Anchorage School District - Educating All Students for Success in Life |
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A welcome from Superintendent Bryantt |
Hello, Anchorage!
I hope you are enjoying this last stretch of summer break. My name is Dr. Jharrett Bryantt. I am humbled and eager to work alongside you as your new superintendent. I’d like to thank the community for welcoming me to the Anchorage community. You’ve given me great advice on restaurants, challenged me to get outdoors and even pointed me in the direction of where to pick up a pair of Xtratufs. I’m excited to be here for the long haul. I’m slowly but surely setting roots down in Anchorage.
As we prepare for the start of the school year, I am discovering the great diversity and strength of my new school community. The Anchorage School District (ASD) is committed to strong student outcomes, starting with a diverse, well trained staff to support individual needs and ensure students are college, career and life ready.
I’m all about getting the basics down right. I value keeping things simple and aligned to the big goals.
District goals are the “what” we are aspiring to do. As Superintendent, I’m tasked with leading our district to implement the “how” we get there.
It isn’t lost on me that it’s been a challenging couple of years. Before I came into the picture, this community navigated a flurry of unprecedented events in ASD, including a major earthquake and pandemic, both of which put us in survival mode.
This year, we have already faced unforeseen challenges, including the relocation of Ursa Major Elementary School students and staff due to safety concerns in the event of a large seismic event. We’re also facing staffing shortages in our operations department–particularly bus drivers. The district is working quickly to minimize the impact this will have on families and to convey information in a timely manner so you can plan accordingly. If you or anyone you know would like to join our bus driver team, apply here.
The theme for the start of this school year is acclimating to the future. Similarly to when you’re climbing a mountain and the weather conditions change for the worst–sometimes you have to race back down to basecamp just to ensure you have hope of climbing to the peak. Many districts across the nation are right there–at basecamp. And, I believe in ASD we are ready to start the climb again.
I look forward to supporting you as superintendent. Anchorage is a special place, and I am laser focused on getting things done in a way that works for our diverse community.
I want this year to be about embracing something that resembles normalcy and consistency, and my priorities are 1) urgently working to achieve the District’s goals to improve math and reading proficiency and college, career and life readiness 2) retaining our highly skilled staff and systemically building pathways for ASD employees to accelerate and grow and 3) ensuring we’re on a path to financial stability.
We have a big climb ahead of us, but you have my full support and confidence and together we’re going to reach the summit.
Please take some time to look through our Back to School page for all the things your family will need to know to start the school year strong.
Are you ready for the new school year? I am!
Best,
Dr. Jharrett Bryantt
ASD Superintendent
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ASD addressing bus driver shortages |
As we near the start of the 2022-23 school year, the District is facing staffing challenges in our Transportation Department.
At this time we know we are short the number of drivers needed to meet our operational needs for bus transportation.
The Operations division is working through logistics to manage our routes given our staffing shortage. This could result in temporary suspension of routes.
There are no foreseen interruptions to Special Education transportation services.
Our focus now is taking action to stem this attrition issue. If you or anyone you know would like to join our bus driver team, apply here.
The latest information from our Transportation Department will be posted to the department website here.
Families should expect to have bust stop route details by the second week of August.
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2022-23 School meal info, how to apply for free and reduced meals |
Children need healthy meals to learn. ASD offers healthy meals every school day. For the 2022-23 school year, ASD will participate in the National School Lunch Program. A list of which schools participate in the program is available on the Student Nutrition website.
Lunch costs for the 2022-23 school year are $4.50 in elementary schools, $5 in middle schools, and $5.50 in high schools.
Breakfast costs for the 2022-23 school year are $2.75 in elementary schools, $3 in middle schools, and $3.25 in high schools.
Your child(ren) may qualify for free or reduced-price meals if your household income falls within the limits on the Federal Income Chart.
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Our partners at the Food Bank are stepping up to help families in need. |
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Enrollment and registration info for the 2022-23 school year |
If your student is new to the District, please enroll your student in ASD.
Who is a New-to District Student?
- Students who have never been enrolled in the Anchorage School district before
- Students returning after having left the Anchorage School District to attend school in another district or state
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Incoming kindergartners that did not attend an Anchorage School District preschool program
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Families interested in general education preschool programs should click HERE. Children attending a general education preschool program must first be accepted prior to completing pre-enrollment.
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If your student is returning to ASD, please register your student for the 2022-23 school year.
Who is a returning student?
- Currently enrolled students who intend to return this year
- Students changing divisions - elementary to middle, middle to high
- Students who have moved from one ASD zone to another ASD zone (you will need to provide proof of residency at your new school)
- Incoming kindergartners who attended an Anchorage School District preschool program
Returning students can be registered through Q/ParentConnection for the 2022-23 school year from April 25-January 16th, 2023.
* The Online Registration System works best in Chrome/Firefox/Safari browsers.
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Immunization Requirements- your health services checklist |
Before Admission to School, the Parent/Guardian Must:
- Provide an immunization record from a physician, health department, or other health care provider showing dates (month, day, year) of required immunizations
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- Obtain required immunizations. If there are medical or religious reasons a child cannot be vaccinated, call the school nurse for further information.
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New ASD department focuses on mental health and student supports |
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ASD Wellness Services advances the well-being, academic success, and lifelong achievement and health of students. Our top priority is keeping children safe, healthy, and ready to learn.
New for 2022-2023 is the Mental Health and Student Supports Department. This team will work collaboratively with students, educators, administrators, families, and community partners to support the academic success and social-emotional well-being of students through a multi-tiered system of support.
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District seeks parent input on wellness policy- deadline to apply Aug. 12 |
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The Anchorage School District values community partnership and is seeking five (5) parents and/or guardians to serve as members on the ASD's Wellness Policy Advisory Committee to provide input on BP 5040, ASD''s Wellness Policy.
Applications are due by 5:00 pm on Friday, August 12, 2022. The Committee will review applications and notify newly appointed members by Tuesday, August 16, 2022.
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ASD Chromebook Information |
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The Anchorage School District provides each student from grades 3 through 12 with access to a Chromebook device to facilitate learning. There is a ratio of 1 device for each student at these grade levels (1:1). Starting in 6th grade, students will have a device checked out to them for their educational use. Students keep their device all the way through graduation, or until they leave the District. For grades 3 through 5, the Chromebook devices are kept in the schools for student use. For grades below 3, devices are kept at schools at a lower ratio. |
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ASD 2022-23 Safety and Security: Best Practices for Community and Staff |
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School safety is a top priority at ASD and has been at the forefront of our minds in the wake of recent tragedies. As we prepare for the return to school, the District asks the community to help us keep our students safe by staying off school grounds during school hours. Staying off school grounds helps front office staff monitor visitors who should and should not be on campus. Additionally, there were several reports last year of community members walking dogs through school grounds during school hours that resulted in a safety concern. Please do your part by staying clear of school grounds while school is in session!
As we prepare for the new school year, the District is focused on the following safety measures:
- Security posture- practicing a mindset of best safety practices when school is in session.
- Continued staff training in a suite of student safety assessments and emergency response.
- This September, the District will deploy a pilot visitor management system. If the pilot is successful ASD will work quickly to implement districtwide.
- An anonymous tip line will roll out this fall to secondary schools and elementary schools in the spring.
- This summer, School Resource Officers (SROs) conducted training with ASD principals on firearms safety that focused on what to do or not do if a weapon is found on school grounds.
- This month, SROs will attend adolescent mental health training provided by the National Association of School Resource Officers. The objective of this two-day training is to help SROs and educators better respond to students who are suspected of having a mental health need.
- This month, ASD will participate in a municipality-wide table-top exercise through FEMA that will prepare ASD and its partners in best practices for active shooter events.
- ASD leadership will receive an FBI active shooting presentation during the first general leadership meeting of the school year.
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Anchorage School Board Aug. 2 Budget Work Session |
The Aug. 2 Anchorage School Board work session included a discussion on the fiscal year 2024 budget update. The agenda can be viewed here. The work session was recorded and available to watch on the ASD Youtube channel. |
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First female student takes flight through Advanced Aviation Academy |
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At age 17, Cadet Lynciemae Adams is one of four ASD students spending her summer at Merrill Field, taking flight each day when the weather permits through the King Tech High School Advanced Aviation Academy.
Adams was enrolled in King Tech High School’s Aviation Technology class for the entire 2021-22 school year. She started flying this summer and has already completed about 30 hours of logged flight time. She only needs 10 more hours to obtain her private pilot’s license.
Adams said she loves being in the air. “It’s kind of like being in a balloon. For me it’s really peaceful.”
Only five percent of airline pilots are women, according to the Pilot Institute. The percentage of student pilots in the United States are on the rise, and the King Tech High School Aviation Technology program is providing a pathway for students to take flight before they even graduate.
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South High School student athlete recognized as a hero by Alaska Communications and Boys & Girls Club |
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South High School student Anna Boltz was recognized this summer by Alaska Communications and Boys & Girls Clubs – Alaska for showing the positive outcomes of inclusion to preserving cultural traditions for future generations, or simply lending a hand to those in need.
Anna is blazing a trail for young athletes with disabilities, is a role model and mentor to children and adults, and is a strong voice for inclusion and well-being for all.
Anna has spina bifida, a birth defect in her spine that causes permanent nerve damage and paralysis of her lower body. She uses a wheelchair, crutches, or a walker for mobility.
As an athlete, Anna serves as a role model to help encourage kids to stay healthy and active, and not let the challenges that come with physical disabilities slow them down.
She is a competitive ski racer, participating locally and nationally with Paralympians at the U.S. Alpine Adaptive National ski races. She’s a frequent spokesperson for Challenge Alaska and was featured in a documentary called Pretty Faces, showcasing female skiers who push past hurdles in the sport to live up to their fullest potential.
She’s leading the charge for middle and high school athletes with disabilities and was the first Anchorage middle/high school seated athlete to compete on her school sports teams, including Nordic skiing, cross-country running, tennis, and track and field.
This spring Anna became the first seated runner to compete at the Alaska Track and Field State Championships in the 800-meter race in a racing wheelchair.
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Dimond High School recognized as an official Ocean Guardian School, Year 1 |
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Congratulations to Dimond High School for being officially recognized by NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries as a NOAA Ocean Guardian School, Year 1.
An Ocean Guardian School makes a commitment to the protection and conservation of its local watersheds, the world's ocean, and special ocean areas, like national marine sanctuaries. The school makes this commitment by proposing and then implementing a school or community-based conservation project.
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Clothesline Project takes place Saturday, Aug 6 at Clark Middle School |
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The clothing drive will take place in the parking lot of Clark Middle School on August 6th from 10:00 am - 2 p.m.
Anchorage School District is grateful for our strong partnership with Anchorage Police Department and the School Resource Officer Program. Thank you APD/AC4C for all of your support!
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Low-cost student accident insurance available to ASD families |
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Anchorage School District does not provide medical coverage for student injuries. However, ASD has made available an option for families to purchase a low-cost student accident insurance program.
Information is available at your school's front office, online at www.myers-stevens.com, or by calling 800-827-4695. Bilingual services are available.
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Photos of the month: three friends enjoying extended school year |
Students at the Williwaw Extended School year site, the students from Left to right are:
Ju'Von, 6th grade, Ryden, 3rd grade, and Tyler, Kindergarten
Photo courtesy of Assistant Director of Elementary Special Education Molly McManamin, M.Ed.
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In the News
Ursa Major students will be moved to 3 other JBER schools as district addresses earthquake concerns
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Margo Bellamy, President
Carl Jacobs, Vice President
Kelly Lessens, Treasurer
Dora Wilson, Clerk
Dave Donley
Pat Higgins
Andy Holleman
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Mon. Aug. 15
Teacher's first day
Thurs. Aug. 18
Classes begin
Thurs. Aug. 25
Classes begin for preschool/kindergarten
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5530 E Northern Lights Blvd.
Anchorage, AK 99504
907-742-4000
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