SVS Vision:

We aim to provide students with the necessary tools to achieve their full potential.

SVS Mission:

In collaboration with family and community, we will build strong relationships and share challenging, innovative instruction to inspire student passions, potential, and the ability to think critically and creatively

Dear Parents,

I hope this message finds you well. I want to start by apologizing for the delay in getting this newsletter out. As some of you may know, I was out recently for a moose hunting trip, and since returning, I’ve been working hard to get caught back up. I appreciate your understanding and patience.

As I reflect on the start of the year, one of the most satisfying things I’ve noticed is how much more our students are interacting with each other during common times and participating in class. It’s truly a joy to see them connecting and engaging with each other. There’s been a noticeable shift in the atmosphere.

This change speaks volumes about the supportive and encouraging environment we are all creating together. Let’s continue this momentum as we move forward, making this a wonderful year for all.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Bryan Kirby, SVS Principal

Bryan.Kirby@matsuk12.us

907-733-9300

Thursday, October 3 - HS Soccer at State

Friday, October 4 - HS Soccer at State

Saturday, October 5 - HS Soccer at State

Tuesday, October 8 - MS Boys Basketball at Teeland, Picture Day!, HS Volleyball vs Tri-Valley JV/V 3:00pm

Wednesday, October 9 - MS Girls Basketball at Wasilla Middle

Thursday, October 10 - HS Volleyball at Lumen

Friday, October 11 - HS Volleyball at Lumen

Saturday, October 12 - HS Volleyball at Lumen

Monday, October 14 - MS Boys Basketball at Palmer Junior

Tuesday, October 15 - MS Basketball VS Birchwood 3:30pm, HS Volleyball at Birchwood

Wednesday, October 16 - MS Girls Basketball at Colony

Thursday, October 17 - HS Volleyball vs Cordova

Friday, October 18 - HS Wrestling at Houston, HS Volleyball at Birchwood

Saturday, October 19 - HS Wrestling at Houston, HS Volleyball at Birchwood

Tuesday, October 22 - MS Boys Basketball at Colony, MS Boys/Girls at Houston, HS Volleyball vs Birchwood JV/V 4:00pm

Thursday, October 24 - HS Volleyball at Lumen

Friday, October 25 - HS Wrestling at Nikiski, HS Volleyball at CIA

Saturday, October 26 - HS Wrestling at Nikiski, HS Volleyball at Ninilchik

Monday, October 28 - MS Basketball Intra-Squad Game HOME 3:15pm

Wednesday, October 30 - MS Girls at Palmer Junior

Thursday, October 31 - HS Volleyball vs Unalaska

Su Valley will be offering digital school day assessments for the PSAT 8/9, PSAT/NMSQT for 10th/11th, and the SAT for 12th grade the week of October 21st. Seniors who are thinking about attending college should take the SAT or ACT this fall if they have not already done so. Su Valley will not be offering a fall ACT.

• The cost for the exam is being covered by the district.
• Interested students must sign up at the office by September 15th or by using this link.
• Practice tests for the SAT/NMSQT/PSAT
  
• For more information about the SAT Suite of Assessments you can visit the College Board website at https://counselors.collegeboard.org/assessments/sat-suite

Please contact Tamra Harrison at tamra.harrison@matsuk12.us if you have questions.

Hope is Not Lost: Perspective on Suicide Prevention

Suicide is a complex issue that affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. As a nurse, I've seen firsthand the devastating impact it can have on individuals, families, and communities. It's important to remember that there is always hope, and that help is available.

Suicide is often a symptom of an underlying mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. It's important to recognize the signs and symptoms of these conditions and to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling.

While anyone can be affected by suicidal thoughts, certain factors may increase the risk:

• · Mental health conditions
• · Substance abuse
• · Family history of suicide
• · Previous attempts at suicide
• · Stressful life events

Warning Signs

If you're concerned about someone's mental health, be aware of these warning signs:

• · Talking about suicide or death
• · Giving away personal belongings
• · Seeking out dangerous or risky behaviors
• · Changes in eating or sleeping habits
• · Withdrawal from friends and family

What You Can Do

If you suspect someone is considering suicide, it's important to act. Here's what you can do:

• · Ask directly: Ask the person if they're thinking about suicide. It's okay to talk about it.
• · Listen without judgment: Let the person know you're there for them and that you care.
• · Seek professional help: Encourage the person to seek help from a professional.
• · Don't leave them alone: Stay with the person until they're safe.

Remember, you are not alone. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help.

• · 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
• · The Jed Foundation: https://jedfoundation.org/

Together, we can raise awareness about suicide prevention and create a community where everyone feels supported and cared for.

Stay Healthy,
Romy Byrd RN - School Nurse
Matanuska Susitna Borough School District
Susitna Valley Junior/Senior High School (907) 733-9300

Transportation from practice:

Please make sure students are picked up from practice at 4:30 PM. There will be Sunshine Transit shuttles running IF RESERVED, first come first served. Students MUST tell the front office they plan to ride a transit before lunchtime each day in order to secure a spot.

We're excited to share that we are going to continue our podcast focused on all things Su Valley. We are excited about our journey so far and know things will get better. We're committed to improving with each episode.

Stick with us as we grow and refine our content. We're dedicated to providing valuable insights and engaging conversations as we are navigating the school year. Thanks for joining us on this journey!

We highly encourage families to fill out the Free and Reduced Meals application, even if you think you may not qualify. These dollars and this designation, is what gives our school it's Title I status, and helps provide additional dollars to put towards educating your child(ren).

This application does need to be filled out each school year, for all families who qualify, or would like to qualify.

FREE & REDUCED MEAL PROGRAM

Free & Reduced Meals Parents can submit applications to enroll their student(s) in the free and reduced meal program. Applications should be submitted annually and may be completed online (LINK here). Paper applications can also be picked up at SVS if you do not have the ability to print at home.

Paper applications cannot be submitted via email or fax, but must be submitted to the student's school or directly to Nutrition Services (690 E Cope Industrial Way, Palmer, AK 99645).

The application process will require the following information be provided:

• Total household size
• Income for all household members
• Student name(s)
• Additional information that is helpful, though not required, includes the student's birth date, enrolled school, and MSBSD ID number

Questions regarding the application process can be directed to (907) 861-5100.

Here at Su Valley we know that hungry, growing teenagers need to eat! Here are option for both in school, and families at home:

• We have free almond butter and jelly sandwiches & free fresh fruit available every day at the Snack Station - students can help themselves
• We provide free shelf-stable portable snacks as available through the Snack Station - students can help themselves
• We have a free School Food Pantry - available every Friday during lunch, or by request. This is food for any family who needs additional food at home. The items in the pantry are shelf-stable and range from snacks to ingredients for full meals. We also have toiletry items (toothpaste, deodorant, etc) available. Students may help themselves. This is provided in partnership with the Upper Susitna Food Pantry.

SVS PTSA has Su Valley spirt gear for sale. Please contact them at svptsa@gmail.com or call the school to leave a message for them. (907)-733-9300

Every Monday we will be starting school at 9:30 am. The rest of the week we will be starting at the normal time of 8:30 am. Another change this year is that we will be in school everyday of the week until 3:00. See Bell Schedule link above.

What are PLC Mondays, click on the link to go to an informative webpage to learn more.

Our behavioral health counselor, Tanya Korta, is available all summer and throughout the school year. During the summer, she can be reached at Sunshine Clinic. During the school year she can be reached at school (907-733-9300), and she will be here Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Please do not hesitate to reach out to her if you need to talk, or if you know someone who may need support. Her email is TKorta@sunshineclinic.org.

The Public Information Office and Office of Instruction encourages schools to share this MSBSD website with their families to share what's happening for kids in the Mat-Su Valley. Schools, parents and other community stakeholders may download, read, or print informational flyers distributed for sharing to all schools each week.

Flyer approval requests may be sent to Laura Richardson, Family & Partnership Coordinator for review and approval for distribution to schools.

"Home of the Rams"

Email: Bryan.Kirby@matsuk12.us
Website: https://svs.matsuk12.us/
Location: S. Parks Highway, Talkeetna, AK
Phone: 907-733-9300