Arctic Light K-8

• May 2nd-6th - Teacher Appreciation Week
• May 3-4th - Kindergarten Round-Up
• May 3rd - Art Night 5:00-6:30pm with Live Music at 6:00pm
  
• May 3rd - School Board Meeting
• May 6th - student devices checked back-in
• May 8th - Mother's Day

• May 9-12th - Book Fair: Buy One Get One Free

• May 12th - Last Day for Encores
  

• May 13th - 1:15 - 2:15pm Intermediate Honor Roll Assembly in Gym
  

• May 16th - Field Day: 4th-8th will be in the AM, K-2 in the afternoon
  
• May 17-19th - Early Outs
  
• May 17th - Kindergarten Graduation 11am in Gym
• May 19th - last day for students
• May 27th - last day that our school office is open

This week we pause and honor our teachers.

The past years have shown me that our societal norms are tenuous. Something that I can't even see can bring our systems to a halt. The disruptions from Covid are still being assessed. Against this backdrop I want to reflect on our teachers' care, skill and passions for educating our students.

We had months of hair-pulling moments due to illness and absences. Few escaped the impact of Covid. Eventually we opened our doors, greetings were shared, and daily learning playlists taught in-person. We have rarely looked back.

There are days when we scratch our heads forgetting why certain things haven’t happened at school - like regular socials/ dances: we had one last week. Teachers have high expectations and you can feel the system has moved into full speed ahead even though Covid lingers.

Thank you, teachers. The numerous setbacks, changes to our teaching methods, new curriculum and stress of illness challenged us all. Your professional support, care and engagement of our students is much appreciated.

We honor our teachers this week for all they have done and will do for our students and community.

Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week.

Do Good Work, Be a Friend, Every Day.

Principal Keener

I was surprised to read about studies comparing the effects of walking in nature to the effects of walking the same distance or time in urban settings, for example (Jill Suttie, March 2, 2016, GGSC).

All walking is not the same, basically, with locations in nature having a greater impact on:

• decreasing stress

• making you happier and less brooding

• relieving attention fatigue and increasing creativity

• supporting kindness and generosity

• making you feel more alive

This army base has some very scenic paths along the river, among the trees of Glass Park, and out in the sunshine with views of surrounding hills and mountains. I hope students get daily time scheduled for walking this summer.

Some great places to walk nearby post include the park at Tanana Lakes (the extreme south end of Cushman Street by the Tanana River), Creamer’s field (on College Road near Danby), and Chena Lakes Recreation Area (just south of North Pole). These are open areas with strong sun or a breeze to keep mosquitos away. These free parks also have ponds and lakes that are fun to view and access.

Other summer features of Fairbanks include the many elementary schools and the Fairbanks North Star Borough Pocket Parks with various playgrounds, paths, and locations.

As you create an exercise schedule for your family this summer, I hope you all get time in nature for the health benefits and for the fun.

With summer quickly approaching, it's time to start thinking about ways to keep your children engaged in the learning process!

Schedule fun. Together with your children, come up with your summer “bucket list” or list of activities the family wants and can afford to do this summer—Maybe a trip to Tanana or Chena Lakes to swim, fish or boat. Take a weekend to unplug and go camping (even if it's in the backyard.) Other ideas: check out the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, the Large Animal Research Station at UAF, or pan for gold at Gold Dredge 8. Don't forget to check out the local farmers market for fresh food, art, jewelry and baked goods. Next, map out the activities on a calendar so the children know when their adventures will take place. This will give them something to look forward to.

Set aside time each day to connect with your child academically. Encourage your child to continue reading over the summer. They can read with you, independently or with their siblings. Have your child choose a new topic to research each week, go to the library to check out books, or do online research on the topic. Then have them express what they learned verbally or through writing. It's also important to practice math facts or sight words with flash cards.

Encourage your child to try something new this summer. There’s no time like the summer to encourage your child to try a new activity. Take swimming lessons, a painting class, try a new sport or attend a summer camp. New activities encourage brain development and build your child’s focus and creativity.

Create structure and set boundaries. Summer routines are sure to be different than school routines, but it’s important to remember the necessity of routines. Children need to be freed of the tight structure of the school year, but they also need the security of knowing that some things will remain the same. Keep the same bedtime, maintain the same chore schedule, etc.

As the school year comes to an end the PTA has a few things we are going to be helping with.

First, the BOGO bookfair is coming soon! It will be going on from May 9 - 12 in the library. Parents are welcome to sign in at the front office and come browse the selection of books we will have!

In addition, we are putting on a cookout for the students during their field day event on May 16th! Letters have been sent home with students asking for certain donations based on grade levels. We ask that all donations be sent in to the school by May 14th.

The PTA is looking to fill open positions for next year. If you are interested in a position or becoming a volunteer with the PTA please contact me. We are also looking for volunteers for the bookfair and the field day!

Thank you all for a wonderful year!

Families, enroll your incoming kindergarteners for the 2022-23 school year by May 6, 2022, and be eligible to WIN a backpack filled with school supplies for your little one!

To enroll in kindergarten this coming school year, your child must be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2022.

To have a chance to win you must enroll online at www.k12northstar.org/enrollment by May 6, 2022.

Backpack winners will be selected randomly and there will be multiple winners. Prizes will be available for pickup at the child’s new school.

BIG thanks to Summit Church Alaska for the generous donation of school supplies. Also, thanks to FNSBSD Student Support Services and the Ready Raven Summer Program for their backpack contributions.

The Post Library has some fun upcoming events in May!

Go to Schoolcafe.com to apply for "free or reduced" lunches or download the app. Qualifying students will receive a scholarship to the Summer camp that takes the price from $230 to $25. After you finish applying on Schoolcafe.com, fill out the scholarship form below and

contact Ms. LaSota at the school at 907-356-2038.