Ptarmigan Elementary School

Ptarmigan Families,

It is hard to believe fall and October is here. Students have finished the beginning of year benchmark assessments and we had a successful Open House. Thanks to all who attended our Back to School event and our first Parent Club meeting. It was nice to meet families face-to-face and for teachers to demonstrate what they do in their classrooms every day. We look forward to future events that bring our families together. Our next big event will be the Fall Festival at the end of the month!

The leaves are falling and the weather is getting colder. It is time to start getting winter gear ready for students. There is determination dust on the mountains.

Mrs. Ellen Drake

Ptarmigan Elementary Principal

October 2nd:

• National Custodian Day.

October 14th:

• NO SCHOOL. Observation of Indigenous Peoples Day.

• Fall Picture Day.

• The Great Alaska ShakeOut.

October 18th:

• NO SCHOOL. Teacher Grading Day.

October 23rd:

• Parent/Teacher Conferences. Early Release @ 11:30am.
• Book Fair in Library.
• No School for 3-year Preschool.

• Parent/Teacher Conferences. Early Release @ 11:30am.
• Book Fair in Library.
• No School for 3-year Preschool.

October 25th:

• NO SCHOOL. Teacher In-Service.

• Fall Festival @ 5:30pm-7:00pm.

Greetings,

I am the new school nurse for Ptarmigan Elementary. I am excited to be supporting and caring for your students this school year. I moved to Alaska in 2005 and don’t plan on moving out. Alaska is home. I have 5 children, 3 of my own, and 2 bonus kiddos. We have 3 large dogs, 3 cats, and a cranky Bearded Dragon. I’ve been a nurse since 2011, working in various medical fields. In 2015, I found my passion for mental/behavioral health field with children. I obtained my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse board certification in August of 2023. Prior to working for Ptarmigan, I worked at Matsu Regional in their Behavioral Health Unit, as a charge nurse and certified trainer for their crisis and de-escalation team. I continued to work there with adults and children in crisis and recovery until 2024. I moved to Anchorage from the Valley in 2023 and decided that I wanted to find a way to work with children and be closer to home. Fortunately, ASD provided me that opportunity to continue to work with and support children and have more time with my family. I look forward to getting to know and care for your students. getting to know the parents/guardians and the staff of Ptarmigan Elementary. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns.

REMINDER for OCTOBER: Winter is Coming!

With colder temperatures around the corner, it is important to remember that it is time to check to see if your child has the necessary winter gear. All children should have:

• Outside Coat/Jacket (not a hoodie)

• Shoes and socks

• Hats

• Gloves/Mittens

• Snow Pants

• Boots (rain/snow

During the winter months, all students are expected to wear appropriate winter wear. It is necessary for your child to have appropriate weather clothing for their health and safety while outdoors. Every child has outdoor recess. School District policy states that if a child is healthy enough to come to school, they are expected in participate in all school activities. A physician’s note is necessary to exclude a student from participation in outdoor activities.

• PreK-3rd grade: Winter Coat, Hat/Hood, Gloves/Mittens, Snow Pants, and Winter Boots

• 4-5th grade: Winter Coat, Hat/Hood, Gloves/Mittens, and Winter Boots

Thank you for your support with helping ensure your child has a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable recess. Please feel free to contact us if you have any question or concerns.

Cassandra Espinoza BSN-RN PMH-BC

Ptarmigan School Nurse

888 Edward Street

Anchorage, AK 99504

Phone: 907-742-0417

Fax: 907-742-0425

espinoza_cassandra@asdk12.org

Ptarmigan Families,

Scholastic Book Fair – Get ready… it’s Book Fair time! The Ptarmigan Library will be hosting a Scholastic Book Fair the week of parent teacher conferences. This is a great opportunity to connect with your child over the excitement of bringing home new books to dive into. Studies show that kids read more when they choose books for themselves. Fostering a love of independent reading leads to a wide variety of benefits – including academic success and improved mental health.

Here's everything you need to know about the Book Fair:

Dates – Wednesday October 23rd & Thursday October 24th

Location – Ptarmigan Library

Payment – eWallet, cash, and card **We will not be able to accept any checks.

Checkout our website to explore the digital flyer. https://www.scholastic.com/bf/ptarmiganelementaryschool

While you’re there, set up a Book Fair eWallet, the digital payment account that allows your child to shop for books at the Fair without cash. Then share your eWallet link so friends and extended family can add funds.

Many of us still remember the thrill of finding the perfect book at a Scholastic Book Fair. I hope you’ll join your child at our school’s Fair and share a reading experience they’ll remember forever.

PS: Need one more reason to visit the Book Fair? Every purchase at the Fair benefits our school!

Mrs. Giammalva and Mrs. Gaither

Teacher-Librarian

giammalva_alyson@asdk12.org

gaither_skylar@asdk12.org

With over a decade of teaching experience, Ms. Gay is passionate about fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can thrive. She is committed to implementing strategies that cater to the diverse needs of our students.

Beyond the school walls, Rhiana enjoys camping under the stars, hitting the slopes for a day of skiing, and exploring trails on an ATV. A lifelong softball and soccer fan, Ms. Gay believes in the power of teamwork both on and off the field. When not adventuring in nature, she loves traveling to new places, embracing different cultures, and bringing those experiences back to enrich their work with students.

She emphasizes the importance of good attendance as a key factor in student success. Being present in school every day not only supports academic growth but also builds strong social connections and a sense of responsibility. Ms. Gay is dedicated to encouraging and supporting students in maintaining consistent attendance, understanding that every day of learning counts! With a positive approach and a heart for helping others, Ms. Gay is excited to connect with the Ptarmigan community and support our Timberwolves in achieving their best selves both academically and personally.

As we all know, Alaskan winters present unique challenges for those walking or rolling on sidewalks or near roadways, and the darkness makes it difficult for drivers to see us. But did you know our clothing can make a big difference in how well we are seen? Someone wearing primarily black/blue clothing can only be seen 55 feet away when it is dark! However, a person wearing reflective materials can be seen up to 500 feet away.

This is why we have partnered with Center for Safe Alaskans to make reflective tape available to you. Each piece of tape can be cut into smaller pieces and placed strategically on outdoor gear, especially on parts that move.

We will be helping our students with applying special reflective tape to their backpacks and jackets.

We will keep you all updated.

The Ptarmigan Parent Club and 21st Century Afterschool Program are excited to invite you to our Ptarmigan Fall Festival! Join us for an evening of family fun! We will have games, a raffle prize, a costume contest and more! So dig out those costumes and trick or treat buckets and join us for a very good time!

As winter approaches, I’m excited to see our Ptarmigan students settling into the music room! This quarter, we’re diving into rhythm and beat, emphasizing participation, cooperation, and following directions—key ingredients for success in music.

This first quarter patriotic music has been a focus as students sing about our country.

Upcoming Activities:

• Fifth Graders: We’re gearing up for recorder playing! I have enough recorders for all students, but I highly encourage each student to purchase their own for home practice. Recommended brands include Yamaha, Angel, and Descant, priced between $9.00 and $15.00. You can find them on Amazon or locally at:
• Music Man 4637 Old Seward Hwy. Anchorage, AK 99503
• Horn Doctor 1000 Ingra Street Anchorage, AK 99501

Please avoid toy recorders, as they don’t tune well and won’t provide the right sound.

• Fourth Graders: We’re excited to start a unit on ukulele! If you’re a ukulele player and would like to join us or perform for the students, we’d love to have you!
• Ptarmigan Choir: is practicing for their winter concert on December 11th.

Looking forward to a musical winter together!

Mrs. Benton

Classroom Music Specialist

Anchorage School District Board:

Andy Holleman (President), Carl Jacobs (Vice President), Dora Wilson (Clerk), Kelly Lessens (Treasurer), and Members: Dave Donley, Pat Higgins, and Margo Bellamy.

ASD Superintendent Dr. Jharrett Bryantt.

Ptarmigan Elementary School

888 Edward St.

Anchorage, AK. 99504

Phone: (907) 742-0400

Fax: (907) 742-0425

To Leave a Message on the Attendance Line: (907) 566-0400