| Upcoming events | |
Dec. 16
State released grade reporting day; no school for students
Dec. 19-Jan. 2
Winter break, schools closed; no classes for students Dec. 23-Jan. 2
District closure, all district offices closed
Jan. 9
Jan. 16
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, all district offices and schools closed
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Board meeting update newsletter
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Teachers and students give back to the community
| |  ASD teachers and students find ways to give back to the community throughout the school year, and especially during the holiday season Hard economic times call for a greater need in our community. The Food Bank of Alaska served 8,135 families during its Thanksgiving Blessing event last month, an 11 percent increase from the previous year. ASD's Child In Transition program has identified nearly 3,000 children and teens experiencing homelessness in our community since this school year began. This number is expected to increase over last year's total of more than 3,800 homeless children and teens identified by the program. Read a few highlights of volunteerism and giving in our schools |
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A word from the superintendent: Time for reflection
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 We are at the halfway point of the school year; the end of the first semester. I believe we've had an outstanding year so far. I would like to extend my thanks to our employees for their dedication and support of our students and their families.
While we traditionally set our sights on the end of the school year to celebrate our success; the end of this semester is a turning point for a handful of students. Good luck to our graduating seniors in whatever endeavors they choose to pursue.
Read the full letter
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West High School wrestler competes despite blindness
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 West High School student-athlete Paul Tandy inspires those around him with his positive attitude and dedication to wrestling, despite being blind
His coaching staff praises him in this letter:
Wrestling is a tough sport. It requires a dedication and sacrifice that few people truly understand if they are not part of the team. To put it simply, wrestling is an all-out, full body, six minute sprint. It is brute strength and technique matched against someone with your size with near identical physical ability.
Imagine tackling this challenge with another difficulty - you are visually impaired. For West High School's Paul Tandy, this is something that he faces every day. Paul is a first-year wrestler who happens to be blind. While most people might treat this as an excuse, Paul viewed it as a challenge. Many thought that Paul would be a success if he won one match the entire season, Paul has defied the odds by going 3-4 in competition so far this season.
Paul's success can be attributed to his positive outlook and determination. Paul has earned the respect of his teammates, his coaches and every fan that has come to see him wrestle. His opponents are surprised by his speed and his strength. After a match his opponent told his coach, "That was the toughest match I had all day." Ultimately, Paul represents what can happen when we toss aside our perceived limitations and dedicate ourselves to being the best that we can be. Triumph is earned not by luck, but through hard work, perseverance and a positive attitude. Paul embodies all of these qualities and is a success because of them.
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Alaska Native Cultural Charter School named National Title I Distinguished School
| |  The Alaska Native Cultural Charter School has been named a National Title I Distinguished School by the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development. The National Title I Distinguished Schools Program is a project of the National Title I Association. Selected schools must have a poverty rate of at least 35 percent and have met or exceeded state standards for making adequate yearly progress for two or more consecutive years. Each state, using its own selection process, may select two schools for the honor.
ANCCS serves approximately 225 students in grades pre-kindergarten to seven. Nearly all students are economically disadvantaged and about 90 percent are Alaska Natives. The school has showed gains in proficiency at each state-assessed grade level over the past three years. For example, more than 90 percent of third-graders are proficient in reading and writing, and 81 percent are proficient in math.
The school focuses on professional development for teachers to support academic learning as well as to support the social, emotional and cultural needs of the students. The school staff works together as a team, coordinates with numerous district and federal programs to ensure a unified and purposeful approach to strengthening students and has established partnerships with many organizations including the Boys and Girls Club and the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
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| Neighborhood GIFT provides holiday meal to those in need | | Food Bank of Alaska's program helps community members have a happy holiday
A collaboration between ASD, Food Bank of Alaska, The Salvation Army, the USMC Toys for Tots and the faith community, Neighborhood GIFT provides families with a turkey and groceries for a festive meal and a toy for each child. Neighborhood GIFT will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at six locations in Anchorage and Eagle River, including Clark Middle School and Fairview Elementary School. Download the flier for a list of locations (PDF). To learn how to get help - or to give help by volunteering, donating food or toys - please call 565-GIFT or visit the Food Bank of Alaska's website. |
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Latest ASD news
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A selection of recent stories pulled from the asdk12.org news archive
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| Catch up with Carol | | |
Superintendent Comeau shows her support for the community by sharing ASD-related information at community events and participating on boards and committees of agencies that impact education.
Here's a partial listing of her schedule for the coming month:Friday, Dec. 15 - South High School's early graduation ceremony Monday, Dec. 19 - Dave Stieren radio show, KFQD AM 750 at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20 - Neighborhood GIFT distribution Tuesday, Jan. 3 - Alaska News and Views, KYUR Channel 13, live appearance at 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12 - Mike Porcaro radio show, KENI AM 650 at 5 p.m.
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