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 and Guardians,

As we approach the final month of the first semester, I’ve been reflecting on the incredible journey our students have taken so far this year. They’ve faced challenges, showing remarkable growth and determination along the way. It’s been impressive to watch them tackle obstacles, stay engaged, and build the perseverance needed to achieve their goals.

This progress wouldn’t be possible without the support of our parents and guardians. Your encouragement, involvement, and partnership have been instrumental in helping our students be where they are today, and I am deeply grateful for the role each of you plays in their success.

From Engagement to Perseverance

This month, we’re shifting our focus from fostering engagement to cultivating perseverance. Perseverance is about more than just getting through tough moments; it’s about developing the ability to:

• Keep going even when things are hard or difficult.
• Stay focused on the end result.
• Show grit—the resilience and determination to overcome obstacles.

Encouraging Perseverance at Home

Here are some ways to build on this focus at home:

~ Ability to Keep Going: “What’s something you worked hard at today, even when it wasn’t easy?”

~ Focus on the End Result: “What’s one thing you’re proud to be making progress on this semester?”

~ Grit: “What’s an example of a challenge you faced this week, and how did you stick with it?”

Looking back at this semester, I couldn’t be prouder of our students’ growth, the dedication of our teachers and staff, and the incredible support from our families. Together, we’ve laid the foundation for a strong finish to the semester—and for the success yet to come!

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Let’s keep our students inspired and engaged all year long!

Bryan Kirby, SVS Principal

Bryan.Kirby@matsuk12.us

907-733-9300

Monday, December 2 - HS Nordic Ski Starts

Wednesday, December 4 - HS Basketball and Cheer start, MS Nordic Ski Starts

Thursday, December 5 - Volleyball at State (Palmer)

Friday, December 6 - Volleyball at State (Palmer), Wrestling at Grace

Saturday, December 7 -Volleyball at State (Palmer), Wrestling at Grace

Friday, December 13 - HS Wrestling Regions (Fairbanks Hutch)

Saturday, December 14 - HS Wrestling Regions (Fairbanks Hutch) Homecoming Dance 7-10pm (HS only)

Monday, December 16 - Thursday Schedule Finals Period 3&6

Monday, December 17 - Thursday Schedule Finals Period 1&2

Monday, December 18 - Thursday Schedule Finals Period 4&5

Thursday, December 19 - Exam make-up day, HS Wrestling at State (Alaska Airlines Center Anchorage)

Friday, December 20 - HS Wrestling at State (Alaska Airlines Center Anchorage)

Saturday, December 21 - HS Wrestling at State (Alaska Airlines Center Anchorage)

December 23-Januaray 3 Winter Break

Online Tutoring Help

Statewide Library Electronic Doorway

Get online tutoring for subjects like math, English, and history. Work with a live tutor or use the resources to study independently, all free to you! Live Homework Help also provides all Alaskans free help finding and applying online for a job, writing resumes and cover letters, interviewing prep, and applying for unemployment assistance.

Go to https://lam.alaska.gov/sled/homework/ for more information.

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a free, online educational resource that offers a variety of learning tools for students, teachers, and parents:

• Videos: Short video lessons on a wide range of subjects, including math, science, history, literature, and computer science
• Practice exercises: Interactive practice problems to help students master skills
• Quizzes and tests: Assessments to help students practice and master skills
• Personalized dashboard: A dashboard that helps students personalize their learning

Go to https://www.khanacademy.org/

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

Have you ever stopped to consider the power of gratitude? It’s a simple yet profound practice that can significantly impact our mental health. Studies have shown that expressing gratitude can reduce stress, increase happiness, and improve overall well-being.

Why should we practice gratitude? Gratitude helps us shift our focus away from the stress in our lives and onto the positive aspects of our lives. Gratitude boosts positive emotions and in turn changes our mood. When we express gratitude to others, it strengthens bonds and fosters deeper connections. Gratitude fights loneliness! There is also research that supports the idea that gratitude can have physical benefits also such as lowering blood pressure and improving sleep. In short, gratitude reduces stress, enhances happiness, improves relationships, decreases loneliness, and helps our physical and mental health!

How to Practice Gratitude

• Gratitude Journaling: Dedicate a few minutes each day to write down things you're grateful for.
• Mindful Meditation: Focus on the present moment and express gratitude for your experiences.
• Verbal Expression: Share your gratitude with others.

By incorporating gratitude into our daily lives, we can cultivate a more positive mindset and improve our overall mental health. Let’s encourage each other to practice gratitude and spread positivity throughout our school community.

Gratefully,

Romy Byrd RN

School Nurse

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

Dear Parent or Guardian, below is information about the program. Please keep this form for reference.

We are located at: Family First Treasures; 403 S Alaska St.

Palmer, AK 99645

Applications: Applications are available from Nov.1st-Dec. 14th

General Information:

- Anyone in need can apply to receive gifts for their children.

- Must be a Valley resident.

- Complete and return Parent Agreement form and one wish list form for each child.

- A donation of $1.00 is appreciated for each child but is not required. Donations are accepted at sign- up or when you pick up gifts.

- Gift pick-up day is by the PARENT’S or GUARDIAN’S LAST NAME that signed up.

Submitting Applications: Forms can be returned the following ways:

- Email: matsu_santa@yahoo.com

- Mat-Su Special Santa Workshop Monday – Friday from 10:00 am-5:00 pm for the month of November and Monday – Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm for the month of December. (This excludes Holidays & Our Last Day at the workshop will be December 19th!)

- Alaska Family Services WIC/Child Care office located at 777 N. Crusey St. Wasilla (Health Foundation Building upstairs)

- https://www.specialsanta.net/applications.html

- Alaska Family Services main office located at 1825 S. Chugach St. in Palmer

- Or mail them to: 1825 S Chugach St, Palmer, AK 99645

Pick up gifts: PROOF OF RESIDENCY IS REQUIRED:

- You must show a copy of your Driver’s License/State I.D. If your license/I.D. does not have a current Valley address, please provide a utility bill or lease agreement showing current residence.

- You may come the day you are scheduled or any day afterwards to pick up your gifts.

Family Gift Pick-Up Dates by PARENT’S LAST NAME:

C-E Monday, December 9 Time: 1:00 to 6:00 (Or any day after until Dec. 19)

F-H Tuesday, December 10 Time: 1:00 to 6:00 (Or any day after until Dec. 19)

M-P Wednesday, December 11 Time: 1:00 to 6:00 (Or any day after until Dec. 19)

A-B Thursday, December 12 Time: 1:00 to 6:00 (Or any day after until Dec. 19)

Q-S Friday, December 13 Time: 1:00 to 6:00 (Or any day after until Dec. 19)

I-L Saturday, December 14 Time: 1:00 to 6:00 (Or any day after until Dec. 19)

T-Z Monday, December 16 Time: 1:00 to 6:00 (Or any day after until Dec. 19)

Tues, Dec. 17th, Wed, Dec. 18 & Thurs, Dec. 19 - Late Applications & Drop-Ins – 10 - 6

(Drop-Ins: We will assist families who did not sign-up.)

The Special Santa Program is under the umbrella of Alaska Family Services a 501c3 Non-Profit Charity and working in partnership with Toys for Tots.

Susitna Valley High School Volleyball is winding down but also ramping up! Varsity has placed second in their conference and are headed to the state tournament next week. Good luck ladies as you represent the “Ramily”. JV had one of the best seasons ever, finishing up last week with more wins, so the future looks bright. It’s a been a fun and exciting season, and the coaches are looking forward to the middle school season starting in early January.

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