Dear Ptarmigan Families,

I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support and engagement in our school community. As we move forward this school year, I am reminded daily of the incredible energy and dedication our students, staff, and families bring to making Ptarmigan a great place to learn and grow.

This month, we have enjoyed to two family events the fall carnival and movie night. I encourage you to join us in upcoming events like the craft night and another movie night. All these events are put together by are Parent Committee and teacher volunteers. These opportunities allow us to strengthen the connection between home and school, which is key to student success.

I also want to emphasize the importance of consistent attendance. Every day counts, and when students are here, engaged, and ready to learn, they make great strides academically and socially. Let’s work together to ensure every student reaches their full potential.

Thank you for being a part of our Ptarmigan family. Your involvement truly makes a difference. As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions, ideas, or concerns.

Warm regards,

Mrs. Ellen Drake

Ptarmigan Elementary Principal

December 2nd:

• Basketball Club starts (4th & 5th Grade only) @ 2:30pm-3:30pm

December 2nd -9th:

• MAPS Testing for 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade

December 6th:

• Raptor Visitor Management Kiosk Launch (see notification letter and FAQ's below)

December 9th - 13th:

• Student Council Holiday Spirit Week

• mCLASS Testing all day

• Choir Winter Concert @ 9:00am for school @ 5:30pm for families

• Family Movie Night (choice of movie TBD) @ 5:30pm

• Hot Chocolate & Crafts @ 5:30pm

• School Wide Holiday Sing-a-long

December 20th:

• NO SCHOOL. Student Grading Day. End of Quarter 2

December 23rd -January 5th:

• NO SCHOOL. Winter Break.

Can you believe that ALL of our Timberwolves received a new coat and just in time for the cold weather? We can't express how grateful we are to be able to participate in this wonderful program!! The Ptarmigan Choir even performed for the Volunteers to show their appreciation. THANK YOU Operation Warm and FedEx for "delivering warmth, confidence, and hope" to Ptarmigan Elementary!!

Operation Warm

#fedexcares

Happy Holidays,

Our Winter Break is approaching fast. Please take take advantage of the upcoming 2 week break to check-in with your trusted health care providers for any needed immunizations, vision/hearing referral checks, dental issues and/or other appointments that might otherwise require a missed school day.

It is always helpful to share any early exams for vision or hearing/ENT with the school nurse. We can often use those to update our records for required screenings. This will also ensure that kiddos are ready to learn when they return to school on 1/6/2025-and have all the tools needed to be successful.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s immunization, hearing/vision screenings, or any other related resources- I would be happy to reach out via email. You may call the nurse’s line, but I may not be able to answer or get back to you until the following day. If there are any new changes (medications, care plans, or provider recommendations) or concerns for the coming year, I am available to troubleshoot via email and can forward any required forms and/or documents.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone in the New year and Hope you each can celebrate the season surround by those you love!

Warmest Regards,

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,

All checked out library books will need to be returned to the library by December 19th. Overdo Notices will be sent out the week of December 9th.

Happy Holidays to all of our Timberwolves!

Mrs. Giammalva and Mrs. Gaither

Teacher-Librarians

giammalva_alyson@asdk12.org

gaither_skylar@asdk12.org

We would like to send a BIG shout out to COSTCO to donating pizza for our Student Council and Movie Night Event. THANK YOU Costco!

Ptarmigan Choir

• Winter Concerts: "Its Time", December 11, 2024, at 8:30 am and 5:30 pm. Don't miss the timely performance that will surely get everyone in the spirit!
• Field Trip: December 18th.
  After the trip, the choir will take a break until January's term. Keep an eye out for permission slips if you're interested in joining, with some pirate-themed tunes potentially in the mix for the spring!

Fifth Graders

• Recorder Playing: This quarter, fifth graders are getting a lot of practice with the recorder, which they will use throughout the year.
• Link Up Concert: In March, the fifth graders (along with fourth graders) will perform alongside the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra at the Performing Arts Center. A great opportunity to sing, move, and play in a live concert setting!

Third Graders

• Ukulele: Third graders will start learning the ukulele in December, learning just a few chords to unlock hundreds of songs. A great way to build musical skills and have fun!

Second Graders

• Global Musical Journey: Second graders are traveling the world through music. They've already explored the US, Canada, and Brazil (with steel drums), and are heading to Africa and Sweden next. So much to learn and experience!

Early Learners (Kindergarten/First Grade)

• Nutcracker and Tchaikovsky: The youngest musicians are diving into the Russian classic The Nutcracker. They'll learn about the story and the beautiful music of Tchaikovsky, from the mice battle to the magical dances of the Land of Sweets.

Reminder:

• Celebrate the Season Together: I encourage everyone to share traditions this holiday season through singing, dancing, and playing music together as a family. It’s a wonderful way to connect and make memories!

The music room is buzzing with activity, and it’s clear there’s a lot to look forward to in December and beyond! 🎶

Mrs. Benton

Classroom Music Specialist

We are overly excited to be able to have our first ever known Basketball Club at Ptarmigan Elementary.

Here are our amended basketball club dates and sign-up forms

Only Grades 4-5 eligible.

If we get more than 55 participants in each group, we will conduct a lottery for

participation on Wednesday November 27th (results will be emailed out the

same night)

Practice dates on Mondays and Tuesdays @ 2:30pm-3:30 pm:

Week 1: December 2nd and 3rd

Week 2: December 9th and 10th

Week 3: December 16th and 17th

You can sign your 4th and/or 5th grader up by scanning the QR Code or clicking on the link below.

Mr. Mathias Nees

Elementary PE

Ptarmigan Elementary

nees_mathias@asdk12.org

Are you interested in Volunteering at Ptarmigan? You may be interested in Volunteering in your student's classroom, for field trips, for Family Nights or for holiday events? We will need to have an ASD approved Application and Waiver on file for the school year in order for you to be approved to Volunteer. If you haven't done so already, apply now by scanning the QR Code below.

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