Join us for Valentine Slime Night on February 18th at 5:30 pm. A HUGE thank you to Kuuk Water for sponsoring this event and providing 1000 ounces of slime making ingredients! Please fill out This Slime Night survey so we can get an idea regarding how many families are planning to attend.
We are also having a Family Movie Night February 11th @ 5:30pm. You can vote for your favorite movie and pre-order your pizza here . Your pizza purchase goes to making sure we can continue having movie nights all year long! Pizza is $1 a slice, cash only!
Alos, if you aren't on the parent club email list and want to be, please reach out to Leela Turso at leelacozette@gmail.com.
Hello from the Nurse!
As we have at most 2 more months of cold, rainy, windy wet weather. Please make sure to send your students with appropriate winter/rain gear attire. With our interesting weather patterns, we want to ensure your children can play outside safely and warmly.
To keep your child safe and healthy at school, it is very important that studentscome to school dressed for outside recess every day. The outside temperature must be colder than -10 degrees before students stay inside! A doctor’s note is the only exception to this per ASD policy. All those fingers, toes, ears, elbows, necks and knees need to stay warm and healthy. The following cold weather gear for your child should be provided:
_______ Warm Winter Coat _______ Warm Gloves or Mittens
_______ Boots _______ Hat, Earmuffs, Headband
I have some donation items to help, but I am running low on snowpants and winter boots for kindergarten through second grade. If you need resources to help supply winter gear or clothing items, please call me or the school counselor and we can provide you contact numbers and places to go to for these items.
2 Hot Topics to be aware of
Student immunizations:
Alaska Immunization Regulations 7 AAC 57.550 and 4 AAC 06.055 require that all children in Alaska public/private schools and childcare facilities be immunized unless he/she is exempted or immune.
Please make sure your student’s immunizations are up to date or the appropriate exemption form for either medical or religious purposes are filled out and turned into me or our amazing front desk staff. If you have any questions regarding what immunizations we have on file and if your child is up to date according to our records, don’t hesitate to call or email me. I have a list of local community resources for those who need help with vaccinations.
Over the Counter or prescription medications:
Any medications such as ibuprofen, Tylenol, cough drops, cough syrup or prescription medications need to be brought to the nurse by the parent. Students aren’t allowed to transport these items in their book bags. Ricola cough drops aren’t allowed by ASD policy without a provider’s note because of the herbal supplements used in them. An OTC form or prescription form must be filled out for a student to be allowed medications at school. The nurse can only take 1 verbal consent over the phone for over-the-counter medications.
Warmest Regards,
Cassandra Espinoza BSN-RN PMH-BC
Phone: 907-742-0417
Fax: 907-742-0425
Ptarmigan Families,
Black History Month began in 1926 and was created by Carter G. Woodson. It became a month-long celebration in 1976. The month of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
In class we will have focused read aloud to identify influential people who have made a difference in the black community. We will learn about the history of African Americans including the contributions of key figures. We will understand the importance of Black History Month.
Resources –
Biographies, Nonfiction Texts, Virtual Field Trip to National Museum of African-American History and Culture.
Valentines Day – Students can decorate a heart to share what they love about our library. Valentines Day books will be on display for checkout.
Checkout- K-2 students can checkout 1 book. 3-5 can check out two or three books at a time. We have been discussing safe places to keep resources and the importance of returning books on time so others can check them out.
Open Library- Monday and Wednesday afternoon 2:15-2:30 is open library. This is a good time to come return books, exchange books or ask for help finding a resource.
Mrs. Giammalva and Mrs. Gaither
Teacher-Librarians
February 2025
Welcome to another month of music-filled learning! February is a time to sing, dance, and celebrate the warmth of friendship, whether we’re braving the cold or cozying up indoors. Here's what’s been happening in the music room:
Kindergarten & First Grade: Exploring the Orchestra & Rhythms 🎶
The first graders have just wrapped up their exploration of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf’—a fantastic introduction to the instruments of the orchestra. Each instrument tells the story of the characters, and we had so much fun identifying the sounds! Next up, we’re diving deeper into reading and playing rhythms. We’ll be adding movement and song to explore how music makes us feel and helps us tell stories.
Second Grade: Mallet Madness 🎶
The second graders are loving their time with the mallet instruments—xylophones, metallophones, and glockenspiels. Each day brings a new discovery as they try out different sizes, from the bright, high-pitched soprano to the deep, resonant bass. They’re working on mastering rhythms and experimenting with creating their own melodies. The sound in the room is always so joyful!
Third Grade: Ukulele & Folk Dance Fun 🎶
Our third graders have been rocking the ukulele! After learning basic chords and strumming patterns, they’ve been playing along with simple songs. And when it’s time for a break, they’ve been learning folk dances, connecting movement with rhythm. It’s always a highlight to see them pick up the ukulele so confidently!
Fourth Grade: Recorder Rockstars 🎶
The fourth graders are making huge strides with the recorder! It’s challenging, but they’re getting more comfortable with finger placement and breath control. Soon they’ll start writing their own songs, combining rhythms and melodies they’ve learned.
Fourth and Fifth Grade: Orchestra Rocks & Symphony Prep 🎻
Fourth and Fifth grade is gearing up for an exciting month! They’ve been working with recorder and ukulele, but their big challenge this next month is preparing for the Orchestra Rocks program. In just a few weeks, they’ll be playing and singing with the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra on March 25th. What a fantastic opportunity to experience live music with professional musicians!
Choir: Pirate Adventures Ahead! 🏴☠️
The Pirates musical is in full swing! The cast is hard at work memorizing lines, songs, and dance moves for their big performance on April 17th. If you’re a fan of adventure on the high seas (and catchy tunes), this is a show you won’t want to miss. The kids are having so much fun singing, dancing, and getting into character. It’s shaping up to be a hilarious and heartwarming show.
Upcoming Events:
- Fur Rondy Winter Carnival: February 2025 (Celebrate winter with music and outdoor fun!)
- Anchorage Symphony Orchestra Performance: March 25, 2025 (Fourth and Fifth graders perform alongside the orchestra)
- Pirates Musical: April 17, 2025 (Don’t miss the fun!)
That’s a wrap for this month’s Notes from the Music Room! Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to mark your calendars for upcoming performances. We’re all looking forward to the fun and learning that lies ahead!
In Harmony,
Mrs. Benton
Classroom Music Specialist
The annual Ski 4 Kids event will be held February 15 at Kincaid Park from 2-5:00 pm. This event introduces children to fun outdoor activities, including a short ski race, obstacle course, ski orienteering, and more. We encourage all schools who have an active cross-country ski program to participate.
The event is co-sponsored by Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage, Municipality of Anchorage Parks & Recreation Department, and Healthy Futures. For more information about Ski 4 Kids please visit the event page at https://www.anchoragenordicski.com/events/ski-4-kids/
Mr. Mathias Nees
Elementary PE
Ptarmigan Elementary
