SVS News
Susitna Valley Junior/Senior High School: "Home of the Rams"
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
PRINCIPAL'S PIECE
Dear Families,
As we enter the homestretch of the school year, I wanted to emphasize the importance of these final weeks, especially for our students taking AP exams and regular finals.
The effort our students put in now can make a significant difference in their academic achievements and future endeavors. Keep encouraging them to stay focused, dedicated, and resilient during this time is crucial. Keep pushing and reminding them that their hard work will pay off, not just in grades, but in the skills and knowledge they've gained throughout the year.
For those taking AP exams, these assessments provide an opportunity to showcase their understanding of college-level material. Please encourage them to approach these exams with confidence and determination, knowing that their preparation and effort will be rewarded.
Similarly, for all students facing final exams, now is the time to review, ask questions, and seek assistance if needed. Let's remind students that they have the ability to succeed and that we're here to support them every step of the way.
Additionally, as we bid farewell to another school year, it's a important moment to celebrate our seniors. Their journey with us is coming to an end, but their impact will be felt for years to come. Congratulate them on their achievements, resilience, and growth. As they embark on new adventures, may they carry with them the lessons learned and memories shared during their time with us at Su Valley.
Thank you for your continued dedication and commitment to Su Valley. Together, we can help our students finish the year strong and set them up for success in the future.
Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you have any questions or require assistance.
Partners in Education,
Bryan Kirby, SVS Principal
907-733-9300
UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER FOR JANUARY
May 1
Band Lab
May 2
MS Track at Teeland
Band Lab
May 3
HS Track at Palmer Invite
Band Lab Performance 7pm
May 6
AP Government Exam
Senior Finals Period 4&6
May 7
AP Human Geography Exam
AP Seminar Exam
Senior Finals Period 1&3
HS Track Mini Meet (TBD)
May 8
Senior Finals Period 2&5
May 9
Senior Finals Make Up Day
Intro to Animals Field Trip
May 10
Last day to check out book
HS Track at Colony Invite
May 13
AP Precalculus Exam
Mat 14
Graduation Rehearsal
May 15
GRADUATION 7PM
MS Track at Houston
May 17
HS Track Regions at Su Valley
May 18
HS Track Regions at Su Valley
May 20
Finals Period 2&5
MS Track Championships at Palmer High
May 21
Finals Period 1&3
HS Track State at Diamond
May 22
Finals Period 4&6
HS Track State at Diamond
May 23
LAST DAY FOR STUDENTS
COUNSELOR'S CORNER
As we near the end of the current academic year, our students are busy selecting their classes for the upcoming year. This process is crucial in their educational journey, and your support is invaluable in helping them make informed choices.
Tamra Harrison
School Counselor and Test Coordinator
Susitna Valley High School
School Code 0201126
(907)733-9305
Shout Out
Su Valley would like to express a big THANK YOU to all our substitute teachers from this past year. We really could not have done it without the help from all of you. ~Su Valley Staff
Su Valley would also like to express a big THANK YOU to all our volunteers that helped out with making this years prom such a successful event. Especially Tracy and Wes for all the coordination and effort of the event.
SCHOOL SPORTS
HS Track:
Su Valley Rams track athletes are fit and ready to run. Training indoors for March and most of April, runners and jumpers are thrilled to finally be on the track. They have already competed, and the outlook is fast, high, and far. The heart of the season is May, where they will travel to the Valley every weekend and compete against many of the state’s best. Come cheer them on at the Region II competition at Su Valley May 17th and 18th. Go Rams.
MS Track:
Middle School track is off to a FAST start! We have a huge team this year, with 40 students participating. We were excited to be able to start the season by running outside and have enjoyed a combination of long runs on the bike path, short sprint days on the track, practicing field events, and even fun events like "banana relays". Our first meet is this Friday, May 3rd at Wasilla High School.
Su Valley RAMcast
We're excited to share that we've started a new podcast focused on all things Su Valley. We're just getting started, and like any new journey, things might seem a bit rough at the beginning. But trust us, 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!
Senior Shout-out
Title I
The results from the Spring 2023 AK STAR administration are now available for you to view in ParentVUE if your child tested in Mat-Su in spring 2023. Directions on how to view these reports are attached as well as the AK STAR Family Guide to Assessment Reports. If you child tested in another district in Alaska in spring 2023, you will need to contact the previous district for results.
Please review the attached AK STAR Results Flyer to see the timeline from the Department of Education and early Development to understand the delay in releasing these results. You may also view Commissioner Bishop’s short video on Adopting New AK STAR Cut Scores here.
Title I Leadership Planning Meeting
You are welcome to join us for a voluntary Title I meeting.
We will discuss and review our 2024‐2025 Title I school‐wide plan, our Title I budget, and potential family engagement events for next school year. This meeting will be held via zoom.
When: Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 5:30 PM
Where: Zoom
Zoom Link: https://matsuk12-us.zoom.us/j/82760658633?pwd=akxLNDNmRHNDUGxtUE15TDRFVnR0UT09
If you are unable to make the meeting, you are welcome to provide input via email at bryan.kirby@matsuk12.us.
Report Card to Public
The DEED Report Card to the Public now has Spring 2023 testing data.
You can view it at this link
Tutoring Help
http://sled.alaska.edu/homework
Tutor.com is a private company that provides free online tutoring help to all MSBSD students.
Students who are military dependents have access 24/7 through tutor.com/military. Military dependents need a valid email address to register and will need to select the appropriate military branch and follow the prompts on the screen.
All other students can access the site through sled.alaska.edu/homework. Students will need to click on “LIVE HOMEWORK HELP”, “STUDENT CENTER”, and then select a content area. It is available between the hours of 1:00 PM and 12:00 AM.
INFORMATION FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE
Staying Safe in Alaska
Living in Alaska is pretty darn awesome. It is like being in your own national Geographic documentary. But with all that beauty comes a responsibility to stay safe. This isn’t just about staying clear of bears, although that is important too. Here is how to be safe at home and on your Alaskan adventures.
Alaskan Adventures:
- Know before you go: Always check the weather forecast. Alaskan weather can change fast, and you want to make sure you have the proper gear. Let someone know where you are headed and when you expect to be back.
- Respect the Wildlife: Alaska’s wild animals are amazing to see but remember they’re wild. Keep a safe distance, and never feed them. If you are hiking in bear country, carry bear spray and know how to use it.
- Water Safety First: Alaska has stunning beaches, rivers, and lakes, but the water can be frigid. Never swim alone and be aware of the currents. If you’re boating, wear a life jacket – it could save your life.
Home Sweet Safe Home:
- Fire Safety is No Joke: Make sure you have a working smoke detector on every floor and test them monthly. Plan and practice a fire escape plan with your family.
- Kitchen Catastrophes don’t Happen on Your Watch: Never leave cooking unattended and keep flammable materials away from the stove.
- Clean up: Keep walkways clear of clutter to prevent falls and clean up spills immediately.
- Mind your Mental Health: Feel stressed or down? Talk to a friend, family member, counselor, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988).
If you have any questions or concerns, contact the school nurse for more information. Stay safe, SuValley! Let’s have epic adventures and a happy healthy home life this summer!
Resources:
- https://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/safety/index.htm
- https://www.frommers.com/destinations/alaska/planning-a-trip/health--safety
Romy Byrd RN - School Nurse
Matanuska Susitna Borough School District
Susitna Valley Junior/Senior High School (907) 733-9304
Talkeetna Elementary (907) 733-9415
Trapper Creek Elementary (907) 733-9460
FREE AND REDUCED MEALS APPLICATION
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 through SchoolCafe (LINK here) or via a printable application (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.
HUNGRY? MULTIPLE OPTIONS FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
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
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
PTSA Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, Apr 23, 2024, 03:15 PM
Susitna Valley High School, South Parks Highway, Talkeetna, AK, USA
Late Start Monday
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.
NEED TO TALK TO OUR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COUNSELOR?
PUBLIC INFORMATION FLYERS
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.
Susitna Valley Jr/Sr High School Contact Info
Email: Bryan.Kirby@matsuk12.us
Website: http://www.matsuk12.us/svs
Location: S. Parks Highway, Talkeetna, AK
Phone: 907-733-9300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Susitna-Valley-JrSr-High-School-314999352167336/?ref=settings