This week at Connections!

As many of you know, our very own Rose Burke, a Connections 4th grader, won the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree essay contest and traveled to Washington D.C. to help light the Capitol Christmas Tree. Her mom and two of her siblings made the trip with her to join in the festivities and fun!

They had many adventures along the way and were gracious enough to share highlights with us!

Our Connections office had a 'watch party' to cheer Rose on as she read her essay and helped flip the switch on December 3rd. She did such an amazing job on her essay and sharing it with the country!

Photo Credits: The Burke Family & U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Facebook Page

Here is the essay that won Rose this great opportunity! We are so very proud of her!

Want to watch the ceremony? Click the link below!

Aside from Miss Burke's tree lighting responsibilities, they were able to take in some sights, meet some important people and have some fun!

A little fun history of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree-

• The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree has been a tradition since 1964.
• The U.S. Forest Service began providing trees to the Capitol in 1970.
• Of the 54 years of U.S. Forest Service providing the trees, The Capitol Christmas Tree has come from the state of Alaska two times, 2024 and back in 2015.
• In 2015, the essay winner was also a Connections student! Anna DeVolld was a 5th grader when she traveled to the Capitol to share her winning essay and flip the switch!
• Both times that the tree has come from Alaska, truck driver John Schank has helped transport the tree from Alaska to Washington D.C.
• Both times that the tree has come from Alaska, Senator Lisa Murkowski and Senator Dan Sullivan have been a part of the ceremony/festivities.

The MAPS test for Math, Reading, and Lang Arts is a computerized, adaptive assessment given 3 times per year to students in 3rd through 8th grade. The results are available the next day and provide clear indications of what the student is mastering as well as any gaps that need to be addressed. Advisors, parents, and administrators can use this assessment to make informed decisions to promote a child’s academic growth. You can even enter the math scores into Khan Academy or IXL to get targeted lessons to work through.

Three tests (Reading, Language Arts, and Math) make up this assessment and they are structured so that students can take them online at home during specific testing sessions. You may choose to give your student one, two or all three tests.

Each session is set up for a student to complete ONE subject test and each test contains 40-50 questions (about 1-1.5 hours). If you would like your child to take multiple tests, please sign up for multiple testing sessions. Prior to your session, you will receive an email with information on how to proctor from home, set up the computer, as well as practice test information.

Each office has testing sessions available. Click your location below to access the sign-up link.

If you would like to have your child participate in this assessment at home, please sign up for a different session for each subject. For example, Math on Tuesday at 9:00am, Reading on Tuesday at 1:30pm, Language Arts on Wednesday at 9:00am, etc.

If you would like to OPT OUT of testing, please complete the Opt Out Form below and return to your advisor if you haven't already. We only need one per school year.

mCLASS is a universal screener and assessment system that measures a child's literacy and math skills. It's used for students in grades K–5 and provides information that can help teachers and parents understand a child's development and identify areas for support.

Click here for CENTRAL PENINSULA testing sign-up.

Information for Homer and Seward to come.

Thanks to those that joined us for The Pratt Museum Scavenger Hunt in Homer last week! It was a lot of fun!

ALYESKA SKI DAYS!!

We have scheduled a couple of fun filled days in February, at Alyeska and are truly hoping you can join us there!!

Below is the flyer with all of the information you need.

PLEASE take a close look at the rate sheet (included in the flyer), as we have been given some great group rates and discounted lessons!

For lessons we must have 20 + students, participating per group session to take advantage of this great deal. But even more than that, this is a great opportunity for your students to learn and enhance their skiing and snowboarding abilities; thereby giving them skills, confidence, and a much better time on the mountain!

The sign-up links for Thursday, Feb 20th & Friday 21st are in the flyer as well. You should receive an email verifying that you have signed up for the program, if you do not, please let me know. Once Julie sees you on the roster, she will reply with an email verifying your choices, amounts and other details. Please give her a call if you do not hear from me within a few days of signing up. 907-224-9035.

The Attached Alyeska Rental & Waiver form needs to be submitted for every participant, even if not taking lessons or rentals. Please after signing up, fill out and return to Julie at jlindquist@kpbsd.k12.ak.

Alyeska Event Information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lyq7SUUqkYuTQfurtw-7XZU9G69Rca0u/view?usp=drive_link

Alyeska Rental & Waiver: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1C1xA6DuvzZg6aexecWrh_cKOvhE5WrVC/view?usp=drive_link

A group of our Seward students gather together for an ASL Class. Here are a few pictures from their most recent gathering!

Dive into Adventure at the Seward Sea Life Center!

🌊 Nocturne Sleepover for Homeschool Families

Pack your sleeping bag and prepare for an unforgettable night! Join us for an exclusive overnight adventure designed just for homeschool families.

• 🧪 Hands-On Labs: Dive into marine science with two exciting, family-friendly labs. Explore the wonders of Alaska’s marine ecosystems and get up close with the animals that call the ocean home.

• 🌙 Night at the Aquarium: it’s like being part of the ocean!

• 🍽 Dinner and breakfast are included

✨ When: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from 5pm-9am

✨ Where: Seward Sea Life Center

✨ Cost: $90 per person – allotment may be used to pay for this event if your student has science on their learning plan. Allotment may also be used for one accompanying parent.

SIGN UP LINK: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nocturne-sleepover-at-the-seward-sea-life-center-tickets-1096786460829?aff=oddtdtcreator

Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today! Don’t miss this chance to combine science, adventure, and unforgettable memories at the heart of Alaska’s marine world. This is a great opportunity to double your fun while visiting Seward – enjoy the Kenai Fjords adventure then head over to the Sea Life Center.

🌊 Discover. Explore. Dream. 🌊

We have been fortunate enough to reserve a Kenai Fjords Marine Science Tour on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, for students grades 3-12.

Seating is limited and is first- come, first-serve; so, once you are sure, please don’t hesitate to sign up for this awesome excursion! One parent/guardian will be allowed per family .

Also, once the available seating is filled, Julie Lindquist will start a waitlist, and it will be first-come first-serve.

This trip is reimbursable for students and one parent/guardian, or it may be deducted from your student’s allotment. Once you make a reservation, Julie will contact you to confirm and go over the details and answer any questions you may have.

The last day to cancel for a full refund is the 31st of March.

Here is a very short description of the trip and what it entails.

The goal of the Marine Science Explorers Program is to provide students with an exceptional learning environment, to help students understand and appreciate the marine ecosystem in the Gulf of Alaska and inspire interest in Marine Science. During the five-hour cruise, we explore beyond the surface of the water. Students are introduced to sampling techniques and lab activities as they investigate seawater and plankton. Students observe marine mammals and seabirds in their natural habitat and consider their adaptations. In this living laboratory, students are encouraged to examine how these pieces fit together into an ecosystem concept.

Please click the Kenai Fjords flyer below, which will take you to the sign-up link & see the Explorer trip description sheet for more details.

We had a few of Connections students participate in The Wisdom Tree Drama Class' presentation of 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens on November 30th. Great job!

We love to feature our amazing students!! If you'd like to share something fun your student is doing for school or in their extra-curricular activities, please send photos and short description to jlarsen@kpbsd.k12.ak.us.

The annual Scripps Spelling Bee will be January 22, 2025!

Are you interested in participating in this year's Spelling Bee? Sign up with us today!!

Study Lists are available! If you are planning to participate, click the image below to access the study lists.

ATTENTION- High school students!

Consider creating and sharing your original art focused on the ocean in Alaska!

Would you like a Connections hoodie, t-shirt, or other item to represent your school?

Heather & Heather Screen-Printing has created an online store for us! Click the link below to access and order directly!

Each of our locations have special events in their certain areas!

Be sure to click the link below for your area to see what each Connections location has coming up AND the community events for each area.