Dear ASD Community,

The first month of school has shown what is possible when a community comes together. Anchorage is moving forward with stability, progress, and purpose.

At Kasuun Elementary, I watched first graders proudly show off their reading skills. For the second year in a row, first grade scores rose by double digits on the mCLASS literacy screener districtwide. That growth reflects the dedication of teachers, the support of families, and the investment of our community.

That same spirit of progress is visible across ASD. Twenty new teachers were hired to reduce class sizes. At Eagle River High, AP pass rates are stronger than ever. At Baxter Elementary, students from Nunaka Valley were warmly welcomed by new teachers and friends. And at the Alaska Native Cultural Charter School, record enrollment is creating new opportunities.

The data from last spring matches what we see in schools today: more freshmen on-track to graduate on time, suspension rates down more than 20 percent, and safer facilities thanks to voter-backed bonds.

This is my fourth year leading ASD, and I can say with confidence that we are off to one of our strongest starts yet. None of this happens by accident. It happens because Anchorage believes in its public schools, invests in our children, and refuses to let instability define our future.

We are standing strong. We are moving forward. And together, we will protect our progress.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jharrett Bryantt

Superintendent, Anchorage School District

Here's a few highlights from the Superintendent's first day visits

📅 School Board Approves School Calendars

The Anchorage School Board has approved school calendars for the 2026–27, 2027–28, and 2028–29 school years.

Community voices played a big role; families, staff, and students shared feedback through surveys and the ASD Calendar Committee.

These updates aim to balance feedback from across the community while keeping consistency year to year.

👉 Click here for more info

📋 School Board Recap - September 2

As part of our commitment to transparency and open communication, ASD will share timely recaps after each regular Anchorage School Board meeting.

These updates highlight key decisions, discussions, and next steps so you can stay connected to what’s happening in our schools—even if you weren’t able to attend.

🔗 School Board Recap

Improved Online Experience Coming September 13

On Saturday, Sept. 13, all Anchorage School District's school and district websites will receive a major update.

ASD sites were previously hosted on the Blackboard system, which has reached the end of its lifespan. The new sites will provide the flexibility, design, and tools necessary to keep pace with how our schools and community find and share information.

Why it Matters

This update will:

Better support the needs of families, staff, and community

Improve accessibility for all users

Provide easier navigation for quicker access to resources

Mobile-friendly design: about 40% of visits to ASD’s website happen on mobile devices. This new platform will meet users where they are.

By modernizing our online presence, ASD aims to create a positive impact on our community through stronger connections, easier access to information, and a more supportive online experience.

🔒 ASD Continues Security and Safety Upgrades

ASD is continuing its multi-year security and safety upgrade plan, led by the Office of Emergency Management. This effort strengthens our commitment to providing safe, secure learning and working environments across every school and district building.

The upgrades are designed to protect students and staff while empowering schools to respond to risks, incidents, and emergencies with confidence and efficiency.

This work is an important part of supporting ASD’s mission: educating all students for success in life.

New Emergency Drill Procedures

Standard Response Protocol

We’ve adopted the Emergency Standard Response Protocol — a clear, easy-to-understand plan for emergencies.

It uses five simple actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter.

One language, every emergency, everyone safe.

Please watch the video to learn more.

Portable Metal Detectors

ASD is expanding the use of portable metal detectors for the 2025–2026 school year following a successful pilot at 6 schools.

➡️ Metal detectors will be rotated across campuses, not permanently installed.

➡️ Screenings will be random or in response to specific safety concerns.

➡️ This is a proactive safety measure, not a disciplinary action.

We're committed to safe, welcoming schools for all students and staff.

Vape Detector Pilot Program Now at Three ASD Schools

Supporting Safe, Healthy Schools for All Students

As part of the Anchorage School District’s (ASD) commitment to prevention and student well-being, the ASD Mental Health and Student Supports (MHSS) team is collaborating with the Instructional Division to implement a Comprehensive Prevention Program which includes a pilot of vape detectors in select school bathrooms during the 2025–2026 school year.

This pilot was approved by the Anchorage School Board in June 2024 (Memo #150) as part of a multi-year plan to address substance misuse across ASD. The effort is funded through settlement funds received from JUUL Labs. The multi-year plan includes defining substance misuse in ASD and planning a PreK-12 prevention & early intervention program.

The pilot includes three secondary schools and is one part of the multi-year comprehensive strategy. ASD will install and activate vape detectors from Triton Sensors in the pilot schools by August 25, 2025.

ASD will evaluate the pilot using pre- and post-surveys with students, families, and staff to inform any potential expansion. The pilot is aligned with ASD’s larger Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework.

☀️❄️ Stay Connected with ASD ❄️☀️

When weather impacts school operations, we want to be sure you get the message quickly. Take a minute now to check your settings:

🔑 ParentConnection: Update your contact info → ParentConnection

📱 ASD App: Review your alerts and notifications → ASD Mobile App

What to expect:

⏰ Families are notified by 5:30 a.m. if there’s a delay or closure.

🚨 A red banner on asdk12.org = schedule change. No banner = school is on time.

📣 We also send updates by email, text, app, social media, and local media partners.

📖 Full details: Weather & Closures

AK STAR Assessments State, District, and School Results Available Sept. 5, 2025

Spring 2025 AK STAR results will be released on September 5.

Results will be available at the state, district & school levels:

https://education.alaska.gov/assessments/results

#ASDSHINEBRIGHT

Airport Heights Elementary Says Goodbye to Principal Mike Webb

After 18 years of dedicated leadership, Airport Heights Elementary, Anchorage gave Principal Mike Webb the send-off he’ll never forget!

Every student, every staff member and even a few special guests lined up to shower him with cheers, gratitude, smiles, and applause.

The love was so big, it even brought a few happy tears to his eyes 💙.

Thank you, Principal Webb, for leading with heart and making Airport Heights a place we’ll always be proud to call home.

#ASDSHINEBRIGHT

East High School ROTC Named

2025 National Drill Team Champions

National Champions!

There’s a new title in town and it belongs to Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School JROTC!

The Territorial Cadet Guard of Alaska soared to victory at the 2025 High School National Drill Championships in Daytona Beach, FL, earning the title of Division 3 Armed Regulation Champions!

Highlights include:

✅ National title in Armed Regulation

✅ Runner-up Armed Regulation Commander – Cadet Andrew Watts

✅ Runner-up Color Guard — in their Nationals debut!

This is the FIRST time a team from BDEAHS has made it to Nationals and they made history.

Years of hard work, expert training through Drill Dynamics, and the unwavering support of community sponsors, Alaska Army National Guard, and the Cadets themselves made this unforgettable journey possible.