As we are winding down toward the end of the school year, I wanted to do a little encouraging to everyone to finish strong! As we near closer and closer to the end of another school year it is important to maintain focus so we can all make the most of our time and learning together!
Attendance. Having students here and on time allow them the best opportunities to learn and grow. Being chronically late or absent takes away precious learning time. Make it a point to have student here and on time as this will help with building a positive routine. This will (over time) reduce stress, create security, and improve learning for your child. Being in school also improves a child (and their family’s) access to resources like meals, mental health supports and opportunities like music/art, sports, technology and other extracurricular activities. The experiences that occur in school can help your child reach developmental and social milestones that are critical to their growth.
Winter Gear. As the weather is changing, it is still important to make sure students STILL have coats, mittens/gloves, snow boots, and snow pants so they can participate fully in both recess and gym. It may be helpful to check that boots are still in good repair and that all items are both functional and fit appropriately. I have had LOTS of kids with cold, wet feet this week as they have forgot things at home. It might be helpful to send kiddos with an extra set of socks or pants/underwear for when items become too wet to wear. I do have items to borrow, but many size needs overlap and items become too wet to wear for the next class… or even the next day. I have quite a few coats in our loan closet - if your family could use a new size to get through, please let me or the teacher know, and we’ll get your child what they need!
As always, I am available for questions or concerns. Please let me know how I can help!
Sincerely,
Julie Craft DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Ptarmigan School Nurse
907-742-0417
Ptarmigan Families,
Earth Day- Monday, April 22nd is Earth Day. We will be learning about what happens to our trash, recycling, and ways we can help our environment.
Spring & Gardening- As the weather gets warmer, the days get longer, and the snow starts to melt, students will be learning more about gardening and different plants. We will focus on how living things grow and what living things need to grow. We will have discussions about what plants need, parts of a plant and if students have ever planted something before. Students will learn where the plants and gardening books are in the nonfiction section of our library.
Open Library- Open Library will continue throughout the rest of the school year Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9:00-9:30. Come on down to exchange your books or get help with finding a resource!
Sora- Don’t forget digital resources are available through SORA. SORA can be accessed through your student’s clever account. Students can check out eBooks and audiobooks. Don’t forget to return to the digital shelf when you are finished reading!
Mrs. Alyson Giammalva
Teacher-Librarian
As part of The Alaska Reads Act, the State of Alaska requires that districts administer an early literacy screening tool three times a year to students in grades K-3 to identify potential reading difficulties in order to improve reading outcomes for students. Families can read more about this comprehensive K-3 reading policy at The Alaska Reads Act website:
mClass with DIBELS 8th Edition Assessments is the State of Alaska Department of Education’s and ASD’s Early Literacy benchmark screening and progress monitoring tool for students in grades K-3 in reading. mClass utilizes curriculum-based measures and is used by schools as part of the ASD Comprehensive Assessment System to support informed instructional decisions.
The Alaska Department of Education & Early Development explains the decision to adopt mClass as the statewide literacy screener here:
https://education.alaska.gov/Alaska-Reading-Resources/Statewide-Early-Literacy-Screener
mClass screening assessments will only be administered in-person during the benchmark window listed below:
- Spring(EOY) 2023-24: April 22-May 3
Results for K-3 students that were assessed during a benchmark window, will be available in Parent Connect by May 17, 2024: ParentConnection Login Information and Reference Guide: parentconnect.asdk12.org
First off, Congratulations to the Ptarmigan Choir and their performance of “Lighten Up”. You put a smile on our faces and a giggle in our bellies. Thank you. I appreciate how everyone at Ptarmigan helps support the choir performances. A big KUDO to Mr. Garner who shares his classroom the upper gym/Ptarmigan Stage so we can put on these fun performances.
And with April on the horizon, it seems like the music program at Ptarmigan is in full bloom! The mention of April showers bringing May flowers adds a poetic touch to the anticipation of upcoming musical endeavors. The involvement of various grade levels in exploring different aspects of music—from drumming up a spring storm to delving into the adventures of "Johnny Jazz" on recorder—is fantastic. It's heartening to see the enthusiasm and growth of the young musicians as they engage with different instruments and learn the expressive power of music. Here's to more musical adventures and joyful performances ahead this April.
Mrs. Benton
Classroom Music Specialist
