Panther Pride News

Families,

I can't believe we are just a few weeks away from the end of the school year! We have several end of the year activities planned, one of which was our final Team Day held on Friday, May 3. A wonderful time was had by all!

As we look towards the end of the year, please take note the 4.0 Honors Recognition Breakfast is being held this Friday, May 10 @ 7:15 am. Please watch for an e-invite and an invitation being backpacked home for this invitation-only recognition event. Several families have inquired about a promotion ceremony/completion ceremony for the 8th graders. Unfortunately, this is not an event that will happen this year, however, based on community feedback this is an event we will consider adding next year as part of our redistricting and bringing our sixth graders to middle school.

Additional end of the year celebration events include, the 7th grade Kite Day on Friday, May 17 and on Wednesday, May 22, we will have our 8th Grade Bash. The Mears PTSA is looking for volunteers to make this event successful, please reach out to them if you are able to help and volunteer. In addition, we will host our annual spirit olympics in the gymnasium to bring this year to healthy and positive close for all Mears students.

All the best,

Principal Marquand

Wednesday, May 8 - Virtual PTSA Meeting, Zoom Link, 6:30 pm

Friday, May 10 - 4.0 Breakfast, 7:15 am

Tuesday, May 14 - Final Band Concert, 6:00 pm, MPR

Thursday, May 16 - Final Orchestra 6:00 pm & Choir Concert 7:00 pm, MPR

Friday, May 17 - 7th Grade Kite Day @ Mears

Friday, May 17 - Spring Dance @ 3:00 pm

Monday, May 20 - Locker clean out & Yearbook distribution during den time & 1st period

Wednesday, May 22 - Last day of school/8th grade bash/Spirit Olympics for both grades

There will not be a Middle School summer school program offered this year; however, rising Freshmen can take classes (for credit). Please see the counseling office or contact us via email if you have questions or would like to enroll your student into either one of the classes listed below:

Health Skills OL (H6001OL) What does it mean to be healthy? In the simplest terms, it means taking care of our body and mind. Explore the connections between your physical, mental, and social health. Learn how to promote better health by decreasing stress and finding a fuller vision for your life through lifestyle choices, interactions with others, healthcare, and making sensible dietary choices. Build your plan to ensure your overall health, happiness, and well-being!

Human Geography (H3036OL) Our Global Identity. Modern humans have been roaming the Earth for about 200,000 years. How do the places we live influence the way we live? How do geography, weather, and location relate to our customs, beliefs, and lifestyles? Learn how diverse people have physically influenced the world around them and how they, in turn, are changed by their surroundings. Let’s explore the important relationship between humans and their environments.

​Contact: Teresa Harrison harrison_teresa@asdk12.org or call direct Direct: 907-742-6428

English Language Arts: The last final assessment presentations were truly positive. Students designed informational presentations on Holocaust-related topics and presented them with an original speech related to their slideshow.

Currently, students are working on their final assessment writing and publishing an original podcast. Analyzing podcasts, researching topics, interviewing others, and script writing are the daily work. Next week, students will start recording and editing their work.

Social Studies:

We are looking for "We the People" judges for Tuesday May 14th (Regular Groups) and Thursday May 16th (Advanced Groups), in two sessions, 8:30-11:00 and 11:30 to 2:00.

We are looking for people (judges) who are in the law field, Ex -Social Studies teachers, government officials, or just Ordinary Joe's with understanding of the US Constitution. If you or someone else you know is interested, please let me know and I will be in touch with logistics.

As a judge they would only need to participate in one session, but are welcome to stay for both sessions, if available. All materials will be provided.

If you are interested in being a judge or learning more about the program, Feel free to email Nick Middleton at middleton_nick@asdk12.org

Science: Students will start presenting their progress on their Genius Hour projects on Wednesday, May 8.

All students at Mears who participate will read the middle school titles. (The ALT titles are alternates.) Start reading now!

Free bicycle helmets for children and teenagers are now available at the Anchorage Fire Department (AFD) stations. This safety program is a collaboration between Safe Kids Alaska, AFD, and the International Association of Firefighters Local 1264 with generous funding provided by the Children’s Miracle Network. To receive a helmet:

• Kids/teens must be present so the helmet can be fitted and adjusted and

• Supplies are limited to stock on hand

Although any child can receive a free helmet, this program is intended for those who might not otherwise be able to obtain a bike helmet. For more information, please contact Safe Kids Alaska at 907-212-3194 or safekidsak@providence.org.

The North Parking lot is used for Visitor Parking (15 minutes), Handicap Parking, and is our Staff Parking Lot. Please do not use this entrance and lot to drop off/pick-up your kids at the beginning and end of day. Please utilize the parent drop off/pick-up loop located on the east side of the building. Thank you!

We do not accept, Door Dash/Uber Eats/ETC, food deliveries for students before, during, nor after school. We will NOT accept deliveries of any kind. We have a school meal program offering balanced meal choices daily. In addition, the Black Cat Cafe offers smart snacks daily for purchase.

Detentions are 7:15 am-7:45 am, in Room 106, Tuesday-Friday. Please drop-off your student at the North Entrance to access the building. Security staff will greet your student and escort them to Room 106. Please contact AP Svendsen with any questions.

Lunch Detentions are held daily during each lunch wave in Room 106. Students are expected to check-in with the supervisor at the beginning of lunch. Students who need to purchase food from the cafeteria will be issued a fast pass to procure their food and return to Room 106 to serve the assigned lunch detention.

Our office staff is available daily, please don't hesitate to reach out if we can help you in any way, our hours are 7:30-3:00. Thanks so much, we are here to help serve you!

Is your child going to absent from school? Save time and send a quick email to our attendance email box, mearsattendance@asdk12.org or you can call the school at 907-742-6400 and select the Attendance Line option to leave us a voice mail, either option is a great way to notify us!

Making

Everyone

Accepted

Respected

Safe

Email: marquand_carla@asdk12.org
Website: https://www.asdk12.org/mears
Location: 2700 West 100th Avenue, Anchorage, AK, USA
Phone: 907-742-6400