Larson Elementary

Believe it or not we are starting the fourth quarter of the school year! Over the next nine weeks, students will be completing class assignments, iReady diagnostics, AimsWeb benchmark tests and AK STAR tests. It’s a lot, but our students are ready for the challenge. There are also a number of exciting things going on in March so please be on the lookout for flyers in your child’s backpack. If you don’t find anything there, check out the Larson Facebook page, this newsletter or our school webpage for more information.

We are always looking for volunteers. If you are interested, please stop by the office or give us a call at 907-352-2300 and we will help you fill out the paperwork.

Matthew LaHue

907-352-2300

matthew.lahue@matsuk12.us

It's Read Across America Week next week, Monday, March 3rd – Friday, March 7th. The goal of Read Across America is to encourage children to read and to celebrate reading in all its forms. The event also aims to promote cultural awareness, build community, and improve literacy rates. Larson will be celebrating with a Spirit Week. Some great ways to celebrate Read Across America Week are:

• Read a book with a child

• Read a book you've been meaning to read

• Read aloud, even if it's just to yourself

• Join your library

• Attend a book reading

Join in on the fun!

On behalf of the teachers and staff at Larson Elementary, we would like to wish our families a wonderful Spring Break! Students return on Monday, March 17th. It is PLC Monday. Doors open at 10:00am. REST, RELAX, AND ENJOY!

Join us in the Larson gym on Thursday, March 20th from 5:30pm - 7:00pm for a fun-filled evening of board games, friendly competition, and exciting estimation challenges. We hope to see you there!

Quarter 3 report cards will be available in ParentVUE on Thursday, March 20th. To access report cards, log into your ParentVUE account and click on the "documents" tab.

If you have any questions or are having trouble accessing the report card(s), please contact the front office at (907) 352-2300. Thank you for a wonderful third quarter!

2024-2025 Larson Yearbooks are on sale NOW! Buy your yearbook before Friday, March 21st for the early bird price of $22. After March 21st, the price is $25. Don't miss out on the memories!

The Family Teacher Association is hosting a brand new event for Larson families - A Student Entrepreneur Night! This event is focused on highlighting the creativity and hardwork of our students. Students purchase a table in our gym for $10.00 to sell their creations. Items can be anything from 3D printed fidgets to Swiftie inspired friendship bracelets and beyond! We hope your student will participate.

Lifetouch Photography will be at Larson on Thursday, March 27th to take spring pictures. Kindergarteners will also be taking cap and gown pictures. Order forms will be sent home after spring break. Bring your smiles!

Easy online ordering at https://mylifetouch.com

A couple of parent volunteers are needed for the kindergarten cap and gown photos. If you can commit 30-45 minutes (approx. 9:30-10:15am), please contact the front office.

The Matanuska Susitna Borough School District is a district of choice with an “open enrollment” policy, which means that a school can accept boundary exemption requests from all MSBSD students who reside outside their boundaries, based on whether they have staffing and capacity. Since schools can receive over 200 boundary exemption requests each year, requests submitted before April 1st have the best chance of being accepted. However, students from out-of-boundary schools must provide their own transportation. If your student is currently attending Larson Elementary on a Boundary Exemption, a new online application must be completed for the 2025-2026 school year.

Track and Field begins the first week of April. It is open to all fourth and fifth graders. Permission forms will be distributed after spring break.

Below, please see Larson's the Report Card to the Public.

• March 1st - 5th Grade Volleyball Jamboree at Wasilla Middle School

• March 6th - Quarter 3 ENDS

• March 7th - No School for Students (Work Day for Teachers)

• March 10th - 14th - Spring Break

• March 17th - Return from Spring Break -PLC Monday - Doors Open at 10:00am

• March 20th - Title I Family Math/Game Night - 5:30pm - 7:00pm

• March 22nd - Science Olympiad at Career Tech High School
• March 26th - Student of the Month Luncheon
• March 27th - Spring Picture Day
• March 28th - FTA Student Entrepreneur Night - 6:00pm - 8:00pm
• April 1st - 4th/5th Grade Track and Field Begins (the week of April 1st - exact date TBA)
• April 6th - District Elementary School Chess Tournament at Colony Middle School
• April 14-17th- AK STAR 3rd - 5th Grade ELA and Math Testing
• April 21st - 25th - AIMS Testing KG-3rd Grade

The Science Olympiad Club went on a stargazing field trip to Hatcher Pass on Friday, February 7th. There were thirteen students, 3 telescopes, fresh hot cinnamon rolls, hot chocolate, and donuts, as well as lots of laughs and great discussions about the moon, nebulas, and planets that opened students' eyes to the universe's wonders! Students even got to watch Venus eclipsing, and cool lasers were used to point out different planets, galaxies, and stars. Thank you, Mrs. Pitney and Mr. Merrill for a great night.

Mrs. Parker, Mr. McDermott, Mrs. Kinney, Miss Frey and Mrs. Wise's classrooms participated in thrilling winter adventures snowshoeing at Government Peak. The students delighted in stunning vistas, crisp air and snow-covered trails. It was a memorable experience for everyone!

The 12th Annual NYO District Meet was held at Houston High School on February 7th and 8th. A big congratulations to Atlee G. and Liam L., who both brought home 1st place medals in the 2-Foot-High Kick event! Several other athletes also placed in the top 10 in various events. All of our athletes did an outstanding job and represented Larson with pride. Great work to everyone!

Larson was so pleased to host the 2025 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail! Maggie Hamilton joins an elite group of educators to earn this honor. Maggie is currently a 5th grade teacher in Mitchell, IN. Maggie has incorporated the race in math, reading, social studies and other academic areas. Her entire school uses the theme of Iditarod to motivate students to achieve their goals. With a passion for new opportunities and a dedication to education, Maggie inspires young minds through her diverse experiences and worldly perspective. We were so happy to have her at Larson to share her Iditarod experience.

We are happy to help!