at Anne Wien and Midnight Sun Elementary.
Title I Family Engagement Plan | Student Support Services
The Title I District Family Engagement Plan, as presented and reviewed by the Board Parent Engagement Committee on February 28, 2024, and signed by Superintendent Dr. Meinert on March 7, is available for review here. The District's Parent Engagement Committee welcomes your input and participation.
Alaska Reads Act Update | Teaching & Learning
Later this month, students in grades K–3 will be assessed with the mClass reading benchmark for the third and final time this year. The mClass assessment will be administered between April 22 and May 3, as required by the state through the Alaska Reads Act. This will be an opportunity to see the growth students have made over the course of the year. For students in 3rd grade, if they remain on a Reading Achievement Plan (or RAP) parents have the option to consider retention, or repeating 3rd grade, or to elect to have their child move on to 4th grade. These options should have been discussed and brought to the attention of parents or guardians during or shortly after Parent-Teacher Conferences. It is important for parents of third grade students who are Well-Below Proficient to communicate with the school which option they have elected for their child. The school principal will be your point of contact and can help you understand your options and make an informed decision.
For third grade students who qualify, the district will offer as Summer Reading Intervention, one week at a time throughout the month of June. Two locations, one in North Pole area, and one in town, will be made available and offered to any student going into 4th grade, who ended their 3rd grade year Well-Below Proficient. The Teaching and Learning department will communicate directly with families whose children qualify and invite parents to select the week in June and location that works best for their family.
For additional information about the FNSBSD’s approach to teaching reading and addressing the requirements of the Alaska Reads Act, click here. Review the Elementary Reading Plan in detail here.
AK STAR & Science Assessments | Teaching & Learning
AK STAR is the state summative assessment and is administered to students in grades 3–9 in English Language Arts and Math. The Science Assessment is the state summative assessment and is administered in grades 5, 8, and 10 for Science.
The testing schedule is:
- Middle Schools: March 25–April 5
- High Schools: April 1–5
- Elementary Schools: April 8–19
- Makeups: March 25 –April 26, after the initial test dates.
Check your school’s website for specific test dates or contact the school’s office. Also, be on the lookout for more information from your school this week.
Important information, please note: No electronic devices, besides those used for testing, will be allowed in the room during the test. This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones, laptops, iPads, e-readers, smart watches, fitness trackers, etc. If an electronic device is medically necessary, contact the principal to discuss this.
Allergy Season and Attendance | Attendance Matters
Jump Start Music Camp For Incoming 6th Graders!
Students interested in learning an instrument can participate in this FREE summer music camp. Middle school students will get a jump start on understanding instrument fundamentals, care, and playing. Preference is given to students who have not had band or orchestra experience. Instruments will be provided to students who register by May 1, 2024.
July 29–August 2, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Ryan Middle School
Limited availability! Register online here.
Surplus Items Available in Online Auctions
The district is now holding surplus auctions on GovDeals.com, an online auction service for State, Local, and Educational agencies to conduct online sales of their surplus property.
2023 AK STAR Reports | Teaching & Learning
Students’ 2023 AK STAR reports will be available in PowerSchool starting April 17. This is not to be confused with the 2024 AK STAR tests being administered at schools in March through April. Students’ reports for the 2024 AK STAR tests are expected to be released in the fall. Click here for more information.
After School Programs (ASP) | Student Support Services
April 25, 2024 is the last day for the 21st CCLC Afterschool Programs! Our ASP Students were busy this year practicing literacy skills, exploring STEM concepts through hydroponics, cooking, physical movement, and art, as well as working on their social and emotional skills. If you are interested in learning more about these programs, please contact the Afterschool Program Coordinator at your student’s school.
21st CCLC ASP Grant Funded Programs Sites: Anne Wien, Denali, Hunter, Ticasuk Brown, Weller, Ryan, and Lathrop.
Alaska Native Education Survey | Student Support Services
ANE Families we would love to hear from you! Please fill out our ANE survey, your feedback and input directly impacts our programming. The survey deadline is Friday, April 5th, 2024.
Photo credit: West Valley Boys Basketball
Student Activities | Athletics
Click the google sheet links below for activity calendars.
Learn more about student activities.
Eielson: https://www.arbiterlive.com/Teams?entityId=6726
Hutchison: https://www.arbiterlive.com/Teams?entityId=10685
Lathrop: https://www.arbiterlive.com/Teams?entityId=12446
North Pole: https://www.arbiterlive.com/Teams?entityId=16328
West Valley: https://www.arbiterlive.com/Teams?entityId=25400
Upcoming Events
APR 8 | 7:00 p.m. Lathrop High Jazz Band Vocal Night Fundraiser at Hering
APR 26 | Early Dismissal
APR 27 | 11:00 a.m. Month of Military Child “Day in Life” at Pioneer Park
Board of Education Meetings
APR 8 | 5:30 p.m. Board Work Session: Policy
APR 15 | 6:00 p.m. Board Work Session: Policy
APR 16 | 6:00 p.m. Board Regular Meeting
APR 18 | 5:30 p.m. Board Curriculum Committee Meeting
APR 24 | 5:30 p.m. Board Parent Engagement Committee Meeting
APR 29 | 5:30 p.m. Board Work Session: Fairbanks Native Association
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
Email: publicrelations@k12northstar.org
Website: www.k12northstar.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fsdk12/
Instagram: @fsdk12
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@northstar907
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.