Anchorage School District - Educating All Students for Success in Life |
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It's Spring Break! School is out March 7-11 |
A Message From Our Superintendent |
Dear ASD Community,
Before you head off for your much deserved spring break, please take a few moments to read through the many great things taking place in our classrooms and some important items you’ll want to pay attention to when you return.
First, our prayers and hopes continue for a peaceful end to the war in Ukraine. ASD has students, staff, family, and friends deeply impacted by the death, devastation, and destruction. Please read in this newsletter about the sunflower and the symbol it has become during this time.
The Municipality of Anchorage’s Division of Elections has assigned the 2022 School Bond as Proposition 1 on the ballot. Proposition 1 includes projects at 25 schools, and if passed, the District will not pursue a bond next year.
Last month, the Anchorage School Board approved the District’s Preliminary Budget for the 2022-23 school year. The budget maintains class size, focuses on safety, and meets Board goals—which all support students in achieving academic growth.
We are less than 10 weeks away from the end of the school year. Fourth quarter is packed full of events to wrap up the school year and deadlines to note as you help your student prepare for their educational goals for next school year.
Have a safe and wonderful break, and Happy Iditarod and Fur Rondy!
Sincerely,
Deena M. Bishop, Ed.D.
Superintendent
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District Stair-steps Down it's COVID-19 Mitigation, Moves to Optional Masking |
The District began allowing the choice to wear a mask in our facilities and on our buses on Feb. 28. This new phase leans heavily on respecting each other’s decisions. Respect of one another is important as we stay focused on ASD’s mission of “educating all students for success in life.”
ASD school travel groups are once again heading out for domestic travel this spring. The District is encouraged by these changes as our students and staff begin to experience a more regular end to this school year.
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A Message of Hope for the Ukraine |
The Anchorage School District has students, staff, family, and friends from all over the world, including Ukraine and Russia.
The artwork above is titled Tears of Courage by artist Shannon Stock-Auld.
"The sunflower is Ukraine's national flower. As I painted this there was a surge of emotion and some tears. My thoughts are with those in the war in Ukraine and thinking of their courage, bravery, fear, and loved ones."
-Shannon Stock-Auld.
The Anchorage School District community is deeply saddened by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Our hearts are with those directly harmed, and we continue to offer them our support. Our prayers and hopes for a peaceful end match those of people around the world.
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School Board Approves 2022-23 District Budget; One-time Federal Funding Fills Deficit |
The Anchorage School Board approved the District's Preliminary Budget during its Feb. 22 meeting.
Inflation, the Base Student Allocation (BSA), and the forecasted budget deficit are three key fiscal concerns.
The forecasted $67 million plus budget deficit was balanced using one-time federal funding.
The BSA must be adjusted for inflation to avoid facing a deficit each year. The Anchorage School Board and the District remain committed to working with our state and local partners to responsibly fund public education and maintain smaller class sizes.
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New Superintendent Finalists to be Announced this Month |
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School Board Approves Tentative AEA and Totem Agreements |
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The superintendent search continues this month with a focus on reviewing and finalizing candidates.
The Board is working with Ray and Associates, Inc. to lead the application process. Ray and Associates, Inc. specializes in educational executive leadership searches.
Dates to note are:
Week of March 7
- Candidate applications reviewed
- Interview procedures and questions finalized
Week of March 14
Week of March 21
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During the Feb. 22 School Board meeting, the Board approved and adopted the Tentative Agreement between the Anchorage School District (ASD) and the TOTEM Association, and the tentative agreement between ASD and the Anchorage Education Association (AEA).
"I would like to thank the TOTEM, AEA, and ASD negotiation members for finding common ground," said Board President Margo Bellamy. "Strong employee agreements allow our talented educators and supporting staff to focus on what they do best- educating all students for success in life."
The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between ASD and TOTEM will establish terms and conditions of employment for individuals in the Association during the period between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2024.
Additionally, the CBA between the Anchorage School District and AEA will establish terms and conditions of employment for individuals in the Association during the period between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2024.
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ASD 2022 Bond is Proposition 1: Fast Facts |
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- The 2022 ASD bond proposal is a two-year proposition that includes projects at 25 schools across the District. (2020 was ASD's last bond ask to voters)
- The ASD bond will be listed on the ballot as Proposition 1.
- It includes funds to replace the Inlet View Elementary building.
- It focuses heavily on security and safety improvements, roof replacement and restoration, and other deferred major maintenance needs.
- If passed, the District will not pursue a bond next year.
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Celebrate the 50th Annual ASD Youth Art Month at These Exhibits |
The Anchorage School District Fine Arts Department presents The 50th Annual Student Art Show in celebration of National Youth Art Month
Please enjoy ASD student art all month long at the following exhibit sites:
Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center
March 4 – April 1
Muldoon Library
March 4 – April 1
ZJ Loussac Library
March 4 – April 1
5th Ave Mall
March 4 - April 1
Eagle River- Chugiak Municipal Library
March 4 – April 1
Midtown Mall
March 8 – April 1 (note delayed start)
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March is Women's History Month |
Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as “Women’s History Week.” In 1987, after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields. |
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Miss America Brings Message of Inclusion to Her Alma Mater |
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Congratulations, Fall 2021 Denali Award Winners! |
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Denali is an Athabascan word meaning “great one,” and the Anchorage School District is proud to have employees that display greatness in the areas of achievement, service, and dedication. The Denali award is the highest award offered by the District.
Twice each year, supervisors submit nominations, and a panel of ASD employees selects a number of co-workers and teams of colleagues that demonstrate outstanding commitment to the District’s mission of educating all students for success in life.
Two individuals and two teams received a Denali Award during the Feb. 8, 2022 Anchorage School Board meeting. Congratulations, Denali Award winners!
Kevin Klott
Goldenview Middle School
Language Arts & Video Production Teacher
Rachel Molina Lodoen
Facilities Support Center
Project Support Manager
Life Saving Team
South High School/ASD Maintenance
Service Desk, Admin Techs, and Applications Support and Training Team
Information Technology
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Reminder: ASD Spring Lottery Closes March 17 |
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ASD lotteries are held two times each year: during the last weeks of March and the week prior to registration in the fall.
Important dates to remember for the spring lottery:
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Spring lottery closes for applications on March 17, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.
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Spring lottery runs March 18, 2022
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Parent notifications released March 25, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.
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NEW Business Academy Starts in Fall 2022 |
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Apply Now for the ASD Gifted Mentorship Program |
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The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department is launching a new Business Academy in Fall 2022 for high school juniors. CTE is recruiting students interested in careers in finance, business, office administration, or bookkeeping and accounting.
The deadline to apply is March 13.
- Dual Credit Courses taught by UAF Faculty - up to 16 credits
- An ASD Academy coach (teacher) who will provide in-person coaching and mentoring
- Internship requirement in senior year
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Students graduate with an Occupational Endorsement from the University of Alaska Fairbanks
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The Gifted Mentorship Program places high school juniors and seniors who apply and qualify with a mentor in their field of interest.
The deadline to apply for early acceptance is Friday, April 29 at 3 p.m. The final deadline to apply for the 2022-23 school year is Friday, Sept. 19 at 3 p.m. as space is available.
Students must complete the application themselves.
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CTE Summer Internships: Deadline to Apply is April 1 |
Sara, a CTE intern from Chugiak High School, poses on the job with mentor Lynne Young from Orthopedic Physicians Alaska.
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After an 18-month “pandemic pause” Career and Technical Education (CTE) Internships had a successful relaunch in January with six business partners:
1. Designori – Virtual / Augmented Reality
2. Aspen Creek Senior Living – Nursing / Community Health
3. Alaska Dentistry for Kids – Dentistry / Oral Surgery
4. Orthopedic Physicians Alaska – Athletic Training / Physical Therapy
5. Taku Engineering – Engineering
6. Orthopedic Physicians Alaska, South – Physical Therapy
Chugiak High School senior Sara is a volleyball athlete as well as a health science student in the biomedical academy. She was thrilled to work with mentor Lynne Young at Orthopedic Physicians Alaska.
“I love science and want to go into the field as a physical therapist,” Sara said.
She said she chose Young as a mentor because Young is an athletic trainer at Chugiak High School with whom Sara has worked with as a student athlete since her freshman year.
Sara’s advice to students considering the program is to “just do it,” she said. “I’ve learned so much on the job, but I’ve also learned really important life qualities like time management and quickness to adapt.“
Summer CTE internships are an opportunity for rising juniors and seniors in ASD technical pathways to earn a semester credit (.5) by spending 60 hours in a supervised workplace environment, using and expanding on the skills they have learned in the classroom. These internships are a win-win for students and employers. The summer internship session runs from the end of May to the end of June. Transportation assistance to/from the internship site will be available for the first time this summer.
The deadline to apply is April 1st, 2022. Interested students should contact their CTE teacher or their building counselor. More information about the CTE Internship Program, a list of preliminary internship opportunities, and the online application form can be found at http://www.asdk12.org/CTE/Internships.
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Healthy Futures Start with School Breakfast |
National School Breakfast Week is March 7 to 11. School breakfast supplies foods that most kids don’t eat enough of – whole grains, fruits, and dairy. The Anchorage School District is giving students a healthy start with School Breakfast!
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Boys & Girls Clubs Spring Sports Registration Closes March 27 |
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#ASDShineBright Campaign Shares Stories of Hope |
Follow ASD on social media as we shine a light on the small but bright moments that happen every day in our schools. ASD will highlight stories of kindness, students accelerating individually and in group projects, and staff successes using the hashtag #ASDShineBright. |
Congratulations to the Gruening Battle of the Books team of Ellie, Julia, Zoe, Traci, and their coach, librarian Karen Johnson, who won the Anchorage School District Battle of the Books Championship on February 1! Despite school being cancelled on February 16, our district winners battled on in the State Competition. Mrs. Johnson and her students used Zoom, conference calls, and one-to-one calling to make it happen. There are 2 battles in round 1, 2 in round 2, and 1 in round 3. Our Gruening team won the first battle of round 1!
They were in first place in their bracket after the first half of round 2 and were able to successfully challenge a question with one book available that wasn't at the spokesperson's house! Unfortunately, the team from Gruening was eliminated after Round 2. The team was super bummed, but Mrs. Johnson and all of Gruening are very proud of them. Waking up to an ice day, shifting to Zoom, and figuring out how to get the spokesperson to be able to give the answer and be heard was quite a challenge, but they just rolled with it, and ended up tying for 8th place in the state!"
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ASD is Hiring! ASD has immediate full and part-time openings for cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and substitute teachers. Apply today and make a difference for kids across our community.
ASD is an equal opportunity employer.
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Margo Bellamy, President
Andy Holleman, Vice President
Kelly Lessens, Treasurer
Carl Jacobs, Clerk
Dave Donley
Pat Higgins
Dora Wilson
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Fri. March 4
State released grade reporting day, End of third quarter
Mon. March 7 to Fri., March 11
Spring Break
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5530 E Northern Lights Blvd.
Anchorage, AK 99504
907-742-4000
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