Bear Valley Bugle

November has begun with several ups and downs. With the information presented in the ASD Rightsizing proposal, I know it creates a lot of anxiety and unknowns at this time. What I can assure you of, is that we are focusing on our students at this time and ensuring that Bear Valley Elementary stays a positive and supportive place to learn and grow. We are staying focused on the school year , student learning and have a lot of wonderful things going on.

One great thing to celebrate is that US News and World Report has just released its list of the top schools in the United States. Bear Valley was ranked as the #2 school in the state of Alaska. Congratulations are in order to all the schools on the list and the Top 10 Alaska Schools.

1. Eagle Academy Charter- Eagle River

2. Bear Valley Elementary- Anchorage

3. Huffman Elementary- Anchorage

4 Aquarian Charter School- Anchorage

5. Rogers Park Elementary- Anchorage

6.American Charter Academy- Matsu

7.Bayshore Elementary- Anchorage

8. Northern Lights ABC- Anchorage

9. Birchwood ABC- Eagle River

10. O'Malley Elementary- Anchorage

https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/alaska/bear-valley-elementary-205467

Our food drive wrapped up today and the student council got to take a tour of the food bank. The Bear Valley Food Drive has been going on for over a decade. In the last 6 years 28,229 pounds of food has been donated. This year's total was not yet weighed but it looked close to last years! Thank you all for your support of the community of Anchorage and beyond.

The PTA has compiled some wonderful information and ways to help advocate for Bear Valley. See the PTA section below for more. Just remember when we are passionate about a topic to keep students at the center while advocating. Thank you all for your continued support of our staff, students and school. We love Bear Valley!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving in just a few weeks. We have a lot to be thankful for, even in challenging times.

Mrs. Scherer

Principal

Students add a sticker to their class pumpkin each time they complete 2 iReady lessons in a week! Way to go CUBS! For the past 2 weeks, winning classrooms earned extra food bank donations toward their class total.

Our student council enjoyed helping Mrs. Sooter's class count their food bank donations each day! Way to go CUBS for all your support on the food drive.

Wear your pajamas on November 27. Students should be able to wear their snow gear over their pajamas. Please make sure students are dressed appropriately for school.

Monday 2:30-3:45 Battle of the Books 3-5

Tuesday 2:30-3:45 Choir Grades 3-5

Tuesday 2:30-3:45 Arts and Crafts Club Grades 1-2

Wednesday 2:30-3:45 Choir Grades 3-5

Thursday 2:30-3:45 Spanish Club Grades 3-5

Here are some of the important resources available on our Student Nutrition Web Page Link.

• Meal prices
• Free & Reduced Meal Applications
• A list of Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools where meals are free for all students
• General information about Student Nutrition

Free & Reduced Meal Applications:

While paper copies are available, online submission via the Student Nutrition Web Page is faster.

SchoolCafe:

Families can sign up for balance notifications and view the menu through the, SchoolCafe Link.

Online Prepayments and Payments:

These are process only through Parent Connect.

To date, our overall attendance rate has increased by 2% since last year, averaging 94% of students here 90% of the time. Keep it up Cubs! At first quarter we had 75 students out of 313 here everyday!

ASD Personal Property Policy

Adapted from the ASD Student Handbook

Student desks and/or coat closets are not secure enough to store personal property (e.g. iPods, electronic devices, etc.) The same restrictions apply to toys, Pokemon Cards, legos, earbuds, etc. These and other items are not permitted at school. Cell phones must be turned off and stored during the school day (8:40-3:30- and not be taken out until students are in a bus or vehicle) including lunch/recess. Smart watches must have bluetooth/wifi disconnected as these can function in the same way as a cell phone.Repeated violations will be regarded as willful disobedience.

ASD is not responsible for loss or theft of personal property.

To minimize distractions during the school day, we are asking that parents refrain from bringing in balloons and treats for birthdays. We have students with allergies and treats are not always appropriate. We do a special certificate, pencil and announcement from the office, as well as classroom recognition.

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

This letter is to let you know that your child’s class will be receiving age-appropriate lessons on child sexual abuse and assault prevention education as required under the state’s Alaska Safe Children’s Act (Erin’s Law).

The lessons will be presented to grades:

K, 2, 4 and 5 during the Health rotation in December

1, 3 and 6 during the January Health Rotation

Erin’s Law Education is comprised of two lessons (one lesson at the beginning of each semester) taught during the Health classes. Combined, these lessons meet the full requirements for students under the Alaska Safe Children’s Act (Erin’s Law) and are designed to help prevent childhood sexual abuse. Theses lessons will be presented in a non-threatening way, along with the skills needed for self-protection and will be handled in a sensitive, respectful manner.

Information about the lessons can be viewed HERE.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1J4mCSGZi6GBUv14WBpiO-7gsrj7DbXtA?usp=sharing

If you do NOT want your child to receive the instruction under the Alaska Safe Children’s Act, you must write a letter to the school principal requesting that your child be excused from these specific lessons.

Thank you for partnering with us as we continue to provide learning opportunities to improve the safety and well being of our students.

Sincerely,

Jennifer McDonald

Health/SEL Specialist

Huffman and Bear Valley Elementary

Email: bvattendance@asdk12.org
Website: https://www.asdk12.org/bearvalley
Location: 15001 Mountain Air Drive, Anchorage, AK, USA
Phone: 907-742-5900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bearvalleyelementary