Overall, district is valued by community; students outperforming peers across Alaska

Each year, the district prepares a report card of sorts on itself for the community. It's called Expect the Best and is a snapshot of student performance and community perceptions of the district.

The report, which covers the 2009-10 school year, can be viewed on the district website.

Read more about the report

This week's abduction attempt has underscored the importance of stressing waking safety tips with our children. Please share the following safety tips with your children. Remind them that these safety tips aren't just for walking to and from school. It's important to be safe all the time, and these tips can help them have a safe and happy winter break.

•  Whenever possible, walk with a buddy. The more people you're with, the safer you are.
• Always be aware of your surroundings. Look around so you can spot and avoid potential danger.
•  Never get in a vehicle with someone you don't know and never approach a vehicle driven by a person you don't know.
•  If a stranger asks you to get into their car, RUN and tell someone you trust right away.

• If you see a stranger stop and talk to a student or invite a student into their car, try to notice things that would help police identify the vehicle. Can you remember its license plate number? Are there any bumper stickers or window clings? Is there anything else that makes this vehicle different from other vehicles? Children can help notice these things too, as long as they don't put themselves in danger to get this information. Safety must come first.

If you have information on a suspicious vehicle, tell your school's office during school hours or call the police department tipline anytime at 561-STOP.

Governor Sean Parnell recently approved the State Board of Education and Early Development's appointment of current ASD Principal Michael Hanley to serve as commissioner.

"We look forward to working with Mike in his new role, and will work with him as he transitions out of Kincaid Elementary," said Superintendant Carol Comeau. "Please help me congratulate Mike Hanley on his appointment. I know that he will represent education very well in his new position."

Hanley has served as principal of Kincaid Elementary School in Anchorage since 2005. He has been a teacher with the school district since 1991. Hanley holds bachelor's and master's degrees in education from the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Read the Governor's press release