Dear Valued Chugach Community Member,
We are turning the corner to spring and are able to approach the month with an abundance of gratitude that our return to in-school learning is a success: and staff and community members are able to have a vaccine, should they want.
From the preliminary information we have on students, from assessments and our own observations, we know in-person learning more effectively educates the whole child We have seen many of our children needing more support to get caught up. I have stated in other communications that teachers will be inviting families to register for summer school in early April, if there are academic concerns. Information about summer school will be going out as soon as it is available to us.
Outside of academics, I want to take a moment to focus on whole child growth. Over the last year, many of our children have had less opportunity to engage in social interactions, sports, the arts, and so much more. We are learning more about Covid and as the CDC adjusts guidelines, based on evidence-based studies, I encourage us to be thoughtful of whole child development this spring and summer. Opportunities to limit screen time and have meaningful time in the outdoors, engaging in conversations over a campfire, and playing a game of kickball with friends has new importance.
Classrooms continue to spark the joy of learning through theme studies. There is great excitement in upper about Mini-Societies; middle groups students excitedly dove into Middle Ages studies, Primary continues on with Penguins, and Kindergarten is embracing their community, studying ravens, and building foundational skills. We look forward to warmer days and seeing all of you at pick-up and drop-off in your sunglasses!
Finally, I want to share that the district recently adopted a new math curriculum for neighborhood schools. While we are not using the same curriculum, I am very happy to share that Chugach was able to get our monetary portion. This comes out to be $63,198 for our school's math curriculum needs over the next six years. I worked closely with the principals at Bowman and Polaris and put together a budget that includes: upgrades to classroom technology for delivering math instruction, professional development for teachers, as well as funds to refresh our curriculum in the 2024 school year--should that be a desire of the staff and community. Receiving this money for the curriculum is a celebration for alternative schools. That has not always been the case; many of you may remember that parents fundraised to purchase our Bridges math curriculum in years past. We are grateful to Dr. Bishop and her team for recognizing the need for alternative schools to stay strong, current, and for allowing alternative schools to build curriculum that works for our program.
Here is an April calendar to inspire you to get active, get outdoors, and take care of your body!
Warm Regards,
Clare
