Ptarmigan Elementary School

Dear Ptarmigan Families,

The 2023-24 school year has started out with many amazing memories and stories. It was great seeing our families at our 1st Quarter Awards Assembly and at Parent Teacher Conferences.

One of our amazing memories this quarter came from our first family night. We had numerous learning sessions that taught our students and families about healthy habits and how they benefit our body and mind. Mr. Forest Strick, an American Ninja Warrior, also talked to our families on the importance of fitness and different ways to take care of yourself.

Student attendance continues to be one of our big schoolwide goals for this year. Our school slogan is “One or Less for School Success.” This means students increase their ability to be successful at school and develop lifelong positive academic habits when they miss one or less days of school each month. Parents, we need your support and help getting your students to school every day!

Another important topic is arrival and dismissal. To ensure a quick process at both times of the day, it is the expectation we all follow all staff instructions, have your car tag readily available, and pull up as far forward as you can in the car line. By pulling forward as far as you can, you are helping the line move faster for all families.

An important change that occurred recently is early dismissal from the office. The end of each day is extremely busy for our teachers and the students. It is also very challenging and time consuming for the office staff to call numerous classrooms and get students to the office. I have instructed the office that after 3:15pm, we will not be calling students to the office to release them early. If you are picking your student up after 3:15pm, please wait in the car line or wait at the classroom door until school wide dismissal which starts at 3:30pm. Please plan accordingly for after-school appointments.

November 10th there is no school for students. This is a day of learning for our staff.

November 11th is Veterans Day! Please take time to thank a Veteran for their service.

Lastly, please remember that according to the ASD Elementary Handbook, students go out to recess/PE in any weather down to -10 degrees. Please make sure that your students are dressed for the weather conditions.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Ramey

Ptarmigan Elementary Principal

November 7th:

• Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day.
• Lion's Club Vision Screenings.

November 10th:

• NO SCHOOL. Teacher In-Service.

• Veterans Day. Take time to thank a Veteran for their service.

November 14th:

• Fall Picture Retakes.

• Talent Showcase (MPR) @ 2:30pm.

• NO SCHOOL. Thanksgiving Holiday.

How sick is too sick? When to keep you child at home from school

Children need to be at school so they can learn. The best way to prevent the spread of illness is with proper, frequent handwashing. Encourage children to cough and sneeze into their elbows (not hands) and refrain from touching the eyes, nose and the mouth with their hands.

If your child needs a doctor and/or health insurance, you may contact the school nurse for information about options available in the Anchorage area.

If your child will be absent from school, please contact the school office.

When is a child too sick to be at school? Here are some tips for deciding:

As always, if you have questions, are looking for resources, or have a change in medical or health needs for your family or student – I’m here to help.

Julie Craft, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Ptarmigan School Nurse

907-742-0417

craft_julie@asdk12.org

Ptarmigan Families,

November Lessons: In the month of November, kindergarten and first graders will work on identifying main characters and story elements (characters, setting, problem, solution). Second and third graders will be learning that being a good digital citizen means being safe, responsible, and respectful when online. They will recognize the kind of information that is private, and that private information should never be given out to strangers. Fourth and fifth graders will evaluate how healthy different media choices are and begin to develop a definition of healthy media balance. Students will define the term digital footprint and identify ways in which they are and are not in control of their digital footprint.

Book Checkout: K-2 students may check out one book at a time. 3-5 students may check out 2 books at a time. Students visit the library once a week and can check out books. There are also two open library times where students can come down to exchange books. There are potentially 3 X a week your child can come visit the library to exchange books. Please talk with your child about the importance of returning library books to the book drop and how this is part of being a responsible member of our school community. J

Overdue Books: I will be sending home overdue notices the week of November 6th. If your child has an overdue book, please have them check their backpack and their desk at school. If the book cannot be found, families can choose to replace the book or have their child give back to the library by completing a library chore.

Book Donations: I’ve had some students ask about book donations. Our library does accept book donations, if the books are in good shape and appropriate for elementary. If you have any books to donate to our library, it would be greatly appreciated.

Mrs. Alyson Giammalva

Teacher-Librarian

giammalva_alyson@asdk12.org

Hello! I am Heather Shelton and I am from Palmer. Growing up I knew that I wanted to work with children as a teacher or a nurse and it was in college that being a teacher is where I needed to be. I have a Bachelors in Child Development and am working on a Masters' in Elementary Education. I have worked at Early Head Start as a home visitor, been a preschool teacher, and then left the classroom to be a coach for rural village Head Start teachers. After a few years I decided that the classroom is where I was meant to be and wanted to be in an elementary school as a teacher. I have taught 3rd and 4th grade and am loving being in 1st grade.

When I'm not at school, I enjoy reading a variety of books, doing embroidery and other sewing, being outside with my two dogs and fiancé, spending time with family, and watching a variety of tv shows.

What wonderful students we have here at Ptarmigan Elementary. I am excited about the new school year and about working and learning with these boys and girls. I will do my best to provide for them fun-filled, musical learning experiences.

Our Fifth and Fourth graders are continuing their work on the recorder and ukulele. Fourth graders are learning to sing and play the uke at the same time. As they continue to learn chords many songs are available for them to play. Fifth graders are working on the story of Johnny Jazz as they play songs on the recorder. They are putting together their rhythm playing and note identification skills.

Third graders studied Latin music this last month and they will soon be playing on our wonderful collection of African and Latin Drums. Our second graders will be discovering music around the globe as our littlest musicians continue to sing, play and dance in the music room.

Ptarmigan Choir will be giving a concert on December 7th. They are working on a variety of songs for the concert. These singers wake up early to be at rehearsal by 8:00am every Wednesday and Friday. I love working with these budding musicians.

Right before our Thanksgiving long weekend we will be showcasing some talented Ptarmigan kids. On Wednesday November 22nd come on out and watch our Ptarmigan Showcase.

As we get deeper into the winter season there are so many celebrations. Music is a great way for us to join together in these family celebrations. Sing, play and dance with your family!

Mrs. Benton

Classroom Music Specialist

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

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