Dear Anchorage School District Community,

Happy December! As we near the close of the first semester of the 2024-2025 school year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our students, families, staff, and community members for your unwavering dedication to the Anchorage School District. December is a season of reflection, rest, and preparation for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

This semester marked an exciting milestone with the successful launch of the first Freshman Academy under the Academies of Anchorage initiative. We are thrilled with the progress so far and look forward to sharing updates early next semester about our plans to sustain and expand this program. As a reminder, the District has decided not to adjust the high school schedule for the next school year. Instead, we are exploring ways to implement the program at a measured pace, ensuring a positive impact on students' readiness for college, careers, and life.

While we celebrate these achievements, we also recognize the challenges we face. In the weeks ahead, the School Board and District leadership will continue discussions about the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Our District is grappling with a $107 million structural deficit, primarily due to years of high inflation and stagnant recurring state funding. Without action in Juneau, we will face difficult decisions that could affect the programs and opportunities we provide. I encourage you to review the budget document posted to the Dec. 3 School Board work session for more detailed information.

Another major topic this month is the Rightsizing recommendations, which the School Board will vote on during their December 17 meeting. Thank you to everyone who has shared their feedback throughout this process. I remain committed to listening, analyzing, and providing the Board with the information needed to make an informed decision.

As we approach the semester’s end, let’s finish strong together. Consistent attendance is essential, and we encourage students to remain engaged as they prepare for a well-deserved winter break.

Thank you for partnering with us to make ASD a place where every student can thrive. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and restful holiday season.

Warm regards,

Dr. Jharrett Bryantt

Superintendent, Anchorage School District

Earlier this week, the District administration submitted a revised Rightsizing ASD proposal to the Anchorage School Board.

The revised recommendation is in direct response to community feedback and further, in-depth analysis of the facilities.

The updated plan proposes closing four schools at the end of this school year in May.

Those schools include Baxter, Fire Lake, Lake Hood and Nunaka Valley elementary schools.

The School Board will make the final decision on this revised proposal.

A vote is scheduled at its Dec. 17 meeting.

Learn more on this webpage dedicated to Rightsizing updates.

The District presented its Pro Forma Budget to the School Board during its December 3rd work session.

The Pro Forma outlines expected revenue for FY26 (school year 2025-2026).

ASD is required to adopt a balanced budget each year, ensuring that available revenues match planned expenditures. However, years of flat funding, enrollment declines, and rising operational costs created a growing budget deficit that requires significant action to address. 

Closing the budget gap requires raising new revenues and/or making cuts to spending. The size of the deficit, however, poses a tremendous challenge due to the size of cuts needed to match projected revenues.

The school board will discuss further with the District during special work session on December 7th and a regular work session on December 17th. The school board plans to provide final guidance for budget development during the December 17th regular board meeting.

The District plans to launch a new way for the public to assist ASD in balancing the 2025-2026 budget, closing the district’s current budget deficit while learning more about the District’s budget and providing your ideas directly to ASD leadership. More to come later this month.

For more information, click here for the FY26 Budget Solutions webpage.

Staff, students, parents, and community members have the opportunity to provide input on teachers and administrators. The input forms are shared with the person’s immediate supervisor. Forms are available now until May 1.

If you would like to provide input, go to the District Overview evaluations page on the Anchorage School District’s website. If you wish to complete a hard copy, click the link for the printable version of the desired form to download and print the form. Submit the completed form to HR Talent Management.

The surveys are anonymous and will be transmitted electronically by Talent Management to the appropriate supervisor. Schools that receive the surveys should send them to Talent Management for distribution.

Set expectations now

A new school year is like a fresh start - it’s a good time to create new habits and set expectations. Your family can do the same when it comes to attendance. Regular attendance is often linked with students who are more engaged, have better academic outcomes, and develop positive habits that last a lifetime. 

Every day in class builds on the previous one. When students miss days they have to work extra to stay on track with their learning. Missing too many days, even in the early weeks, can make it harder to catch up and may lead to gaps in learning. 

Set the expectation in your home now about the importance of attending every school day to create habits that will last through the school year.

When should I keep my child home?

Back to school time is often tied to cooler temperatures and a time when illnesses become more common. While we want to see your child at school every day, if they’re sick, it’s better to keep them at home. Not sure what to do?

Check out this guidance when your child has a fever, rash, earache, or other minor illness.

As part of the celebration for November's National Native American Heritage Month, Team ASD visited Hanshew Middle School’s Native Studies class where students not only learned about Alaska's Indigenous people, but also respect for culture and tradition by making drums that represented who they are. 

What happens when you mix holiday cheer, musical talent, and a whole lot of principal power? 

You get the Dynamic Trio! 

Principal Nikki Scherer (on bells) from Bear Valley Elementary, Principal Mark Dawson (on trumpet) from Dr. Etheldra Davis Fairview Elementary, and Principal Wendy Zorea (on alto horn) from Kincaid Elementary rocked the stage (a.k.a. Midtown Anchorage) while ringing the kettle bell for The Salvation Army! 🎺🔔🎵

Their festive tunes and all-star energy brought smiles, good vibes, and much-needed support to the community. 

Huge shoutout to Ace Videographer Sara Dykstra for capturing this exclusive, feel-good footage—it’s giving holiday movie vibes! 🎥✨

Check out the new podcast, ASD Shine Bright, which highlights the awesome things students and staff are doing in the Anchorage School District.

Listen to amazing stories, journeys, challenges, and successes.

Check out the latest episodes below:

West High School - Brian Walker

In this segment of Teaching Today, see how Indigenous educator Brian Walker helps West Anchorage High School students get the tools and resources for success in high school and beyond. 

The Anchorage School District, in partnership with local malls, has created dynamic community spaces to showcase student artwork, benefiting both students and the public.

The MK Student Art Gallery at the 5th Avenue Mall was established through a collaboration with Simon Holdings, transforming an unused space near JCPenney into a vibrant venue for rotating art displays.

Named in honor of Mary Kaye Denkewalter, a beloved former art teacher, the gallery has become a popular destination for locals and visitors, hosting exhibits like the annual Youth Art Month and district-wide art shows every six weeks.

Building on this success, the Dimond Center partnered with the district to open a second student gallery in 2024, located between Hot Topic and Verizon.

The gallery debuted with an exhibition featuring local school artwork, Scholastic Art winners, and pieces from statewide competitions. Current and upcoming displays include a photography exhibit and a Formline Salmon installation created in collaboration with T’lingit artist Ashley Young.

This culturally rich installation will feature student-made salmon and banners representing salmon habitats, set to open with a live performance by Young on January 24th from 6PM-8PM with Young performing at 6:30PM.

Both galleries highlight the creative talent of Anchorage’s students while providing accessible spaces for the community to enjoy art.

These initiatives have received overwhelming positive feedback, demonstrating how partnerships can transform unused spaces into hubs for creativity and cultural enrichment.

For more information or to explore similar projects, contact Leah Maltbie, Assistant Director of Fine Arts for the Anchorage School District at 907-741-0178 or maltbie_leah@asdk12.org

Important December Dates

December 20th - January 5th

WINTER BREAK - NO SCHOOL

How is the decision made for remote learning, school closure or delayed school?

School officials consult several sources to determine weather and road conditions. They advise the superintendent, who makes the final decision to delay school starting times, do remote learning, or close school. Read the District’s Emergency School Closure Procedures for more details.

When is the decision made to close school?

The superintendent makes the final decision for a change in normal operations on inclement weather days, with public notification by 5:30 a.m. Exceptions may occur on days when weather or road conditions change rapidly during the morning hours.

When will snow be cleared from schools?

School parking and driveway areas are cleared with the following priority:

• Faculty and public parking, including fire hydrants at schools without internal sprinkler systems and primary fire lanes.
• Bus lanes
• Handicap parking
• Student parking
• Secondary fire lanes
• Snow removal and hauling to dump sites
• Skating rinks and cross country ski trail assembly areas 

Following a snowstorm, student parking areas might not be plowed by the start of the school day. Students who normally drive to school should consider taking the bus or carpooling until student parking areas are cleared.

Will after-school activities be canceled?

On days when school is in session but conditions deteriorate over the course of the day, a decision about whether to continue after-school activities is usually made by 12 p.m. at the district level. That information is shared through the same communication channels that we make closure announcements.

However, schools may also make local decisions about activities at their school, so it's always a good idea to stay tuned for announcements throughout the afternoon.

Can I keep my child at home?

Parents are encouraged to use their judgment to determine what is best for their children. Parents and guardians should notify their children’s school of the excused absence.

What factors are considered in deciding to close schools?

Safety of students and staff is the number one priority when the decision is made about whether to close schools. The superintendent must also weigh the effects a potential closure may have on the community. For example:

• Many parents must find immediate child care or stay home from work for the day. In turn, the workforce across the municipality may be drastically reduced.

• The District has a limited number of snow days available for use before it is forced to add days to the school calendar.

• A closure may affect the critical, high-stakes testing and assessment calendar set by the State.

• Many students close to graduation need credit hours and lessons completed to earn a diploma. A closure may have a negative impact on their efforts.

Why didn't I get a phone call about the closure?

When closures are limited to a single school or a small region, we use our Electronic Communication "robocall" system to call affected families and notify them about the closure. When all schools are closed, we use our regular communication tools for school closures and can get the word out quickly – the website, social media, and local television and radio stations. We do not use the "robocall" system for district-wide closures because there simply isn't enough time in the morning for our system to make it through the thousands of calls needed to reach everyone. Parents should keep an eye on those sources whenever they hear about poor weather conditions being forecast.

Is school closed or delayed today?



• Closures and delays are posted on the ASD homepage.
• The absence of a notice indicates there are no delays or closures.
• Other outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, the ASD app, email, SMS messaging to radio will also post closure information. 

When the weather outside is frightful, the ASD mobile app puts the information you need in the palm of your hand.

Our free app is available to anyone in our community who wants to stay connected, with additional features for current ASD families and students.

Download the app today to be sure you get the latest updates, including inclement weather alerts.

The Anchorage School District (ASD) is dedicated to providing a safe and civil learning environment. In collaboration with the Anchorage School Board, we’ve been working on ways to make it easier for students, parents, guardians, and staff members to be informed of all available options for reporting concerns of harassment, intimidation, and bullying, including an option to report concerns anonymously. These behaviors disrupt a student's ability to learn and a school's ability to educate. 

Did you know?

If a student experiences, or another person observes, a student being harassed, intimidated, or bullied, they should report it to their school administrator or through STOPit anonymous reporting.

More information may be found on the Reporting Concerns website.

For additional information, please also see BP 5131.43 Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying. 

Congratulations to Klatt Elementary School Counselor, Nicole Lyke who was just named 2024 Alaska School Counselor of the Year!

Nicole will represent ASD and School Counselors from all over Alaska for the next year advocating for students!

Here is part of what Nicole's Principal, Mrs. Deiman-Szymanski, said about her:

"Nicole truly believes that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and she makes this her mission every day. Whether helping a student get their basic needs met, navigating anxiety, bullying, academic challenges, or personal struggles, she builds trusting relationships that make students feel valued and empowered. Her warmth, empathy, and dedication to each child is worn on her sleeves..."

#ASDShineBright: Eagle River & Service Swim & Dive Teams Represent In State Championships

Congratulations to the Eagle River High School Swimming Wolves, your 2024 ASAA Girls Swim & Dive State Champions and recipients of the Sportsmanship Award!

And, congrats to the Robert Service High School Cougars for being the boys State Runner-up and for earning the Academic Award!

#ASDShineBright: Ravenwood, Bear Valley, Alpenglow, Aquarian, and Northern Lights ABC represent ASD

Ravenwood Elementary students got creative with paper sculpture art projects, while Bear Valley Elementary School wrapped up their two-week artist-in-schools program with Flow Zone Dance Studio that featured a student breakdancing performance, and the principals from Alpenglow Elementary, Aquarian Charter School, and Northern Lights ABC School proudly traveled to Washington, D.C., to accept the National Blue Ribbon Awards for their schools. 

#ASDShineBright - ASD Honors Veterans

As part of Veterans Day, ASD honored and thanked all the veterans within the District.

To all who have served: Your courage, dedication, and commitment to service make a profound difference in our community and inspire us all. 

We are grateful for everything you’ve done for our country and for the impact you continue to have on our schools. 

#ASDShineBright: Scenic Park Elementary Veterans Day Assembly

Scenic Park Elementary School Veterans Day recent assembly was a powerful tribute! 

With the Bartlett High School ROTC Color Guard, guest speakers Command Sergeant Major Russell Throckmorton and Major Kimberly Westfall, heartfelt choir performances, a veteran family slideshow, poppy presentations, and echo taps by retired Air Force Band members, it was a memorable event honoring all who served. 

#ASDShineBright: Aquarian Charter Veterans Day Music Lesson Tribute

Huge shoutout to Ms. Connie, the music teacher at Aquarian Charter School, for her inspiring Veterans Day lesson and impactful tribute! 

She introduced a song 🎶 and then guided students through it step by step in sign language, creating a meaningful way to honor veterans. 

#ASDShineBright: Northern Lights ABC Principal Honors WWII Veteran

Northern Lights ABC School Principal Dorissa Martin had the honor of meeting WWII Veteran, 101 year old Jake Larson, a D-Day survivor, at the National Blue Ribbon School Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. 

Thank you, Mr. Larson, for your service to our country! 

#ASDShineBright: Red Ribbon Week at Mountain View Elementary

The Alaska National Guard Counterdrug Support Program, DEA, and Anchorage Police Department teamed up to celebrate Red Ribbon Week at Mountain View Elementary School, empowering students with the knowledge and tools to lead healthy, drug-free lives. 

Through fun activities and important lessons, kids learned how to make positive choices and stay strong against drugs. 

#ASDShineBright: Team ASD Live at UAA Volleyball Showdown featuring 3000 ASD 5th Graders

#ASDShineBright: East Dance Contempo Company's DANCE IS

The DANCE IS performance featured diverse styles of movement from the Dance Contempo Company at East Anchorage High School.

#ASDShineBright: Aquarian Charter School Teachers Spirit Week

Aquarian Charter School staff had some fun recently with their own Teacher Inspired Version of Spirit Week! 

#ASDShineBright: Bayshore Elementary 5th Grader Harper Smith Reads Her Poem "The Great Alaska"

The Great Alaska

by Harper Smith

Great Alaska you make me super glad

You are always here throughout the long year

Even though, you have snow, I’m never mad

I live on your land, and that is so rad

When I have to go my eye sheds a tear

Great Alaska you make me super glad

You are my best and most favorite lad

Leaving my safe home is a very big fear

Even though, you have snow, I’m never mad

When I leave you I am always so sad

I just want to sleep and cuddle right here

Great Alaska you make me super glad

You’re like the snowy friend I never had

Now I feel that Christmas is drawing near

Even though, you have snow, I’m never mad

If you had a name, I would call you Brad

You are always here, throught the long year

Great Alaska you make me super glad

Even though, you have snow, I’m never mad 

#ASDShineBright: Highland Academy, Begich, Bartlett, East, and STrEaM Give Big Donation to Eastside Thanksgiving Blessing

Shout out to Highland Academy Charter School (student leaders with Food Bank of Alaska staff in 2nd picture), Begich Middle School, Bartlett High School, East Anchorage High School, and Anchorage STREAM Academy students and staff for collecting more than 3,800 cans of food for the annual "Thanksgiving Blessing".

Food Bank of Alaska reports that the approximately 3,500 pounds of food that filled 19 barrels was the most collected in the 19 years of doing this "Thanksgiving Blessing" food drive project.

All of the schools represent East Anchorage, which is in the area of the "Thanksgiving Blessing" serving site of St. Patrick's Parish. Their contribution will go directly to 1,600 families.

#ASDShineBright: Klatt, Bear Valley, O'Malley, Huffman, and Girdwood Give Back to Their Community

Tis the season for giving as Klatt Elementary prepped and gave out Thanksgiving Meal Boxes, Bear Valley Elementary School and O'Malley Elementary School donated to Food Bank of Alaska, Huffman Elementary School dropped off food at Catholic Social Services Alaska's St. Francis Food Pantry, and Girdwood K-8 baked some fresh homemade and yummy apple pies.

#ASDShineBright: Ocean View Elementary Kindergarten Thanksgiving Spectacular

Cuteness overload! 🦃💫 

The Ocean View Elementary kindergarteners put on the most adorable Thanksgiving performance, complete with handmade turkey outfits, singing, dancing, and sharing what they’re thankful for 🧡

#ASDShineBright: Government Hill Elementary Annual AT&T Tree Lighting

Government Hill Elementary students & staff came together to celebrate the annual AT&T Tree Lighting with a lively assembly, joyful carols, & a special walk to flip the switch on the holiday lights. 

A true celebration of the season!

#ASDShineBright: Tyson Elementary Student Council Holiday Cheer

Tyson Elementary School Student Council kicked off the holiday season with enough cheer to power a sleigh! 

Happy Holidays!

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.